Commissioners approve sketch plan for single-family home on Hector Load

San Juan County commissioners voted March 12 to approve a sketch-plan modification allowing Damon and Rose (applicants) to build a single-family dwelling, driveway extension and associated utilities on the Hector Load area southwest of Silverton.

Planning staff described the site as meeting minimum lot-size requirements in the Mountain Zone, located within the Silverton Town-County overlay and a scenic overlay, and noted the planning commission’s recommendation for approval with standard conditions. Staff said the applicants had selected a building location that would be less visible from town and that the proposal includes on-site septic and well use. Lisa (planning staff) said the applicant will consolidate several old mining-claim parcels to create a single buildable parcel and that adjoining-property letters produced no objections.

Damon Rose told the board the site will use materials that blend with the environment and requested guidance on exterior lighting and window tinting to reduce visibility. Commissioners asked for field staking of the building envelope and for the applicant to proceed to final application steps; one commissioner asked that the applicant consolidate the four mining-claim parcels into a single parcel before final approval.

A motion to approve the sketch plan with the staff-recommended conditions carried unanimously: “All in favor? Aye,” the board said.

Ending: Planning staff will work with the applicant on final application submittal, including required consolidations, survey staking of the building envelope and any required state sign-offs.