Douglas County advances controversial Crowsnest development plan

Douglas County is reviewing DR2026-003, a Crowsnest master plan amendment filed by ARLA LAND HOLDINGS LLC for 16 related parcels southwest of Crowfoot Valley Road and S Chambers Road. The request, created March 23, 2026, would amend the county’s Comprehensive Master Plan for future urban development on land now used for agricultural and residential purposes and open space.

The property covers about 794.51 to 795 acres in unincorporated Douglas County and is currently zoned Agricultural and Large Rural Residential. County records list Mike Pesicka as the planning contact. If the county moves the filing forward, it would be a major land-use step for a stretch of land that has sat on the edge of pressure from both Castle Pines and Parker.

The same ground already triggered a fight over annexation earlier this year. Castle Pines planning materials showed a Crowsnest Planned Development with 3,965 residential dwelling units and about 121 acres of mixed-use and commercial planning areas, with a floor area ratio of 1.0. Those filings framed the project as a flagpole-style annexation because Crowfoot Valley Road links the site to Castle Pines. The annexation petition was withdrawn on March 19, 2026, after the proposal drew controversy, and Castle Pines later received an updated petition from VT Crowfoot Valley Landco, LLC. Parker officials had already indicated they did not want to annex the land.

Neighbors have pushed back over what the project would mean for the southeast edge of the metro area. Concerns have centered on water demand, traffic, wildlife habitat and the character of the surrounding community. Parker-area resident Joe Lugo, who has fought the proposal before, said he wants responsible development and worries about being “cut off” from wildlife habitat. He described the area as home to elk, bald eagles, pronghorn and mule deer. Parker Mayor Joshua Rivero also raised concerns that a dense development could affect Parker’s infrastructure and identity.

The land has been a cattle ranch since 1920, and nine landowners have agreed to sell. Public hearing signs posted on the property show the project is still moving through the county process, and Douglas County’s public business, land-use and public hearings are typically held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in Castle Rock.