Weld County approves revised Chapter 23 zoning ordinances after public comment

Weld County commissioners on Nov. 3 approved changes to Chapter 23 of the county code in a package of zoning-related ordinances, including Code Ordinance 2025-11 (repeal and reenact with amendments) and Code Ordinance 2025-15 (amendments defining 'occupiable space' and increasing certain setbacks from 50 to 75 feet).

Planning Director Jim Fletcher briefed the board that 2025-11 has been through several work sessions and that staff recommended approval on second reading with no changes. On 2025-15 Fletcher said the ordinance replaces the term "building unit" with the building-code term "occupiable space" and increases some setbacks from oil and gas facilities from 50 feet to 75 feet.

During the public hearing Mary Rose Cullen of Longmont spoke against portions of the proposed enforcement and appeals language, saying the draft would limit neighbors' ability to appeal zoning violations. Cullen told the board, "This is a very limiting. It is taking away my rights as a citizen of Weld County to have a voice." Commissioner Ross and planning staff responded that the process remains complaint-driven, staff evaluates complaints, and formal revocation or fines would be adjudicated through the courts and could be reviewed by the board.

Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Peppler seconded approval of second reading for Code Ordinance 2025-11; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board likewise approved Code Ordinance 2025-15 on second reading.

The ordinances will be incorporated into Weld County code as amended; staff said no further changes were proposed at second reading.