The County Attorney's office functions in a support role to the Board of County Commissioners, other elected officials, and County staff. To a large extent, the work of the County Attorney's office is determined by the priorities of these other departments. The vast majority of the workload within this office is deemed to be non-discretionary, including defense of litigation against the County, initiation of litigation necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Pitkin County, review of contracts, legal advice to staff and offices, social services legal support and land-use referrals.

2005 Employee Housing Impact Fee Legislation

On May 25, 2005, the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County adopted an Ordinance revising the Employee Housing Impact Fee schedule and repealing existing provisions of the Land Use Code relating to affordable or employee housing mitigation or impact fees. The Board of County Commissioners utilized a study prepared by Clarion Associates entitled Pitkin County, Colorado Affordable Housing Regulation Support Study, dated November 2004 as well as numerous studies and reports prepared by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments which include a community survey of Pitkin County and a study concerning the social and economic effects of second homes. These studies, which are made part of the record of the Board of County Commissioners, were relied upon to legislate the appropriate methodology for the calculation of a revised employee housing impact fee.

The Ordinance of the Board of County Commissioners including the employee housing impact fee legislation, the Clarion Associates Study and the studies and reports prepared by the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments are available through the links below.

Ordinance No. 23-2005

Affordable Housing Regulation Support Study

Northwest Colorado Council of Governments