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Larimer County planning commission recommends approval for Mather short‑term rental
Summary
The Larimer County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special‑review short‑term rental at 4901 Sandstone Drive (file 25Zone3806) after hearing neighbor objections about narrow, winter‑impacted roads and the applicant’s assurances about an engineering study and seasonal rentals. The recommendation will go to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Larimer County Planning Commission on Feb. 18, 2026 voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve a special‑review short‑term rental for Timothy Mather at 4901 Sandstone Drive in the Horsetooth Lake Estates subdivision.
Planner Laura Collier told commissioners the application proposes a four‑bedroom dwelling for up to eight guests on a 0.38‑acre lot. Staff said it mailed notices to 143 property owners within 1,000 feet, received two written objections, and recommended approval subject to 13 conditions after finding the proposal met applicable land‑use standards cited in the staff report.
During public comment, neighbor Erin Lloyd described steep, narrow dirt roads in the neighborhood, limited room for pedestrians, blind crests at Sandstone and Overhill and recent winter storms that temporarily blocked access to homes and delayed emergency responders. "This neighborhood has obvious traffic safety issues and cannot support additional traffic from short term rentals," Lloyd said. Aaron Lloyd also described vehicles sliding off the roadway during recent winter weather.
A nearby resident, Chris Heller, spoke in support of Mather and said the applicant had gone through the new permitting requirements. "I know him to be a good person," Heller said, and described the property as "an excellent location for out‑of‑towners to come and visit our beautiful county."
Applicant Timothy Mather told the commission an engineering study certified the private access (Overhill) met rural county roadway standards for slope and width and that the homeowners association maintains and treats the access road. "It's a very well maintained road," Mather said, adding the speed limit on the access is 15 miles per hour. He said he does not plan to rent the property in winter months and intends to offer it primarily for summer use.
After no further questions from commissioners, Shelby King moved that the commission recommend approval of file 25Zone3806 subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call vote. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.
The hearing also included routine business: commissioners approved the Jan. 21, 2026 minutes by roll call vote. Staff announced the commission’s next hearing will be held March 11, 2026. The chair then adjourned the meeting.
