Planning commission deadlocks on Rimrock's glamping PUD after water, traffic and safety concerns

A proposal to establish an 8-to-12 unit glamping operation on approximately 15 acres of Lewis Ranches LLC property east of Road 42 near Mancos failed to win a recommendation from the Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday after prolonged discussion, technical staff review and public opposition.

The applicant, listed in materials as Lewis Ranches LLC with agent Rimrock Outfitters Glamping LLC, sought a general planned-unit development (PUD) and a high-impact special-use permit to build and operate an 8–12 unit glamping site with associated guest facilities. Planning staff told the commission the site is not served by a water company and that the applicant proposes hauling and storing water on-site from a regional water dock; staff also reported an existing septic permit and said any new septic would require engineering design and county public-health permitting. The Wildfire Adaptive Partnership recommended a wildfire mitigation plan. Planning staff additionally noted a letter of opposition from Weber Reservoir Company signed by shareholders and neighbors.

Commi…