Montrose County planning commission forwards two subdivision recommendations to county commissioners

The Montrose County Planning Commission on Sept. 25 voted to forward favorable recommendations to the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners for two subdivision matters: the Nicholas Minor Subdivision and the Brown Re Subdivision preliminary plan.

Planning staff introduced both items. For the Nicholas Minor Subdivision staff said the proposal would divide one lot from a roughly 50-acre parcel accessed from Chabotel Valley Road, that Tri County Water would provide domestic service and that on‑site wastewater (septic) is suitable. "The site characteristics analysis, data confirm that land is suitable for on-site wastewater treatment systems," planning staff told the commission.

Applicant Fred Ballard of Delmont Consultants described the Nicholas site as hillside and said the canal runs through the lower elevation; the buildable portion lies on higher ground. "I think it's a fairly straightforward subdivision," Ballard said, explaining access options include an existing private road and county road frontage created by a previous easement.

Commissioners asked about canal crossings, irrigation and public access. Staff and the applicant clarified that a trail labeled K57 on the plat is a private easement, not a public road or BLM access. After discussion, the chair announced the motion to approve the Nicholas Minor Subdivision "was made by Rocky Gabriel and seconded by Cliff Dodge," and the commission approved the recommendation unanimously to forward to the Board of County Commissioners.

On the Brown Re Subdivision preliminary plan, planning staff said the proposal would divide about 8 acres into two new lots with access from Banner Road via a proposed new road (potentially named 5465 Court); Tri County would provide water and each lot would use septic. The staff presentation noted the preliminary plan meets county master-plan land-use designations and county subdivision regulations at this stage.

Applicant Nick Barrett of Delmont Consultants told the commission the public‑works requirements call for installing a culvert under the new road and cleaning and regrading roadside ditches to meet Montrose County road standards. "We'll be cleaning the ditch in front of the property and putting a culvert under the road that'll be constructed," Barrett said. Neighbors raised drainage concerns; Barrett said his review confirmed positive drainage from the adjoining lot into the planned culvert.

Commissioners discussed whether requiring a new county road and a fire hydrant for resubdivision was appropriate in this case, noting potential long-term maintenance burdens for short stub mains and isolated hydrants. Staff explained prior practice of lifting plat notes for isolated splits and noted that current regulations and the fire district requirements determine hydrant placement. The commission voted to approve the Brown Re Subdivision preliminary plan; the chair said the motion was "made by Lana Kinsey and seconded by Buck Andrews," and the proposal will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

Both items will next appear before the Montrose County Board of County Commissioners for final consideration.

The meeting also included general public comment and questions about other planning matters before the commission adjourned.