Commission approves Langford sketch plan for three-site Lime Creek campground with bathhouse

San Juan County commissioners approved a sketch plan improvement permit for a three‑site, tent‑only campground and a small bathhouse at 1208 Lime Creek Road, submitted by Christopher Langford. The board’s approval followed staff recommendations and a planning commission recommendation with ten conditions.

Willie, county planning staff, presented the application, saying the 6‑acre property would include three tent platforms (no RVs for guests), a bathhouse with water and septic service, and an optional campground host location. Willie told commissioners the site is in an urban residential zoning district and that adjacent property owners were notified in writing.

Christopher Langford, the applicant, confirmed the application responds to widespread unregulated camping in nearby Forest Service lands and said the project would provide water and sanitation facilities. Lisa Adair, who assisted with the application, said the applicant will allow only propane fire pits (no open campfires) and that RV camping would be prohibited except possibly for a campground host or the owner’s personal RV in the future.

Public comment included two supporters: Andrea, a long‑time visitor who offered to serve as a future camp host, and Chris Riplinger, a nearby property owner who said Langford had ‘‘jumped through a lot of hoops’’ and was a neighbor he would welcome.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about water rights, septic sizing and road impacts. The applicant said water rights have been claimed and a well will likely be drilled; staff recommended the septic be sized to accommodate a future single‑family dwelling and the campground to avoid repeated redesigns. Staff also said the applicant had consulted with road and bridge and building officials and would provide a detailed operations plan at the preliminary application stage, including booking and sales‑tax collection procedures.

One commissioner said he had been the lone no vote at the planning commission because of previous uncertainty about future expansion but said the current submission clarified the scope and reduced his concerns. Commissioners also discussed neighbor opposition letters; planning staff summarized that most written comments were supportive and one longtime resident remained opposed.

A motion to approve the improvement permit sketch plan as submitted, with the conditions listed in the staff report, passed by voice vote. The board noted the approval does not preapprove any future dwelling; any such development would require a separate application and review.