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Planning commission approves conditional use permit for Coberly Creek outfitter lodge
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a CUP for an outfitting business operating an overnight lodge and guided hunts at Coberly Creek, approving 21 conditions (one amended) and noting no public opposition or outstanding referrals.
The Routt County Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for an outfitting operation at Coberly Creek (PL20250001) that includes guided hunts and overnight guest accommodations. The commission approved the CUP with findings of fact and 21 conditions, including a staff-proposed amendment to remove a specific UDC section reference from the employee housing condition so it will remain effective even if UDC section numbers change.
Applicant Beverly Ellis and her husband described the operation as a small-scale outfitting business that has run alongside longstanding ranching activities. Ellis said they obtained an outfitter’s license from the state and hunting permits from the U.S. Forest Service and state land, and that they typically host small groups of hunters for short stays during archery and rifle seasons. "We have a fairly limited outfitting operation," Ellis said, describing five-bedroom lodge accommodations and use of side-by-side vehicles, horses and pack methods to retrieve animals when necessary.
Planning staff noted the lodge sits about a mile from Highway 134, is tucked below a small hillside that reduces visual impact from the road, and that referrals to the U.S. Forest Service, State Parks and the Cattlemen's Association produced no objections. Staff also proposed an amendment to condition 21 to avoid referencing a UDC section number that may change under an upcoming UDC revision; the amendment was included in the approved motion.
No members of the public offered comment at the hearing. Commissioners asked procedural and factual questions; one commissioner noted a disclosure of acquaintance with the family but said it would not create bias. The commission approved the CUP unanimously and wished the applicants well for the upcoming hunting season.
The approval is a county-level CUP and, as the commission functions as final authority for CUPs, the decision grants the requested permit subject to the conditions attached by staff.
