HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Study Session EP Planning Commission 2021-01-19Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado January 19, 2021
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
Attending: Comstock, Elkins, Heiser, Hanson
Also Attending: Director Hunt, Senior Planner Woeber, Planner II Bergeron, Trustee
MacAlpine, Recording Secretary Swanlund, Public Works employees
Muhonen, Hook, Waters and Solesbee.
Absent: None
Vice-Chair Heiser called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. This study session was held virtually via
ZOOM and was streamed and recorded on the Town of Estes Park YouTube channel.
This Study Session came about after the Code Amendment for Downtown Height, introduced in July
of 2020, was referred for public comment and the rewriting of the Comprehensive Plan received
funding.
Public Works Director Greg Muhonen gave a brief presentation of the Downtown Estes Loop's current
status describing the traffic flow, parking, sidewalk, landscaping and crosswalk plans. He noted that
there would be a need for about 28 easements. The project's fundamental purpose is to improve
traffic flow through the crowded downtown area, decreasing travel delays.
Public Works Engineer Jennifer Waters described four issues of the Downtown Floodplain:
• Permits are required for any "development" in the floodplain.
• There are currently 198 National Flood Insurance policies in Estes Park
• Downtown buildings will be required to meet performance standards when substantial
improvements or substantial damage criteria are met.
• Colorado Hazard Mapping Program boundaries for the floodplain are soon to be submitted.
This release will trigger the Flood Insurance Rate Map adoption process.
•
Ms. Waters explained that a determining factor of 50% of the structure's market value (land is
excluded) triggers the FEMA modeling regulations, but this is discretionary on a case by case basis.
Engineering Manager David Hook confirmed that there are subjective and nonsubjective triggers on
these regulations. There is a process laid out for a variance, but they are tough to obtain. The Town
Board can approve a variance.
Director Hunt explained that Downtown Building Height is being discussed due to these floodplain
regulations. A stormwater utility would be a great place to draw funds for subsidizing these
expenses. A transparent fee structure is a relevant request.
Commissioners ardently noted that it would be extremely expensive to take steps to expand a
business with these constraints. It was stated that this becomes discriminatory of small businesses,
which are inherently locally owned. Most three-story additions will trigger this requirement, making it
not feasible for the small business owner.
Planning Commission Study Session January 19, 2021 – Page 2
Parking and Transit Manager Vanessa Solesbee reviewed the parking management plan history and
upcoming paid parking program implementation. Regarding implemented changes to building height,
the effect on downtown parking would seem to be minimal. There is currently adequate capacity, but
people want to park next to their destination. Different modes of transportation and walking
thresholds are areas for public conversation. Looking at the activity of the development, how
businesses compliment the areas around it, and visitor turnover are significant factors in calculating
downtown parking accommodations. There are no changes to existing loading zone times along
Elkhorn Avenue. Director Hunt mentioned the Institute for Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation
Manual for looking up data and information. There is a copy of this in the Community Development
office.
Vice-Chair Heiser adjourned the study session at 1:00 p.m.
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
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Matt Comstock, Chair