HomeMy WebLinkAboutpitco.ost.crystalislandranch3.consdeed.504658
DEED OF CONSERVATION EASEMENT IN GROSS
CRYSTAL ISLAND RANCH III
THIS DEED OF CONSERV A nON EASEMENT ("Easement Deed") is granted this 29th
day of November 2004, by CIR 2 RANCH, LLC, CIR 3 RANCH, LLC, and CIR 4 RANCH,
LLC, eacha Colorado limited liability company, ("Grantors"), to and for the benefit of ASPEN
V ALLEY LAND TRUST, a Colorado nonprofit corporation, 320 Main Street, Suite 204,
Carbondale, Colorado 81623, (the "Trust")( collectively, the "Parties").
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Grantors are the sole owners in fee simple of certain real property in Pitkin
County, State of Colorado, comprised of three parcels totaling approximately 105 acres, more
particularly described in Exhibit A (the "Property");
WHEREAS, the Property possesses natural, scenic, open space, wildlife, and recreational
values (collectively, "Conservation Values") of importance to the Trust, the people of Pitkin
County, and the people of the State of Colorado that are worthy of preservation;
WHEREAS, in particular, the Property consists of undisturbed dry upland with native
species of Quercus Gambelii (Scrub Oak), Amelanchier (Serviceberry) and Artemesia Tridentata
(Sagebrush) predominating, with Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) at higher elevations;
WHEREAS, the Property will preserve a contiguous parcel of protected land, as it is
bordered by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property on the north and east, which in turn is
adjacent at a higher elevation to the White River National Forest;
WHEREAS, the Property remains in a substantially undisturbed, natural state, and has
significant ecological, wildlife, open space, and aesthetic values, and preservation of these
natural features and values will yield substantial public benefit;
WHEREAS, the Property is significant winter and summer habitat and migratory winter
range for mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, and habitat for black bear, cougar, bobcat, gray and red
fox, coyote, and yellow-bellied marmot as well as bald eagle, golden eagle, wild turkey, and
numerous species ofneo-tropical birds, reptiles, and amphibians;
WHEREAS, the Pitkin County Land Use Code promotes conservation of the Property:
Subsection 2-10, Community Balance, states that: "The dominant policy of Pitkin County is to
conserve and protect from further degradation the present natural environment and its resources."
Subsection, 2-120, Scenic Quality, states that: "It is the policy of the County to preserve its
natural, rural scenery for the benefit of its residents and the continued viability of its resort
economy. To preserve scenic quality, the County will prohibit or require mitigation of the visual
impacts ofIand uses and development." Subsection, 2-160, Wildlife Management, states that: "It
is the policy of the County to identify and protect all wildlife habitat for the preservation of
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wildlife and prohibit land use patterns which disrupt such habitat." Subsection 2-280,
Compatibility with Public Lands, states that: "It is the policy of the County to preserve and
protect public lands from the impacts of incompatible development by promoting land uses
within and nearby public lands which are compatible with public use of those lands and the
preservation ofthe natural environment;"
WHEREAS, Pitkin County adopted an Ecological Bill of Rights (EBOR) in 2001, which
states that: "as stewards of our natural heritage and resources, we see the integrity of our valley
ecosystem increasingly challenged by human activity. Population growth and the accompanying
sprawl are seriously damaging and threatening to destroy the ecological carrying capacity
(environmental sustainability) of this valley." Under EBOR, Pitkin County implements the
following rights: "right to breathe clean air and enjoy clear vistas; right to the preservation and
restoration of native wildlife and plant diversity by preservation of sufficient habitat, the right to
dedicated open space protected from urbanization and development, the right to be free from
excessive noise, the right to see the night sky without the interference of unnecessary artificial
light from growth, urbanization, and highway development, and the right to maintain and not
exceed the carrying capacity (sustainability) ofIand and water;"
WHEREAS, the specific Conservation Values of the Property are documented in an
inventory of relevant features of the Property, dated November 2000 [as summarized in Exhibit
B ("Baseline Documentation Summary")], as it may be supplemented with reports, maps,
photographs, and other documentation prepared at the time the easement herein was granted and
which are on file with the Trust, that the Parties agree accurately represents the Property at the
time of this grant and which is intended to serve as an objective information baseline for
monitoring compliance with the terms of this grant. However, the Baseline Documentation is not
intended to preclude the use of other evidence to establish the present condition of the Property if
there is a controversy over its use;
WHEREAS, Grantors intend that the Conservation Values of the Property be preserved,
protected, and maintained by the continuation of land use patterns, including, without limitation,
those relating to open space and wildlife habitat existing at the time of this grant, which the Trust
acknowledges and agrees are not inconsistent with the protection or preservation of those
Values;
WHEREAS, Grantors, as owners of the Property, intend to convey to the Trust the right
to preserve and protect the Conservation Values of the Property in perpetuity;
WHEREAS, the Trust agrees by accepting this grant to honor the intentions of Grantors
stated herein and to preserve and protect in perpetuity the Conservation Values of the Property
for the benefit of this generation and the generations to come;
WHEREAS, the Trust is a charitable organization as described in Section 50 I (c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and is a publicly-supported
organization as described in Section l70(b)(l)(A) of the Code whose primary purpose is to
preserve and protect the natural, scenic, agricultural, historical, and open space resources of the
greater Roaring Fork Valley area, including the area in which the Property is located, by
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assisting landowners who wish to protect their land in perpetuity, and IS a "qualified
organization" to do so within the meaning of Section l70(h)(3) of the Code;
WHEREAS, the State of Colorado has recognized the importance of private efforts
toward the preservation of natural systems in the State by the enactment ofC.R.S. ~~38-30.5-l01
et seq.; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Trust has duly authorized the Trust's
Executive Director or her designee to execute and accept Conservation Easements on behalf of
the Trust.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the matters above, the mutual covenants,
terms, conditions and restrictions contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Grant. Grantors hereby voluntarily and irrevocably grant and convey to the Trust a
perpetual Conservation Easement in gross (the "Easement"), pursuant to c.R.S. ~~38-30.5-l 0 I et
seq., consisting of the rights and restrictions enumerated herein, over and across the Property
described in Exhibit A attached hereto, to have and to hold said Easement unto the Trust and its
successors and assigns forever. The Easement shall constitute a binding servitude upon the
Property and shall be subject to prior reservations, easements, encumbrances and exceptions of
record, except as otherwise set forth herein.
2. Purposes. The purposes of this Easement are to assure that the Property will remain
forever predominantly in its scenic, natural and open space condition, subject to the uses of the
Property permitted hereunder, and to prevent any use of the Property that will be inconsistent
with the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values of the Property and, in the event
of their degradation or destruction, to restore such Conservation Values of the Property. Grantors
intend that this Easement will permit the following uses deemed to be consistent with the
preservation and protection of the Conservation Values of the Property, including, without
limitation, those involving private recreation, wildlife habitat, open space, and general
conservation purposes. Pursuant to the terms of C.R.S. ~~38-30.5-l01 et seq., the Property
preserved hereby may not be converted or directed to any uses other than those provided herein
and pursuant to Section 13.1 herein.
3. Baseline Documentation. The Parties acknowledge that a Baseline Documentation
of the Property has been prepared by Jonathan Lowsky, a person familiar with Conservation
Easements, the Property, and the environs. The Baseline Documentation has been reviewed and
approved by the Trust and Grantors as an accurate representation of the biological and physical
condition of the Property at the time of this grant. However, the Baseline Documentation is not
intended to preclude the use of other evidence to establish the present condition of the Property if
there is a controversy over its use. Grantors have retained a copy of the Baseline Documentation
for its records and a copy of the Baseline Documentation is on file with the Trust.
4. Rights of Trust. To accomplish the purposes of this Easement, Grantors convey the
following rights to the Trust:
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4.1.
perpetuity;
The right to preserve and protect the Conservation Values of the Property in
4.2. The right to enter upon the Property at reasonable times, to inspect the Property
thoroughly, to monitor Grantors' compliance with, and otherwise enforce the terms of this
Easement Deed; provided that such entry shall be upon seventy-two (72) hours prior notice to
Grantors, and except that no such notice shall be required in the event the Trust reasonably
believes that immediate entry upon the Property is essential to prevent or mitigate a violation of
this Easement Deed. The Trust shall not unreasonably interfere with Grantors' use and quiet
enjoyment ofthe Property;
4.3. The right to prevent any activity on or use ofthe Property that is inconsistent with
the purposes of this Easement, or the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values of
the Property, and to require the restoration of such areas or features of the Property that are
damaged by any inconsistent activity or use; and
4.4. Any other rights that the Parties may approve consistent with the purposes of this
Easement and the Conservation Values.
5. Prohibited and Permitted Uses. The following uses and practices by Grantors,
though not an exhaustive recital, are consistent with or prohibited by this Easement Deed.
Certain of these consistent uses and practices are identified as being subject to specified
conditions, such as to the notice provision as described in Section 9, and to the requirement of
and procedures for prior approval by the Trust as described in Section 10. Any activity on or use
of the Property inconsistent with the purposes of this Easement is prohibited.
5.1. The construction, placement, reconstruction, or replacement of any buildings,
structures, camping accommodations, mobile homes, parking lots, or billboards are prohibited,
except that Grantors retain the right, per each thirty-five (35) acre parcel, to construct, repair, and
maintain one (1) cabin, not to exceed 1,000 square feet of total floor area, in a building envelope
not to exceed .5 acres in accordance with Pitkin County's Rural and Remote Zoning, Section 3-
40-115, Pitkin County Land Use Code, attached as Exhibit C. Grantors agree to notify Trust
prior to undertaking such permitted activities, though the construction and location of such
improvements does not require Trust's approval. Said reserved right shall include vehicular
access to any 1,000 square foot cabin constructed on existing or future roads, driveways, or
rights of way established for such purpose;"
5.2. The sale, use, or transfer of any density or development rights over and above
what Grantors retain in Subsection 5.1 is prohibited, except that pursuant to the Pitkin County
Land Use Code and following rezoning of the Property to Rural and Remote, if Grantors shall
apply for and obtain such rezoning, Grantors retain the right to transfer one development right
per parcel to a qualified receiving property in lieu of the right reserved in Section 5. I, to
construct, repair and maintain a 1,000 square-foot cabin;
5.3. The conveyance of easements, rights-of-ways, or the paving or grading of existing
roadways is prohibited, except that Grantors reserve the right to apply for special approval from
Pitkin County for a driveway on each parcel and improvements to existing roadways in
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accordance with Pitkin County's Rural and Remote Zoning, Section 3-40-115, Pitkin County
Land Use Code, attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein; unless the building rights
are extinguished, at which time no further roads may be constructed;
5.4. The change, disturbance, alteration, or impairment of the relatively natural habitat
for plants, wildlife, or similar ecosystems within and upon the Property is prohibited, except as
necessary to the uses permitted in Subsection 5.1;
5.5. The removal, destruction, or cutting of native vegetation is prohibited, except in
emergencies or as necessary for fire or disease prevention, or as necessary to the uses permitted
in Subsection 5.1;
5.6. The introduction of non-native plant or animal species is prohibited;
5.7. The installation or placement of fencing on the Property is prohibited, except that
Grantors reserve the right to install fences that meet Colorado Division of Wildlife standards and
are located outside of critical wildlife habitat as defined by the Pitkin County Land Use Code.
Fences that meet Colorado Division of Wildlife standards and are located in critical wildlife
habitat or migration corridors require special review in accordance with Pitkin County's Rural
and Remote Zoning, Section 3-40-1 15, Pitkin County Land Use Code, attached hereto as Exhibit
C and incorporated herein;
5.8.
permitted;
The grazing of livestock consistent with sound livestock management practices is
5.9. The use of pesticides or herbicides other than for the control of noxious weeds
and pests in a marIner consistent with sound environmental conservation practices, as determined
by the NRCS, or other such entity as may be qualified at the time to oversee such practices, is
prohibited;
5.10. The exploration for or extraction of minerals, oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons,
soils, sands, gravel, rock, geothermal resources, peat, or other materials on or below the surface
of the Property by Grantors, their heirs, successors, transferees, or assigns, is prohibited.
Grantors, their heirs, successors, transferees, or assigns shall not transfer, lease, or otherwise
separate the soil, sand, gravel, rock, oil, natural gas, fuel, or any other mineral substance from the
Property;
5.11. Grantors retain the right to divide the parcels or make lot line adjustments to the
parcels provided that no such division or adjustment shall create a parcel of less than seventy
(70) acres;
5.12. The use of any private recreational motorized vehicles off roadways now existing
or new roadways permitted herein, or in a manner inconsistent with the preservation and
protection of the Conservation Values, is prohibited except in cases of emergency;
5.13. The establishment or maintenance of any commercial feed lot, defined for
purposes of this Easement Deed as a permanently constructed, confined area or facility within
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which the land is not grazed or cropped annually, for purposes of engaging in the business of the
reception and extended feeding and finishing of large numbers of livestock for hire is prohibited;
5.14. The accumulation, dumping, or other disposal of trash, ashes, garbage, or other
offensive or unsightly refuse on the Property is prohibited;
5.15. The manipulation, diversion, or other alteration of streams that degrades or
destabilizes their natural banks or shorelines is prohibited;
5.16. The degradation, pollution, or drainage of any surface or sub-surface water is
prohibited;
5.17. Any use that would increase or substantially add to the risk of soil erosion is
prohibited;
5.18. Any change in the topography of the Property through the placement therein of
soil, land fill, dredging spoils, or other material is prohibited;
5.19. Any commercial or industrial activity, including any commercial recreational
activities such as the leasing of hunting or trapping rights, or the charging of other access fees is
prohibited on the Property;
5.20. The transfer, encumbrance, lease, sale, or other separation of the Water Rights
necessary or appropriate for use in present or future ranching, agricultural production, or the
maintenance of wildlife habitat on the Property is prohibited;
5.21. The erection, construction, installation, relocation, or use of a communication
facility, a telecommunication facility, a network element or any other telecommunication
facilities, equipment, or material that may be used for telecommunications or to provide such
services is prohibited; except personal or low-impact telecommunications services;
5.22. Utility lines or substations are prohibited on the Property, except those necessary
and directly related to uses of the Property permitted by this Easement Deed, in accordance with
with Pitkin County's Rural and Remote Zoning, Section 3-40-115, Pitkin County Land Use
Code, attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein;
5.23. Wind-powered electric generators are prohibited on the Property;
5.24. External lighting that interferes with wildlife on the Property or with landowners
whose property is within sight of the Property is prohibited.
6. Reserved Rights. Grantors reserve to themselves and to their personal
representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns, all rights accruing from their ownership of the
Property, including the right to engage in all uses of the Property not expressly prohibited herein
that are consistent with the purposes of this Easement Deed. Grantors shall notify the Trust in
writing, as described in Sections 9 and 10, before exercising reserved rights that might be
inconsistent with the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values. Grantors have the
burden to prove that the Grantors' uses are consistent with this Easement Deed.
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7. Access. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as affording the public any more
than visual access to any portion ofthe Property, although Grantors may permit public access to
the Property on such terms and conditions as they deems appropriate, provided that such access
is consistent with the terms of this Easement Deed.
8. Representations and Warranties. Grantors represent and warrant that, after
reasonable investigation and to the best of their knowledge:
8.1. No substance defined, listed, or otherwise classified pursuant to any federal, state,
or local law, regulation, or requirement as hazardous, toxic, polluting, or otherwise
contaminating to the air, water, or soil, or in any way harmful or threatening to human health or
the environment exists or has been released, generated, treated, stored, used, disposed of,
deposited, abandoned, or transported in, on, from, or across the Property, except for fuels
customarily used or transported in connection with camping, wrangling, agricultural and
construction activities on the Property;
8.2. There are not now any underground storage tanks located on the Property,
whether presently in service or closed, abandoned, or decommissioned, and no underground
storage tanks have been removed from the Property in a manner not in compliance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and requirements;
8.3. Grantors and the Property are in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws,
regulations, and requirements applicable to the Property and its use;
8.4. There is no pending or threatened litigation in any way affecting, involving, or
relating to the Property;
8.5. No civil or criminal proceedings or investigations have been instigated at any time
or are now pending, and no notices, claims, demands, or orders have been received, arising out of
any violation or alleged violation of, or failure to comply with, any federal, state, or local law,
regulation, or requirement applicable to the Property or its use, nor do there exist any facts or
circumstances that Grantors might reasonably expect to form the basis for any such proceedings,
investigations, notices, claims, demands, or orders; and
8.6. Grantors warrant that Grantors have good and sufficient title to the Property, that
Grantors have good right, full power and lawful authority to grant and convey this Easement, that
any mortgages or liens on the Property are and shall remain subordinate to the terms of this
Easement Deed, and Grantors hereby promise to warrant and forever defend the title to the
Easement Deed against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming by, through or under
Grantors, the whole or any part thereof, except for rights-of-way, easements, restrictions,
covenants and mineral reservations of record, which are acceptable to the Trust at the time of
execution of this Easement Deed.
9. Notice of Intention to Undertake Certain Permitted Actions. The purpose of
requiring Grantors to notify the Trust before undertaking certain permitted activities or uses is to
afford the Trust an opportunity to ensure that the activities or uses in question are designed and
carried out in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Easement Deed. Whenever notice
and the Trust's approval, as described in Section 10 below are required, Grantors shall notify the
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Trust in writing not less than sixty (60) days prior to the date Grantors intend to undertake the
activity or use in question, unless a different time period for the giving of notice is provided
herein as to the activity or use in question. Whenever notice is required without the Trust's
approval, Grantors shall notify the Trust in writing not less than thirty (30) days in advance of
the activity or use. The notice shall describe the nature, scope, design, location, timetable, and
any other material aspect of the proposed activity or use in sufficient detail to permit the Trust to
make an informed judgment as to the activity or use's consistency with the purposes of this
Easement and the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values.
10. The Trust's Approval. Whenever this Easement Deed requires that Grantors obtain
the Trust's approval of any activity on or use of the Property, such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed. Where the Trust's approval is required, the Trust shall grant
or withhold its approval in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantors' written notice
(as described in Section 9, above) of and request therefor. The Trust's approval may be withheld
at the Trust's sole discretion if the Trust determines that the action as proposed would be
inconsistent with the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values or the purposes or
terms of this Easement Deed; the reason(s) for such a determination shall be set forth with
specificity by the Trust in a written notice to Grantors. Where a modification of the proposed use
or activity by Grantors would render the same consistent with the purposes of this Easement
Deed and the preservation and protection of the Conservation Values, the Trust may specify, in
such written notice to Grantors, such required modifications.
11. Trust's Remedies: Enforcement. The Trust shall have the right to prevent and
correct or require correction of violations of the terms and purposes of this Easement Deed. The
Trust may enter the Property for the purpose of inspecting for violations in accordance with
Subsection 4.2 above. If the Trust finds what it believes is a violation, or a threat of a violation,
the Trust shall notify Grantors of the nature of the alleged violation. Upon receipt of this notice,
Grantors shall immediately discontinue any activity that could increase or expand the alleged
violation and shall either: (1) restore the Property as is best possible to its condition prior to the
violation in accordance with a plan approved by the Trust; or (2) provide a written explanation to
Trust of the reason why the alleged violation should be permitted. If the Trust is not satisfied
with Grantors' written explanation, the Parties agree to meet as soon as possible to resolve this
difference. If a resolution of this difference cannot be achieved at the meeting, the Parties agree
to meet with a mutually acceptable mediator to attempt to resolve the dispute pursuant to Section
11.1 below.
At any time, including if Grantors do not immediately discontinue any activity or use that
could increase or expand the alleged violation while the Parties are attempting to resolve the
alleged violation, the Trust may take appropriate legal action pursuant to the Sections below,
including seeking injunctive relief by ex parte means if necessary, to stop an alleged violation.
The Trust's remedies described in this Easement Deed shall be cumulative and shall be in
addition to all remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity, including the right to
recover any damages for loss of scenic or environmental values. The failure of the Trust to
discover a violation or to take immediate legal action shall not bar the Trust from doing so within
four (4) years from the date upon which the violation is discovered.
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11.1. Mediation. If a dispute arises between the Parties concerning the consistency of a
use or activity with the purpose of this Easement Deed, and Grantors agree not to proceed with
the use or activity pending resolution of the dispute, either Party may refer the dispute to
mediation by written request upon the other. Within ten (10) days of the receipt of such request,
the Parties shall select a single trained and impartial mediator with experience in Conservation
Easement Deeds and other land preservation tools. If the Parties are unable to agree on the
selection of a single mediator, then the Parties shall each select a trained and impartial mediator
with experience in Conservation Easement Deeds and other land preservation tools, and those
two mediators shall select a similarly skilled mediator who shall alone mediate the dispute.
Mediation shall then proceed in accordance with the following guidelines:
A. Purpose. The purpose of the mediation is to: (1) promote discussion
between the Parties; (2) assist the Parties to develop and exchange
pertinent information concerning the issues in dispute; and (3) assist the
Parties to develop proposals which will enable them to arrive at a mutually
acceptable resolution of the controversy. The mediation is not intended to
result in any express or de facto modification or amendment of the terms,
conditions, or restrictions of this Easement Deed.
B. Participation. The mediator may meet with the Parties and their counsel
jointly or ex parte. The Parties agree that they will participate in the
mediation process in good faith and expeditiously, attending all sessions
scheduled by the mediator, except in cases when the Trust believes that
Conservation Values are continuing to be harmed during the mediation
process in which case the Trust can suspend its involvement in the
mediation to remedy this threat of ongoing violation. Representatives of
the Parties with settlement authority will attend mediation sessions as
required by the mediator.
C. Confidentiality. All information presented to the mediator shall be
deemed confidential and shall be disclosed by the mediator only with the
consent of the Parties or their respective counsel. The mediator shall not
be subject to subpoena by any Party in any subsequent litigation. No
statements made or documents prepared for mediation sessions shall be
disclosed in any subsequent proceedings or construed as an admission of a
party.
D. Time Period. Neither Party shall be obligated to continue the mediation
process beyond a period of sixty (60) days from the date of receipt of the
initial request or if the mediator concludes that there is no reasonable
likelihood that continuing mediation will result in a mutually agreeable
resolution of the dispute. The Parties shall equally share and each bear
fifty percent (50%) of the mediator's fees.
11.2. Iniunctive Relief. The Trust may bring an action at law or in equity, ex parte as
necessary, in a court of competent jurisdiction, to enforce the terms of this Easement Deed and to
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enjoin by temporary or permanent injunction a violation, which may require restoration of the
Property to the condition that existed prior to the violation.
I 1.3. Damages. The Trust shall be entitled to recover damages for violation of the
terms of this Easement Deed or injury to the Conservation Values, including, without limitation,
damages for the loss of scenic, aesthetic, or environmental values. Without limiting Grantors'
liability therefor, the Trust, in its sole discretion, may apply any damages recovered to the cost of
undertaking any restorative, remediative, or corrective action on the Property.
11.4. Emergencv Enforcement. If the Trust reasonably believes an ongoing or
threatened imminent activity violates the Easement Deed, the Trust may, in its sole discretion,
take immediate legal action as set forth in this Section 1 I without prior notice to Grantors,
without waiting for the period provided for cure to expire, and without waiting for the sixty (60)
day mediation period to expire.
11.5. Scope of Relief. The Trust's rights under this Section 11 apply equally in the
event of either actual or threatened violations of the terms of this Easement Deed. Grantors agree
that the Trust's remedies at law for any violation of the terms of this Easement Deed are
inadequate and that the Trust shall be entitled to the injunctive relief described in Subsection
11.2, both prohibitive and mandatory, in addition to such other relief to which the Trust may be
entitled, including specific performance of the terms of this Easement Deed, without the
necessity of proving either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal
remedies. The Trust's remedies described in this Section 11 shall be cumulative and shall be in
addition to all remedies now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.
11.6. Costs of Enforcement. All reasonable costs incurred by the Trust in enforcing the
terms of this Easement Deed against Grantors including, without limitation, costs and expenses
of suit and reasonable attorney's fees, and any costs of restoration necessitated by Grantors'
violation of the terms of this Easement Deed shall be borne by Grantors; provided, however, that
if Grantors ultimately prevail in a judicial enforcement action, each Party shall bear its own
costs.
11.7. The Trust's Discretion. Enforcement of the terms of this Easement Deed shall be
at the sole discretion of the Trust, and any forbearance by the Trust to exercise its rights under
this Easement Deed in the event of any breach of any term of this Easement Deed by Grantors
shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver by the Trust of such term or any subsequent
breach of the same or any other term of this Easement Deed or of any of the Trust's rights under
this Easement Deed. No delay or omission by the Trust in the exercise of any right or remedy
upon any breach by Grantors shall impair such right or remedy or be construed as a waiver.
11.8. Waiver of Certain Defenses. No action shall be commenced or maintained to
enforce the terms of any building restriction described in this Easement Deed, or to compel the
removal of any building or improvement, unless said action is commenced within four (4) years
from the date of discovery of the violation for which the action is sought to be brought or
maintained. To the extent that any defense available to Grantors pursuant to C.R.S. ~38-4 I - I 19
is inconsistent with the foregoing, Grantors waive that defense. Grantors waive the defenses of
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laches, estoppel, and prescription with regard to the enforcement of all other terms of this
Easement Deed.
11.9. Acts Beyond Grantors' Control. Nothing contained in this Easement Deed shall
be construed to entitle the Trust to bring any action against Grantors for any injury to or change
in the Property resulting from causes beyond Grantors' control including, without limitation, fire,
flood, storm, and earth movement, or from any prudent action taken by Grantors under
emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to the Property resulting
from such causes. Grantors are not responsible for acts of third parties who are out of Grantors'
control, except that Grantors are responsible for guests, invitees, and other third parties
authorized by Grantors to access the Property.
12. Costs, Liabilities, Taxes and Environmental Compliance.
12.1. Costs. Legal Requirements and Liabilities. Grantors retain all responsibilities and
shall bear all costs and liabilities of any kind related to the ownership, operation, upkeep, and
maintenance of the Property, including the maintenance of adequate liability insurance coverage.
Grantors remain solely responsible for obtaining any applicable governmental permits and
approvals for any construction or other activity or use permitted by this Easement, and all such
construction or other activity or use shall be undertaken in accordance with all applicable federal,
state, and local laws, regulations and requirements. Grantors shall keep the Property free of any
liens arising out of any work performed for, materials furnished to, or obligations incurred by
Grantors.
12.2. Taxes. Grantors shall pay before delinquency all taxes, assessments, fees, and
charges of whatever description levied on or assessed against the Property by competent
authority (collectively "Taxes"), including any Taxes imposed upon, or incurred as a result of,
this Easement, and shall furnish the Trust with satisfactory evidence of payment upon request.
The Trust is authorized, but in no event obligated, to make or advance any payment of Taxes,
upon ten (10) days prior written notice to Grantors, in accordance with any bill, statement, or
estimate procured from the appropriate authority, without inquiry into the validity of the Taxes or
the accuracy of the bill, statement, or estimate, and the obligation created by such payment shall
bear interest until paid by Grantors to the Trust at the lesser of fifteen percent (15%) per armum,
or the maximum rate allowed by law.
12.3. Remediation. If, at any time, there occurs, or has occurred, a release in, on, or
about the Property of any substance now or hereafter defined, listed, or otherwise classified
pursuant to any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or requirement as hazardous, toxic,
polluting, or otherwise contaminating to the air, water, or soil, or in any way harmful or
threatening to human health or the environment, Grantors agree to take all steps necessary to
assure its containment and remediation, including any cleanup that may be required, unless the
release was caused by the Trust, in which case the Trust shall be responsible therefor.
12.4. Control. Nothing in this Grant shall be construed as giving rise, in the absence of
a judicial decree, to any right or ability in the Trust to exercise physical or managerial control
over the day-to-day operations of the Property, or any of Grantors' activities on the Property, or
otherwise to become an operator with respect to the Property within the meaning of The
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended
("CERCLA"), and any Colorado state law counterpart.
12.5. Hold Harmless. Grantors shall hold harmless, indemnify, and defend the Trust
and its members, directors, officers, employees, agents, and contractors and the heirs, personal
representatives, successors, and assigns of each of them (collectively "Indemnified Parties")
from and against all liabilities, penalties, costs, losses, damages, expenses, cause of action,
claims, demands, or judgments, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, arising
from or in any way connected with: (I) injury to or the death of any person, or physical damage
to any property, resulting from any act, omission, condition, or other matter related to or
occurring on or about the Property, regardless of cause, unless due solely to the negligence of
any of the Indemnified Parties; (2) the violation or alleged violation of, or other failure to comply
with, any state, federal, or local law, regulation, or requirement, including, without limitation, the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA),
by any person other than any of the Indemnified Parties, in any way affecting, involving, or
relating to the Property; (3) the presence or release of hazardous or toxic substances in, on, from,
under or about the Property at any time, of any substance now or hereafter defined, listed, or
otherwise classified pursuant to any federal, state, or local law, regulation, or requirement as
hazardous, toxic, polluting, or otherwise contaminating to the air, water, or soil, or in any way
harmful or threatening to human health or the environment, unless caused solely by any of the
Indemnified Parties; (4) federal or state tax benefits or consequences of any kind which result or
do not result from entering into or donating this Easement Deed, including Grantors' eligibility
for Colorado's Gross Conservation Easement Income Tax Credit pursuant to C.R.S. ~39-22-522;
and (5) the obligations, covenants, representations, and warranties contained herein.
13. Extinguishment and Condemnation.
13.1. Extinguishment. In granting this Easement, Grantors have considered the
possibility that uses prohibited by the terms of this Easement Deed may become more
economically valuable than permitted uses and that neighboring properties may be used entirely
for such prohibited uses in the future. It is the intent of Grantors and the Trust that any such
changes shall not be deemed circumstances justifying the termination or extinguishment of this
Easement Deed. In addition, the inability of Grantors, or Grantors' heirs, successors, or assigns,
to conduct or implement any or all of the uses permitted under this Easement Deed, or the
unprofitability of doing so, shall not impair the validity of this Easement Deed or be considered
grounds for its termination or extinguishment.
If circumstances arise in the future that render the purposes of this Easement Deed
impossible to accomplish, this Easement Deed can only be terminated or extinguished, whether
in whole or in part, by judicial proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction after the court has
explored all options for importing other purposes for the Easement Deed pursuant to the cy pres
doctrine. Each party shall promptly notify the other when it first learns of such circumstances.
The amount of the proceeds to which the Trust shall be entitled, after the satisfaction of prior
claims, from any sale, exchange, or involuntary conversion of all or any portion of the Property
subsequent to such termination or extinguishment, shall be determined, unless otherwise
provided by Colorado law at the time, in accordance with the Proceeds paragraph, below. The
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
Trust shall use all such proceeds in a marmer consistent with the conservation purposes of this
Easement Deed.
13.2. Proceeds. Grantors and the Trust stipulate that as of the date of this Easement
Deed, they are each vested with a real property interest in the Property. The Parties further
stipulate that the Trust's interest in the Easement has a value of 57% of the fair market value of
the Property from this date forward. This percentage is equal to the percentage of reduction in
fair market value to the Property after the Easement was granted, as shown by the appraisal
completed by Hunsperger and Weston on November 18,2004. The appraisal substantiating this
reduction in value shall be provided to, and remain on file with, the Trust. For purposes of this
Subsection, the Trust's percentage interest in the Property shall remain constant in relation to any
future fair market value of the Property. However, the value of any improvements to the Property
made by Grantors after the date of this Easement Deed, is reserved to Grantors. The values of
the Property and the Easement shown on the appraisal shall be those values used to calculate the
deduction for federal income tax purposes allowable by reason of this grant, pursuant to Section
I 70(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
13.3. Condemnation. If all or any part of the Property is taken by exercise of the power
of eminent domain or acquired by purchase in lieu of condemnation, whether by public,
corporate, or other authority, so as to terminate this Easement, in whole or in part, Grantors and
the Trust shall act jointly to recover the full value of the interests in the Property subject to the
taking or in-lieu purchase and all direct or incidental damages resulting therefrom. All expenses
reasonably incurred by Grantors and the Trust in connection with the taking or in-lieu purchase
shall be paid out of the amount recovered. The Trust's share of the balance of the amount
recovered shall be determined by multiplying that balance by the percentage set forth in
Subsection 13.2.
13.4. Application of Proceeds. The Trust shall use any proceeds received under the
circumstances described in this Section 13 in a marmer consistent with its conservation purposes,
which are exemplified by this grant.
14. Assignment. This Easement is transferable by the Trust, in whole or in part, with
notice given to the Grantors, provided the Trust may assign its rights and obligations under this
Easement only to an organization that is (a) a qualified organization at the time of transfer under
Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor provision
then applicable), and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder; (b) authorized to
acquire and hold conservation Easements under Colorado law; and (c) charged with a mission
similar to that of the Trust, including but not limited to the Board of County Commissioners of
Pitkin County, Colorado. As a condition of such transfer, the Trust shall require the transferee to
expressly agree, in writing, to carry out and uphold the purposes of this Easement and the
Conservation Values and otherwise assume all of the obligations and liabilities of the Trust set
forth herein or created hereby. After such transfer, (assuming a transfer in whole) the Trust shall
have no further obligation or liability under this Easement Deed. The Trust agrees to give written
notice to Grantors of an assignment at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of such assignment.
The failure of the Trust to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such assignment nor
shall it impair the validity of this Easement Deed or limit its enforceability in any way.
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
15. Subsequent Transfers. Grantors agree to incorporate the terms of this Easement
Deed in any Deed or other legal instrument by which it divests itself of any interest in the
Property, including, without limitation, a leasehold interest. Grantors further agree to give
written notice to the Trust of the transfer of any such interest at least thirty (30) days prior to the
date of such transfer, and provide the opportunity for the Trust to explain the terms of this to
potential new owners prior to sale closing. The failure of Grantors to perform any act required by
this paragraph shall not impair the validity of this Easement Deed or limit its enforceability in
any way.
16. Estoppel Certificates. Upon request by Grantors, the Trust will consider providing a
document or estoppel certificate to certify Grantors' compliance, if the same is appropriate under
the circumstances surrounding the request.
17. Notices. Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that
either Party desires or is required to give to the other shall be in writing and either served
personally or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows or to such other
address as either party from time to time shall designate by written notice to the other:
To Grantors:
Richard C. Jelinek
0312 Ridge Road
Aspen, CO 81611
With Copv to:
Leonard M. Oates, Esq.
Oates Knezevich & Gardenswartz, P.C.
533 East Hopkins Ave., 3rd Floor
Aspen, CO 81611
To the Trust:
Aspen Valley Land Trust
320 Main Street, Suite 204
Carbondale, CO 8 I 623
18. Recordation. The Trust shall record this instrument in timely fashion in the official
records of Pitkin County, Colorado, and may re-record it at any time as may be required to
preserve its rights in this Easement Deed.
19. Amendment. If circumstances arise under which an amendment to this Easement
Deed would be appropriate to promote the purposes of the Easement, Grantors and the Trust may
jointly amend this Ea'sement Deed. However, the Trust is under no obligation to amend this
Easement Deed, and may decline to amend this Easement Deed in its sole and exclusive
judgment. No amendment shall be allowed that will affect the qualifications of the Easement
under any applicable law. Any amendment must be consistent with the purposes of the
Easement and the Conservation Values and may not affect the Easement's perpetual duration.
No amendment shall be permitted that is inconsistent with the preservation and protection of the
Conservation Values. Any amendment must be in writing, signed by all Parties, and recorded in
the records of the Clerk and Recorder of Pitkin County, Colorado.
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00 .
20. General Provisions.
20.1. Exhibits. The following Exhibits are attached to and incorporated by reference
into this conservation Easement Deed. Exhibit A: Property Legal Description, Exhibit B:
Summary Description, Inventory of Relevant Features of Property, Exhibit C: Pitkin County
Land Use Code, Subsection 3-40-115, Rural and Remote.
20.2. Definitions. The terms "Grantors" and "Trust", wherever used herein, and any
pronouns used in place of those terms, shall be deemed to include, respectively, Grantors and
Grantors' heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and
the Trust, its successors and assigns.
20.3. Controlling Law. The interpretation and performance of this Easement Deed shall
be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado.
20.4. Liberal Construction. Any general rule of construction to the contrary
notwithstanding, this Easement Deed shall be liberally construed in favor of the grant to effect
the purposes of the Easement and the policy and purpose ofC.R.S. ~~38-30.5-101 et seq. Ifany
provision in this instrument is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent with the
purposes of the Easement that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any
interpretation that would render it invalid. The common law rules of disfavoring restrictions on
the use of real property and construing restrictions in favor of the free and unrestricted use of real
property shall not apply to interpretations of this Easement Deed or to disputes between the
Parties concerning the meaning of particular provisions of this Easement Deed.
20.5. Severability. If any provision of this Easement Deed, or the application thereof to
any person or circumstance, is found to be invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this
Easement Deed, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those
as to which it is found to be invalid, as the case may be, shall be deemed severable and remain in
full force and effect.
20.6. Entire Agreement. This instrument sets forth the entire agreement between the
Parties with respect to the Easement and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations,
understandings, or agreements relating to the Easement, all of which are merged herein.
20.7. No Forfeiture. Nothing contained herein will result in a forfeiture or reversion of
Grantors' title in any respect.
20.8. Joint Obligation. The obligations imposed by this Easement Deed upon Grantors
shall be joint and several.
20.9. Successors. The covenants, terms, conditions, and restrictions of this Easement
Deed shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Parties hereto and their respective
personal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns and shall continue as a servitude running
in perpetuity with the Property.
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
20.10. Termination of Rights and Obligations. A party's rights and obligations under this
Easement Deed terminate upon transfer of the party's interest in the Easement or the Property,
except that liability for acts or omissions occurring prior to transfer shall survive transfer.
20.11. Captions. The captions in this instrument have been inserted solely for
convenience of reference and are not a part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon
construction or interpretation.
20.12. Counteroarts. The Parties may execute this instrument in two or more
counterparts, which shall, in the aggregate, be signed by all Parties; each counterpart shall be
deemed an original instrument as against any Party who has signed it. In the event of any
disparity between the counterparts produced, the recorded counterpart shall be controlling.
20.13. Merger. Unless the parties expressly state that they intend a merger of estates or
interests to occur, no merger shall be deemed to have occurred hereunder or under any document
executed in the future affecting this grant.
1!!~!lf~JIIII(J~ II~I ~llll/II 111/1/ II/ ~'I ;,~1!~, .i:."
R 116.00 00.00
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantors and the Trust have executed this Deed of
Conservation Easement as of the date first written above.
GRANTORS
CIR 2 Ranch, LLC, CIR 3 Ranch, LLC and CIR 4 Ranch LLC
By d2L_/~ -~
.v"Richard C. Jelinek, M ger/Sole Member
Title:
STATEOF~~'.
fl-t.._ ) ss.
COUNTY OF r -Lt'n\j )
TN
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ,Q q' day of November 2004, by
Richard C. Jelinek as Manager/Sole Member of CIR 2 Ranc~CIR 3 Ranch, LLC and CIR
4 Ranch LLC, as Grantors.
[SEAL]
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
ACCEPTED by TRUST:
ASPEN VALLEY LAND TRUST,
a Colorado nonprofit corporation,
By:LIIU~ &d~J
1
Martha Cochran
Its: Executive Director
STATEOFCviG(~(clo )
.. I) ss.
COUNTY OF -04 yhe (d )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this $l) day of No
by Martha Cochran as Executive Director of AJi V ALLEY LAND TRU
nonprofit corporation. / !
WITNESS my hand and official seal. f ! /
[SEAL]
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SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
My commission expires:
N
i[,Y:J7/:20G~
. ,
17
Exhibit A
Crystal Island Ranch
Lots 17W, 18W, and 19W Legal Descriptions
17W
PROPERTY DESCRIPTiON
A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE W1/2 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 88 WEST OF THE 6TH
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND is ALSO SITUATED IN A PORTION OF THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS RECEPTION NO.
326845 OF THE PITKIN COUNTY RECORDS.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING A TTHE SW CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23; THENCE, N.71022'20"E., 5,561.87 FEETTO A POINT ON
THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 23, THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE, N.70005'17'W., 2,501.92 FEET; THENCE,
N.44013'35'E., 1,494.90 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF THE SW1/4 OF THE NE1/4 OF SAID SECTION 23;
THENCE, S.ooo11'37"W., 1,082.06 FEET ALONG SAID EAST LINE; THENCE, S.89049'44"E., 1,316.17 FEET ALONG
THE E-W CENTERLINE OF SAID SECT/ON 23 TO THE EAST 1/4 CORNER OF SECTION 23; THENCE, S.00'11 '42"W..
837.35 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 23 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1,543,162 SQUARE FEET OR 35.426 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
18W
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE W1/2 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 88 WEST OF THE 6TH
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND is ALSO SITUATED IN A PORTION OF THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS RECEPTION NO.
326845 OF THE PITKIN COUNTY RECORDS.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE SW CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23; THENCE, N.71'22'20"E., 5,561.87 FEET TO A POINT ON
THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 23, THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE, S.00'11'42"W., 694.06 FEET ALONG
SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 23; THENCE, LEAVING SAID EAST LINE S.89017'23"W., 435.18 FEET; THENCE,
N.58009'30'W., 2,512.83 FEET; THENCE, N.44013'35'E., 315.17 FEET; THENCE, S.70005'17''E., 2,501.92 FEET TO A
POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 23, THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1,546,840 SQUARE FEET OR 35.511 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
1111111 11111111111111111111111111111111 1111111111111111 ~~~;~~t~f 0~~ 03P
SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00
19W
PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE S1/2 OF SECTION 23, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 88 WEST OF THE 6TH
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND IS ALSO SITUATED IN A PORTION OF THOSE PROPERTIES DESCRIBED AS RECEPTION
NO. 343855 AND RECEPTION NO. 326845 OF THE PITKIN COUNTY RECORDS.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE SW CORNER OF SAID SECTION 23; THENCE, N.84 o52'40'E., 4,879.93 FEET TO THE POINT
OF BEGINNING; THENCE, N.55047'05'W., 2,966.60 FEET; THENCE, N.44013'35'E., 417.28 FEET; THENCE,
S.58009'30'E., 2,512.83 FEET; THENCE, N.89017'23"E., 435.18 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID
SECTION 23; THENCE, S.00011'42'W., 544.54 FEET ALONG SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 23; THENCE, LEAVING
SAID EAST LINE OF SECTION 23 S.75051'Q4'W., 418.53 FEETTO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.
SAID PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1,526,002 SQUARE FEET OR 35.032 ACRES, MORE OR LESS.
l~~I(/IWII('~ ~(' ~"I ~I WI III ~/I ;,;~,;r~, ,;'."
R 116.00 0 0.00 .
Exhibit B
Summary ofthe Property's Conservation Values
Crystal Island Ranch
Lots 17W, l8W and 19W
The purpose of the conservation easement on the CIR 2,3 & 4 RANCH, LLC properties
is to preserve, in perpetuity, the following conservation attributes:
I. Native vegetation providing significant wildlife habitat. The property is remote,
undeveloped, relatively undisturbed and topographically complex, and features
diverse native mountain shrub communities, an aspen copse, and shale outcrops.
These features provide cover, forage, nesting, rearing, migratory habitat, and/or
habitat linkages for many species of vertebrates, including mountain lion, black
bear, bobcat, coyote, and many birds, small mammals, and reptiles. The property
is relatively free of noxious weeds or other introduced plant species.
2. Winter range and habitat connectivity for American elk and mule deer. The
property lies within elk winter range areas mapped by the Colorado Division of
Wildlife (CDOW), and within summer and winter mule deer range. The property
provides ample cover, succulent forage, and safe passage for large ungulates
moving across the landscape and between concentration areas. Evidence of heavy
elk and deer use is present on the property.
3. Open space with scenic and natural rural character. The property is not visible
from adjacent and nearby private lands, and minimally visible from adjacent
public lands.
4. Biodiversity Rank: The property lies adjacent to the area referred to as The
Crown in The Roaring Fork Watershed Biological Inventory 1997-1999. The
Crown has a rank of B2 or very high significance. This ranking is due largely to
the plant communities in the area.
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 ;~;:1:0~f 0;3 0~P
SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00 .-
Exhibit C
Pitkin County Land Use Code
3-40-115 RR Rural/Remote
A. Intent: The intent of the Rural/Remote Zone District is to conserve and protect the natural
environment and its resources; to preserve the unique low-scale, low-density backcountry
character and lifestyle; to minimize environmental degradation; to retain undeveloped areas; and
to allow for limited recreational uses and limited residential development while still preserving
the character of rural/remote lands and to allow for the transfer of development rights to areas
that are more appropriate for development. Areas within the Rural/Remote Zone District exhibit
some or all of the following characteristics: I. Location more than one-half mile from winter
maintained public roadways. 2. Absence of traditional utility service districts, such as electric,
gas and phone. 3. Limited availability or absence of rapid, traditional Pitkin County emergency
services. 4. Little or no development existing in the surrounding area. 5. Presence of natural
hazard areas or resource areas, such as steep slopes, avalanche, high wildfire areas or important
wildlife habitats. 6. Location within subalpine or alpine ecosystems, and/or location at or above
nine thousand-foot (9,000') elevation. 7. Location adjacent to Forest Service or Bureau of Land
Management owned properties. 8. Unique backcountry character, including historic resources
and isolated lifestyles.
B. Allowed Uses: The following uses are permitted as of right in the Rural/Remote Zone
District: 1. Single-family dwelling units, which may take the form of alternative/nontraditional
structures such as domes, yurts, teepees and elevated platforms/treehouses contingent upon
compliance with the adopted building code requirements. 2. Shared water systems. 3. Solar
energy collectors for on-site residential purposes. 4. Wind powered apparatus for on-site
residential purposes. 5. Above-ground generators which meet the decibel requirements of the
Environmental Health Department. 6. Gardens outside of the activity envelope up to two
thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet in size. 7. Agricultural operations and practices which
were in existence prior to January 2,1996.8. Fences which meet Colorado Division of Wildlife
standards and are located outside of critical wildlife habitat as defined by the Pitkin County Land
Use Code. 9. Repair of existing fences, regardless oflocation within wildlife habitat. 10.
Termination of noxious weeds (as defined by the Pitkin County Land Management Department)
within and outside of the activity envelope. 11. Home occupations, except home occupations that
employ non-residents.
C. Special Review Uses: 1. Automobile parking areas which centralize resident parking adjacent
to existing roadways in order to allow alternative access to residences beyond that point (i.e.,
skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, biking). 2. Driveways. 3. Helicopter access for construction use
only. 4. Extractive operations. 5. Transfer of development rights to obtain growth management
exemptions. 6. Commercial recreational uses to be allowed only through special review and,
where appropriate, in conjunction with and in coordination with the Forest Service permitting
process. 7. Fences which meet Colorado Division of Wildlife standards and are located in critical
wildlife habitat and/or migration corridors as defined by the Code. 8. Individual water supply. 9.
Individual sewage disposal system. 10. Hydro plant to service a single residence. 11. Legally
I ~~II III/I 111111 1111//11111111111111111 1111111111111 :.;;1~:1, .;' '"
SILVIA DAVIS PITKIN COUNTY CO R 116.00 0 0.00 .
created structures, existing prior to January 2, 1996, may be retained when a new structure is
proposed, subject to compliance with one of the following criteria: a. The structure contains an
existing dwelling unit, and either the new or the existing unit is deed restricted to be occupied by
residents, as determined by the Affordable Housing Guidelines. However, year-round occupancy
of the unit shall not be required. The deed-restricted unit shall be exempt from GMQS
competition and scoring, but shall be deducted [rom the non-metro area residential quota. b. The
structure is retained as an accessory structure and accommodates accessory uses only, subject to
the definition of "Accessory Use or Accessory Structure" in Article 8 of the Land Use Code. 12.
Extension of utilities such as electricity, water, sewer, telephone and cable. Such extensions must
comply with special review criteria in Subsections 3-210-010 and 3-200-095 of the Land Use
Code. 13. Improvements to existing roadways including, but not limited to, widening, grading
and drainage improvements. 14. Legally created structures pre-dating the enactment of the
Rural/Remote Zone District where approval is received to sever a TDR from the property,
subject to the Transferable Development Rights provision in Section 3-310.15. Uses permitted
by the Forest Services and also approved through County special review.
D. Prohibited Uses: The following uses/activities are prohibited in the Rural/Remote Zone
District:
I. Winter maintenance of roadways and driveways, except for access to residential development
sites approved prior to January 2, 1996, which have been historically and continually served by
privately winter-maintained driveways or roadways. 2. New accessory structures other than those
allowed by special review. 3. New roadways. 4. Uses not listed as allowed or special review
uses. 5. Disturbance of all living native vegetation outside of the activity envelope, including
grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees, except as required for wildfire mitigation. One standing dead
tree per five (5) acres shall remain undisturbed, if present, for bird of prey perching and nesting
and for songbird perching and feeding. This provision shall not prohibit the general gathering of
firewood from deadfall, nor does it prohibit the grazing of animals which have historically
grazed the parcel prior to January 2, 1996. 6. Caretaker and employee dwelling units pursuant to
Subsection 3-150-120 and 3-150-130.
E. Dimensional Requirements: Except as may be permitted by special review pursuant to the
provisions of Subsection 3-40-ll5C, the following dimensional requirements shall apply to all
allowed and special review uses in the Rural/Remote Zone District:
I. Minimum lot area: thirty-five (35) acres. 2. Minimum lot area principal use: thirty-five (35)
acres. 3. Maximum size of activity envelope per principal use: 0.5 acres. 4. Minimum front yard
setback: determined by special review. 5. Minimum side yard setback: determined by special
review. 6. Minimum rear yard setback: determined by special review. 7. Minimum lot width:
four hundred feet (400').8. Maximum height per principal structure: no higher than twenty feet
(20') to the top of ridge or to the top of the parapet surface ofa flat roof. 9. Maximum footprint
per principal structure: not to exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet without special review
approval. In measuring footprint, all dimensions shall be taken from the outside face of framing
or other primary wall members. 10. Decks, porches, etc.: not to exceed a maximum of five
hundred (500) square feet, as measured from the outside face of the material. Structures
including, but not limited to, decks, porches, slabs, patios and terraces, shall be included in this
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calculation, and these structures shall be contiguous to the building footprint. 11. Maximum
allowed square footage: not to exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet, except as may be
allowed through special review to retain an existing structure when a new structure is proposed.
Below-grade space and garage or carport space are included in the calculation of maximum
allowed square footage. Up to six hundred (600) square feet of a legally created structure
existing prior to January 2, 1996, which is retained pursuant to special review, shall be excluded
from the maximum allowed square footage for a new, separate structure; square footage in
excess of six hundred (600) square feet shall be included in the maximum allowed square
footage. The entire square footage of an historic structure shall be excluded from the maximum
allowed square footage. 12. Platforms/treehouses: not to exceed two hundred fifty (250) square
feet, which is included in the one thousand (1,000) square foot maximum allowed square
footage. 13. Outhouse, storage and mechanical enclosures shall not exceed a total of one hundred
sixty (160) square feet, which is excluded from the one thousand (1,000) square foot maximum
allowed square footage. (Ord. 23-2002 Att. A (part): Ord. 13-2000, Att. A: Ord. 99- I 8, Att. B.
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