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1 week ago

County says Overpass gate swung, San Juan County to post signage; mid‑May clearing planned San Miguel County road staff reported the Overpass gate has been swung and that San Juan County cleared its side; barricades and signage will be used to prevent circumvention and the county plans dozer work in mid‑May to open the pass for the season, pending forest‑service coordination.

San Juan County is taking action to ensure the Alpine Loop Overpass remains closed until essential road work is complete, with strategic barricades and signage to keep drivers informed.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment #RoadAccess

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1 week ago

San Miguel County adopts Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code; enforcement aligned with historic levels The county unanimously adopted Resolution 2026‑14 to adopt the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code for unincorporated San Miguel County, to be enforced no later than July 1, 2026; enforcement will be applied according to historical local practice, with a petition process and ground‑truthing option for parcel owners.

San Miguel County has officially adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code to enhance safety in high-risk areas, with enforcement set to align with historical practices by 2026.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #BuildingSafety #FireResilience

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1 week ago

San Miguel County Historical Commission approves minutes, hears updates on Norwood Boy Scout building, Mill Creek Park, Matterhorn Mill and Ilium Flume Trail At its March 10 meeting the San Miguel County Historical Commission approved Jan. 13 minutes, welcomed new appointee Barbara Youngblood and received status reports on the county-owned Boy Scout building in Norwood, Mill Creek Park planning, Matterhorn Mill conveyance and the Ilium Flume Trail NEPA review.

The San Miguel County Historical Commission is making strides in preserving local history with exciting updates on the Boy Scout building and Mill Creek Park!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #CulturalPreservation #HistoricTrails

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1 month ago

Stakeholders debate density bonuses, overlays and water constraints for workforce housing Stakeholders favored keeping base densities low and using an overlay or density bonus tied to deed restrictions (50% threshold) to unlock higher densities for workforce housing, but participants warned that state water rules and water‑court processes limit where small‑lot development on wells is feasible.

San Miguel County stakeholders are grappling with the challenge of balancing low-density development while ensuring workforce housing thrives amidst water constraints.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #HousingDensity #CitizenPortal #WaterSustainability

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1 month ago

San Miguel County stakeholders back accelerated housing review to qualify for DOLA incentives Stakeholders discussed a proposed "accelerated housing review" that would allow eligible residential projects to complete site-plan and building permit review in 90 days if at least 50% of units are deed-restricted and meet affordability thresholds; adoption by late June could make the county eligible for DOLA incentive funding.

San Miguel County is pushing for an accelerated housing review that could cut approval times to just 90 days for affordable projects—this could unlock significant funding opportunities!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #ResidentialApprovals

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1 month ago

San Miguel County okays Ilium Industrial Park amendment adding flex uses and 20 residential units (2–1) The Board of Commissioners approved a substantial PUD amendment for the Ilium Industrial Park to add new allowed uses — flex space, health/medical/wellness and event purposes, and a capped 'variety store' — consolidate the land-use matrix, and add 20 deed-restricted residential units. Commissioners voted 2–1 after a lengthy public hearing focused on traffic, industrial protections and deed-restriction details.

San Miguel County has just approved a significant amendment to the Ilium Industrial Park, bringing new uses and 20 deed-restricted residential units to the area, but concerns loom about the future of light-industrial capacity.

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2 months ago

San Miguel County staff to nominate state trust parcels under HB25‑1332 for conservation, recreation and renewables review Staff outlined a plan to submit prioritized state‑trust parcels (including Wilson Mesa, a parcel near Gurley Reservoir, and Wright Mesa) under House Bill 25‑1332 to flag recreation, conservation, agriculture, renewable energy and carbon‑sequestration opportunities; commissioners asked staff to prioritize a short list and consider existing leases and water easements.

San Miguel County is gearing up to nominate key state trust parcels for conservation and renewable energy projects, aiming to enhance local resources and protect critical habitats.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #RenewableEnergy #WaterResources #CarbonSequestration

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2 months ago

San Miguel County staff present draft capital plan; commissioners ask for clearer fund balances and reserve targets County staff presented a first draft capital plan and asset inventory, highlighting $17.8M in depreciated building assets and the need to define reserve targets, department‑level costs, and financing options for housing projects before committing to major projects.

San Miguel County is taking a hard look at its capital plan, revealing $17.8 million in depreciated assets and calling for clearer financial strategies before embarking on new projects!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #HousingProjects #InfrastructureDevelopment

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2 months ago

Angel Baskets warns Telluride pantry demand has surged; asks county to preserve replacement space Angel Baskets told San Miguel County commissioners that its food‑pantry traffic spiked two to three times in December–January and asked to be included in planning for a replacement or relocation of the Fruin Building pantry space; county staff said town discussions have included keeping an accessible pantry location.

Angel Baskets is urgently calling for support as pantry demand has skyrocketed, serving 600 people and needing a new home to continue its vital work in the community.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #LocalNeed

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2 months ago

San Miguel County removes sales-tax license requirement for some short-term rental hosts The board adopted a land-use code amendment and Resolution 2026-07 removing the county requirement that short-term rental applicants hold a separate Colorado sales tax license when platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) remit taxes on behalf of hosts.

San Miguel County just made it easier for short-term rental hosts by removing the sales tax license requirement for those using platforms like Airbnb and VRBO that handle taxes for them!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #LocalGovAI #TaxRegulation

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2 months ago

County staff to negotiate with recommended contractor on five-unit affordable housing project San Miguel County staff recommended Prosette Construction for negotiations on a two-phase construction manager/general contractor approach for a five-unit affordable housing project; preliminary cost estimates put per-unit prices near $500,000 and total project costs around $2–2.5 million.

San Miguel County is set to negotiate with Prosette Construction for a groundbreaking affordable housing project that could reshape community living.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing

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2 months ago

San Miguel County commissioners back letter supporting countywide Dark Sky Reserve application The board voted to recommend a letter of support for the Norwood Dark Sky Advocates’ application to Dark Sky International, authorizing staff to edit a draft and coordinate with land managers; advocates say the designation would make San Miguel the first county-level reserve.

San Miguel County is on the verge of making history as the first county-level Dark Sky Reserve in the world, thanks to a bold application led by the Norwood Dark Sky Advocates!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #CivicSupport #LightPollutionReduction

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2 months ago

Human services director warns of potential federal funding freeze; county plans to shield CCAP clients San Miguel County staff said they had received federal letters about potential freezes to TANF, CCAP and Social Services Block Grant programs; a federal court extension of a temporary restraining order delayed any immediate freeze. The county committed to avoiding a 'cliff' effect for CCAP clients and is monitoring districting/shared-services proposals at the state level.

San Miguel County is bracing for potential federal funding freezes that could impact vital programs, but they're committed to protecting families from a sudden "cliff effect."

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #SocialServices

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2 months ago

Open Space Commission updates: Mill Creek Park Phase 1 moves forward; PEZ soil-health program expands and forest health shows improvement County commissioners approved Mill Creek Park Phase 1 and awarded construction to Ground Pounders; the commission renewed contracts for the PEZ soil-health program (including biochar as an add-on) and received a forest health report showing slowed decline and signs of regeneration in parts of Bear Creek.

Exciting developments are underway as county commissioners greenlight Phase 1 of the Mill Creek Park project, while expanding conservation efforts and revealing promising signs of forest health improvement!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #ForestHealth #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

East End Connector Trail planned with Idarado/Newmont; commissioners weigh safety versus cost Staff presented a proposed East End Connector Trail connecting the Idarado Legacy Trail to the Bridal Veil Trailhead; commissioners debated a north-side cost-saving alignment that forces two roadway crossings versus a safer but costlier south-side alignment that would require blasting a boulder and possibly building retaining structures.

The East End Connector Trail could revolutionize outdoor access in San Miguel County, but a crucial debate is brewing over safety versus cost!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #PublicSafety #OutdoorRecreation #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

San Miguel County debates tougher code enforcement, asks staff for metrics and staffing options County attorneys and enforcement staff told commissioners the current complaint-driven code-enforcement system has 24 open cases (14 unique), limits to evidence collection for court, and substantial staff time per case; commissioners directed staff to track SmartGov metrics, follow up notices through a three-notice sequence, and return with staffing and cost recommendations in six months. (Includes direct quotes from county code staff and the county attorney.)

San Miguel County is exploring ways to enhance its code enforcement process amid rising concerns over unpermitted structures and compliance challenges.

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2 months ago

Norwood water project needs about $6 million as county and towns pledge partial support Norwood Water Commission told San Miguel County commissioners the proposed 12-inch loop line is estimated at $9 million, with engineering and many grants in hand but an approximate $6 million funding gap; Mountain Village and Norwood have pledged local dollars and staff aim to be shovel-ready by year-end. (Includes quotes from Norwood presenters and Mayor Candy Meehan.)

Norwood's ambitious $9 million water project is just $6 million short of its funding goal, but local leaders are stepping up to secure the future of clean water for the community.

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2 months ago

Advisers in San Miguel County back expedited review for affordable housing, urge permanent deed restrictions At a San Miguel County advisory meeting, participants recommended creating a Prop 1-23 compliant expedited review process for affordable housing, tentatively setting rental AMI at 120% and ownership AMI at 200%, favoring permanent deed restrictions and keeping a 50% affordable-unit threshold in the East End while exploring lower thresholds outside it.

San Miguel County is moving forward with an expedited review process for affordable housing, aiming to enhance local market realities while ensuring long-term affordability through deed restrictions.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #HousingAffordability #PermittingProcess #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Board upholds $278,009 employee-housing mitigation fee for new Telluride-area house The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners unanimously upheld the planning director's decision to assess a $278,009 employee-housing mitigation fee for a 7,082-square-foot residence, rejecting the appellant’s request to revert to the prior (much lower) fee schedule.

San Miguel County just upheld a staggering $278,009 employee-housing mitigation fee for a new home, raising questions about the fairness of skyrocketing costs and the future of affordable housing in the area.

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2 months ago

San Miguel County Historical Commission outlines 2026 work plan; prioritizes signage, trails and preservation tasks At its Jan. 13 meeting the San Miguel County Historical Commission reviewed its 2026 work plan, emphasizing interpretive signage, trail projects (Ili and Flume, Galloping Goose), nominations to the county historic register, and ongoing items such as the Matterhorn tram-cable removal and Placerville depot follow-up.

The San Miguel County Historical Commission is gearing up for an exciting 2026 with new trails, historic nominations, and innovative outreach plans!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #TrailDevelopment #CulturalPreservation #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Colorado artist selected for state 150th project seeks Telluride-area site Artist Kirk Draugswald, one of 20 selected in a $2 million state program marking Colorado's 150th anniversary, asked the San Miguel County Historical Commission on Jan. 13 to help identify a permanent Telluride-area site; staff said the Open Space Commission and county commissions would need to sign off and sites must be finalized quickly for mid-summer installation.

Artist Kirk Draugswald is on a mission to secure a permanent site for a stunning time-themed sculpture in Telluride, as part of Colorado's $2 million public art initiative celebrating the state’s 150th anniversary!

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2 months ago

San Miguel County adopts updated mining rules; board emphasizes 'impact area' review and monitoring On Jan. 21 the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted amendments to the land-use code to clarify local review of mining impacts, require applicants to define and mitigate an "impact area," and add compensatory mitigation and wildlife monitoring provisions.

San Miguel County has taken a bold step by adopting new mining regulations aimed at better assessing and mitigating environmental impacts—could this be a game-changer for local communities and wildlife?

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #EnvironmentalRegulations #WildlifeMitigation

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2 months ago

Commission tables countywide land‑use code amendment on nonconforming lots after strong public concern Planning staff proposed clarifying whether legally created substandard parcels may seek special use permits and be developed with permitted uses; after extensive public comment urging more outreach and alignment with the Wright's Mesa master plan, the commission asked staff for maps and deferred the amendment for further study and engagement.

A proposed amendment to San Miguel County's Land Use Code could allow development on smaller, substandard lots, but residents are raising alarms about potential risks to local infrastructure and community plans.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #LandUsePolicy #PublicParticipation

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2 months ago

Planning commission backs Ilium Industrial Park PUD amendment, sends recommendation to BOCC The San Miguel County Planning Commission on Jan. 8 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a substantial PUD amendment for the Ilium Industrial Park to add limited retail, health/wellness and flex uses and to create a 20‑unit density bank, subject to deed restrictions and further conditions.

San Miguel County is on the verge of transforming the Ilium Industrial Park with new retail and wellness options while creating a density bank for future growth!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #ResidentialDensity #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

San Miguel County approves new behavioral-health coordinator position under public health After reviewing a gaps analysis, the county voted to create a behavioral-health coordination position based in Public Health to implement the behavioral-health strategic plan; commissioners discussed funding options and approved the request unanimously.

San Miguel County is taking a bold step towards better mental health care by creating a new coordinator position to ensure effective implementation of their strategic plan.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #HealthStrategicPlanning #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

San Miguel County approves $\u00AD2026 behavioral-health grants recommended by advisory panel The Board approved 2026 behavioral-health grant awards recommended by the San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions panel, funding providers across the county including Norwood Public Schools, Tri-County Health Network, Uncompahgre Medical Center and others. The motion passed unanimously.

San Miguel County has just approved nearly $400,000 in behavioral-health grants to support vital services across the community, including schools and health networks.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #GrantFunding #MentalHealthServices #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

San Miguel’s PEZ soil-health pilot seeks grant support, eyes expansion and biochar trials County staff and partners reported steady growth of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PEZ) pilot, presented soil-health deliverables and testing plans for 2026, and asked commissioners for letters of support for CWCB and SHOW grants to expand contracts and buy compost/extract inventory.

San Miguel County's innovative soil-health pilot is gaining momentum with plans for groundbreaking 2026 trials and a call for community support to secure essential funding!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #SoilHealth #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

EcoAction Partners and SMPA present regional climate, green-grants and utility updates to commissioners EcoAction Partners presented program outcomes and the pilot Regional Green Grants that leveraged $100,000 of county funding into $123,000 for local projects; San Miguel Power Association updated the board on grid projects, time-of-use rates, and local renewables opportunities.

EcoAction Partners and San Miguel Power Association are transforming our community with innovative green grants and renewable energy projects—find out how they plan to make 2026 even better!

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

San Miguel commissioners weigh local choices under Colorado’s new septic regulation; staff to open public comment San Miguel County environmental health staff presented options under Colorado’s updated Regulation 43 for on-site wastewater systems, recommending the county retain its variance program while declining a county-specific contractor licensure system; commissioners asked for additional analysis and a 30-day public comment period ahead of a Board of Health vote.

San Miguel County is at a crossroads with new septic regulations, weighing vital options that could shape the future of wastewater management in the community.

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #WastewaterManagement #EnvironmentalRegulations #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Human services director warns of possible federal funding reductions; counties told 'business as usual' for January San Miguel County Human Services Director Linnea Edwards briefed commissioners that federal letters and litigation have placed Colorado programs (CCDF, TANF, Social Services Block Grant) under potential partial freezes; a judge delayed immediate freezes and the state is coordinating messaging while counties await clarity on drawdown impacts.

San Miguel County faces potential funding reductions for crucial child-care and welfare programs as federal inquiries loom, but for now, it's "business as usual"—what's next?

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#SanMiguelCounty #CO #ChildCareFunding #CitizenPortal