Those policies specifically support affordable housing through “the retention of existing housing through active monitoring of the supply of housing by type, condition and tenure, encouraging the maintenance and rehabilitation of units in substandard condition and requiring rehabilitation or demolition of dangerous housing units. Illegal units should be brought into compliance with zoning and housing codes or vacated.”

As for ADUs, the comprehensive plan would restrict “development of accessory apartments on parcels that are large enough to compatibly accommodate structures and required parking.”

Other plan policies direct the city to “protect neighborhoods from encroachment of incompatible land uses” and the “enforcing of compatibility standards that address noise, traffic and aesthetics.”

Unfortunately, city representatives make a mockery of these policies when they fail to enforce their own codes and policies, and allow scofflaws to avoid paying statutory fees for construction, parks, schools, utilities and other infrastructure. Responsible taxpayers are forced to pick up the tab for those who skate. The residents of Durango deserve better.

Chris Paulson

Durango