On December 9, 2024, Larimer County officials convened to discuss a land use application concerning the mountain coaster attraction, a topic that has sparked significant public interest and concern. The meeting focused on the proposed expansion of parking facilities and the addition of an observation deck, which are intended to support the existing mountain coaster operations.

A key point of discussion was the clarification that the mountain coaster's operational status remains unaffected by the current application. The coaster was previously approved through a development plan, and its continued use is not under review in this hearing. This distinction was crucial, as many community members expressed concerns that the hearing could influence the coaster's operation. Officials emphasized that any modifications discussed would not alter the coaster's existing conditions of approval.

The meeting also addressed the property's code compliance history, which has been a source of public complaints. While there is an active code compliance case related to the property, officials noted that past violations cannot be used as grounds for denying the current application. Instead, the focus remains on whether the application meets specific review criteria, including the impact on the surrounding area and compliance with existing development codes.

The proposed expansion includes an increase in on-site parking, which officials believe will alleviate traffic congestion on Dry Creek Road. Currently, visitors are directed to an off-site parking area when the primary lot is full, followed by shuttle service to the coaster. However, staff recommended discontinuing the shuttle service to simplify enforcement and ensure consistency in operations.

Noise concerns were also raised by local residents, but officials assured that the proposed changes would not increase noise levels, as the expansion would not affect the number of visitors or the hours of operation. The original approval documents indicated a cap on operational hours, which staff proposed to formalize in the conditions of approval to prevent nighttime operations beyond the established limits.

In summary, the meeting underscored the complexities surrounding land use applications in Larimer County, particularly in balancing community concerns with regulatory frameworks. As the county moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring compliance with development codes while addressing the needs of both the attraction and the surrounding community. Further discussions and decisions are anticipated as the application progresses through the review process.