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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Park Planning Commission 2020-08-18(Instructions continued on page 2, Agenda begins on page 3) PLANNING COMMISSION – TOWN OF ESTES PARK TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:30 p.m. Estes Park, CO 80517 The Estes Park Board Planning Commission will participate in the meeting remotely due to the Declaration of Emergency signed by Town Administrator Machalek on March 19, 2020 related to COVID-19 and provided for with the adoption of Ordinance 04-20 on March 18, 2020. Procedures for quasi-judicial virtual public hearings are established through Emergency Rule 06-20 signed by Town Administrator Machalek on May 8, 2020 and outlined below. ADVANCED PUBLIC COMMENT Options for the Public to Provide Input: 1. By Public Comment Form: Members of the public may provide written public comment on a specific agenda item by completing the Public Comment form found at https://dms.estes.org/forms/EPPCPublicComment. The form must be submitted by 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2020. All comments will be provided to the Commission for consideration during the agenda item and added to the final packet. 2. By Telephone Message: Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a specific agenda item by calling (970) 577-3721. The calls must be received by 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2020. All calls will be transcribed and provided to the Commission for consideration during the agenda item and added to the final packet. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING BOARD MEETING Options for participation in the meeting will be available by call-in telephone option or online via Zoom Webinar. CALL-IN (TELEPHONE OPTION): Dial public participation phone number, 1-346-248-7799 Enter the Meeting ID for the August 4, 2020 meeting: 937 7127 2278 followed by the pound sign (#). The meeting will be available beginning at 8:45 a.m. the day of the meeting. Please call into the meeting prior to 9:00 a.m., if possible. You can also find this information for participating by phone on the website at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings by clicking on “Virtual Town Board Meeting Participation”. Request to Speak: For public comment, the Chair will ask attendees to indicate if they would like to speak – phone participants will need to press *9 to “raise hand”. Staff will be moderating the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Commission. Once you are announced by phone: • State your name and address for the record. • DO NOT watch/stream the meeting at the same time due to streaming delay and possible audio interference. The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high‐quality, reliable services for the benefit of our citizens, guests, and employees, while being good stewards of public resources and our natural setting. The Town of Estes Park will make reasonable accommodations for access to Town services, programs, and activities and special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 577-4777. TDD available. Prepared August 11, 2020 Updated August 13, 2020 1 NOTE: The Planning Commission reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (ONLINE): Individuals who wish to address the Board via virtual public participation can do so through Zoom Webinar at https//zoom.us/s/93771272278 – Zoom Webinar ID: 937 7127 2278. The Zoom Webinar link and instructions are also available at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings by clicking on “EP Planning Commission”. Individuals participating in the Zoom session should also watch the meeting through that site, and not via the website, due to the streaming delay and possible audio interference. Start Time: The Zoom Webinar will be available beginning at 1:20 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Participants wanting to ensure their equipment setup is working should join prior to the start of the meeting. Request to Speak: For public comments, the Chair will ask attendees to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to be heard. • You will experience a short delay prior to re-connecting with the ability to speak. • State your name and address for the record. In order to participate, you must: • Have an internet-enabled smartphone, laptop or computer. o Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio experience. • Join the Zoom Webinar. o The link can be found above. • Click “Participate Virtually EP Planning Commission” meeting • DO NOT watch/stream the meeting via the website at the same time due to delays and possible feedback issues. WATCH THE MEETING: The EP Planning Commission meetings will be live-streamed at www.estes.org/videos and will be posted within 48 hours of the meeting at the same location. Documents to Share: If individuals wish to present a document or presentation, material must be emailed by Monday, August 17, 2020 by 4:00 p.m. to the Community Development office at planning@estes.org. Quasi-Judicial Proceedings (Quasi-Judicial items will be marked as such) Written Testimony Must be submitted by email to planning@estes.org, or by completing the Public Comment form at https://dms.estes.org/forms/EPPCPublicComment. Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a specific agenda item by calling (970) 577-3721. All calls must be received by 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2020. All comments received will be provided to the Commission and included in the final packet material. Oral Testimony To ensure your ability to provide comments during the meeting, you must register by emailing planning@estes.org or calling (970) 577-3721 by Monday, August 17, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. During the meeting, any individual who did not register to speak on a quasi-judicial item may join public participation by following either the Call-In or Online option previously mentioned. Individuals who do not register prior to the meeting risk being unable to testify due to administrative/technical difficulty during the meeting. Written presentation materials or exhibits must be delivered to planning@estes.org by 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2020 in order to be presented during the meeting. No other written presentations or exhibits will be accepted during oral testimony by any member of the public. Packet Material The packet material can be accessed through the following link: Estes Park Planning Commission or under the Planning Commission section at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings or you may request a paper packet by emailing planning@estes.org or calling (970) 577-3721. 2 NOTE: The Planning Commission reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared. AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION – TOWN OF ESTES PARK Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:30 p.m. AGENDA APPROVAL. PUBLIC COMMENT. (Please state your name and address). CONSENT AGENDA: 1. Planning Commission Minutes dated June 16, 2020 2. Planning Commission Study Session Minutes dated July 21, 2020 ACTION ITEMS: 1. Location and Extent Review: Birch Ruins Estes Park Museum Applicant proposes to install interpretive signage and extend the deck structure Planner II Bergeron 2. Code Amendment: Amended Plat/Boundary Line Adjustment Process Staff recommended Continuance of this item Senior Planner Woeber REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: • Parking Regulations for Multi-Family Developments • Increased Building Height in CD- Downtown Commercial Zone District ADJOURN Prepared 08/12/20 Updated 8/13/20 3 4 44 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission June 16, 2020 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 1 Commission: Acting Chair Matt Comstock, Commissioners Steve Murphree, Joe Elkins, Matthew Heiser, Howard Hanson Attending: Acting Chair Comstock, Commissioners Murphree, Elkins, Heiser, Hanson Also Attending: Director Randy Hunt, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Planner II Alex Bergeron, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Board Liaison Barbara MacAlpine, Town Attorney Dan Kramer Absent: None OPEN MEETING Acting Chair Comstock called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. The meeting was held virtually via Google Meet and live-streamed on YouTube and Viebit. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Hanson) to approve the agenda and the motion passed 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: None CONSENT AGENDA 1.Study Session Minutes dated May 19, 2020 It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Elkins) to approve the consent agenda as presented and the motion passed 5-0 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Acting Chair Comstock agreed to continue as Chair. Commissioner Heiser accepted the position of Vice Chair. It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Heiser) to approve Matt Comstock as Chair for the remainder of the year. The motion passed 4-0. (Murphree unavailable) It was moved and seconded (Comstock/Elkins) to approve Matthew Heiser as Vice Chair for the remainder of the year. The motion passed 4-0. (Murphree unavailable) 5 55 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission June 16, 2020 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 2 ACTION ITEMS 1.LOCATION AND EXTENT, TOWN OF ESTES PARK WATER DIVISION PHASE 1, 1360 BROOK DRIVE Director Hunt explained to the Commission what a Location and Extent review is. He then reviewed the staff report, which was prepared by Ayres Associates. The property is 5.6 acres of land, zoned I-1-Restricted Industrial, and is developed with a two-story building and accessory buildings. Phase I will entail several interior improvements to the main building, including the installation of a new automatic fire sprinkler and alarm system along with an interior remodel. This phase will also include grading for the access drive and 16 parking spaces. Drainage and wildlife reports were submitted. Staff recommended approval of the Location and Extent Review, with the possibility of some additional landscaping along the Brook Drive boundary. Commission Comments/Questions with Responses from Town Water Superintendent Chris Eshleman and Engineer David Bangs, and Director Hunt: the following is a summary of the Location and Extent discussion. •Chapter 3 states that development plans should be submitted: Chapter 7 is the yard-stick measure. The Planning Commission does not have to be the body to review the development plan. •Primary access is off of Acacia, not Brook Drive: Plans were routed to the Fire Department and LETA, but LETA rarely reviews Location and Extent. The primary access will be most likely be on the lower portion of the lot. •Gravel drives have been considered to not be impervious in the past. Will this make the 80% coverage: Gravel is regarded to be an impervious surface per chapter 13 definition. (recommended that this should be revisited with a code amendment) •Sidewalk requirements: Kearney & Sons Excavating installed a sidewalk between Brook and Acacia. A water main will cross Brook Drive and the sidewalk will be completed when that is finished. •Geologic hazards and riparian mark: The line of plants along the right-hand sign of Fish Creek shows delineated limits of the flood plain. The fence along this line is a visual block. •Increased Water run-off to Brook Drive due to the 16 vehicle parking lot: The design of asphalt makes the run-off an improvement over gravel. The grade of the site has the run-off draining into Fish Creek. •Privacy Fence: Planned installation before Phase II along Fish Creek Road. Currently, the County is using the site for storage until their rebuild on Elm Road is completed. This being an industrial site, there will be piles of dirt, pipes and vehicles, but the applicant plans on being a good neighbor. 8 86 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission June 16, 2020 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 3 •Landscaping Plan along the residential side of Brook and Acacia? There are lilac bushes above Brook Court and existing trees along Fish Creek. Applicant is open to other landscaping ideas but contends this is an industrial site with industrial uses. A minimal landscape model with more attention to keeping the site well maintained and groomed would be appropriate. •Extent of traffic increase: The traffic memo included a modest increase. The site has had large equipment and the 50 peak trips per hour were not exceeded. There will be very little public coming and most of the employees will enter and exit from the lower Acacia entrance. •What will the lot look like: There will be dirt piles that ebb and flow. Efforts will be made to keep things neat and tidy. •What will happen to the other two structures on the property: They were not part of the plan, but they provide needed dry storage. The decision hasn't been made yet. •Retaining wall: This is part of Phase I •How much more grading will be needed: The driveway and around the backside is Phase I, the lower grading will be part of Phase II. •Off-street parking, specifically the northwest parking space is within 15 feet of the lot line: The limits of the paving will encroach slightly up the hill requiring some excavation. This space was placed there due to existing utilities and easements already in place. It is an increase and there are potential options for this particular space. •Moving of the water dispenser from 4th street: This is a consideration for Phase II, but may depend on a future traffic study. Commission comments: From a neighbor's perspective, this project will improve the site. The plan addresses aesthetics, surface conditions, and provides improvements for the residential areas. The extraneous uses will go away. Public Comments: An online comment was received from Karin Edwards asking what will be done to maintain/improve the vegetation on the site and in the riparian corridor, and what will be done to sustain Fish Creek? Coyote Willow is native and riparian and would be a good choice. A two-minute break was taken to allow for additional public comment. None was received. It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Comstock) to approve the Water Division application for a location and extent review with staff findings as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 9 97 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission June 16, 2020 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 4 2. LOCATION AND EXTENT, TOWN OF ESTES PARK TRAILBLAZER BROADBAND, 1180 WOODSTOCK DRIVE Director Hunt reviewed the staff report, which was prepared by Ayres Associates. The property, which is zoned CO-Commercial Outlying, is developed with a 3,100 square foot office building. The applicant seeks to demolish the interior space and refinish it with code- compliant fixtures, equipment and materials. The only modification to the site will be the removal of existing entry paving to accommodate the addition of a 65 square foot Entry Foyer, which will be Phase II of the project. The principal concept behind this Location and Extent review is to authorize the site for legitimate occupancy by a government agency. There were no public comments received. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Comments/Questions Vice Chair Heiser asked about the landscaping intent. Linda Swoboda, Project Manager, stated that there would be minor landscaping along the perimeter. Ginny McFarland, Project Designer, noted that the project would comply with code requirements in anticipation of future development. Directed Hunt stated that landscaping is not required as part of this review since the changes are so minimal. This review is for Phase I and II. The design plans will be an administrative review by staff. It will not come back before the Planning Commission if approved today. A two-minute break was taken to allow for public comment. None was received. It was moved and seconded (Murphree/Comstock) to approve the Town of Estes Park Power and Communication Division's application for a Location and Extent Review with staff findings as presented. The motion passed 5-0. 3. AMENDED PLAT, PARK SUITES, 215 PARK LANE Senior Planner Woeber reviewed the staff report. The applicant requested approval of an amended plat to reconfigure the existing lots. Plans are to keep one lot with a commercial office building and to redevelop one lot for multi-family residential use. Staff recommends approval of this Preliminary Amended Plat with the condition of labeling the lot lines more clearly. Commissioner Comments/Questions and Responses from Thomas Beck, owner/applicant and Adam Kelly, engineer Vice-Chair Heiser asked Attorney Kramer to explain the process involved if the Commission does not agree with staff findings. Kramer answered that in general, it is the Commissions' role to apply the review criteria to the application presented, and the responsibility for interpreting the code lies with the Community Development Department. Woeber clarified that tax parcels are assigned by the County Assessor and have nothing 10 108 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Estes Valley Planning Commission June 16, 2020 Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall 5 to do with subdivision of lots and that this predates any Town requirements. Adam Kelly, surveyor for the applicant, stated that even though you may have built a house over a commonly owned property line in the past, it doesn't mean your right to a buildable parcel goes away. There was talk of right-of-way and emergency access when fronting a building to an alley. Heiser suggested the possibility of naming and addressing the building that fronts the alley. Director Hunt clarified that the condition added was to clearly label what was previously platted and what is being proposed. The dedication of easements will have an acceptance signature block on the final plat approved by the Town Board of Trustees. Thomas Beck, owner, stated that he intends to dedicate the easements for emergency, sewer and access for all future tenants and owners. If the lot size can't meet code for residential living, a variance may have to be applied for at the development plan stage. Attorney Kramer stated that this is subdivision plat hearing and the Commission cannot deny the application based on use. Mr. Kelly clarified that the L-shaped line on Lot 6A is the existing asphalt area and can be removed for the final plat. Director Hunt explained that Estes Park doesn't have a unified development code that uses appropriate language to "blend" subdivisions and zoning provisions. Heiser noted that the Development Code won't change if we keep finding ways to make things fit; we need to work to make things better from a code perspective. It was agreed that code amendments need to be done sooner rather than later. A study session on this topic is the appropriate place for this discussion and will be planned for July. It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Elkins) to recommend approval to the Town Board of Trustees for the Park Suites Preliminary Amended Plat, being a Portion of Lot 6, 7 and 8, Block 1, Second Amended Plat of the Town of Estes Park, as described in the staff report, with the findings and condition recommended by staff. The motion passed 4-0. (Murphree unavailable) REPORTS Study Session in July to discuss Code Amendments Future meetings will be held on the Zoom platform. Training will be provided prior to July 21. ADJOURN There being no further business Chair Comstock adjourned the meeting at 4:15 p.m. _________________________________ Matt Comstock, Chair _________________________________ Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary 11 119 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado July 21, 2020 Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the PLANNING COMMISSION of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held virtually on Google Meet. Commission: Chair Matt Comstock, Vice-Chair Matthew Heiser, Commissioners Joe Elkins, Howard Hanson, Steve Murphree Attending: Comstock, Elkins, Heiser, Hanson Also Attending: Director Hunt, Senior Planner Woeber, Planner II Bergeron, Recording Secretary Swanlund, Town Attorney Kramer Absent: Murphree Vice-Chair Heiser called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. This study session was held virtually via Google Meet and was streamed and recorded on the Town of Estes Park YouTube channel. Director Hunt reviewed the subject of this study session, which was wholly devoted to Estes Park Development Code issues and concerns. In May of 2017, a master list of amendments needed was presented to the Town Board and was approved. An outline list (approximately 50 items) was presented for overall scope. Specific goals would be to shorten the Code by 25%, update language and procedures to 21st Century standards and have clear and understandable regulations. The Community Development staff hopes that pressing amendments can be moved on with “all deliberate speed.” Attorney Kramer stated that the Code needs to be updated from scratch, but intermittent fixes will be necessary. Director Hunt is submitting grant proposal for a comprehensive plan rewrite and is hoping for a 50% match from the State. Ideally, a comprehensive plan should precede the code amendment rewrite. If the grant is not received, the comp plan updating will be delayed, but code amendment rewrites will still need to be done. An important question is how much more development we can accomodate without overly degrading the quality of life that citizens value. Vice-Chair Heiser remarked that moving forward, redevelopment incentives and finding ways to make investing money in older properties worthwhile should be a priority. Director Hunt agreed and noted that Building Code and Development Code updates should overlap with a comp plan rewrite, and that is often overlooked. He recognized that redevelopment is our economic future. Landscaping requirements and parking standards are also high-priority, as are essential processes to address and update. If no rewrite happens, Commissioner Hanson suggested making a clear list of priorities and moving ahead with some urgency, having a benign effect on the Comp Plan. Perhaps using another community’s code and modifying it to Estes Park could be an option rather than reinventing the wheel. Attorney Kramer responded that a lot of the problems with our Code are nuts and bolts problems about processes and getting everyone on board and understanding the ‘what’ and ‘why’ is a process in its own right. Comstock wondered how to “eat the elephant”. Noting that the Commission is compiled of new members and the upcoming schedule is light, he asked if it would it be possible to do two amendments per meeting. Heiser suggested that staff reach out to local design professionals and ask what they see as hurdles and what could help their process. It would be useful to streamline 6 610 Planning Commission Study Session July 21, 2020 –Page 2 the time frame and process. Residents in the county feel disenfranchised, and the Planning Commission will be scrutinized. Attorney Kramer noted that the Planning Commission’s role is to make recommendations and review processes to the Town Board of Trustees. Code Amendments are ordinances and would be action items for the Board of Trustees. Possible steps to take: •Prioritize most urgent •Look at another community’s Code •Refer to an older version of Codes from Estes Park and find a middle ground Amendments to get started on in September-October: •Parking •Downtown Building Height Chair Comstock adjourned the study session at 12:55 p.m. Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary 7 711 12 1212 ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION (EPPC) MEETING DATE & LOCATION: August 18, 2020, 1:30 p.m.; virtual (online) meeting, no physical location. APPLICANT REQUEST: Review of a location and extent for a deck extension at the Birch Ruins and installation of interpretive signs in the CO-Commercial Outlying Zoning District. Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve the location and extent review. PLANNING COMMISSION OBJECTIVE: 1. Review for compliance with the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC). 2. Conduct a public hearing to consider applicant’s testimony, public comment, and Town staff’s findings and analysis; and 3. Take action on the location and extent review request. LOCATION: Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision, east of MacGregor Avenue and south of E. Wonderview Ave. VICINITY MAP: See Attachment 1. OWNER/APPLICANT: Town of Estes Park APPLICANT’S REPRESENTATIVE: Cornerstone Engineering & Surveying, Inc., Michael Todd STAFF CONTACT: Logan Ward, Ayres Associates BACKGROUND: The subject property is located at the Centennial Knoll-Willows Open Space with approximately 4.31 acres of land and is developed with two registered State Historical Sites, the Birch Ruins which are located on the cliff above Black Canyon Creek and the Birch Cabin adjacent the creek. Neither of the two structures are occupied. The proposed improvements to the site are described below. PROPOSAL: The Estes Park Museum is coordinating the use of a State Historical grant obtained to extend the walkway inside the Birch Ruins. Grant funds will also be used for the installation of interpretive signage on the historical site. The proposed improvements were reviewed and approved by the Estes Park Town Board on August 14, 2018. The scope of the project includes the extension of Birch Ruins viewing deck and walkway, and installation of seven interpretive signs. The intent of the extension is to increase the effectiveness of protecting the site’s historical features by keeping visitors off the rock walls. Viewing opportunities will Town of Estes Park Museum – Birch Ruins Location and Extent Review Estes Park Community Development Department, Planning Division Room 210, Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Avenue PO Box 1200, Estes Park, CO 80517 Phone: 970-577-3721 Fax: 970-586-0249 www.estes.org 13 1313 ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION, AUGUST18, 2020 LOCATION AND EXTENT REVIEW, BIRCH RUINS PAGE | 2 continue to be available from the existing viewing deck. Five interpretive signs will be installed at Birch Ruins and two interpretive signs at the Birch Cabin for an enhanced visitor experience. The signs shall comply with the requirements of the Sign Code and will require a sign permit. The specifications are shown in Attachment 6. A site plan is also included as Attachment 7 illustrating the walkway and the locations of the new signs. The plans and specifications were reviewed by Town agencies. One favorable agency review comment was received, and no unfavorable comments were received. SITE DATA TABLE: Parcel Number: 35252137902 Existing Land Use: Open Space Proposed Land Use: Open Space Zoning: CO, Commercial Outlying Adjacent Zoning: East: CO, Commercial Outlying North: RM, Multi-Family Residential West: RM, Multi-Family Residential South: CD, Downtown Commercial Adjacent Land Uses: East: Commercial North: Residential West: Accommodation South: Civic Services: Water: NA Sewer: NA REVIEW CRITERIA: The following is from the EPDC, Chapter 3 Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.13 Public Facility/Use Location and Extent Review: A. Purpose. This Section implements §30-28-110(1), C.R.S., and is intended to provide an opportunity for review of the location and extent of specified public facilities and uses sought to be constructed or authorized within the Estes Valley, especially as to whether such public use is consistent with the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan and this Code. B. Applicability. 1. Applicable to Specified Public Uses. a. Location and extent review shall apply to the construction or authorization of all public safety facilities, trail heads, major utilities (whether publicly or privately owned) and all other public uses not specifically exempt from this Section. These public uses are listed in Chapter 4, "Zoning Districts," (Tables 4-1 and 4-4) with the notation under the "additional regulations" column that Public Facility/Use Location and Extent review may be applicable. b. Location and extent review shall also apply to the acceptance, widening, removal, extension, relocation, narrowing, vacation, abandonment, change of use, or sale, lease or acquisition of any land for any public use subject to this Section. 2. Exemption for Town Public Uses Located Within Town Limits. Location and extent review shall not apply to any public road, park, trail, public street, way, ground, space or utility, or any other public facility or use other than a public building or structure, that is to be constructed, financed or owned by the Town of Estes Park on property located within the jurisdictional limits of the Town. 14 1414 ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION, AUGUST18, 2020 LOCATION AND EXTENT REVIEW, BIRCH RUINS PAGE | 3 C. Procedure for Location and Extent Review. 1. Public Uses. a. A proposed development plan shall be submitted to the EPPC for approval, pursuant to the development plan approval process set forth in §3.8 of this Chapter, prior to the construction or authorization of any public use that is subject to location and extent review. b. Failure of the EPPC to act within thirty (30) days after the date of official submission of the development plan shall be deemed an approval, unless a longer period is granted by the submitting board, body or official. c. If the EPPC disapproves the development plan, it shall communicate its reasons to the Board of County Commissioners or Board of Trustees, depending on the location of the proposed project. The respective Board is authorized to overrule such disapproval by a majority vote of its entire membership. Upon overruling, the Board may proceed with construction or authorization of the project, as applicable. d. If the project is not required to be authorized or financed by the Board of County Commissioners or Board of Trustees, or other County or Town official or board, the EPPC's disapproval may be overruled by the body or official having jurisdiction over the authorization and financing of the project. A vote to overrule by such body shall be by a majority vote of its entire membership. In the case of a utility owned by an entity other than a political subdivision, the EPPC's disapproval may be overruled by the Public Utilities Commission by not less than a majority of its entire membership. (Ord. 05-18 , §1(Exh. A)) D. Standards for Review. The EPPC and Boards shall review the extent and location of the proposed public use for its consistency with the goals, policies and objectives stated in the Comprehensive Plan and for its compliance with this Code. STAFF FINDINGS: 1. Staff finds that the application for the proposed signage and walkway expansion complies with the Procedure under Section 3.13.C of the EPDC. 2. Staff finds the location and extent application is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives stated in the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan. 3. The applicant is required to pull a building permit from the Estes Park Building Department. PUBLIC COMMENTS: In accordance with the notice requirements in the EPDC, legal notices were published in the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, and adjacent property owners were mailed notices. At this writing, staff received no public comments regarding the location and extent review application. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve the Location and Extent Review application as submitted by the applicant. SAMPLE MOTIONS FOR THE LOCATION AND EXTEND REVIEW APPLICATION: 1. I move to approve the Town of Estes Park Museum’s application for a location and extent review, with staff findings. 2. I move to continue the Town of Estes Park Museum’s application for a location and extent review, to the next regularly scheduled meeting. (State reasons for continuance.) 3. I move to recommend denial of the Town of Estes Park Museum’s for a location and extent review, finding that … (state findings for denial). 15 1515 ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION, AUGUST18, 2020 LOCATION AND EXTENT REVIEW, BIRCH RUINS PAGE | 4 Attachments: 1. Vicinity Map 2. Application 3. Statement of Intent 4. Letter of Support 5. Deck Plans 6. Sign Designs 7. Site Plan 16 1616 17 1717 181818 191919 202020 July 15, 2020 Town of Estes Park Community Development P.O. Box 1200 Estes Park, Co. 80517 RE: Birch Ruins Walkway Extension -Statement of Intent Mr. Randy Hunt, Cornerstone Engineering and Surveying, Inc. (CES), on behalf of the Estes Park Museum, Town of Estes Park, are submitting for a Location and Extent Review for Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision, Estes Park, Colorado. Legal Description The subject property is known as Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision County of Larimer, State of Colorado. The property is basically undeveloped and no address has been assigned. Larimer County Assessor records only show the property listed as Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision. Existing Conditions Currently, Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision was dedicated as the Centennial knoll-Willows Open Space. Currently the only structures on site are the Birch Ruins located on the cliff above Black Canyon Creek and the Birch Cabin adjacent to the creek. Neither structure is occupied and are registered as State Historical Sites. The property is zoned CO-Commercial Outlying. Project Description The Estes Park Museum was awarded a grant for the Phase II of the improvement project at the “Centennial Park at the Knoll-Willows” property from the State Historical Fund. The grant was for the extension of the Birch Ruins Walkway and installation of 5 interpretive signs at the Birch Ruin and two interpretive signs at the Birch Cabin. The extension of the walkway at the Ruins in intended to further guide the visitor experience and safeguard the structure. Utilities No utilities will be effected by this proposal 21 2121 Lot 2, Birch Ruins Subdivision- Statement of Intent Page 2 of 2 July 15, 2020 Public Notice Public Notice was done for the proposed improvements through local newspapers and through the Town website by the Town Public Information Officer prior to award of the Grant. The State Historical Grant along with the proposed improvements including the walkway extension and interpretive signs were reviewed and approved by the Estes Park Town Board at the August 14, 2018 Town Board Meeting. Sincerely, Cornerstone Engineering & Surveying, Inc. Michael Todd, P.E. Principal 22 2222 March 16, 2018 Ms. Cynthia Nieb History Colorado Center 1200 Broadway Denver, CO 80203 Dear Ms. Nieb, The Estes Valley Land Trust is proud to write a letter of support for a State Historic Fund grant to further protect and improve the Birch Ruin in Estes Park. This ruin is located in the heart of downtown Estes Park at the Knoll-Willows Open Space, a public park owned by the Town of Estes Park. This is a perfect historic preservation project because of the educational value the ruin provides. Its close proximity to downtown and Bond Park (1/4 mile away) mean that visitors attending the myriad of events at Bond Park can easily and quickly access the historic site and learn about the history of the area. Bond Park is home to the weekly Farmers Market, and the annual Autumn Gold Festival, Elk Fest and the Christmas Parade and Celebration. This park is the hub of Estes Park and 1000s of people are within view and a short walk of the Birch Ruin. Extending the Birch Ruin viewing deck and stablizing the ruins improves safety and will protect the site. The ruin is located on the top of Knoll-Willows Open Space, near the edge of a cliff. The view to the west and Rocky Mountain National Park is incredible (no wonder Al Birch built the home here), but needs to be improved to keep visitors off the historic rock walls and ensure these historic features remain intact. Interpretative signs will also enhance the visitor experience and put the site in proper context. The Estes Valley Land Trust holds a perpetual conservation easement on Knoll-Willows Open Space. This easement prevents residential or commercial development of the site, but allows the Town of Estes Park to install interpretative signs and viewing platforms that enhance the visitor experience. The Birch Ruin is a crucial part of the “conservation values” protected via the conservation easement and I’m excited to tell the story of the historic site by making these improvements. Sincerely, Jeffrey Boring Executive Director Estes Valley Land Trust 23 2323 24 2424 25 2525 26 2626 27 2727 28 2828 29 2929 30 3030     USHWY 34/ WONDERVIEWSAFEWAYESTES PARKMUNICPALBUILDINGBIRCH RUINSOPEN SPACEMACGREGOR AVEBIRCH CABIN SIGNSBIRCH RUINS WALKWAYBIRCH RUINS WALKWAYTOWN OF ESTES PARK2 - FREE STANDING SIGNS1 - FREE STANDING SIGN4 - RAILING MOUNTED SIGNS~210 '~210'313131 32 3232 Memo COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT To: Estes Park Planning Commission From: Jeffrey Woeber, Senior Planner Date: August 18, 2020 RE: Request for Continuance: Code Amendment, Minor Adjustments to Plats Staff Request: A code amendment proposed by staff was scheduled for the August 18, 2020 Planning Commission meeting. This amendment involved amending the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC), Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, and also Chapter 10, Subdivision Standards, to allow an administrative review and approval process for minor adjustments to property lines, or elimination of interior property lines. Staff requests continuance of this code amendment to the September15, 2020 Planning Commission meeting, in order to allow for additional review by the Town Attorney’s office and staff. 33 3333 34 3434 A VISION FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE ESTES PARK, COLORADODOWNTOWN PLAN JANUARY 23, 2018 35 4 CONCEPT & FRAMEWORK Estes Park, Colorado - Downtown Plan January 23, 2018 38 Building Height and Scale Buildings between a maximum of two and three stories are recommended for Downtown. However, upper stories, and in particular the third story of a building, should be modulated to minimize the solar impacts and perceived mass and scale of a building. Maximum heights of two stories are recommended adjacent to rivers, sensitive neighborhood edges and topographic/environmental features. Figure 4.6 shows recommended building heights for Downtown. Buildings up to four stories may be considered on a case by case basis on sites where the additional height is determined to not significantly impact views, privacy or other factors. The Town should develop a specific list of criteria and guidelines for review of such projects. UPPER STORY ARTICULATION Third story articulation should be required for all Downtown projects. A combination of upper floor articulation techniques is appropriate, including: • Stepbacks - The third floor of a building is set back further from the street or another edge than that of the first and second floor. • Height Variation - Some components of a building are at a two story scale with other components at a three-story scale. • Strategic Location of Three Story Components - Depending on the context, it may be possible to locate a third story at a location on the site such that it has no visible impact to the street or adjacent properties. This may include a component of a building at the rear of a site adjacent to a hillside and away from a street. Upper story articulation is particularly important where there is a need to address: • Preserving a Viewshed - Stepbacks of upper floors along a street or other public way may help to preserve mountain views. • Maintaining a Lower Scale along the Street - Stepbacks and height variation on upper floors can help to preserve the perception of a two story scale at the street edge, which is generally consistent with current Downtown buildings. • Sensitive Transitions -Third story articulation methods may be appropriate when trying to provide a sensitive transition in scale to a lower-scaled adjacent use. • Significant Topographic Change Between Properties - Where topography creates a more intense grade change between two properties, articulation of upper stories may be necessary. This is particularly important when a new building is at a higher grade than its low scale residential neighbor. The juxtaposition of buildings in these two conditions creates a dramatic difference that should be designed sensitively. • Maximization of Solar Exposure - To maximize solar exposure of key outdoor spaces or the sidewalk, height variation and upper floor stepbacks can help to ensure that sunlight shines through. This is particularly important in winter months. It is important that a design employs special features to help articulate the third floor of a building. Some components of a building can be at a two- story scale with other components at a three-story scale. 35 3536 CONCEPT & FRAMEWORK 4 January 23, 2018 Estes Park, Colorado - Downtown Plan 39 Figure 4.6-Recommended Building Heights 36 3637 ESTES PARK DOWNTOWN PLANLunch & Share Session: Small Town ArchitectureApril 26, 201738 Density + MassingAdding Stories without Altering Small Town Main Street Character •Step backs allow scale of street to remain while preserving access to sunlight39 Density + MassingAdding Stories without Altering Small Town Main Street Character Ketchum, IDGraphic by Winter + Co40 Density + MassingAdding Stories without Altering Small Town Main Street Character Ketchum, IDGraphic by Winter + CoVariations in Massing: Same floor area, with variations in scale at street edge41 Density + MassingAdding Stories without Altering Small Town Main Street Character Massing Studies along West Elkhorn42 43 8/12/2020 CURRENT PROJECTS Submittal Date Application Type Project Name Location Recomm ending/ Decision Making Bodies Next Proposed Meeting Date Ex-Parte Prohibited Staff 12/18/2019 Final Subdivision Plat Elkhorn Lodge 600 W Elkhorn Ave TB 11-Aug yes JW 12/18/2019 Final PUD (Planned Unit Development)600 W Elkhorn Ave TB 11-Aug yes JW 1/15/2020 Development Plan Birds Nest 1221 High Drive staff JW 4/20/2020 Development Plan Carriage House 333 E Wonderview TRC 24-Aug yes RH 7/1/2020 Code Amendment Amended Plat/BLA review continued PC 15-Sep JW 7/15/2020 Development Plan Max Storage TBD Moutain View Ct PC 15-Sep yes AB 7/15/2020 Amended Condo Map EP Resort 1700 Big Thompson Ave PC 15-Sep JW 7/15/2020 Location and Extent Birch Ruins Knoll-Willows PC 18-Aug yes AA 7/15/2020 Variance Lumpy Ridge Tap Room 113 E Elkhorn BOA 1-Sep yes AB 8/3/2020 Code Amendment Parking Regulations PC 20-Oct JW 8/3/2020 Code Amendment Downtown Building Height PC 15-Sep RH 8/4/2020 Minor Subdivision Habitat for Humanity 1730 Raven Ave PC 20-Oct yes AB 8/13/2020 Variance Bird and Jim 915 Moraine Ave BOA 6-Oct yes JW key: PC-Planning Commission TB-Town Board BOA-Board of Adjustment staff: JW-Jeff Woeber RH-Randy Hunt AB-Alex Bergeron TRC-Technical Review Committee AA-Ayres Associates (consultants) *Scheduled Neighborhood Meetings:Meeting Location Date 44