Jefferson County planning commission declines to revoke Lost Trails campground conditional use permit

The Jefferson County Plan Commission on May 1 heard a petition from adjacent property owners and agencies seeking revocation of the conditional use permit for Lost Trails (operating as Lost Trails Campground LLC) but declined to revoke the permit after a contested public hearing.

Complainants and agency representatives told the planning commission they believe the campground has not complied with conditions attached to its conditional use permit, including requirements related to water service, fire protection and ownership transfers. Rikers Ridge Water Company’s superintendent said the company has recorded “violations with us on the way from our rules and bylaws on water” since September 2021 and that the dispute has proceeded to court. Madison Township volunteer Fire Chief Robert Black described a water-pumping arrangement and access improvements that he said were incomplete until recently and noted equipment costs and response concerns.

The petitioners argued the conditional use permit — which they said was issued in either February 2021 (as stated by a complainant) or September 2021 (as referenced in hearing materials) — included specific conditions such as fire…