Camille Jacobs, 15, carries hamburgers from The Harvest Grill & Greens at James Ranch as patrons enjoy a local band. Ranch owners are seeking to obtain a county permit, which will allow the grill to expand as well as authorize events with live music events. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

Gretel the goat entertains children at the James Ranch. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

Besides live music and fresh food, goats, chickens and other farm animals draw patrons to the James Ranch. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

James Ranch needs a permit from La Plata County to hold events like the summer live concert series. County staff members will allow Thursday’s Burger and a Band to continue while the ranch owners go through the permitting process. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

Lines to get food from the Harvest Grill & Greens at the James Ranch have grown over the years. Now, owners are seeking a county permit to expand. A new kitchen would shorten lines, add some variety to the menu and improve service, ranch co-owner Dan James said. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

If La Plata County approves a permit for the James Ranch, its small grill and market would expand and be housed in one building. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file

Camille Jacobs, 15, carries hamburgers at James Ranch north of Durango while patrons listen to a local band. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

How loud is too loud? County staff is evaluating noise levels of the James Ranch’s weekly live music nights as the ranch pursues a permit to expand its kitchen and market and continue hosting live music. Kaytie Ammons, Brielle Gann, 6, and Hason Gann, 3, all children from Texas, dance at Thursday’s Burger and a Band. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

James Ranch north of Durango sits in the middle of the Animas Valley. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

Food and live music has become popular at James Ranch north of Durango. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald