Elbert County commissioners approve Bighorn Ridge rezone for family development on 80 acres

The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on an unanimous vote approved the Bighorn Ridge rezoning (RZ2023-0316), allowing a 79.72-acre parcel at 316 Ponderosa Lane to change from agricultural to agricultural residential zoning.

Kelsey Landon, Elbert County planning staff, told the board the rezoning request would allow minimum 10-acre lots and that staff found the application consistent with Elbert County zoning regulations (Article 3, Section C4) and the county comprehensive plan. Landon said referral agencies including the Elizabeth Fire District, the Division of Water Resources, Public Health and Elbert County Public Works had no outstanding objections and that the applicant had responded to concerns raised at a community meeting.

The rezoning drew a disclosure from Commissioner Schroeder, who said, "My parents live within the quarter mile radius of the proposed Bighorn Ridge rezone. I have no financial interest there," and offered to recuse if the board preferred. The board did not request recusal and proceeded with the hearing.

Land use staff listed the community concerns logged at the applicant’s meeting—fire mitigation, access, subdividing, tree removal, water, traffic, wildlife and potential property tax increases—and said the applicant responded in writing. Landon said an "approval decree" from the Division of Water Resources was included in the meeting packet. She also noted the property is about a quarter-mile east of the Douglas County border and has historically been vacant.

Applicant representative Grace Erickson of Providence Consulting told the board the project "is a family development" intended to serve the property owner’s family. "These lots would not be sold," she said, adding that preserving trees where possible is a project objective. Landon confirmed no access modifications were proposed as part of the rezone application.

The planning commission had two public speakers at its hearing on the case—one opposed and one supportive—and staff said notice requirements and signposting affidavits were confirmed to be in compliance. Based on the review criteria in Elbert County zoning regulations, staff recommended approval with conditions.

The board approved the rezoning with three conditions of approval: the public hearing sign must be removed within seven days of the BOCC decision; the rezone will not become effective until all fees are paid, conditions met and the rezone exhibit is recorded; and all required documentation must be recorded within 180 days of BOCC approval.

The board opened the public hearing, voted to approve RZ2023-0316, and then closed the hearing. The motions carried by voice vote with the board recording all votes in the affirmative.