Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs May Farms RV Resort and 55+ community, sends recommendation to BOCC
Summary
The commission recommended approval (6–0) of the May Farms RV Resort and Sanctuary general development plan (GDP25‑001), a 150‑acre mixed-use proposal north of I‑70 that includes a 100‑acre seasonal RV resort and a 50‑acre deed‑restricted 55+ manufactured‑home area, subject to conditions.
On Nov. 18 the Arapahoe County Planning Commission voted 6–0 to recommend approval of GDP25‑001, the May Farms RV Resort and Sanctuary general development plan, and to forward the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. The plan covers a 150‑acre parcel north of I‑70 and proposes two planning areas: a 100‑acre destination RV resort with short‑term rental accommodations, recreational amenities and supporting retail, and a 50‑acre deed‑restricted, age‑restricted (55+) manufactured‑home neighborhood.
Applicant representative Jeff Seaman (John Paul Seaman Jr.) said the project is intended as a seasonal resort, operating generally April through October, and emphasized workforce and education partnerships with Byers High School. "We believe the benefits to the community are substantial," Seaman said, adding that investor-held water rights and a design framework would limit year‑round impacts.
Consultant Matt Small described the envisioned resort amenities — water park, playgrounds, glamping, agritourism programming and nature‑based recreation — and cited the Jellystone franchise model as the conceptual precedent. The applicant said employment would be modest year‑round (15–25 employees) with a larger seasonal staff (65–85) and that planning area 2 units are factory‑built manufactured homes sited on ground leases and sold to purchasers subject to design standards.
Members of the public asked detailed questions about density, accessory dwelling units and whether the 55+ area would permit year‑round occupancy. Staff and the applicant clarified that the 55+ area was intended to be primarily seasonal and that the units are manufactured homes placed on foundations and skirted to appear permanent. Staff recommended approval subject to multiple conditions, including environmental reporting, mule‑deer winter concentration mapping, and coordination with the Sheriff’s Office and Office of Emergency Management.
Commissioner Latsis moved to recommend approval based on staff findings and conditions 1–6; Commissioner Miller seconded. A roll call vote recorded six ayes; the recommendation will be considered by the BOCC as part of the formal PUD and rezoning process.
Next steps: The Planning Commission’s recommendation is advisory; final approval, conditions and any required amendments will be set by the Board of County Commissioners during the rezoning and PUD approval process.
