Pitkin County hearing officer approves TDR transfer and caretaker unit for Woody Creek property on Twining Flats Road

Pitkin County’s hearing officer approved an activity envelope and site plan, a special review to accept a transferable development right (TDR) as a receiver site, and a special review with a Growth Management Quota System (GMQS) exemption for a caretaker dwelling unit for a property on Twining Flats Road in Woody Creek during a hearing on Oct. 1, 2025.

The decision covers an existing single-family residence and a proposed detached accessory structure (barn) and a detached caretaker dwelling unit (CDU). The parcel, zoned AR-10 (agriculture/rural residential 10-acre), is 2.604 acres and therefore nonconforming for the zone’s typical lot size. The hearing officer’s approval includes conditions discussed on the record, including findings about vegetative screening, a requirement to add the 100-foot river setback to the activity envelope and site plan, and maintenance of vegetation outside the activity envelope except for wildfire mitigation, with additional standard requirements to be included in the resolution.

Why this matters: The approval allows additional residential floor area on a rural parcel by using a TDR, authorizes a CDU under 1,000 square feet, and sets conditions intended to limit scenic impacts and ensure code compliance before building permits are issued.

Key facts and staff findings - Property size and zoning: 2.604 acres, AR-10 (agriculture/rural residential 10-acre). The parcel is therefore nonconforming by lot size for the district. (Staff presentation) - Existing and proposed floor area: staff reported the existing residence at 5,168 square feet and that the zone’s base maximum residential…