Commission declines Spanish Valley Owner LLC request for special district to upgrade water and sewer

The San Juan County Commission voted on Nov. 24, 2025 to decline a request from Spanish Valley Owner LLC to establish a special district to provide sewer, water, emergency and road services for the applicant’s property.

Staff introduced the item, explaining that property owners can request county-provided services either through a special district (with its own governing body) or a special service district. The applicant, representing Spanish Valley Owner LLC, said the ranch property operates as an Airbnb and has existing sewer and water that must be upgraded. "The state water quality department requires us to use a a special district to do that," the applicant told commissioners, and said they would prefer the commission issue a 'no' vote on county formation so they could return to the state and follow its installation plan.

After the applicant’s summary, a commissioner moved to open a public hearing; the motion passed. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Commissioners then moved to decline the requested county services; the motion was seconded and the vote to decline passed.

Actions taken: the commission moved, seconded and approved a motion to decline the services requested by Spanish Valley Owner LLC. Commissioners closed the public hearing without public comments and then approved adjournment.

What happens next: The applicant indicated it will proceed with state-required plans and follow up as needed. Staff noted that a formal resolution may be required in some cases to execute a denial; the transcript shows staff referencing a resolution as the instrument to record a 'no' vote if needed.