La Plata County Land Use Code Update

• The Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution amending the Land Use Code Sections 67-1, 67-9, and 67-14 regarding boundary adjustments, lot consolidations, and lot legalizations. The amendments aim to make it easier to address issues with illegal lots—parcels created without proper approval that are currently ineligible for building permits or land use applications—as well as to simplify and clarify processes.
• La Plata County aims to adopt a code for the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) by April 1, 2026. Members of the Wildfire Advisory Board (WAB) told the Board of La Plata County Commissioners it will take a lot of collaboration and a number of intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) to make that happen. The WAB is suggesting a task force be created and a facilitator be acquired to accomplish the work and that La Plata County take the lead in creating the IGAs. 

Durango Land Use Code

• Durango’s Community Development Commission in July approved several Land Use Code text amendments updating parking standards along with minor amendments to the lighting code, flood hazard elevation requirements, and definitions. The goals of the changes include expanding the Change of Use parking exemption from the Main Avenue Character Area to the MidTown Urban Renewal Area and Central Business District Zone and updating the electric vehicle standards to align with new State legislation. City Council will make final approval of the changes.