Grand County Planning Commission recommends against Novak rezoning after public hearing

The Grand County Planning Commission on June 23 voted to send an unfavorable recommendation to the County Commission on a proposal to rezone 30.27 acres on Chapman Lane in Spanish Valley from rural residential to small-lot residential.

The proposal, initiated by property owner Bridal Novak and presented through an applicant representative, sought a rezoning consistent with a recently adopted future land-use map that designates the parcel as a “compact neighborhood.” Planning staff described the parcel as vacant and surrounded by lower-density rural residential lots and two nearby planned unit developments (PUDs). The commission opened a public hearing that drew roughly 30 speakers in person and several participants online.

Commissioners and staff framed the central procedural issue as whether the commission should act before the county’s land-use code is updated to implement the future land-use plan. Planning administrator Chrissy told the commission the future land-use map was adopted after a…