There seems to be a misconception that the new land-use code being devised by the county only affects agricultural interests. The fact is, it will have a significant effect on everyone who lives in the unincorporated parts of the county.
If you have not read the first draft module, you need to do so, as the end of the comment period is fast approaching. You can find it online by searching La Plata County Planning and clicking on Land Use Code.
This document is an attempt to zone the entire county. You can find several definitions of zoning, but what it truly is, is a method for people or entities – who have no ownership, no interest, no investment, and do not pay any of your taxes or expenses – a way to control your property.
The fear of the agricultural community is that if their land is zoned agriculture, the value will drop dramatically because it can never be used for any other purpose.
One of my biggest concerns with the plan is the scenic overlay designation. Every highway in the county and several county roads are in this designation, so it probably covers 80 percent of the county population. If you read nothing else, read this section because there are rules in there that border on ridiculous.
There is another meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Please try to attend, and get your written comments in by Jan. 26.
Phil Craig
Durango
