Montezuma County planning panel recommends approval of 3-lot subdivision in Dolores

The Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a proposed three-lot minor subdivision on a roughly 40-acre parcel at 30275 Road S, Dolores. The recommendation followed a public hearing and a presentation by planning staff and the applicant, Rebecca Lambert, the agent for 3 Rotors Ranches Incorporated.

The proposal would divide an existing 40-acre parcel into three equal lots. Planning staff reported that an existing residence and driveway are already on the site and that utilities are reachable but will require extensions; the application noted that water service is presently available for two of the properties. Commissioners attached conditions including a requirement that a power-line easement be shown on the final mylar and that new owners be made aware of Montezuma County's land use code.

Planning staff summarized the application in the public hearing, describing the parcel and surrounding land uses and noting that a waiver was recommended by wildfire-adaptive reviewers because the site is agricultural. The presentation also stated that any new driveways would require a permit from the Montezuma County road department and that covenants for the subdivision had not yet been drafted. In response to a commissioner question, staff confirmed that the public notice and neighbor/mineral owner notifications had been submitted and that a sign had been posted.

Rebecca Lambert, the applicant's agent, described access and utility arrangements. She said water and electric service would most likely be accessed from Road 30.5 because existing water and electric lines end near her residence at the parcel's southwest corner. She told the commission, "The water ends at my residence on that southwest corner," and noted she has an existing spigot across the road that will service one of the new lots until further line extension is constructed.

The commission discussed apparent inaccuracies in the zoning information on the application packet; a commissioner noted the zoning line in the package looked incorrect and that multiple county properties have improper or outdated zoning listings that are handled case by case. Staff did not identify a rezoning requirement during the hearing but confirmed the application materials would be corrected as needed.

The application included a letter from Montezuma Water Company indicating a 4-inch mainline on the east side of Road 30.5 where water service would be drawn. The application itself noted available water for two properties; the applicant and staff explained the present arrangement relies in part on an existing spigot and adjoining property connections until permanent service lines are extended.

Before voting, commissioners proposed two conditions: that the new lot owners be made aware of the county land use code and that the existing power-line easement at the parcel's northwest corner be shown on the mylar. The hearing record shows the planning department indicated that easements must be shown on the final plat.

A motion to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners was made and seconded; the commission called the roll and recorded a unanimous vote in favor. The commission's recommendation now goes to the Board of County Commissioners for final action; no date for the board decision was specified in the hearing record.

Votes at a glance: the Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed 3-lot minor subdivision for the property at 30275 Road S, Dolores. Conditions included noting the power-line easement on the mylar and ensuring future owners are informed of the county land use code.