Rio Grande County
2023 Land Development Code Updates
Project Overview
County Officials have asked Community Planning Strategies (CPS), to assist in evaluating, facilitating and drafting a variety of updates to the Land Development Code.
Amendments in Progress
1. RV Parks
The County desires to amend the regulations pertaining to RV Parks. The amendments focus on ensuring adequate services, amenities, access, and safety for visitors are taken into account when designing and locating RV Parks. Planning & Zoning Commission discussions revolve around the standards, clarifying the land use table, and limiting new and expanded development of RV Parks in flood hazard areas.
2. Campgrounds
During discussions about RV Parks, County leadership noted that an original purpose of the 2023 Code Amendments was to prohibit dry camping (camping with no water/sanitary services) within the county. In response to this request, CPS staff made a targeted amendment to Section 2.05 A – Campgrounds that requires that campground developers provide a means of sanitary service on-site at the time of establishment.
Public Hearing Documents:
The proposed amendments are going to be considered at scheduled public hearings by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners. The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on April 16th and the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on April 17th.
The final draft documents can be accessed by clicking the links below.
Process Documents:
Below are links the the working documents and drafts at each step in the process.
Public Review Draft Documents
January 29, 2024 - Community Open House:
December 1, 2023 - Work Session #1 Materials:
October 11, 2023 - Project Kickoff Materials:
Approved Amendments
The following amendments were approved by the Board of County Commissioners and went into effect on June 1st 2023:
1. Manufactured Homes
2. Vacation Rentals
3. Airport Overlay
4. Division of Land
5. PUD Process
6. Floodplain Regulations
7. Cottage Industry/Home Business
8. Summitville Mine Overlay
9. Accessory Dwelling Units
10. Minimum Lot Size for Septic Systems
11. Wetlands Protection
12. Article 11 Enforcement
Project Timeline
The RV Park and Campground project schedule below is updated as of November 2023.
Project Kickoff - October 2023
The CPS Team to start working on the development of campground standards that complement the RV Park standards and provide guidance on the full spectrum of camping options for residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors of Rio Grande County.
Work Session #1- December 5th, 1pm
The Project Team will meet with the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners to discuss the development and refinement of the proposed amendments.
Draft of RV Park & Campground Regulations Updates - December & January 2024
Based on feedback received from work session #1, the project team will update and post draft language on website and prepare for public input. The draft will be sent to stakeholders and interested individuals who have asked to be informed throughout the process.
Public Open House - January 29, 2024
This will be an opportunity for the public to review and provide feedback to the draft of proposed amendments.
Work Session #2- January 30, 2024
The Project Team will meet with the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners to discuss the development and refinement of the proposed amendments based on feedback received from open house.
Final Draft of RV & Campground Regulations - March/April 2024
The RV Park and Campground amendments will be considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners in March/April 2024. The amendments are hoped to be published and effective mid 2024.
Amendments on Hold
1. River Corridor Development
The Following amendment is on hold pending Board of County Commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission direction.
The County requested that a river corridor overlay be established over the Rio Grande County to 1) protect the river resource and 2) protect ground water supply through unincorporated Rio Grande County. The overlay intends to establish limitations on development based on proximity to the Rio Grande River and to implement the County's Master Plan policy of requiring larger lots within 1,000 feet of the river.
April 2023 Progress Update:
All the proposed code language is new. The purpose of this section is to protect the groundwater supply and natural resources provided by the Rio Grande River while supporting and encouraging existing and future agricultural uses aligned with the character and culture of the County. Understanding the impact that this new protection overlay will have on future development of the river corridor.
Update Memos
The follow are updates made to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners throughout the course of the project.
Documents
Links
Below are links to background documents and information which have been used to evaluate options and craft recommended updates to the LDC. Additional links are anticipated to be added as the project progresses.