Montezuma County approves Dolores State Bank 2‑lot subdivision with septic required on bank lot

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners voted Aug. 5 to approve a two‑lot moderate subdivision application from Dolores State Bank for property at 27880 Highway 160 in Cortez, Colorado, including a condition that the septic system leach field be placed on Lot 1.

The approval affects a 9.14‑acre parcel that will be divided into a roughly 3.2‑acre bank lot (Lot 1) and a remaining roughly 6‑acre Lot 2 that will remain zoned commercial. Planning staff and the applicant noted that Colorado Department of Transportation review and future access permitting will be required if Lot 2 is developed.

Why it matters: The commission’s condition — moving the septic infrastructure fully onto the bank parcel — was intended to avoid future disputes and potential damage from traffic on a septic leach field if Lot 2 is later developed. Commissioners and planning staff flagged CDOT access and future high‑impact permitting as open items that will affect how Lot 2 can be developed.

Don (planning staff) explained the proposal and said the bank building and parking would sit on the smaller parcel while the remainder would stay commercial. He noted an existing access permit for the bank and said any new driveway for Lot 2 would require a separate CDOT access permit. He also explained that the current deeded access and an easement serving the bank could be vacated if a new CDOT‑approved driveway is built.

Brian McLaughlin, the bank’s agent, told the board he had prepared a drawing showing a 50‑foot access to the bank and plat notes describing the proposed layout. Public commenter Mike Lynch, who identified himself as a Planning & Zoning commissioner, suggested an alternative: abandoning the existing septic and installing a new septic system on the bank lot so the future owner of Lot 2 would not have to worry about failing infrastructure. "Is there a possibility just to abandon the current septic tank and install a new septic system on Lot 1 and just divert to that one instead?" Lynch asked.

Commissioners discussed whether the septic easement should remain on Lot 2 or be moved into Lot 1 and expressed concern that placing the septic on a separately owned lot could cause maintenance and liability problems if vehicles or development impacted the leach field. Planning & Zoning had unanimously recommended approval.

Commissioner(s) moved and seconded the application with the explicit condition that the septic location (described during the hearing as a 90‑by‑100‑foot area) be located on Lot 1 under the dimensions presented. The board also authorized county counsel to prepare a resolution with findings consistent with the land use code. The motion carried; the chair closed the public hearing and the county will record the amended plat and resolution consistent with the condition. Future development of Lot 2 will require CDOT access permitting and any high‑impact permit reviews applicable at that time.