Montezuma County OKs three-lot subdivision in Mancos after water availability discussion

The Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a proposed three-lot moderate subdivision and rezoning application for property at 5964 Road 41 in Mancos on April 21, 2026.

A public notice read into the record identified the applicants as Robert and Sylvia Richardson and described the parcel as approximately 19.88 acres south of Highway 160. The continuation of a public hearing focused on whether water service could be secured for the new lots.

County staff and the applicants confirmed that a utility letter on file states water is available to the property. The applicant explained the local utility uses a waiting list for meters and said the parcel was currently about seventh on that list; he said meter installation could take months and that the utility typically requests payment when it is ready to install the meter. The board asked clarifying questions about timing and payment; the applicant said he has funds ready to pay when the utility requests them.

After the discussion, a motion to approve the subdivision and rezoning application was moved, seconded and carried unanimously. The chair closed the public hearing and informed the applicants their proposal had been approved.

What happened next and why it matters: The approval permits the Richardsons to move forward with dividing the acreage into three lots; however, development of those lots will depend on the local water utility’s schedule for meter installation. The board and applicants treated the water-letter confirmation as the key outstanding item at the hearing, and the applicant’s place on the meter list means physical water service could be delayed by months.

Next steps: With approval granted, staff will complete required filings and record plat documents; utility installation and any required building permits will follow the utility’s schedule.