Pueblo County commissioners on Thursday voted to refer two zoning‑violation matters to the county attorney's office after staff said repeated attempts to obtain voluntary compliance had failed.

Timothy Zant, lead land inspector for Planning and Development, presented two separate cases. In case VZ23‑69, staff reported complaints from the Colorado City Metro District about unpermitted structures, storage of accessory vehicles and use of recreational vehicles for residential purposes on a parcel listed as vacant in county records. Inspectors documented structures and solar panels and said notices of violation were sent and posted to the property after mailed correspondence was returned unclaimed.

"It started back in October of 2023... We try to get compliance. We don't try to be punitive," Zant said. He said the county received an email in which the owner stated an RV was used as an office and expressed intent to comply, but subsequent inspections found conditions had not improved.

In VZ23‑80, a Pueblo West property, Zant summarized a long complaint history about junk vehicles, storage and structures without permit. Inspectors found multiple RVs and a mobile home being used as principal residential structures without required permits.

Zant told the board staff had tried negotiating voluntary remedies and offered time for cleanup, but progress stalled or conditions worsened. He explained the administrative enforcement pathway: initial notices and follow‑up; if noncompliance persists, staff can request the county attorney file an action in county court that can seek judgments and further remedies, including daily penalties and liens.

Commissioners emphasized the public‑safety and neighborhood impacts of prolonged noncompliance. "This is... public safety as well. We have no idea what type of utilities are going on here, what type of fire danger is going on here," one commissioner said, citing risks in vulnerable areas.

After discussion the board approved resolutions to refer both cases to the county attorney so formal legal action could proceed if the owners do not bring the properties into compliance. Staff noted court processes include opportunities for owners to appear, seek extensions if they demonstrate progress, or face judgments if they fail to engage.

The board’s action directs staff to work with the county attorney’s office on enforcement steps for cases VZ23‑69 and VZ23‑80.