Planning commission recommends approval of Big Horn Ridge seven‑lot final plat near Douglas County border

The Elbert County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Big Horn Ridge final plat (FP-2025-00002), a proposed seven‑lot agricultural-residential subdivision on approximately 79 acres south of Ponderosa Lane near the Douglas County border.

Staff summarized the proposal: six lots of about 10 acres and one lot of roughly 18 acres, individual wells and septic systems, a 60-foot non-exclusive access easement from Ponderosa Lane, and an approved roadway modification allowing the proposed cul-de-sac length. Staff said the paved road will be 24 feet wide with 4-foot gravel shoulders and that the pavement standard selected exceeds the county minimum to improve emergency access.

Grace Ericson, the applicant representative for Providence Consulting, and owner Gary Hansen told commissioners the lots are intended for owner and family use rather than immediate sale and that the project will follow the county's forthcoming wildfire-resiliency code. An adjacent resident spoke during public comment expressing no formal opposition but requesting assurance the roadway and other requirements would be met.

Commissioners asked referral and engineering questions, confirming the access easement width, turnaround dimensions and that referrals—including the Elizabeth Fire Protection District—reviewed the application. After discussion, a commissioner moved that the planning commission recommend approval of the Big Horn Ridge final plat "with the conditions discussed in this meeting." The roll-call vote recorded eight affirmative 'I' votes and the commission carried the recommendation.

Next steps: the Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for the final decision and any required plat-recording conditions.