SAGUACHE — The Saguache Board of County Commissioners met on Nov. 23 at the Saguache Road and Bridge building and heard concerns from the community about changes to the land development code.

While many land development changes were proposed, three specific items were objected to by the community members in attendance in person and via Zoom.

The first was a proposed minimum of 900 square feet for a home to be granted a building permit. The second issue was the use of composting or incinerating toilets for sewage disposal. The third issue was the definition of what defines an accessory dwelling structure.

Another issue that came up during the meeting was what is considered an abandoned building. The current code states that any property that is not attached to power lines and other utilities is abandoned, which brings up the ability to use solar or alternative power in new or existing dwellings.

The proposed changes to the land development code came from the Planning Commission and were reviewed by the commissioners prior to the public comment session.

Debbie Lassiter of the Crestone Mountain Zen Center expressed her concerns about the size of dwellings.

“We have multiple cabins that are under 400 square feet and this change would negatively affect the Retreat Center," she said. "We had planned on building more soon but with these changes we could not. Smaller buildings can be adequately built, there is no need to make a minimum square footage.”

Many other people expressed their dismay with the square footage minimum. Max Gibson, speaking via Zoom said, “This type of development code goes against the architectural standards that have worked in the past. Development should not just use a broad brush to enforce current standard.”

Other people that spoke in person reiterated the sentiments expressed by others.

Many brought up that if people were forced to build a larger home, they may not be able to afford the best materials and may be forced to cut corners in the build to make the minimum square footage.

One attendee said that there are people that may decide not to buy land in Saguache County due to the overly restrictive land development codes that were proposed.

Several others also discussed the use of alternative sewer systems and said that these systems are a better use of technology than the traditional use of a septic system with a leach field.

The use of composting or incineration toilets does not impact the water table, since they are not dependent on water to function, are more environmentally sound and use the newest technologies, people said.

After the public comment, the commissioners sent the four land development code issues back to the Planning Commission for refinement.

“I think we should send it back to the planning commission,” said Commissioner Lynn Thompson.

All other issues regarding land use were passed, including fee changes for some permit types and some changes to marijuana grow businesses, including bond amounts. Land development code and changes can be viewed on the Saguache County website. The next Planning Commission meeting is on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at Saguache County Road and Bridge.