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Jefferson County board approves short-term rental renewal at Baby Doe Road after fireplace safety questions
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Adjustment on June 18 approved renewal of a short-term rental at 5082 Baby Doe Road in Golden after staff said the property met zoning, septic, water and defensible-space requirements, though board members pressed the applicant’s representative about safety around a wood-burning fireplace and indoor firewood storage.
The Jefferson County Board of Adjustment on June 18 approved the special-exception renewal of a short-term rental at 5082 Baby Doe Road in Golden, voting to accept staff recommendations after hearing details about fire mitigation and on-site utilities.
Staff found the 10-acre property met the zoning and building standards for a short-term rental, with a septic system rated for four bedrooms, a private well, legal access and a final defensible-space inspection completed June 7. Planning staff recommended approval subject to the short-term rental conditions in the case packet.
The applicant's property manager, Rex Geisler, told the board the owners and their extended group have hosted many stays at the house with no previous incidents. “We’ve had probably a 100 or more, short term rentals there and never had an issue with the fireplace,” Geisler said during his sworn testimony. He described how he briefs guests about using the wood-burning fireplace and limits each fire to four logs at a time.
Board members pressed the manager about an indoor stack of firewood next to the fireplace and the risk of creosote buildup and chimney fires when inexperienced users overstock the firebox. Member Warbington said he was “concerned about the storage of the firewood adjacent to the property” and described hazards when guests overfill a small firebox, causing high temperatures and soot buildup. Staff confirmed the owners provided updated “house rules” documents and that those rules were added to the record.
After discussion, Warbington moved to approve the special exception, citing staff’s finding that the proposal met the criteria in section 11.b.2.e of the zoning resolution; Miss Porter seconded the motion. The roll call was unanimous in favor.
The board noted the property has a valid fire protection district letter and that parking and defensible-space requirements were met. The planning case manager advised the owner to contact their case manager for next steps and permitting details.
Board members and staff said they would monitor compliance with the house rules and defensible-space measures as part of ongoing oversight; no additional conditions on fireplace use were imposed at the hearing.
— Jefferson County Board of Adjustment meeting coverage
