Land Use Applications

New Online Access for Application Review

Citizen Access for Planning & Building permits is now available online. Look up development information and plans, via the Accela hosted website: https://aca.accela.com/archco/

(Note: Our mobile app is still a work in progress. For best results, access via a desktop connection.)

 

Pending Land Use Regulation Changes

The Planning Commission adopted a comprehensive revision to the Archuleta County Community Plan on October 11, 2017, which was endorsed by the Board of County Commissioners on November 21, 2017.  For more information visit the Community Plan page.

The Planning Commission is now reviewing the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations, as provided in the Implementation Section of the Community Plan.  The Planning Commission held a Joint Worksession with the Board of County Commissioners in December 2017, and is discussing potential updates during their regular monthly meetings at the County Administration Building.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS
In 2013, the Board passed Resolution 2013-42, defining “Lodging Unit”, and amending Table 3 “Uses by Zoning District” for Lodging Establishments and Lodging Units as Commercial Use in Agricultural/Forestry (A/F), Agricultural/Ranching (AR), Agricultural Estates (AE), and Commercial (C) zones. Neither is listed in Rural Residential (RR) nor Residential (R). 

The Board has now asked Staff to draft amendments to the Land Use Regulations that would allow short-term rentals (<30 days) as a Residential use.  The Planning Commission took public input at their meeting on February 14th, 2018, and held a public hearing on March 14th, where they passed Resolution 2018-01PC recommending standards for Vacation Rental of Residential Dwellings in all zoning districts, based on Ouray County, Colorado, standards.

The Board of County Commissions will hold a public hearing on the recommendation, with minor amendments (Discussion Draft 4/12/2018):
Tuesday May 1, 2018, 1:30pm
CSU Extension Building at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds
344 US Highway 84
Pagosa Springs, CO.

Recently Heard Planning Items

 
On 15 November 2017, the Archuleta County Planning Commission recommended against approval of the Pagosa Dogsled Adventures Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) to operate as a Commercial Kennel and Wilderness Lodge.  Applicant Pagosa Adventures LLC has withdrawn their application at this time.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 4 April 2017, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations.  The changes classify utility distribution lines, including those installed above ground in any zone, as Conforming structures, amending Section 1.3.2 and adding a definition of Electric Power Distribution Line to Section 11.2.1.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 17 January 2017, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an application by Black & Veatch, representing Verizon Wireless, for the Verizon Escobar Telecommunication Facility Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Variances, on property owned by Sydonia Poenish, the N½SE¼NW¼ S6 T35N R2W NMPM, at 3700 County Rd 600 (Piedra Road), Pagosa Springs, CO. The CUP would have permitted a new Commercial Mobile Radio Systems (CMRS) wireless communication facility with a 65’ monopole cell tower and antennas, approximately 1,000 feet west of the road (PLN16-114 and PLN16-115).  This approval expired in January 2018.
  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 4 October 2016, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations. The changes 1) Classify non-commercial marijuana cultivation as an Accessory Use and adopt limits and definitions, 2) Clarify provisions for Accessory Uses and Structures, and 3) Clarify cross-references and certain provisions of Table 1 and Table 4. These changes amend portions of Sections 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 5.5.2, 11.2.1. Changes took effective immediately, and have been incorporated into the Land Use Regulations available online.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At a special meeting on 28 June 2016, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners voted to deny the application by C&J Gravel Products, Inc, of Durango, Colorado, represented by Nathan Barton, Wasteline, Inc., for a Major Sand & Gravel Permit for the proposed Two Rivers Pit at 12500 County Road 500 (Trujillo Rd), Pagosa Springs, CO. At their meeting on Wed. 8 June, the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended disapproval of the application (5-0).