URGENT UPDATE: Boulder County is set to hold a public hearing today at 1 p.m. regarding the controversial Riverside Cabins’ special use review, a crucial step for the owner to legalize cabin rentals and address ongoing zoning violations. The hearing was rescheduled after the county mistakenly notified neighbors of a different date, intensifying community tension over the future of this property.
The meeting will take place both virtually and in person at the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 1325 Pearl St., Boulder. Interested parties can register to speak virtually via bit.ly/49A4Cqv. The Boulder County staff is recommending approval for Riverside Cabins to be designated as a resort lodge, allowing up to 34 overnight guests—a proposal that has raised significant concerns among neighbors.
Located at 16188 N. St. Vrain Drive, the cabins have a storied past, dating back to the late 1800s as the Welch Resort. Recently, the property operated as Shelly’s Cottages until its closure following severe flood damage in 2013. After being sold to Rockmont Investments LLC in 2021, the cabins have faced scrutiny for unpermitted rentals, with the county previously issuing multiple cease-and-desist letters.
“Residents are worried that accommodating 34 guests will strain local resources,” said Cat Oehlman, a neighbor who has raised multiple concerns about the impact on her property and community. Oehlman emphasized that previous operations allowed for fewer guests and included on-site management, which facilitated better oversight.
The Boulder County Planning Commission previously recommended conditional approval of the resort lodge designation, urging that the number of guests be limited to 28 unless the septic system is upgraded to support more. Additional recommendations include safety measures such as removing fire pit propane tanks, improving access roads, and creating a landscape management plan.
Concerns surrounding compliance have also been echoed by Regina Cleveland, another neighbor, who reported that construction related to the cabins has disrupted the previously peaceful environment. “The noise and lights from the new parking lot are incredibly intrusive,” Cleveland stated, highlighting the need for immediate attention to neighborhood concerns.
Despite the county’s intention to facilitate compliance rather than punishment, the ongoing issues have left many residents skeptical. Planning Manager Jesse Rounds mentioned that while the county can levy fines of $1,000 plus $100 per day for violations, fines were not imposed as the owner has made progress toward compliance through the special use review process.
The outcome of the public hearing today could significantly reshape the future of Riverside Cabins and its relationship with the surrounding community. As residents prepare to voice their opinions, the potential for a resort lodge designation hangs in the balance, reflecting the ongoing struggle between development and community interests.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
