Explosive growth throughout San Juan County

Explosive growth in San Juan County is evidenced by a host of new subdivisions and building permits.

County Building Inspector Bruce Bunker said that new construction is occurring throughout the county. “New homes are scattered here, there and everywhere,” said Bunker.

Bunker said that the County Commission approved seven building permits on September 24 and five permits the previous week. He added that five more permits are on his desk awaiting approval.
Homes are being built in many areas with approved subdivisions, including Spanish Valley, Bridger Jack Mesa, Wilson Arch, Old La Sal and Elk Meadows. The number of homes that could be built in approved subdivisions would total in the hundreds.

Development is occurring in and around area municipalities, including the recently approved Avikan Subdivision, southwest of Shirttail Corner near Blanding.

Second phases are currently under development at the Elk Meadows and Wilson Arch subdivisions.

Significant growth is occurring in and around Monticello, with the Monticello City Council set to considering two annexation proposals tonight (Wednesday, September 26).

The two proposals, if approved, would increase the size of the City of Monticello by nearly 75 percent, from roughly 1,600 acres to more than 2,800 acres.

The City itself is petitioning for the annexation of approximately 500 acres south of town, including the Hideout Golf Club, the uranium millsite property and adjacent private ground.
The George Wythe Foundation is petitioning for the annexation of approximately 700 acres adjacent to the southwest boundary of the current city limit.

George Wythe College has announced the construction of a new college campus on the site, including residential housing developments that may total up to 300 building lots.

Explosive growth is resulting in the possible development of sewer systems in Bluff and Spanish Valley. Both areas currently rely on individual septic systems at each building location. It is assumed that the development of community sewer systems will enable future growth in both communities.

Growth is resulting, in part, in the creation of a new Planning and Zoning Commission for San Juan County.

The San Juan County Commission, which has acted in the past as the planning and zoning commission, has created the new entity to handle the approval process for new subdivisions in the county. The County Commission will continue to act as the appeals board on planning and zoning issues.

Greg Adams will serve as the liaison between the County Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission.

“The goal is to create a one-stop shop with Greg,” said County Administrator Rick Bailey. Officials anticipate that the approval process will be more thorough and more complete under the new arrangement.

Adams will work under the direction of the new seven member Planning and Zoning board.

Board members include Marcia Hadenfeldt, Douglas Harkey, Craig Simpson, Calvin Balch and Monette Clark. County Commissioners are seeking volunteers from the Monticello and La Sal area to fill seats currently held by Dan Neuss and Cloyce Smith.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet every second Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Commission Chambers in Monticello.