Montrose County Master Plan Update

Montrose County is updating its Master Plan, an important document that guides the growth and physical development of the unincorporated territory of the county. The Master Plan is an advisory document to guide land development decisions. The process for updating the Master Plan focuses on engaging the public at each step in the process from social media to public open houses, and final adoption of the plan.

The Montrose County Master Plan was last updated in 2010 and now, it is time to update again to incorporate changes throughout the county over the last thirteen years. The update will provide a general vision for the future of the community and a roadmap for the years to come. It outlines what the community wants to look like moving forward and how to make the collective vision a reality.

What topics are covered in a Master Plan?

The Montrose County Master Plan contains sections for each of the planning areas–North Valley, South Valley, Maher, and West End–with elements for:

Natural Resources
Agriculture
Economic Development
Recreation and Tourism
Utilities and Services
Transportation
Land Use

Each segment contains an introduction, and sections for goals, objectives, and actions to address both current and long-term needs.

Timeline

A Master Plan is:

Generalized

Provides general guidance and direction for county and growth and development.

Comprehensive

Addresses all the elements or components that affect the physical, economic, and social concerns of the county

Long Range

Presents a vision for the community that looks far into the future.

Evolving

Should shift through time to reflecct current and future needs as a results of reviews and updates.

Not a Zoning Ordinance

Directly informs decisions in land use codes, development patterns, and prioritization of county funds.

The Colorado State Legislature determined that the county planning commission had a “duty to make and adopt a master plan for the physical development of the unincorporated territory of the county.” Montrose County’s Master Plan serves as a guiding document for how the county will manage decisions regarding land use, zoning regulations, subdivisions, and hazard regulations, annexation decisions, development review, and other community development decisions, including grants. The plan is a framework and guide for accomplishing community aspirations and intentions. It states goals and objectives, and it recommends courses of action for future growth and development of the land, public facilities and services, and environmental protection.

The Master Plan provides the foundation for Montrose County’s planning efforts, and guides decisions on land use, transportation, housing, capital facilities, parks, and the environment through a long-range lens. The Plan ensures that budget decisions regarding facilities and infrastructure in the county can accommodate future growth as population continues to increase in the central western region of Colorado. Planning for the future helps the county continue to build communities that meet local and regional needs while also reflecting the community’s vision for how Montrose County should look 20 years from now.

Resources

Montrose County Public Participation Plan

Open House Schedule