Commission postpones Novak rezone; neighbors cite traffic, character concerns
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Summary
After a lengthy public hearing with strong neighborhood opposition, the Grand County Commission voted to postpone action on a proposed rezone of the Novak parcel (Rural Residential → Small‑Lot Residential) until the county’s new zoning administrator can review materials.
The Grand County Commission on Nov. 18 postponed action on a proposal to rezone roughly 30 acres owned by Novak from Rural Residential (1 unit/acre) to Small‑Lot Residential (up to 5 units/acre) after extended public comment and a divided commission discussion.
Public testimony: Numerous neighbors and nearby landowners told the commission they oppose the density change on grounds of traffic safety (Stocks Drive/US‑191 access and narrow local lanes), tree and landscape loss, and inconsistency with the rural character of Spanish Valley. Speakers said the planning commission recommended denial and urged the county to respect neighbor concerns.
Staff and applicant comments: Planning staff noted the parcel is designated ‘compact residential development’ in the recently adopted future land‑use map; staff observed that a zone change consistent with the general plan is normally viewed as implementation of that plan. Applicant representatives said they had followed staff direction and public‑engagement steps and offered a site plan that is less dense than the land‑use map’s high‑density option.
Commission action: Given unresolved transportation and neighborhood concerns and the imminent arrival of a new county zoning administrator, commissioners approved a substitute motion to postpone further consideration to allow the new zoning administrator to review materials and for staff to collect outstanding technical information. The substitute motion passed (5 in favor with 2 abstentions). Commissioners directed staff to return the item to an early future agenda with any recommended studies or traffic analyses to inform a final decision.
Next steps: Staff indicated a follow‑up timeline will be set (discussion suggested returning in the next commission cycle) and that any required traffic or access studies could be scoped during the postponement.
Quote: A nearby resident told the commission, “Large parcels are why we live there… This high‑density rezone request contradicts the Grand County general plan,” reflecting neighborhood opposition.