Pitkin County rezones federal and state lands to new resource-government zone; exempts State Land Board lands, directs review in one year

Pitkin County commissioners on Aug. 13 approved a county‑initiated rezoning that assigns lands currently owned by the federal government to a new Resource‑Government (RSG) zone district. The measure, passed after a public hearing and debate, is aimed at clarifying expected uses on public lands and reducing the risk of “inappropriate development” if federal holdings are later sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed.

What the ordinance does: The new ordinance reclassifies BLM and U.S. Forest Service lands — and most lands owned by Colorado state agencies — into the RSG zone district. The RSG intent statement in the county code emphasizes protecting lands that are in public ownership today and aligning zoning with resource‑conservation uses rather than residential subdivision.

State Land Board exemption and follow‑up: The Colorado State Land Board requested an exemption for the Williams Hill parcel (a State Land Board property located between Highway 82 and Watson Divide) on constitutional and fiduciary grounds. After discussion the board approved the rezoning but added a narrow exemption for state land board parcels and directed staff to return with a review of that exemption within one year (or sooner if circumstances warrant). Commissioners said the one‑year review balances the State Land Board’s trust duties with the county’s interest in preserving public‑land character.

Why it matters: Pitkin County is a high percentage public‑land county; the rezoning affects hundreds of thousands of acres and is intended to make zoning reflect the land’s current public uses. The ordinance does not affect private land or lands held by entities other than the federal government and the State of Colorado, and it does not change landowner management while the lands are in public ownership.

Public outreach and referrals: County staff notified and solicited comments from federal land managers and state agencies. The State Land Board provided written comment requesting exemption for its Williams Hill tract; other federal agencies (Forest Service, BLM, Colorado Parks & Wildlife) participated in referrals and staff engaged in follow‑up discussions. Staff said the RSG rules generally prohibit residential subdivision and limit uses to resource‑oriented activities or activities requiring federal permission.

Next steps: The ordinance took effect after second reading. Staff will return within one year (or sooner if needed) with a report and proposed action regarding the scope of the State Land Board exemption.