FORT COLLINS, Colorado --The word “must” split the group in charge of developing new land use rules for equestrian operations Tuesday night. Must stable owners register with the county or should it be optional?
Working group members split in a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” consensus test of this line: “The owner of the equestrian operation must complete and sign an Equestrian Operation Registration Certificate prior to operation.”
Under this proposal, even stables with “Use by Right” would have to register with the county.
“I don’t think they should have to do that,” said working group member Wendy Chase. Working group member Jill Cook added, “I think we’re gonna get a lot of negative press for “must”. It changes the whole demeanor of this group.”
Working group members asked what would happen if equestrian operations failed to register. “If it’s in the code and you haven’t done it, and the neighbor complains, then you start not being compliant. Ignorance is not an excuse,” said Hoffman.
Several working group members supported the position that business owners should expect to have to register. “If you’re gonna do this (run a stable), you’re gonna have to fill something out,” said working group member LuAnn Goodyear.
Study facilitator Linda Hoffman tabled the debate for further discussion -- time permitting -- before the proposal becomes official. County commissioners are set to vote on new rules for equestrian operations on December 14.
Working group member Joe Andrews suggested that language from the Right to Farm policy be included in any proposed rules to protect the agricultural nature of equestrian operations. As the proposed rules read now, “This takes the Right to Farm Act away from us,” said Chase.
Under the new plan, equestrian operations would use a formula to determine what level of review they would undergo for county approval. Review levels include use by right, administrative review, minor special review, and special review. There have been no specifics attached, but the intent behind Administrative Review was to make it more affordable for small-to-medium stables to get approval.
“We’re talking about this administrative review being a few hundred dollars,” said Hoffman.
In the administrative review rules, several working group members urged removal of language limiting equestrian operation hours to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Others said hours were important because they protect neighbors.
“The point is we’re protecting neighbors who don’t have a voice,” said Hoffman. (There is no provision for public comment under Administrative Review.) “We’re at the point where we’re trying to find a balance.” The group redefined hours to apply to “routine” operations (versus all operations), and changed hours to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Safe and adequate access and adequate on-site parking would also be required for approvals requiring review.
The working group's proposal will be discussed by the Agricultural Advisory Board and the Environmental Advisory Board, according to Hoffman.
Hoffman said she is receiving phone inquiries primarily about the proposed transition program for existing equestrian operations, and the working group will need to deal with the issue in more detail, especially with regard to what constitutes an existing business.
Next public meetings:
•Thursday, October 29, 2009-6:00 p.m., The Ranch, Thomas M. McKee 4-H Building, Crossroads Blvd and I-25, Loveland, Colorado.
•Tuesday, November 3, 2009-6:00 p.m., Larimer County Courthouse Offices Building, Hearing Room, 1st Floor, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, Colorado.