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Colorado Geological Survey briefs Elbert County planners on hazards, early review role
Summary
Jill Carlson of the Colorado Geological Survey told the Elbert County Planning Commission that CGS conducts statewide geologic mapping and reviews land-use referrals — advising earlier engagement on subdivisions and setbacks to avoid drainage, erosion and expansive-soil problems.
Jill Carlson, an engineering geologist with the Colorado Geological Survey, opened the evening with a primer for the county’s planners on common geologic hazards and CGS’s advisory role in land-use reviews. "By state statute we are required to look at 4 types of development activities," Carlson said, noting the survey reviews subdivisions of less than 35 acres, "1041" matters of state interest, large municipal activities and school sites. She emphasized the agency’s goal: communicating technical geologic constraints in plain language to planners, applicants and property owners.
Carlson described CGS services including 1:24,000 geologic mapping, subsurface and hydrogeologic support, and a three-person land-use review team that examines proposed plats and school sites. She urged the commission to involve CGS earlier than the preliminary-plat stage when possible so the agency can recommend setbacks from drainages and identify expansive or collapsible soils that drive pavement and foundation problems. "We are all about applied geology and protecting people and property in Colorado from the impacts of geologic hazards," Carlson added.
