Montrose planners present two alternatives for power‑generation rules as moratorium nears end

Planning staff reviewed proposed amendments to zoning regulations that would affect power‑generation facilities, massage‑therapy and natural‑medicine businesses and described two draft alternatives for the board’s consideration.

Staff explained that Alternative 1 would allow power‑generation facilities to be considered by special‑use permit, giving the board flexibility to add conditions — such as setbacks or limits on land coverage — on a case‑by‑case basis. Staff also said portions of Alternative 2 (for example, measuring facility size in acres or protecting prime farmland) could be folded into Alternative 1 if the board wished to mix provisions.

Planning staff reminded commissioners that the current moratorium on power‑generation applications ‘‘ends on the 18th,’’ and explained the typical process: if a decision is made at the upcoming regular meeting, staff will prepare a resolution and attach the full draft regulations (the complete regulations run about 150 pages) before the moratorium expires.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about flexibility under Alternative 1 and whether future technical findings could be addressed as conditions on future special‑use permits; staff confirmed that conditions and future adjustments can be added through permits or later regulation amendments.

Next steps: the board will consider the item at its formal meeting, and if the board chooses rules at that meeting, staff said they will prepare the resolution for ratification prior to the moratorium date.