Huerfano County begins public comment on land-use changes; resident urges review of camping permits

Huerfano County staff said a public comment period has opened on proposed changes to the county land-use code that would create a homestead zone and raise minimum lot sizes aimed at preserving agricultural land and concentrating growth in existing population centers.

"The general goal is to reduce urban rural sprawl, the preservation of houses out in the rural area that cuts up ag land," a county staff member said during the meeting, explaining the draft would encourage growth in places with utilities and preserve cultural lands.

During public comment, resident Jeff Aki of 1360 Lodore Boulevard urged commissioners to address what he described as an "overabundance of campers" in the Bridal (recorded in transcript as "Bridal Concierge") residential area. Aki said the county previously approved a camping permit that allows landowners to host campers for up to four months and then renew for another four months, but he said the permit process has not prevented the area from becoming a larger, semipermanent camping site.

"There is 1 camping permit in the entire town. That area is currently into a big campground with permanent residents," Aki said, asking commissioners to consider camping use when finalizing the homestead and land-use changes. He referenced an upcoming meeting on Oct. 9 where related land-use items may be discussed.

County staff told commissioners the land-use hearing will likely come before the board in November for formal consideration. The staff presentation listed objectives including increasing minimum lot size in certain rural zones and creating a homestead zone to limit parcel subdivision and preserve agricultural land.

Resident and nearby landowner Ryan Gies voiced separate concerns about public-notice timing and the ability of residents to comment before votes occur. "It is very difficult to see the agenda come out on Friday or Monday and then know that the action and the votes on those items are gonna be already taken care of before we get a chance to possibly sway," Gies said, asking that public comments be scheduled to give residents more opportunity to influence action items.

Ending: Staff indicated the process will continue through public hearings; the board did not take a final action on land-use changes at the Sept. 9 meeting.