HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.00 Application -Agreement for PaymentGARFIELD COUNTY
Building & Planning Department
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Telephone: 970.945.8212 Facsimile: 970.384.3470
www.garfield-county.com
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SUBDIVISION APPLICATION
(CHECK THE BOX THAT APPLIES)
SKETCH PLAN (optional)
CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
PRELIMINARY PLAN
PRELIMINARY PLAN AMENDMENT
FINAL PLAT
FINAL PLAT AMENDMENT / CORRECTION PLAT
COMBINED PRELIMINARY PLAN & FINAL PLAT
GENERAL INFORMATION (Please print legibly)
Name of Property Owner:
y Mailing Address: Telephone: ( )
P City: State: Zip Code: Cell: (
E-mail address: FAX: ( )
Name of Owner's Representative, if any, (Attorney, Planner, Consultant, etc):
Mailing Address: Telephone: ( )
City: State: Zip Code: Cell: ( )
- E-mail address: FAX: ( )
Location of Property: Section Township Range
y Assessor's Parcel Number: -
v Practical Location / Address of Property:
Current Size of Property to be Subdivided (in acres):
v Number of Tracts / Lots Created within the Proposed Subdivision:
Last Revised 12/24/08
GENERAL INFORMATION continued...
Proposed Water Source:
. Proposed Method of Sewage Disposal:
Proposed Public Access VIA:
Easements: Utility:
Ditch:
. Total Development Area (fill in the appropriate boxes below):
(1) Residential
Units / Lots
Size (Acres)
Parking Provided
Single -Family
Duplex
Multi -Family
Mobile Home
Total
Floor Area (sq. ft.)
Size (Acres)
Parking Provided
(2) Commercial
(3) Industrial
(4) Public / Quasi -Public
(5) Open Space / Common Area
Total
The following general application materials are required for all types of subdivisions in Garfield
County. Application materials that are specific to an individual application type (Conservation
Subdivision, Preliminary Plan, etc.) are detailed in Section 5-501 of Article V of the Unified Land Use
Resolution (ULUR) of 2008.
1. Submit a completed and signed Application Form, an application fee, and a signed Agreement
for Payment form.
2. A narrative explaining the purpose of the application and supporting materials that address the
standards and criteria found in Article VII of the Unified Land Use Resolution of 2008.
3. Copy of the deed showing ownership. Additionally, submit a letter from the property owner(s) if
the owner is being represented by another party other than the owner. If the property is owned
by a corporate entity (such as an LLC, LLLP, etc.) please submit a copy of recorded " Statement
of Authority" demonstrating that the person signing the application has the authority to act in that
capacity for the entity.
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4. Submit a copy of the appropriate portion of a Garfield County Assessor's Map showing the
subject property and all public and private landowners adjacent to your property (which should
be delineated). In addition, submit a list of all property owners, private and public, and their
addresses adjacent to or within 200 ft. of the site. This information can be obtained from the
County Assessor's Office. You will also need the names (if applicable) of all mineral interest
owners of the subject property, identified in the County Clerk and Recorder's records in
accordance with §24-65.5-101, et seq. (That information may be found in your title policy under
Exceptions to Title).
5. Vicinity map: An 8 1/2 x 11 vicinity map locating the parcel in the County. The vicinity map shall
clearly show the boundaries of the subject property and all property within a 3 -mile radius of the
subject property. The map shall be at a minimum scale of 1"=2000' showing the general
topographic and geographic relation of the proposed exemption to the surrounding area for
which a copy of U.S.G.S. quadrangle map may be used.
6. A copy of the Pre -Application Conference form.
7. Submit 3 copies of this completed application and all the required submittal materials to the
Building and Planning Department. Staff will request additional copies once the application has
been deemed technically complete.
The following section outlines and describes the subdivision processes for the variety of subdivision actions
that are governed by the Board of County Commissioners by the Unified Land Use Resolution of 2008 (ULUR).
Please refer to Article V in the regulations themselves for a higher level of detail.
I. THE SKETCH PLAN
The sketch plan process (more fully defined in Article V, Section 5-301 of the ULUR) is an
optional plan review process intended to review at a conceptual level the feasibility and
design characteristics of the proposed division of land. The Yield Plan Review process, set
forth in Section 5-309, may be combined with Sketch Plan Review for applications
proposing Conservation Subdivision.
A. Process: The Sketch Plan Review process shall consist of the following procedures
and as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-301 of the ULUR:
1. Application
2. Determination of Completeness
3. Evaluation by Director/Staff Review
4. Review by Planning Commission
B. Application Materials: The Sketch Plan review process is set forth in Article V,
Section 5-301 of the ULUR, Sketch Plan Review and requires the following materials.
1. Application Form and Fees
2. Vicinity Map (5-502(C)(2))
3. Yield Plan (required for Conservation Subdivision)
4. Sketch Plan Map (5-502(C)(2))
5. Land Suitability Analysis (4-502(D))
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II. THE CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION
The Conservation Subdivision (as described in Article V, Section 5-308 of the ULUR) is a
clustered residential development option that allows reduced lot size and provides density
bonuses in exchange for preservation of rural lands through provision of open space. A
Conservation Subdivision shall be designed as a Density Neutral Development Plan or an
Increased Density Development Plan. The design standards for each development Plan
option are set forth in Article VII, Section 7-501 of the ULUR.
A. Process: Conservation Subdivision Review process is the same as the general
subdivision process with the addition of the Yield -Plan Review. The overall
Conservation Subdivision Process shall consist of the following procedures and as
more fully described in Article V, Section 5-301 of the ULUR:
1. Pre -Application Conference
2. Sketch Plan (optional)
3. Yield Plan Review (Can be reviewed concurrently with Preliminary Plan)
4. Preliminary Plan Review
5. Final Plat Review
B. Application Materials: The Conservation Subdivision review requires the following
application materials that can found more fully described in Article V, Sections 5-502
and 7-501 of the ULUR:
1. Application Form and Fees
2. Sketch Plan (Optional) (5-501(J))
3. Yield Plan (5-502(C)(8))
4. Preliminary Plan (5-501(G))
5. Final Plat (5-501(E))
6. Narrative addressing Design Standards (7-501 through 7-503)
III. THE PRELIMINARY PLAN
The preliminary plan review process will review the feasibility and design characteristics of
the proposed subdivision based on the standards set forth in Article VII, Standards. The
preliminary plan process will also evaluate preliminary engineering design. The Director
may allow the preliminary plan and the final plat process to be combined if the proposed
subdivision has seven (7) parcels or less and development of the lots does not require
extensive engineering.
A. Process: Preliminary Plan Review process shall consist of the following procedures
and as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-303(B) of the ULUR:
1. Pre -Application Conference
2. Determination of Completeness
3. Evaluation by Director/Staff Review
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4. Public Hearing and Recommendation by Planning Commission
5. Public Hearing and Decision by Board of County Commissioners
B. Application Materials: The Preliminary Plan review requires the following application
materials as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-502:
1. Application Form and Fees
2. Preliminary Plan Map
3. Yield Plan (Conservation Subdivision only)
4. Open Space Plan, preliminary
5. Open Space Management Plan
6. Landscape Plan (Common Ownership Areas)
7. Impact Analysis
8. Land Suitability Analysis
9. Lighting Plan consistent with standards in 7-305
10. Visual Analysis
11. Preliminary Engineering Reports and Plans
a) streets, trails, walkways and bikeways
b) engineering design and construction features for any bridges, culverts or
other drainage structures to be constructed
c) identification and mitigation of geologic hazards
d) sewage collection, and water supply and distribution system
e) Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
f) Water Supply Plan
g) Sanitary Sewage Disposal Plan
12. Draft Improvements Agreement, Covenants and Restrictions and By-laws
IV. THE PRELIMINARY PLAN AMENDMENT
Any proposal to change a preliminary plan approved under these Regulations shall require
application to the Director for Amendment of an Approved Preliminary Plan. The Director
shall review the application to determine whether the proposed change constitutes a
substantial modification to the approved plan as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-
304. (A substantial modification is defined as a Substantial Change in Article XVI:
Definitions)
A. Outline of Process. The review process for a proposed Amendment of an Approved
Preliminary Plan shall consist of the following procedures.
1. Pre -Application Conference
2. Application
3. Determination of Completeness
4. Evaluation by Director/Staff Review
5. Decision by Director
B. Application Materials: The Preliminary Plan Amendment review requires the following
application materials as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-501 (H):
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1. Application Form
2. Written Statement of proposed amendment(s)
3. Supporting documents necessary to evaluate the proposed revision(s)
V. THE FINAL PLAT REVIEW
Unless otherwise provided by these Regulations, the applicant must receive preliminary
plan approval before beginning the final plat process. The final plat review is to formally
finalize the actions resultant from the preliminary plan in order to complete the subdivision
process.
A. Outline of Process. The Final Plat Review process shall consist of the following
procedures:
1. Application
2. Determination of Completeness
3. Evaluation by Director/Staff Review
4. Review and Action by Board of County Commissioners
5. Recordation of Plat
B. Application Materials: The Final Plat review requires the following application
materials as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-502:
1. Application Form and Fee
2. Final Plat
3. Final Engineering Reports and Plans
a) Streets, trails, walkways and bikeways
b) Engineering design and construction features for any bridges, culverts or
other drainage structures to be constructed
c) Mitigation of geologic hazards
d) Sewage collection, and water supply and distribution system
e) Soil suitability information
f) Groundwater drainage
g) Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (4-602 C. 4.)
h) Final cost estimates for public improvements
i) The certification listing all mortgages, liens judgments, easements,
contracts, and agreements of record regarding the land to be platted and
the Board of County Commissioners may require, at its discretion, that the
holders of such mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, contracts or
agreements shall be required to join in and approve the application for
Final Plat approval before such Final Plat is accepted for review. All other
exceptions from title shall be delineated.
4. Landscape Plan (Common Area) (4-602 5.)
5. Open Space Plan (if applicable)
6. Open Space Management Plan (If applicable)
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7. Improvements Agreement, if applicable [include record drawings in digital format,
(4-602 J.)]
8. Letter of Intent for service from all of the utility service providers
a) Contract for Service, required prior to Final Plat recordation.
9. Final Declarations of Covenants and Restrictions, HOA articles of incorporation
and bylaws
10. Final Fees to be paid (School -Land Dedication / Traffic Impact Fees)
VI. THE FINAL PLAT AMENDMENT / CORRECTION PLAT REVIEW
The purpose of the Final Plat Amendment review is to allow for certain amendments to an
approved Final Plat. An amendment may be made to a recorded Final Plat if such
amendment does not increase the number of subdivision Tots or result in a major relocation
of a road or add one or more new roads (pursuant to Section 5-306). A correction can be
made to a recorded plat in order to correct an engineering error, mislabeling issue, etc. that
does not affect the substance of the plat.
A. Outline of Processes. The review processes for amending a Final Plat or an
Exemption Plat shall consist of the following regardless of whether the division was
initially approved as a subdivision or an Exemption:
1. Four (4) Subdivision Lots: The Administrative Review Process, detailed in Section
4-104 of Article IV, shall be used for review of a request to amend or correct a
Final Plat modifying lot lines, building envelopes, easement locations or other
interests affecting up to four (4) subdivision lots.
An Amended Final Plat or an Amended Exemption Plat which modifies lot lines or
easements affecting not more than two (2) adjacent lots or Exemption Lots or a
single building envelope shall be subject to the Administrative Review Process
set forth in Section 4-104 of Article IV, with the addition of presentation of the
Amended Plat to the Board of County Commissioners for signature, prior to
recording with the Office of the Clerk and Recorder.
2. More Than Four Lots: The Major Exemption Review Process, detailed in Section
5-403, shall be used to amend a Final Plat or an Exemption Plat modifying lot
lines, building envelopes, easement locations or other interests affecting more
four (4) subdivision lots or Exemption Lots.
An Amended Final Plat which modifies lot lines or easements affecting more than
four (4) subdivision lots or more than one (1) building envelope shall be subject to
the Major Exemption Review Process set forth in Section 5-403.
B. Application Materials: The Final Plat Amendment / Corrected Plat review requires the
following application materials as more fully described in Article V, Section 5-502:
1. Application Form and Fee
2. Preliminary Plan (5-501(G))
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3. Final Plat, Amended Final Plat
4. Subdivision Improvement Agreement, if necessary
The Director may allow the Preliminary Plan and the Final Plat process to be combined if
the proposed subdivision has seven (7) parcels or less and development of the lots does
not require extensive engineering. (Section 5-303) No submittal of a combined application
shall be allowed until the Director has made a determination after holding a pre -application
conference.
I have read the statements above and have provided the required attached information
which is correct and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
0240 (09
(Signature otroperty OSuner. Date
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GARFIELD COUNTY
BUILDING AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT
FEE SCHEDULE
Garfield County, pursuant to Board of County Commissioners ("Board") Resolution No.
98-09, has established a fee structure ("Base Fee") for the processing of each type of
subdivision and land use applications.
The Base Fee is an estimate of the average number of hours of staff time devoted to
an application, multiplied by an hourly rate for the personnel involved. The Board
recognized that the subdivision and land use application processing time will vary and
that an applicant should pay for the total cost of the review which may require
additional billing. Hourly rates based on the hourly salary, and fringe benefits costs of
the respective positions combined with an hourly overhead cost for the office will be
used to establish the actual cost of County staff time devoted to the review of a
particular project.
Actual staff time spent will be charged against the Base Fee. After the Base Fee has
been expended, the applicant will be billed based on actual staff hours accrued. Any
billing shall be paid in full prior to final consideration of any land use permit, zoning
amendment or subdivision plan. If an applicant has previously failed to pay application
fees as required, no new or additional applications will be accepted for processing until
the outstanding fees are paid.
Checks, including the appropriate Base Fee set forth below, must be submitted with
each land use application, and made payable to the Garfield County Treasurer.
Applications will not be accepted without the required application fee. Base Fees are
non-refundable in full, unless a written request for withdraw from the applicant is
submitted prior the initial review of the application materials.
Applications must include a Payment Agreement Form ("Agreement") set forth below.
The Agreement establishes the applicant as being responsible for payment of all costs
associated with processing the application. The Agreement must be signed by the
party responsible for payment and submitted with the application in order for it to be
accepted.
The following Base Fees shall be received by the County at the time of submittal of
any procedural application to which such fees relate. Such Base Fees shall be in
addition to and exclusive of any cost for publication or cost of consulting service
determined necessary by the Board for the consideration of any application or
additional County staff time or expense not covered by the Base Fee, which have not
otherwise been paid by the applicant to the County prior to final action upon the
application tendered to the County.
GARFIELD COUNTY BUILDING AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT
BASE FEES
TYPE OF LAND USE ACTION BASE FEE
Vacating Public Roads & Rights -of -Way $400
Sketch Plan $325
$675 + application agency
review fees and outside
Preliminary Plan / Conservation Subdivision consultant review fees, as
authorized pursuant to the
Regulations, such as the
Colorado Geologic Survey
Preliminary Plan Amendment $325
Final Plat $200
Final Plat Amendment / Correction Plat $100
Combined Preliminary Plan and Final Plat $1,075
Minor Exemption / Amendment $300 / $300
Major Exemption / Amendment $400 / $300
Rural Land Development Option Exemption / Amendment $400 / $300
General Administrative Permit $250
Floodplain Development Permit $400
Pipeline Development Plan / Amendment $400 / $300
Small Temporary Employee Housing $50
Minor Temporary Employee Housing $250
Limited Impact Review / Amendment $400 / $300
Major Impact Review / Amendment $525 / $400
Rezoning: Text Amendment $300
Rezoning: Zone District Amendment $450
Planned Unit Development (PUD) / Amendment $500 / $300
Comprehensive Plan Amendment $450
Variance $250
Interpretation $250
Takings Determination NO FEE
Planning Staff Hourly Rate
• Planning Director $50.50
■ Senior Planner $40.50
• Planning Technician $33.75
• Secretary $30.00
County Surveyor Review Fee (includes review of Amended
Determined by Surveyor$
Plats, Final Plats, Exemption Plats)
Mylar Recording Fee $11 — 1St page
$10 each additional page
Page 2
The following guidelines shall be used for the administration of the fee structure set
forth above:
1. All applications shall be submitted with a signed Agreement for Payment form set
forth below.
2. County staff shall keep accurate record of actual time required for the processing
of each land use application, zoning amendment, or subdivision application. Any
additional billing will occur commensurate with the additional costs incurred by
the County as a result of having to take more time that that covered by the base
fee.
3. Any billings shall be paid prior to final consideration of any land use permit,
zoning amendment, or subdivision plan. All additional costs shall be paid to the
execution of the written resolution confirming action on the application.
4. Final Plats, Amended or Corrected Plats, Exemption Plats or Permits will not be
recorded or issued until all fees have been paid.
5. In the event that the Board determines that special expertise is needed to assist
them in the review of a land use permit, zoning amendment, or subdivision
application, such costs will be borne by the applicant and paid prior to the final
consideration of the application. All additional costs shall be paid prior to the
execution of the written resolution confirming action on the application.
6. If an application involves multiple reviews, the Applicant shall be charged the
highest Base Fee listed above.
7. Types of "Procedures" not listed in the above chart will be charged at an hourly
rate based on the pertinent planning staff rate listed above.
8. The Planning Director shall establish appropriate guidelines for the collection of
Additional Billings as required.
Page 3
GARFIELD COUNTY BUILDING AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PAYMENT AGREEMENT FORM
(Shall be submitted with application)
GARFIELD COUNTY (hereinafter COUNTY) and spring valley Holdings, LLC
Property Owner (hereinafter OWNER) agree as follows:
1. OWNER has submitted to COUNTY an application for spring valley Ranch
PUD - Phase 1 Final Plat (hereinafter, THE PROJECT).
2. OWNER understands and agrees that Garfield County Resolution No. 98-09, as
amended, establishes a fee schedule for each type of subdivision or land use review
applications, and the guidelines for the administration of the fee structure.
3. OWNER and COUNTY agree that because of the size, nature or scope of the
proposed project, it is not possible at this time to ascertain the full extent of the costs
involved in processing the application. OWNER agrees to make payment of the Base Fee,
established for the PROJECT, and to thereafter permit additional costs to be billed to
OWNER. OWNER agrees to make additional payments upon notification by the COUNTY
when they are necessary as costs are incurred.
4. The Base Fee shall be in addition to and exclusive of any cost for publication or
cost of consulting service determined necessary by the Board of County Commissioners for
the consideration of an application or additional COUNTY staff time or expense not covered
by the Base Fee. If actual recorded costs exceed the initial Base Fee, OWNER shall pay
additional billings to COUNTY to reimburse the COUNTY for the processing of the
PROJECT mentioned above. OWNER acknowledges that all billing shall be paid prior to
the final consideration by the COUNTY of any land use permit, zoning amendment, or
subdivision plan.
PROPERTY OWNER (OR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE)
93�
Print Name
Mailing Address:
9.12-L 10
to
600 Montgomery Street - 40 Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Page 4
COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SUBMITTAL
FORM FOR LAND -USE REVIEWS
County Date
Project Name
Name
APPLICANT
(or Applicant's Authorized Representative responsible for paying CGS -review fee)
Address
Ph. No.
Fax No.
1 1 1
/4, /2, or /4 /4
Section(s)
Township
Range
Dec Lat
Dec Long
FEE SCHEDULE
(effective June 1, 2009)
Reviews for Counties
Small Subdivision (> 3 dwellings and < 100 acres) $950
Large Subdivision (> 100 acres and < 500 acres) $1,550
Very Large Subdivision (500 acres or more) $2,500
Very small residential subdivisions (1-3 dwellings and < 100 acres) $600
Reviews for Municipalities At hourly rate of reviewer
Special Reviews At hourly rate of reviewer
School Site Reviews $855
CGS LAND USE REVIEWS
Geological studies are required by Colorado counties for all subdivisions of unincorpo-
rated land into parcels of less than 35 acres, under State statute C.R.S. 30-28-136 (1) (i)
(Senate Bill 35, 1972). Some Colorado municipalities require geological studies for sub-
division of incorporated land. In addition, local governments are empowered to regu-
late development activities in hazardous or mineral -resource areas under C.R.S. 24-65.1-
101 et seq. (House Bill 1041, 1974) and C.R.S. 34-1-301 et seq. (House Bill 1529, 1973),
respectively.
Local -government agencies submit proposed subdivision applications and supporting
technical reports to the Colorado Geological Survey "...for evaluation of those geologic
factors which would have significant impact on the proposed use of the land," in accor-
dance with State statutes. The CGS reviews the submitted documents and serves as a
technical advisor to local -government planning agencies during the planning process.
Since 1984, the CGS has been required by law to recover the full direct cost of perform-
ing such reviews.
The adequate knowledge of a site's geology is essential for any development project. It
is needed at the start of the project in order to plan, design, and construct a safe devel-
opment. Proper planning for geological conditions can help developers and future
owners/users reduce unnecessary maintenance and/or repair costs.
Colorado Geological Survey, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 715, Denver, CO 80203 • Ph: 303-866-2611, Fax: 303-866-2461
htto://aeosurvev.state.co.us created 3/16/98. revised 4/23/09
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Regarding the CGS Land Use Review Process
1 Why am I required to have a CGS review when I already hired
and paid for my own consultant?
In 1972, Senate Bill 35 was passed stating that any person or
entity subdividing a property into parcels of 35 acres or less on
unincorporated land must submit geologic or geotechnical
reports to the County as part of the preliminary plat application
process. Municipalities or public agencies may request that CGS
review a site, although these reviews are not governed by the
statute.
2 Why is a CGS review necessary when I already hired my own
geologist?
The CGS review is an independent third -party review that is done
for the County, similar to the service a building inspector provides
for construction review. The purpose of the CGS review is to
ensure that all geologic concerns have been adequately identified
and addressed in the geologic reports and that the proposed
development is feasible.
3 Why does CGS charge for land use reviews? Doesn't taxpayer
money pay for this service?
CGS land use reviews are not subsidized through the general
fund, although some other review agencies are supported by
taxpayer money. In 1984 the state legislature decided that CGS
reviews should be paid for with fees paid by the applicant of the
proposed development so that taxpayers are not viewed as
subsidizing development.
4 Did the CGS geologist make a field visit to the site?
A CGS geologist visits each site being reviewed. If the review is a
re -submittal for a site that has been visited previously, a second
site visit may not be necessary. If significant changes have
occurred since the initial review, the site may be visited again.
5 Why is the CGS review letter so short and simple? What is my fee
paying for?
The CGS letter is a review of the geologic material submitted and
reflects the level of detail contained in those documents. CGS does
not offer designs, but rather ensures that the work that has been
done is meaningful and adequate for the site conditions and
proposed development. A site review that adequately addresses all
the geologic conditions present at the site may be a short
confirmation letter. If more work needs to be done or if difficult
site conditions are present, the letter may be longer.
6 What type of information do I need to submit to CGS for a land
use review?
The more geologic information that is submitted to CGS, the
easier it is for CGS to evaluate the property. The required
documents may vary based on county requirements and the
potential problems that may impact the proposed development.
A topographic map is essential. Also, information regarding
slope, surficial materials, subsurface materials and bedrock,
presence of groundwater and depth, and specific geologic
hazards should be included, where applicable. Grading plans,
drainage plans, and geotechnical testing results are also very
helpful for the review. The presence of geologic hazards should
be evaluated with respect to the development plan. Also, the
effect of development on geologic conditions should be
discussed. The evaluation should include alternatives such as
avoidance and mitigation techniques.
7 The subdivision down the road was approved, why wasn't mine?
There could be several reasons: geologic conditions can change
over short distances; subdivisions made prior to 1972 were not
required to undergo a CGS review and may have not been
evaluated for geologic suitability at all; the area down the road
may be incorporated as part of a municipality, which exempts it
from the CGS review process. Another consideration is that
geologic reviews are continually evolving and site conditions that
have been judged acceptable in the past may no longer be
considered as such, based on the current understanding of the
geologic processes and adverse impacts associated with them.
8 Why are CGS reviews required even on low-density properties?
Senate Bill 35 pertains to subdivisions of less than 35 acres.
Geologic hazards can occur on Large -scales or small -scales;
relying on low-density subdivision can not mitigate all geologic
hazards. For instance, entire hillsides might be prone to rockfall
or landslide hazards. Large tracts of land may be subject to
groundwater problems.
9 Why can't I just use the soil conservation maps for a geologic
report?
The USDA soil conservation maps are a good start for geologic
investigations, but do not contain sufficient detail on the possible
geologic problems that may occur at any site.
10 Aren't some of your review comments beyond the scope of geologic
hazards on my site?
Technically other agencies have regulatory authority regarding
issues such as flood plains, groundwater availability and wildfire,
but these issues are also important factors in the overall geologic
context of the site and may affect geologic hazards on the site. The
mention of a condition in the CGS review letter is not intended to
influence the statutory authority of any other agency, but rather to
ensure that all parties are aware of a potentially problematic
geologic condition. For instance, mention of a situation involving a
major drainage is a flag that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or
the Colorado Water Conservation Board should be reviewing
development plans.
11 When I bought this property, no one told me about any geologic
hazards on the site; can I go back to the previous owners
somehow?
CGS can not give legal advice. If the seller was aware of adverse
conditions with respect to the proposed use, this should have
been disclosed. A legal opinion should be sought.
12 Can I get a waiver from having the CGS do a review?
The discretion to grant waivers is vested by law with the counties.
Once an application for review is submitted to CGS, we are under
a statutory responsibility to respond.
13 I am willing to accept the risk associated with my property —
why is it anyone's business what I do with my own land?
The presumption associated with a subdivision is that portions
of the property will be sold to others. This then assigns any risk
to future buyers, and the county is required to protect their
interests. Senate Bill 35 addresses a wide variety of land use
issues as well as geologic suitability in an attempt to provide
information so that the overall appropriateness of the
subdivision proposal can be evaluated.