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1. When do I need to arrive for a flight?

Please arrive one hour prior to your scheduled take off.

2. How do I contact the airline?

As of October 1, 2016, Boutique Air is the commercial airline serving the Cortez airport. Nationwide: 1-855-268-8478 Cortez Desk: 415-650-7215 https://www.boutiqueair.com.

3. What rental car companies are in Cortez?

Enterprise is the rental car company in Cortez. For information on renting a car in Cortez from Enterprise please go to Enterprise Rental Cars

4. How do I get current weather for the airport?

To contact the Cortez Airport automated weather station call 970-564-0193. Weather data is updated once each hour and posted at Cortez Airport Weather Web site

5. What is the parking fee for the airport?

The Cortez Municipal Airport has two parking lots for your convenience. Parking in either the main lot or the overflow lot is free of charge.

6. What are the aircraft fuel prices?

The pricing varies. For information, call Cortez Flying Service at 970-565-3721.

7. What items can I bring on board the airline?

To review current permitted and/or prohibited items, visit the Transportation Security Administration website at https://www.tsa.gov.
Transportation Security Administration

8. What are the driving directions to the airport

Off of Hwy 491, 3 miles south of Cortez, turn west onto County Road G. Travel west approximate one mile and turn left to the airport. Proceed another half mile to the terminal building, which will be on your left. Free parking is available in front and across the road.

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1. When is the next City Council Election?

The City of Cortez Municipal Election is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April of even numbered years.  The next Municipal Election will be held on April 2, 2024.

2. What qualifications do you need to run for City Council?

No person shall be eligible to office as a Council member unless at the time election he or she is a citizen of the United States, at least twenty-one years of age and shall have been a resident of the city for one year immediately preceding such election.

3. Do you have any marijuana licenses left in Cortez?

Currently, the City of Cortez has 7 marijuana stores in the City of Cortez.  There is some space left in the community for a marijuana establishment.  All marijuana establishments shall be at least one thousand five hundred feet from any college, university, or seminary, residential child care facility, or other medical or retail marijuana establishment.

4. How much does a liquor license cost?

Liquor License fees are based upon the type of license requested.  A fee is paid to both the City of Cortez and the Colorado Department of Revenue.  A new license is required to be approved by City Council prior to sending the State for final approval.  Contact the City Clerk for exact fees for a liquor license in the City of Cortez.

5. How can I find the Cortez City Council minutes?

The Council Minutes are located under the Agenda and Minutes tab located on the left hand side.  You will find minutes under the different boards that the City has as well as the Council Workshop and Regular Meeting. You may also go to the City Council Live Stream and watch meetings at Council Minutes and Agenda

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1. Can I buy tickets for the tours of Mesa Verde at the Welcome Center?

Unfortunately the National Park Service has made the decision to discontinue selling tickets to  Mesa Verde National Park at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez.  If tickets are purchased at Mesa Verde National Park, tickets for Ranger guided tours for Balcony House, Cliff palace, or Long House can be purchased for $5.00. 

The City of Cortez hopes to renew that relationship in 2019 as the Mesa Verde Museum Association is no longer a tenant at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez and they had previously been the ticket vendor for the park.

2. How far is Mesa Verde from the Colorado Welcome Center?

Mesa Verde is 9 miles from the entrance of the Visitor's Center.

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1. Development Services

• Cost of Improvements worksheet
• Engineering review checklist

2. Permits

• ROW construction permit
• Grading permit

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1. How do I apply for a Special Event Permit?

Events that are held on city property, including parks, may require permission from city council, written consent from specific staff members, facility use agreements, insurance and other permits depending upon the activities involved and/or the level of support requested of the city. No alcohol is allowed in the parks without these items and other specific requirements regarding fencing, security, etc. The city can help with the planning and permitting process and provide you or your organization with any information you may need to hold events within the city. Contact our Marketing and Events Department with any questions. Call the Communications and Events Manager at 970-564-4096 or email specialevents.coordinator@cityofcortez.comEvent Request Packet

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1. Does the City have a recycling program? If so, what can I recycle?

See our recycling page posted on the City website under Public Works  http://www.cityofcortez.com/340/Recycling.

2. Why do the recyclables accepted change from time to time?

The City’s recycling changes reflect the overall recycling market; our changes are made with an attempt to control otherwise runaway cost.

3. Where can I take my recycling?

Where can I take my recycling?  110 West Progress Circle, Cortez.  Map to Service Center

4. Can I put my old TV, computer, etc. out for the trash crew?

No.  Contact the Montezuma County Landfill at 970.565.9858 for information on e-waste.

5. Does the city of Cortez compost?

No.   Residents are encouraged to do their own backyard composting

6. What can I do to help keep cost low?

Everyone can help a little by reading about new changes, making sure to properly recycle and separate material.

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1. How can I sign up for online or automatic utility payments?

The City of Cortez online payments are handled through Xpress Bill Pay, www.xpressbillpay.com.  Select "Sign Up". Citizens must have their account number which is located the utility bills.

2. How do I obtain a sales tax license?

The city’s sales tax licenses are issued through MuniRevs, www.cortez.munirevs.com.  Select “New Users”.  The system guides potential business owners through the steps needed to complete the application.  The cost is $10.00 and can be paid onlineand by check or debit/credit card at the end of the application process.  Once a license is approved business owners will receive emails each month notifying of monthly tax filings due.

3. When is my refuse picked up?

The refuse department picks up refuse daily.  To find out what area and specifically when your refuse will be picked up, contact utility billing at 970-564-4012

4. How do I get a city recycling container?

Contact our utility department, 970-564-4012.  One will be delivered to your home.

5. Why do I have to pay City of Cortez sales/use tax when I purchase a vehicle from out of town?

The City of Cortez has a use tax on items over $1,000 that are bought out of town/state.  A use tax is a tax on merchandise bought in one are but used/stored/registered in another.  It is important that you check with the vehicle dealer when you buy a car out of town/state to make sure they are a town/state that reciprocates with the State of Colorado and Colorado Municipalities.  If they are a reciprocal vendor, then you will not be charged any tax that would ordinarily be due that town/state, only paying town/state in the place you register your vehicle.

6. How can I obtain a State of Colorado sales tax license?

You can file an application online at www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/sales-tax-account-license.  

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1. How do I get fiber optics in my location?

To get fiber optics in your location call 970-565-7320 to receive a Fiber Drop Application.

2. Where can I get bid documents?

You can obtain bids at Rocky Mountain E Purchasing 

3. What is Cortez's auction site?

You can access the Public Surplus auction site here

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1. Is the city offering any special deals on the pricing of the drop?

The city established the pricing very low to introduce the fiber system to the business community. The average cost of the drop nationwide runs approximately $1,200.00. The city started the drop fee at $150.00. The city moved the fiber program to an enterprise fund similar to the city's water fund. This allows revenue from the fiber to be used exclusively in the development of the fiber system. Council sets the fees for all city services annually during the budget process. As the fiber enterprise fund develops the cost for the drop fees most likely will increase to reflect the true cost of installing the drop much like the water fund does now. The city purposely set the initial drop fees very low to encourage businesses the incentive to take advantage of the services offered by the network, and to lower the cost of the installations.

2. My business currently is under contract with a provider can I still install the drop for future services?

The city understands many businesses have contracts in place with their service providers. We would encourage businesses to consider installing the drop for future use of the network. As the drop is an asset to the property, the city would like to maximize the drop installation in an area to save digging up the alleys and streets multiple times. We would encourage the businesses to not sign or re-new any long term contracts with service providers until they have had a chance to explore the benefits of connecting to the city fiber system.

3. I noticed there are different sized drops, which drop do I need for my business?

The size of the drop will vary depending on the services required at a business. Some businesses may need more phone lines than the neighboring business for example. While others may be more interested in multiple data lines. And others may have many businesses located in the same business and want individual connections and service providers. The size of the drop depends on the services required. We encourage businesses to meet with the service providers and the city to determine the requirements of each business.

4. Can I pay for my drop now? And where do I go to get that started?

The city is ready to accept orders and payment for the drops. You have several choices. First, you can come out to the City Service Center, 110 West Progress Circle, Cortez, CO 81321 and sign up and pay for your drop. Or some service providers have expressed interest in wrapping the drop fees into the introductory offers for service. The important thing is the city cannot begin the drop installation until the drop fee is paid. The payment of the drop fee will trigger a site survey of the property to determine the route for the drop and location of the electronics at the business.

5. I noticed multiple service providers on the literature, which one should I choose for my business?

The city cannot recommend a particular service provider over another one. Each provider brings unique services and capabilities to the network. Businesses are encouraged to shop around and evaluate service provider plans and pricing. A business might find using several providers may make sense for their business. An example, one provider for voice, another provider for Internet, and a third business for security or data storage off site. On the other hand, and single provider may offer a good package for the business and a single bill makes sense. The flexibility of the network and the open access model the city is following lets individual businesses tailor a plan for their particular needs.

6. Who will pay for my services?

The only time that you will pay the city is for the one time drop fee. Your monthly bill for services will be paid to the service provider/s that you choose for your business services. The city collects our transport fee from the service providers.

7. Who do I call if I have problems with my service?

If you experience issues and problems with your service, you would call the service provider that is providing that service. The service providers will have a local phone number to call for issues relating to their service.

8. How quick can the drop be installed at my business?

During this initial build out of the network, the drop installation should happen within 30-60 days. After the first build-out we anticipate a 3-4 week installation cycle. Currently the city is finishing up the build out to the blocks within the business areas.

9. Why do I have to sign a form allowing the city to be on my property?

The city fiber system is a underground network. There are no aerial installations planned at this time. The drops and the electronics used to bring your business services will need to be installed and maintained by the city. The form authorizes the city to bring the services and maintain them. The drop survey will begin the process of routing the underground services to your business location and into your building.

10. What is bandwidth?

In a network, bandwidth (what engineers call bitrate) is the ability to carry information The more bandwidth a network has, the more information it can carry in a given amount of time Networks with high bandwidth also tend to be more reliable because fewer bottlenecks disturb the flow of information.

11. How much bandwidth – or information delivered by bandwidth – do we need?

The amount of bandwidth we need grows every year The biggest growth has been for video – traditional pay TV, “over the top” or Internet-based video, and video communications This trend is expected to continue at least for the rest of this decade Video requires not only extra bandwidth but also extra reliability The smallest delay in data transmission can result in distorted views More video is available than ever before, and people are watching video on more screens at once In addition, video formats are becoming more bandwidth intensive HDTV can require as much as 8 megabits per second (Mbps) for fast action, such as in sporting events, even with new compression technology A high-quality 3D experience requires about 5 Mbps minimum 3D immersive HDTV –already used in some academic and industrial settings for telepresence – requires between 50 and 300 Mbps, depending on screen size (some screens cover an entire wall)

12. What about other kinds of data?

Bandwidth requirements for many kinds of data are exploding For example, new digital cameras can create larger and larger images; 30 megabytes is not uncommon In health care, the medical images produced by equipment such as CT scanners are a hundred times larger than camera images, and more In the last few years, business and science both entered the era of “Big Data” applications that collect and analyze data on massive scales Today’s Big Data applications range from consumer pricing models to DNA sequencing to particle physics to control of electrical
grids Big Data doesn’t work without Big Bandwidth

13. Can’t copper carry high bandwidth?

Copper’s capacity is far less than fiber’s It can support high bandwidth for only a few hundred yards The longer a signal travels on copper, the lower the bandwidth falls Optical fiber is unique in that it can carry high-bandwidth signals over enormous distances Fiber uses laser light to carry signals Under some circumstances, a signal can travel 40 miles (60 kilometers) without degrading enough to keep it from being received Fiber is also better able to support upstream bandwidth – that is, from the user out to the network High upstream bandwidth is important for video communication and for many business applications.

14. What about wireless? I hear it can provide 54 mbps.

That’s the potential bandwidth shared by all users connected to a cellular antenna site Wireless broadband depends on fiber to move information to and from cell towers And even so, each antenna can support only a finite number of cellular signals Cellular data traffic grew 200-fold from 2006 to 2012 and will grow another eightfold by 2015 Providers are now severely limiting wireless data and are encouraging.

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1. How can I get a library card?

If you are a permanent resident of Montezuma or Dolores Counties you can come to the library and apply. We do not require an ID. If you live outside the county or are here temporarily we will ask you for a $10 refundable deposit for a library card when you apply.

2. Do you have free Ebooks and how do I get them?

We offer eBooks and eAudiobooks. Simply visit the Colorado Digital Consortium and log in with your library card number.
If you run into problems, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 970-565-8117.

3. How do I know what items you have?

Our catalog is here: http://cortezpl.insigniails.com

4. Can I renew an item from home?

We now have automatic renewals but if you would still like to renew an item manually, you can access your account here:

https://cortezpl.insigniails.com/Library/Login?goto=MyBio

Your username is your library card # 

Your password is your last name all lower case

You can also call us to renew at 970-565-8117.

5. Who can use the Conference Room? How do I reserve it?

The Conference Room can be reserved by calling the library 970-565-8117 or via our reserving system

All meetings must be for a non-profit and open to the general public. 

The room can hold 15-20 people.

6. Do you have Study Rooms? Can I reserve one?

We have three study rooms: Two with a capacity of two people, one larger one with a capacity of up to four people. You can either reserve a room via our our booking system, call the library (970-565-8117) or come into the library. Study rooms will be available for two hours per day.

7. Do you have DVD's?

Yes, they check out for seven days.

8. Do I need a Library card to use a computer? Can I print and how much does that cost?

No, you don't need a library card, just come to the front desk and ask for a guest pass.
 You can print from our computers (we do not have the capabilities to print from your phone). 
Our pricing is as follows:
Black and White: first 10 pages are free, then $0.10 after
Color: first 4 pages are free, then $0.25 after.

9. Do you have wi-fi?

Yes! Keep in mind that it is a public Wi-Fi. There is no password required to access it.

10. Does the Library have a public copying machine? How much does it cost?

Yes, you are welcome to use our Xerox machine.
Prices are as follows:

Black and White: first 10 pages free, then $0.10 after
Color: first 4 pages free then $0.25 after

11. Can I send a fax at the Library? How much does it cost?

We are afraid we cannot offer faxing services at the library. However we have a list of resources for you where you can send faxes in town.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is the Master Street Plan?

The Master Street Plan is a tool for the City of Cortez and Montezuma County that proposes future street alignments.  Please see the Master Street Plan Page for more information.

2. How is the Master Street Plan used?

The Master Street Plan is used to identify locations where there is a need for street connectivity.  When development is proposed, the plan provides guidance to the developer and local governments to ensure that the street connections can be accommodated.  

3. Why do we need a Master Street Plan

The Master Street Plan helps local governements and land developers identify where a future street should go.  Otherwise, streets may not connect to each other in a logical way.  

4. Who uses the Master Street Plan?

Local governments (i.e. the City of Cortez and Montezuma County), the State Highway Department, land developers, and individual property owners all use the the master street plan for guidance on where streets should go, and on where a street may need to be upgraded.

5. What area does the Master Street Plan cover?

The street plan can cover an area of up to three miles outside of City limits.  The proposed street plan only covers an area of one mile outside of the City’s limit.  If significant growth begins to happen, the plan can be amended to plan for additional traffic needs appropriate for the demand.  

6. How is the Master Street Plan related to other City of Cortez plans or policies?

The Master Street Plan is a subsection of the City of Cortez Comprehensive Plan, which looks at policies to guide growth and land use for the city in general.  The Master Street Plan provides specific guidance regarding street connectivity and policies for ensuring that there is a logical system of streets for the City and certain areas of the unincorporated area.  

The Master Street Plan is advisory, in that it provides general guidance.  The Street Plan is implemented through the land use code, in the form of regulations that require development to consider the proposed streets and accommodate the street connections that are proposed in the Master Street Plan.  

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1. Where do I pay my ticket?

Options for making a payment on tickets received are as follows, a.) appear in person at the Municipal Court office, located at City Hall, b.) through the mail, make check or money order payable to City of Cortez-Cortez Municipal Court, 123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez, Colorado 81321 or c.) over the phone (970)-565-7952 with a debit card or credit card.  There is a drop box behind the west entrance to City Hall for parking tickets and payable tickets with amounts (blue box on pole).  *At this time, payments cannot be accepted online. 

2. Can I pay my ticket without going to court?

Yes, as long as there is an amount listed on your ticket and the ticket is paid in full before the court appearance date.  Traffic tickets that are paid within 20 days of receiving are eligible for point reduction.  Tickets that have summons written on the ticket, and no amount listed are court appearance tickets. 

3. My juvenile son/daughter received a ticket and has a court appearance. Must an adult accompany him/her to court?

Yes, a juvenile defendant needs to have a parent or guardian present with him or her in court. 

Juvenile cases are heard at 8:30 a.m.

4. Can I get my ticket deferred?

Deferments are handled through the City Prosecutor. Defendants can appear in court on appearance date of summons and converse with City Prosecutor or contact City Prosecutor, Drew Buffington prior to court.  Phone: (970)-565-7640

5. Do I have to pay court costs even if I don't go to court?

Yes, whether you go to court or not, you are required to pay court costs.  It is a City of Cortez ordinance. 

6. The DMV, Department of Motor Vehicles would not let me renew my license and told me to contact Cortez Municipal Court.

License are suspended due to failure to pay fines owed to the court.  Once an amount (for a default, OJW or NRVC fee) is paid in full, showing the defendant has complied-paperwork is furnished to take to the DMV and a copy is sent in. 

7. How do I know which Court to go to?

When a person is issued a summons (ticket), the name of the court, address and phone number are on the bottom left hand corner.  The summons will also have the date and time to appear. 

8. If I have an active bench warrant for my arrest, what should I do?

Contact the court office at (970)-565-7952 for more information concerning the status on your case or appear before 9:00 a.m. on a Monday and request to be listed on the court docket for that day. 

9. Can I appear by Webex or by phone?

Yes. The WebEx meeting ID is 2594 098 6730.

TO APPEAR USING A PHONE: 
 
    Call 1-844-621-3956 to reach Webex 
    When prompted, enter the Meeting ID 2594 098 6730 followed by "#" 
    When prompted for a participant number, enter "#" again. (you do not need an actual number, just enter "#") 

10. Can I attain an Attorney to represent me in my Municipal Court case?

Defendants must appear in court and fill out and qualify for a court appointed Attorney. 

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1. How can I get more involved with the Cortez Parks & Recreation Department?

The City of Cortez created a Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board and meets at 7:00 a.m. every third Friday of the month at the Cortez Recreation Center to give community feedback on facilities, programs, and services and recommendations on future planning initiatives.

2. Where can I find out more information about what is being planned for the Conquistador Golf Course?

The City of Cortez created a Golf Advisory Board and meets at 7 a.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month from March through October at the Golf Course Pro Shop to give community feedback on the Conquistador Golf Course and recommendations on future planning initiatives.

3. How do I apply for a scholarship to the Recreation Center?

https://onwardfoundation.org/Site/?page_id=115

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1. How much are permit fees?

https://www.cityofcortez.com/185/Building-Permit-Fees

2. When do I need a building permit?

*For all new structures, regardless of size or purpose *For all manufactured home installations, regardless if on private property or in a park *For replacement of sewer, gas, or water lines *For re-roofing your building *For most plumbing, mechanical alterations/extensions *For any work within city Right of Ways (alleys, streets, etc.) *For new fences, sheds, carports, garages, additions, etc. (There are some exceptions- Please call our offices for information) If in doubt, please call our office (970) 565-3402.

3. Guidance on Contemporaneous Review of Electrical and Plumbing Licenses

Please refer to the factsheet from the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council for guidance on the procedure for contemporaneous reviews of electrical and plumbing licenses.  

4. What permits are required to build a new house?

The city requires the purchase of a building permit that covers building, structural, mechanical, and plumbing. The state of CO covers the electrical portion of your project.
In most cases you will have to purchase your building permit, right of way permit, and a water tap. Please note that the Cortez Sanitation District usually requires a fee for sewer connection. The Sanitation District’s number is 970-565-3962 for information.

5. Is there any work that is exempt from building permit requirements?

Yes. Normal house repairs and replacement of cabinetry, windows, doors, and other items that do not require structural alterations and does not alter plumbing or mechanical elements do not require a permit.

6. Do I need any permits from any other agencies?

Usually. For normal residential and commercial projects, Cortez permits and inspects for all phases of the project except for electrical. A state electrical permit is required through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Compliance. For more information on electrical permits, please visit their webpage at: https://.dora.colorado.gov

7. Manufactured Home Installation

City of Cortez Manufactured Home Installation Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: Do I need a permit to install a manufactured home within the city limits of Cortez? Answer: Yes. If the home will be placed in a manufactured home park (mobile home park), the fee is $175.00. The city will perform all inspections except for the electrical hook up. A licensed electrical contractor must obtain a state electrical permit and perform all electrical hook-ups. 

Question: Who is responsible to buy the permit? Answer: The park owner or park manager is responsible to purchase the permit. Only they know if your proposed sized home will meet the size limitations within their park. 

Question: What if the home will be placed on my own lot? Answer: You will still need a permit. However, not all lots in town are zoned for manufactured homes. Also, the fees for placing a home on private land are significantly different. Contact the Cortez Planning & Building Department at 970-565-3402 for more information. 

Question: Can I move in as soon as my home is brought into the park? Answer: No. For your safety, all inspections must first be performed and approved prior to moving in. Part of the set up includes code compliant steps for each exterior door. Many steps are not approved for use. Check with either your manufactured home installer, or you may call the Cortez Planning and Building Department at 970-565-3402 for more information. 

Question: My home is an older manufactured home. Does that make any difference? Answer: Yes. Only 1976 or newer HUD approved manufactured homes are allowed within the city limits of Cortez. Homes built prior to 1976 were constructed without any national safety standards, and many were deemed unsafe. 

Question: I’ve heard that I can install my own manufactured home: is this correct? Answer: In most instances no; only Colorado State Licensed manufactured home installers are allowed to install your home. Installing manufactured homes in Colorado takes specialized training and tools, therefore most homeowners are unable to comply with state law. 

Question: How long does it take to get a permit? Answer: Usually permits can be obtained no later than the day after the park owner/manager applies for them. 

Question: Where can I go to find a licensed installer? Answer: You may search for licensed installers by visiting the Colorado Department of Local Affairs website: https://dola.colorado.gov/doh_codes/installers.jsf or you can call CDLA at 303-864-7810. 

Here is the current (4/15/2022) list of installers in our area:

CJ's MOBILE HOME SERVICE          970-560-2282        

RCMHS                                               505-326-3074

WE DO IT ALL                                     505-592-3833

8. What buidling codes does the city use?

The 2015 Family of International Building Codes - Note: The City of Cortez has amended the 2015 IRC, deleting section 313 requiring sprinkler systems for residential applications---Also, the city uses the 2009 version for energy efficiency.

9. Do I have to hire a contractor to, or can I do the work myself?

If you are a homeowner, you can obtain permits and work on your own house provided you are also the occupant of that house.
If you own commercial property, or if the building is a rental or you are building or remodeling a house for resale, you must use the services of a state licensed plumber and electrician. All other work may be performed by the owner.

10. Does the city require demolition permits?

Yes. Demolition permits are required for any structure being demolished. Upon permit issuance, YOU MUST notify all utility companies of the demolition. Demolition projects require that the lot be graded smooth so that it will not become a nuisance.

11. Will I have to hire an architect or engineer to draw plans for my project?

It depends. Most one story single family homes will not need a design professional.
For commercial projects, yes. Generally speaking, any new commercial structures will require a design professional.

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1. How do I contact a police officer?

If it is not an emergency, call our department at (970) 565-8441. For emergencies dial 911.

2. How do I obtain a police report?

You may come to the Cortez Police Department, 608 North Park Street, between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday-Thursday or 7 am and 3:30 pm, Fridays, and complete a records request form with the records technician.

3. My employer requires me to obtain fingerprints. How can I get my fingerprints taken?

The Cortez Police Department no longer provides services for applicant fingerprinting. Per CBI policy, physical cards will no longer be accepted or processed by CBI. Please visit coloradofingerprinting.com or call (833) 224-2227 to schedule your appointment. As of 02/13/2020, they still have a local location but you must schedule your appointment before they give you the location, as they do not accept walk-ins. If you have further questions regarding fingerprinting, they may be answered by CBI/Colorado Fingerprinting at (833) 224-2227.

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1. Is Cortez Sanitation part of the City?

No, they are a separate entity.  Call 970.565.3962 or go to their website at www.cortezsanitation.com

2. Who operates the landfill?

Montezuma County owns and operates the Landfill.  Call 970.565.8858 for information.

3. When is the RV Dump Open?

May 1 through October 30 each year, depending on weather conditions.  Call 970.565.7320 for current status.  Link to map page for location.

4. Is there a fee to use the RV Dump?

No.

5. How much money does the City get from the overnight flatbed fee?

None.  This fee is what the landfill charges the City to dump the flatbeds.

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1. Can I push the snow from my sidewalk and/or driveway out into the street?

No, the City has an ordinance against pushing snow from private property into the street.   Downtown business owners are to clean their sidewalks by noon of the second day after a storm.  The property owner is responsible for removing the snow from the sidewalks, whether the lot has a business on it, or is vacant.  

2. How do I get my sidewalk replaced?

The City of Cortez has an annual Sidewalk Cost-Share program to assist property owners who want to construct or repair all sidewalks in the public right-of-way abutting or adjacent to his or her property.  Please contact the City Service Center at 970.565.7320 for an application.  The applications are due by May 31st to be included in that year's project.  Anyone not participating in the program, and wants to construct or repair any sidewalk, driveway, or curb-cut on the public right-of-way, must obtain a Right-of-Way construction permit.

3. How can I determine if my home or the home I am considering purchasing is in a Special Flood Hazard Area?

The City of Cortez can’t make an official determination if your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.  There are methods of determination, such as an Elevation Certificate and Letter of Map Amendment, which can be used to demonstrate that a property is in or out of the Special Flood Hazard Area.  Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for viewing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) website at the following link: https://msc.fema.gov/portal.  The City has a GIS map that shows the approximate location of the flood plain in relation to all properties.

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1. Who’s responsible for fixing the streets?

The City Public Works Department maintains all accepted streets.  Each year the City performs an annual street improvement project with funds generated from City sales tax, which includes periodic maintenance, reconstruction, resurfacing, and drainage improvements.

2. Do I need to get my utilities located to dig on my own property?

Yes, it is a law that you have to get locates before you can dig anything - anytime, anywhere.  Call UNCC for a line locate at 1-800-922-1987 (or 811).

3. Do I need a permit for any construction activity (digging, patching, boring)?

If your work, i.e. any construction or excavation activity, is inside the City right-of-way, you will need to apply for a Right-of-Way (ROW) permit.

4. How do I apply for a ROW Permit?

Apply through the engineering division at the City Service Center, 110 West Progress Circle, Cortez.  You will need to bring in a description of the location, overview, and time frame of proposed work.  Utility Line locates must be obtained after a ROW permit is issued and before any construction begins.  Call UNCC for a line locate at 1-800-922-1987 (or 811).

5. How much does a ROW cost?

The ROW Permit is $30 per permit, plus any other costs that are deemed necessary, i.e. asphalt or concrete patch-back cost. 

6. Can I add another driveway entrance to my property?

To ensure your site meets the requirements for a driveway entrance, you will need to speak with the engineering division at the City Service Center, 110 West Progress Circle, Cortez.

7. Why won’t the City fill the pothole in my driveway when filling potholes in the street?

The City of Cortez can only fill potholes on public rights-of-way: streets, alleys, curbs.

8. Can we put up a “Children at Play” sign on our street?

No, this gives the impression that it is safe for children to play in the street.

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1. Where does our water come from?

Our water comes from the Dolores River Watershed, via McPhee Reservoir.

2. What is the price of our water?

The fees can be found on the “Water Rates” page.

3. How do I report a water problem?

Please call the City Service Center at 970.565.7320.

4. Does Cortez have watering restrictions?

Yes.  Every year from May 15 – September 15, lawn watering is not allowed during the hours of 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  For new lawns, a permit can be obtained (for a fee) to water during those hours.  Call 970.565.7320 for more information.   Check out the “Water Conservation” page.

5. Does the City of Cortez have a water dock?

Yes, at the City Service Center in the Industrial Park.  Check out the “Water Dock” page for a link to the map.

6. Why is my water cloudy?

When water leaves the tap, it isn't under pressure any longer and the air comes out.  However, a yellow or rusty color is probably due to sediment from the water system.  Try running your water for a few minutes; this usually takes care of the problem. 

7. Why is my sink or tub stained brown?

This is probably caused by suspended materials in the water system; however, sometimes it is caused by rusty pipes from within the home itself.  

8. When there is a water leak, why does the City have to shut down such a large area of town or neighborhood to do a repair?

Depending on the area of town where the leak is, the main line may be quite old and a water valve won’t shut down as well as it should, so several valves may have to be shut down.  The City is trying to rectify the problem by installing new water lines and valves.  All of this takes time and money.  Each year, Public Works budgets for a major waterline replacement project and a street improvement project.

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1. How do I get a city recycling container:

Contact the Recycling Division at the City Service Center at 970-565-7320 to request a recycling bin.  One will be delivered to your home.

2. How can I further separate my recyclables, & what should I do if I have limited space to store them?

Start small - audit your household and start recycling the one material you produce most.  Then when you are comfortable, begin with another material.  You can use cans, boxes, or bags inside of the bins to hold your materials, separately.  The City of Cortez allows residents to have two of our collection bins.  You may also set out an additional container for recycling, but it needs to remain separated, and preferably labeled as “Recycling” so our refuse collectors don’t throw them away.

3. When is my refuse picked up?

The refuse department picks up refuse daily.  To find out what day your refuse will be picked up, contact the utility billing division at City Hall, or call 970-564-4012.

4. Why the sudden adjustment in our recycling mix?

In August of 2017, China announced to the World Trade Organization that they intended to stop Taking post-consumer materials (recyclables) from the United States and several other countries, due to increased contamination and damage to their own environment from taking contaminated recycling mixes from other countries.  China audited their recycling factories in July and found that most of their factories could not meet their new environmental standards, so they decided to halt imports.

5. Since the City of Cortez has a source-separated recycling program, doesn’t it pay off with us taking extra steps to separate our items?

Yes it does.  Because our residents separate their items, it is much easier for us to move material to market.  In fact, we use Domestic markets whenever possible.  Our collection efforts have been clean and did not in any way contribute to the China situation.

6. If we already use domestic markets whenever possible, then why do we need to separate our recycling even further than we already are?

The estimation on the amount of recycling that the United States moved to China ranged anywhere from 60-90%.  Imagine all the other groups in our nation’s recycling industry trying to find new homes for their recyclables. This potential market glut means that the cleaner and more separated our commodity stream is, the more preferred our recycling commodities will be in the near future. Thus, the easier to move them to that market.

7. Why is it so hard for us to get our recycling to market?

Same as in real estate – Location.  Our location is outside of optimal trucking zones so companies that wish to move material out of this area face what is known as dead-head trucking rates. That means most entities need to pay round-trip shipping if they want to move materials to market.