Commissioners approve rezone and two‑lot minor subdivision on Granite Hills Road

The Fremont County Board of County Commissioners approved a zone change and a two‑lot minor subdivision for property at 360 Granite Hills Road (Cotopaxi) owned by Ralph and Joanne Kiwish.

The board first approved a rezone of the parcel from Residential 3 to Residential 2, which lowers the minimum lot size threshold and allows creation of smaller rural lots. Planning and Zoning Director Victoria said the parent parcel is roughly 41 acres, with a net tract area of about 35.5 acres after rights‑of‑way are excluded.

Applicant representative Allen Doran said the minor subdivision would split the parcel into a 26.367‑acre lot containing the existing residence and outbuildings and an 8.911‑acre vacant lot that would exceed the 4.5‑acre minimum in the Residential 2 district. Doran said the second lot would be for a single‑family residence with an outbuilding for horses.

County planning staff recommended approval of both the zone change and the minor subdivision with conditions. Staff approved waivers for a drainage plan and for soil testing at this time, provided the developer complete drainage and soil/septic work at the time of development for Lot 2. The Western Fremont Fire Protection District requested a pullout on the long driveway in lieu of constructing a two‑lane driveway; staff reported that arrangement is acceptable and that the applicant must place the pullout where the fire district deems appropriate.

A neighboring resident testified that assessor records show two dwelling units on the existing parcel and voiced concerns about water availability if additional lots are developed. Planning staff responded that there was no verified code violation documented and that any future development (including additional subdivisions or accessory dwelling units) would require separate permitting and review. The board approved the zone change and the minor subdivision by roll call.