The deadline to sign up for a zoning preference under the county’s new system of Landowner-Initiated Zoning is fast approaching.

More and more landowners are coming in to the county planning office to sign up for LIZ zoning preferences and to file letter permits on existing commercial uses in anticipation of the Jan. 31 deadline. Landowners who have not signed up are encouraged to stop by the planning office, Room 305 of the county courthouse, 109 W. Main in Cortez, or to call 565-2801 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

For those not able to come in during regular office hours, there will be a sign-up workshop on Jan. 25 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. in the planning office and county- commission room. Throughout the afternoon and evening, several stations will be open where residents can get information, ask questions, and receive one-on-one assistance in signing up for a zoning preference.

To expedite the process, please bring the address, parcel number, acreage and location of your property. A copy of your tax bill has all the necessary information.

The county land-use code also established a permit system for high-impact commercial and industrial uses, those that exceed thresholds for factors such as building size, traffic levels, outdoor storage, noise and pollution.

Businesses as they existed prior to the adoption of the land-use code can be recognized or "grandfathered" by filing a letter-permit application with the county planning office prior to Jan. 31.

Letter permits can be filed at the planning office during business hours or at the sign-up workshop on Jan. 25. Please bring a sketch of where your business activities are located on the property as well as the address, parcel number, and location.