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Board approves home‑based outdoor education program on Cedar Mountain Road with safety and licensing conditions
Summary
Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved a special‑use permit allowing an educational program at 6560 Cedar Mountain Road to host 20–25 students for outdoor, agriculture‑focused classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays; approval conditions require DRC review, any building renovations to meet commercial permit standards, state licensure as appropriate and a one‑year administrative review (plus CPR/first‑aid certification for volunteers).
Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved a special‑use permit on Feb. 3 for an education program proposed at 6560 Cedar Mountain Road.
The applicant, Craig Nehemiah Ray, told the board he plans a nature‑based program combining agricultural and environmental instruction for homeschool and community students (grades K–12) on Wednesdays and Saturdays, hosting 20–25 students with a 1:5 adult‑to‑student ratio. Activities described include soil and pH studies in an on‑site creek, beekeeping, chicken care and gardening projects.
Planning staff recommended approval with conditions: any required Development Review Committee (DRC) approvals before an occupational tax certificate is issued; the applicant must obtain applicable state licensure (if the activity triggers camp, daycare or other regulated categories); any renovated accessory structures must meet commercial building‑permit standards; and the special‑use permit must be administratively reviewed in one year. At the Board's request, commissioners added a requirement that key staff/volunteers provide CPR and first‑aid certifications prior to issuance of the occupational tax certificate.
Mr. Ray said safety protocols will include background checks for adult volunteers, a 1:5 staffing ratio, use of waders for creek activities, on‑site first‑aid supplies and a limited schedule to reduce traffic and access impacts. Planning staff noted the one‑year check‑in is flexible and intended to ensure the program meets building, fire and public‑health expectations after the board grants the use.
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval unanimously; the Board of Commissioners voted 5‑0 to approve the permit with the added CPR/first‑aid certification condition.
What happens next: The applicant must obtain any required state licensure and DRC approvals and satisfy building‑permit or fire code requirements for any structure changes before operating; staff will perform the one‑year administrative review to report compliance back to the board.
