Planning & Development
This Department’s responsibility includes both current and long-range planning activities as well as zoning activities.
Current planning is the review and evaluation of all map amendments (re-zonings), special uses, subdivisions, annexations and development proposed in the County. Zoning enforcement is important to control zoning infractions within the community. The Department administers, on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, Pueblo County's land use regulatory system. These regulations include:
Long-range planning usually begins with the identification of a need to direct and manage future growth in a community or to specifically address an identified issue. The issue may be specific, such as the need for additional highway capacity; or be more general such as improving or maintaining the quality of life for the community. Simply stated, planning is a method of preparing for the future through a step-by-step process. The process generally involves collection and analysis of information, the development of alternative courses of action consistent with identified goals, and the implementation and monitoring of the recommended course of action. Pueblo Regional Development Plan (final adoption 2002) presents goals, objectives, and implementation strategies for future growth and development in this community.
Management and Administration of the Pueblo Area Council of Governments (PACOG)
The Pueblo Area Council of Governments (PACOG) is a multi-governmental organization consisting of the City of Pueblo, Pueblo County, Board of Water Works, School Districts 60 and 70, Pueblo West Metropolitan District, Colorado City Metropolitan District and Salt Creek Sanitation District created through intergovernmental agreement. It is authorized to receive Federal and State funds for programs including: aging programs, regional land use planning, water quality, and transportation.
The By-Laws of PACOG specifically identify the Director of the Department of Planning and Development as the "manager" of the Council of Governments. Activities include the development and management of land use and administrative budgets and work tasks for PACOG.
Land use changes and growth will continually alter the unincorporated areas of Pueblo County. The Department will be required to process an ever-increasing number of land use applications, authorizations, and issues. To meet these challenges, the Department will: advocate sound planning practices; continuously review, improve, and update land use regulations and policies; and incorporate interagency and interdepartmental cooperation and communication, training, and information management technologies.