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Adams County panel approves Parker Lake deck variance 3-1
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Summary
An Adams County planning panel approved a variance allowing a proposed deck to extend inside the 75-foot ordinary high watermark setback at 3281 North Parker Lake Road, passing the request by a 3-1 vote after public comment for and against.
An Adams County planning panel approved a variance request for a deck at 3281 North Parker Lake Road on Parker Lake, allowing the structure to extend inside the county's 75‑foot ordinary high watermark setback. The panel voted 3-1 to approve the applicant's request after a public hearing in which neighbors spoke both for and against the proposal.
The variance applied to property described as Park Government Lot 2 Section 14 T5N R5E, Lot 12, Jackson Assessor's Plat Number 1 (parcel 12-1712-111). Planning staff told the panel that a recent survey showed the closest point of the proposed deck would be about "67.8 feet to the ordinary high watermark," placing the deck roughly seven feet inside the required 75‑foot setback.
The request included a drawing and a Google-generated rendering from the applicant. Staff said the applicant provided a surveyor's measurement of the ordinary high watermark; staff explained that the Parker Lake ordinary high watermark was established by a Public Service Commission order in the late 1960s and is regulated by elevation, not by recent shoreline position. Planning staff also reported receiving a town participation form from the Town of Jackson stating no objection at the town's August 12, 2025 meeting, and an email of support from "Emily and Eric Rainey" listing direct support for the plan.
At the hearing, neighbor Robert Nickbert opposed the variance, saying the property operates as a vacation rental and that adding another lakeside gathering area would increase disturbance to adjacent residents: "As an Airbnb... this is not appropriate to change the variance because it was established when they built that house," he said. The applicant responded that the house is also used personally, telling the board, "we use it for personal use as well," and described the proposed work as a modest extension of an existing two‑foot walkway to accommodate a small table and chairs.
Board members discussed shoreline elevation history, the county ordinance, and practical effects; one board member cited available seating on the beach and fluctuation of water levels in explaining a no vote. A motion to approve the variance — "this variance be passed" — was made and seconded (mover and seconder not specified in the record). The board approved the variance three to one. Planning staff told the applicant to "work with our office to get permits and whatnot" to complete the project.
The board's approval allows the applicant to proceed through the county's permitting process; the record does not indicate final building permits were issued at the hearing. The planning office and county ordinance remain the controlling sources for permit conditions and compliance.
Votes at a glance • Variance to allow a deck within the 75‑foot ordinary high watermark setback at 3281 North Parker Lake Road (parcel 12-1712-111): motion made to approve; motion text recorded as "this variance be passed"; outcome: approved, 3 yes, 1 no. The record does not list mover or seconder names for the motion. Planning staff instructed the applicant to coordinate permits with the county office.
