By High Country Advocate – October 18, 2025
Red Canoe Holdings: Rezoning and Subdivision Near Alma
Commissioners approved two linked applications from Red Canoe Holdings, LLC, creating five new lots on a 100-acre parcel south of Alma and rezoning two lots from Mining and Recreational Vehicle Park to Residential.
The project, located at 405 County Road 19, dedicates a public right-of-way for County Road 19 and includes provisions for floodplain identification, wildlife management, and setbacks. The Town of Alma requested that any future dense development consider annexation into town limits.
According to the staff report, three five-acre lots will be sold for residential use while two larger tracts—32 and 43 acres—remain designated for a future campground. The subdivision aligns with the 2016 Strategic Master Plan, specifically “Goal #6 – Evolve and Expand Tourism,” while addressing limited housing near Alma.
Three neighboring property owners submitted letters supporting the rezoning, noting that residential use would reduce environmental and traffic impacts compared to expanded campground operations.
Gemenskap (Spruce Hill) PUD Amendment
In Fairplay, commissioners approved a major amendment to the Gemenskap Planned Unit Development, formerly known as Spruce Hill Filing No. 2.
Applicant Borjan, LLC requested that 43 of 60 lots be changed from recreational vehicle designation to allow permanent, year-round single-family homes. The development, located near Highway 285, utilizes Fairplay’s water and sewer system and has been through multiple amendments since its 1998 establishment.
Planners stated the change will “support attainable year-round housing” and generate roughly $50,000 in permit fees and $51,000 annually in property taxes for the county.
Hartsel Fire Protection District Station
Commissioners also approved a conditional use permit for the Hartsel Fire Protection District to construct an unmanned auxiliary fire station on Lot 2, South Park Ranches, at 7127 Moffat Road.
The 56-by-80-foot facility will feature five bays and a gear storage area. While the station will not be staffed full-time, it will reduce emergency response times and improve insurance ratings in the South Park Ranches area. The district is also planning a 30,000-gallon water cistern at the site for future use.
Commissioners emphasized that the new site must remain clean and fenced to avoid issues seen at the Nine Mile Heights station.
Additional Actions
The board also:
– Appointed the Evans Law Group as county attorney.
– Accepted Planning Commission recommendations for new alternates Julie Meyer and Kevin Spencer.
– Approved a conditional use resolution for Jim Smith, allowing a residence within a mining district near Alma under specified conditions.
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