PLEASE ONLY SIGN IF YOU ARE REGISTERED VOTER OR A PROPERTY OWNER LOCATED IN THE ANIMAS VALLEY DISTRICT (BETWEEN THE THE SOUTH END OF CR 203 AND BAKER’S BRIDGE TO THE NORTH). THANK YOU!

The residents and property owners of the Animas Valley are seeking to restore Major permitting processes for new developments in our district. Zoning regulations have been in place across the Animas Valley since 1993. Major uses require review and approval by our elected officials: the Board of County Commissioners.

A significant change occurred in 2017 where all proposed new developments were reclassified to the Minor permitting process. Minor uses are reviewed and approved by either the Planning Department or the voluntary Planning Commission.  This change created a significant disparity in development regulations which inequitably affects the Valley because the rest of the County has Major uses and the Valley does not.

We propose La Plata County Commissioners reinstate the requirement for Major Permitting in the Valley and realign the permitting process for the Animas Valley with the rest of the County.

In the last quarter of 2024, the Animas Valley Registered District Advisory Committee (RDAC) asked for this realignment to be added to the 2025 Planning Department work plan. That plea was ignored. This year, Valley residents met with various County officials and employees multiple times to discuss this issue but there is still no timeline for action. We are asking for this issue to be addressed in 2026.

As long as all new development in the Valley continues to be reviewed under the Minor permitting process, there are limited avenues for ensuring development does not negatively impact adjacent residents and property owners.

Animas Valley residents are seeking parity with the rest of La Plata County where Major Use permitting is required to be reviewed and approved by our elected officials!

Background: Impact of Lesser Review for the Animas Valley District

The Animas Valley has zoning and thorough project review is essential to ensure new projects meet the Animas Valley Land Use Plan (AVLUP) and our District Plan, are compatible with existing neighborhoods, and any of the project’s impacts to infrastructure like roads, electricity, sewer and water are addressed without significant cost or effect on the residents.

The Animas Valley is the northern entrance to Durango and is the corridor for the train to Silverton, and the scenic San Juan Skyway. Maintaining the rural character and scenic views is critical to the local economy.

A few examples of uses in the Animas Valley that do not currently require elected official review are: new commercial development over 10,000 sf, RV Parks, Manufactured or Tiny Home parks, multifamily projects with 4 or more units, apartments, commercial storage units, and even marijuana facilities. Everywhere else in our County these uses are required to go through the Major permitting process.

Impact to the Valley

• This change would not impact proposed projects already accepted for review by the County.
• The 2017 removal of the Major use designation is what allowed the RV park proposal on Trimble Lane at the old gravel pit to proceed under a Minor Land Use Permit.
• Due to available infrastructure, residents on CR 203 are especially vulnerable to zoning changes allowing higher densities and major uses than currently in place. This could impact neighbors with increased traffic, density and noise.
• Current Animas Valley residents could be impacted by additional traffic, lack of fire escape routes, and increased rates for sewer and water as large new projects force utility companies to increase capacity.

We call on all registered voters and property owners within the Animas Valley to unite in support of this petition, urging County officials to act in 2026 to provide fair and equal treatment and consistent regulatory practices across the County.

 

Join us in making a difference for the Animas Valley

• Support us in asking the County to restore fairness in the permitting process and to protect the interests of those who cherish the Animas Valley
• Please support this petition by signing and sharing links with fellow neighbors and friends. Help put pressure on the Board of County Commissioners by writing emails and making phone calls.
• Join the Animas Valley RDAC to work with us towards obtaining this change and to receive updates

The reinstatement of the Major Land Use Permitting process in our zoning is essential in maintaining the rural character of the Valley and protecting property owners and residents from new development that negatively impacts their quality of life. Please join us in protecting the health, welfare and heritage of our beautiful  Animas Valley.

The Animas Valley RDAC