URGENT UPDATE: Boulder County is set to hear critical developments regarding the Riverside Cabins resort lodge proposal today at 1 p.m. The owner, Rockmont Investments LLC, seeks to resolve ongoing zoning violations by obtaining a special use review, allowing the cabins to be licensed for rental. This public hearing is pivotal for local residents and the future of the property.
The meeting will take place both virtually and in-person at the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 1325 Pearl St., Boulder. The hearing was rescheduled due to an earlier notice error, making today’s session essential for community stakeholders to voice their opinions.
Boulder County staff has recommended approval of the resort lodge designation for Riverside Cabins, which consists of nine cabins spread across five buildings on approximately 5 acres northwest of Lyons. Previously, the Boulder County Planning Commission indicated conditional approval, emphasizing the need for all prior renovations to be officially permitted.
Concerns have escalated among neighbors regarding the proposal to host up to 34 overnight guests. The Planning Commission has suggested limiting this to 28 guests unless significant upgrades to the septic system are made. Residents fear that such a high capacity will strain local resources and disrupt the peace of their community.
“This has been a popular destination for a very long time,” stated Tom Parko, representing Rockmont Investments, during a September Planning Commission meeting. The cabins have a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s when they were known as Welch Resort.
However, the property has recently faced scrutiny. In August, Boulder County Code Compliance Planning Manager Jesse Rounds reported ongoing violations related to unpermitted rentals, leading to calls for possible fines against the owner. Despite receiving multiple notices to cease operations, Rockmont has not been fined as they moved forward with the special use review.
Concerns from neighbors include issues of trespassing and inadequate on-site management, as the proposed property manager would live off-site. Neighbor Cat Oehlman expressed her frustrations, recounting instances of guests disrupting her home at night. “We’re not saying we don’t want a resort,” she said. “What we want is consideration and honesty.”
The upcoming hearing will also address recommendations for improvements, such as enhancing the access road, adding signage, and developing a wildfire management plan. Neighbors are particularly worried about the potential impact on local wells and floodplain restrictions affecting the property.
As this situation unfolds, the Boulder County commissioners are expected to weigh the concerns of local residents against the potential benefits of restoring the cabins to a functioning lodge. This decision could reshape the future of Riverside Cabins, which has struggled to maintain compliance with county regulations since the previous owners ceased operations following the 2013 flood.
The public is encouraged to participate in the hearing either online or in-person, highlighting the community’s engagement in local governance. For those wishing to speak virtually, registration can be completed at bit.ly/49A4Cqv.
Next steps: Following today’s hearing, a decision from the Boulder County commissioners is expected soon. Community members are eager to see how the outcome will impact the neighborhood and the continued operation of Riverside Cabins as a potential resort destination.
