County planning staff and legal counsel presented a broad set of proposed updates to the Ouray County Land Use Code during a joint work session with the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 24. Staff characterized the package as mixed: (1) state‑mandated regulatory updates with statutory deadlines; (2) housekeeping and clarifying edits; and (3) policy proposals intended as discussion starters.

Staff and county legal counsel emphasized three near‑term, state‑driven mandates that require work in early 2026: the state wildfire regulation adoption (state wildfire‑risk mapping and associated rules), revised onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) regulations from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and updates to the state energy code (new MELECC/IECC redlines). Planning Director Mark Castordale and county legal counsel Leo (last name not given) said the wildfire rule is a major technical lift and staff are weighing options: adopt the state wildfire regulations wholesale, or adopt state minimums and selectively keep higher local standards (staff noted Ouray County’s existing Section 24 high‑alpine rules had previously been relatively stringent).

Staff also presented draft housekeeping changes across sections 2, 3 and 13 of the code and a concept for a new accessory‑dwelling long‑term rental unit (ADLRU) intended to allow an accessory dwelling configured as a duplex and restricted to long‑term rentals (not short‑term rentals). The ADLRU language was presented as a staff starting point; staff said it was developed in part to preserve local housing options and to respond to state‑level policy pressures discussed in recent legislative sessions.

Other topics raised included defining and clarifying commercial uses such as "commercial outdoor recreation," guest lodges, guest ranches and event venues; tightening definitions and permit triggers for noncommercial camping and yurts in the high‑alpine; refining special event and temporary‑use permit language; and clarifying trade‑credit (development‑rights) mechanisms used in high‑alpine development review. Staff and counsel said several of these items are "discussion starters" and that the Planning Commission would be asked to work through details and provide formal recommendations.

Commissioners and planning commissioners discussed process and scheduling. Staff proposed additional joint sessions and recommended the Planning Commission workshop and then draft revisions proceed in parallel where possible, noting overlapping cross‑references across chapters. Commissioners requested the Planning Commission take additional time to review the ADLRU concept, trade‑credit administration (including assessor valuation and limits on transferability), and proposed changes related to camping/yurts in Alpine Zone. Several commissioners also requested a separate work session focused specifically on trade credits, to include the assessor and GIS staff and to document existing trade‑credit inventories and valuation practice.

Ending

Staff will circulate drafts and schedule a follow‑up joint work session to continue the review (commissioners signaled the need for at least one more dedicated session and a separate trade‑credits meeting). Staff said they will prioritize state‑mandated updates (wildfire, OWTS, energy codes) while the Planning Commission begins detailed review of sections 2, 3 and 13. No formal ordinance amendments or votes were taken at the session.