Recently, the La Plata County Planning Commission approved two subdivisions in Horse Gulch that would increase lot density from the existing two lots per 35 acres to the maximum allowable three lots per 35 acres. Full county approval would set a precedent that could negatively impact both the future of Horse Gulch and La Plata County.
The critical issue is that neither subdivision has fully met state-mandated subdivision requirements for evidence of an adequate and dependable water supply. Water management represents an essential component of land use planning, and the state of Colorado has adopted very specific laws that are designed to insure that smart water management and responsible growth planning policies are implemented at the county level. The state is also currently in the process of finalizing a Colorado Water Plan that will establish a statewide vision for future water management regulation. In order for any statewide policy to be effective, all county code regulations and rulings by the commission must be in strict compliance with state law.
Like many scenic corridors in La Plata County, Horse Gulch has steep ridges, long scenic open meadows and serves as a haven for wildlife. Horse Gulch also is a water-critical area with a very limited supply of water. The increase in density proposed by the above subdivisions will set a precedent that will needlessly change the scenic beauty of the area and could potentially put the entire water supply in jeopardy.
Durango is a wonderful, dynamic community and growth is an important element, both in town and within the county. But it needs to be smart growth, allowing expansion on land that can support it.
Matt Bradley, Jane Norton, Sean Owen, Kim Childers, Mary Orsini, Tom Schiltgen and five others.
Durango
