Planners approve Smuggler backcountry site plan with conditions

The Lake County Planning Commission voted to conditionally approve the Smuggler backcountry site plan, a proposal for an existing cabin on about 9.98 acres, after a public hearing and staff presentation. Commissioner Joey Edwards moved the approval; Commissioner David Dirich seconded and the motion passed with recorded "yes" votes from Commissioners Edwards, Jason Rufo, David Dirich and Heather Lindt.

Planning staff told the commission the cabin was built around 1973 and is grandfathered larger than current backcountry limits after prior variances for height and gross floor area. Staff recommended approval with eight conditions. "Require owner install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors," the motion read as it set out fire-safety responsibilities and additional conditions, including mounted fire extinguishers and a first-aid/trauma kit, a revegetation plan tied to the Lake County Conservation District, dark-sky-compliant exterior lighting and bear-proof trash facilities.

The commission recorded a condition limiting occupancy to the terms of the previously granted septic variance (a maximum of 180 days per year) and required a backcountry license where applicable. The motion also required the applicant to follow Colorado Parks and Wildlife best practices for nearby habitat and to make all statements made in the hearing binding conditions of approval.

Applicant John Dunley, introduced during the hearing, described the cabin's construction and mitigation already completed and said the owners aim to comply with the county requirements. Commissioners asked about road access and water; the applicant said access is by a historic mining road maintained by neighboring landowners and that there is no water on the property or adjacent parcels, so water is carried in.

Next steps: staff will record the conditions and move the file to the county planning department for licensing and any remaining administrative steps required under county code.