The city of Cortez has spent the last several months updating its land use code and developing new housing policies. According to a letter from Rachael Marchbanks, Community and Economic Development director, the current code was adopted in 1996 and has been amended several times.

Now, the LUC needs to be updated, “specifically for ease of administration and simplification of review processes,” the letter said. The new code also needs to include housing standards to support the city’s housing needs.

On Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 5:45 p.m., a joint Council and Planning and Zoning commission work session will be held, where consultants from Logan Simpson will present an assessment report. The meeting will be held at City Hall, at 123 Roger Smith Ave. in Cortez.

Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., a housing policy and action plan discussion and adoption will be held. The Housing Action Plan outlines housing goals that the community has given input on and prioritized. The intention is to implement initiatives over the next five years.

The aim is “to make a substantial and positive difference in the quality and quantity of housing units in Cortez,” the letter said.

More information about this project can be found on the city of Cortez’s website under the Land Use Code and Housing Policy Update tab.