Commissioners approve rezoning for Shady Hill Circle property in Conifer to allow up to five lots

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners voted April 15 to approve Resolution CC25‑105 (case 24‑107927RZ) to rezone 26.63 acres at 28880 and 28889 Shady Hill Circle in Conifer from Agricultural‑2 (A‑2) to Agricultural‑1 (A‑1), allowing a conceptual subdivision of up to five lots.

Sarah Colas, the county planner and case manager, told the board that the property is in the Conifer area plan where the Comprehensive Master Plan recommends one dwelling per five acres and that staff required a wildfire hazard mitigation plan because portions of the site are primarily 20%–30% slope. "The applicant provided a wildfire hazard mitigation plan and acquired water augmentation to support a maximum of five lots," Colas said. She noted a wildlife crossing under U.S. Highway 285 at the property’s northern point and said setbacks and utility easements make development in that northernmost area unlikely.

Colas summarized infrastructure and services: existing or planned wells (two well permits are already on the property), septic systems for wastewater, fire protection by the Elk Creek Fire Protection District (transitioning to the Conifer Fire Protection District), and road access via the private Shady Hill Circle constructed under a grading permit. She said the minimum lot size difference between A‑2 and A‑1 is the primary zoning change (A‑2 minimum 10 acres; A‑1 minimum 5 acres) and that setbacks and permitted uses would remain consistent.

The planning commission recommended approval by a 5–0 vote on March 26 after public testimony that raised concerns about water availability, ridge‑line preservation, road maintenance and setting a precedent. The applicants, represented by owner Rob Ekstrom, said families intend to build residences concentrated near the center of the property and preserve visual resources along Richmond Hill Road and U.S. 285. "We've located the house designs toward the center of the property and maintain the visual resources along both Richmond Hill Road and 285," Ekstrom said.

No members of the public testified during the county meeting; the clerk recorded two written community comments during staff notice raising concerns about density, traffic, water, wildlife and visual impacts. Staff concluded any impacts would be mitigable and recommended approval; the board voted to approve the rezoning.

The approval authorizes rezoning only. If the applicants proceed, they must still obtain subdivision approval from planning and building permits for new houses. Colas noted the planning review will further evaluate wildfire mitigation and the northern stream/“chimney effect,” and plotting will record required utility easements.

Vote: The motion to approve hearing regular agenda item 11.1 passed with the board voting unanimously.