Board approves short-term rental at Richmond Hill Road; occupancy corrected to match septic capacity

Jefferson County’s Board of Adjustment approved a special-exception permit July 16 to allow a short-term rental at 26788 Richmond Hill Road after staff determined the property meets zoning criteria and defensible-space requirements. Planner Mary Sloan told the board the 2.98-acre property in the Agricultural 2 district is served by Elk Creek Fire Protection District, has a defensible-space permit valid through April 16, 2028, and a septic system sized for three bedrooms. Staff recommended approval subject to standard STR conditions. Applicant Kristen Sternhaagen said she and her husband plan to self-manage initially and rely on a local cleaning company, local snow-removal and handyman services; she emphasized fire-safety measures (annual chimney sweep for a wood-burning stove insert) and a local guidebook for guests. Board members asked about smoke detection and the applicant said she would investigate noise detectors. Board members noted a drafting inconsistency in the staff packet that listed a higher occupancy and Johnson moved to correct the record so the maximum occupancy is limited to six persons to match the permitted three-bedroom septic. The motion passed on roll call with all five members voting aye. Ending: The applicant was told to file required STR documentation with planning and to coordinate enforcement of house rules; the board suggested noise detectors and other management best practices as optional follow-up.