Commissioners hear months‑long dispute over Telluride Ski & Golf exception agreement and 2 Rivers homeowners’ objections

San Miguel County convened an extended public exchange Dec. 5 over an existing exception agreement that allowed Telluride Ski & Golf (TSG) to purchase key lots in the 2 Rivers/Sunshine Valley area. The topic drew homeowners, TSG representatives and county staff for a discussion of prior agreements, recent developments and next steps.

Background and central issue • History: County records show a 2017 exception agreement allowing TSG to purchase vacant lots in the 2 Rivers area under deed restrictions and covenants that generally envisioned owner‑occupied housing. In 2019 TSG and the county amended the agreement to define which lots were to be sold to qualified buyers and which could be rented; TSG later received a one‑year exception in 2023 that expired and was not recorded. • Current situation: TSG built nine deed‑restricted single‑family homes. The 2019 agreement contained designations that six of those homes were to be sold to qualified buyers; at the time of the meeting several of the finished homes were being rented rather than sold, prompting dispute with 2 Rivers homeowners.

Positions stated at the meeting • 2 Rivers homeowners: HOA representatives and multiple owners said the neighborhood was developed and purchased with the expectation of owner occupancy and that the side agreement negotiated in 2017—used to reach the neighborhood compromise—must be honored. HOA representatives objected to repeated requests to change the agreement and said that owners had already accepted compromises in 2017. They also flagged practical impacts: trash collection strain, ownership‑mix concerns and the possibility that a larger employer owner would have disproportionate HOA control. • Telluride Ski & Golf (TSG): TSG representatives asked the board to consider another amended exception agreement that would allow certain houses to remain in employer control and operate as restricted rentals for employees. TSG said its needs changed after COVID and that deed‑restricted sale terms with strict right‑of‑first‑refusal or mandatory resale upon termination of employment make those units unattractive to potential buyers. TSG asked the county for a time‑limited amendment (and said it could sell some units to other employers or agencies if that helped spread ownership). • On‑site experience: Alex Laney (TSG resident manager in the neighborhood) told the board he has not received complaints from neighbors about the TSG tenants living there and that the company has offered to support additional trash pickups for the HOA.

Process and enforcement • Notice of violation: County staff confirmed the San Miguel County Housing Authority issued a notice of violation in August addressing noncompliance with the recorded terms of the agreement. Staff said they will clarify the cure period and enforcement remedies and will work with TSG and the HOA on next steps. • Board action: No formal board decision was taken Dec. 5. County counsel and staff said they will continue to meet with TSG and 2 Rivers representatives and return to the board after drafting options (an amended exception agreement, enforcement steps, or other remedies).

Ending: Commissioners thanked the public for participation and instructed staff to continue negotiations, clarify the legal enforcement timeline and present options for a future meeting. No timelines for a final decision were set at the Dec. 5 meeting.