By High Country Advocate Staff
Meeting at a Glance
Date: September 24, 2025
Location: Alamosa County Administration Building
Attendance: All three commissioners present, along with County Attorney Jason Kelly, County Administrator Ron Ewism, and Deputy Clerk Jane Green
Next Meeting: October 8, 2025 – includes C-DOT corridor access planning session at 1:30 p.m.
Public Comment
The meeting opened with an invocation calling for unity beyond political and religious differences. Commissioners approved minor additions to the agenda, including two letters of support.
During public comment, several residents voiced opposition to two proposed community-scale solar farms north and east of Mosca. Concerns centered on glare, view impacts, traffic safety, and the cumulative effect of multiple solar installations in the area.
One resident described the intersection near State Highway 17 and Stanley Road as ‘the intersection of death,’ citing frequent accidents. Another, living directly east of the proposed site, said existing solar glare already reflects into her home.
Others argued that the projects would benefit the county through tax revenue and renewable energy but asked for stricter siting standards to minimize visual impact.
Solar Project Waiver Requests
Planning staff presented two 1041 permit waiver requests from Reactivate, a subsidiary of Invenergy. The first project, located off State Highway 17 and Stanley Road, would install a 4.95-megawatt solar generation facility on 25 acres of a 55-acre parcel. The second, near County Road 116 and Highway 160, proposes a 3.9-megawatt facility on 28 acres.
Both projects are designed as community-scale solar arrays using single-axis trackers. Developers stated there will be no battery storage and that the facilities would connect to existing distribution networks rather than high-voltage transmission lines.
Planning Director Richard Hensley outlined the waiver process, explaining that the county’s 1041 regulations were originally written for large-scale utilities, not smaller distributed projects. Recommended waivers covered items such as socioeconomic data, employment reporting, and aquatic mapping, which were deemed not relevant to solar generation.
Commissioners emphasized that the current hearing addressed only the waiver requests, not final project approval. A formal public hearing on the completed applications will be scheduled once updated documents are submitted.
After discussion, commissioners approved the waiver requests for both projects, allowing the applications to move forward to the next phase of review.
Campground and RV Park Regulation Updates
Commissioners then considered text amendments to the Land Use Code governing campgrounds, RV parks, and tiny home villages.
Planning staff proposed clarifying requirements for minimum park area (12 acres), on-site management, water and septic plans, and access to county-maintained or state highways.
One debated issue was a three-mile limitation on locating campgrounds beyond paved roads. Commissioner Van Rye expressed concern that the rule could restrict development in rural areas, suggesting the focus should remain on dust mitigation rather than distance. After discussion, the board voted to strike the three-mile limitation from the proposed language.
Commissioner Renner noted that most existing campgrounds already exceed the 12-acre minimum and said the changes ‘formalize what we already do,’ adding clarity for future applicants.
Approved amendments also clarify that new developments must obtain required water and sanitation permits within one year of approval or risk losing their permit eligibility.
Subdivision and Zoning Discussions
The commission reviewed several proposed updates to subdivision regulations, emphasizing water supply, infrastructure standards, and alignment with zoning.
Revisions call for:
– Adjudicated or augmented wells for new subdivisions.
– Central water systems preferred for larger developments.
– Paved roads required for major subdivisions of more than ten lots.
Developers and residents expressed concern over the cost of paving. One builder estimated pavement could add $22,000 per lot, pushing entry-level home prices out of reach. Commissioner Van Rye acknowledged the dilemma, noting that ‘a police officer can’t buy a house in Alamosa County under these costs.’
Staff explained that paved roads reduce dust, improve long-term maintenance, and align with county standards. The board agreed to continue reviewing the regulation and may revisit the paving requirement in November.
Commissioners also discussed rezoning policies to ensure subdivision applications are automatically zoned in line with proposed uses, reducing the need for multiple hearings.
Department Reports and Other Items
County Administrator Ewism reported that budget meetings are underway, with flexibility to make adjustments before final adoption.
Commissioner Rolesky said she attended nine opioid settlement meetings, several budget sessions, and the KOA Chili Cook-Off as a community participant.
Commissioner Van Rye highlighted ongoing coordination with the FAA on airport improvements and noted that Denver Air Connection is adjusting flight schedules to reduce weather delays.
The board approved the 2026 Operating Plan for the Alamosa County Local Marketing District, noting only minor changes from 2025.
In other business, La Puente requested county support for an EPA Brownfield cleanup grant to redevelop a downtown lot. Commissioners agreed to send a letter of support.
Finally, staff confirmed that Oktoberfest will be held Saturday, September 28. The next regular meeting is set for October 8, 2025, when the board will discuss C-DOT corridor access planning.
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