Fairfax planning panel approves revocable encroachment for mountain‑bike exit onto Iron Springs Road

The Fairfax Planning Commission on April 17 approved a revocable encroachment permit to allow construction of a short exit trail from Camp Tamarancho onto Iron Springs Road, a project proponents say will remove downhill mountain‑bike traffic from the paved roadway.

The permit authorizes work limited to roughly an eight‑foot segment of the public right‑of‑way that will include a three‑foot retaining wall, a split‑rail fence and a post‑and‑block speed‑reducing gate at the trail terminus. The commission approved the permit 5‑0 and added conditions requiring trail‑crossing signage, four “quiet zone” signs, and review and approval of drainage/stormwater plans by the town engineer before construction starts. Commissioners noted an appeals period of 10 days.

Why it matters: Residents near the lower Iron Springs corridor told commissioners the steep descent and narrow pavement have produced collisions and near‑misses; supporters said routing downhill riders off the paved road will reduce those conflicts. Commissioners and staff also flagged environmental and safety requirements — county CEQA…