City of Montrose

The commission reviewed several zoning and land use requests. This included the denial of a rezone request for 101/105 South Mesa from MR to B-1, the approval of a variance for an accessory structure at 3263 Monte Vista Circle with specific site conditions, and the approval of a conditional use permit for a church at 67120 Sunnyside, subject to conditions including minimum parking requirements. Additionally, the commission recommended B-3 zoning for the Talking Waters Addition and recommended various zoning districts for the Pioneer Ranch Addition to the City Council. The meeting also included an announcement regarding an upcoming joint meeting with the County Planning Commission.

The City Council Work Session covered several operational and planning matters. Key topics included the introduction of new city employees, discussion of the Hazard Mitigation Plan, the 2019 Plan of Annexation and 3-Mile Plan, a recommendation for a refuse truck purchase, and a review of 2018/2019 snow and ice removal procedures, including route priorities and an agreement with the county.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the consideration of a contract award for the design and permitting of fish habitat and stream stabilization improvements in the Uncompahgre River. Additionally, the commissioners discussed a promissory note between the authority and the City of Montrose, reviewed design and development updates, explored construction financing options, and considered support for a grant initiative by the Montrose Recreation District.

The commission reviewed two primary agenda items. First, a variance request for a land division at 68161 Sunnyside Road was approved, permitting a non-paved driveway due to soil and terrain conditions. Second, the commission considered a rezoning request for property at 1001 South Park Avenue, proposing a change from R-3 (Medium Density) to R-4 (High Density) zoning. Despite neighborhood concerns regarding property values and potential multi-unit development impacts, the commission recommended approval of the rezoning request, finding it in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and zoning criteria.

The Commission discussed the proposed zoning for the Pioneer Ranch Additions, considering various residential densities (R-3, R-3A, R-4) and community commercial zoning (B-1A). Key discussions included traffic impacts, buffering between zoning districts, the potential for big-box retail, and concerns from local homeowners associations regarding development quality and zoning restrictions. The Commission ultimately recommended zoning approval to the City Council with a modification to change certain commercial zoning from B-1A to B-4. Additionally, the Commission addressed administrative matters, including future work session planning, concerns about meeting recording quality, signage visibility for public hearings, and the inclusion of pre-annexation agreements in the zoning process.