Commission recommends approval for 10‑lot subdivision at Road 25, conditions address emergency access and septic engineering

The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a 10‑lot major subdivision and AR 3 to 9 rezoning for property at 7185 Road 25 in Cortez, submitted by Elevated Smoke LLC with Cole Clark as agent. The proposal would create approximately ten lots of about four acres each from a roughly 35‑acre parcel in an area of smaller subdivision lots and mixed uses.

Planning staff told commissioners that the applicant had consulted with the county road superintendent, who inspected the proposed driveway and deemed access off Road G acceptable. Staff also noted utility availability from Montezuma Water Company and Empire Electric.

Commissioners pressed the applicant about access for lots located at the back of the subdivision and potential emergency egress if the main road were blocked. The applicant said he had consulted fire inspectors and that a cul‑de‑sac turnaround was planned; commissioners added a condition requiring a dedicated access easement or other emergency access to ensure the back lots have a means of egress.

A neighboring resident, John Palmer of 7116 Road 25, spoke during public comment and expressed concern about high groundwater and past septic problems in the area, describing situations where septic tanks had floated due to shallow water. Commissioners and the applicant discussed that septic systems will need to be engineered and approved by the appropriate state authorities; the commission included septic engineering and permitted systems as a standard preconstruction requirement.

After discussion the commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners. Roll-call votes recorded: Commissioner Hernandez — Aye; Commissioner Nygaard — Aye; Commissioner Armstrong — Aye.