Twin Acres Riding Stables

THE HEARING & SITE VISIT IS 

MARCH 26, 2024

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!

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Come to the Site Visit at 2:30 March 26 & Bring A Sign!

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We don't know what changes we'll be adjudicating in an updated application!

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Understand the concerns. 

Read 

a clear discussion of concerns 

TARS in the foreground of one resident's Sopris view


THAT is not "peaceful enjoyment" as required by Eagle County for a Special Use Permit.

The covered jumping arena is 20,000 sq ft compared to nearby homes <4,000 sq ft. 

The proposed development is in a basin, resembling a huge football field. Surrounding homes represent the stands (several at field level). Residents would be unwilling spectators of every commercial activity, experiencing all the environmental impacts (odors, light, noise, flies, loose dogs, dust, etc.) associated with a large commercial equestrian operation. 

~Standard 5-250.B.2: Compatibility, Standard 5-250.B.4: Design Minimizes Adverse Impact

Countdown to Hearing

To prepare for the hearing, watch the RFVPC hearing, and read the Staff Memo

Tuesday, March 19 - Staff Report by Planning Director.  The Planning Director shall prepare and distribute a detailed Staff Report evaluating the application to the applicant and make the report available to the public no later than five (5) working days before the first scheduled public hearing on the application

Tuesday March 26 - Hearing

Keep Missouri Heights Rural's mission is to preserve the rural character, sustainability, safety and quality of life of Missouri Heights, an elevated desert with a fragile environment.


Our purpose is to protect against unbridled and commercial development and other incompatible land uses as well as activities that put a strain on vital resources and infrastructure, especially to preserve water and prevent wildfire. Overall, we are opposed to measures that negatively impact the serene character and safety of the area and its wildlife habitats.


Given all that we know and what you will soon know, about the Twin Acres  Boarding and Riding Stable Special Use application, there can be only one conclusion, the Board of Eagle Commissioners should deny the special use application.  Rather than repeat the myriad of reasons why the Twin Acres application fails to comply with the provisions of the Eagle County Land Use Code and the standards included in the Comprehensive Plan, including the Mid-Valley Plan Missouri Heights Future Land Use Plan area and strategies for the Missouri Heights Character Area, we adopt the reasons set forth in the letter dated March 18, 2024, sent to Eagle County in reference to the application on behalf of property owners in the Missouri Heights area signed by Haley Carmer and Mary Elizabeth Geiger.   We can only emphasize that the high impact commercial, recreational use proposed by applicant in the midst of a long established residential neighborhood that sits nearly on top of the proposed riding and boarding stable wholly fails the compatibility litmus test.  Looking at the totality of the negative effects on the immediate neighborhood as well as bicyclists and motorists who utilize the local roads; negative effects on the wildlife corridor and overcrowding of an already difficult evacuation route in the event of a wildfire, there is only one conclusion, the application should be denied. 

Public Comments submitted so far!

194 Total Comments

51 Supporting

10 Asking questions or giving corrections 

131 Against 

2 Middle of the Road


Contracted Land Use Attorney Discusses Rural Land Use

We are learning that Eagle County's outdated land use regulations are the reason proposals like Twin Acres are even considered in Missouri Heights. The good news is that Eagle County is re-writing our Land Use Regulations. Watch Todd Messenger, who has been contracted for the rewrite. He appears to understand us and our concerns!

2min 39 sec

Watch for Updates Here


TLocation: 623 Fender Ln - El Jebel

Application Materials: ZS-009260-2022


Public Hearing Information:


Public Comment Information:


The Eagle County staff report for the BOCC hearing will contain staff's recommended motions. 

The Board has discretion to reach different findings, a different conclusion, different conditions, or even table consideration to a future date. 

In reaching a different conclusion the Board would need to identify standards from the regulations which lead them to that conclusion. 

The Board could decide to include a wide variety of different changes to the proposal such as reducing or expanding hours of operation, number of horses, number of events, size & location of buildings, etc. 

Just because staff is recommending specific findings, conclusions and motions does not mean that the Board has to agree. I hope that helps.  

~Vince Hooper March 8, 2023 (County Planner)

The proposal is for a new commercial recreational facility with up to 45 (per water court documents) horses to be kept on the property. Horseback riding lessons and arenas will be available. Events will also be held on the property about two times a year with approximately 100 people at each event. 


The Eagle County Land Use Regulations (ECLURs) define a boarding stable as, “a structure designed for the feeding, housing and exercising of horses not owned by the owner of the premises and for which the owner receives compensation.” The ECLURs define a riding stable as, “an establishment that has available for rent or lease four (4) or more animals for periods of twenty-four (24) hours or less, or in return for compensation, gives lessons to develop horsemanship.” 


Why neighbors are concerned (this is not an inclusive list).