The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve a subdivision amendment to adjust the lot line between Lots 17 and 18 of the Butler Subdivision near Dolores, Colorado. The commission approved the recommendation 4-0 and added a condition requiring a 30-foot setback from an existing slab and any structures.

The application covers two adjacent parcels at 23950 Road 37 (Lot 17, approximately 0.63 acres) and 23962 Road 37 (Lot 18, approximately 2.09 acres). Jane Duncan of the county planning department told the commission that the property owners, who are siblings, seek the adjustment "to better reflect long term family use and existing on-site conditions," including trees and driveways, and that both parcels are accessed off Red Side (a non–county-maintained) Road 37. Duncan also said required public-notice steps were completed, including published notice, mailed notices to adjoining neighbors and mineral owners, and a posted sign.

Applicant Gail Mabry said the family moved two sheds off an existing slab in anticipation of the adjustment and that the revised lot line places the sheds "a little over 30 feet" from the new boundary and therefore in compliance with setback rules. Commissioners asked whether an easement exists for the driveway access; staff confirmed the easement is already in place. Planning staff said water to the properties is provided by private wells.

Commissioner Saunders moved to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners, finding that the proposed use conforms with the county code, would not generate significant adverse impacts on surrounding property, and that public utilities or services are available or could be made available. Commissioner Hernandez seconded the motion. The commission adopted the recommendation by recorded vote: Commissioners Hernandez, Saunders, Nygaard and Doyle voted yes; the motion carried 4 to 0.

The commission noted that because the parcels lie within a recorded subdivision, the lot-line change requires amendment to the Butler Subdivision and must proceed through the county permitting process. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.