DURANGO, Colo.-
This southwestern Colorado city may soon regulate future construction on hillsides and ridges to protect scenic views.
City Council members met with planners on Tuesday to talk about what a ridge-line ordinance might cover, including erosion, fire danger, recreation, aesthetics and other factors.
“There is no one, best solution,” Planning Director Greg Hoch said. “It depends on what the community is trying to achieve with it.”
Some residents have been upset by the construction of individual houses or developments on hilltops.
“People know what they don’t want,” City Councilman Scott Graham said.
Senior planner Tim McHarg recommended that aesthetics standards be based on the view from specific places in the city.
“The vantage-point standard is critical,” McHarg said. “Without it, you can’t tell people what they can and can’t do.”
City Manager Bob Ledger said Durango could draw from ordinances passed by other cities. Hoch said a draft could be ready within 30 days.
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Information from: Durango Herald,
