High Alpine Development Regulations

​History

• On April 12, 2016, the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session to discuss development on patented mining claims the South Alpine Zone (areas South of the City of Ouray). After the work session during a regular meeting on April 19, 2016, the Board deliberated and ultimately passed (2 supporting Commissioners supporting, 1 Commissioner opposing) Resolution 2016-017 establishing a temporary moratorium on residential development on patented mining claims and mill sites at or higher than 9,500'. The moratorium was established from April 19, 2016 through October 19, 2016.
• The Commissioners subsequently passed a companion Resolution 2016-018 directing the Planning Commission (PC) to recommend revision to the Ouray County Land Use Code regarding High Alpine residential development on patented mining claims and mill sites in the high country. Resolution 2016-018 included an "Exhibit A" with specific questions and direction to the Planning Commission regarding the scope of the project. Shortly after, a joint meeting between the BOCC and PC was held in order for the two groups to ask questions and direction regarding the project. The Board directed PC and staff to begin developing regulations using San Juan and San Miguel County's Land Use Codes as a resource. 

• Planning Commission and BOCC public hearings were held June - October 2016, and resulted in the BOCC adopting revised Land Use Code Sections 2, 3, 13 and adopted new Code Section 24. Click here to view the Sections.  
• For more information regarding the process, include packet materials and historical documents, click here.