Commissioners approve two after-the-fact setback variances and adopt variance code amendment

Montezuma County commissioners on April 8 signed a resolution that formally adds a variance application section to the county Land Use Code and resolved two after-the-fact setback variance applications brought before the board.

Resolution and background: The board moved to adopt a resolution formalizing an amendment to the Montezuma County Land Use Code that adds a variance section and updates the associated fee schedule (resolution number cited in the hearing as 5-2025). County attorney Steven Tarnowski said the amendment adds procedures specific to how the county will process variance applications and does not change other parts of the existing code. The resolution had been approved at a prior meeting and the board signed the signature page at this meeting.

After-the-fact variances: The board heard resumed public hearings for two after-the-fact setback variances that had been continued for language work in the code. The first application concerned a new accessory structure built on property at 8400 Road 39, Mancos (applicant represented by contractor Nick Manning; owner listed as Laura Webster). Commissioners debated whether the structure should be required to be moved to meet the setback or whether a variance should be granted with a monetary consequence for failing to obtain…