UPDATE: Boulder County is set to make a critical decision today regarding the Riverside Cabins special use review. At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the county commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the owner’s request to designate the cabins as a resort lodge, allowing for licensed rentals amid ongoing zoning violations.
This urgent meeting comes after the hearing was postponed due to incorrect notifications sent to neighbors. Residents are anxiously awaiting the outcome, which could significantly impact the neighborhood dynamics. The hearing will be accessible both virtually and in person at the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 1325 Pearl St., Boulder. Interested parties can sign up to speak virtually at bit.ly/49A4Cqv.
The owner, Rockmont Investments LLC, represented by Micah Kohls and consultant Tom Parko, aims to accommodate up to 34 overnight guests across nine cabins spread over five buildings on approximately five acres northwest of Lyons. However, the Boulder County Planning Commission has recommended limiting the guest capacity to 28 until the septic system is upgraded.
Boulder County staff is advocating for the approval of this designation, which is crucial for the cabins that have a historical lodging background dating back to the late 1800s. Previous operations as Shelly’s Cottages ceased following the devastating 2013 flood, leading to a need for compliance with current zoning laws.
“This process would bring them into compliance with the code,” said Jesse Rounds, Code Compliance Planning Manager.
Concerns from neighbors have been voiced regarding the proposed increase in guest capacity. Many fear that accommodating 34 guests will strain local resources and disrupt the community’s tranquility. Public comments have highlighted issues such as potential trespassing and noise, with residents expressing frustration over the absence of on-site management.
Resident Cat Oehlman, who shares a boundary with the Riverside property, stated, “We want consideration and honesty. We want oversight.” She raised alarms about recent modifications made by the new owners and their potential impact on surrounding properties, especially in light of the area’s vulnerability to flooding.
Additionally, neighbors have reported ongoing rental operations despite orders to cease, raising questions about the enforcement of local codes. Boulder County officials previously issued multiple letters to Rockmont Investments in 2022, 2024, and 2025, addressing unpermitted rentals, yet no fines were imposed as the owner has sought to comply through this special use review process.
Today’s hearing is pivotal not only for the future of Riverside Cabins but also for the local community, which is under considerable stress due to the proposed changes. With neighbors worried about their quality of life and property values, the Boulder County commissioners face the challenge of balancing development interests with community concerns.
As the hearing unfolds, residents and stakeholders will closely monitor the decisions made and their implications for the future of Riverside Cabins and the surrounding neighborhood.
Stay tuned for further updates as Boulder County evaluates this crucial special use review.
