The city of Cortez land-use code \u2013 nearly two decades old \u2013 is expected to receive a $200,000 makeover starting next year.<\/p>\n
Adopted in 1996, the current municipal land-use code and zoning map is outdated, said city planning and building director Kirsten Sackett. She said the document has failed to provide the proper guidance and tools necessary to address subdivision and development requests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe development of a new land-use code has long been a desire of the planning and building department,\u201d said Sackett. \u201cThe right time has finally arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the years, amendments have been made to the code in an effort to stay current with changing trends and needs, but in some instances, Sackett said the hodgepodge of guidelines conflicts with itself.<\/p>\n
The new land-use code will include concepts from the city\u2019s 2008 comprehensive plan and its supplemental community action plan along with findings from the Heart & Soul planning project.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of these processes and documents will be utilized in framing a new land-use code that will reflect the values of our community,\u201d said Sackett.<\/p>\n
The proposed $200,000 line item in next year\u2019s budget is funded via a $50,000 award from the Gates Family Foundation, a $100,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs and $50,000 from city coffers.<\/p>\n
\u201cStaff envisions that it will be at least two years before a new code is adopted,\u201d said Sackett.<\/p>\n
Soliciting bids from land-use consulting firms is the first step of the process, followed by numerous community meetings. Developers and other citizens will be encouraged to participate.<\/p>\n
A draft code will subsequently be presented for public comment before final approval.<\/p>\n
Sackett said an upcoming website will help to keep the public informed of the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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