Planning commission backs variance for Utah–Nevada Lane, forwards recommendation to county commissioners

The El Paso County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of file VA 2 44, a variance of use for a property on Utah–Nevada Lane, and forwarded the item to the Board of County Commissioners with three conditions and four notations.

Commissioner Jack moved to approve the variance and to forward the item; Commissioner Trowbridge seconded. Planning staff noted that water sufficiency is not applicable to the file.

Commissioner Carlson opposed the recommendation, saying the approval criteria require that a variance not be detrimental to the surrounding area and that, based on nearly 10 negative inputs and concerns about roadway safety during inclement weather, the variance would be detrimental. Commissioner Byers also voted no and reiterated concerns about unmet approval criteria and open road issues. Several other commissioners voted in favor, some noting reservations. The motion passed and will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.

Votes at the Planning Commission roll call recorded in the meeting transcript were: Commissioner Shippel — aye; Commissioner Trowbridge — aye; Commissioner Jack — aye; Commissioner Whitney — aye (with reservation); Commissioner Marais — aye; Chair — aye; Commissioner Carlson — nay; Commissioner Byers — nay.

The file will now move to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration; the planning commission made a recommendation rather than a final approval.