Cortez Land Use Code Chapter 4 - Subdivision Standards (Public Review Draft)

Review and comment on Chapter 4 of the Cortez Land Use Code using the below digital PDF. Click anywhere on the document to add a comment. 

Learn more about the update on the City's website here>>

Purpose: Describes the classification and specific standards applicable to subdivision of land within the City.

What Changed:

• Moved classification of minor versus major subdivisions from Chapter 6 to the front of this chapter to establish the foundation and clarify exemptions

• Clarified and simplified standards for the definition of a corner lot and expanded the maximum block length to better reflect existing developments that would otherwise be nonconforming

• Updated and clarified street standards to match the Streets Master Plan and incorporated median design standards as well as optional standards for the design of bike lanes if added at the option of the developer

• Moved private street standards from Chapter 3 to the street standard section of this Chapter for consistency and updated according to current City policies

• Drainage easement standards have been updated to better reflect irrigation ditch requirements and necessary access by the ditch company

• The public land dedication section was completely overhauled and simplified for clarity, spelling out requirements for dedication or fee in lieu at the option of the City

• Individual sections on drainage, water supply, utilities, etc. were combined in a new section called required improvements and clarified with regard to required timeframe and warranty period of all improvements to better tie to the new improvement guarantee section

• Added a new section to describe the intent and applicability of Development Improvement Agreements

• Added a new section to outline requirements for improvement guarantees consistent with many other communities across the west

• Revised the Impact Fee section to better reflect the original intent of public private partnership agreements for unique public improvements

What remains the same:

• General scope and applicability of the chapter remain the same

• General format of easements remains the same with simplification and clarification of language

• Existing required improvements remain and were clarified with the addition of new standards – all intended to clarify existing requirements without adding any new regulation

• The basic parameter of public land dedication remains at 5% of the gross acreage of the subdivision