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). 

This year, the Board 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 Commissioners held a public hearing on the recommendation on May 1, 2018, which was continued to May 15, 2018.  On July 3, 2018, the Board approved Resolution 2018-14, which will permit Vacation Rental of dwellings (homes) with an Administrative Conditional Use Permit.  The applications, which will likely be online, will include designation of Local Owner/Representative, Site Sketch of property, proof of Wastewater service, proof of Lodging and Sales Tax registration, HOA notification and calendar year renewal, will be available in October 2018.  The application fee will be $400.

 

Recently Heard Planning Items

 

On 19 June 2018, the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to the Archuleta County Land Use Regulations, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The proposed General changes to Sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 11 are intended to improve general clarity and references; streamline Land Use Permit review; place primary responsibility for Conditional Use review with the Planning Commission while creating a Board CUP for more thorough public review, with comprehensive revisions to Table 3: Uses by Zoning District; and clarify Development Standards, Abbreviations and Definitions. The proposal also includes a comprehensive revision of RV Park and Campground standards.  Changes took effect immediately and will be incorporated into the Land Use Regulations.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
  
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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.
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