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Commission legalizes long‑running Saint Mary's Glacier overflow parking, approves seasonal vendor plan
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners on July 15 approved a special‑use permit to formalize a 54‑space parking lot and a small seasonal retail structure near Saint Mary’s Glacier, with conditions covering sanitation, lighting, screening and traffic circulation.
Clear Creek County approved a special‑use permit July 15 that formalizes a long‑running overflow parking operation near Saint Mary’s Glacier and allows a small, seasonal retail structure for visitors.
Planning director Garrett McAllister told the board the application — SUP2025‑02 — requests permission for a public/private parking lot (54 spaces), a permanent but non‑foundation minor structure and seasonal retail activity not to exceed six months. McAllister said planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions to protect pedestrian safety, reduce nuisance impacts and require sanitation and site circulation improvements.
“Staff is recommending approval of attached resolution number 25‑64,” McAllister said at the July 15 hearing. The planning commission had voted 4‑0 to recommend approval after tweaking two staff conditions on lighting and the minor structure’s placement.
Applicant Mike Susie, who owns the site and reopened the lot during the post‑pandemic influx of visitors, said operators will supply three portable toilets, restock and clean them regularly and provide onsite attendants on busy days. “We do supply 3 porta potties. We get those serviced weekly. We actually clean them daily,” Susie told commissioners and added the purpose was to reduce illegal roadside parking and improve emergency access by removing vehicles from travel lanes.
Commissioners and staff tightened conditions before the vote, adding requirements that portable toilets be screened from view, that outdoor lighting be fully shielded and motion‑activated and limited in height, and that circulation and pedestrian crossings meet public‑works standards. The permit also limits the minor retail use to seasonal months and caps the minor structure’s size.
Commissioner Peter, presiding, said the board had considered public‑safety and neighborhood concerns and that the conditions were intended to address them. After discussion, the board voted to adopt resolution 25‑64 and approve SUP2025‑02.
Ending: The applicant must file permit documentation, implement the sanitation and screening measures and comply with the county’s site‑development and public‑works requirements before full operation. Planning staff will track compliance and report back to the board if conditions need adjustment.
