Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff recommend opting out of state EV charger model code; commissioners to decide by Dec. 31
Summary
Planning staff recommended Montezuma County opt out rather than add model-ordinance language for electric-vehicle chargers under House Bill 24-1173, and county counsel said the board must take one of three actions by Dec. 31: adopt the model code, adopt the statute's standards, or formally decide not to amend the county land-use code now.
County planning staff recommended that the board opt out of adopting additional land-use code language implementing House Bill 24-1173, which concerns standards and permitting for electric-vehicle (EV) chargers. Staff said the county’s existing special-use and permit processes can accommodate charger projects and that the likelihood of a large-scale EV-charger development appearing in county unincorporated land is low.
Planning staff noted the bill requires counties with more than 20,000 residents to take a compliance action by Dec. 31; county counsel clarified that the board’s choices are to adopt the model standards, adopt the standards in the legislation, or adopt a resolution/ordinance declining to change the current land-use code before Dec. 31. The resolution route does not prevent future amendments.
Commissioners discussed practicality, power-availability constraints, and whether the model code represented an example of “front-range” standards that may not fit local conditions. Planning staff and counsel noted the model code includes distinctions between primary-use charging facilities and secondary-use chargers at existing businesses or multifamily housing, and that the county’s existing code and special-use permit procedures could accommodate either.
Staff recommended the board decide at the next meeting after further discussion; counsel emphasized the board must take one of the three statutorily prescribed actions by Dec. 31, 2025.
