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Elbert County approves special-use review to formalize Hughes Landscaping site near Parker
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners approved a special-use by review for Hughes Landscaping to formalize an existing sod and landscaping operation at 42600 Summit View Court; staff said the 35-acre site will remain zoned agricultural and must meet conditions including recordation and sign removal.
The Elbert County Board of County Commissioners approved a special-use by review for Hughes Landscaping (case SUD-2024-4260) to formalize an existing sod and landscaping business on a 35-acre property at 42600 Summit View Court, near Parker.
Planning staff told commissioners the operation has existed for more than 30 years and employs roughly 12 workers in winter and about 65 in peak season. Planner Danny Klebanner said the application seeks compliance with county zoning rather than a zoning change and that the business includes an office, greenhouses, a sod storage barn and vehicle-storage areas.
The approval follows a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission and multiagency review. Klebanner said Elbert County departments and outside agencies reviewed the application, including Elbert County Public Works, the assessor, building and zoning compliance, the Colorado Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). He told the board that referrals raised no unresolved objections and that a community meeting in 2023 drew about 14 residents, with some concerns limited to traffic, dust and water use.
Grace Erickson, the applicant representative with Providence Consulting, described the proposal as a way to “formalize, codify the property's existing use” and said the applicant is not proposing additional changes to operations.
County staff recommended approval with conditions. The standard conditions include removing public-hearing signs within seven days of the board decision and recording the special-use exhibit and related documentation within 180 days of approval. Klebanner also noted that the Colorado Division of Water Resources asked that proposed water uses be consistent with existing well permits and that wells be metered if required by the permits.
Commissioners voted to approve the special-use by review. The record indicates the motion carried with affirmative votes (“Aye. Aye. Aye.”) and the board closed the land-use hearing for this item.
What happens next: Conditions of approval must be met and the required documents recorded within 180 days for the special-use to take effect; staff will manage required recordation and compliance steps.
