Former Parker mayor urges Elbert County to slow growth, consider moratorium and code rewrites

Greg Lopez, former mayor of Parker, told Elbert County commissioners that the county should consider pausing approvals and rewrite its comprehensive plan and related regulations to manage a rapid pipeline of development and protect infrastructure and water supplies.

Lopez, speaking at a county meeting, said the county faces a “secret got out” moment in which developers are targeting Elbert County because they perceive easier approvals than in neighboring jurisdictions. He urged commissioners to adopt tools Parker used when he was mayor — including an eight-month building moratorium, higher park dedications and stricter performance-bond requirements — to control density and ensure developers bear long-term costs.

Why it matters: Commissioners heard that accelerating approvals without aligned rules can shift costs and risks to residents. Lopez emphasized that each approved subdivision affects schools, roads, emergency response and water, and that many financial and operational burdens fall to the county and homeowners after developer warranties expire.

Lopez described specific policy steps he used in Parker. He said the town increased park…