Commission recommends approval for Ruby Rose conversion of former bed‑and‑breakfast to four long‑term rental units

The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a high‑impact permit and a special‑use permit for Ruby Rose LLC to convert a former bed‑and‑breakfast at 37951 Highway 184 into a four‑unit residential property. The motion noted that the proposed use conforms with county code and that public utilities and services are available or can be made available to support the use.

Planning staff told the commission the property holds a 2006 CDOT access permit (No. 505109) rated for nine single‑family equivalents; staff reported no CDOT access concerns and recommended a level‑2 traffic assessment for any future development. Staff also said a 4‑inch Montezuma Water main is on the east side of Highway 184 and that an existing well (well permit No. 65642) is permitted for domestic use; the applicant indicated the ADU (Unit 4) will be served by the well and the three units in the main house will be served by Montezuma Water.

At the hearing neighbors raised concerns about water and septic capacity, the long history of vacancy at the former B&B, safety on the shared driveway, trash and bear attractants, and the potential loss of rural character. Ashton Devillier urged the commission to require written confirmation that Montezuma Water can legally provide the necessary taps and to confirm the septic system’s adequacy for multiple independent households; the applicant said she would obtain written documentation from Montezuma Water and that an engineered septic permit for the ADU has been submitted.

The applicant described wildfire mitigation steps already completed — removing debris, contracting tree removal, and switching to rock landscaping — and said she plans to offer one unit at a discounted rate to serve as an on‑site manager and that she is amenable to road‑safety measures such as speed signs and speed bumps. Commissioners placed two conditions on their recommendation: completion/verification of a wildfire mitigation plan and submission of the required business plan and documentation (including water confirmation) prior to final county action. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final decision.