Warning message

The installed version of the browser you are using is outdated and no longer supported by Konveio. Please upgrade your browser to the latest release.

Imagine Alamosa Comprehensive Plan DRAFT - Public Review

The window for review of the Draft Plan will close on July 2nd!

The public input gathered and your expertise has helped us develop the Draft Imagine Alamosa Comprehensive Plan. Now, we’d like your feedback related to:

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Plan Foundation
Chapter 3: Agricultural Identity
Chapter 4: Diverse Economy
Chapter 5: Healthy Environments
Chapter 6: Natural Landscapes
Chapter 7: Future Land Use Framework
Chapter 8 Implementation
Appendices (coming soon)

Your input at this stage will help us refine and finalize the Draft Plan.

How to give input? As indicated on the green bar at the top the document, you can click anywhere on the document to comment. You do not need to register/sign in to provide comments. However, you will be asked to provide your name and email the first time you comment (if you come back at another time, you'll have to add your name and address again). Select "Summary" to select the specific chapter # that you want to comment on.

Click anywhere in the document to add a comment. Select a bubble to view comments.

Summary Full Document

Summary

All Hide

Want to leave a comment?

Want to leave a comment on a specific chapter? Select the drop down below and choose one of the chapters.

Expand

Chapter 1: Introduction

Provide feedback on Chapter 1: Introduction! This chapter includes sections... Purpose of the Plan, How to Use the Plan, Relevant Plans,and the Legal Precendent and State Statute Requirements.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 2: Plan Foundation

Provide feedback on Chapter 2: Plan Foundation! This chapter includes the sections... Community Engagement Process, Visioning, and Water Integration.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 3: Agricultural Identity

Provide feedback on Chapter 3: Agricultural Identity! This chapter includes the sections... Plan Element Overview, Agricultural Identity Overview, Water Considerations, Key Considerations, Goals and Strategies, and Supporting Land Uses.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 4: Diverse Economy

Provide feedback on Chapter 4: Diverse Economy! This chapters includes the sections... Diverse Economy Overview, Water Considerations, Key Considerations, Goals and Strategies, and Supporting Land Uses.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 5: Healthy Environments

Provide feedback on Chapter 5: Healthy Environments! This chapter includes the sections... Healthy Environments Overview, Water Considerations, Key Considerations, Goals and Strategies, and Supporting Land Uses.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 6: Natural Landscapes

Provide feedback on Chapter 6: Natural Landscapes! This chapter includes the sections... Natural Landscapes Overview, Water Considerations, Key Considerations, Goals and Strategies, and Supporting Land Uses.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 7: Future Land Use Plan

Provide feedback on Chapter 7: Future Land Use Framework! This chapters includes the sections...Overview, Future Land Use Categories, Future Land Use Map, Focus Areas, Solar Siting Considerations, and Water Augmentation Considerations.

Read More Jump to Page

Chapter 8: Implementation Plan

Provide feedback on Chapter 8: Implementation Plan! This chapters includes the sections... Regulatory Updates, Srategies for Regulatory Changes, Partnerships Recommendations, and Amendment and Review Process.

Read More Jump to Page

Comments

Add comment

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:27PM on page 47

Comment

I think that the Arts are an industry that is growing in Alamosa and in general in the San Luis Valley. It can attract new tourism trends and improve the quality of life for the residents offering more interesting ways to recreate and enrich their daily life in their home town.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:25PM on page 46

Comment

In this plan, though the arts were mentioned in a few sections, I did not see anything specific to Alamosa potentially becoming a Creative District. I think this is important and should be part of the planning for the future. Alamosa County is home to many creatives. Each year there is more creative opportunities for artists and residents alike. Art also draws tourism. I would like to see that in this plan.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:21PM on page 45

Question

I own a 40 acre lot in this region and would like to know if there is a way to find out where my property stands in regards to floodplains, wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas according to the county. Is there a more detailed map available?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:17PM on page 44

Question

Will these type of structures be allowed to be a permanent residence at private properties? Or are they encouraged for buisness type use, like lodging?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:08PM on page 40

Question

Will more recharge pits be available in the future?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:05PM on page 37

Comment

Great point!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 11:02PM on page 35

Comment

I think this is a great idea to help with affordable housing on any size lot in Mosca in any location. It can also minimize impact on the natural areas with having a smaller footprint. This can open up doors for people to use their property as a permanent residence with a more affordable housing option. Additionally people that are not low income may also opt to build unique, attractive tiny homes as this is a trend with environmentally conscious residents in other parts of the country.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:56PM on page 33

I like this idea as well. But maybe the market should not be same day/time as the Alamosa Farmer's Market so both can be visited by locals.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:54PM on page 33

Another great idea.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:54PM on page 33

Comment

Lots of potential there.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:53PM on page 33

Comment

Great idea!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:50PM on page 30

Question

I own a 40 acre property in this section. I don't know if I am misunderstanding the description but it does not mention private property here. Is Alamosa intending to eventually buy out all the lots here and then make them a natural resource? I understand this area is really beautiful and needs to be cared for but are the land owners here not going to be allowed to develop their properties?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:41PM on page 26

Question

Will AirCrete be considered a viable building material? Will the county consider approving AirCrete homes? From my understanding this can be a viable affordable housing option with good insulation and very sturdy.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:38PM on page 26

Question

Will this impact existing individual property or county/state owned land? I think changing zoning for existing private property to no longer be able to be developed can be problematic for the individual owners who purchased it under different rules. Will there be incentives for the property owners to not develop?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:35PM on page 26

I think that having a trail system like that in the lower section of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains would be amazing. Something comparable to the trail systems in the open spaces in Boulder where you can enjoy the lower elevation exploration with epic views of the mountains. Not all locals and visitors are necessarily equipped to climb the high peaks but would really enjoy walking the mountainous terrain.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:31PM on page 26

Question

This sounds like a good idea but will existing property owners all of a sudden own land that they previously thought was okay for development but is now considered a natural resource with limited use?

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:28PM on page 25

Comment

There is a lot of blight near my property in Mosca. A lot of the residents/property owners are low income. Is there any opportunity to offer some sort of county sponsored and volunteer run monthly clean up? Maybe a first come/ first serve where for instance an older low income person can apply to have volunteers come help clean up their land and fill one of those large metal dumpsters and bring to landfill. The dumpster can potentially be sponsored by the county or some sort of fundraiser etc.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:18PM on page 23

Comment

All 7 points are wonderful! This would benefit everyone in the community and improve quality of life.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:16PM on page 22

Comment

I love walking along the Rio Grande and visiting the Farm Park. I support this idea. More places like this.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:16PM on page 22

This is a must. I think locals would also enjoy these type routes to explore their home region.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:15PM on page 22

Another great idea!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:14PM on page 22

Comment

yes!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:14PM on page 22

Comment

Great idea!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:11PM on page 21

Comment

I love this too. There are may road cyclists that would add Alamosa to their travel destinations if they could do a bike tour of the valley. But this would also be something that would enhance our quality of life here and be something that the local community would enjoy on a daily basis.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:09PM on page 21

Comment

This is great!

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:08PM on page 21

Question

Does this mean that Tiny Homes may become a viable option for people in Alamosa? Will new homes potentially not need to be the approximate 500 or 600 sq ft to be considered a legal housing option? I think that that could be very helpful to the people in Rural Alamosa that want to build a nice home but have a limited budged.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:03PM on page 20

There is a small park in Hooper that has charming qualities but could use some development. I think they were supposed to get a swing set donated to them but am not sure if that happened. Helping communities update/upgrade open spaces like this would be great.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 10:01PM on page 20

I like the idea of developing housing options with walk-ability in Mosca rather than some odd housing development in the middle of nowhere. I really don't like those village type set ups out side of the Denver Airport. They look like a greedy developer built them. Instead developing more of a neighborhood like in Downtown Alamosa seems more appealing.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:57PM on page 20

Comment

I love the open spaces and parks in Alamosa. Cole Park is such an asset to Alamosa and I think that having a more developed park in Mosca would be a huge benefit. If there was a sign on 17 that said town park directing people. From personal experience as a traveler, I often look for town parks to stop over on a long drive. I have two young kids so its a great way to break up a drive and to see a different area you may not stop in otherwise. It can also encourage future visits back to the area.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:49PM on page 18

Comment

Visitors to the area should be educated on this and encouraged to be more conscious of how they use water during their stay.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:44PM on page 17

Comment

What about a punch pass for out of town visitors. If they hit up all the local attractions by getting a pass stamped, they are entered into a unique raffle type contest. Ex. win a Free Night Stay at Kosmos or a Dinner for Two at the San Luis Valley Brewery - whatever the local buisnesses contribute. Plus its a unique advertisement for those who offer prizes.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:42PM on page 17

Comment

These are great organizations and I often learn a lot about what our region has to offer via their social network posts.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:40PM on page 17

Question

What is considered 'off the grid lodging'? Is there an incentive to offer this? Or is is more challenging to start that sort of business? I know that travelers are highly attracted to unique stays and think this would benefit our region.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:37PM on page 16

Comment

Encouraging visitors to come in the off season could potentially help with this. Alamosa is beautiful year round. Embracing buisness that offer something to the community as well as the tourists after the leaves fall and before they come back in the spring should be encouraged.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:34PM on page 16

Comment

I think that developing the tiny section of Mosca near the Distillery can help in this. Like a Creative District with artist housing or art studios to encourage young local artists to stay in the region and to help shape their community into a more colorful place to live and to visit. This can also draw outside artists and art lovers to stop over in Mosca while pumping gas at the Pit Stop.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:32PM on page 16

Comment

I think there is so much potential for growth here. The valley is filled with so many creative people that have so much to offer the community as well as the travelers. I can imagine the county mapping out different interactive routes for example. 'The Arts Tour' through out the valley along with a map that can be overlaid to experience 'Agrotourism' and to travel around to explore different dining options. Something like this can encourage visitors to stay 2-3 days to take it all in. For example, some regions do a weekend studio tour for artists. Then visitors book lodging for that duration and stay in the valley to do something else besides going to the Sand Dunes or the Hot Springs for example but they can definitely add that to their itinerary as well.

Kasia Polkowska Jul 2 2025 at 9:25PM on page 16

Comment

I think that since Alamosa's tourism economy is minimal compared to other regions in Colorado, that we should invite more entrepreneurial tourism businesses that will can help Alamosa stand out as a more unique tourist destination. Encouraging creative entrepreneurs with a bold vision can help us stand out among the very developed industries throughout the state, offering visitors more options in how they want to recreate which can encourage them to stay longer and support other local businesses. Embracing concepts for tourism that can only be experienced in Alamosa should be a plus. Too much oversight can stifle potentially new business innovation to ever have a chance to have a start in the first place. In other words, lets see what someone might come up with to work with them to achieve their goals rather than saying no from the get go.

Kyle Cunniff Jul 2 2025 at 7:49PM on page 18

Comment

Water:
Given that water in the valley is a critical concern due to the degrading water table, it seems contradictory that land use policies require daily water consumption for visitors (specifically campgrounds). The tourism industry could easily adopt water conservation measures or designate "dry" areas to prevent water waste, aligning with the need to preserve water resources.

Kyle Cunniff Jul 2 2025 at 7:45PM on page 29

Many regulations in the area appear to restrict business development under the premise of public sanitation. These restrictions often limit or prohibit the use of porta-potties for day visitors, pit toilets, and commercially controlled composting toilets. These options can serve as affordable, initial solutions or long-term facilities, potentially reducing startup costs for new businesses. In contrast, investing in large, engineered septic systems upfront may hinder business growth or prevent startups altogether.

Kyle Cunniff Jul 2 2025 at 7:44PM on page 36

Comment

Creative Development:
As Alamosa considers becoming a creative district, it would be beneficial to see similar creative initiatives in Mosca. Currently, the town's plans focus primarily on low-cost housing and basic businesses like hardware stores and fast food chains. Instead, fostering locally owned restaurants, grocery stores, and plant offerings could attract more visitors and stimulate creativity. Prioritizing affordable, fast, and cheap options may contribute to lower living standards and could lead to increased crime and reduced local revenue. Promoting unique, locally driven enterprises could enhance community vitality and regional appeal.

Kyle Cunniff Jul 2 2025 at 7:42PM on page 34

Comment

With Alamosa aspiring to become a creative district, future housing development should include options tailored specifically for artists, such as live-work studios. Additionally, incorporating wide sidewalk improvements and public spaces—like parks—would enhance residents' quality of life and more visitation. These amenities could also support community events, such as First Friday art walks, encouraging creative activity and drawing visitors locally and from afar, which would help boost local revenue and cultural engagement.

Les Petersen Jun 28 2025 at 11:23AM on page 2

Technical Edit

Last name spelling is Petersen

Bethany Howell Jun 25 2025 at 11:36AM on page 14

Comment

This isn't a county level ability, this is tied to state and federal regulations.

Bethany Howell Jun 25 2025 at 11:35AM on page 14

Suggested Revision

to diversify and strengthen resilience within operations

Bethany Howell Jun 25 2025 at 11:34AM on page 13

Comment

Many producers are already aware of these crops, the question is how to support them to switch to less water intensive crops that meet the needs of their operations. Farmers who have tried to switch often find that there is no market for these crops or it will cost an enormous amount to change production methods (machinery, etc.)

Bethany Howell Jun 25 2025 at 11:31AM on page 13

Comment

There are already programs in place that can do this.

Deacon Jun 25 2025 at 8:00AM on page 43

Comment

One item covered earlier under natural landscapes is to reduce litter and pollution. At what point will discussion around code enforcement strategies happen - during regulatory updates? I'm specifically thinking about illegal dumping and uncontained outdoor storage, but also code enforcement and illegal camping in general. I suggest a mechanism be put in place for how these should be addressed: who is in charge of enforcing the code, what is the desired outcome (abatement?, penalization?), standardized process (warnings?, fines?, etc.).

Levi Wilner Jun 19 2025 at 7:59AM on page 10

Comment

The sign code needs to be reviewed and revised. Our two main traffic corridors, have traffic driving 60-70mph. Signage size is very limited. Also the sign code needs to be enforced. Outdated and non-compliant signs should be removed.

View all