Aztec commissioners ponder subdivision rules

AZTEC — On one page of the city of Aztec’s subdivision code, it states that the subdivider is responsible for recording the plat with San Juan County. On another page, it states that the city's community development director will file the plat with the county.

That is one discrepancy the city is hoping to fix with an amended ordinance in the future.

The City Commission discussed the subdivision code and fees during a work session tonight prior to its regular meeting.

Steven Saavedra, the community development director, said he has received calls about the discrepancy.

“They look at the subdivision code, and they’re lost,” he said.

Saavedra has recommended changing the code so that the city files the plat with the county. He said that will help the city keep track of records.

He said the city should be reviewing and recording every plat, including boundary adjustments, “so that we have an idea of everything that happens.” That is important because the plat can include information about things like high-pressure gas pipelines underground, he said.

Saavedra said the change would not increase the cost to subdividers because the city already reviews and signs off on the plat before it is taken to the county.

“Instead of paying the county directly, they pay us, and we pass it on to the county,” City Attorney Larry Thrower explained during the meeting.

One thing that may affect developers will be a potential change in the code to make sure companies with a franchise agreement with the city review and sign off on plats. Saavedra said that could slow down the process.

Hannah Grover covers government for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4652.