County Planning Commission delays lodging proposal

At its August 18 meeting, the Hot Springs County Land Use Planning Commission continued the Dufour Bed & Breakfast proposal on Black Mountain Road to its September meeting.

Chairman Adam Estenson expressed concern that the proposal was too complex to review as a Bed and Breakfast operation.

Applicant Elyse Dufour is requesting approval for the short-term rental of two bedrooms in the existing residence, two existing RV spaces, and up to three tent sites on the creek bottom below the residence.

The Commission discussed the definition of a Bed and Breakfast operation at some length, noting that the permit process changed with the adoption of the County’s 2020 Land Use Plan last November.

The three commissioners present agreed the applicant should return with a revised proposal, perhaps a land use change to Commercial. They were reluctant to be specific however, noting that the applicant had more than one option available.

The property in question is the site of a 2017 proposal for multiple lodging units, which was denied. Dufour acquired the property in June of this year.