Planning commission recommends denial of Under Canvas glamping PUD and high-impact permit after extensive public opposition

The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-2 to recommend denial of an application from Under Canvas, Inc. (agent for Windy Ridge Ranch LLC) that would have created a Planned Unit Development and a high-impact special-use permit for a 75-unit “glamping” guest camp on approximately 346 acres at 12695 Road 40, Mancos.

Project description and staff findings: planning staff summarized the proposal as a seasonal, recreational guest ranch with approximately 75 tent-based guest units, communal facilities, on-site parking and internal circulation. The site packet included a traffic study, a proposed water plan and a wildfire mitigation plan. Staff reported Montezuma Water Company has a 4-inch mainline along Road 40 and indicated Montezuma Water Company told the county it could provide a 3/4-inch commercial meter and the developer proposed a 10,000-gallon holding tank and pump system to pressurize the internal distribution. Wildfire Adaptive…