Park County commissioners temporarily fill Board of Adjustment to restore quorum
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Summary
Facing an understaffed Board of Adjustment, Park County commissioners appointed three members — including the three sitting commissioners — to reach a five-member panel through Dec. 31, 2025, while recruiting citizen volunteers.
Park County commissioners on May 27 approved a resolution appointing members to the county Board of Adjustment so the board can hear applications that require a full panel.
County officials told commissioners the Board of Adjustment is required by statute, handles property-rights and setback issues outside the land-use planning commission context, and was operating with only two members. Commissioners said state law and county practice favor an odd-numbered panel to avoid ties and to ensure applicants receive hearings without undue delay.
To restore a five-member board immediately, the commissioners approved appointments that place the three county commissioners on the Board of Adjustment with terms running to Dec. 31, 2025. The resolution passed by a 3–0 vote. Commissioners said the appointments are intended as a temporary measure until resident volunteers are identified; they discussed stepping down as citizen appointees once new members are seated.
Commissioners noted there are limits on how many planning commission members may serve concurrently on the Board of Adjustment and that the county already had one planning commissioner willing to serve. County staff and the county attorney had drafted the resolution and prepared application materials to recruit additional volunteers.
The board numbered the resolution (Resolution 21) during the meeting and directed staff to continue outreach to attract citizen appointees so the commissioners can return to solely an appointing and oversight role.