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Gilpin County approves rural development exemption for Toll and Ranch LLC
Summary
The Board approved RDE-25-1 by a 3-0 vote, allowing Toll and Ranch LLC to divide three parcels and create a roughly 20-acre parcel with a 4-acre building envelope; staff said the parcels remain subject to an existing conservation easement and the Planning Commission had recommended approval 7-0.
The Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners approved RDE-25-1 on Feb. 10, allowing Toll and Ranch LLC to divide three existing parcels to create a new approximately 20-acre parcel that includes a 4-acre building envelope.
Jamie Boyle, Gilpin County director of community development, presented the application and told the board the combined acreage of the parcels is about 601.5 acres and that the parcel to be created would be approximately 20 acres. Boyle said all three parcels are subject to an existing conservation easement recorded with the Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder on Jan. 8, 2015, and that the easement contains specific clauses allowing the Toll family to subdivide a 20-acre parcel.
"The resulting parcel created from this division of land would be approximately 20 acres in size with a 4 acre building envelope," Boyle said while describing the staff report and attachments.
Boyle summarized the standards under Section 5.5.C of the Gilpin County zoning regulations, explained that the RDE met density and dedicated open space criteria given the conservation easement, and noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 7-0 on Jan. 13, 2026. Neighbor Margaret Lovell spoke in support, saying the Toll family had placed the land in easement and that neighbors welcomed the family staying in the valley.
Applicant Edward Toll described the existing historic, uninhabitable cabin within the proposed envelope and said the easement allows a limited expansion of structures; he also clarified access from Tollan Road, distance to the Boulder County line (about 1.75 miles) and to Eldora (~2.5 miles), and the lack of water rights from South Boulder Creek for the 20-acre parcel.
Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to approve RDE-25-1 subject to compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, the motion was seconded by Commissioner (speaker 3) and passed 3-0.
Staff noted public noticing requirements had been met (written notice to adjacent owners, posting, and a Mountaineer newspaper notice) and that all conservation easement holders were notified and approved the change.
