RBC | A week after a resolution to relax county building codes was determined to have been passed in violation of Colorado state statutes requiring review by the planning commission and a public hearing, the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners ended Building Official Jeff Kummer’s employment.
County Attorney Todd Starr responded to a request for details from the HT last Thursday with a single-sentence statement: “Rio Blanco County does not comment on personnel issues.” That was also the answer to the question: “Is the county planning to replace Kummer?”
Kummer was unavailable for comment as of press time.
In an effort to understand the specifics Kummer’s departure—since commissioners told the public at work sessions in May they weren’t trying to get rid of Kummer—the HT has filed a Colorado Open Records Act request for documentation related to the end of Kummer’s 13-year employment with Rio Blanco County. Results of that request were not available as of press time.
The HT also filed a Colorado Open Records Act request to review the written comments about building codes and the building department that were submitted at during those special work sessions. The overwhelming majority of those comments were in favor of the building department, codes, and the inspection process.
County extends permit/inspection exemption to rural residents
During a work session Tuesday, Aug. 27, County Planner Leif Joy introduced a new Application for Rural Exemption that answered some of the questions raised for residents about the absence of a county building official.
The application is similar to an existing agricultural exemption that allows agricultural buildings to be constructed without a building permit or inspection if the use and the proposed location meet the requirements of the Rio Blanco County Land Use Resolution. With the Rural Exemption, rural residential property owners can apply for an exemption to make upgrades and improvements, or build “accessory buildings”. Property owners can also build non-primary residence structures, cabins for example, without required permits and inspections, based on the application. A primary residence is defined as “the dwelling where they usually live,” and states that a person can only have one primary residence at a time.
Individuals who apply for the exemption are still subject to submitting a site plan and paying use taxes, and proposed new structures must conform to Land Use Regulations. Residents who prefer to go through the permitting and inspection process may still do so. They also have the option to hire a private inspection. Private inspectors have to be qualified, but the county is still “trying to find language to define that,” according to Commissioner Gary Moyer. “It’s going to be a work in progress.”
According to Joy, there are two rural exemptions already in progress.
The rural exemption does not change anything with planning or zoning, he said, and commercial and industrial properties are not eligible.
Moyer mentioned one caveat: “We added in there that if you are within a mile of the city limits on less than 2.5 acres, you do not get to utilize the exemption.”
Sales and Use Tax Director Deb Morlan said people need to understand that they still need to submit an application for exemption or get a building permit before doing a project.
Residents will have to pay for damaged fiber
Communications Director Cody Crooks outlined a “menu” of repair costs for residents who damage the broadband fiber and conduit on their property.
Crooks said they’ve had three addresses in the last week that “hit” their fiber while digging, two in Meeker and one in Rangely.
“They never called in a locate,” Crooks said. “We only had one last year. We’ve had quite a few this year.”
Crooks urged residents to call 811 and request a locate of fiber and conduit before digging on their property.
New backup system for county network
IT Director Dylan Merrell said a new backup system for the county’s computer network is expected to cost about $31,000, but signing up for a five-year support plan will save the county about $8,000 over a five year period.
Gates named to Planning Commission
Former County Planner Rachel Gates was appointed to the Planning Commission Tuesday. Gates resigned as planner shortly after her husband, Ty Gates, announced his intention to run for county commissioner in 2020.
Multiple job openings
The county is seeking applications for a full-time attorney to handle the DHS (Department of Human Services) case load, for more than $7,000 per month; as well as multiple part-time and relief positions in detentions, transportation, the landfill, dispatch and a deputy coroner.
By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
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