During the Oct. 28 work session of the Cedaredge Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission, commission members focused attention on the tedious task of putting the final touches on a new Land Development Code. After nearly a year and a half, the document is nearly ready to take to the town council and a public hearing tentatively scheduled for Dec. 16.

According to P&Z chairman Gerry Mendralla, “The document that will eliminate the potential for misinterpretation.” Mendralla explained the new code will combine the development, annexation, zoning and subdivision regulations into one document.

Cedaredge town administrator Kathleen Sickles said the purpose of the new Land Development Code is to compile, coordinate and combine all land development activities under a consistent set of standards. Sickles explained that the new Land Development Code will eliminate current multiple, non-consistent pieces and requirements, making the process less confusing easier to understand, and will require fewer public hearings.

The P&Z was also charged with revising the subdivision regulations, with the intent to simplify the process, standardize the nomenclature used in the new code, including the manner in which those terms are used; to simplify the process for “non-impact” types of land development; and standardize penalty and fines, with reference to the current Construction Standards and Specifications (aka the Public Works Manual).

For their part, Public Works Director Tim Roberts and the public works staff were mandated to create a new Public Works Manual. Construction standards and fee schedules are to be revised with the regulations.

The P&Z was also under a mandate to write the new Land Development Code in a manner that would provide for additions, deletions and adjustments as required by changing future standards, and to “insure that development bears a fair share of the cost of growth.”

According to Sickles, the current codes are confusing regarding public hearings. Under the new code, the only scheduled public hearing will take place during the sketch phase, with others scheduled only if the town council determines the P&Z failed to adhere to the new code, or by an appeal from the developer for the same reason.

There was some discussion about which areas in town are suitable for the location of medical marijuana dispensaries and the percentage of land developers need to dedicate for public use or the amount of payment in lieu of land dedications.

The final touches to the new Land Development Code should be completed during a work session on Nov. 10, starting at 6 p.m. at the Community Center, followed by their regular meeting scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.; and during the regular P&Z meeting on Dec. 9 in preparation for the public hearing scheduled for Dec. 16. According to Sickles, a second work session may be scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18. For more information, call the Cedaredge Town Hall at 856-3123.

Sickles also noted that the new Land Development Code will be posted on the town’s website on Nov. 30, and she encourages all those interested to attend the public hearing on Dec. 16.

Sickles said the new Land Development Code is then scheduled to go to the Cedaredge Town Council for approval during the regular meeting on Jan. 21.

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