HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Park Planning Commission 2020-05-19
ESTES PARKPLANNING COMMISSION
To be held virtually
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
1:30 p.m.
Members of theEstes Park 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.
Quasi-judicial virtual publichearing procedures were adopted through Emergency Rule 06-20
as signed by Town Administrator Machalek on May 8, 2020.
Quasi-JudicialProceedings
Written Testimony
Must be submitted by mail to Community Development, P.O. Box 1200, Estes Park, CO
80517 or by completing the Public Comment form at
https://dms.estes.org/forms/EPPCPublicComment.Written testimony must be submitted
by 12:00 p.m.on Monday, May 18, 2020.
Members of the public may provide public comment by calling (970) 577-3721. All calls
must be received by 12:00 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2020and will be transcribed.
All comments received will be provided to the Commission and included in the final packet.
Oral Testimony
Toensure your ability to provide oral testimony during the meeting you must register at
planning@estes.orgor call (970) 577-3721 by 5:00 p.m.Monday, May 18, 2020. Oral
testimony will be provided using Google Hangouts. Once you are registered staff will send
a meeting invite to participate. Further instructions on how to participate during the meeting
will be outlined in the meeting invite.
During the meeting an individual who did not registerto speak on an agenda itemmay
contactplanning@estes.orgor call(970) 577-3721 at any time during the meetingto be
added to the testimony list.Individuals who do not register prior to the meetingrisk being
unable to testify due to administrative and technical difficulty during the meeting.
Written presentation materialsor exhibits must be delivered to planning@estes.orgby 8:00
a.m. on Monday, May 18, 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 may be accessedat www.estes.org/boardsandmeetingsunder Estes Park
Planning Commissionor you may request a paper packet by emailing
www.planning@estes.orgor calling (970) 577-3721.
The meeting will use Google Hangouts which provides for closed captioning of the meeting.
The meeting will be livestreamed and available for viewing at www.estes.org/videos. The
meeting will be posted online at www.estes.org/videoswithin 48 hours of the meeting.
___________________________________________________________________________
General Public Comments
Members of the public may provide public comment on any item not on the agenda by
following the guidelines outlined above under Written Testimony.
___________________________________________________________________________
1.OPEN MEETING
Planning Commissioner Introductions
2.AGENDA APPROVAL
3.PUBLIC COMMENT
The EPPC will accept public comments regarding items not on the agenda submitted through the
Public Comment form (https://dms.estes.org/forms/EPPCPublicComment) or by telephone
(name and address required)as outlined under.
4.CONSENT AGENDA
Study Session Minutes: February 18, 2020
Meeting Minutes: February 18, 2020
Meeting Minutes: February 25, 2020
5.REZONE REQUEST, A-Accommodations to CO-Commercial OutlyingPlanner Bergeron
120 BigThompson Avenue, Rocky Mountain Health Club, AdEstes, owner/applicant
6.REPORTS
7.ADJOURN
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, ColoradoFebruary 18, 2020
Minutes of a Study Sessionmeeting of the PLANNING COMMISSIONof the Estes Valley, Larimer
County, Colorado. Meeting held in Room 202-203 Town Hall.
Commission:Chair Leavitt, Vice-Chair White, and CommissionersMurphree, Smith,
Theis, Converse, Comstock
Attending:Leavitt, Theis, Murphree, White, Converse, Smith, Comstock
Also Attending:Town Board LiaisonMartchink,Director Hunt,Senior Planner Woeber,
PlannerII Bergeron, Recording Secretary Swanlund
Absent:None
Chair Leavittcalled the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.There were twopeople in the audience. This
study session was recordedand has been uploaded to theTown of Estes Park YouTube channel.
IGA Status Update:
County employees MichaelWhitley and Amy White were in attendance for discussion on the Planning
Transition once the IGA expires in March. Director Hunt gave a review of what has taken place up to
this point. The Town passed an ordinance providing the creationof the new Estes Park Development
Code, a new Planning Commission and anew Board of Adjustment. County PlannerWhitley
discussed anew Chapter 19 which will carry forward Estes Valley zoning districtsand allotted uses
within those zoning districts. The review process fitsas closely as possible tothe current code, with
some differences and modifications. Workforce and Attainable housing density bonuses, along with
associated height increases, will not be carried over nor will automatic rounding up of density
allowances.Options for representation includehaving anEstes Parkresident on the Larimer County
Planning Commissionor having an Advisory Committee in Estes Park. The County will have
Planning Service hours on Tuesday’s from 9:00 am to-4:00 pm at their Brodie Avenue location.
Code Compliance Officer Amy White spoke on Vacation Home rentals. Applications after April 1,
2020will fall under Short Term Rentals and have slightly stricter rules and different fee structurefrom
what is currently in use.The Vacation Home Cap will be split between Town and County, depending
on the numbers on April 1, 2020. BOCC will have a meeting in Estes Park regarding Vacation
Homes at some point in the near future. Licenses will begood for twoyears starting in January 2021.
Larimer County is calling this change Planning Services Transitionas there will be no IGA moving
forward.
Preliminary Townhome Subdivision, The Farm on Riverside
Planner Bergeron reviewed the Preliminary Townhome Subdivision on RiversideDrive, known as The
Farmon Riverside. This application has been withdrawn by the applicant and will be resubmitted as
a major Subdivision rather than a Minor Subdivision. The timeline of that resubmittal is expected to
be withinthe next month.
Preliminary Townhome Subdivision, Ferguson Lot 3A and 4A
Planner Woeber discussed the Preliminary Townhome Subdivision, aka Alpaca Farms. This consists
of two townhome lots, each with a duplex. A request for acontinuance to the March meeting will be
made for this item. The applicant needs to submit additional materials for review. This project is
located in the unincorporated portion of the County. It would be beneficial for the Town and County to
figure out how the process and applications will transfer over.
Elkhorn Lodge Development Plan
Planner Woeber reviewed the Elkhorn Lodge project, which will be heard at a special PC meeting on
Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 11:00 am. because theapplicant did not get all of their material inon
time for review. Material for this will be dispursed on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Converse
expressed concerns about holding the meeting at 11:00 am. rather than an evening hourand rushing
the decision. Theis wondered if one hour would be enough timeto hear a project of this size.
Future of the Planning Commission
Director Hunt noted that the new Planning Commissionwould consistof fiveTown residents.
Applications are available through the Town Clerk. The three current town members are encouraged
to reapply.
Questions/Future Items
Chair Leavittadjourned the study sessionat 5:20p.m.
_____________________________________
Bob Leavitt, Chair
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 18,2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Commission:Chair Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair Sharry White, Commissioners Steve Murphree, Frank
Theis, Nick Smith, Dave Converse, Matt Comstock
Attending:Chair Leavitt, Vice-Chair White, Commissioners Murphree, Theis,
Converse, Smith, Comstock
Also Attending:Director Randy Hunt,Senior Planner Jeff Woeber,Planner II Alex Bergeron,
Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Board Liasion Patrick
Martchink
Absent:None
OPEN MEETING
Chair Leavitt called the meeting toorder at 6:00 pm.There wereapproximately 30people in
attendance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved and seconded (Murphree/White)to approvethe agenda and the
motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
none
CONSENT AGENDA
1.Study Session Minutes dated January 21, 2020
2.Meeting Minutes dated January 21, 2020
It was moved and seconded (Converse/Smith)to approve the consent agenda as
presented and the motion passed 7-0.
ACTION ITEMS
1. Preliminary Townhome Subdivision PlatThe Farm on Riverside
Planner II Bergeron
Planner Bergeron explainedthat staff noted that this application was deemed to be a full
Subdvidionby staff, not a Minor Subdivisionfor which the application was submitted. The
application has been withdrawn, with theapplicant expressingintent to reapply as a Subdivision
sometime in the future.
Public Comment:
RayBuxton,682 Park River West,hadquestions and concerns about the floodplain in the area
and the height of the buildings.
Gloria Casson, 690 Bird Circle, had concerns withprotection of trees, stormwater runoffand stated
anobjectionto the Right-of-Way waiver.
1
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 18,2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
2. Preliminary Townhome Subdivision Plat:Lot 3A, Seth Hanson, Applicant
Senior Planner Woeber
Planner Woeber reviewed the items, proposing to split aduplex into two townhomes each on a lot
less than½ acre in size in A-Accommodation zoning. An Amended plat was previously approved
andrecorded for these lots. The applicant needs to present adrainage study andensurethe
internal access meets the fire code forturnaround. Planner Woeber requested this item be
continuedto the March 17, 2020Planning Commission meeting.
Public Comment:
Justice Drake, President Upper Broadview/Glacierview RoadAssociation, provided a written
statementfromneighbors.This document hasbeen posted to the Town website.
It was moved and seconded (Theis/Smith)to continue the Preliminary Townhome
Subdivision of Lot 4Ato the March 17, 2020,Planning Commission Meeting. The
motion passed 7-0.
3. Preliminary Townhome Subdivision Plat:Lot 4A, Ferguson
Senior Planner Woebersee Item 2
It was moved and seconded (Theis/White)to continue the Preliminary Townhome
Subdivision of Lot 4A to the March 17, 2020,Planning Commission Meeting. The
motion passed 7-0.
4. Preliminary Planned Unit Development:Elkhorn Lodge, 600 West Elkhorn Ave
Senior Planner Woeber
Planner Woeber reviewed the proposed project creating 13 separate mixed-use lots on the Elkhorn
Lodge property. The Planning Commissionwill make a recommendation to the Town Board for a
final decision. He requested the itembe continued to a special Planning Commission meetingto
be held Tuesday, February 25, 2020at 11:00 amin the Town Hall Board Room.
Public Comment:
Tom Thurman, 540 W Elkhorn, expressed concerns with the magnitude of this proposal and that
the proposedfloodwall protects the applicant’spropertybut not the privately-owned condos.
Verd Bailey, 540 W Elkhorn,stated that the project is too big for thesizeof the property.
Whinney Spahnle, 840 Old Ranger Drive, stated that this is the best project she’s seen for this
property and was in favor of the project.
Director Hunt stated that delays in finalizing the complex plans and reviews for this project
meant that a decision had to be delayed. The special meeting was scheduled at the request of
the Developer and staff so that the project could go on-schedule before the Town Board of
Trustees on March 24, 2020.
Numerous membersexpressed concerns with notifying neighbors about this new meeting time. It
was requested that the Town of Estes PIO put out anotice regardingthis continuation.
Commissioner Converse questioned why new notices couldn’t be mailed.It was noted that the
Planning Commissionwill not make anyrushed decisions regarding this project.
2
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 18,2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
It was moved and seconded (Leavitt/Theis)to continue the Preliminary Planned Unit
Development to Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 11:00 am. The motion passed 7-0.
5. Preliminary Subdivision Plat:Elkhorn Lodge, 600 West Elkhorn Avenue
Senior Planner Woebersee item 4
It was moved and seconded (Leavitt/Theis)to continue the Preliminary Subdivision
Plat to Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 11:00 am. The motion passed 7-0.
STANLEY HOTEL-TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (TRC) DISCUSSION:
Director Hunt noted that there are complexities in all of the plans relating to the Stanley Hotel.
Attorney Kramer is reviewingall of the complex agreements. The consensus ofthe Town Board
was to not hold a Study Session on this subject,as requested until the new board is in place.
When the time comes, the TRC committee will be appointed and apublic meeting will occur. Plans
to turn the Carriage House into arestaurant could be submitted beforethe FilmCenter project.
The role of TRC is similar to that of the Planning Commission in that they reviewdesign,
placement, architectural details, traffic management, and more.The TRC is a legal agreement
withthe owner and the Town;any changes made to this arrangement would have to be agreed on
by the owner.
REPORTS:
Pages on the website for both Town and County have been updated for the Planning
Services Transition (IGA). Searching Estes Valley IGA is the quickest way to find the
information. On Wednesday, February19, 2020, the Larimer County Planning
Commission will hold awork session,andonWednesday, March 4, 2020aformal meeting
at 6:00 pm. Additionally,the Board of County Commissioners will meet onThursday,
March 26,2020at 6:00 pm in Estes Park.The Town Boardpassed anordinance to
transition the Estes Valley Development Code to the Estes Park Development Code.
Town Clerk is preparing to advertise for anew five-personPlanning Commission and a
new three-person Board of Adjustment to be filled by town residents.
Two staff vacancies in Community Development still have not beenfilled.
Comprehensive Plandiscussion is ongoing, whether it be separate or jointly with the
County.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Chair Leavitt adjourned the meeting at 7:12pm.
_________________________________
Bob Leavitt, Chair
_________________________________
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
3
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 25, 2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Commission:Chair Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair Sharry White, Commissioners Steve
Murphree, Frank Theis, Nick Smith, Dave Converse, Matt Comstock
Attending:Chair Leavitt, Commissioners Murphree, Theis,Smith, Converse,
Comstock
Also Attending:Director Randy Hunt,Senior Planner Jeff Woeber,Recording
Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Attorney Dan Kramer
Absent:White
OPEN MEETING
Chair Leavitt called the meeting toorder at 11:00 a.m.There wereapproximately 35
people in attendance.This matter was initially scheduled for hearing and vote at the
February18, 2020Planning Commission meeting. However, delays in finalizing the
complex plans and reviews for this project meant that a decision on that date had to be
delayed. The special meeting was scheduled at the request of the developer and staff,
so that the project could go on schedule before the Town Board of Trustees on March
24, 2020.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved and seconded (Smith/Murphree)to approve the agenda and
the motion passed 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ACTION ITEMS
1.ELKHORN LODGE PRELIMINARY PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
(Continued by the Planning Commission from their February 18, 2020 meeting.)
Planner Woeber thoroughly reviewed the staff report for the Preliminary PUD and
Preliminary Subdivision Plat in connection with the redevelopment of the Elkhorn
Lodge property. Thirteen (13)mixed-use lots are proposed. The Applicant's
submittal provides an in-depth description of the project and the proposed uses
on each lot.
Staff recommendedapproval of the proposed Elkhorn Lodge Preliminary PUD
andPreliminary Plat with the added condition that approval of the PUD Rezoning
shall also constitute an approval of the Preliminary PUDDevelopment Plan, as
attached to the staff report.
Commissioners asked for a written copy of the added condition and a copyof the
written comments from public works.
1
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 25, 2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
David Hook, Town Engineer, explained Public Works’role in the review process
and explained thatnot all approvals have been received from FEMAand other
agencies and how thiswould affect the project. There are pre and post-
construction conditions from FEMA. Design in accordance with FEMA
regulations is needed to proceed with this project. Without it, a new plan would
have to be submitted.
Applicant Presentation:
Justin Mabey, future owner of the property,introduced himself and his company,
East Avenue Development. He presentedexamples of some of the work the
company does, mostly around national park areas. He explained the desire for
building up the west end of Elkhorn Avenue and the goals for redevelopment,
which includes preserving four of thehistoric buildings. The Site Plan was
presented and explained. It was stated that they hope to keep the look and feel
of the current Lodge, which minimizes the impact on the environment as the
2018 Downtown Planrecommends.The plan calls for 36% lot coverage instead
of the allowed 65%.
Public Comment:(Comments summarized)
Bill Keefer, 550 W Elkhorn, asked four questions: what building was38 feet tall,
would they be upgrading theelectrical service tothe privately-owned condos,
would it be a high endHilton or Marriott hotel chain, what is the status on the lot
to the south not owned by Elkhorn Lodge.
Dave Shirk, 301 Far View Drive, likes the proposal andrequests for the Planning
Commission to consider: becompatible with existing uses.,perimeter
landscaping inparking lots, lighting issues, horses only(no donkeys),have a
manure mitigation plan,and a sidewalk for pedestrian safety on the access road.
Dan Hurlihey, 321Big Horn Drive: landscaping is important due to the large
amount of parking, lighting mitigation,and he ishappythe horse rides are
continuing.
Laura Drotar, 550 W Elkhorn: keep history alive, concernswith a possible
economy hotel chainrather than a high-end one, restaurant will block her
western view of the mountainsand river and addunwanted noise and garbage
smell.
Public questions were answeredas follows:
The 38 foot building is the main Lodge
The electric would be upgraded for the entire project, including the
privately owned condominiums
Justin is inagreementwith the high-end hotel market, perhaps something
similar to Residence Inn.
The property to the south has new owners.
2
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 25, 2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Minimum required lighting is planned.
There will be improved pedestrianaccessdue to sidewalk requirements
which will extendto Mrs.Walsh's garden.
Parking lot landscaping is not possible due totheflood plain andwould
require a higher wall.
There can be flexibility on the shape and the placing of therestaurant,
however the condo owner preferred the original plan after discussing
options.
Willing to have discussions and work with any neighbors having positive or
negative concerns.
Commissionerquestionsanswered by the Owner and Engineers
(summarizedand not in chronological order)
Desired 12-24 month build-out of the entire project
A staff of 20-25 in the central hotel, half of that in the smaller Lodge.
There are 30 extra parking spaces, which should easily cover employees.
Cabins onthe south hill of the property could be employee housing, also
working with other developers in town to lease rooms.
The housing need will be filled but not necessarily on-site.
There will likely be an on-site manager.
Proposed guest beds would double the current capacity.
Firetruckscan fit and turn around in the paved area of the south cabins.
Any changes to this submittal would have to be reheard through the same
process.
Moving barn farther out had a significantpositive impact on the floodway.
Notopposed to a public park in the openspace by the river
If the Lodge can't be saved, they do reserve the right to tear it down
There are no current plans for the "triangle"area at the east end of the lot
Roof colors were discussed at the neighborhoordmeeting: Green or Tan
The traffic report did not expose any problems.
The Lodge and Stables are not changing elevation.
The no-rise requirements will stay in place post-construction.
Noise standards will be met.
Third story façade requirement havebeen met.
Catch basins in the parking lot will redirect water drainage to the river.
Access easements to Elm Road are in place for the back 40 acres.
Frank Roberts, Van Horn engineering, explained the floodplain
engineering review.
Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn engineering, noted that open space
requirement in A-Accommodations zone districtis zero. Impervious
coverage hasdifferentrequirements.
3
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 25, 2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Joe Coop, Van Horn Engineering discussed the drainage, bridges, and
alternate emergency exits on the property.
Commission Discussion/Comments:.
Theis: should be aware of noise thatthe Lodge amplifies, restrictions on
operating hours for restaurants, and problems with maintenanceonthe south
properties during the winter months.This submittal is an appropriate historic use
plan and does not abuse what is allowed in a PUD.
Converse: does not like being in a position of approving the PUD prior to flood
control workbeing final, concerns with meeting open space criteria related to a
PUD, would prefer the Public Works comments be conditions of approval.
David Hook stated that Public Works is comfortable with where the development
stands.
Considerable discussion was had by all on conditions of approvalrelating to
certificate of occupancy, floodwater exit, employee housing, additional units,
landscaping,lighting and noise plans.
Per Director Hunt, many of thesedetails could be present on the Final PUD plan.
It was moved and seconded (Leavitt/Murphree)to forward a
recommendation of APPROVAL to the Town Board for the Elkhorn Lodge
Preliminary PUD according to the findings of fact recommended by staff
with the following conditions:
1) Approval of the PUD Rezoning shall also constitute an approval of the
Preliminary PUD and DevelopmentPlan, as attached to the staff report,
with no increase in the number of accommodations and resident units
without a PUD review.
2) The developer will bear the risk of constructing improvements in the
floodplain prior to obtaining the post-construction LOMR. Should FEMA
not approve the LOMR application as submitted, the developer will be
responsible for any redesign andreconstruction to achieve the no-rise
condition. No certificate of occupancy for the Event Center Barn or the
Elkhorn Lodge addition will be issued until the developer obtains LOMR
approval from FEMA.
3) The developer will add additionalparkinglot perimeter landscaping.
4) An employee housing plan for permanent and seasonal employees,
per Chapter 9.1, itemsA and B, and the housing needs assessment of
2016.
The motion passed 6-0.
2.ELKHORN LODGE PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT
(Continued by the Planning Commission from their February 18, 2020 meeting.)
4
RECORDOFPROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
February 25, 2020
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
It was moved and seconded (Leavitt/Smith)to forward a recommendation of
APPROVAL to the Town Board for the Elkhorn Lodge Preliminary
Subdivision Plat according to the findings of fact recommended by staff.
The motion passed 6-0.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Chair Leavitt adjourned the meeting at 1:26p.m.
_________________________________
Bob Leavitt, Chair
_________________________________
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Memo
To: Estes Park Planning Commission
Through: Community Development Director Randy Hunt
From: Alex Bergeron, Planner II
Date: May 19, 2020
RE: Request to Rezone 1230 Big Thompson Avenue from A
(Accommodations) zone district to CO (Commercial Outlying) zone district
(Mark all that apply)
PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE LAND USE
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OTHER______________
QUASI-JUDICIAL YES NO
Objective:
Conduct a public hearing to review for compliance with the Estes Park Development
Code (EPDC) and Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan a Private-Party-Initiated Code
Amendment (Rezoning) from the A (Accommodations) zone district to the CO
(Commercial Outlying) zone district, and provide a recommendation to the Town Board
of Trustees on that request.
Location: The subject property, addressed 1230 Big Thompson Avenue, is located on
the south side of Big Thompson Avenue (US 34) about 280 feet east of the Grand
Estates Drive and Elk Trail Court intersection. The 1.41-acre property is legally
described as LOT 1, SCHROEDER SUB, ESTES PK. The attached Vicinity Map
illustrates the zoning of the subject property and that of nearby properties.
Present Situation:
AdEstes Properties, LLC is the Owner of the subject property. The Owner purchased
the property in 2016 while it was being primarily used as a health club, a use which has
persisted since 1996 when the property was zoned CO (Commercial Outlying) through
today, albeit a lesser use of the site at this time. In 2019, Government Offices (in the
form of Visit Estes Park) opened on this site to supplement the several Personal
Services uses on the site and a diminished health club; a loss caused by the 2018
opening of the Estes Valley Recreation Center, which essentially outcompeted the
business with lower, taxpayer subsidized pricing.
The property has been burdened by its 2000, Town-initiated rezoning to A
(Accommodations) from CO (Commercial Outlying). Upon that rezoning, the property
fell into legal nonconforming status due to the fact that a
identified in the definition of an Indoor Commercial Recreation Establishment in
§13.2.C.12.A of the EPDC; a use not permitted in the A (Accommodations) zone
district), though, curiously, Private-membership Recreational Facilities or Clubs are a
permitted use. In looking for ways to improve the use of the property within the limits of
its legal non-conforming status more recently in light of financial hardship, the Owner
has been stymied by other technical use restrictions of the A (Accommodations) zone
district in the sense that they cannot expand the current, majority office use of the
property in a free-market capacity, as private offices are not permitted, but Government
Offices are, despite the uses being functionally the same, one could argue.
Proposal: Return the subject property to CO (Commercial Outlying) zoning, a
designation for which the site has been designed and has functioned as for at least six
decades, to relieve the site of the burdens caused by Code technicalities and allow
current and future property ownership to expand the existing functional uses of the site
within the permissions of the law, including privately-operated office space.
Review Criteria:
All applications for Private-Party-Initiated Code Amendments (Rezonings) shall be
reviewed by the Estes Park Planning Commission and Board(s) for compliance with the
relevant standards and criteria set forth below and with other applicable provisions of
the EPDC.
shall demonstrate compliance with the applicable standards and criteria as follows:
1. The amendment is necessary to address changes in conditions in the areas affected.
Staff Finding: Affirmative. Staff finds that the opening of the Estes Valley Community
Center, while duly approved by appropriate decision-makers (including the voting public
in connection with the 1A Sales Tax), has very likely directly contributed to the declining
economic vitality of this site. Returning the zoning to CO (Commercial Outlying), for
which the site is and has always been operated in a modern context, promotes
expanded productivity of the site without substantially altering its function.
2. The development plan, which the proposed amendment to this Code would allow, is
compatible and consistent with the policies and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and
with the existing growth and development patterns in the Estes Valley.
Staff Finding: Not applicable. The development plan for this application has been
waived as there are no substantial changes in use or intensity of use to the site being
proposed with this application. Staff has routinely waived this requirement in recent
years, per authority of EPDC §3.3.B.1.
3. The Town, County or other relevant service providers shall have the ability to provide
adequate services and facilities that might be required if the application were approved.
Staff Finding: Affirmative. Staff finds that service providers have the ability to provide
adequate services and facilities to this location, as comments received from affected
agencies indicate no concern with the proposal.
Reviewing Agency Comments:
This application has been submitted to reviewing agency staff for consideration and
comment. All comments received were supportive of the rezoning request.
Public Notice:
Written notice has been mailed to properties in accordance with EVDC §3.15 General
Notice Provisions. A legal notice was published in Estes Park Trail-Gazette and the
Advantages:
Rezoning the subject property from A (Accommodations) to CO (Commercial Outlying)
allows additional flexibility on the site, which is functionally designed for use typical of
the CO (Commercial Outlying) zone district today as it has been for at least the past six
decades.
Disadvantages:
Rezoning one parcel in an otherwise contiguous zone district to benefit property owners
could in theory be viewed by some as being inconsistent with the intent of the Estes
Park Comprehensive Plan.
Finance/Resource Impact:
N/A.
Level of Public Interest:
Low: The Community Development Department received one written public comment
regarding project notification process and one written public comment expressing
support for the request. Staff also received half a dozen phone calls which were
inquisitive in nature, with no opposition expressed in any and a favorable sentiment
expressed in one.
Sample Motions:
I move the Estes Park Planning Commission RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the request
by AdEstes, LLC to rezone their property addressed 1230 Big Thompson Avenue from
A (Accommodations) to CO (Commercial Outlying), in accordance with the findings as
presented.
I move the Estes Park Planning Commission recommend denial of the request by
AdEstes, LLC to rezone their property addressed 1230 Big Thompson Avenue from A
(Accommodations) to CO (Commercial Outlying), finding that \[state findings for denial\].
I move that the Estes Park Planning Commission continue the request by AdEstes, LLC
to rezone their property addressed 1230 Big Thompson Avenue from A
(Accommodations) to CO (Commercial Outlying) to the next regularly scheduled
meeting \[state reasons for continuing\].
Attachments:
1. Vicinity Map
2.Applicationform
3. Letter of Intent
4. Referral list and affected agency comments
5. Waiver information
6. Neighborhood Meeting information and public comments
7. Electronic Public Hearing Request Indemnification and Waiver
8. Full Application: www.estes.org/currentapplications
Attachment2:
Applicationform
Attachment3:LetterofIntent
Attachment4:
Referrallist
andaffected
agency
comments
Attachment5:Waiverinformation
WAIVERGRANTEDBY
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTORRANDY
HUNTPERAUTHORITY
OFEPDC§3.3.B.1
FEEWAIVERUNANIMOUSLY
GRANTEDBYTHETOWNBOARD
OFTRUSTEESATTHEIR
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