Board approves special‑exception short‑term rental in Evergreen with conditions and probation

The Jefferson County Board of Adjustment approved a special exception to allow a short‑term rental at 25633 Independence Trail in Evergreen, with conditions recommended by staff and reminder of operational requirements.

Planner Reid (first name only in the record) reviewed the application and recalled the case had been continued in January so the applicant could resolve issues over septic capacity and bedroom count. Reid told the board the lot is 3.03 acres and the septic is rated for three bedrooms; the applicant amended the application to match the septic and assessor records. Reid said staff found parking, defensible‑space and water/septic criteria met and recommended approval.

The applicant, Brandon Wood, said he manages properties professionally and described his operations team and local contacts. “I am a property manager by trade. So, by definition, I need to be available 24/7 to any guests that are available. This isn't just a side job that I do and kind of respond when I can. This is what I do all day every day,” Wood told the board.

Neighbors raised operational concerns. Beth Schneekloth, who lives next door, said guests sometimes drove to the wrong driveway and that one guest needed assistance to get out of snow; she also said noise from the hot tub had echoed through the valley. “We had several instances … the person from Texas didn't know how to use 4‑wheel drive, and my husband had to assist him in getting out of our driveway,” Schneekloth said.

Wood said he had addressed mapping and directions with platforms and added a sign and additional messaging to reduce misdirected guests. He described a local staffing plan — a weekly property check by a local contact, weekly hot‑tub service, semiannual septic pumping, a digital guest guidebook, indoor decibel monitors, camera‑based exterior monitoring and house rules that ban parties, require quiet hours, prohibit smoking and limit occupancy.

Board members praised the applicant’s operational plan and professionalism, and several noted the continuation and correction of earlier permitting irregularities. The board approved the special exception on a unanimous roll call, with members noting they would monitor compliance and the six‑month timeframe referenced by one member as the probationary period.

Conditions of approval mirror staff recommendations and include demonstrating compliance with parking requirements (bedrooms + 1), valid defensible‑space documentation, and maintaining appropriate water and sanitation permits and receipts for hauled water for the hot tub. The applicant was advised to consult his planner for final steps and inspections.