Mission Statement

The mission of the Development Services Division is the protection of life, health, property, and public welfare through effective administration and enforcement within three distinct yet interrelated departments, the Building Department, the Planning Department, and the Water Quality Department. In accomplishing this mission, we strive to maintain the highest level of fairness, professionalism, and ethical conduct toward the citizens of Archuleta County.

Description

Development Services provides oversight and support to the Building, Planning, and Water Quality Departments. The Development Director provides leadership and oversight of the various programs in these departments by reviewing and updating their policies, procedures, and regulations. Additionally, this position seeks new resources to improve effectiveness and efficiency throughout the division.  Code Enforcement Officers are also a part of the Division Staff who assist with investigations and enforcement of regulations and codes in all departments. This staff also responds to citizen complaints regarding these violations and the County Nuisance Ordinance. Development Services Staff personnel include the Development Director and two Code Enforcement Officers. 

Core Services

• Oversight, resourcing, and support for Building, Planning, and Water Quality Departments and staff
• Enforcement of the State regulations regarding Building, Planning, and Water Quality Programs
• Enforcement of the County Regulations for each department
• Enforcement of the County Nuisance Ordinance
• Responding to citizen complaints regarding programs in each department

2023 Accomplishments 

• Hired all Water Quality Department Staff and acquired equipment and supplies for staff.
• Added Planning Manager to staff to allow Director to focus on Division-wide improvements.
• Developed new policies and procedures for the County to improve Affordable Housing development in the region.
• Improved Nuisance Ordinance enforcement through community partnering efforts and by providing resources to assist the public with compliance.
• Received Waste Tire Disposal Grant from the State to provide opportunity for citizens to remove tires without negative impacts to our own landfill.

2026 Goals 

• Identify and apply for grant funding to better support all departments.
• Implement Online Applications for most applications in all departments.
• Seek new ways to improve transparency and public access to department staff.
• Develop a series of Fact Sheets to help developers and homeowners alike.
• Improve the effectiveness of all staff through outside training opportunities.