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Village trustees deny Shepherd's Canyon special-use permit for 270 Veronica Lane
Summary
After nearly three hours of testimony and a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation against approval, the Village of Four Seasons Board of Trustees voted to deny a special-use permit requested by Shepherd's Canyon for a pastor's residence and limited retreats at 270 Veronica Lane.
The Village of Four Seasons Board of Trustees voted to deny Shepherd's Canyon New and Training Inc.'s application for a special-use permit for a residence at 270 Veronica Lane, following extended public comment and a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation against approval.
Applicant Kevin told trustees the house would be a parsonage and a base for brief, small-group counseling retreats for pastors and church leaders, saying, "Shepherd's Canyon is a 5 0 1 c 3 nonprofit Christian ministry… the home we purchased a year ago will be used as a parsonage or a rectory…" The planning and zoning report to trustees noted staff received 17 pieces of written correspondence — 11 in favor and 6 opposed — and that the commission's vote to recommend approval failed 2–3. The commission recommended limits including capping retreats at six events per year and prohibiting property acquisition to expand the site.
Attorney Butch Miller, speaking for Shepherd's Canyon, described the use as a residential parsonage with occasional hosted counseling sessions and said the applicant agreed to proposed staff conditions. Several neighbors, however, argued the proposal would effectively permit a retreat-center use in an R-1 neighborhood and could create a precedent for other operators to request similar allowances. One resident warned such a decision "would in effect authorize a nonprofit corporation to operate a retreat center in an R-1 residential district, monetizing… the amenities of our private POA," framing the concern around zoning integrity and private amenity access.
Trustee discussion focused on whether the proposed activities fit the village's comprehensive plan and home-occupation rules; a motion to accept the PNC recommendation and deny the permit was moved and seconded and passed by roll call. The motion to deny was made by a trustee who cited conflicts with the comprehensive plan and concerns about intensifying residential use; the motion was seconded by the presiding officer. The trustees voted to deny the application (motion carried by majority vote).
