The Cache County Planning Commission recommended denial of the Dutson rezone request after hearing opposition from Newton town officials and multiple neighbors and after reviewing staff analysis that the request was inconsistent with the county general plan.

Staff had described the request as rezoning 15.12 acres from the A‑10 agricultural zone to RU‑2, a rural residential zoning that could allow a maximum potential of seven buildable lots. Staff noted the property sits in an agricultural and ranching land‑use designation on the county future land use map and that the nearest RU‑2 zone is more than seven miles away (Birch Hollow subdivision).

Public testimony and issues: Craig Rigby, mayor‑elect of Newton, summarized the town's written opposition citing precedent concerns, the creation of an 'island' subdivision in prime agricultural ground, road improvement needs, and water‑supply concerns tied to being in the town aquifer. Neighbors also cited substandard road widths, fall‑offs, bicycle and farm traffic conflicts, and potential property‑value impacts.

Applicant remarks: Proponent Paul Dutson told the commission he and family members plan to build on portions of the parcel and that he would keep parts in greenbelt and has water shares and agreements with nearby farmers to continue farming some parcels.

Commission action: Commissioners discussed precedent, compatibility with surrounding agricultural uses and service availability. A motion to recommend denial to the county council with staff conclusions was made and seconded; the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Next steps: The commission will forward its recommendation of denial to the county council for a final decision on the rezone application.