Montezuma County planning panel recommends approval of three land-use applications and flags scams, blight concerns

At its meeting in Cortez, the Montezuma County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of three separate development applications and raised two countywide administrative issues: scam invoices directed at applicants and the lack of a clear local definition or enforcement mechanism for blight.

The commission reviewed a 13.42‑acre single‑lot rezoning application submitted by Edward G. Merritt Family Partnerships (agent Ed Merritt Jr.). Planning staff reported that agencies were notified, Empire Electric can provide power, and Montezuma Water has a 4‑inch line nearby. "Water would be available for a tap for residential use," Planning Department staff member Don Haley said. Staff reported wildfire adaptive recommended a mitigation plan for moderate wildfire risk and county weed control recommended a waiver for a comprehensive weed plan. After public comment and brief discussion, the commission moved and unanimously recommended approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

The commission then considered a 5‑acre single‑lot rezoning within a 40‑acre parcel submitted by James and Dorothy Porter (agent identified in the record). Agent Bridal McCabe told the commission the applicants "have reached out to Celeste Moore and are working on that fire mitigation plan" and that a surveyor is finalizing a survey. Commissioners pressed for recorded access rights; the agent said the plan is to provide a restrictive easement across the new lot to preserve shared access. A motion to recommend approval, conditioned on recording the survey and a deeded driveway easement, passed unanimously.

A third item — a proposed three‑lot moderate subdivision for Robert and Sylvia Richardson at 5964 Road 41 — prompted discussion about water service and easements. Planning staff said the property has a commercial water tap and recommended dedicating a water tap to each of the three lots. The applicants said they intended to bring existing dwellings into compliance and to retain housing for employees rather than subdivide for sale. Commissioners asked that surveys show structure setbacks and required easements and moved to recommend approval with conditions addressing easements and maintenance agreements; the motion was unanimous.

Public comment included neighbor Johnny Duran, who told the commission, "the property lines are off, from where the fence line is," and said he and his wife are working on redrawing lot lines and are open to sharing costs to realign an old fence. Commissioners and staff repeatedly emphasized that recorded easements, maintenance agreements and surveys should be completed before final action by the Board of County Commissioners.

Toward the end of the meeting staff warned several applicants had received fraudulent emails and invoices asking for payment; staff advised applicants to contact the planning office and not to make payments. Commissioners also discussed the county's recurring blight conversation, noting there is no clear objective local definition and that meaningful enforcement would require starting at the comprehensive plan level and would likely need funding and an ordinance. Commissioners referenced a prior voucher program that helped cover landfill tipping fees but said disposing of mobile homes and large debris remains costly and logistically difficult for many property owners.

Commissioners also asked about a stalled commercial project (a Maverik gas station) and staff said Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) had issued an access permit but the timing missed the construction season; coordination with the developer and engineer is pending. The commission concluded its business and adjourned; all three recommendations will go to the Board of County Commissioners for final decisions.