Larimer County delays LifeQuest rezone hearing until Nov. 16
Staff had not assessed the latest revisions, and earlier review found the proposal fell short on compatibility, infrastructure and environmental protection criteria.
Larimer County commissioners delayed a decision on the proposed LifeQuest retreat campus rezone after the applicant presented revised plans. County staff said it had not reviewed the changes. The board set the continued hearing for Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.
Staff told the board it was reacting to the revisions at the same time as commissioners. John Kefalas asked, “How are we expected to make an informed decision based on new information being presented at this moment?” A commissioner said there was insufficient information and favored tabling the matter until staff could review the changes. An applicant representative agreed to a continuation so staff could review the application and perhaps provide an updated report.
The proposed campus covers approximately 235 acres between County Rd. 29 and County Rd. 27, directly north of the City of Loveland reservoir and east of Sunrise Ranch. Ed Goodman said LifeQuest had removed the outdoor amphitheater and campus housing community and moved resort lodging farther north. More than 70% of the revised campus would remain open space, with 3.5 miles of trails, Goodman said.
The Larimer County Planning Commission recommended denying the rezone after hearings June 17 and July 15. The county’s Development Services Team also recommended denial. The staff report found that the proposal did not meet criteria for compatibility with surrounding uses, adequate infrastructure or protection of the natural environment. Public water and sewer service was unavailable on or adjacent to the site at the proposed density, and the applicant planned to expand Sunrise Ranch’s private systems, staff said.
A Loveland Utilities letter opposes any rezoning because the land lies in a Priority Protection Zone beside Green Ridge Glade Reservoir, a drinking-water source serving more than 80,000 customers. Staff said Loveland Utilities raised concerns about potential contamination from wastewater systems, runoff, roads and traffic, and algal blooms. David Karcher said Loveland Utilities told the applicants July 10 it would not object if development moved north of the reservoir-draining watershed, as he said the revised plan does. Kefalas opposed a vote before staff reviewed the changes and questioned whether Loveland Utilities backed Karcher’s account: “I don't even know if Loveland Water is here to back that up.”