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RPC recommends zone change and approves conditional use permit for Riders Rescue Ranch
Summary
The commission recommended a zone change (RE‑1 to RH‑4.5) to the BOCC and approved a conditional use permit for Riders Rescue Ranch, a 4.6‑acre nonprofit animal rescue and sanctuary at 2091 Quail Run Road, after extensive testimony from the applicant and dozens of neighbors and animal‑welfare organizations.
The RPC voted Aug. 12 to recommend ZC‑26‑6 (a change from RE‑1 to RH‑4.5) to the Board of County Commissioners and to approve CU‑26‑23, a conditional use permit to operate Riders Rescue Ranch, a nonprofit animal rescue, commercial kennel and limited commercial stable on 4.6 acres at 2091 Quail Run Road.
Applicant Jennifer Wessel described the rescue's plans, operations and experience: "I'm very excited to be here tonight to present the application proposal for the required zone change and conditional use permit to legally start and operate Riders Rescue Ranch... Our community has an animal welfare gap, and I believe my partner, Chelsea and I have the exact space, passion, and expertise to fill it," she said. Wessel and her partner explained biosecurity protocols, limits on events and scheduling for dog‑park visits and said they had discussed concerns with neighbors.
More than two dozen neighbors, volunteers and animal‑welfare organizations testified in support, describing the property as clean, quiet and professionally managed. Pam Sieg Miller, who said she lives next door, told the commission: "There is no smell. The animals are very quiet." Southwestern Wilds, local volunteers and long‑time neighbors gave detailed accounts endorsing rescue operations and emergency‑response capacity.
Commissioners asked about noise, maximum animal caps and parking for occasional educational events; the applicant said operational plans contain animal caps and limits on events (no more than 50 people for educational/fundraising events, preregistration required) and that parking would use existing open areas. The commission separated the zone‑change recommendation (a recommendation to BOCC) from the CUP vote, recommended ZC‑26‑6 to the BOCC and approved CU‑26‑23 with a condition making the CUP null and void if the BOCC denies the zone change.
That conditional approval means the rescue may proceed only if the BOCC grants the recommended zoning change; interested parties may appeal either action as provided by county code.
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