The Cortez land use code update has sparked vocal opposition at recent meetings for both the City Council and Montezuma County Board of Commissioners.
The code update includes new standards for landscaping, building aesthetics and zoning, and has been in the works for about five years, according to City Planner Tracie Hughes. But the group opposed to the land use code is worried that the updated regulations will lead to excessive costs and infringe upon property rights.
To vent concerns, the Republican Women of Montezuma County scheduled two forums, with the second set for Thursday evening. City Council is expected to vote on the code Jan. 28.
A complete draft of the update, which is over 400 pages long, was officially posted at the end of 2018. It has been revised and discussed at three public outreach meetings and at several Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meetings.
The code was approved by Planning and Zoning commissioners in September. It was on the table for a second reading and possible approval by City Council in October, but after receiving strong pushback from residents and business owners, councilors opted to delay the vote until the end of January to allow for more feedback.
Some of the concerns brought up at previous council meetings revolved around an adjoining lot consolidation requirement, landscaping requirements in the Industrial Park and sign standards for downtown businesses.
More broadly, opponents say that the code’s regulations and costs might stifle businesses and developers. Opponents wanted more time for public input.
Councilors and city staff, though, have contended that much of the code is unchanged and community members have been welcome to weigh in on the plan.
“Staff has always had an open door for you to go in and visit with them,” Mayor Karen Sheek said at the October meeting.
City Planner Hughes also has stated at multiple meetings that the update is not a “static document” and can be amended as needed.
Opponents, though, have said that the process of obtaining an exception to the code can be lengthy and uncertain, and they did not have the opportunity to comment after the final draft was posted.
“There were three meetings held within nine days,” local developer Dave Waters said at the October meeting. According to the city website, the outreach meetings were held on Feb. 11, 13 and 20.
The forum Thursday is at 7 p.m. at the Baymont Inn & Suites, 2279 Hawkins St.
On Tuesday, a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The land use code is on the agenda as a discussion item, Hughes said.
