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Park County approves variance allowing three accessory housing units on large parcel with conditions
Summary
The Park County Board of Commissioners granted a variance to allow three accessory housing units in addition to a single-family home on a large ranch parcel at 15 Road 6BU, subject to conditions including permit approvals, private family use only, and a one-year expiration if construction does not commence.
The Park County Board of County Commissioners approved a variance permitting three accessory housing units in addition to a single-family residence on a parcel identified in the staff report as 15 Road 6BU.
Planning staff told the board the application sought relief from the 2015 Park County Development Standards and Regulations, which generally allow one single-family dwelling and up to two accessory housing units on properties of 5 acres or more. The parcel is approximately 100.4 acres; about 63% of the site lies in the General Rural 35-acre (GR-35) zoning district and about 37% is in the General Rural 5-acre (GR-5) zoning district. Staff recommended approval only if the board attached conditions.
The applicant identified herself in the hearing as Linda Sue Small (the staff report packet listed the applicant as Glenda Sue Small). She told the board the family has owned the property for 30 years, that two of the on-site cabins are not habitable and lack kitchens and usable septic, and that the family is proposing to demolish two of the existing cabins and build one new residence to accommodate a large extended family that gathers during hunting season and holidays.
Park County staff reported no public comments were received; notification was made to property owners within 660 feet of the property boundary. County agencies responding to the referral included the county treasurer (taxes paid), Park County Public Works (no concerns), and Park County Weed and Pest (no issues; no long-term noxious weed plan required). The staff report noted that several existing structures were preexisting and unpermitted, and that the applicant's site map shows removal of two cabins with the addition of one new residence.
The board approved the variance with these conditions: (1) approval expires one year from the date of board approval unless the applicant obtains required permits and commences construction; (2) prior to commencement of each housing unit the applicant must obtain all required building and small wastewater system permits from Planning and Zoning; (3) the property and structures shall be limited to private family use (no rentals) unless the landowner obtains required permits for a change of use; and (4) the applicant must otherwise comply with Park County development standards and regulations.
Commissioners discussed whether the variance would set precedent; one commissioner noted a similar variance had been granted previously and said that, with that context, they were comfortable moving forward. Another commissioner said the issue of accessory housing limits by acreage will be considered in the county's second round of Development Standards Review (DSR-2) work.
The motion to approve the variance passed on voice vote. The board closed the public hearing and instructed staff to record the resolution of approval and proceed with permitting as the applicant pursues required permits.
