Montezuma County approves 10‑lot subdivision and AR‑3‑9 rezoning for Elevated Smoke LLC

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on March 11 approved a 10‑lot major subdivision and AR‑3‑9 rezoning application submitted by Elevated Smoke LLC, agent Cole Clark, for property at 7185 Road 25 in Cortez.

The application was considered at a noticed public hearing. Planning staff presented the proposal, saying access would be from Road G and that the northeast lot already contains two houses. Planning and zoning unanimously recommended approval. The county’s fire protection district reviewed the plan and requested a fire‑escape easement along the west side of the property to ensure emergency access for three lots if the main access were cut off by fire; the applicant indicated the proposed easement would be approximately 20–30 feet and would affect three lots.

No members of the public provided comment during the hearing. Commissioners asked staff clarifying questions about access for Lots 4 and 10 and whether public utilities and services could be provided. Staff said water and other utilities were available or could be made available consistent with the land‑use code.

A commissioner moved to approve the application. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote; the record shows the board’s approval was granted and the public hearing was closed.

The action resolves the current application; staff and the applicant will proceed with any required permits such as road access permits noted for specific lots.

Evidence in the meeting record shows planning commission support, a fire district condition for an emergency access easement along the west side of the parcel, and a unanimous county vote to approve the subdivision and rezoning.