Commissioners approve 16 conditions for Camp Alderweld land‑use permit

Huerfano County commissioners voted April 21 to accept 16 conditions attached to land‑use application 25‑035 for Camp Alderweld, a multi‑day outdoor event proposed on private land near Gardner.

The conditions, read into the record by county staff, set a maximum of 7,500 tickets and a maximum on‑site occupancy of 8,500 people at any one time. Main‑stage performances Friday through Sunday must end by midnight. Sound limits at property lines must comply with Huerfano County Code section 14‑6‑4 for nonvehicular sources; amplified sound must conform to county code section 11‑25(b)(2). Lighting on site must be shielded and pointed downward to meet the county’s dark‑sky rules (Article 16, Chapter 11). The event is limited to four days (one early entry day plus three event days), and the permit requires adherence to stage‑2 fire restrictions, including the potential requirement that the applicant provide a fire truck and crew unless the fire protection district approves an alternative plan.

Other conditions include designated and clearly marked smoking areas with fire extinguishers and vegetation cleared around those areas; building and structure permits for stages and related facilities to be inspected prior to the event; a special sales‑event license and vendor reporting under the state sales‑tax provisions; proof of commercial liability insurance of at least $500,000; and a $50,000 surety bond to secure performance and payment of fees. The applicant must also enter into an agreement with the sheriff’s office for routine and added law‑enforcement resources and reimburse the sheriff’s office for any additional incarceration costs if out‑of‑county housing is required. Staff also required a road‑impact remediation plan or payment to treat 4.5 centerline miles (magnesium chloride or an approved alternative) as a road‑impact fee, unless an alternative plan to restore roads to original condition is approved. County staff will facilitate a site visit at least two weeks before the event to inspect emergency egress and fencing near adjacent properties.

Commissioner-level discussion focused on implementation details: staff said medical services were expected in the applicant’s operational plan but not specifically required as a condition, that the two‑week pre‑event inspection is intended to allow time for corrective action, and that a secondary inspection closer to the event could be added if the board wanted. Commissioners also discussed the practical quality of access roads (characterized in the record as two‑track access) and the need for contingency plans if heavy equipment or weather affects access.

A motion to accept the 16 conditions was moved, seconded and approved by recorded voice vote.

During the public‑comment period resident Mary Jensen of Gardner urged the board to ensure adequate notice and asked whether long‑standing property and agricultural uses would be grandfathered. "I am concerned about whether any of these proposed changes modify the existing zoning," she said, and asked what to do about a hydrant key she has lent to county water workers. Staff replied that the documents presented are proposed regulations and that changes do not take effect until a second reading and required publication; staff also said they would try to provide clearer public documentation and additional outreach so Gardner residents can review the changes before a final decision.

Next steps: the board’s acceptance of the conditions places those requirements on the applicant; staff will conduct follow‑up inspections and the applicant must provide the insurance, bond, vendor reporting, road‑impact mitigation or agreement and other documentation before the event moves forward.