People contend they were not part of the process

SAGUACHE — Land-use changes continue to be a concern for Saguache County residents and the Saguache County Board of Commissioners are making it a point to have the Land Use Planning Commission get their input.

During the portion of the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on Feb. 22, regarding land-use changes, the public was allowed to speak for 3 minutes per person. More than 10 people from various areas of Saguache County spoke about the proposed land-use changes submitted by the Land Use Planning Commission.

There were several suggested changes to the land-use code from the Land Use Planning Commission but the areas of contention centered around the minimum square footage for residential building permits.

Last year, several people were concerned with the proposed 900 minimum square footage and as a result, the commissioners asked the Land Use Commission to revisit this and other issues from people.

The Land Use Planning Commission returned a recommendation that the minimum square footage be set at 600 square feet for residential construction.

The other two points of contention from people were a minor change to the marijuana excise tax code and accessory dwelling units could not be placed on a property without a residence.

There would be a process for agriculture to receive a variance for the placement of agriculture-specific buildings.

Lisa Bodey, a Saguache County resident and member of the Crestone Energy Exchange, said she wanted to share ideas, education and innovation with the Land Use Commission.

“When can we actually work together to address land use issues,” she asked.

She added that she felt there had been too many barriers for the public to be heard by the commission.

In response, County Commissioner Tom McCracken said, “If the planning commission cannot have input from the public then we have a problem.”

Other people who spoke at the meeting echoed the sentiments of Bodey.

The Commissioners unanimously approved sending back the issue of minimum square footage to the commission.

The Land Use Planning Commission’s next work session is at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Saguache County Road and Bridge Building, with minimum square footage on the work session agenda.

Commissioner Lynne Thompson said, “I think that they should have been allowed to give their presentation. I think all these people need to be heard.”

People are asked to contact the Land Use Planning Commission to speak at the Feb. 24 work session.