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Managing growth key to La Plata County land-use vision

JERRY McBRIDE/Durango Herald file photo<br><br>This picture is made of two photos showing the Animas Valley. On Thursday, the La Plata County Planning Commission began what will be a three-month process of updating the “land use” portion of the comprehensive plan.

Smart and diverse development are two goals La Plata County is aiming for in a revision of its land-use policy.

On Thursday, the county Planning Commission began what will be a three-month process of updating the “land use” portion of the comprehensive plan.

The meeting scratched the surface of the land-use discussion, with commissioners offering only a few editorial suggestions.

County Planning Director Damian Peduto said in the months ahead, addressing land use will be one of the largest undertakings within the comprehensive plan, which is undergoing a complete revision throughout the year.

“The land-use element is a vast one, because it’s the connecting center of the entire plan that ties everything together,” Peduto said. “One of the most important aspects of this is achieving growth management, which provides for thoughtful development patterns as opposed to sprawl and chaotic development.”

Among the goals and objectives laid out within the proposed guidelines are encouraging intergovernmental coordination, a diverse mix of land uses that meet financial and economic needs but don’t tax environmental health, consistent land-use classifications and consideration of physical characteristics of the land, including soil conditions and topography.

Maps within the plan depict urban growth boundaries surrounding the county’s municipalities, state and federal lands, tribal lands, planning districts and potential growth hubs.

“This is just the initial framework, but the two biggest things will be consideration of the areas of anticipated growth outside municipal lines, which will require everyone to work together, and making sure the different planning districts are consistent,” Commissioner Frank Lockwood said.

Planning commissioners and staff will review and revise the land-use element of the plan through the spring before voting on the amendments.

Commissioners named several components that should be addressed, including land-use classification changes and designated areas for open space and mixed-use development.

Over the past year, planning staff has incrementally tackled the county’s comprehensive plan, which has not been updated in over 10 years. The plan includes guidelines for agriculture, utilities, extractive resources and renewable energy, land use, public safety, the airport, environmental resources, housing, recreation and tourism, and historic preservation.

Each element is viewable and open to public comment through the county website.

jpace@durangoherald.com

Jul 7, 2016
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