HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Valley Planning Commission 2020-01-21Prepared January 10, 2020
The Estes Valley Planning Commission reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the
time the agenda was prepared.
AGENDA
ESTES VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION
January 21, 2020
6:00 p.m. Board Room, Town Hall
1. OPEN MEETING
Planning Commissioner Introductions
2. AGENDA APPROVAL
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
The EVPC will accept public comments regarding items not on the agenda.
Comments should not exceed three minutes.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Study Session Minutes: November 19, 2019
Meeting Minutes: November 19, 2019
5. CODE AMENDMENT: AMENDED PLAT REVIEW PROCESS Planner Woeber
6. REPORTS
7. ADJOURN
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado November 19, 2019
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the PLANNING COMMISSION of the Estes Valley, Larimer
County, Colorado. Meeting held in Room 202-203 Town Hall.
Commission: Chair Leavitt, Vice-Chair White, and Commissioners Murphree, Smith,
Theis, and Converse
Attending: Leavitt, Theis, Murphree, White, and Converse
Also Attending: Town Board Liaison Blackhurst, Director Hunt, Planning Technician
Kreycik, Senior Planner Woeber, Planner II Bergeron, Recording
Secretary Swanlund, and Town Attorney Kramer
Absent: Smith
Chair Leavitt called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Director Hunt introduced new Planner II Alex
Bergeron. There were two people in the audience. This study session was recorded and has been
uploaded to the Town of Estes Park YouTube channel.
Development Plan, Taharaa parking
Director Hunt reviewed the plan in the absence of Planner Hardin. The owner is proposing to add fifty
parking spaces to the property to accommodate additional restaurant patrons and wedding guests.
The alternative landscaping plan does not include interior landscaping. The Planning Commission
has the authority to approve alternative landscape plans. The existing facility falls under the Event
Facility Code. Chair Leavitt wondered if there was anything that could be done to prevent sliding
down the steep lower drive, which can be quite dangerous with cars sliding into Highway 7.
Converse agreed with the steep grade issue and suggested entering through the South entrance. He
also questioned what the maximum capacity is for events as there is not enough parking for over 200
people. Fire protection comments on page 3 need to be clarified. Approving with conditions or a
continuance can be voted on at the public hearing.
Amended Plat, Mountain Village Townhomes
Planner Woeber reviewed the Amended Plat for Estes Park Resorts Townhome Subdivision,
explaining the initial review in 2017 and what is being proposed today. The owner would like to
reconfigure and eliminate two of the 32 lots.
Code Amendment: Amended Plat reviews
Planner Woeber reviewed a proposed Code Amendment to the current process in which boundary
line adjustments and lot consolidations are reviewed, suggesting that a staff-level review would be
sufficient for many of these applications as they have little or no impact on the surrounding properties.
This is basically differentiating a Minor Adjustment from a Minor Subdivision. This would streamline
the process and save time and money for all parties. Director Hunt explained that drawing a
‘development perimeter’ would still allow for dealing with matters like density in the overall footprint of
a project. Unified Development Code, which we don’t have, fuses development and subdivisions.
Converse would like both positive and negative examples added to staff reports. Director Hunt
answered that verbal negatives could be provided. This amendment is being proposed now due to
Attorney Kramer agreeing with the objective. Theis recommended keeping it to residential lots only.
Planning Commission Study Session November 19, 2019 – Page 2
Code Amendment: Change of Use in Development Plans
Director Hunt explained how Vacation Homes are considered a change of use. There may be some
merit in rethinking how this code amendment might affect Vacation Homes. Town Clerk Williamson
explained the Vacation Home registration process. Although Community Development approves the
use of the home, what could occur is that a Development Plan would need to be approved due to it
being considered a “Change of Use.” A change, by ordinance, to the Building Code requiring Life
Safety Inspections could be done prior to a home receiving a registration is planned to be in place by
April 1, 2020. Attorney Kramer noted that this is a work in progress and many things can be added,
such as waivers, to make it a desirable policy decision to fit the needs of the planning process.
IGA Update:
Director Hunt gave an update on the current status of the IGA with Larimer County. After the
November 14th meeting, there was a lack of agreement between the two bodies. The default
assumption is that the current IGA is extended until March 31, 2020 and there will not be an IGA after
that date. It is the responsibility of Town and County staff to figure things out. Leavitt stated that until
the governing bodies state their reasons for their position, meaningful discussion and resolution won't
happen. Theis noted that the Planning Commission should have some credibility when discussing
the comprehensive plan to the elected officials. Converse made note of the “opt-out clause” on all of
the items in Option B, thus leaving it with no teeth.
Future use of Resolutions for Planning Commission Items:
Director Hunt explained the lack of having resolutions for Planning Commission items. Having an
accompanying resolution better memorializes the decision, though. Past decisions, where something
was done by a motion, has sometimes lacked clarity in decision making. Resolutions should include
areas where the Commission wants to expand on the findings, especially on conditions of approval.
Attorney Kramer stated that a resolution is nothing more than a written motion, for the purpose of
clarity and documentation.
Questions/Future Items
Development Perimeters
Chair Leavitt adjourned the study session at 5:33 p.m.
_____________________________________
Bob Leavitt, Chair
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
November 19, 2019
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Commission: Chair Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair Sharry White, Commissioners Steve
Murphree, Frank Theis, Nick Smith, Dave Converse
Attending: Chair Leavitt, Vice-Chair White, Commissioners Murphree, Theis,
Converse
Also Attending: Director Randy Hunt, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Planner I Linda
Hardin, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Board Liasion
Eric Blackhurst, Town Attorney Dan Kramer
Absent: Commissioner Smith
OPEN MEETING
Chair Leavitt called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. There were approximately 14 people
in attendance. Director Hunt introduced the new Planner II, Alex Bergeron.
APPROVAL OF AGEND A
It was moved and seconded (Murphree/Leavitt) to approve the agenda as
presented and the motion passed 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dawn James, 351 Kiowa Drive, stated that Raven Rock is now rumored to be a
phased approach, which was not the original plan. She would like the
documents made available to the public on the website.
Richard Ralph, 395 Parkview Lane, requested the Commissioners sit in their
assigned seats. (Commissioners Converse and Murphree then moved to the
position associated with their nameplate).
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Study Session Minutes dated October 15, 2019
2. Meeting Minutes dated October 15, 2019
It was moved and seconded (White/Theis) to approve the consent agenda as
presented and the motion passed 5-0.
ACTION ITEMS
1. CODE AMENDMENT: AMENDED PLAT REVIEW PROCESS
Planner Woeber explained the current EVDC defines Boundary Line
Adjustments (or Amended Plats), and Land Consolidation Plats as Minor
Subdivisions, requiring Estes Valley Planning Commission (EVPC) review
and Board approval. Typically there is little or no impact from these “Minor
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
November 19, 2019
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Adjustment” processes and noted they can be appropriately reviewed and
processed by staff.
Public Comment: None
Commission Discussion:
Converse stated he is not quite ready to vote on this due to not knowing what
the potential consequences are. Theis suggested separating out Minor
Adjustments and Minor Subdivisions in Section D of the Code and separately
defining them in the index. Consider the fact that officials may not want to act
on a Code Amendment at this time due to the current uncertainty of the future
of the Estes Valley Development Code. There is no timeline set on approving
this amendment. Woeber noted that this has been discussed with County
Staff, but no comments have been received.
It was moved and seconded (Converse/Theis) to CONTINUE the Code
Amendment to January 21, 2020, citing reasons of needing more clarity,
definitions of items, and feedback from County Staff.
The motion passed 5-0.
1. AMENDED PLAT: 1700 Big Thompson Avenue
Planner Woeber reviewed the history of the Estes Park Resort Townhome
Subdivision. The project is currently being developed and the
owner/applicant determined a minor reconfiguration was desired, primarily to
create a bit more distance between some of the planned accommodations
units. The applicant is proposing to eliminate two of the 32 lots and slightly
reconfiguring some of the adjacent lots. No other changes are proposed.
Applicant Discussion: Jess Reetz, Cornerstone Construction, spoke on the
requested changes and was available for questions. All setbacks and
building envelopes will remain the same.
Public Comment: None
Commission Discussion: None
It was moved and seconded (Smith/Murphree) to recommend APPROVAL of
the Amended Plat to eliminate two lots from the Estes Park Resort
Townhome Subdivision, as described in the staff report, with findings as
recommended by staff. The motion passed 5-0.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
November 19, 2019
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
2. DEVELOPMENT PLAN: 3110 South Saint Vrain Avenue, Taharaa
Mountain Lodge
Planner Hardin explained that the owner is proposing to add 50 parking
spaces to the property to accommodate additional restaurant patrons and
wedding guests. The EVDC would require 58 parking spaces with 18 guest
units (one per unit), two apartments (2 per apartment), 18 employees in peak
season (1 per 3 employees), and a 3,000 square foot restaurant (1 per 100
sq. ft). This proposal would bring the total parking to eighty-three (83)
spaces, exceeding the EVDC minimum requirement in anticipation of enough
parking to accommodate event guests. An alternative landscape plan has
been approved by staff, omitting the requirement of interior islands.
Applicant Discussion:
Thad Eggen, property owner, stated that 130-145 people has been calculated
to be the maximum amount for an on-site event. Shuttle bus service is
currently requested of customers to be used for events to alleviate parking
problems. Measures have been taken to help icy driveway conditions.
David Bangs, Trail Ridge Consultant Engineers, reviewed the parking
requirements. He is proposing to increase the access drive to 24 feet.
Considerable discussion was had on the steepness of the driveway road
grade. A minor regrading is planned to help with icy/slippery roadways. Exit
lane possibilities were considered, but they were not traffic-friendly. CDOT
did not allow a turn lane. The owner is seeking an access easement with
neighboring property. Landscape plans are being reconfigured to remove the
interior landscape islands, but not decreased. This will create a buffer to the
highway and neighboring properties. There is a small stormwater drainage
pond on the northeast side of the parking lot connecting to the road-side
ditch. Traffic site distance to the west is 600 feet, 1000 feet to the east.
Public Comment:
Richard Ralph, 395 Parkview Lane, expressed concerns with the Estes Valley
Development Code and staff authorizing decisions regarding the alternate
landscaping plan. He stated that a waiver is granted by the Board of
Adjustment, not the Planning Commission. A request to table this application
until the owner and staff can revise the plan to conform with the Development
Code was made.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
November 19, 2019
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
Applicant response:
Bangs stated that Section 7.5.C.2 appropriately applies to alternative
landscape plans. The interior islands are roughly 15% of the landscape area.
Commission/Staff Discussion:
Hunt stated that the Planning Commission’s primary criteria for landscaping
requirements are the total quantity of landscaping and if it provides buffering.
The 25% criteria in the Code pertains to minor modifications, not landscaping.
It is within the Planning Commission’s authority to approve or not approve
due to it being a discretionary matter. Attorney Kramer agreed with Hunt’s
statements. Leavitt thought the alternative landscape plan was within the
parameters of the Code. Converse requested input from the Fire Marshall
before the start of development as that was not provided to the planning
department. Theis stated that the applicant has improved emergency access,
thus meeting their requirements.
It was moved and seconded (Theis/White) to APPROVE the Taharaa
Mountain Lodge application, according to findings of fact with findings and
conditions recommended by Staff including the condition that the
Development Plan meets Estes Valley Fire Protection District standards;
though if a response is not received within 30 days, the application is
approved without the added condition. The motion passed 5-0.
REPORTS:
• In answer to the public comment question related to Raven Rock, Director Hunt
stated that they have applied for grading excavation permits for some of the
infrastructure. Financial security for the entire infrastructure of the project has
been put in place. It is common to stage construction projects with an approved
development plan within two years. David Hook, Town Engineer, stated that the
grading permit was not yet approved. The only thing that was approved was the
stockpiling of dirt coming from the Estes Park Chalet.
• Reminder about the free DOLA workshop in Greeley on December 7th. The
registration deadline is December 1st.
• The IGA with Larimer County has been extended to March 31, 2020. It is
uncertain where things will go from there.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Planning Commission
November 19, 2019
Board Room, Estes Park Town Hall
• The Stanley Hotel Art Center has not yet been filed. Permits for the new parking
lot and moving of the Carriage House have been approved.
• There are no required items for the December 17th meeting. It was decided by
Chair Leavitt to forego the December meeting unless some unexpected,
significant business arises.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Chair Leavitt adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
_________________________________
Bob Leavitt, Chair
_________________________________
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
Memo
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
To: Estes Valley Planning Commission
From: Jeffrey Woeber, Senior Planner
Date: January 21, 2020
RE: Amendments to the Estes Valley Development Code
1) Allow a an Amended Plat, a Boundary Adjustment, or a Land Consolidation
Plat to be Defined as a “Minor Adjustment,” and to be Processed as a Staff
Level Review
2) Increase the time for submitting a Subdivision Plat for Recording from the
Current Sixty (60) Days to One Hundred and Eighty (180) Days
Planning Commission Objective:
Review and provide a recommendation for a proposed text amendment to the Estes Valley
Development Code (EVDC), to allow a Boundary Adjustment, Amended Plat, or Land Consolidation
Plat to be defined as a “Minor Adjustment,” and to be processed as a staff level review. The
amendment also proposes increasing the time for submitting a subdivision plat for recording from the
current 60 days, to 180 days.
Code Amendment Objective:
Currently the EVDC defines an Amended Plat, Boundary Adjustment, or a Land Consolidation Plat
as a Minor Subdivision, requiring Planning Commission review and Board approval. As typically
there is little or no impact from these “Minor Adjustment” processes, they can appropriately be
reviewed and processed by staff.
Staff proposes changes to the EVDC, summarized as:
1. Amend Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.9 Subdivisions, to
differentiate a “Minor Subdivision” from a “Minor Adjustment.” A “Minor Adjustment” would
be an “Amended Plat,” “Boundary Adjustment,” or a “Land Consolidation Plat.” There are
existing definitions in the EVDC of “Boundary Adjustment” and “Land Consolidation Plat.”
Staff has added a definition of “Amended Plat” as this is not currently defined in the EVDC.
Minor Subdivisions will continue to be limited to subdivisions involving not more than four
lots, with each fronting onto an existing street and not requiring extension of public facilities.
These Minor Subdivisions are currently defined as “Frontage Lots.” Minor Subdivision would
require Planning Commission review and Board approval as they do now. A Minor
Adjustment would be a staff level review.
JANUARY 21, 2020 EVPC
CODE AMENDMENT, AMENDED PLAT PROCESS PAGE 2 OF 4
2. Amend Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.2 Standard Development
Review Procedure, G. Summary Table—Standard Development Review Process by
Application Type, by adding a “Minor Adjustment” category which specifies a required staff
review.
3. Amend Chapter 10, Subdivisions, Section 10.2 Applicability/Scope, to differentiate a Minor
Subdivision from a Minor Adjustment, consistent with what is proposed for Section 3.9 (see
No. 1., above).
4. Amend Chapter 13 Definitions, Section 13.3 Definitions of Words, Terms, and Phrases, by
amending the existing definition of Minor Subdivision, to be consistent with the rest of this
proposed code amendment (see No. 1., above).
5. Amend Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.9.F.1. Effect of Approval of
a Minor Subdivision, and Section 3.9.F.3. Effect of Approval of a Final Subdivision Plat, by
increasing the time period to submit a plat for recording, after approval, from the current sixty
(60) days, to one hundred and eighty (180) days.
Background, Discussion:
There has been some inconsistency in past years in Community Development’s processing of
Amended Plats and similar, where lots or parcels are consolidated (combining two or more into one),
or where a lot line or lot lines are slightly adjusted. Staff has found examples where Amended Plats
have been processed at staff level. This has not caused any issues that staff is aware of. However,
staff recently realized that strict interpretation of the applicable review procedures within the EVDC,
Section 3.9 require any of these to be processed as a “Minor Subdivision,” rather than, for example,
a “Minor Modification to an Approved Final Plan” as provided for in Section 3.7. Minor Subdivisions
require review by the EVPC and Board approval.
Any subdivision process that creates an additional lot, or lots must appropriately go through a review
and approval process involving public notice, public meetings, Planning Commission review, and
Board approval. However, for Minor Adjustments, that do not involve creation of any additional lots
or building sites, there is little or no impact and they can be appropriately processed by staff.
Staff has detailed the revisions to the Chapters as outlined above, in Exhibit A. Staff has other
revisions within Chapters 3 and 10, for consistency and clarity. These include a provision for
compliance with the requirements within the EVDC’s Appendix B, Submittal Requirements as
determined by the Community Development Director. This is due to the EVDC’s Appendix B
currently having no specific requirements or references whatsoever to Minor Subdivision, Amended
Plat, Boundary Adjustment, or Land Consolidation Plat. Apparently this was an oversight on the part
of the original authors of the EVDC. Applying all of the Preliminary Plat and Final Plat requirements
listed within Appendix B is unnecessary, and many are inapplicable.
The increase from the 60 day time period to 180 days is to provide a better, more reasonable period
to submit a plat for recordation after approval. This will allow much more flexibility for both the
applicant and for staff, and avoid unnecessary extensions or expirations.
Staff recommends the Estes Valley Planning Commission recommend approval of the language in
Exhibit A to the Town Board of Trustees and the Board of County Commissioners.
JANUARY 21, 2020 EVPC
CODE AMENDMENT, AMENDED PLAT PROCESS PAGE 3 OF 4
Staff Findings:
The text amendments comply with EVDC §3.3.D (Code Amendments – Standards for Review).
§3.3.D Code Amendments, Standards for Review
“All rezoning and text amendments to the EVDC shall meet the following criteria:”
1. “The amendment is necessary to address changes in conditions in the areas affected;”
Staff Finding:
Although the EVDC states this finding is applicable to a proposed “text amendment” such as that
proposed herein, staff notes it would seem to be mostly applicable to a rezoning (zoning map
amendment). There are no specific areas or conditions that would be affected by the proposed
amendment to the EVDC. Staff finds this Standard for Review No. 1 is not applicable to this
Code Amendment.
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 existing growth and development patterns in the Estes Valley:”
Staff Finding:
There is no “development plan” associated with this and in fact it involves subdivision review
standards and regulations. Staff notes although there is no development plan being allowed by
this Code Amendment, nothing within the Code Amendment is contrary to any
recommendations, policies, or intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
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:
Town, County or other relevant service providers would not be significantly impacted regarding
their respective services and facilities, if this Code Amendment is approved.
Advantages:
• Generally complies with the EVDC §3.3.D Code Amendments, Standards for Review, as
applicable.
• Establishes and clarifies a review procedure for Amended Plats and similar that can streamline
the process, which benefits both the Town and the residents of the Estes Valley.
• Provides a more reasonable and realistic time period to submit a plat for recordation.
Disadvantages:
• Adds slightly to Code length and complexity.
Action Recommended:
Review the amendment for compliance with Estes Valley Development Code (EVDC) §3.3.D Code
Amendments, Standards for Review, and forward a recommendation to the Estes Park Town Board
of Trustees and the Board of Larimer County Commissioners for a final decision to approve.
Level of Public Interest
Low. Little input or public comment has been received.
JANUARY 21, 2020 EVPC
CODE AMENDMENT, AMENDED PLAT PROCESS PAGE 4 OF 4
Sample Motion:
APPROVAL
I move to recommend that the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees and the Board of Larimer County
Commissioners APPROVE the text amendment to the Estes Valley Development Code as
presented in Exhibit A as recommended by staff, with findings as recommended by staff.
CONTINUANCE
I move to CONTINUE this agenda item to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission
meeting because…. (state reason(s) for continuance).
DENIAL
I move to recommend that the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees and the Board of Larimer County
Commissioners DENY the text amendment to the Estes Valley Development Code as presented in
Exhibit A, finding that . . . (state reasons for denial).
Exhibit:
Exhibit A
(Red font with strikethrough is the existing Code text which staff proposed to delete, the red
underline font is that which would be added.)
EVDC Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.9 Subdivisions
EVDC Chapter 3, Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.2 Standard Development
Review Procedure, G. Summary Table—Standard Development Review Process by
Application Type
EVDC Chapter 10, Subdivisions, Section 10.2 Applicability/Scope
EVDC Chapter 13 Definitions, Section 13.3 Definitions of Words, Terms, and Phrases, 235.
Subdivision, Minor
§ 3.9 - Subdivisions
A. Purposes. The purpose of the subdivision review process is to ensure compliance with the
subdivision standards and provisions of this Code, while encouraging quality development in the
Estes Valley reflective of the goals, policies and objectives found in the Comprehensive Plan.
B. Applicability. All subdivisions shall be subject to the approval procedures set forth in this
Section.
C. Procedure for Approval of Subdivisions (Except Minor Subdivisions and Minor
Adjustments)
1. General. Subdivisions are approved in two (2) stages: first, a preliminary subdivision plan is
approved, and second, a final subdivision plat is approved and recorded. The Board of Trustees
or the Board of County Commissioners is the entity with fina l approval authority for both
preliminary and final subdivision plats, depending on the location of the property.
2. Procedure for Approval of Preliminary Subdivision Plats. Applications for preliminary
subdivision plat approval shall follow the standard development approval process set forth
in §3.2 of this Chapter.
3. Procedure for Approval of Final Subdivision Plats. Applications for final subdivision plat
approval shall follow the standard development approval process set forth in §3.2 of this Chapter,
except that Step 4 (EVPC R eview and Action) shall not apply.
D. Minor Subdivisions and Minor Adjustments.
1. Defined. Minor subdivisions shall be defined as follows: Minor Subdivisions and Minor
Adjustments are categorized as follows:
a. Frontage Lots Minor Subdivision . Division of one (1) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land into
a total of not more than four (4) lots shall also be a minor subdivision, provided that each
resulting lot fronts onto an existing street, and that the subdivision entails no extension of pu blic
facilities. No more than a total of four (4) lots shall be created out of a lot, tract or parcel or set of
contiguous parcels in the same ownership using the minor subdivision procedure. Frontage Lot
subdivisions shall be titled as a "Subdivision." (O rd. 18-01 #8; Ord. 8-05 #1)
b. Boundary Adjustments . Division of one (1) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land for the
purpose of adjusting boundary lines between such lots, tracts or parcels of land and adjacent
lots, tracts or parcels of land, which adjustments do not create additional lots or building sites for
any purposes, shall be considered a minor subdivision for review procedure. Boundary
Adjustments shall be titled as a "Boundary Line Adjustment" for properties not within a platted
subdivision or "Amended Plat" for properties within a platted su bdivision. Minor Adjustment.
Minor Adjustments are Amended Plats, Boundary Line Adjustments , or Land Consolidation Plats:
The final map shall clearly indicate the original boundaries of each lot and shall contain the
following statement: (Ord. 8-05 #1)
"Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary lines of the property
depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building sites for any
purposes. The area added to each lot shown hereon by such adjustment is to be considered an
addition to, shall become a part of, and shall be conveyed together with, each lot as shown."
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
c. Land Consolidation Plats . Unplatted contiguous legal lots approved for single -family
residential development can be combined with a land consolidation plat. Land Consolidation
Plats shall be titled as a "Land Consolidation Plat." The final plat shall clearly indicate the original
boundaries of each lot and shall contain the following statement: (Ord. 8-05 #1)
"Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary lines of the property
depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building sites for any
purposes." (Ord. 8-05 #1)
(1) Amended Plat. An Amended Plat is a process to amend a recorded subdivision plat. An
Amended Plat is a revision to a recorded subdivision plat, or a portion of a recorded
subdivision plat. An Amended Plat may reconfigure lots, vacate interior lot lines, change
or eliminate a platted building envelope, or correct drafting or technical errors. An
Amended Plat shall not create additional lots or building sites, and shall not result in the
creation of lots that do not comply with zoning standards. An Amended Plat that involves
easement and/or right-of-way vacation or dedication, involves more than five (5) lots, or
that necessitates new or modified public improvements shall require a public hearing
before the Town Board of Trustees.
(2) Boundary Adjustment. shall mean the division of one (1) or more lots, tracts or parcels
of land for the purpose of adjustin g boundary lines between such lots, tracts or parcels
of land and adjacent lots, tracts or parcels of land, which adjustments do not create
additional lots or building sites for any purposes.
(3) Land Consolidation Plat. Unplatted contiguous lots approved for single-family residential
development can be combined with a land consolidation plat. Land Consolidation Plats
shall be titled as “Land Consolidation Plat.” The final plat shall clearly indicate the original
boundaries of each lot and shall contain the following statement:
“Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary lines of the
property depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building
sites for any purposes.”
2. Hazard Areas. Except Land Consolidation Plats, a Areas with geologic hazards as defined
by §7.7 of this Code shall not be eligible for the minor subd ivision process.
(Ord. 18-01 #9; Ord. 8-05 #1)
3. Procedure for Approval of Minor Subdivisions and Minor Adjustments. Applications for
minor subdivision or minor adjustment approval shall follow the standard development approval
process set forth in §3.2 of this Chapter. , except that Land Consolidation Plats shall not be
subject to review by the Planning Commission. Land Consolidation Plat s shall follow the review
timeframe established for Final Plats.
(Ord. 18-01 #10; Ord. 8-05 #1)
4. Submittal Requirements. Boundary Line Adjustments and Amended Plats A Minor
Adjustment shall follow the applicable subdivision submittal requirements within the EVDC
Appendix B. II., as determined by the Community Development Director or designee. involving
exchange of land shall require deeds describing the resultant parcels, signed and dated by
owners, and dated and sealed by a Notary Public, to be submitted with the Mylars.
(Ord. 18-01 #11; Ord. 8-05 #1)
5. Modifications and Waivers. The Community Development Director, or designee, shall have
authority to grant modifications and/or waive standards set forth in Chapter 10 in conjunction with
an Amended Plat, Boundary Adjustment or Land Consolidation Plat. Approval of requested
modifications and/or waivers shall require that the Director finds that approval of such
modification and/or waiver: (Ord. 8-05 #1)
a. Advances the goals and purposes of this Code; (Ord. 8-05 #1)
b. Either results in less visual impact, more effective environmental or open space preservation,
relieves practical difficulties in developing a site or results in the use of superior engineering
standards than those required by this Code; (Ord. 8-05 #1)
c. There will be no increase in the intensity of use; and (Ord. 8-05 #1)
d. There will be no increase in development and/or demand for services that necessitates
compliance with EVDC standards.
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
E. Standards for Review. All subdivision applications shall demonstrate compliance with the
standards and criteria set forth in Chapter 10, "Subdivision Standards," and all other applicable
provisions of this Code. For minor subdivisions, the EVPC shall also find that approval will not be
materially detrimental to the public welfare, injurious to other propert y in the neighborhood, or in
conflict with the purposes and objectives of this Code.
F. Effects of Approval.
1. Effect of Approval of a Minor Subdivision or Minor Adjustment. Within sixty (60) one
hundred and eighty (180) days of the Board's approval of the minor subdivision or minor
adjustment, the developer shall submit the minor subdivision or minor adjustment final plat for
recording. If the minor subdivision or minor adjustment plat plan is not submitted for recording
within this sixty-day one hundred and eighty day time period, the approval shall automatically
lapse and be null and void.
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
2. Effect of Approval of a Preliminary Subdivision Plan.
a. Within twelve (12) months from the date of the final approval of a preliminar y subdivision plat,
the developer shall submit an application for final subdivision plat for either all or at least one (1)
phase of the proposed subdivision.
b. An approved final subdivision plat for any phase of the preliminary subdivision plan shall
extend the life of the preliminary subdivision plan for an additional twelve -month period from the
date the final subdivision plat is approved. If the original twelve -month period or any successive
twelve-month period expires before a final subdivision plat i s approved, then the preliminary plan
approval automatically lapses and becomes null and void.
c. During the period in which an approved preliminary subdivision plan is effective, no
subsequent change or amendment to this Code or any other governing ordina nce or plan shall be
applied to affect adversely the right of the Applicant to proceed with any aspect of the approved
development in accordance with the terms of such preliminary subdivision plat approval.
However, the Applicant shall comply with those lo cal laws and regulations adopted subsequent to
the approval of such preliminary subdivision if the Estes Valley Planning Commission determines,
on the basis of written findings, that compliance is reasonably necessary to protect the public
health, safety or welfare.
3. Effect of Approval of a Final Subdivision Plat. Within sixty (60) one hundred and eighty
(180) days from the date of the Board's action on the final subdivision plat, the Applicant shall
make all required revisions, if any (see §3.2.E above), and shall submit the final subdivision plat
to the Town for recording. If the final plat is not submitted fo r recording within this sixty-day one
hundred and eighty day time period, the approval shall automatically lapse and be null and void.
§ 3.2 - Standard Development Review Procedure
G. Summary Table—Standard Development Review Process by Application Type.
"V" = Voluntary "M" = Mandatory "A" = Applicable "N/A" = Not Applicable
"APP" = Appeals "BOA" = Board of Adjustment "SR" = Special Requirements (Refer to Text)
Step 1
Pre-
Application
Conference
Step 2
Neighborhood
& Community
Meeting
Step 3
Application/
Completeness
Certification
Step 4
Staff
Review &
Report
Step 5
EVPC
Action
Step 6
Board
Action
Minor
Subdivision
(Ord. 18-01
#5
M V A A A A
Minor
Adjustment
V V A A N/A N/A
§ 10.2 - APPLICABILITY/SCOPE
A. General. Prior to subdividing any tract of land in the Estes Valley, including land being
annexed into the Town, the subdivider shall comply with all of the standards set forth in this Code
and obtain approval pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 3. No building permits shall
be issued for any improvement or work on any parcel not subdivided in compliance with this
Chapter. No owner or agent of the owner of any land located within an addition or subdivision
shall transfer, sell, agree to sell or negotiate to sell any land by reference to, exhibition of or by
the use of a plan, plat or map of an addition or subdivision bef ore such plan, plat or map has
been approved pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter and Chapter 3 of this Code and
recorded in the office of the clerk and recorder of Larimer County, Colorado.
B. Minor Subdivisions and Minor Adjustments. Minor Subdivisions and Minor Adjustments are
subject to full review and compliance with the applicable standards set forth in Chapter 10 and
the applicable submittal requirements set forth in Appendix B ,.as determined by the Community
Development Director or designee.
(Ord. 18-01 #22)
1. Frontage LotsMinor Subdivision . Division of one (1) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land
into a total of not more than four (4) lots shall also be considered a minor subdivision, provided
that each resulting lot fronts onto an existing street, and that the subdivision entails no extension
of public facilities. No more than a total of four (4) lots shall be created out of a lot, tract, parcel or
set of contiguous parcels in the same ownership using the minor subdivision procedure. Frontage
Lot Minor sSubdivisions shall be titled as a "Subdivision."
(Ord. 18-01 #23; Ord. 8-05 #1)
2. Boundary Adjustments Minor Adjustments. Minor Adjustments are Amended Plats,
Boundary Line Adjustments, or Land Consolidation Plats: Division of one (1) or more lots, tracts
or parcels of land for the purpose of adjusting boundary lines between such lots, tracts or parcels
of land and adjacent lots, tracts or parcels of land, which adjustments do not create additional
lots or building sites for any purposes, shall be considered a minor subdivision for review
procedure. Boundary Adjustments shall be titled as a "Boundary Line Adjustment" for properties
not within a platted subdivisio n, or "Amended Plat" for properties within a platted subdivision. The
final map shall clearly indicate the original boundaries of each lot and shall contain the following
statement:
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
"Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary lines of the property
depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building sites for any
purposes. The area added to each lot shown hereon by such adjustment is to be considered an
addition to, shall become a part of, and shall be conveyed together with, each lot as shown."
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
3. Land Consolidation Plats. Unplatted contiguous legal lots approved for single -family
residential development can be combined with a Land Consolidation Plat. Land Consolidation
Plats shall be titled as a "Land Consolidation Plat". The final map shall clearly indicate the
original boundaries of each lot and shall contain the following statement:
(Ord. 8-05 #1)
"Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary li nes of the property
depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building sites for any
purposes." (Ord. 8-05 #1)
(Ord. 18-01 #22, 23, 10/23/01; Ord. 8-05 #1, 6/14/05)
(1) Amended Plat. A process to amend a recorded subdivision plat. An Amended Plat is a
revision to a recorded subdivision plat, or a portion of a recorded subdivision plat. An
Amended Plat may reconfigure lots, vacate interior lot lines, change or eliminate a
platted building envelope, or correct drafting or technical errors. An Amended Plat shall
not create additional lots or building sites, and shall not result in the creation of lots that
do not comply with zoning standards. An Amended Plat that involves easement and/or
right-of-way vacation or dedication, or involves more than five (5) lots, or that
necessitates new or modified public improvements shall require a public hearing before
the Town Board of Trustees.
(2) Boundary Adjustment. The division of one (1) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land for
the purpose of adjusting boundary lines between such lots, tracts or parcels of land
and adjacent lots, tracts or parcels of land, which adjustments do not create additional
lots or building sites for any purposes.
(3) Land Consolidation Plat. Unplatted contiguous lots approved for single-family residential
development can be combined with a land consolidation plat. Land Consolidation Plats
shall be titled as “Land Consolidation Plat.” The final plat shall clearly indicate the original
boundaries of each lot and shall contain the following statement:
“Boundary lines indicated on this map are adjustments of former boundary lines of the
property depicted hereon. Such adjustments do not create additional lots or building
sites for any purposes.”
CHAPTER 13. – DEFINITIONS
§ 13.3 - Definitions of Words, Terms and Phrases
235. Subdivision, Minor shall mean subdivision for the purposes of boundary adjustments; or
shall mean subdivision into a total of not more than four (4) lots, provided that each resulting lot
fronts onto an existing dedicated public street and the subdivision entails no extension of
municipal facilities.