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Commissioners tighten ski-area policy; vote to state opposition to new alpine ski-area proposals
Summary
After a lengthy debate over wording about expanding summer and nonpeak uses at ski areas, Planning and Zoning commissioners voted to insert language that Pick N County does not support new alpine ski area proposals; the motion passed on a recorded vote.
Commissioner Suzanne moved May 12 to revise the comprehensive plan's ski-area policy to state that "Pick N County does not support new alpine ski area proposals," a change intended to prevent incremental expansions that could erode rural character and wildlife habitat. The proposed text had earlier allowed consideration of "expansion of uses within or directly adjacent to permitted ski area boundaries," language several commissioners described as too permissive.
The floor debate lasted more than an hour. Commissioners expressed concern that allowing "directly adjacent" expansions would open the door to attractions such as alpine slides, mountain-bike parks and food-service developments that could lead to incremental growth into otherwise undeveloped areas. Speakers noted wildlife impacts, transportation and infrastructure concerns as reasons to tighten policy language.
Commissioner Suzanne moved the explicit prohibition language; the motion was seconded. The chair called each member for a recorded vote. The motion carried on the recorded roll call (yes votes recorded in the transcript), with commissioners voting to remove the more permissive wording and substitute the firmer prohibition against new alpine ski-area proposals.
The adopted change will be incorporated into the final plan staff prepares for submittal to the Board of County Commissioners.
