The Planning and Zoning Division is dedicated to guiding the development of the City of Cortez.  It is our intent to ensure that essential services are provided for continued and sustainable development to meet the future needs of growth by future generations.

The primary day-to-day functions of the division include the review of public and private development projects, administration of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code, and development of area and topical plans.

The Planning and Zoning division works closely with the utility companies, special districts and other citizen groups to incorporate thoughts and ideas into a seamless pattern of development, expansion, and sustainability.

What Is Planning?

Planning is a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations.

Planning enables civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives.

Good planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps communities to envision their future. It helps them find the right balance of new development and essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change. 

What is Zoning?

Zoning is used by local governments to regulate the uses and/or development forms of land to provide property owners and the government agency with an expectation of how areas will develop and change over time. Zoning varies from community to community and is generally exercised through the approval of a guiding document by the governing body of the locality.

The City of Cortez has adopted a City Zoning Map with 10 different zoning districts. Chapter 3 of the Land Use Code contains a Schedule of Use Regulations that outlines which types of uses are allowed (or not allowed) within each zoning district.