Larimer County planning update: appeal scheduling, Jake's Farm fines and ranch plan ahead of afternoon hearing

Rebecca Everett, community development director, provided a string of planning and enforcement updates during the Jan. 26 Larimer County work session.

Everett said the Hansen appeal will be tabled at the applicant's request and rescheduled for the March 9 land use hearing to allow the applicant more time to address public comment. She also reported the Aragon septic appeal has new information under review and that, given noticing requirements, the earliest available hearing date is March 23. Everett said county staff are investigating related air‑quality complaints in coordination with the health department and code compliance.

On enforcement, Everett informed the board that the resolution to certify fines on the Jake's Farm property is on the admin matters consent agenda. "At this time the amount of fines that that property owner owes is $148,500. We have received $30,000 in payment on those fines so far, but because there is not progress happening toward compliance on the property, the fines are continuing to accumulate," she said. Staff confirmed the county files updates with the court and the court reviews the filings.

Staff also reminded commissioners that the Ranch Master Plan is the only discussion item on the afternoon land use hearing. CPIR staff said Portia Cook will offer a brief presentation reflecting commissioner input from a Dec. 8 work session and that the board will adopt the plan (this facility plan follows a different adoption path than comprehensive master plans).

In infrastructure news, CPIR staff said an 83‑foot bridge on the Poudre River Trail between Windsor and Timnath was installed last week; the span will complete a 45‑mile continuous trail from Greeley to the foothills when work finishes this spring and opening ceremonies are planned. Staff also noted two Natural Resources rangers, Steve Gibson and Aubrey Hilt, are receiving sheriff's office awards for lifesaving actions and that staff hope to provide a small recognition before the board later that day.

Next steps: the Hansen appeal will appear on the March 9 agenda; the Aragon septic appeal is being scheduled for March 23 subject to notice; the Jake's Farm fines certification is on the upcoming admin matters consent agenda; and the Ranch Master Plan presentation and adoption are expected at the afternoon hearing.