Montrose City Council approved new wildfire resiliency standards, began establishing regulations for unhoused shelters, and advanced infrastructure spending during its March 3 meeting. Council also approved housing development at Brown Ranch and several legal updates to city code.
The Montrose City Council approved several ordinances, infrastructure purchases, and development items during its regular meeting on March 3, while also taking initial steps to establish regulations for unhoused shelters and adopt a state-mandated wildfire resiliency code.
All five council members were present as the meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the consent agenda and the swearing-in of Craig Stunner as the city’s new Assistant City Attorney.
One of the most significant items of the evening was Ordinance 2706, which would establish the first formal regulatory framework for unhoused shelters in Montrose.
Community Development Director Jace Hockwald told council that the city’s municipal code currently does not include a land-use designation for shelters, meaning the use is technically illegal anywhere in the city.
“Currently, since the use is not identified in the code, it is illegal throughout the community,” Hockwald said.
The proposed ordinance would create a definition for emergency shelters and establish zoning and review standards for future facilities. Under the proposal, shelters would be allowed within the Public (“P”) zoning district, which is typically reserved for public, nonprofit, or charitable uses.
Projects would also be required to go through a multi-step approval process including a pre-application meeting, departmental review, and final approval by City Council.
Council members generally described the measure as an incremental step toward addressing homelessness while still allowing the city to review proposals case-by-case.
“This is a step in the right direction,” one council member said during discussion, noting that the ordinance is not intended to fully solve the issue.
After a brief public hearing, Ordinance 2706 passed unanimously on first reading.
Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 2707 on first reading, adopting a wildfire resiliency code required under Colorado Senate Bill 23-1166.
The legislation requires local governments to adopt statewide wildfire construction standards by April 1, 2026, with enforcement beginning by July 1, 2026.
The code applies primarily to new construction and major remodels, including projects that alter more than 500 square feet or 25 percent of a roof or exterior.
Hockwald explained that statewide mapping identifies wildfire risk zones across Colorado. In Montrose, most properties fall outside the mapped risk areas, though some low and moderate intensity zones exist in the southeastern portion of the city, including areas near Brown Ranch and the Grove subdivision.
Property owners will be able to challenge their wildfire classification through a process called “ground truthing,” where the city and fire district evaluate vegetation, topography, and other site-specific conditions.
Council members expressed frustration that the state mandate comes without funding support.
“This is an unfunded mandate and can be frustrating,” a council member noted, adding that pending legislation could potentially delay enforcement until 2027.
Council approved several purchases and contracts related to city infrastructure and maintenance.
Among the items approved were:
Council also awarded a $2.13 million contract to A1 Chip Seal for the city’s 2026 surface treatment program as part of the Moving Montrose Forward initiative.
Public Works Director Scott Murphy noted the city’s Pavement Condition Index has risen to 71, slightly above the state average of 70, reflecting ongoing road maintenance investments.
Council also handled several administrative and development items.
The body approved Ordinance 2703 on second reading, converting the city’s municipal court into a “court of record.” The change requires municipal judges to be licensed attorneys and mandates verbatim records of court proceedings.
Another ordinance, Ordinance 2705, updates city code to comply with recent state law changes. Among other adjustments, it removes a standalone municipal charge for “failure to appear,” though courts can still issue warrants when necessary. The ordinance also updates penalties for theft and property destruction to match statewide misdemeanor limits following the Colorado Supreme Court’s Westminster v. Camp decision.
Council also approved the historic designation of the former Montrose post office building at 2527 North Cascade Avenue, with one council member abstaining.
Council approved Preliminary Plat #5 for the Brown Ranch subdivision, allowing development of 120 residential lots in southeastern Montrose.
Senior Planner William Ree said the amendment focuses on residential development and is separate from wildfire code discussions earlier in the meeting.
Developer John Moyer told council that construction at Brown Ranch typically moves at a pace of about 20 lots per year to match market demand.
During public comment, a Montrose resident questioned whether the city had formally voted on its previously discussed non-sanctuary status, arguing that a written statement alone does not constitute a formal policy action.
Council did not respond to the comment during the meeting, as public comment periods are generally reserved for listening rather than debate.
Before adjournment, Police Chief Blaine Hall announced that the 2026 Citizens Police Academy will begin April 18.
Council members also encouraged residents to stay engaged with state legislative issues affecting local government authority, noting concerns about what they described as growing state mandates that limit local “home rule” control.
