HomeMy WebLinkAboutGARCO Public Health Referral Comments
Public Health
Garfield County Community Development August 26, 2025
Attention: John Leyborne and Glenn Hartman
jleyborne@garfieldcountyco.gov and ghartmann@garfieldcountyco.gov
RE: Harvest Roaring Fork PUD Zoning and River Edge PUD Revocation
Parcel No. 239307200031, 239501400161, 239307300032,
239307200001, and 239307300033,
West of Hwy 82 and Cattle Creek
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
File # PUDA-12-24-9048 and PUDA-07-25-907
John and Glenn,
Garfield County Public Health (GCPH) has reviewed both Harvest Roaring Fork PUD Zoning and River Edge
PUD Revocation application packets (PUDA-12-24-9048 and PUDA-07-25-907). GCPH’s understanding the
revocation requests is for the rezoning to Residential Suburban base zoning and is necessary for the review of
a new Planned Unit Development for the same parcels.
The Harvest Roaring Fork PUD application includes a PUD Guide. The applicant proposes for it to be the
governance document for the future development of this mixed-use community. It establishes zoning for each
neighborhood within Harvest Roaring Fork and proposes specific regulations, development standards, use
restrictions, and density limits for each neighborhood.
GCPH has the following comments.
1. Temporary Housing: The application mentioned their interest in temporary housing for the development
of this project. GCPH could not find a Colorado temporary housing regulation that would provide
guidance for this proposal.
GCPH staff comment: GCPH recommends the applicant consider alternative measures for contractors
other than temporary housing given this project is located within a populated area.
2. Noise: The applicant states that there will be a PUD Guide for various requirements that may address
the wellbeing for residents in the community. It was unclear what noise restrictions would be put in
place for both residential and mixed-use areas. Noise both amplified and non-amplified in mixed use
communities can cause impacts to the public both physiologically and mentally. Colorado Revised
Statute 25-12-103 regulating noise and provides different noise limits by zone and are included in this
referral as Table 1.
Table 1.
ZONE 7 AM to next 7 PM 7 PM to next 7 AM
Residential 55 db (A) 50 db (A)
Commercial 60 db (A) 55 db (A)
Light Industrial 70 dB(A) 65 dB(A)
Industrial 80 dB(A) 75 dB(A)
GCPH staff comment: This application is for residential and mixed-use development. GCPH
recommends that noise limits outlined in Table 1 be included in the applicants PUD Guide and for them
to consider residential noise limits for proposed commercial activity, especially when adjacent to
residential units. The applicant should establish the noise restrictions in the PUD Guide and covenants
and be the HOA be the first arbiter with enforcement and complaint response.
3. Asbestos: Applicant referred to the old Sopris restaurant located on the site containing asbestos as well
as their plans to demolish the building. Per Colorado Regulation 8, Part B, all demolition projects must
comply with asbestos inspection and permitting requirements:
• A state-certified asbestos inspection is required before demolition.
• If asbestos is found above trigger levels, abatement by a certified contractor is mandatory.
• A CDPHE demolition permit must be submitted with a 10-working-day notice prior to demo.
GCPH Comment: GCPH recommends the applicant submit to Garfield County a CDPHE approved
demo permit prior to demolition of existing structures.
4. Fugitive Particulate Emissions: The size of this project will require both a Storm Water Management
Permit and fugitive dust plan with the State which will be held throughout the course of the project. Per
this plan, the applicant will phase this project, and the clearing of vegetation and grading will need to
follow best Management Practices (BMPs) as areas that have been disturbed can create fugitive dust
conditions via winds and vehicular traffic.
GCPH Comment: Given the silty soil in the area and arid conditions, GCPH recommends that dust
control measures be considered via structural means in addition to soil binders and watering as these
methods may not be reliable for extended periods of time.
5. Radon: Radon is a public health concern because it is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the
United States. Approximately 50% of homes in Colorado have radon levels above the EPA
recommended action level. Garfield County adopted the 2015 International Building Code, effective
April 1, 2017, by Resolution 2017-23. The Resolution states that Appendix F, Passive Radon Gas
Controls is adopted for tested structures with radon issues (Resolution 2017-23 Section II, bullet # 49).
Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) provides passive radon mitigation that is easier to install
during building construction that can be converted to active radon mitigation (by adding a fan to the
system) if radon levels above the EPA radon action level are measured in a building after construction.
GCPH comment: GCPH recommends as a condition of approval that new buildings including multi-
family buildings constructed on the site utilize RRNC practices to prevent radon gas exposure to
residents. After construction, a radon test should be conducted, and a fan installed on the system if
radon levels are above the EPA recommended action level of 4 pCi/l. Free radon test kits are available
at Garfield County Public Health offices in Rifle and Glenwood Springs and at the Clean Energy
Economy for the Region (CLEER) located at the Third Street Center in Carbondale.
6. Mixed-Use District: The applicant indicates that there will be a mixed-use district in the PUD that will
provide amenities and services to the community including a clubhouse/lodge, dining facilities, retail
stores, and convenience services.
GCPH comment: Specific commercial activities were not outlined in the application such that traffic
impacts, required local and state permitting, and other impacts could not be properly assessed by
GCPH. GCPH recommends a condition of approval that all regulated activities including the sale of
food and community special events be properly reviewed, licensed, and inspected by GCPH Consumer
Protection staff and any appropriate federal, state, and local agencies that have jurisdiction over these
activities.
Sincerely,
Jannette Whitcomb, REHS
Environmental Health Manager
Garfield County Public Health
(970) 665-6383 or jwhitcomb@garfieldcountyco.gov