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LAND USE APPLICATION
SUMMARY
Kim Ogle
USR23-0004
SSJ Farms, LLC c/o Shannon Kemp
11705 Montgomery Circle, Longmont, CO 80504
Hearing Date: March 7, 2023
Layne Libal
LandOne Engineering, 361 71st Avenue, Suite 100, Greeley, CO 80634
13676 County Road 3, Longmont, CO
A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for Doggy
Daycare and Boarding Kennel for up to forty-five (45) dogs in subdivisions in the A
(Agricultural) Zone District
Lot 3, Lake Meadows Subdivision, being a part of the W2NW4 Section 29, Township
3 North, Range 68 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County Colorado
East of and adjacent to County Road 3 approximately 1750 -feet south of Highway 66
± 8.72 acres Parcel No. 1207-29-0-01-001
The criteria for review of this Special Review Permit is listed in Section 23-2-220 of the Weld County Code.
The Department of Planning Services' staff has received referral responses with comments from the
following agencies:
➢ Weld County Department of Planning Services - Building Inspection, referral dated January 17, 2023
➢ Weld County Department of Planning Services — Development Review, referral dated January 20, 2023
➢ Mountain View Fire Rescue, referral dated January 24, 2023
➢ Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, referral dated January 30, 2023
The Department of Planning Services' staff has received referral responses without comments from the
following agencies:
➢ Weld County Department of Planning Services - Code Compliance, referral dated January 15, 2023
➢ Weld County Sherriff's Office, referral dated January 17, 2023
➢ Longs Peak Water District, referral dated January 17, 2023
➢ Town of Firestone, referral dated January 18, 2023
➢ Weld County Oil & Gas Energy Department referral dated January 19, 2023
➢ State of Colorado Department of Agriculture (PACFA), referral dated January 23, 2023
➢ Boulder County, referral dated January 23, 2023
➢ State of Colorado Department of Transportation, referral dated February 13, 2023
The Department of Planning Services' staff has not received responses from the following agencies:
➢ Town of Mead
➢ City of Longmont
➢ Colorado Parks and Wildlife
➢ Platte River Power Authority
➢ Longmont Conservation District
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Case Summary:
The applicant and property owner seeks to permit Mel's Dog House, a doggy daycare and kennel located
at 13676 County Road 3, Longmont within the Lake Meadows subdivision for up to forty-five (45) dogs with
the possibility of expansion in the future. The proposed business would have operating hours of Monday -
Friday 7:00AM-6:00PM for the doggy daycare component and boarding hours of 24/7 with pick-up and
drops offs scheduled for Saturday -Sunday 10:00AM-4:00PM.
The business manager, Melissa, has over 20 years of experience working in kennel operations in the state
of Colorado. Melissa has always loved working with dogs because they show us the importance of
friendship, love, and loyalty. The applicant/investor, Shannon Kemp seeks to permit the facility at the
residence located on an 8.8 -acre parcel within a platted subdivision. The proposed business will offer
daycare for dogs and boarding options for dogs needing care while their owners are out of town. The goal
of the business would be offer the community affordable and safe care for their dogs for the day or for
extended periods of time. All dogs in Mel's Dog House will be supervised and cared for by trained and
compassionate staff in accordance with PACFA (Pet Animal Care Facilities Act) Rules and Regulations.
Existing site improvements include the residence, a shop building and a barn that is proposed to be
converted into the dog kennel area. The kennel building would also include an office space, a restroom,
and a commercial dishwashing area to allow staff to easily maintain cleaning and sanitization of food dishes
and water bowls for the animals in their care. The proposed indoor kennel structure will have wall mounted
LED luminaires with low BUG rating.
The site lighting will be pedestrian scale for safety and to minimize impact to adjacent properties. There are
3 guest parking spaces being proposed, with one of those three spots being reserved for non -ambulatory
guests. The property also has spacious dog run that is enclosed with woven wire fence material held in
place with wooden posts that allows the dogs at Mel's Dog House to play and roam safely. No new fencing
is being proposed. A noise study was conducted that demonstrated minimal noise disturbance due to dogs
playing in the enclosed area.
Access to Mel's Dog House is off of Highway 66 onto County Road 3, a gravel road and onto the property.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SERVICES STAFF RECOMMENDS THAT THIS REQUEST BE
APPROVED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING APPROVAL CRITERIA:
1. The submitted materials are in compliance with the application requirements of Section 23-2-260 of the
Weld County Code.
2. It is the opinion of the Department of Planning Services' staff that the applicant has shown compliance
with Section 23-2-220 of the Weld County Code as follows:
A. Section 23-2-220.A.1 -- The proposed use is consistent with Chapter 22 and any other applicable
code provisions or ordinance in effect.
Section 22-2-10.B. states: "Respecting Private Property Rights. One of the basic principles upon
which the United States was founded is the right of citizens to own and utilize property so long as
that use complies with local regulations and does not interfere with or infringe upon the rights of
others."
The request to utilize the residential platted parcel located on non -agriculturally productive land for
a doggy daycare and kennel, as well as on -going residential use, is in line with this section of the
Comprehensive Plan. The property owner's business will comply with local regulations and does
not appear to interfere with or infringe upon the rights of others.
B. Section 23-2-220.A.2 -- The proposed use is consistent with the intent of the A (Agricultural) Zone
District.
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Section 22-3-10. states, "Agriculture in the County is considered a valuable resource which must
be protected from adverse impacts resulting from uncontrolled and undirected business, industrial
and residential land uses. The A (Agricultural) Zone District is established to maintain and promote
agriculture as an essential feature of the county. The A (Agricultural) Zone District is intended to
provide areas for the conduct of agricultural activities and activities related to agriculture and
agricultural production, and for areas for natural resource extraction and energy development,
without the interference of other, incompatible land uses.
This code section in essence supports the proposed USR application, as the proposed operation
is controlled and does not interfere with agricultural activities or other use by right activities. Weld
County Code Section 23-3-40.N allows for kenneling, dog school and supporting activities for more
than four (4) dogs with approval of a Special Use Permit.
C. Section 23-2-220.A.3 -- The uses which will be permitted will be compatible with the existing
surrounding land uses.
The surrounding land uses of the site include rural residential properties on platted lots and
recorded exemption lots and tracts of irrigated agricultural lands. The proposed use of the site will
be to maintain the current residential use and add the additional use of doggy daycare and
overnight kennel. The manager and part owner of the business will live on the property, as it is their
home.
Notices were sent out to community members by US Mail to properties with residential structures
within 500 -feet of the property introducing the proposed doggie daycare and kennel boarding facility
prior to submitted the application in early January 2023.
Weld County Department of Planning Services staff sent notice to nine (9) surrounding property
owners within 500 feet of the proposed USR boundary. Two telephone calls and two letters in
opposition to the proposed facility were received written correspondence or telephone calls were
received through April 24, 2023
The proposed use is in an area that can support this development and the proposed screening,
Development Standards, and Conditions of Approval will assist in mitigating the impacts of the
facility on adjacent properties and ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses and region.
D. Section 23-2-220.A.4 -- The uses which will be permitted will be compatible with future development
of the surrounding area as permitted by the existing zoning and with the future development as
projected by Chapter 22 of the Weld County Code and any other applicable code provisions or
ordinances in effect, or the adopted Master Plans of affected municipalities.
The site is located within the three (3) mile referral and Coordinated Planning Agreement Area or
an Intergovernmental Agreement Area for the City of Longmont and Towns of Firestone and Mead.
The Town of Firestone in the NOI dated November 8, 2022 indicated they did not want to pursue
annexation of the property and the Town of Mead in the NOI dated November 7, 2022 indicted that
the site is located outside of the Mead Area of Influence and within the Longmont Planning Area.
The City of Longmont in their NOI dated November 9, 2022 indicated they did not want to pursue
annexation of the property. The site is also within three (3) miles of Boulder County.
The Town of Firestone in their referral dated January 18, 2023 indicated no conflicts with their
interests. Boulder County in their referral dated January 23, 2023 indicated no concerns. The Town
of Mead and City of Longmont did not return a referral response.
The site is located outside of the Urban Growth Boundary as delineated on the Town of Firestone
Future Master Plan Map dated 2014. The site is also located outside of the Town of Mead's March
2018 Future Land Use Map and Mead Planning Influence Area. The City of Longmont Future
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Land Use and Transportation System Map delineates this area as outside of the Municipal Service
Area per the Envision Longmont Comprehensive Plan dated June 2016.
E. Section 23-2-220.A.5 -- The application complies with Chapter 23, Articles V and XI, of the Weld
County Code.
The property is not within the Airport Overlay District, 1-25 Overlay District, Geologic Hazard
Overlay District, MS4 - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System area, Historic Townsites Overlay
District, or Agricultural Heritage Overlay District. Building Permits issued on the property will be
required to adhere to the fee structure of the County -Wide Road Impact Fee Program, County
Facility Fee, and Drainage Impact Fee Programs.
F. Section 23-2-220.A.6 -- The applicant has demonstrated a diligent effort to conserve prime
agricultural land in the locational decision for the proposed use.
The proposal is located on a 8.72 acre platted subdivision lot therefore no prime agricultural land
is affected by this proposal.
G. Section 23-2-220.A.7 — There is adequate provisions for the protection of the health, safety, and
welfare of the inhabitants of the neighborhood and County.
The Design Standards (Section 23-2-240, Weld County Code), Operation Standards (Section 23-
2-250, Weld County Code), Conditions of Approval and Development Standards can ensure that
there are adequate provisions for the protection of health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of
the neighborhood and County.
This recommendation is based, in part, upon a review of the application materials submitted by the
applicant, other relevant information regarding the request, and responses from referral entities.
The Department of Planning Services' staff recommendation for approval is conditional upon the following:
1. Prior to recording the map:
A. The applicant shall acknowledge the requirements of Mountain View Fire Rescue referral dated
January 24, 2023. Written evidence of such shall be submitted, in writing, to the Weld County
Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning Services)
B. A Fencing plan to address the outdoor areas for the dogs with a timeline for construction/ installation
shall be submitted to and accepted by the Department of Planning Services. (Department of
Planning Services)
C. The applicant shall address the requirements the Department of Planning Services — Building
Inspection, as stated in the referral response dated January 17, 2023. Evidence of such shall be
submitted in writing to the Weld County Department of Planning Services. (Department of Planning
Services — Building Inspection)
D. A Road Maintenance Agreement is required at this location. Road maintenance includes, but is not
limited to, dust control and damage repair to specified travel routes. (Development Review)
E. The map shall be amended to delineate the following:
1. All sheets of the map shall be labeled USR23-0004 (Department of Planning Services)
2. The attached Development Standards. (Department of Planning Services)
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3. The map shall be prepared in accordance with Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld County Code.
(Department of Planning Services)
4. The applicant shall delineate on the map the trash collection areas. Section 23-2-240.A.13 of
the Weld County Code addresses the issue of trash collection areas. (Department of Planning
Services)
5. The map shall delineate the landscaping in accordance with the approved Landscape Plan.
(Department of Planning Services)
6. The map shall delineate the onsite lighting for the kennel area. (Department of Planning
Services)
7. All signs shall be shown on the map and shall adhere to Chapter 23, Article IV, Division 2 of
the Weld County Code. (Department of Planning Services)
8. The map shall delineate the parking area for the vendors, customers and/or employees.
(Department of Planning Services)
9. County Road 3 is a gravel road and is designated on the Weld County Functional Classification
Map as a local road which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full buildout. The applicant shall
delineate and label on the site map or plat the future and existing right-of-way (along with the
documents creating the existing right-of-way) and the physical location of the road. All setbacks
shall be measured from the edge of right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
(Development Review)
10. Show and label the proposed access, approved access width and the appropriate turning radii
on the site plan. The applicant must obtain an access permit in the approved location.
(Development Review)
11. Show and label the approved tracking control on the site plan. (Development Review)
12. Show and label the drainage flow arrows. (Development Review)
13. Show and label the parking and traffic circulation flow arrows showing how the traffic moves
around the property. (Development Review)
2. Prior to Operation:
A. The facility manager shall provide evidence of a current Pet Animal Care Facilities Act
(PACFA) license. (Department of Planning Services)
B. An On -Site Wastewater Treatment system is required for the kennel structure and shall be
installed according to the Weld County On -Site Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS)
Regulations. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
C. The existing barn was built without permits. In order to use the building for commercial
purposes it will need to be brought into compliance with Weld Counties adopted building
codes. In addition to the listed items on the commercial building permit, the building and
foundation will need to be assessed by a Colorado licensed structural engineer. (Department
of Planning Services — Building Inspection)
D. The kennel building shall have a Certificate of Occupancy. (Department of Planning Services
— Building Inspection)
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3. Upon completion of Condition of Approval #1 above, the applicant shall submit one (1) electronic
copy (.pdf) of the map for preliminary approval to the Weld County Department of Planning
Services. Upon approval of the map the applicant shall submit a Mylar map along with all other
documentation required as Conditions of Approval. The Mylar map shall be recorded in the office
of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder by the Department of Planning Services. The map shall
be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld County Code.
The Mylar map and additional requirements shall be submitted within one hundred twenty (120)
days from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution. The applicant shall be
responsible for paying the recording fee. (Department of Planning Services)
4. In accordance with Appendix 5-J of the Weld County Code, should the map not be recorded within
the specified timeline from the date of the Board of County Commissioners Resolution, a $50.00
recording continuance fee shall be added for each additional 3 -month period. (Department of
Planning Services)
5. The Use by Special Review Permit is not perfected until the Conditions of Approval are completed
and the map is recorded. Activity shall not occur, nor shall any building or electrical permits be
issued on the property, until the Use by Special Review plat is ready to be recorded in the office of
the Weld County Clerk and Recorder or the applicant has been approved for an early release
agreement (Department of Planning Services)
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SITE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
SSJ Farms, LLC I Mel's Dog House
USR23-0004
1. Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit, USR23-0004, for Doggy Daycare
and Boarding Kennel for up to forty-five (45) dogs in subdivisions in the A (Agricultural) Zone District,
subject to the Development Standards stated hereon. (Department of Planning Services)
2. Approval of this plan may create a vested property right pursuant to Section 23-8-10 of the Weld County
Code. (Department of Planning Services)
3. USR23-0004 for a for Doggy Daycare and Boarding Kennel for up to forty-five (45) dogs is non-
transferrable and the permit shall expire upon conveyance of the property to a new owner. (Department
of Planning Services)
4. The hours of operation for the boarding kennel are 24 hours/day. All boarded animals shall be kept
indoors between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM (Department of Planning Services)
5. The hours of operation for the office are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, as stated in the application materials.
(Department of Planning Services)
6. The hours of operation for the scheduled pick-up and drops offs are Saturday -Sunday 10:00 AM -4:00
PM., as stated in the application materials. (Department of Planning Services)
7. The number of full-time employees shall be up to four (4), in addition to the property owners.
(Department of Planning Services)
8. The parking area on the site shall be maintained. (Department of Planning Services)
9. All signs shall adhere to Chapter 23, Article IV, Division 2 of the Weld County Code. (Department of
Planning Services)
10. The existing landscaping and proposed fencing on the site shall be maintained. (Department of
Planning Services)
11. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for controlling noxious weeds on the site, pursuant
to Chapter 15, Article I and II, of the Weld County Code. (Development Review)
12. The access to the site shall be maintained to mitigate any impacts to the public road, including damages
and/or off -site tracking. (Development Review)
13. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on public roads. On -site parking shall be utilized.
(Development Review)
14. The Property Owner shall comply with all requirements provided in the executed Road Maintenance
Agreement. (Development Review)
15. The Road Maintenance Agreement for this site may be reviewed on an annual basis, including a site
visit and possible updates. (Development Review)
16. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts on the site will be maintained. (Development Review)
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17. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sitesand Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5,
C.R.S.) shall be stored and removed for final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and
groundwater contamination. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
18. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is not meant to include those
wastes specifically excluded from the definitionof a solid waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and
Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
19. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner thatcontrols fugitive dust, fugitive
particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other potential nuisance conditions. The applicant shall
operate in accordance with Chapter 14, Article 1 of the Weld County Code. The accepted waste
handling plan shall be adhered to. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
20. Fugitive dust should attempt to be confined on the property. Uses on theproperty should comply with
the Colorado Air Quality Commission's air quality regulations. The accepted dust abatement plan shall
be adhered to. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
21. The facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowedin the Residential Zone as
delineated in 25-12-103 C.R.S. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
22. The applicant shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of theColorado Department of
Agriculture (CDA), Division of Animal Industry. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
23. Animal and feed wastes, bedding, debris, and other organic wastes shall be disposed of so that vermin
infestation, odors, disease hazards,and nuisances are minimized. (Department of Public Health and
Environment)
24. A permanent, adequate water supply shall be provided for drinking and sanitary purposes as applicable.
(Department of Public Health and Environment)
25. Any On -site Wastewater Treatment System located on the property mustcomply with all provisions of
the Weld County Code, pertaining to On-siteWastewater Treatment Systems. (Department of Public
Health and Environment)
26. Any washing areas shall capture all effluent and prevent discharges in accordance with the Rules and
Regulations of the Water Quality Control Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
(Department of Public Health and Environment)
27. The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and Federal agencies
and the Weld County Code. (Department of Public Health and Environment)
28. Sources of light shall be shielded so that light rays will not shine directly onto adjacent properties where
such would cause a nuisance or interfere with the use on the adjacent properties in accordance with
the plan. Neither the direct, nor reflected, light from any light source may create a traffic hazard to
operators of motor vehicles on public or private streets. No colored lights may be used which may be
confused with, or construed as, traffic control devices. (Department of Planning Services)
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29. Building permits may be required, for any new construction, set up of manufactured structures, or
change of use of existing buildings per Section 29-3-10 of the Weld County Code. Buildings and
structures shall conform to the requirements of the various codes adopted at the time of permit
application. Currently the following has been adopted by Weld County: 2018 International Building
Codes, 2018 International Energy Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, and Chapter 29 of the Weld
County Code. A Building Permit Application must be completed and two (2) complete sets of
engineered plans bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered architect or engineer must be
submitted for review. A Geotechnical Engineering Report, performed by a Colorado registered
engineer, shall be required or an Open Hole Inspection. A building permit must be issued prior to the
start of construction. (Department of Building Inspection)
30. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with the Design and Operation
Standards of Chapter 23 of the Weld County Code.
31. Necessary personnel from the Weld County Departments of Planning Services, Public Works, and
Public Health and Environment shall be granted access onto the property at any reasonable time in
order to ensure the activities carried out on the property comply with the Conditions of Approval and
Development Standards stated herein and all applicable Weld County regulations.
32. The Use by Special Review area shall be limited to the plans shown hereon and governed by the
foregoing standards and all applicable Weld County regulations. Substantial changes from the plans
or Development Standards, as shown or stated, shall require the approval of an amendment of the
Permit by the Weld County Board of County Commissioners before such changes from the plans or
Development Standards are permitted. Any other changes shall be filed in the office of the Department
of Planning Services.
33. USR23-0004 for a for Doggy Daycare and Boarding Kennel for up to forty-five (45) dogs in subdivisions
in the A (Agricultural) Zone District is non-transferrable and the permit shall expire upon conveyance
of the property to a new owner.
34. The property owner or operator shall be responsible for complying with all of the foregoing Development
Standards. Noncompliance with any of the foregoing Development Standards may be reason for
revocation of the Permit by the Board of County Commissioners.
35. Construction or use pursuant to approval of a Use by Special Review Permit shall be commenced within
three (3) years from the date of approval, unless otherwise specified by the Board of County
Commissioners when issuing the original Permit, or the Permit shall be vacated. The Director of
Planning Services may grant an extension of time, for good cause shown, upon a written request by
the landowner.
36. This Use by Special Review shall terminate when the use is discontinued for a period of three (3)
consecutive years, the use of the land changes or the time period established by the Board of County
Commissioners through the approval process expires. The landowner may notify the Department of
Planning Services of a termination of the use, or Planning Services staff may observe that the use has
been terminated. When either the Department of Planning Services is notified by the landowner, or
when the Department of Planning Services observes that the use may have been terminated, the
Planner shall send certified written notice to the landowner asking that the landowner request to vacate
the Use by Special Review Permit.
37. RIGHT TO EXTRACT MINERAL RESOURCES STATEMENT: Weld County has some of the most
abundant mineral resources, including, but not limited to, sand and gravel, oil, natural gas, and
coal. Under title 34 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, minerals are vital resources because (a) the
state's commercial mineral deposits are essential to the state's economy; (b) the populous counties of
the state face a critical shortage of such deposits; and (c) such deposits should be extracted according
to a rational plan, calculated to avoid waste of such deposits and cause the least practicable disruption
of the ecology and quality of life of the citizens of the populous counties of the state.
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Mineral resource locations are widespread throughout the County and persons moving into these areas
must recognize the various impacts associated with this development. Often times, mineral resource
sites are fixed to their geographical and geophysical locations. Moreover, these resources are
protected property rights and mineral owners should be afforded the opportunity to extract the mineral
resource.
38. WELD COUNTY'S RIGHT TO FARM STATEMENT: Weld County is one of the most productive
agricultural counties in the United States, typically ranking in the top ten counties in the country in total
market value of agricultural products sold. The rural areas of Weld County may be open and spacious,
but they are intensively used for agriculture. Persons moving into a rural area must recognize and
accept there are drawbacks, including conflicts with long-standing agricultural practices and a lower
level of services than in town. Along with the drawbacks come the incentives which attract urban
dwellers to relocate to rural areas: open views, spaciousness, wildlife, lack of city noise and congestion,
and the rural atmosphere and way of life. Without neighboring farms, those features which attract urban
dwellers to rural Weld County would quickly be gone forever.
Agricultural users of the land should not be expected to change their long-established agricultural
practices to accommodate the intrusions of urban users into a rural area. Well -run agricultural activities
will generate off -site impacts, including noise from tractors and equipment; slow -moving farm vehicles
on rural roads; dust from animal pens, field work, harvest and gravel roads; odor from animal
confinement, silage and manure; smoke from ditch burning; flies and mosquitoes; hunting and trapping
activities; shooting sports, legal hazing of nuisance wildlife; and the use of pesticides and fertilizers in
the fields, including the use of aerial spraying. It is common practice for agricultural producers to utilize
an accumulation of agricultural machinery and supplies to assist in their agricultural operations. A
concentration of miscellaneous agricultural materials often produces a visual disparity between rural
and urban areas of the County. Section 35-3.5-102, C.R.S., provides that an agricultural operation
shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance if the agricultural operation alleged to be a nuisance
employs methods or practices that are commonly or reasonably associated with agricultural production.
Water has been, and continues to be, the lifeline for the agricultural community. It is unrealistic to
assume that ditches and reservoirs may simply be moved "out of the way" of residential development.
When moving to the County, property owners and residents must realize they cannot take water from
irrigation ditches, lakes, or other structures, unless they have an adjudicated right to the water.
Weld County covers a land area of approximately four thousand (4,000) square miles in size (twice the
size of the State of Delaware) with more than three thousand seven hundred (3,700) miles of state and
county roads outside of municipalities. The sheer magnitude of the area to be served stretches
available resources. Law enforcement is based on responses to complaints more than on patrols of
the County, and the distances which must be traveled may delay all emergency responses, including
law enforcement, ambulance, and fire. Fire protection is usually provided by volunteers who must leave
their jobs and families to respond to emergencies. County gravel roads, no matter how often they are
bladed, will not provide the same kind of surface expected from a paved road. Snow removal priorities
mean that roads from subdivisions to arterials may not be cleared for several days after a major
snowstorm. Services in rural areas, in many cases, will not be equivalent to municipal services. Rural
dwellers must, by necessity, be more self-sufficient than urban dwellers.
People are exposed to different hazards in the County than in an urban or suburban setting. Farm
equipment and oil field equipment, ponds and irrigation ditches, electrical power for pumps and center
pivot operations, high speed traffic, sandburs, puncture vines, territorial farm dogs and livestock, and
open burning present real threats. Controlling children's activities is important, not only for their safety,
but also for the protection of the farmer's livelihood.
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