Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Park Planning Commission 2022-03-15Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 15, 2022 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held VIRTUALLY in said Town of Estes Park on the 15 day of March 2022. Committee: Chair Matt Comstock, Vice-Chair Matthew Heiser, Commissioners Joe Elkins, Howard Hanson, Janene Centurione. Attending: Chair Comstock, Vice-Chair Heiser, Commissioner Elkins, Commissioner Hanson, Director Jessica Garner, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Planner II Alex Bergeron, Planning Technician LJ Baur, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Attorney Dan Kramer, Town Board Liaison Barbara MacAlpine Also Attending: Mike Scholl, Matt Ashby, Ayres Associates consultants Absent: None Chair Comstock called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. AGENDA APPROVAL It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Elkins) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 5-0. PUBLIC COMMENT none CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Heiser) to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 5-0. ACTION ITEMS 1.Golden Leaf Minor Subdivision Senior Planner Woeber Planner Woeber reviewed the staff report for the Golden Leaf Minor Subdivision. The 4.44± acre site is within the E-1 (Estate) Zone District. Currently, there are two residences on the property. The proposed subdivision creates an additional single- family lot for a single-family home. Staff recommended approval of the Minor Subdivision with one condition of approval: 1.Prior to recordation of the Golden Leaf Minor Subdivision, the owner/applicant shall guarantee installation of public improvements for water and sewer infrastructure per recommendation of the Town Utilities Department and the Estes Park Sanitation District. This may involve installing the improvements or submitting an improvement agreement, subject to review and approval by Community Development. Owner Mark Adelmann thanked the Commission and the Staff for working with him over the past months. It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Hanson) to recommend that the Town Board approve the Golden Leaf Minor Subdivision with findings and condition of approval recommended by Staff. The motion passed 5-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1.Missing Middle Mike Scholl, Ayers Associates At the November 11, 2021, Planning Commission meeting, Staff presented Missing Middle housing types and discussed potential changes to the Zoning Code to facilitate denser development. The discussion was a follow-up to a previous Planning Commission – March 15, 2022 – Page 2 discussion on the proposed RM-2 Zoning District. This incentive-based system allows building at higher densities and reduces regulatory burdens such as parking requirements in exchange for some affordable components. While the Planning Commission indicated a general desire to allow for greater densities, it was clear that a more nuanced approach was needed to ensure compatibility with existing residential neighborhoods and the town overall. As a result of the feedback from the Commission, Staff was provided direction to explore the concept of the Missing Middle. The Missing Middle refers to medium- density (gentle density) housing types that can be more easily integrated into single- family residential neighborhoods while providing much-needed housing options. The Planning Commission informally signaled that they would be favorable to considering this approach. Staff will start building online modules to be viewed on EngageEstes.org, followed by a staff workshop to review the existing code and create a draft amendment. Staff will also begin planning community engagement sessions in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan process to share ideas and gather input. Director Garner noted that this concept is about expanding choices, not dictating terms. It provides variety and options for a framework in the future. 2. CPAW (Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire) Planner II Bergeron This analysis of recommendations provided by the CPAW team is based on their review of the Estes Park Development Code and related documents. The review lens focused solely on strengthening wildfire mitigation and reducing wildfire risk. As such, recommendations should be reviewed and considered with other community priorities and competing interests. The recommendations supplement additional CPAW products and tools to increase understanding, support, and action around community wildfire risk mitigation. Some key recommendations and concurrence for updating the Development Code to reduce wildfire risk are: • Update Zoning Standards • Update the Subdivision Standards • Enhance mapping of Wildfire Hazard Areas • Educational Materials • Enhanced setbacks and consideration of other-dimensional aspects • Fire hazard in campgrounds and short-term rentals Landscaping standards could be one of the urgent Codes to rewrite prior to the Comprehensive Plan adoption. 3. Discussion on Virtual vs. In-Person meetings Discussion included the potential need for police presence and public participation. Commissioners preferred hybrid meetings. 4. Comprehensive Plan Update The Committee had two joint meetings with the Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee, discussing Community Choices. Policy development is the next step in the Plan rewrite. There being no further business, Chair Comstock adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m. Planning Commission – March 15, 2022 – Page 3 _______________________________ Matt Comstock, Chair Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary