The city of Cortez plans two open house events for residents, business owners and community members to learn about and provide input on the land use code update. The open houses will have a Halloween theme.

The first Land Use Code Open House is set for Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 123 E. Roger Smith Avenue. The second is Friday, Oct. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, 20 W. Main St.

Brief presentations of the proposed changes will be given on the hour, and the public is encouraged to stop by at any time.

The open house will center on residential, commercial and industrial zoning districts in f Cortez. The current land use code was adopted in 1996 and has been amended numerous times over the years.

“Since its initial adoption almost 30 years ago, the City of Cortez has grown, and the needs have changed,” the news release said.

The current land use code needs and will receive updates for ease of administration and simplification of review processes, as well as inclusion of standards that support the City’s housing needs, according to the news release.

“For context, the land use code is composed of zone district regulations, use regulations, subdivision standards, site development standards and administration/ application procedures,” the news release said.

While this event is focused on the land use code update, kids and costumes are welcome. Candy will be distributed to kids and adults in costume.

The city has created a webpage where people can learn more about the land use code and the process for updating it. That webpage is at www.cortezco.gov/870/Land-Use-Code-Update.

For more information, please visit www.cortezco.gov or contact the city of Cortez Community and Economic Development Department at (970) 565-3402.