County, Features

Back to the drawing board for building code resolution

Resolution passed in July did not meet statutory requirements

RBC | A resolution passed in July by the board of county commissioners “amending the building code to recognize the importance of private property rights” has been deemed null and void because the resolution failed to comply with a state statute that requires review by the county planning commission and a public hearing.

Resolution 2019-14 was added to the July 16 agenda in Rangely. During the meeting, Commissioner Woodruff questioned the haste with which the resolution had been drafted and presented and voted nay.

According to state statutes regarding county planning and building codes, “The board of county commissioners from time to time by resolution may alter and amend any county building code after public hearing, notice of which hearing shall be given by at least one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least 14 days prior to said hearing. In no case shall the area covered by the building code be extended or changed unless the same has been proposed by or is first submitted for the approval, disapproval, or suggestions of the county planning commission. Unless the county planning commission acts within thirty days, approval shall be assumed. The opinion of the county planning commission shall be advisory only and not binding upon the board of county commissioners.” (Colorado Revised Statute 30-28-204)

In May, the commissioners held two special work sessions—one in Meeker and one in Rangely—to obtain public input on the building codes. At the Meeker meeting, Commissioner Jeff Rector said, “There’s been a lot of dissension with our building department and the county, especially with industry, and we all know we rely on industry to support our county. That’s what’s driving this more than anything, it’s not residential, it’s commercial.”

During those work sessions, the commissioners stated their intent to adopt and amend the 2018 building code, and that they hoped to put together an advisory board that would come up with a “common sense” approach that would better suit the county’s needs.

According to County Attorney Todd Starr, a new resolution will need to be drafted in which he expects the commissioners will adopt the 2018 code and then adopt amendments, as was originally discussed.

That resolution will be presented to the planning commission, followed by a public hearing—at which citizens will have an opportunity to voice any concerns—to be held before a vote on the new resolution.. Starr said that will likely occur in September.\

By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]

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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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3 days ago
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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