Land Use & Development

This is an application to change zoning. The proposed change must be compatible with existing zoning. Zoning a single lot differently than surrounding lots is called "spot zoning" and is illegal.

Eligible applicants must fill out an Amendment to Zoning Application, submit supplementary documentation, and pay a $600 fee. The process takes between 60 to 90 days. You must attend two public hearings.

• One before the Planning Commission and one before the Board of County Commissioners.

Legal Notice is sent to all neighbors within 1,500' and published in the paper 30-days before each hearing.

Any division of land that creates lots smaller than 35 acres must go through Subdivision process. Minor subdivisions may not create more than a total of four lots and are often discouraged further than 3-miles outside of the City of Alamosa. The property must not have been subdivided in at least fifteen years and must not be in an environmentally sensitive area. Minimum lot size is generally 1 acre. You must have a survey completed by a registered, land surveyor. Here is a list of local surveyors (PDF).

Eligible applicants must fill out a Minor Subdivision Application, submit supplementary documentation, and pay a $600 fee. The process takes between 60 to 90 days. You must attend two public hearings:

• One before the Planning Commission and one before the Board of County Commissioners.

Legal Notice is sent to all neighbors within 1,500' and published in the paper 30-days before each hearing.

Any subdivision creating more than a total of four lots is a major subdivision. Major subdivisions require four hearings: two for a preliminary plat and two for a final plat after required improvements are installed. The cost of a Major subdivision is $3,000 plus $50 per lot.

• Traffic studies may be required.
• Installation of central water and sewer may be required
• Underground utilities are required.
• Street lighting is required within three miles of the City of Alamosa.
• Installation of curb and gutter may be required.
• A financial security is necessary in lieu of improvement completion.
• A warranty or guarantee is required for all improvements after completion.

These applications change the shape of lots or consolidate lots but do not create additional lots. You must have a survey completed by a registered, land surveyor. Here is a list of local surveyors (PDF).

Eligible applicants must fill out a Replat/Plat Vacation Application, submit supplementary documentation, and pay a $300 fee, Plat Vacations in the Zapata subdivision require an approval letter from the HOA. The process takes about 60 days. There is an administrative hearing with the Land Use Administrator. You are not required to attend the hearing. Legal Notice is published in the paper 30-days before the hearing.

These are for activities that are eligible in certain zoned districts but must be evaluated individually by the Board of County Commissioners. They are usually subject to conditions on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible applicants must fill out a Special Use Application, submit supplementary documentation, and pay a $500 fee, The process takes between 60 to 90 days. You must attend two public hearings:

• One before the Planning Commission and one before the Board of County Commissioners,

Legal Notice is sent to all neighbors within 1,500' and published in the paper 30-days before each hearing. *Medical marijuana businesses must apply for a Special Use Permit but there are additional requirements and the fee is $1,000.

A Variance application requests special exception to the Land Use Code because of unique characteristics of a property or exceptional circumstances. Variance eligibility is rare and the burden of proof is on the Applicant.

Eligible applicants must fill out a Variance Application, submit supplementary documentation, and pay a $500 fee, The process takes between 60 to 90 days, You must attend one public hearing before the Board of Adjustment. Legal Notice is sent to all neighbors within 1,500' and published in the paper 30-days before each hearing.