Commissioners debate a pause on zoning rules; no moratorium adopted, executive session ordered

Elbert County commissioners debated whether to impose a temporary pause on zoning approvals while the county updates its comprehensive plan and development regulations. No moratorium or pause was adopted, but the board directed county staff and the county attorney to meet privately to review legal parameters.

Commissioner Buck opened the discussion arguing for a strategic pause to give the county time to update the comprehensive plan and zoning map. "We are in a unique situation where we can be selective about the type of development and the pace of development here in Elbert," Buck said, arguing the county should clarify where cluster homes and PUDs are appropriate.

Commissioner Schroeder strongly opposed any moratorium, framing his remarks around private property rights and economic impacts. Schroeder warned a pause would reduce supply and increase prices and recalled the county's experience of economic strain during a prior building slowdown: "A moratorium is an interference with the free market," he said, adding that limiting development could harm local businesses and public revenues.

Commissioner McDaniel said he disliked the word "moratorium" but favored a focused pause on zoning while staff moved quickly to update the plan and regulations. He asked legal counsel and county management for an executive session to discuss legal options; county attorney Lance Ingalls (acting) requested the private session under Colorado statute CRS 24-6-402(4)(b) to obtain legal advice. The board recessed into the executive session and later reported it had been limited to legal advice. No formal moratorium, pause length, or resolution was approved during the public meeting; commissioners directed staff to accelerate planning work and return with options.