By Janet Sellers
The Monument Planning Commission held its final meeting of the year on Dec. 10 and unanimously recommended approval of the town’s 2026 official zoning map following a brief presentation from staff and a public hearing with no citizen comments.
With Commissioner Cathy Green absent, Alternate Commissioner Valerie Baumer was seated as a voting member for the evening. The commissioners first approved the minutes from the previous meeting before turning to the night’s primary agenda item: the annual adoption of the zoning map required under the Monument Municipal Code.
Planning Director Dan Ungerlieder presented the map, noting that it incorporates all annexations, rezonings, subdivisions, and boundary changes approved over the past year. He credited town GIS specialist Connie Driedger for maintaining the town’s mapping system, which he said supports decision-making and public access to information. The map is expected to go before the Town Council for approval on Jan. 5.
No members of the public offered comments in person or online during the hearing. The commissioners raised a few questions, including clarification on the recently completed annexation of portions of Old Denver Road and whether future comprehensive plan updates may prompt zoning modifications. Ungerlieder said the annexation ensures clearer maintenance responsibility and may support future incorporation requests. He added that development applications and annexations may continue to drive incremental map changes over time.
The meeting also included discussion of commission appointments and upcoming schedules. One longtime commissioner, Danny Ours, formally explained his decision to resign a year early to serve on the town’s new Economic Development Committee, citing the need to give any of the upcoming new commissioners time to understand and participate in the ongoing comprehensive plan and anticipated code updates. Commissioners also acknowledged Green’s departure and expressed appreciation for both outgoing members’ service.
The town will finalize the 2026 Planning Commission roster in January, and a schedule of 2026 meeting dates has been provided to members, including a joint Town Council-Planning Commission session planned for Jan. 14.
The meeting adjourned following approval of the motion to close. Recruitment continues for two alternate commission positions and one full commission seat. Commissioners Green and Ours will step down at year-end, with a farewell reception planned.
The commission advises the Town Council on land use and development issues. The commission’s recommendations are based on local and state laws, zoning, and municipal codes.
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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan.14. For further information on commission meetings, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/planning commission-commission-board-of-adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is also available.
Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Other Monument Planning Commission articles
- Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 13 – Commission recommends controversial 158-home Conexus development and Commercial PUD (12/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 8 – Commission recommends approval of Legacy at Jackson Landing project (10/30/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 10 – September meeting cancelled (10/2/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 13 – Planning Commission seeks community input on future development (9/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, July 9 – Commission welcomes new leaders, reviews major development amendment and vision for Monument’s future (8/1/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, June 11 – June meeting cancelled (7/3/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, May 14 – Commission recommends approval of 30-acre commercial development (6/7/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, April 9 – Two recommendations for approval; high school students offered seat at the table (5/3/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, March 12 – Promontory Pointe water tank project recommended for approval (4/5/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 12 – Commission reduces development density for key projects; Dairy Queen and Subway approvals recommended with landscaping condition (3/1/2025)
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