Board approves county‑initiated rezoning for Digby parcels removed from Kiowa

On June 11 the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners approved a county‑initiated rezoning (RZ2025‑901) that rezones three parcels adjacent to the town of Kiowa from the town’s previous planned development/annexation status to Elbert County agricultural zoning.

Staff said the three parcels total approximately 113.5 acres and were annexed into Kiowa in 2002 under a planned development that did not proceed; they were removed from Kiowa by decree in 2020 and, as a result, had no county zoning. Planning staff recommended rezoning the parcels to agriculture to make them properly zoned under county regulations. The parcels have access available via Ute Avenue or County Road 45, are outside floodplain and wetlands, and planning staff reported there were no referral comments or public objections during the referral and planning commission hearings.

Planning Commission recommended approval by a 7–0 vote. At the board meeting, staff noted the rezoning is consistent with the county comprehensive plan and will not create a demand for additional county services or otherwise impact the road system. The board voted to approve the county‑initiated rezoning; the transcript records voice votes of "aye" but no roll-call tallies.

This action is a county-initiated administrative rezoning intended to ensure the properties have an appropriate Elbert County zoning classification (agriculture). It is not an approval of specific development or changes to easements; any future development would be subject to applicable county review and permitting requirements.