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Montezuma County approves two land splits, delays third amid water and septic questions
Summary
The county board approved two single-lot developments March 31 — for the Merritt family and the Porters — but continued a proposed three-lot subdivision by Robert and Sylvia Richardson until April 21 after extended discussion over water taps and uninspected septic systems.
Montezuma County commissioners on March 31 approved two single-lot development and rezoning applications and paused a third application so the applicant can provide clearer documentation of water availability and septic compliance.
Planning staff summarized the applications. The board accepted a 13.42-acre single-lot development and AR10–34 rezoning submitted by Edward G. Merritt Family Partnership (agent Edward Merritt Jr.), and a 5-acre single-lot development with AR3–9 rezoning submitted by James and Dorothy Porter (agent Bryson McCabe). Planning & Zoning recommended both for approval; no members of the public spoke for or against either application.
The Richardson three-lot moderate subdivision generated extended questioning. Planning staff told the board the parcel contains multiple existing dwellings and septic systems and that the applicant needs to ensure setbacks and recorded easements. Planning staff also cited the county land-use code water-supply requirements, noting that an application must include evidence that a water source “will actually supply adequate quantities of water to the proposed development.” The planning staff said staff had received a written response from the local water provider indicating the property currently has a commercial tap configuration but did not provide unambiguous certification that three separate taps or a tap certificate had been issued for the proposed three lots.
Robert Richardson told the board, “We applied for a third meter and it just goes on a list,” and said he had applied to the water district but was still waiting for installation or certification. Commissioners pressed whether the county had a water-certificate or other formal proof that would meet the code standard; the board asked staff to obtain clearer written confirmation from the water provider. Commissioners also asked about uninspected septic systems on the property; the applicant said two systems were inspected and approved but two others had not yet been uncovered and tested.
After the discussion, the board voted to continue the Richardson subdivision and rezoning application to April 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to allow the applicant to provide documentation on water taps and septic compliance. The Merritt and Porter applications were approved during the meeting.
Votes and next steps: the Richardson item was continued to April 21 to allow the applicant to provide a water tap certificate or equivalent written confirmation and to resolve outstanding septic inspection issues. The planning department will accept the requested documentation and return the item to the board on the scheduled date.
Ending: The board’s continuation preserves the applicant’s ability to resolve water and septic issues before the board makes a final land-use determination.
