Commission approves zoning change to allow non‑ATV outfitters in light‑industrial zones, 6–1

Grand County commissioners voted 6–1 on April 21 to amend the county land‑use code to allow non‑ATV outfitters and guide services as a permitted use in light‑industrial zones, following a staff recommendation and a favorable planning commission report.

Planning Director Andrew Jackson told the commission the request was submitted by the owner of an e‑bike business on Cane Creek Boulevard and that staff found the use similar to existing allowed activities in the light‑industrial zone. "Both staff and the planning commission recommend approval of the ordinance," Jackson said during his presentation.

Commissioner Trish Vadine opposed immediate approval, saying the county is in the middle of a land‑use code rewrite and that changing the use table for a single property owner risks creating inconsistent standards. "We can't continue to do this, especially when we have an updated land‑use code coming up," Vadine said, urging the commission to avoid piecemeal changes that later require broader corrections.

Commissioner Brian Martinez argued the change would help diversify the county's tourism economy and avoid standing in the way of local business: "Our job is not to stand in the way of business," he said, noting limited commercial space for new tourism‑oriented enterprises.

The commission adopted the ordinance by roll call, with Commissioner Haddeen recorded in opposition. The ordinance will change the use table in the land‑use code to list non‑ATV outfitters, guide services and rental businesses as permitted in the county's light‑industrial zoning districts.

What happens next: the amendment takes effect according to the timetable in the approved ordinance and will be incorporated into the upcoming comprehensive land‑use code update. Staff will update the code tables and related standards as necessary to reflect the change.

Votes and process: the motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded on the floor after staff presentation, followed by public and commissioner discussion and a recorded vote (6 in favor, 1 opposed).