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Planning commission recommends approval for Hughes Landscaping special-use review; no site changes proposed
Summary
The Elbert County Planning Commission recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve Hughes Landscaping’s special-use by review (SUR 2024-4260) for continued landscaping operations at 42600 Summit View Court, citing long-standing operation and staff findings that the business meets county approval criteria.
ELBERT COUNTY, Colo. — On Jan. 7 the Elbert County Planning Commission recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve a special-use by review for Hughes Landscaping (SUR 2024-4260), a long-established landscaping and sod business operating at 42600 Summit View Court.
Staff told the commission the 35-acre property contains a landscaping office, equipment and vehicle storage, a sod yard, greenhouses and a tree farm. The landscaping operation has existed for more than 30 years; staff said the SUR would bring the commercial landscaping use into formal compliance with county regulations and noted there are no proposed changes to the site as part of the application.
Staff summarized agency reviews and community outreach: Elbert County Public Works and Road and Bridge had no objections; Kimley-Horn provided a technical review noting the site is a low trip generator; Rattlesnake Fire Protection District found requirements met; and Elbert County Public Health confirmed both on-site wastewater treatment systems were inspected on June 16, 2023 with no deficiencies. During an April community meeting 14 residents attended and raised concerns about traffic, dust and water use; staff said no additional public comments were received after the official posting and notice.
At the hearing, the applicant’s representative, Grace Erickson of Providence Consulting, and Gary Longwell of Hughes Landscaping reiterated that no new structures or alterations are proposed and said the business is a long-standing employer in the area. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions: removal of the public-hearing sign within seven days of any Board of County Commissioners decision, payment of fees and satisfaction of conditions before the SUR becomes effective, and recording of the SUR exhibit within 180 days of BOCC approval.
A planning commissioner moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners subject to the staff-recommended conditions; the motion passed on roll call. The recommendation is advisory and will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners at a future meeting.
