HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence Approved Uses 07.10.2017� Garfield County
Community Development Department
July 10, 2017
Doug Pratte, Land Studio
365 River Bend Way
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
RE: Hideout RV Campground
Dear Doug
The Community Development Department has reviewed your letter dated June 12, 2017
requesting clarification regarding the existing uses on the site and potential refinements
to the cabins and campground (see attached). We have also reviewed County's letter
dated 11/16/15 regarding pre-existing non -conforming uses on your property along with
photo documentation of uses on your site (dated May 2016).
We have reviewed your inquiry and can provide the following determinations:
The use has been considered pre-existing and non -conforming and allowed to
operate under the provisions of the current Land Use and Development Code,
Article 10, Nonconforming Land Uses and Structures, and applicable provisions of
previous Zoning Resolutions of Garfield County.
2. As a pre-existing and nonconforming use no enlargement or expansion of the use
is allowed. This would preclude changes to add additional RV spaces, cabin sites
or conversion of a tent site to an RV site. These type of changes would typically
require a new application for a Campground/RV Park pursuant to the current Land
Use codes, however, in your case the current zoning on the property, Residential
Suburban (RS) does not allow for a Campground/RV Park so this option does not
exist for the property.
3. The use of spaces within the RV Campground for long term rentals has apparently
been a long standing practice within the park. Based on the information provided
108 Eighth Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
(970) 945-8212
to this department the units currently subject to said long term leases can continue
to be utilized in that manner as part of the nonconforming use. You have provided
a use summary and site map to further document the historic uses The following
determinations have been made based on our review of your documents:
• You have represented that 42 spaces currently are utilized for long term RV
rentals You need to provide additional statements or supporting documentation
that the uses meets the standards of the Land Use and Development Code, Article
10, Nonconforming Land Uses and Structures, Section 10-104(A)(1) and.that the
uses have not been discontinued for a period of 2 years or more In addition the
space labelled RV -1 on your site plan requires additional documentation and
confirmation of its pre-existing status such as leasing information that supports a
long term history of its use for long term RV rental
• Previous documentation in 2015, and photo documentation in 2016 indicate the
park had 12 tent or short term spaces. Conversion of short term rental spaces to
long term rentals is not permitted. Short term rental does not include the
establishment of long term leases and must be consistent with the definition of RV
Park.
• Extension of utilities to the short term rental spaces is an expansion of your pre-
existing non -conforming use and is rot permitted.
• The 12 existing cabins and the 3 modular or mobile home uses can continue and
the units can be maintained subject to obtaining County building permits as
required. Replacement of the units would be limited to the current size and
footprint of the units and obtaining County building permits and any other permits
that may be required (i.e. electrical permits, flood plain development permits).
4. In addition, we request that you provide copies of any water service or tap
agreements with the City of Glenwood Springs as these documents may provide
additional information on how the Campground/RV Park has been operated in
terms of long term rentals and any limitations that the City may have imposed
5. 'Upgrades, can be made to water, sewer, and electrical utilities on the property
provided they are properly permitted, designed, and installed. Temporary
connections to RV's need to be inspected to confirm that they meet code and life
safety requirements.
6. Removal of the existing [bathroom' is subject to you providing documentation that
adequate sanitation facilities will continue to be available to guests and residents
of the facility including the tent and short term spaces. The service needs to be
commensurate with the existing facilities.
108 Eighth Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
(970) 945-8212
Commented [AS1]: Would it be upgrades or normal and
routine maintenance?
Commented [AS2]: is it OWTS or City sewer? If OWTS, It is
really old and may not be functional other than disappearing
underground.
7. Long Term RV rentals still need to maintain their RV status and be properly
licensed and operational. Use of "tiny home" RV units within the park as
replacement units shall be permitted provided that they are occupied by the owners
of the unit and not secondary rental or VRBO rentals.
Thanks very much for facilitating our site visit and provided the additional documentation
and mapping. Hopefully these clarification will assist in your on-going operation and
upgrades to the RV Park. Please feel free to call or email if you have additional questions
or require further clarification.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Bower, AICP
Community Development Department Director
CC: Glenn Hartmann, Senior Planner
Kelly Cave, Assistant County Attorney
Andy Schwaller, Chief Building Official
Wade Patton, Code Enforcement
108 Eighth Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
(970) 945-8212