HomeMy WebLinkAboutATTACHMENT 2 Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan November 2022ADOPTION DRAFT | DECEMBER 2022
ESTES FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
II
IIIESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Town Board of Trustees
Wendy Koenig, Mayor
Patrick Martchink
Carlie Bangs (Former Trustee)
Marie Cenac
Kirby Hazelton
Barbara MacAlpine
Scott Webermeier, Mayor Pro Tem
Cindy Younglund
Town Planning Commission
Matt Comstock, Chair
Joe Elkins
Howard Hanson
Matt Heiser, Vice-Chair
Janene Centurione (Former Commissioner)
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
CompPAC)
David Bangs (Former Member)
Eric Blackhurst
Matt Comstock
Charles Cooper
Michael Kennedy (Former Member)
Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair
Kirby Hazelton (Former Member)
Matthew Heiser, Chair
Barbara MacAlpine, Town Board liaison
John Schnipkoweit
David Shirk
Frank Theis
Karen Thompson
Rosemary Truman
David Wolf
Town Staff
Jessica Garner, AICP, Community Development Director
Jeffrey Woeber, AICP, Senior Planner
Special thanks to all Estes Park Town Staff who contributed
their time and expertise to this plan.
LARIMER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
John Kefalas, District I
Kristin Stephens, District II, Chair
Jody Shadduck-McNally, District III, Chair Pro Tem
County Planning Commission
John Barnett, Chair
Jordana Barrack
Bob Choate
Sean Dougherty
Conor Duffy
Gary Green
Anne Johnson, Vice Chair
Patrick Rowe
Jon Slutsky
Nancy Wallace (Former Member)
Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee
EVPAC)
David Converse
Olivia Harper (Former Member)
Michael Kennedy
Linda Moak
Rex Poggenpohl
Scott Stewart
Frank Theis
Drew Webb
County Staff
Lesli Ellis, AICP, Community Development Director
Matthew Lafferty, AICP, Principal Planner
Special thanks to all Larimer County Staff who contributed
their time and expertise to this plan.
CONSULTANTS
Logan Simpson
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
Michael Baker
OPS Strategies
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
III
IV
1. INTRODUCTION & PLAN DIRECTION .........................................................................VI
WHAT IS THE PLAN? 2
FOCUS OF THE PLAN 4
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES 5
PLAN ORGANIZATION 8
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 10
2. POLICY FRAMEWORK ...............................................................................................14
INTERPRETING THE GOALS AND POLICIES 16
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 18
BUILT ENVIRONMENT 23
ECONOMY 31
HOUSING 34
HEALTH & SOCIAL 39
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE 46
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IV
VESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
3. FUTURE LAND USE ...................................................................................................60
INTRODUCTION 62
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES 63
FUTURE LAND USE MAP 74
OPPORTUNITY AREAS 76
ANNEXATION AND FUTURE TOWN SERVICE AREAS 78
4. IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................................................80
APPLYING THE PLAN 82
COMPLIANCE WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 83
PLAN MANAGEMENT 83
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 84
APPENDICES
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
B EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT
C PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARIES
V
CHAPTER ONE
1
What is the Plan?
Focus of the Plan
Vision and Guiding Principles
Plan Organization
Community Engagement
INTRODUCTION
PLAN
DIRECTION
ESTES FORWARD PROVIDES
AN ACTION-ORIENTED
ROAD MAP FOR THE VALLEY
FOR THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS.
1ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
The Town of Estes Park and Larimer County collaborated
to rewrite the quarter-century old 1996 Estes Valley
Comprehensive Plan to more accurately and holistically
guide the day-to-day and long-range decisions that
affect the Estes Valley into the future This coordinated
effort—Estes Forward—addresses topics pertinent to the
Town of Estes Park, the rural unincorporated areas, as
well as areas of mutual interest The planning process
engaged both Town and County community members to
establish a shared vision for the Estes Valley as a whole
Building on Past Successes
Since the mid-1980’s, the Town of Estes Park and the
surrounding Estes Valley have experienced rapid and
complex changes in the economic base, population mix,
growth characteristics, and use of natural resources
Many of these changes are caused by forces outside the
community and are difficult to recognize and influence.
The last Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1996, was a
coordinated effort between the Town of Estes Park and
Larimer County to further understand these influences
and develop a preferred future for the Valley The plan
provided a practical and long-term guide for the Town of
Estes Park Board of Trustees and Estes Valley Planning
Commission, Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority,
Larimer County Board of Commissioners and Planning
Commission, and Town and County staff in addressing
issues related to the future development of Estes Valley
The Estes Forward planning process was undertaken
to take a fresh look at the issues, challenges, and
opportunities that the Estes Valley faces today While the
Comprehensive Plan remains the Town’s principal policy
document to guide responsible growth and development
in Estes Park, the community has changed since 1996
and several important plans and studies have been
developed to help understand new priorities and values
of the current Estes community
Estes Town Strategic Plan (updated annually)
2022 Community Wildfire Protection Plan
2020 Estes Valley Open Space Plan
2020 Estes Valley Safe & Strong Resiliency Plan
2019 Larimer County Comprehensive Plan
2018 Estes Park Downtown Plan
2017 Upper Big Thompson Corridor Plan for
Resiliency
2016 Downtown Parking Management Plan
2016 Estes Park Area Housing Needs Assessment
2015 Estes Valley Economic Development Strategy
2015 Comprehensive Water Master Plan
2015 Fall River Corridor Plan for Resiliency
2015 Fish Creek Corridor Plan for Resiliency
2012 Water Conservation Plan
2008 Estes Valley Habitat Assessment
Applying the Plan
Estes Forward is intended to serve the following purposes:
Articulate a cohesive vision and actionable strategy
for the future development of Estes Park and the
Valley
Identify land use patterns, growth, transportation,
environmental, economic, and community goals
and policies as they relate to land use, conservation,
development, health, and provision of community
services and facilities
Establish a coordinated decision-making framework
through the application of long-range land use,
transportation, services, conservation and growth
goals and policies
Provide a basis for judging whether specific
individual development proposals and public
improvement projects are consistent with these
goals and policies
Inform residents, developers, decision-makers, and
other local partners of the policies that will guide
development and conservation within the Valley
INTRODUCTION
2 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
210
Miles
Date: 9/30/2022
Arapahoe and Roosevelt
National Forest
Rocky Mountain
National Park
Other Conserved Lands
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning
Area
Town of Estes Park
36
34
7
Planning Area
The Town of Estes Park is the eastern gateway to
Rocky Mountain National Park and within an enclosed
mountain valley Located just over an hour from Denver
International Airport, it is accessed year-round by
commuters via U S Highways 34 and 36 and Colorado
Highway 7, or summer sightseers who climb to 12,000+
feet over Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34) from the west
Estes Park is a small mountain community and travel
destination, with an economy that benefits from the
millions of annual visitors to Rocky Mountain National
Park The Town’s permanent resident population is
estimated at approximately 6,500, with a total Estes
Valley population at approximately 11,500 that can swell
to 85,000 during daytime peak tourist season
The planning area for Estes Forward includes the town
limits of Estes Park as well as the area surrounding the
Town, including the Estes Valley Planning Area The State
ESTES FORWARD
PLANNING AREA
of Colorado mandates a three-mile study area beyond
current boundaries for all Colorado municipalities to
establish an understanding of regional land development
patterns and service and infrastructure capacity in the
event that future annexation opportunities arise
Plan Timeframe and Future Updates
Estes Forward provides an action-oriented roadmap for
the Town for a 10-to-20-year period It is important that
the plan remain current to the conditions and trends
that are important to the community across the Valley—
issues that may change over time
It is expected that the plan will be reviewed annually or
every other year, with a closer look at the success of plan
goals and actions at the five-year mark. Generally, the
plan should be evaluated for a major update within ten
years, unless completion of actions, issues, or additional
opportunities arise prior
3ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESILIENCY
THEMES
Natural Environment
watersheds, forests,
wildlife, and
recreational areas
Economy
workforce and
adaptive economy
Health & Social
services, amenities,
and community
well-being
Built Environment
governance and
community character
Housing
supply, affordability,
and vulnerability
Transportation &
Infrastructure
critical infrastructure,
utilities, and
transportation
IMPORTANCE OF RESILIENCY
While the Estes Valley is rich in natural, cultural, and
economic resources, it is also susceptible to numerous
hazards and changing circumstances that can threaten
those resources. Some, like fires and floods, are periodic
hazard events that can cause direct damage, injuries,
and death Others, like an aging population or climate
variability, are underlying long-term “stresses” that
create and exacerbate negative outcomes before, during,
and after a hazard occurs Knowledge and awareness of
these risks and vulnerabilities not only help with response
and recovery times following a disaster, but perhaps
more importantly, helps with proactively planning for and
building local resiliency to future shocks and stresses
Over the last decade, the Estes community experienced
devastating environmental, economic, and structural
losses in the aftermath of the 2012 and 2013 fire and
flood events, significant loss of life due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the threat of record-breaking fires again in
2020 These events damaged thousands of residences
and businesses, devastated hundreds of thousands of
acres of land, obstructed roads, isolated neighborhoods,
caused utility outages, closed local economies, and
resulted in billions of dollars in damages
Disasters like these will continue to occur and are expected
to increase in intensity, duration, and frequency because
of climate change. By being flexible and adaptable to
known and unknown changes, the Town, County, and
community stakeholders can protect lives, property, and
livelihoods amidst ever changing conditions
RESILIENCY THEMES
Modeled after the Colorado Resiliency Framework,
Estes Forward is organized according to six Resiliency
Themes These themes represent the cross-sector focus
areas for implementing specific actions to achieve the
Estes Forward Vision
FOCUS OF THE PLAN
The Cost of Not Attaining Resiliency
Should the Town and County fail to build a resilient
community, we risk significant social, economic,
and infrastructure costs. If we do not resolve our
housing shortage, the Valley will be unable to
sustain a workforce and services will decrease. If
we cannot adequately build resiliency to natural
and man-made disasters and a changing climate,
our economy could be immediately and indefinitely
impacted.
4 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
G U I D I N G PRINCIPLE
S
ESTES
FORWARD
VISION
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
G
UIDING P R I N C I P L E S
E c o n omy
Goals
Policies
Actions
H e a l t h & Socia
l
Goals
Policies
Actions
Hou s i n g
Goals
Policies
Actions
Natu
r a l E n viron
m
e
n
t
Goals
Policies
Actions
Infrastr u c t u re
T r a n s p ortatio
n
B
uilt
Env i r o n m ent
Goals
Policies
Actions
Goals
Policies
Actions
If being fragile is to be damaged by change, and resiliency is bouncing
back from disruption, then anti-fragile is the ability to become stronger
and benefit from disorder and stress. The Mountain Strong social media
movement after the 2012-2013 fire and flood events was a call to become
stronger (anti-fragile) by preparing for, recovering from, and adapting to
change (resiliency).
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Visioning is a critical step in every planning process,
laying a foundation for long-term community
engagement and planning Visioning ensures that the
values and goals of Estes Valley residents, leaders, and
visitors are accurately reflected in the Comprehensive
Plan’s objectives, policies, and recommendations
Valuable insights generated by the community visioning
process directly informed the development of the Estes
Forward Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
The Vision Statement articulates a collective future
vision for the Estes Valley in a single, concise declaration
Guiding Principles provide further detail on the values
and guidance for how the Town, County, and community
will achieve the Estes Forward Plan Additionally, the
Guiding Principles provide an overarching framework
for public policy goals and specific strategies aimed at
achieving the stated Vision. Specific policies and actions
are detailed in Chapter 2 Policy Framework and Chapter
4 Implementation
From Resilient to Mountain Strong
5ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
6
THE VISION
Our community works
together as responsible
stewards of our irreplaceable
mountain surroundings to
support residents and welcome
visitors by preserving and
enhancing our quality of life,
sense of community, economic
vitality, and health of the
natural environment.
6
7
Responsible access to and protection of wild spaces, scenic
vistas, outdoor recreation, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
A unified, proactive response to climate change through
adaptation, resilient infrastructure, ecosystem management,
protection of biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions.
Balanced and managed growth that enhances quality
of life, preserves local character, conserves natural
resources and wildlife habitat.
Cooperative governance and fiscal responsibility
through strong partnerships with federal, state, and
local agencies and stakeholders.
Year-round, diversified economy and social services
for residents and visitors of all ages and income
levels.
Housing opportunities sufficient to support a
multigenerational, year-round community.
Pathways to health and prosperity for people of
all races, cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual
orientations, genders, income levels, ages and
abilities, and especially people of color and those
disproportionately affected by racism, oppression,
and poverty.
Connected community linked locally and regionally by
multi-modal transportation options.
Recognition and respect for all cultures, sacred lands, and
indigenous ceremonial practices.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
7
PLAN ORGANIZATION
1
This chapter explains the purpose and
planning area of the Comprehensive
Plan, the importance of resilience
within the process, and the planning
and engagement process. This also
details the overarching Vision and
Guiding Principles under which goals
and policies are organized.
Introduction and
Plan Direction
3
This chapter focuses on the future
land use plan and its associated
categories, potential areas for future
annexation or conservation, and
additional opportunities.
Land Use Plan
4
This chapter outlines the action
plan, including specific strategies
for implementation of the goals
and policies, and a management
plan to monitor the plan’s
success.
Implementation
2
This chapter details goals and
policies organized by the six
resiliency themes.
Policy Framework
Comprehensive Plan
The Appendices include a glossary of planning terms used within the plan; a summary of public
engagement completed as part of the planning process; and the existing conditions report.
Appendices
ESTES FORWARD IS ORGANIZED INTO FOUR CHAPTERS,
WITH A SERIES OF SUPPORTING APPENDICES.
8 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
TOWN AND COUNTY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Estes Forward serves as a practical and long-term guide
for the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County Rooted
in a common vision for the future, the plan defines goals,
policies, and a desired future land use character for the
Town and the surrounding Valley While both Estes Park
and Larimer County subscribe to a shared vision and set
of guiding principles, responsibility for implementing
certain policies and actions to achieve the stated vision
differs between the two jurisdictions
Issues related to the Town and County unincorporated
areas have been addressed concurrently through this
process, and this plan will be adopted by each governing
agency for its respective jurisdiction While there is
currently no formal intergovernmental agreement (IGA),
both the Town and the County rely on the good will,
cooperation, initiative, and efforts of each other as well
as partners to implement a specific goal, policy, or action
See Chapter 2 and 4) The development of a future IGA
will be considered, consistent with the shared vision in
this plan
The direction described and illustrated in the Future Land
Use Plan (Chapter 3) will be used by each jurisdiction
independently; the Town will work toward achieving the
desired future land uses within the Town boundary, and
the County will work toward the future land uses in the
surrounding unincorporated areas of the Valley
Photo Credit: Town of Estes Park
9ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
The Estes Forward process kicked off in April of 2021 and
extended through adoption of the final plan in December
2022 The process included three phases: 1) Setting the
Foundation; 2) Defining the Direction; and 3) Realizing the
Plan Purposeful and sincere engagement has been critical
to cultivating public trust, expanding support for the Plan,
addressing concerns early and consistently throughout
the process, ultimately building a sense of ownership for
plan implementation
Public engagement was mutually guided by the Town’s
thirteen-member Estes Park Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee (CompPAC) and the seven-member Estes Valley
Planning Advisory Committee (EVPAC), an existing Larimer
County advisory board These committees informed the
engagement strategy by applying their local knowledge
and insight and advocating local engagement through
their professional and social networks
EngageEstes org was established as an online hub of
information and engagement The site provided a platform
for education and interaction through tools such as online
questionnaires and map activities EngageEstes org was
regularly updated to share opportunities for engagement,
key findings, public outreach results, and draft project
deliverables
Visioning
Community visioning took place from July 2021 through
January 2022 and included a series of events that engaged
with a total of 577 Estes Valley community members
Events included Commissioner and Trustee presentations;
listening sessions; committee workshops; one-on-one
interviews, virtual public workshops; small group meetings,
including one in Spanish; and online questionnaire and
activities The purpose of these conversations was to:
Stimulate community-wide interest in Estes Forward;
Solicit candid feedback from those who know the
community best; and
Identify themes, opportunities, local values, and
future visions and goals for the Town and surrounding
Valley
Valuable insights generated by the community visioning
events directly informed the development of the Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles and provided a
foundation for ongoing research and values analysis by
revealing the most pressing issues to be addressed in
Estes Forward
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Visioning Kick-offJUNE2021
Previous PlanAuditStakeholderInterviewsBeginListeningSessionsSurvey #1: Kick-off Questions
JULY-AUG.
Virtual Public Workshops
Survey #2: VisionNOVEMBER
CompPAC/EVPAC Vision Workshop
Visioning Meeting in a Box Kit
Draft Vision Development
DECEMBER
VisionRefinementJAN. 2022
10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
11ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
Be a leader in our relationship
with the natural world.”
Embrace *moderate* growth
and emphasize service to
RMNP visitors.”
Maintaining a sense
of place and physical
character is important.”“We need housing
that is truly
affordable.”
Fix the housing crisis; fix the
childcare crisis.”
52
ONE-ON-ONE
INTERVIEWS
4
PLANNING
COMMISSION &
TRUSTEE
PRESENTATIONS
2
VIRTUAL
VISIONING
WORKSHOPS
191
VISIONING
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY
CHOICES PUBLIC
WORKSHOP
300+
WRITTEN
COMMENTS ON
DRAFT PLAN
7
VIRTUAL
LISTENING
SESSIONS
7
SMALL GROUP
VISIONING
MEETINGS
2
EVENTOS EN
ESPANOL
95
COMMUNITY
CHOICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY
CONVERSATIONS
WORKSHOP
27
COMPPAC
MEETINGS
COMMUNITY CHOICES
The Community Choices engagement campaign took
place in May 2022 and included in-person and online
opportunities that engaged approximately 190 Estes
Valley community members Events during this phase
included a public workshop (held in English and Spanish);
online questionnaire (available in English and Spanish)
and interactive online map activity; and a small-group
discussion with the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood
Success (EVICS) Mujeres en Conexión
Public Workshops (English and Spanish)
Approximately 90 community members attended the
Community Choices Workshop held on May 25th at Estes
Park Elementary School The workshop included two
simultaneous events conducted in English and Spanish
Online Questionnaire
In conjunction with the in-person Choices Workshop,
an online questionnaire in both English and Spanish
was available from May 7th to the 22nd providing a
digital option for community members who prefer online
engagement or could not attend the workshop
Interactive Online Map Activity
This online tool was intended to gather feedback on
Future Land Uses within identified Opportunity Areas
and other locations throughout the Estes Forward Study
Area Participants could zoom to any location on the
map and drag the marker of their choice, representing a
land use category, to place it on the map
Small-group Discussion with EVICS
Mujeres en Conexión
On May 19th, Town of Estes Park staff attended a
meeting with EVICS and Mujeres en Conexión group
Approximately 10 community members attended the
meeting The discussion was conducted in Spanish and
covered a variety of topics covering the same themes as
the public workshop
12 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
DRAFT PLAN REVIEW
The final series of events provided an opportunity for
participants to review and provide feedback on the
draft plan and included open house events and online
activities
Elected and Appointed Boards
The draft future land use plan and goals and policies
were workshopped with Town and County leadership
in mid-July, 2022 Joint meetings of the Estes Park
Board of Trustees and Planning Commission as well
as the Larimer County Board of Commissioners and
Planning Commission resulted in productive feedback
for refining the plan. Trustees and Planning Commission
members reviewed and submitted detailed comments
on the draft goals, policies, and actions during this time
Leadership within Town staff reviewed and commented
on the draft plan simultaneously resulting in a total of
230+ comments and suggested edits collected in July,
including those submitted by the public
Community Conversations
On August 3rd, 2022, the Town partnered with the local
Community Conversations team to host a public event at
the High School to facilitate thoughtful and productive
dialogue on the draft goals, policies, and actions for high-
profile community issues such as attainable housing,
economic development, inclusivity, climate resiliency,
and the built environment The event collected feedback
on draft policies and actions and provided a venue
for the community to respectfully exchange diverse
perspectives within small groups
Online Review
On October 1, 2022, the draft plan was published for
public review through the Engage Estes project website
Community members commented directly on the plan
using an online tool In addition to adding their own
comments, residents could also review other comments
and indicate their agreement or disagreement to create
an interactive digital community dialogue Over 200
comments were submitted through the commenting tool
and by email
In addition to online plan review, an interactive version
of the Draft Future Land Use Map allowed the public to
review the map digitally by zooming to any location on
the map and reviewing the proposed future land use The
community was invited to post geo-located comments
on the map by dragging and dropping a marker in the
location related to their comment 10 comments were
made through this tool
Draft Plan Public Event
The launch of the online review period coincided with
a community-wide event held on October 6th, 2022
at the Estes Park Community Center It was hosted in
partnership with the Estes Valley Land Trust, the Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition, and other community
partners. As the final public engagement event, this
meeting celebrated the result of the planning process:
a unified Comprehensive Plan that sets the direction for
the next 20 years
The event opened with a presentation that summarized
the planning process, outcomes, and contents of the
plan Following the presentation, attendees participated
in the small-group discussion of their choosing: Future
Land Use, Housing, or Wildlife and Natural Resources
Each small group discussion allowed community
members to engage in meaningful discussions with the
planning team on the topics most important to them
Approximately 35 people attended the in-person event
Planning Commission Workshops and
Public Adoption Hearings
Following the Draft Plan Public Event, the CompPAC and
EVPAC committees met separately to review the draft
plan and consider comments received The CompPAC
joined the Estes Park Planning Commission on October
18th for a study session, and the EVPAC joined a joint
Larimer County Planning Commission and Board of
County Commissioners worksession on November 9 to
discuss further
The Estes Park Planning Commission will hold a public
hearing to consider the adoption of the Town’s portion
of the Comprehensive Plan on November 15, tentatively
followed with a Board of Trustee public hearing on
December 6
The Larimer County Planning Commission will hold a
public hearing to consider the adoption of the County’s
portion of the Comprehensive Plan on November 16,
tentatively followed with a Board of County Commissioner
ratification on December 19.
13ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CHAPTER TWO
2
POLICY
FRAMEWORK
Interpreting the Goals and Policies
Natural Environment
Built Environment
Economy
Housing
Health & Social
Transportation & Infrastructure
THE GOALS AND POLICIES IN THIS
CHAPTER ARE A CRITICAL STEP
TOWARD COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
TO MITIGATE FUTURE HEALTH,
ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS FROM NATURAL AND
ECONOMIC DISASTERS.
15ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOALS AND POLICIES OVERVIEW
The Goals and Policies identified in this chapter are
designed to enhance the lives of residents, operate
within available resources, protect the environment,
guide sound public infrastructure investments, and make
informed land use decisions They are a critical step
toward community resiliency to mitigate future health,
economic, and environmental impacts from natural and
economic disasters
For the purposes of this document, Goals, Policies, and
Actions are defined as follows:
Statements of expressions of community ideals
and a value to be sought; an end toward which
effort is directed They are broad directions that
establish ideal future conditions
Statements of standard or a course of action
that guides governmental action and decision
making to achieve the goals Policies are guides
for decision-makers, not decisions themselves
An action, procedure, implementation
technique, or specific program to be undertaken
to help achieve a specified goal or to implement
an adopted policy
GOALS
POLICIES
ACTIONS
INTERPRETING THE GOALS AND
POLICIES
In reading this Plan, it is important to understand that
the goals, policies, and actions are limited to the extent
that they are financially feasible and appropriate for the
Town and/or County to carry them out and to the extent
legally permitted by Federal and State law For example,
policies and measures which indicate that a party will
provide,” “support,” “ensure,” or otherwise carry them
out do not indicate an irreversible commitment of funds
or staff resources to those activities, but rather, that the
Town and/or County will support them when deemed
financially feasible and appropriate to do so.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
16 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
RESPONSIBILITY AND
JURISDICTION FOR TOWN AND
COUNTY
While the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan was a joint
planning process, the jurisdiction and authority to use
and implement this plan is clearly defined. There are
specific policies and actions that may be shared across
jurisdictions, and others that are firmly within either the
Town or County’s purview
The policies and actions that are associated with the
Town will be adopted and implemented by the Town of
Estes Park The policies and actions that are associated
with the County will be adopted and implemented by
Larimer County
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
Town and County Policies and
Actions
Town only policies are colored dark
blue, County only policies are colored
orange, and policies that apply to both
jurisdictions are gray.
Actions for the Town and County that
support each goal are included. More
details can be found in Chapter 4:
Implementation.
17ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TOWN
BOTH
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at
applytoboth j u r i s d i c ti o n s are
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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
GOAL NE1: Maintain Estes Valley’s scenic character and viewsheds into and
within the Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park.
B NE 1.1 The Town and County encourage the protection and enhancement of key
community gateway views.
B NE 1.2
The Town and County ensure that new development minimizes the impacts
to visual quality within the Valley, including viewsheds of the mountains and
protection of dark skies.
C NE 1.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
The natural beauty and wildlife resources of the Valley have long drawn residents and visitors to the
area. Watersheds and the natural resources within them provide the foundation and sustenance for
the Estes Valley and the region. However, as our climate changes, temperatures rise and weather
patterns are changing causing a cascade of impacts and implications, threatening both natural
and human systems. Even small changes in climate may compromise the delicate ecosystem
of flora, fauna, and landforms that define the Estes region. This Natural Environment element
establishes goals and policies to be sensitive to and work in harmony with natural ecosystems,
conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, and plan for a changing climate.
18 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 1.A: Maintain and strengthen current code
requirements for dark skies, obtain grant
funding, and develop an incentive program to
replace non-compliant fixtures.
NE 1.B: Work to minimize obstructed views
by overhead utilities by burying lines as
appropriate.
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
NE 1.E: Maintain current code lighting
requirements for dark skies.
NE 1.F: Encourage continued ranching and
agriculture uses along with open space
conservation along Highways 7, 34, and 36.
B NE 2.1
The Town and County work with partners to create a perpetual open
space network through land acquisition, development agreements, and
conservation easements.
B NE 2.2 The Town and County protect healthy watersheds by minimizing
development impacts within riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains.
B NE 2.3
The Town and County use a suite of tools to accomplish shared land
conservation priorities that are not yet protected and incentivize infill
development where feasible.
B NE 2.4 The Town and County encourage cluster residential development to protect
wildlife habitat and movement.
GOAL NE2: Ensure the provision and preservation of diverse and accessible
open spaces throughout the Valley while allowing for contextual development
in the right locations.
19ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 2.A: Increase river, stream, and wetlands
setbacks or buffers.
NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations
in Downtown and in Mixed Use Centers and
Corridors for increased height allowances
within context of existing development.
NE 2.C: Work with willing landowners and
acquire lands through land swaps for properties
that are underdeveloped in order to build local
parks in Town.
NE 2.D: Explore potential development code
updates, such as parks dedication and fee in
lieu requirements.
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
T NE 3.1
The Town protects existing native wildlife habitat and vegetation
communities by minimizing disturbance outside of the building envelope
and limiting fragmentation, except as required for wildfire protection.
B NE 3.2 The Town and County encourage the conservation and protection of
connected wildlife habitats and movement corridors.
C NE 3.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
B NE 3.4 The Town and County limit development in wildlife conservation priority
areas as identified in the Estes Valley Open Space Plan.
B NE 3.5
The Town and County work with landowners to prevent the introduction,
establishment, and spread of invasive species, as well as to eradicate and
control populations of invasive species that are established.
GOAL NE3: Protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems.
20 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by
requiring wildlife-friendly fencing on all new
development, reviewing setback requirements
from key habitat areas/wildlife movement
corridors, encouraging removal of legacy
barbed wire fencing, seeking grant funding, and
developing an incentive program.
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment and Development Code, including
map of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by
requiring wildlife-friendly fencing on all new
development, reviewing setback requirements
from key habitat areas/wildlife movement
corridors, encouraging removal of legacy
barbed wire fencing, seeking grant funding, and
developing an incentive program.
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment including map of wildlife corridors
and sensitive habitat.
B NE 4.1
The Town and County maintain building code standards to require fire
hardened and resistant materials in new development and substantial
improvements.
B NE 4.2
The Town and County proactively mitigate risk through large-scale fuel
reduction in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park, US Forest
Service, Colorado State Forestry, Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, and
NoCo Fireshed Collaborative.
B NE 4.3
The Town and County strive to reduce evacuation time and improve
communication in the event of disaster, including an opt out (rather than opt
in) for emergency calls and text messages to all residents in both English
and Spanish.
GOAL NE4: Recognize that wildfire is a growing risk to the community and
proactively work to protect the lives, property, and resiliency of the Valley.
21ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 4.A: Consider adopting a fire mitigation
program in partnership with the Fire District
to encourage individual property owners to
reduce fuels on their property and select
landscaping choices and building materials for
fire resistance.
NE 4.B: Review current fire educational
materials and update as needed, ensuring all
materials are available in Spanish and provide
community education on available resources
in Spanish and English. Consider a targeted
communications campaign for visitors.
NE 4.C: Expand the months that the Community
Sort Yard is open.
NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation
requirements in the Development Code to align
with recommendations of Community Planning
Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
NE 4.H: Continue to evaluate and make changes
to Land Use and Building Code standards to
align with CPAW recommendations and other
best practices.
T NE 5.1
The Town strengthens development regulations to keep property and
people out of high flood risk areas and ensure space for natural flooding to
occur, including increasing setbacks and base flood elevation freeboard for
buildings.
T NE 5.2 The Town pursues grants to purchase high-risk properties and create public
spaces that mitigate flood risk.
T NE 5.3
The Town incorporates data and recommendations from the Town of Estes
Park Stormwater Master Plan and ensures consistency in growth estimates
and actions between planning efforts.
B NE 5.4
The Town and County identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, such as
undersized bridges and culverts or critical infrastructure in high flood risk
areas and pursue improvements to reduce flood risk.
GOAL NE5: Mitigate flood risk through multifunctional infrastructure and
recreation improvements.
22 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 5.A: Implement the flood mitigation projects
identified in the Estes Park Downtown Plan and
in alignment with the County efforts for river
restoration to reduce flood risk.
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
NE 5.E: Maintain strong floodplain regulations
for the Estes Valley unincorporated area.
B BE 1.1 The Town and County prioritize redevelopment and infill in areas with
existing transportation networks and available water/sewer infrastructure.
B BE 1.2
The Town and County ensure that new development minimizes the impacts
to visual quality within the Valley, including viewsheds of the mountains and
protection of dark skies.
C BE 1.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
T BE 1.4
The Town encourages new development and redevelopment that prioritizes
active transportation such as walking, biking, public transit, and ride-
sharing in a pedestrian-scale environment.
GOAL BE1: Maximize public investment and the efficient delivery of
public services by strategically directing growth toward areas of existing
infrastructure, while recognizing necessary housing solutions will require
creative strategies with Environmental Justice as a foundational principle.
The built environment is perhaps the most significant contributor to, or detractor from, a
community’s sense of place. Estes Park’s distinct identity has evolved into its current form because
of the Valley’s extraordinary physical landscape, rich history, and community contributions.
Together, these elements influence the development of the built environment which impacts
nearly every aspect of daily life. This Built Environment element establishes goals and policies
to enhance quality of life, preserve local character, balance a supportive mix of land uses, align
services and infrastructure needs, and strengthen partnerships and cooperative governance.
Recommendations of this section complement and are supported by the Future Land Use Plan
presented in Chapter 3.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
23ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 1.A: Audit and amend the Development
Code (DC) to reduce barriers to incremental and
small-scale commercial redevelopment in order
to maximize infill and redevelopment of sites.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 1.D: Develop corridor or small area plans for
strategic areas as identified on the Future Land
Use Map. Work with the Town on areas that
include parcels inside of Town limits.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
24 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 1.B: Consider strategies for incentivizing
infill and redevelopment of existing buildings.
BE 1.C: Explore potential impact fees for new
development to offset the costs of increased
demand for public services such as water,
sewer, stormwater management, recreation,
social services, and public safety.
BE 1.D: Develop corridor or small area plans for
strategic areas as identified on the Future Land
Use Map. Work with the County on strategic
areas that include parcels outside of Town
limits.
BE 1.E: Identify future planning areas
that present an opportunity for infill or
redevelopment. Future planning efforts for
these areas will further inform and update the
Future Land Use Map.
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary. (See Chapter 3 for more detail)
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy
and criteria for new annexations such as:
conformance to the Future Land Use Map;
ability to accommodate 20-year growth
projections; urban-level densities and
intensities; multi-modal connectivity; water,
sewer, and urban fire service; urban road
standards; building performance standards
for hazard resiliency, water conservation, and
energy efficiency; and conservation standards
for wildlife habitat and corridors.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS:
BE 1.E: Identify future planning areas
that present an opportunity for infill or
redevelopment. Future planning efforts for
these areas will further inform and update the
Future Land Use Map.
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary with the Town of Estes Park.
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy
and criteria for new annexations such as:
conformance to the Future Land Use Map;
ability to accommodate 20-year growth
projections; urban-level densities and
intensities; multi-modal connectivity; water,
sewer, and urban fire service; urban road
standards; building performance standards
for hazard resiliency, water conservation, and
energy efficiency; and conservation standards
for wildlife habitat and corridors.
BE 1.H: Allow conservation developments,
where appropriate, that preserve open space
over traditional large-lot subdivisions.
GOAL BE2: Promote protection of the environment by ensuring that
development is in harmony with its setting and provides equal and
meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process to
achieve a healthy environment.
B BE 2.1
The Town and County require that development preserve water quality,
ecological systems, and the natural features through sensitive site design
and minimal disturbance.
B BE 2.2 The Town and County support preservation and ceremonial utilization of
indigenous cultural landscapes.
25ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 2.A: Audit the Preferred Planting List
to prioritize native, fire-resistant, climate-
adaptive, and pollinator species.
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map, as updated periodically
to include current data, during development
review to evaluate potential impacts to wildlife
habitat.
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map, as updated periodically
to include current data, during development
review to evaluate potential impacts to wildlife
habitat.
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
B BE 3.1
The Town and County implement the Future Land Use Categories to allow
a variety of compatible land uses with higher intensity and density uses
concentrated within the Estes Park town limits.
B BE 3.2
The Town and County provide appropriate transition between varying
intensity of uses and scales of development to minimize impacts between
adjacent developments.
T BE 3.3
The Town invests in physical improvements to the built environment and
placemaking in Downtown commercial areas to facilitate high quality
redevelopment, pedestrian movement, public art, and areas for relaxing,
gathering, and shopping.
T BE 3.4
The Town supports and integrates housing goals, policies, and actions into
land use policy and the Land Development Code as needed to provide a
variety of affordable, multigenerational housing opportunities.
B BE 3.5
The Town and County support opportunities for historic preservation,
rehabilitation, and adaptive use of historic structures and sites in
development review and land conservation activities to preserve the
heritage of the community.
GOAL BE3: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that meets the diverse needs of
residents, businesses, and visitors.
26 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 3.A: Amend the Town’s Development Code
for consistency with the Estes Forward Future
Land Use Framework and Map, including zoning
regulations.
BE 3.B: Support the adaptive reuse, renovation,
or redevelopment of aging centers or
commercial uses that are no longer viable due
to changing market conditions, demographics,
or retail trends into areas that support mixed
use and attainable housing opportunities.
BE 3.C: Encourage the provision of workforce-
serving amenities in non-residential areas, such
as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas,
fitness facilities, daycare centers, and bicycle
storage.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
BE 3.L: Retain the existing County Zoning and
Land Use code for the unincorporated area
of the Estes Valley, except where specific
standards are identified for clarification or
coordination with the Town.
27ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 3.D: Continue implementation of the
Estes Park Downtown Plan by integrating the
recommendations for each Character Area into
land use policy and the Development Code.
BE 3.E: Promote clean, creative, and
environmentally responsible industrial,
warehouse, or large-scale commercial uses
within the designated Industrial Mix areas on
the Future Land Use Map.
BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing
development through strategies such as
streamlined permitting, reduced application
and tap fees, density bonuses, and building
height bonuses.
BE 3.G: As opportunity presents, collaborate
with property owners to upgrade, beautify, and
revitalize existing strip commercial areas and
aging shopping centers and focus on street
improvements and amenities during utility
and transportation improvement projects that
improve curb appeal and walkability.
BE 3.H: Consider design standards for
commercial development in downtown,
highway corridors, and gateways to Estes
Park. Consideration should be given to design
guidelines that enhance historic preservation
and that do not preclude or restrict beneficial
and high-quality attainable housing projects.
BE 3.I: Encourage redeveloping commercial
centers to create a vibrant public realm though
gathering spaces, placemaking features, and
focal elements such as outdoor dining and
public art.
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the
visibility and accessibility of arts and culture as
a means of diversifying resident engagement
and participation.
B BE 4.1 The Town and County encourage energy efficiency of buildings and
structures.
B BE 4.2
The Town and County integrate climate change and adaptation planning
principles into future development code updates, and other related long-
range utilities and facilities planning documents. (See additional policies
related to climate change and climate action in the Natural Environment and
Transportation & Infrastructure sections).
GOAL BE4: Respond to the impacts of climate change through adaptation and
mitigation techniques in the built environment.
28 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
BE 4.B: Utilize the Land Development Code
and Building Code to incentivize or require
performance standards for energy-efficient
residential and non-residential construction
as recommended in the 2022 Estes Park
Environmental Sustainability Task Force
Report.
BE 4.C: Amend the Town Development and
Building codes to incentivize or require new
residential developments to construct homes
and buildings with electric vehicle-ready
conduit and wiring for at-home charging.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
B BE 5.1
The Town and County coordinate land use and development decisions
with the capacity of the transportation system and plans for future
transportation improvements.
T BE 5.2
The Town emphasizes efforts to reduce regional vehicle miles traveled by
supporting land use patterns and site designs that promote active modes of
transportation, including walking, biking, and public transit.
T BE 5.3
The Town supports conveniently located neighborhood-serving small-scale
commercial centers that provide desired service to local neighborhood
workers and visitors, reduce automobile dependency, and contribute
positively to the surrounding neighborhoods.
T BE 5.4
The Town encourages new development to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle, and
transit access through techniques such as minimizing building separation
from public sidewalks; providing safe, direct, accessible, convenient, and
pleasant pedestrian connections; including secure and convenient bike
storage; and orienting building entrances to transit service.
GOAL BE 5: Coordinate and integrate land use and transportation objectives.
29ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between
the Planning Division and Public Works
Departments during the Town’s Capital
Improvement Plan process to ensure
coordination of infrastructure improvements
and alignment with the goals of the
Comprehensive Plan and forthcoming Bike and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
T BE 6.1
The Town supports the adaptive reuse, renovation, or redevelopment of
aging centers or commercial uses that are no longer viable due to changing
market conditions, demographics, or retail trends into areas that support
mixed use opportunities.
T BE 6.2
The Town encourages the provision of employee-serving amenities in
workplaces, such as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas, fitness
facilities, daycare centers, bicycle storage areas and showers as a means
to reduce vehicle trips, encourage walking and bicycling, and support air
quality, public health, and sustainability goals.
GOAL BE6: Promote the continued evolution of Estes Park’s job-generating
commercial land uses to support existing and future businesses.
30 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
ECONOMY
GOAL E1: Maintain a balance between the needs of local residents, visitors,
and protecting the natural environment.
T E 1.1 The Town supports diverse economic development and local businesses
that can employ residents and serve customers year-round.
T E 1.2
The Town supports environmentally-responsible economic development,
business practices, and eco-tourism which relies on maintaining a high-
quality physical setting and minimal impact on the environment.
T E 1.3
The Town promotes the use of broadband and high-quality technology
infrastructure to provide attractive work and educational environments,
competitive opportunities for remote workers, quality experiences for
visitors, reduction of vehicle miles traveled, and benefits to the local
economy and residential quality of life.
B E 1.4
The Town and County strive to implement holistic approaches to land use,
economic development, and environmental management to find solutions
that integrate ecology and economy.
Mountain tourism and outdoor recreation are the primary economic drivers for the Estes Valley.
Estes Park is the basecamp for adventures in RMNP, where world-class hiking, rock climbing,
backcountry skiing, and scenic drives abound. However, the seasonal and visitor-based economy
can be vulnerable to hazards and current events, and the ongoing or periodic stresses could be
economically devastating and put the Town in a financially difficult place. This Economy element
establishes goals and policies to support a year-round, diversified economy that enables quality of
life accommodations and services and is more likely to withstand changes to the local economy.
31ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
E 2.A: Encourage and support the renovation
and/or redevelopment of existing outdated
facilities that have strong linkages to transit and
nearby retail and services.
E 2.B: Undertake strategic initiatives to attract
public and private investment in well-located
properties that are currently vacant and/or
underutilized.
E 2.C: Maintain flexible development standards
to accommodate a wide range of commercial
space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of
older properties.
E 2.D: Strategize with Economic Development
Corp. (EDC) and local stakeholders to develop
options for working with property owners
to facilitate development of vacant and
underutilized properties to achieve the highest
and best use.
E 2.E: Encourage economic development that
generates diverse tax base revenue that can
resist downturns in any one economic sector
and is based on broader regional and national/
global trends.
E 2.F: Consider partnerships with community
colleges or technical schools to support
workforce development.
T E 2.1
The Town encourages increased community workforce preparedness
and cultivates an environment to foster entrepreneurial innovation, small
business growth, and workforce diversity.
T E 2.2 The Town supports increasing attainable housing options and living wage
jobs to support economic growth and stability of the community.
T E 2.3
The Town works to make Estes Park a more predictable place for companies
to do business by reducing impediments to growth and actively planning to
provide adequate space for companies to meet long-term growth needs.
GOAL E2: Cultivate a strong, stable, and diverse local economy.
32 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
T E 3.1
The Town partners with Visit Estes Park and the Economic Development
Corporation (EDC) to support the existing tourism industry and works to
expand marketing programs to attract visitors year-round.
T E 3.2 The Town builds on sustainable outdoor recreation, specifically shoulder
and winter seasons, for year-round appeal.
GOAL E3: Welcome and accommodate visitors.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
E 3.A: Focus on new winter downtown events
and partner with local organizations to increase
activities and events year-round.
33ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL H1: Ensure new housing meets the needs of the workforce and families.
B H 1.1 The Town and County encourage stable, long-term rental opportunities.
T H 1.2 The Town enables opportunities that give the workforce, families, and fixed-
income individuals a path to homeownership.
T H 1.3 The Town prioritizes critical service providers in publicly-supported housing.
T H 1.4 The Town pursues sustainable design that reduces life cycle maintenance
costs and environmental impact and increases wildfire resiliency.
B H 1.5 The Town and County encourage designs for multigenerational living, aging
in place, and safe seasonal housing.
To achieve the multigenerational, year-round community envisioned in Estes Valley, the workforce
needs stable, affordable housing options and a housing market that will allow diverse young
families to grow into the community. Demand for housing in Estes Valley has outpaced supply
for years leading to decreasing affordability, overcrowding of the few housing options that are
available, increasing reliance on commuters to fill jobs, and jobs going unfilled. This Housing
element establishes goals and policies to create housing opportunities. By investing in housing
to meet the needs of the workforce and families there will be more housing choices for the entire
community including seasonal workers and those seeking to age in Estes.
HOUSING
34 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 1.A: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, monitor community housing
need and create a regular housing supply plan
to strategically address the areas of greatest
need.
H 1.B: Ensure affordability restrictions to
support the workforce.
H 1. C: In coordination with the County and
Estes Park Housing Authority, explore a
program to support tenants and landlords in
understanding their rights and responsibilities.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 1.F: Continue to limit short-term rental
of residential units, within the limits of the
County’s authority, and consider reducing the
number of short-term rentals to encourage
more long-term rental units for housing.
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
H 1.D: Explore tenant protections.
H 1.E: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, create a program to fund
livability upgrades in exchange for affordability
guarantees.
H 1.F: Continue limit to short-term rental of
residential units, within the limits of the Town’s
authority, and consider reducing the number of
short-term rentals to encourage more long-term
rental units for housing.
H 1.G: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, review the application
process for publicly-supported housing to
prioritize critical service providers.
H 1.H: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, maintain a list of best
design practices that reduce life cycle costs
and impacts and model use of the practices in
public housing projects.
H 1.I: Explore development code requirements
that support multigenerational neighborhoods
and aging in place.
H 1.J: Explore opportunities to allow for safe
seasonal housing.
H 1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens,
and other livability investments that support
denser family living while also protecting
people and structures from wildfire risks.
35ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B H 2.1 The Town and County locate new housing opportunities consistent with the
Future Land Use Map.
T H 2.2 The Town allows infill and redevelopment that provides more housing with a
focus to increase workforce and affordable options for all income levels.
T H 2.3 The Town uses development bonuses and other tools to incentivize deed-
restricted affordable workforce housing.
T H 2.4 The Town considers requiring that development include deed-restricted
affordable workforce housing or pay a fee.
GOAL H2: Create new housing opportunities.
36 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 2.A: Identify locations for housing
opportunities in the Town of Estes where
children have safe routes to schools and
workers can walk or ride transit to work.
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
H 2.F: Invest in infrastructure in areas where
housing opportunities are desired in order to
catalyze development or redevelopment.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
37ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS:
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
H 2.K: Consider property tax relief in exchange
for workforce housing provision (e.g., Loveland
Fire approach).
38 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
T H 3.1 The Town maintains a dedicated housing fund.
T H 3.2 The Town pursues deed restrictions to preserve the affordability of existing
workforce housing.
T H 3.3 The Town purchases land to develop or partner with a developer to create
housing.
GOAL H3: Invest in housing.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales
tax, or a property tax increase.
H 3.B: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, identify appropriate land
for public housing development or partnership,
make land interests known and stay up to date
or ahead of opportunities.
H 3.C: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore down payment
assistance, “cash buyer” assistance, reverse
mortgage, etc. programs to help the workforce
get into existing housing in exchange for a deed
restriction that preserves affordability.
H 3.D: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore a purchase-restrict-
resale program for preserving the affordability
of existing housing.
H 3.E: Facilitate a workforce housing
cooperative or community housing trust that
would allow smaller employers and the broader
community to provide housing.
H 3.F: Explore tools to subsidize affordable
rental of existing units and the creation of
workforce units by employers.
H 3.G: Stay up to date on the tools that are
successful in other communities.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales
tax, or a property tax increase.
GOAL HS1: Promote a comprehensive and diverse approach to community
health and wellness.
B HS 1.1
The Town and County recognize that community health is a topic that
is influenced and affected by local policies and practices and nearly all
elements of the Estes Forward Plan identify policies to improve human
health, safety, and equity.
T HS 1.2
The Town continues to create and improve the physical and social
environment to enable all people to develop to their maximum potential
by understanding local conditions, availability, and quality of other
determinants of health.
B HS 1.3
The Town and County ensure that policies and practices for community
design and development are inclusive, equitable, and contribute to the
health of the whole population.
B HS 1.4
The Town and County prioritize and measure the effects of planning
and transportation decisions on the overall health and well-being of the
community and its residents.
B HS 1.5
The Town and County practice effective leadership to promote and enhance
overall health conditions for residents and strengthen community ties and
resiliency with all members of the community.
B HS 1.6
The Town and County consider the overall preparedness of the community
to respond to and recover from widespread health emergencies and develop
programs and activities designed to increase resiliency and self-sufficiency.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
Community needs range from the universal, such as safety and education, to the specific,
including those experienced by an immigrant work force or aging population that have access and
functional needs. For a town with a small population, Estes Park has a complex and broad social
fabric as the service provider for many smaller unincorporated communities and annual visitors to
the area, as well as the employees that serve them. This Health & Social element establishes goals
and policies to enable pathways to health and prosperity for all people in the community, and to
support services and quality of life amenities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
HEALTH & SOCIAL
39ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 1.A: Use emerging and existing racial and
health equity tools and resources, review
all relevant Town programs and policies to
ensure the promotion of equal access and
opportunity and determine functionality and
benefits to the community before implementing
new strategies. Transparently engage the
community in the dialogue and analysis
throughout the process.
HS 1.B: Utilize homeowner associations,
community groups, and business groups as
sources of individual volunteers for important
appointed positions on Town commissions,
boards, and task forces, and actively recruit
underrepresented people to positions of
leadership.
HS 1.C: Formally incorporate a Health in
All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-
making, especially as it relates to housing,
transportation, and development. Collaborate
with the County Health Department to establish
metrics and indicators that track legitimate
data and share the analysis with the community
regularly.
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote
healthy communities. Prioritize expanded
outreach efforts to low income and minority
communities, and other segments of the
community that have been traditionally under-
represented.
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
40 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote
healthy communities. Prioritize expanded
outreach efforts to low income and minority
communities, and other segments of the
community that have been traditionally under-
represented.
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
41ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B HS 2.1
The Town and County encourage the expansion of healthcare and improved
social services, including availability, affordability, and access to medical
services in Estes Park.
B HS 2.2
The Town and County encourage partnerships between public, not-for-
profit, and private health care providers, clinics, the hospital in Estes
Park, and permanent supportive housing to provide a valuable resource
and appropriate medical care for the community, including vulnerable
populations.
B HS 2.3
The Town and County support the proliferation of health education and
resources to ensure residents have information and access to nutritious
food, exercise, and behavioral health.
B HS 2.4 The Town and County foster partnerships and collaborate with community
groups and other public agencies to implement public health programs.
B HS 2.5 The Town and County recognize that emotional health and well-being is an
integral component to personal and community health.
T HS 2.6
The Town ensures the equitable creation and distribution and inclusive
design of Town recreation facilities, including smaller neighborhood parks,
passive greenspace, and playgrounds. (Also see Natural Environment goals
and policies.)
C HS 2.7
The County supports County open spaces and recreational opportunities in
the unincorporated areas of the Valley and its proximity. (Also see Natural
Environment goals and policies.)
B HS 2.8
The Town and County support local community events, services, and
programs for older adults, youth, families, and the ESL and Spanish-
speaking community.
B HS 2.9
The Town and County promote active lifestyles by encouraging walking,
bicycling, and utilizing the trail network to support public health while
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. (Also see
Transportation goals and policies)
GOAL HS2: Support behavioral and physical health.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
42 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 2.A: Create a Parks Master Plan.
HS 2.B: Increase park dedication in
development standards and/or use of local
sales tax to acquire and build new parks.
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
HS 2.D: Explore budget opportunities to
determine fiscally responsible ways to increase
resources that support behavioral health and
well-being.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
43ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B HS 3.1
The Town and County recognize that community health is a topic that
is influenced and affected by local policies and practices and nearly all
elements of the Estes Forward Plan identify policies to improve human
health, safety, and equity.
T HS 3.2
The Town continues to create and improve the physical and social
environment to enable all people to develop to their maximum potential
by understanding local conditions, availability, and quality of other
determinants of health.
B HS 3.3
The Town and County ensure that policies and practices for community
design and development are inclusive, equitable, and contribute to the
health of the whole population.
B HS 3.4
The Town and County prioritize and measure the effects of planning
and transportation decisions on the overall health and well-being of the
community and its residents.
GOAL HS3: Foster an environment that respects and bolsters the cultural
diversity and inclusivity of the Estes Valley.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 3.A: Consider an official Diverse Community
Committee that will help to achieve the vision
of a community that recognizes diversity and
celebrates it. The Committee shall reflect the
composition of the community by age, gender,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability.
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Larimer County and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Estes Park and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
44 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
B HS 4.1 The Town and County work with community partners to grow infant and
toddler childcare capacity in the Estes Valley.
B HS 4.2 The Town and County coordinate growth expectations and infrastructure
needs with local school and service districts for future facility needs.
B HS 4.3
The Town and County support and coordinate with the School District to
provide high-quality education, programs, and care for students of all
backgrounds.
GOAL HS4: Support services, programs, and infrastructure for children and
youth to learn and thrive in the Estes Valley.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Larimer County
to pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
HS 4.C: Continue participation in Larimer
County’s Childcare Capacity Team.
HS 4.D: Formalize and fund Safe Routes to
School initiatives.
HS 4.E: Work with local businesses to expand
the use of internships and apprenticeships for
high school students.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Estes Park to
pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
45ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL T1: Integrate multimodal transportation options to safely connect
people and destinations throughout Estes Park and the Estes Valley.
B T 1.1
The Town and County pursue a transportation system that efficiently,
equitably, and effectively supports the land use vision, minimizes vehicle
miles traveled (VMT), enhances connectivity of the existing network, and
supports the use of all modes of transportation throughout the Valley.
T T 1.2
The Town supports complete streets that result in a complete transportation
network that is safer and better for the movement of people, freight, and
goods, regardless of travel mode. (Complete Streets Policy 851, adopted
April 2019)
B T 1.3 The Town and County establish transportation connections between travel
modes that are accessible, efficient, and clearly identified.
T T 1.4
The Town works with public and private partners to contribute to a robust
transportation network with multimodal connectivity between existing and
planned activity centers.
B T 1.5 The Town and County improve the overall mobility of people, regardless of
mode through transportation projects and investments.
B T 1.6
The Town and County invest in and support Safe Routes to School efforts
including infrastructure improvements, education and encouragement
programs, and enforcement activities– to encourage walking and bicycling
to school and to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and
vehicle miles traveled, with an emphasis on areas near schools where higher
health disparities are present and traffic conflicts are common.
Estes Park is an appealing mountain community and gateway to a popular national park. However,
its very popularity creates challenges to the local transportation network, utility provision, and
infrastructure, to serve both residents and visitors. Transportation and utilities are the backbone
for a healthy, vibrant, and resilient community. The pressures from a growing population, hazard
impacts, and climate change create evolving demands on water supply, sewer, electric and
broadband services. This Transportation & Infrastructure element establishes goals and policies
to continue building out a complete multimodal transportation network and to sustain, grow, and
adapt our infrastructure and transportation systems to be resilient, adaptable to climate change,
and grow with our community while also ensuring equal protection from environmental and health
hazards and providing equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making
process to achieve the stated goals.
POLICIES & ACTIONS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB46CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
B T 1.7 The Town and County coordinate with State, County, and regional partners
to plan, phase, and secure funding for transportation investments.
T T 1.8
The Town ensures that construction detour routes provide safe and
convenient access for users of all modes of transportation, including people
with disabilities.
B T 1.9
The Town and County explore and evaluate emerging innovative
technologies to identify appropriateness and feasibility for mobility
improvements.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 1.A: Develop a Multimodal Transportation
Plan to assess and plan for multimodal
improvements.
T 1.B: Develop a Streets Master Plan to
prioritize key streets and connections by mode
e.g., vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian priority
street) and to identify and prioritize studies
of subareas and key transportation corridors
with specialized needs (e.g., Downtown, Hwy
7, Agriculture Areas, North End, Tahosa Valley,
Fall River, Carriage Hills, and Stanley Park were
suggested). Expand beyond Downtown area
Downtown Plan).
T 1.C: Design and construct transportation
facilities that serve people without
discrimination and consider those
disproportionately affected by access to a
personal vehicle or systemic transportation
inequities.
T 1.D: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments.
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 1.E: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments in
appropriate dedicated service areas.
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
47ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
T 1.H: Use quantitative technology platforms
for technical analysis, to always be paired with
qualitative input from community members.
T 1.I: Monitor the development of new and
emerging transportation technologies – such
as autonomous vehicles – to enable the Town
to prepare for their incorporation into the
transportation system if safe, appropriate,
and desired.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB48CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
B T 2.1 The Town and County continue to build out a complete trails network that
prioritizes off-street facilities. (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan)
T T 2.2
The Town encourages a shift to active transportation modes by expanding
and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities to accommodate users of all
ages, abilities, races, and income levels.
T T 2.3 The Town prioritizes bicycle and pedestrian circulation. (Downtown Plan)
T T 2.4
The Town connects the active transportation network (trails and sidewalks)
to vehicle parking facilities and transit and includes amenities and
infrastructure for secure bike storage.
T T 2.5 The Town enhances safety elements at bike and pedestrian crossings,
especially downtown and other key intersections.
T T 2.6
The Town seeks opportunities to implement and assess traffic calming
strategies that reduce vehicle speeds and establish a safer, more
comfortable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
T T 2.7
The Town prioritizes multi-modal infrastructure improvements that improve
pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit user safety and equity for inclusion in the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
GOAL T2: Provide and maintain an expanding, safe, and comprehensive
network to support walking and bicycling as viable modes of transportation
for all ages and abilities, for recreational use, and to promote community
health.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 2.A: Explore bike share program feasibility, to
include electric-assist bikes.
T 2.B: Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities
and amenities in new developments.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
49ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 2.C: Seek opportunities to eliminate walking
and bicycling network gaps across barriers
to mobility, including Big Thompson Avenue,
North and South St. Vrain Avenue, Elkhorn
Avenue, and Highway 36.
T 2.D: Seek opportunities to implement
public projects and work with employers and
stakeholders to provide secure bicycle parking
and end-of-trip support facilities (e.g., publicly
accessible lockers and changing rooms) at
centers of civic, retail, recreation, education,
and work activity.
T 2.E: Review municipal street improvement
standards to see if there are ways to decrease
high stress walking and bicycling environments
and increase walking enjoyment and safety,
particularly with regard to increased sidewalk
width, landscape buffers between sidewalks,
streets and pedestrian lighting, and other
amenities.
T 2.F: Evaluate planned street improvement
projects for feasibility of including the addition
or upgrade of sidewalks.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB50CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
T T 3.1 The Town ensures transit service frequency and times serve residents year-
round.
T T 3.2 The Town connects residents to key community services, activity centers,
and trailheads by transit.
T T 3.3 The Town ensures that transit-supportive infrastructure is adequately
maintained to provide high-quality facilities for users.
GOAL T3: Support the development and maintenance of the public transit
system to provide mobility options.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
T 3.B: Identify and study corridors, routes, and
vehicle fleet needs for future expansion of
Estes Transit.
T 3.C: Invest in bicycle-carry infrastructure on
transit vehicles.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
51ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL T4: Strengthen partnerships to provide a regional mobility network.
B T 4.1 The Town and County evaluate the roadway network for redundancy and
alternative access routes to improve circulation and reduce congestion.
B T 4.2 The Town and County evaluate the roadway network in terms of emergency
access/egress and evacuation routes.
T T 4.3 The Town manages parking with free and paid options to strategically
balance supply and demand.
T T 4.4
The Town incorporates traffic calming measures into roadway projects and
along existing corridors as identified. (Town of Estes Park Complete Streets
Policy 851, adopted April 2019)
B T 4.5 The Town and County incorporate advanced technologies with proven track
records of improving traffic flow.
B T 4.6
The Town and County collaborate local and regional mobility with Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT) and front range communities such as
Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins.
B T 4.7 The Town and County partner with CDOT to identify, improve, and address
regional transportation patterns and challenges that affect the Estes Valley.
B T 4.8
The Town and County maintain up-to-date emergency preparedness and
evacuation plans and procedures in coordination with appropriate state,
regional, county, and local agencies and departments.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB52CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 4.A: Investigate and implement improvement
projects that will enhance traffic operations but
not compromise pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit
rider safety and accessibility, on streets where
substandard service levels are anticipated.
T 4.B: Provide training in complete streets
principles, planning, and design to Town staff
in Public Works, Planning, Police, the Fire
District and other departments or agencies (as
appropriate) to help ensure consistency in the
interpretation of Town policies and the routine
incorporation of appropriate infrastructure
designs to achieve multimodal access, safety
for all users, and other Estes Park goals.
T 4.C: Jointly participate in a Regional
Transportation Plan with the County.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 4.C: Jointly participate in a Regional
Transportation Plan with the Town.
53ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T T 5.1 The Town incorporates transportation-related design elements, such as
multi-use trails and trail underpasses, into floodway improvements.
T T 5.2 The Town includes green infrastructure in the design of transportation
improvements.
T T 5.3
The Town encourages the development of electric vehicle charging stations
and other alternative fuel infrastructure at publicly-owned locations, near
businesses, and employment sites.
T T 5.4
The Town supports development of healthier communities through the use
of lower- or non-polluting modes of transportation to reduce greenhouse
gas vehicle emissions and local air pollution levels.
T T 5.5
The Town encourages walking and bicycling as strategies to promote
public health and reduce the long-term transportation costs of owning and
maintaining a vehicle.
T T 5.6 The Town prioritizes transportation improvements in part based on
consideration of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
T T 5.7
The Town includes a robust, inclusive, and interactive community
engagement and educational process in transportation planning efforts
to help ensure that project will address the needs of local stakeholders,
especially disadvantaged populations.
T T 5.8 The Town uses repaving projects as an opportunity to cost-effectively
implement new bicycle facilities in accordance with Town plans.
T T 5.9
The Town maximizes efficient maintenance of transportation infrastructure
of all modes, such as coordinating roadway paving or striping projects to
include maintenance of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
T T 5.10
The Town evaluates and implements initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and other air pollutants, reduce runoff, promote public health and
equity, and engage the community in an inclusive planning process.
GOAL T5: Build a transportation system that is a recognized model of
resiliency and economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB54CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 5.A: Develop guidelines for the inclusion
of green infrastructure in the design of
transportation improvements.
T 5.B: Prioritize electric-powered vehicles in
transit and staff fleet expansion.
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
T 5.D: Design sidewalks and pedestrian
pathways using environmental design best
practices principles or other techniques to
provide safe and comfortable facilities for
pedestrians at all times of day and night.
T 5.E: Develop requirements for new
commercial and multifamily residential
development to provide electric vehicle
charging infrastructure to align with new
legislation requiring updated energy guidelines.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
55ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T T 6.1 The Town continues to dedicate the parking system revenue to parking and
transit maintenance and enhancements.
B T 6.2
The Town and County prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure while
determining opportunities to expand multi-modal options and prioritize
safety improvements.
B T 6.3 The Town and County coordinate regional transportation investments and
partners when appropriate.
T T 6.4
The Town proactively positions itself to be competitive in pursuing
grant funding for planning, design, and construction of transportation
improvements.
T T 6.5
The Town considers developing additional local sources of funding for trails
and bikeways such as special assessment districts, nonprofit corporations,
and ballot initiatives.
T T 6.6 The Town seeks opportunities to develop public/private partnerships to
provide transportation infrastructure and services.
GOAL T6: Identify strategies and funding sources to invest in transportation
infrastructure.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB56CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 6.C: Annually update the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) to construct and/or update
circulation facilities and assess viability
of older projects in context with new
considerations and policies.
T 6.D: Measure and track progress and evaluate
success of implementation of Transportation
and Infrastructure Chapter actions using a set
of performance measures.
T 6.E: Use funds from the Public Works’ Streets
budget for bicycle and pedestrian projects as
appropriate.
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
T 6.G: Evaluate the development of impact fees
to provide revenues to be used to construct
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that will
support new development.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
57ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T I 1.1 The Town supports individual property and business owners to install and
use renewable sources of energy.
B I 1.2
The Town and County, in partnership with the Platte River Power Authority
PRPA), encourage the use of rooftop and appropriately sited solar energy
generation and battery storage.
T I 1.3 The Town promotes existing programs and encourages new practices for
energy conservation in partnership with PRPA.
GOAL I1: Be leaders in energy conservation, renewable energy use and
responsible energy delivery in the face of climate change, wildfire, and
wind threats.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 1.A: Utilize the Sustainable Energy
recommendations from the 2022 Environmental
Sustainability Task Force Report.
I 1.B: Continue to update and revise public
safety power shutoff criteria and decision-
making for wind events to reduce wildfire risk.
I 1.C: Continue maintenance, reconstruction,
and burial of overhead power lines to reduce
wildfire risk.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB58CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
T I 2.1
The Town supports a Big Thompson diversion point, making the land and
water rights investments accessible for use, ensuring adequate water
supply into the future.
T I 2.2 The Town incorporates climate change impacts into their water availability
planning and updates the water plan for this context.
GOAL I2: Invest in infrastructure for a healthy water supply and promote water
conservation measures.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as
gray water for irrigation, homeowner low-flow
upgrade programs and updating landscaping
standards to reduce demand.
I 2.B: Consider customer billing that
encourages less use of water (rather than a
set charge for up to a certain amount of water
consumption per month).
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and
evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water
conservation.
Goal I3: Establish an innovative and comprehensive solid waste, recycling,
and composting management system.
B I 3.1 The Town and County support solid waste diversion, reduction, and reuse
programs and policies.
B I 3.2 The Town and County inform and educate the public and visitors about
waste management programs and practices throughout the Estes Valley.
59ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
3
CHAPTER THREE
FUTURE
LAND USE
Introduction
Future Land Use Categories
Future Land Use Map
Opportunity Areas
Annexation and Future Town
Service Areas
THIS FUTURE LAND USE PLAN IS A
CORNERSTONE OF ESTES FORWARD,
PROVIDING GUIDANCE TO THE
TOWN AND COUNTY’S ELECTED
AND APPOINTED LEADERS AS
THEY MAKE LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS.
61ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FUTURE LAND USE
INTRODUCTION
The Future Land Use Plan conveys the patterns and
priorities of conservation, development, economic
vitality, neighborhood character, and the preservation
of natural, agricultural, and rural landscapes It serves
as a starting point for conversations about regional
initiatives and development proposals by illustrating
the interrelationship between seemingly separate and
uncoordinated land use activities The framework also
enhances predictability for residents and developers
about the desired character of each area It is a guide
for decision-makers as they consider how proposed
development can help or harm our desired future, and
where and how the community will grow or not grow
Most of the forecasted growth in the next two decades is
expected to be accommodated within the Estes Park town
limits Accordingly, the Future Land Use Plan prioritizes
infill development and redevelopment primarily within
Estes Park town limits while simultaneously positioning
the unincorporated Valley to support new attainable
housing and mixed-use near existing commercial
centers and key transportation corridors
The Future Land Use categories, map, and related
land use policies are intended to protect the Valley’s
distinctive character and prevent development sprawl
that requires extensive infrastructure investments,
long-term maintenance, and impacts the area’s natural
character The map categorizes areas outside of Estes
Park town limits to guide appropriate development
patterns, respect private property rights, and preserve
the open and rural character that County residents value
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUTURE LAND
USE AND ZONING
The Future Land Use Categories are not zoning districts
They convey aspirational land use policy, in contrast
with zoning which is legally enforceable Zoning refers
to land use entitlements and requirements that regulate
appropriate use, form, density, and other characteristics
appropriate for a specific site. Adoption of this Plan and
the Future Land Use Plan does not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning or overlay districts
without following the legislative process for amending
the zoning map or Town and County development codes.
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
The proposed Future Land Use Categories unify the
Town and County’s framework for the built and natural
character, and work to prevent development sprawl that
requires extensive infrastructure investments and long-
term maintenance
The proposed Future Land Uses reorganize and
consolidate the Town’s previous range of land
classification that relates density and intensity of
development potential to ecological conditions
and market demand This approach coordinates
development and conservation to provide for fiscally and
environmentally responsible growth
The ten (10) Future Land Use Categories represent
development patterns that share similar attributes of
environmental and built character within the Town of
Estes Park and Larimer County’s Estes Valley Planning
Area Shared attributes within each area include the
size and type of buildings and their relationship to the
street, the street type and block pattern, supported
transportation modes, the intensity of land use, and
density of development The Future Land Uses provide
a guide for land use policies and decisions that direct
growth according to character and intensity of use
62 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
DENSITY vs. INTENSITY:
Understanding the Difference
Land use refers to the set of
activities that occur on any given
property. Land use intensity
refers to the degree to which
those activities occur or the
extent to which a property is
used for activities. For example,
a commercial use is more intense
than a residential use. Density
further describes the intensity of
residential uses and is typically
expressed as the number of
dwelling units located on a single
acre of land.
63ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
2. Mountains & Foothills
3. Low-density
Accommodations
4. Suburban Estate
5. Neighborhood Village
6. Mixed Residential
Neighborhood
7. Public/Semi-Public
8. Downtown
9. Mixed-Use Centers &
Corridors
10. Industrial Mix
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION & PARKS
The Natural Resource Conservation and Parks category
is composed of Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapahoe
and Roosevelt National Forest, Bureau of Reclamation,
and wildlife habitat, open space, parks and trail corridors
managed by Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park
The lands within this category provide a mix of recreation
opportunities including self-directed outdoor recreation,
developed parks, playgrounds, and environmental
educational opportunities while protecting natural
heritage and open space Nearly 10,000 acres have
been voluntarily conserved by private land owners via
conservation easements and the Estes Valley Land Trust
with no public access
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Federal natural resource lands
Public water-access facilities
Primitive campsites and rustic campgrounds
Natural resource based self-directed recreation
Forestry, grazing, agriculture
Wildlife corridors
Private lands under conservation easements (no
public access)
Public recreation centers
Parks and recreation sports fields
Multi-use paths & trails
Built Form
New buildings and structures, if any, should support public
utilities, research operations, public land maintenance,
park use, recreation, and low-impact agriculture These
may include structures such as restrooms, trailhead
facilities, picnic shelters, seating areas, play equipment,
concessions, or equipment storage All structures should
be designed for compatibility with the surrounding
aesthetic and for preservation of surrounding open
space and viewsheds
Building Height: 1 - 2 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: N/A
Transportation System: Streets and parking lots
provide vehicle access to trailheads and parks;
off-street trail network for pedestrian, bicycle, and
equestrian use; sidewalks, and on-street bicycle
facilities for Town parks
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Natural Resource (Larimer County)
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
64 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
MOUNTAINS & FOOTHILLS
The Mountains & Foothills category is composed
of private forestry, agricultural, and ranching lands,
ecotourism, undeveloped natural landscapes including
steep slopes and watershed protection This category
allows for limited development of very low-density single
family or residential conservation developments Lands
in this category should not be targeted for expansion of
public or private water and sewer infrastructure Some
areas located within this category could ultimately
transition to Natural Resource Conservation & Parks
through conservation easements or expansion of public
lands to further preservation of natural resources and
wildlife habitat
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Forestry, ranching, agricultural uses
Eco and Agritourism
Single-family conservation developments
Hazard mitigation
Watershed protection
Built Form
This category supports low-density development of
buildings and structures designed for preservation of
surrounding open space and viewsheds
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 100+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are primary
transportation mode to provide access to homes
and destinations on rural, low-volume roads;
backcountry trail network for pedestrian, off-
road bicycle, and equestrian use; road shoulders
accommodate bicycles
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Mountains & Foothills (Larimer County)
Rural Estate 10 Acre Min
Rural Estate 2 5 Acre Min
65ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LOW-DENSITY ACCOMMODATIONS
The Low-Density Accommodations category is intended
for uses such as rustic lodges, resorts, and cabins that
are developed in rural areas at a lower density and
intensity than urban hotel or motel-style lodging
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Rural lodges and resorts
Built Form
This category supports low-density or clustered
development on large lots that prioritizes preservation
of surrounding natural landscapes and viewsheds Low-
density accommodations may be served by public water
and wastewater dependent upon location
Building Height: 1 - 2 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 30+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are primary
transportation mode on rural, low-volume streets;
wide shoulders accommodate bicycles and
pedestrians
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Accommodations
66 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
SUBURBAN ESTATE
The Suburban Estate category is intended for low to
medium density single family residential development,
including conservation development that may be
supported by limited small-scale neighborhood
commercial located at crossroads or along arterial roads
within the Town Any non-residential uses are appropriate
when they demonstrate the following:
Supports a local, neighborhood need
Is appropriately located for the access and
transportation requirements of the activity (e g,
a rustic camp may be acceptable on gravel road,
whereas a retail use should be located on a paved
road)
Availability of adequate utilities and infrastructure
e.g., water, sewer, fire protection)
Scale and intensity of the use is in harmony with the
surrounding neighborhood based on factors such
as:
Built character
Proximity to residential areas
Proximity to sensitive environmental features
or wildlife areas
Proximity to unique or highly visible
viewsheds, landforms, or places of interest
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Single family residential subdivisions with low to
medium density
Single family homes with accessory dwelling units
Single family clustered or conservation
developments (in the County)
Limited neighborhood-serving commercial located
at primary intersections (in the Town or key
locations)
Built Form
The Suburban Estate Category typically consists of
medium-sized single-family homes on lots that are at
least a quarter-acre in size Medium-density conservation
development with smaller lots requires public water and
wastewater However much of the development in this
category is served by septic where public wastewater is
unavailable and larger lots can accommodate individual
systems New homes should be appropriately scaled
for compatibility with existing neighborhood character
Existing suburban neighborhoods served by public
utilities can accommodate moderate increases in density
through the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 30+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are the
primary mode of transportation on low-volume
streets that are wide enough for pedestrians to
safely walk the shoulder As much as possible,
dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs are discouraged
in favor of efficient, interconnected street networks.
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Estate 1 Acre Min
Estate 0 5 Acre Min
67ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE
The Neighborhood Village category contains medium
to higher density single family residential organized in a
more compact development pattern that is characterized
by an interconnected street network, available water and
wastewater, increased walkability and connectivity to
other neighborhoods and commercial nodes Limited
neighborhood-serving civic, cultural, and commercial
uses may be located near neighborhood entrances and
crossroads
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Medium to higher density single family
Accessory dwelling units
Duplexes and triplexes
Limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural, and
commercial uses
Built Form
Buildings in this classification are modestly sized and
residential in nature located on small to medium-sized
lots under half an acre that are served by public water and
wastewater. New infill should be appropriately scaled for
compatibility with the existing neighborhood character
with medium to shallow front setbacks and garages
located at the side or rear of the home Established
neighborhoods can accommodate moderate increases
in density through the addition of Accessory Dwelling
Units
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: 250 – 650 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 – 30 ft
Transportation System: Low-speed residential
streets are interconnected and shared by
automobiles and bicycles; double-loaded sidewalks
facilitate safe pedestrian travel
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Residential 0 25 Acre Min
Two-family
PUD Residential
Accommodations Low-density
68 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
MIXED RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mixed Residential Neighborhood category
accommodates high density mixed residential
development that facilitates the coexistence of
townhomes, condos, and multi-family complexes It
is characterized by an interconnected street network,
available water and wastewater, and walkable
neighborhoods that connect to commercial nodes and
other neighborhoods Mixed residential neighborhoods
may include limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural,
and commercial uses
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Condominium developments
Townhomes
Multi-family complexes
Limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural,
commercial uses
Built Form
New structures and redevelopment in this category
consist of larger-scale residential buildings on a variety
of lot sizes served by public water and wastewater
Density bonuses incentivize attainable workforce
housing Shallow setbacks allow for maximized use of
the lot Parking and garages should be located at the
side, rear, or below structures
Building Height: 3 - 4 stories
Block Length: 250 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 - 20ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit Residential streets
in Mixed Residential Neighborhoods are
interconnected with double-loaded sidewalks and/
or shared-use paths for safe bicycling and walking
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Multi-family
69ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC
The Public/Semi-public category consists of institutional
and civic uses such as recreation centers, schools,
research facilities, utility, and public services operations
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Research facilities
Civic uses
Community/recreation centers
Schools
Public services operation
Built Form
Structures and buildings in this category consist of
1-3 story buildings on a variety of lot sizes Public/
Semi-public uses are often located on or near major
transportation corridors and served by public water and
wastewater, depending on location Street setbacks and
vegetative buffers increase as the intensity of the use
increases
Building Height: 1 - 3 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: increase as intensity and
scale increase
Transportation System: Automobiles are the
primary transportation mode; development should
strive for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to
uses that are frequented by the public
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Public/Semi-public
70 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
DOWNTOWN
The Downtown category is characterized by a dense,
compact street grid, well-developed pedestrian network,
and readily available water or wastewater infrastructure
This area is predominantly composed of traditional,
and often historic, vertical mixed-use buildings
The Downtown is well provided for in terms of
urban services, making it the most efficient area for
redevelopment or development of underutilized land
See the Estes Park Downtown for Details
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Traditional, dense vertical mixed-use with
residential, office, institutional, commercial,
entertainment, and upper-story residential
Civic uses such as community centers, libraries,
government administration facilities
Cultural uses such as museums and performing
arts venues
Built Form
The Town Center is a complete community with
highly walkable, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes
Development should prioritize the preservation and
rehabilitation of historic buildings and encourage
compatible infill development. New and remodeled
buildings should reflect a compatible scale and
vernacular of existing buildings on small to medium-
sized lots Building heights should be 1 5-3 stories and
should form a continuous street-wall along primary
streets Parking is located on the street, at the rear of
buildings, and in off-site public lots or decks
Building Height: 1 5 - 3 stories
Block Length: 250 ft
Primary Road Setback: 0 ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Downtown Commercial
71ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
MIXED-USE CENTERS & CORRIDORS
The Mixed-use Centers and Corridors category contains
medium to higher-density vertical mixed residential
and commercial use developments located on or near
major thoroughfares This category is characterized by
an interconnected road network, available water and
wastewater, and a walkable environment and a greater
emphasis on design of upper stories for compatibility
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Mixed-Use developments with upper-story
residential, office, institutional, commercial,
entertainment
Medium-high density accommodations such as
hotels, motels, short-term rental attached units
Built Form
New and redeveloped sites in Mixed-use Centers and
Corridors should reflect a variety of building types on
large lots Development in this category should strive to
increase business density, adding residential units where
appropriate, and expanding multi-modal connectivity
Parking lots should be divided into more than one
area including the side and rear of buildings where
feasible All structures should feature pedestrian-scale
entrances Development should positively contribute
to the character of the town through pedestrian-scaled
architectural features on ground floors and landscaping.
Building Height: 1 - 5 stories
Block Length: 250 – 650 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 - 150 ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit The pedestrian system
should connect to other mixed-use and commercial
nodes and neighborhoods Sidewalks and/or
shared-use paths and bicycle infrastructure should
connect the multi-modal network along primary
transportation corridors Pedestrian connectivity
internal to the site must connect parking areas to
the building and adjacent sites
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Office
PUD Commercial
Commercial Recreation
Commercial
Accommodations
72 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
INDUSTRIAL MIX
The Industrial Mix category is supported by major
transportation corridors, public water, and wastewater
infrastructure This category provides for a range of
industrial manufacturing, warehouse, commercial, and
large-scale institutional or office uses. It includes existing
heavy industry within the Estes Valley but supports a
shift toward light and clean industrial and small-scale
manufacturing uses with fewer environmental impacts
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Industrial and flex office space
Small scale or boutique manufacturing
Warehouse uses, including those with direct-to-
consumer sales and retail hours
Large-scale institutional and office facilities
Limited commercial uses
Existing heavy industry
Built Form
New and redeveloped sites should reflect a variety of
building types, typically on very large lots Buildings
should be appropriately screened or set back from lot
lines to minimize impacts to adjacent non-industrial
properties Street setbacks and vegetative buffers
increase as the intensity of the use increases
Building Height: 1-3 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: Increases as intensity and
scale increase
Transportation System: This area accommodates
vehicles as the primary mode of transportation
but should strive for pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity to support alternatives to vehicle travel
and a healthy workplace
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Light Industrial
Restricted Industrial
73ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Lake Estes
Lily Lake
Marys Lake
FALL RIVER
FIS H C RE E K
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIG THOMPSON RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
R o c k y M o u n t a i n
N a t i o n a l P a r k
210
Miles
Future Land Use
Future Land Use categories do not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning, recorded
subdivisions, or approved development plans. The
zoning map and development codes are not changed
as a result of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
or Future Land Use Map.
Date: 11/28/2022
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
Mountains & Foothills
Accommodations
Suburban Estate
Neighborhood Village
Mixed Residential Neighborhood
Public/Semi Public
Downtown
Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
Industrial Mix
Future Land Use
RMNP Boundary
FUTURE LAND USE MAP
74 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OVERVIEW
The Estes Forward Future Land Use Map applies the Future Land Use
Categories to the Estes Valley Planning Area and Town of Estes Park
jurisdictions to recommend appropriate locations for each category
of land use and development character The composition of map is
informed by several factors:
The previous future land use maps (Town - 1996, County - 2019)
Current zoning map
Historic development patterns
Existing water service areas
Environmental features and constraints
Areas of anticipated development
Growth and conservation preferences articulated by the
community
The Future Land Use Map provides the overarching structure for
orchestrating appropriate patterns of development and conservation
throughout the Estes Valley. In doing so, the map influences and
informs zoning decisions to achieve desired future growth patterns
While evaluating site-specific development requests, study the
Future Land Use Map to determine whether the request is consistent
with the community’s land use and development vision
The Future Land Use Map is a guide to achieving the community’s
stated vision; however, it is not a mandate To the extent possible,
it should be closely followed, but when circumstances dictate
otherwise, it is the intent of this plan to enable the Town and the
County to respond appropriately through their land development
decisions
THE FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES AND MAP
ARE ASPIRATIONAL. THEY DO NOT ALTER,
CIRCUMVENT, OR SUPERSEDE ESTABLISHED
ZONING, RECORDED SUBDIVISIONS, OR
APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PLANS. THE ZONING
MAP AND DEVELOPMENT CODES ARE NOT
CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE ADOPTION OF
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OR FUTURE LAND
USE PLAN, CATEGORIES, OR MAP. FEDERAL
LANDS, INCLUDING NATIONAL PARKS, ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OR
TOWN AND COUNTY ZONING MAPS.
LakeEstes
LilyLake
MarysLake
FALLRIVER
FISHCREEK
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIGTHOMPSONRIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
RockyMountain
NationalPark
210
Miles
Future Land Use
Future Land Use categories do not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning, recorded
subdivisions, or approved development plans. The
zoning map and development codes are not changed
as a result of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
or Future Land Use Map.
Date: 11/28/2022
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
Mountains & Foothills
Accommodations
Suburban Estate
Neighborhood Village
Mixed Residential Neighborhood
Public/Semi Public
Downtown
Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
Industrial Mix
Future Land Use
RMNP Boundary
75ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Lake Estes
Lily Lake
Marys Lake
FIS H C R E E K
FALL RIVER
B
L
ACKCANYON CREEK
BIG THOMPSON
RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
R o c k y M o u n t a i n
N a t i o n a l P a r k
Other Conserved Lands
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Rocky Mountain National
Park
Future Study Areas
Gateway Corridors
Opportunity Areas
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
210Miles
11/28/22
Z:\
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
76 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
Future Study Areas
Certain areas of the Estes Valley are likely to experience more
change, investment, or growth over the next 20 years due to a variety
of factors including development pressure, market trends, and aging
infrastructure The degree and type of change will differ in each
area based on the context of the built environment, environmental
constraints, market demands, local preferences, and needs such
as attainable housing Because change happens differently in
different places, and what may be desired in one location may not be
appropriate in another location, the Future Land Use Map identifies
special Future Study Areas for more detailed planning following
this plan Additional, cooperative planning between the Town and
the County will further identify suitable locations for growth and
conservation that is context-specific and proportionate to the scale
of development that is appropriate in a given location
A proactive and strategic approach to the redevelopment or
conservation of Future Study Areas within the Estes Valley promotes
a higher rate of success in realizing opportunities that meet the
community’s preferences and needs rather than passively reacting
to market-driven development pressure and fluctuating real estate
trends. By defining the ideal conservation or development scenario
for these areas, the Estes Valley community and their elected
representatives can make intentional land use decisions that support
achievement of the Estes Forward Vision and Guiding Principles
Gateway Corridors
In addition to Future Land Uses and Future Study Areas, the map
also identifies Gateway Corridors into the Estes Valley. These
important corridors deliver the first impression upon entering the
Valley and, therefore, provide a significant opportunity to convey a
sense of arrival and community identity through special attention to
viewshed protection, enhanced landscaping, signage, land use, and
the aesthetics of the built environment Like the Future Study Areas,
Gateway Corridors are deserving of additional consideration and
cooperative planning between the Town and the County
LakeEstes
LilyLake
MarysLake
FISHCREEK
FALLRIVER
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIGTHOMPSON
RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
RockyMountain
NationalPark
Other Conserved Lands
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Rocky Mountain National
Park
Future Study Areas
Gateway Corridors
Opportunity Areas
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
210Miles
11/28/22
Z:\
77ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ANNEXATION AND FUTURE TOWN SERVICE AREAS
Comprehensive planning and growth management in
the Estes Valley imply coordination and cooperation
between the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County A
key imperative of this plan is that the Town and County
continue to collaborate on defining a Future Town
Service Area and corresponding Annexation Policy The
Town and the County are encouraged to work together
to identify areas of shared development impact in
anticipation of where the Town will grow (and not grow)
A Future Town Service Area would define a boundary
beyond existing Town limits to indicate an area(s) where
higher intensity and density is acceptable over the next
20 years and to plan for municipal service provision The
area would not necessarily need to be served exclusively
by the municipality for all services, but the designated
area should be serviceable by an existing urban service
provider A Future Town Service Area would establish a
coordinated partnership for managing long-range growth
that reflects the community’s values and market realities
to provide predictability and consistency
The Future Town Service Area should be supported by
an Annexation Policy that specifies criteria for future
development, infrastructure, and public services,
mutually agreed upon by the Town of Estes Park and
Larimer County If the development criteria are met,
the Town would annex areas within the Future Service
Area and provide the full range of public services
Concentrating redevelopment within and adjacent to the
existing town boundaries supports efficient municipal
services, infrastructure maintenance, and conservation
of natural areas
This approach is intended to strengthen the connection
between more urban land use and eventual annexation
by the Town by prioritizing growth areas and limiting
development in areas of critical natural habitat and
resources It also continues an expectation that the Town,
not the County, will provide the full range of services
necessary to support a quality urban environment
78 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
79ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
4
CHAPTER FOUR
IMPLEMENTATION »Applying the Plan
Compliance with Comprehensive Plan
Plan Management
Implementation Plan
FOR LONG-RANGE PLANNING
TO REMAIN PROACTIVE, THE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS
IMPORTANT —OR POSSIBLY
MORE IMPORTANT— THAN THE
PLAN ITSELF.
81ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION
APPLYING THE PLAN
This chapter provides an overview of plan compliance,
management, reporting mechanisms and update
protocols It connects the strategies and actions so that
policy direction is usable and relevant for applicants, the
community, and neighbors in the development review
and decision-making processes
IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY AND
PARTNERSHIPS
Successful implementation of this Plan depends on the
coordinated and collective action of decision-makers,
staff members, community members, and other partners
The Town Board is responsible to guide
implementation by developing partnerships, issuing
final development decisions, adopting new plans,
providing funding through the budget process,
and ensuring accountability of Town department
activities in harmony with the Plan
The Board of County Commissioners is responsible
to guide implementation through Annual Work Plan
priorities, developing partnerships, and ensuring
accountability of county department activities in
harmony with the Plan
Planning Commissions are responsible to use
the guidance provided by the Plan in review of
development proposals and to promote and oversee
relevant updates to the Development Code (Town)
and Land Use Code (County)
Department Directors integrate actions into their
annual work plans and budgets Staff review
development proposals, providing decision-makers
with information as to whether such proposals align
with the Plan
Residents and Regional Partners are encouraged to
track the Plan’s implementation and participate in
budgeting processes to promote adequate funding
for implementation
Photo Credit: Town of Estes Park
82 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
COMPLIANCE WITH
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
How development proposals align with this Plan’s guiding
principles, goals, and policies will be a key consideration
during their review Planning Commissions, the Town
Board and Board of County Commissioners have broad
discretion in interpreting the Plan and its purposes and
can weigh and balance the various goals and policies
when applying them
TOWN DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND
REVIEW
Development of property within the Town of Estes
Park will continue to be subject to all procedures and
regulations established for development pursuant to
the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) This includes
such considerations as site planning, architecture,
parking, landscaping, and other design criteria
COUNTY LAND USE REGULATIONS AND
REVIEW
Development of unincorporated property outside the
town limits of Estes Park will continue to be subject to all
procedures and regulations established for development
pursuant to the Larimer County Land Use Code
PLAN MANAGEMENT
Estes Forward is not static, but rather is a dynamic and
multi-faceted document that defines and addresses the
changing needs of the Estes Valley It cannot anticipate
all future changes in economic conditions, market
demands, or lifestyle choices In order to remain a
relevant and functional document, this Plan should be
reviewed regularly and if needed, periodically updated,
both by the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County
AMENDING THE PLAN
Recognizing the need for the Comprehensive Plan
to remain current and reflective of issues and local
priorities, the Plan should be periodically amended to
ensure that it is consistent with the conditions, values,
expectations, and needs of its residents, businesses, and
other stakeholders Major updates to the Plan should
occur every decade, or as deemed necessary by the
Town or County Planning Commissions This updating
process should be grounded in a broad-based public
input process
The Town’s Development Code outlines the policies and
process to adopt and amend the Comprehensive Plan
Town staff is responsible for reviewing and providing
recommendations on plan amendments and the Estes
Park Planning Commission is the decision-making body
The County’s Land Use Code outlines the policies and
process to adopt and amend the Comprehensive Plan
and any associated master plans and area plans The
Larimer County Planning Commission is the decision-
making body that adopts the plan The Board of County
Commissioners ratifies the Planning Commission
adoption
PERIODIC REVIEW AND REPORTING
Development of unincorporated property outside the
town limits of Estes Park will continue to be subject to all
procedures and regulations established for development
pursuant to the Larimer County Land Use Code
83ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Tables 1 and 2 identify the type of action, the lead
department or partner for the action’s implementation,
and the general timing for implementation The Town
of Estes Park Planning Division and Larimer County
Planning Department are responsible for coordinating
with other departments regarding implementation of
the individual measures It is also important to note that
many of these actions will require staff, partners, and
financial resources to implement, thus making them
difficult to definitively schedule given the annual nature
of the budgetary process and changing priorities and
resources over the years
The actions to implement the Comprehensive Plan are
organized into the following category types:
1. Capital Projects & Investments: The projects
identified are major investments into infrastructure
and facilities and can include new construction,
as well as major renovations or replacements
The capital projects and investments identified
are particularly related to implementation of the
Comprehensive Plan but should be considered
among all other capital requests
2. Supporting Plans & Policies: This encompasses
the continued implementation of existing plans;
however, since the Comprehensive Plan sets broad
community vision and policies, some additional
planning will be necessary to provide more detailed
guidance and direction for specific topics and areas
of the community
3. Programs & Services: Many of the Comprehensive
Plan policies may be implemented through
continuation, modification, expansion or addition
of programs and services offered by the Town or
County
4. Partnerships & Agreements: Many policies will be
implemented through collaborative partnerships
with business, and community and non-profit
groups Additionally, some will be most successful
through formal partnerships, or Intergovernmental
Agreements (IGAs) between the Town and other
governmental entities, such as Larimer County, RTD,
or other special districts or agencies
5. Regulatory Reform: Since the Comprehensive Plan
establishes the direction and vision for the future,
it is important that Town and County’s regulations
support consistent guidance and decision-making
84 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
TIMING:
Short-term (1-2 years)
Mid-term (1-5 years)
Long-term (6-10 years)
Ongoing
Annual
LEAD/PARTNER:
CPW (Colorado Parks and
Wildlife)
EDC (Economic Development
Corporation)
EPHA (Estes Park Housing
Authority)
LETA (Larimer Emergency
Telephone Authority)
Non-Profit Partners
could include organizations
such as Estes Valley Land
Trust (EVLT), Estes Valley
Investment in Childhood
Success (EVICS), and the Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition.
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
NE 1.A: Maintain and strengthen current code
requirements for dark skies, obtain grant
funding, and develop incentive program to
replace non-compliant fixtures.
Regulatory Reform;
Partnerships
Agreements;
Programs & Services
Community Development
Department; Utilities
Department; Platte River
Power Authority
Short-term
NE 1.B: Work to minimize obstructed views
by overhead utilities by burying lines as
appropriate.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities Department; Town
Administrator; Public
Works Department
Long-term
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
NE 1 D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Short-term
NE 2.A: Increase river, stream, and wetlands
setbacks or buffers.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations
in Downtown and in Mixed Use Centers and
Corridors for increased height allowances within
context of existing development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
NE 2.C: Work with willing landowners and
acquire lands through land swaps for properties
that are underdeveloped in order to build local
parks in Town.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department; Property
Owners
Long-term
NE 2.D: Explore potential development code
updates, such as parks dedication and fee in lieu
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Short-term
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations,
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Landowners
Mid-term
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; County
Planning Department;
Town and County
Leadership
Mid-term
NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
Table 1. Town of Estes Park Actions
85ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by requiring
wildlife-friendly fencing on all new development,
reviewing setback requirements from key
habitat areas/wildlife movement corridors,
encouraging removal of legacy barbed wire
fencing, seeking grant funding, and developing
an incentive program.
Regulatory
Reform; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; CPW; Non-
Profit Partners; Property
Owners
Mid-term
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment and Development Code, including
map of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator; CPW; Non-
Profit Partners
Short-term
NE 4.A: Consider adopting a fire mitigation
program in partnership with the Fire District
to encourage individual property owners to
reduce fuels on their property and select
landscaping choices and building materials for
fire resistance.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Office of
Emergency Management;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
NE 4.B: Review current fire educational
materials and update as needed, ensuring all
materials are available in Spanish and provide
community education on available resources
in Spanish and English. Consider a targeted
communications campaign for visitors.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District Short-term
NE 4.C: Expand the months that the Community
Sort Yard is open.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Boulder County Short-term
NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation
requirements in the Development Code to align
with recommendations of Colorado Planning
Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
Regulatory Reform Community Development;
Fire District
Short-term
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development;
Fire District
Mid-term
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
86 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 5.A: Implement the flood mitigation projects
identified in the Estes Park Downtown Plan and
in alignment with the County efforts for River
restoration to reduce flood risk.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Floodplain Administrator;
Community Development;
Non-Profit Partners
Long-term
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
Programs & Services Office of Emergency
Management
Mid-term
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Short-term
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Floodplain Administrator;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BE 1.A: Audit and amend the Development Code
DC) to reduce barriers to incremental and small-
scale commercial redevelopment in order to
maximize infill and redevelopment of sites.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.B: Consider strategies for incentivizing infill
and redevelopment of existing buildings.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.C: Explore potential impact fees for new
development to offset the costs of increased
demand for public services such as water, sewer,
stormwater management, recreation, social
services, and public safety.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.D: Work with Larimer County to develop
corridor or small area plans for strategic areas
as identified on the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development;
Larimer County Planning
Department
Short-term
BE 1.E: Work with Larimer County to identify
future planning areas that present an
opportunity for infill or redevelopment. Future
planning efforts for these areas will further
inform and update the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Planning
Department
Short-term
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Planning
Department
Short-term
87ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy and criteria
for new annexations such as: conformance
to the Future Land Use Map; ability to
accommodate 20-year growth projections;
urban-level densities and intensities; multi-
modal connectivity; water, sewer, and urban
fire service; urban road standards; building
performance standards for hazard resiliency,
water conservation, and energy efficiency; and
conservation standards for wildlife habitat and
corridors.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 2.A: Audit the Preferred Planting List to
prioritize native, fire-resistant, climate-adaptive,
and pollinator species.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map during development review to
evaluate potential impacts to wildlife habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; Property
Owners; Developers
Ongoing
BE 3.A: Amend its development code for
consistency with the Estes Forward Future Land
Use Framework and Map, including zoning
regulations.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 3.B: Support the adaptive reuse, renovation,
or redevelopment of aging centers or
commercial uses that are no longer viable due to
changing market conditions, demographics, or
retail trends into areas that support mixed use
and attainable housing opportunities.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
88 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 3.C: Encourage the provision of workforce-
serving amenities in non-residential areas, such
as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas,
fitness facilities, daycare centers, and bicycle
storage.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.D: Continue implementation of the
Estes Park Downtown Plan by integrating the
recommendations for each Character Area into
land use policy and the Land Development Code.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.E: Promote clean, creative, and
environmentally responsible industrial,
warehouse, or large-scale commercial uses
within the designated Industrial Mix areas on the
Future Land Use Map.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing
development through strategies such as
streamlined permitting, reduced application and
tap fees, density bonuses, and building height
bonuses.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.G: As opportunity presents, collaborate
with property owners to upgrade, beautify, and
revitalize existing strip commercial areas and
aging shopping centers and focus on street
improvements and amenities during utility
and transportation improvement projects that
improve curb appeal and walkability.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department and Property
Owners
Ongoing
BE 3.H: Consider design standards for
commercial development in downtown,
highway corridors, and gateways to Estes
Park. Consideration should be given to design
guidelines that achieve historic preservation
objectives and that do not preclude or restrict
beneficial and high-quality attainable housing
projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 3.I: Encourage redeveloping commercial
centers to create a vibrant public realm though
gathering spaces, placemaking features, and
focal elements such as outdoor dining and
public art.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Annual
89ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the
visibility and accessibility of arts and culture as
a means of diversifying resident engagement
and participation.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short and
Mid-term
BE 4.B: Utilize the Development Code and
Building Code to incentivize or require
performance standards for energy-efficient
residential and non-residential construction
as recommended in the 2022 Estes Park
Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short and
Mid-term
BE 4.C: Amend land and building development
codes to incentivize or require new residential
developments to construct homes and buildings
with electric vehicle-ready conduit and wiring
for at-home charging.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between
the Planning Division and Public Works
Departments during the Town’s Capital
Improvement Plan process to ensure
coordination of infrastructure improvements and
alignment with the goals of the Comprehensive
Plan and forthcoming Bike and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department
Annual
ECONOMY
E2A: Encourage and support the renovation and/
or redevelopment of existing outdated facilities
that have strong linkages to transit and nearby
retail and services.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Property
Owners
Ongoing
E2B: Undertake strategic initiatives to attract
public and private investment in well-located
properties that are currently vacant and/or
underutilized.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Property
Owners
Short-term
90 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
E2C: Maintain flexible development standards
to accommodate a wide range of commercial
space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of
older properties.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
E2D: Strategize with Economic Development
Corp. (EDC) and local stakeholders to develop
options for working with property owners
to facilitate development of vacant and
underutilized properties to achieve the highest
and best use.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; EDC;
Property Owners
Ongoing
E2E: Encourage economic development that
generates diverse tax base revenue that can
resist downturns in any one economic sector
and is based on broader regional and national/
global trends.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; EDC
Ongoing
E2F: Consider partnerships with community
colleges or technical schools to support
workforce development.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; EDC
Mid-term
E3.A: Focus on new winter downtown events
and partner with local organizations to increase
activities and events year-round.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; EDC; Visit
Estes Park
Mid-term
HOUSING
H1.A: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, monitor community housing
need and create a regular housing supply plan to
strategically address the areas of greatest need.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department with EPHA
Annual
H1.B: Ensure affordability restrictions to support
the workforce.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H1.C: In coordination with the County and Estes
Park Housing Authority, explore a program to
support tenants and landlords in understanding
their rights and responsibilities.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
Legal, County, and EPHA
Mid-term
H1.D: Explore tenant protections.Regulatory Reform Town Administrator Long-term
H1.E: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, create a program to fund
livability upgrades in exchange for affordability
guarantees.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Town Administrator with
EPHA
Short-term
H1.F Continue limit to short-term rental of
residential units, within the limits of the Town’s
authority, and consider reducing the number of
short-term rentals to encourage more long-term
rental units for housing.
Regulatory Reform Town Administrator;
Town Clerk; Community
Development Department
Mid-term
91ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
H1.G: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, review the application
process for publicly-supported housing to
prioritize critical service providers.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Administrator with
EPHA
Mid-term
H1.H: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, maintain a list of best
design practices that reduce life cycle costs and
impacts and model use of the practices in public
housing projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department with EPHA
Mid-term
H1.I: Explore development code requirements
that support multigenerational neighborhoods
and aging in place.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
H1.J: Explore opportunities to allow for safe
seasonal housing.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens,
and other livability investments that support
denser family living while also protecting people
and structures from wildfire risks.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.A: Identify locations for housing
opportunities in the Town of Estes where
children have safe routes to schools and workers
can walk or ride transit to work.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.F Invest in infrastructure in areas where
housing opportunities are desired in order to
catalyze development or redevelopment.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department
with Community
Development Department
Long-term
H2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department with Legal
Mid-term
92 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
H2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department with Legal
Mid-term
H2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Long-term
H2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
H3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales tax,
or a property tax increase.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Administrator Ongoing
H3.B: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, identify appropriate land
for public housing development or partnership,
make land interests known and stay up to date
or ahead of opportunities.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Administrator with
Community Development
Department and EPHA
Ongoing
H3.C: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore down payment
assistance, “cash buyer” assistance, reverse
mortgage, etc. programs to help the workforce
get into existing housing in exchange for a deed
restriction that preserves affordability.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Ongoing
H3.D In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore a purchase-restrict-
resale program for preserving the affordability
of existing housing.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Short-term
H3.E: Facilitate a workforce housing cooperative
or community housing trust that would allow
smaller employers and the broader community
to provide housing.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Long-term
H3.F: Explore tools to subsidize affordable rental
of existing units and the creation of workforce
units by employers.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Long-term
H3.G: Stay up to date on the tools that are
successful in other communities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
93ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HEALTH & SOCIAL
HS 1.A: Use emerging and existing racial and
health equity tools and resources, review all
relevant Town programs and policies to ensure
the promotion of equal access and opportunity
and determine functionality and benefits to the
community before implementing new strategies.
Transparently engage the community in the
dialogue and analysis throughout the process.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Ongoing
HS 1.B: Utilize homeowner associations,
community groups, and business groups as
sources of individual volunteers for important
appointed positions on Town commissions,
boards, and task forces, and actively recruit
underrepresented people to positions of
leadership.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; HOAs,
Community Groups
Ongoing
HS 1.C: Formally incorporate a Health in
All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-
making, especially as it relates to housing,
transportation, and development. Collaborate
with the County Health Department to establish
metrics and indicators that track legitimate
data and share the analysis with the community
regularly.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Health Department
Mid-term
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator
Ongoing
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities. Prioritize expanded outreach
efforts to low income and minority communities,
and other segments of the community that have
been traditionally under-represented.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Public
Information Office
Mid-term
94 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Public
Information Office
Mid-term
HS 2.A: Create a Parks Master Plan.Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.B: Increase park dedication in development
standards and/or use of local sales tax to
acquire and build new parks.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.D: Explore budget opportunities to
determine fiscally responsible ways to increase
resources that support behavioral health and
well-being.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Long-term
HS 3.A: Consider an official Diverse Community
Committee that will help to achieve the vision
of a community that recognizes diversity and
celebrates it. The Committee shall reflect the
composition of the community by age, gender,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator
Short-term
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Larimer County and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
Programs & Services LETA; Public Information
Office
Short-term
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; EPHA
Mid-term
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Larimer County
to pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Larimer County; Childcare
providers; School District
Mid-term
95ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HS 4.C: Continue participation in Larimer
County’s Childcare Capacity Team.
Programs & Services Larimer County’s
Childcare Capacity Team
Ongoing
HS 4.D: Formalize and fund Safe Routes to
School initiatives.
Programs &
Services; Capital
Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 4.E: Work with local businesses to expand
the use of internships and apprenticeships for
high school students.
Programs & Services Local Businesses; High
School
Mid-term
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
T 1.A: Develop a Multimodal Transportation
Plan to assess and plan for multimodal
improvements.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 1.B: Develop a Streets Master Plan to prioritize
key streets and connections by mode (e.g.,
vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian priority street) and
to identify and prioritize studies of subareas and
key transportation corridors with specialized
needs (e.g., Downtown, Hwy 7, Agriculture Areas,
North End, Tahosa Valley, Fall River, Carriage
Hills, and Stanley Park were suggested). Expand
beyond Downtown area (Downtown Plan).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 1.C: Design and construct transportation
facilities that serve people without
discrimination and consider those
disproportionately affected by access to a
personal vehicle or systemic transportation
inequities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 1.D: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities Ongoing
T 1.H: Use quantitative technology platforms
for technical analysis, to always be paired with
qualitative input from community members.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
96 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 1.I: Monitor the development of new and
emerging transportation technologies – such
as autonomous vehicles – to enable the Town
to prepare for their incorporation into the
transportation system if safe, appropriate,
and desired.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 2.A: Explore bike share program feasibility, to
include electric-assist bikes.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
T 2.B: Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities
and amenities in new developments.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 2.C: Seek opportunities to eliminate walking
and bicycling network gaps across barriers to
mobility, including Big Thompson Avenue, North
and South St. Vrain Avenue, Elkhorn Avenue,
and Highway 36.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 2.D: Seek opportunities to implement
public projects and work with employers and
stakeholders to provide secure bicycle parking
and end-of-trip support facilities (e.g., publicly
accessible lockers and changing rooms) at
centers of civic, retail, recreation, education,
and work activity.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department;
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 2.E: Review municipal street improvement
standards to see if there are ways to decrease
high stress walking and bicycling environments
and increase walking enjoyment and safety,
particularly with regard to increased sidewalk
width, landscape buffers between sidewalks,
streets and pedestrian lighting, and other
amenities.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Mid-term
T 2.F: Evaluate planned street improvement
projects for feasibility of including the addition
or upgrade of sidewalks.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Ongoing
T 3.B: Identify and study corridors, routes, and
vehicle fleet needs for future expansion of Estes
Transit.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Mid-term
T 3.C: Invest in bicycle-carry infrastructure on
transit vehicles.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Ongoing
97ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 4.A: Investigate and implement improvement
projects that will enhance traffic operations but
not compromise pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit
rider safety and accessibility, on streets where
substandard service levels are anticipated.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 4.B: Provide training in complete streets
principles, planning, and design to Town staff
in Public Works, Planning, Police, the Fire
District and other departments or agencies (as
appropriate) to help ensure consistency in the
interpretation of Town policies and the routine
incorporation of appropriate infrastructure
designs to achieve multimodal access, safety
for all users, and other Estes Park goals.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Annual
T 5.A: Develop guidelines for the inclusion
of green infrastructure in the design of
transportation improvements.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Mid-term
T 5.B: Prioritize electric-powered vehicles in
transit and staff fleet expansion.
Supporting
Plans & Policies;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Ongoing
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Short-term
T 5.D: Design sidewalks and pedestrian
pathways using environmental design best
practices principles or other techniques to
provide safe and comfortable facilities for
pedestrians at all times of day and night.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 5.E: Develop requirements for new commercial
and multifamily residential development to
provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure
to align with new legislation requiring updated
energy guidelines.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Utilities
Short-term
98 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Ongoing
T 6.C: Annually update the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) to construct and/or update
circulation facilities and assess viability of older
projects in context with new considerations and
policies.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Annual
T 6.D: Measure and track progress and evaluate
success of implementation of Transportation
and Infrastructure Chapter actions using a set of
performance measures.
Programs & Services Public Works Department Annual
T 6.E: Use funds from the Public Works’ Streets
budget for bicycle and pedestrian projects as
appropriate.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Annual
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
Programs & Services Public Works Department Ongoing
T 6.G: Evaluate the development of impact fees
to provide revenues to be used to construct
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that will
support new development.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Short-term
I 1.A: Utilize the Sustainable Energy
recommendations from the 2022 Environmental
Sustainability Task Force Report.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Community Development
Department; Estes Park
Sustainability Task Force;
Larimer County Climate
and Sustainability Office
Short-term
I 1.B: Continue to update and revise public safety
power shutoff criteria and decision-making for
wind events to reduce wildfire risk.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Utilities; Platte River
Power Authority
Short-term
I 1.C: Continue maintenance, reconstruction, and
burial of overhead power lines to reduce wildfire
risk.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities; Platte River
Power Authority
Mid-term
I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as
gray water for irrigation, homeowner low-flow
upgrade programs and updating landscaping
standards to reduce demand.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Utilities; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
I 2.B: Consider customer billing that encourages
less use of water (rather than a set charge for up
to a certain amount of water consumption per
month).
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Utilities Mid-term
99ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Table 2. Larimer County Actions
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Short-term
NE 1.E: Maintain current code lighting
requirements for dark skies.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
NE 1.F: Encourage continued ranching and
agriculture along with open space conservation
in this area and retain rural residential zoning.
Regulatory Reform;
Partnerships &
Agreements
Planning Department;
Property Owners; Non-
Profit Partners
Ongoing
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Property Owners
Mid-term
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; County
Planning Department
Mid-term
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by requiring
wildlife-friendly fencing on all new development,
reviewing setback requirements from key
habitat areas/wildlife movement corridors,
encouraging removal of legacy barbed wire
fencing, seeking grant funding, and developing
an incentive program.
Regulatory
Reform; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Planning Department;
CPW; Non-Profit Partners;
Property Owners
Mid-term
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment including map of wildlife corridors
and sensitive habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department;
County Administrator;
CPW; Non-Profit Partners
Short-term
NE 4 E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department; Fire
District
Mid-term
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs
Services; Capital
Projects
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
100 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
NE 4.H: Continue to evaluate and make changes
to Land Use and Building Code standards to
align with CPAW recommendations and other
best practices.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department; Fire
District
Mid-term
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
Programs & Services Office of Emergency
Management
Mid-term
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Short-term
NE 5. D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Floodplain Administrator;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
NE 5.E: Maintain strong floodplain regulations
for the Estes Valley unincorporated area.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Mid-term
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BE 1.D: Work with Estes Park to develop corridor
or small area plans for strategic areas as
identified on the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.E: Work with Estes Park to identify future
planning areas that present an opportunity for
infill or redevelopment. Future planning efforts
for these areas will further inform and update
the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy and criteria
for new annexations such as: conformance
to the Future Land Use Map; ability to
accommodate 20-year growth projections;
urban-level densities and intensities; multi-
modal connectivity; water, sewer, and urban
fire service; urban road standards; building
performance standards for hazard resiliency,
water conservation, and energy efficiency; and
conservation standards for wildlife habitat and
corridors.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
101ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 1.H: Allow conservation developments, where
appropriate, that preserve open space over
traditional large-lot subdivisions.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map during development review to
evaluate potential impacts to wildlife habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Planning Department;
Private Property Owners
Ongoing
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Annual
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 3.L: Retain the existing County zoning and
Land Use code for the unincorporated area
of the Estes Valley, except where specific
standards are identified for clarification or
coordination with the Town.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Mid-term
102 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HOUSING
H 1.F: Continue limit to short-term rental
of residential units, within the limits of the
County’s Authority, and consider reducing the
number of short-term rentals to encourage more
long-term rental units for housing.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Planning Department;
EPHA
Short-term
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Mid-term
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Mid-term
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development;
County Attorney; Town
Attorney
Mid-term
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development;
County Attorney; Town
Attorney
Mid-term
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Long-term
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.K: Consider property tax relief in exchange
for workforce housing provision (e.g. Loveland
Fire approach).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager Mid-term
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales tax,
or a property tax increase.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager Long-term
103ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HEALTH & SOCIAL
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager; Larimer
County Department of
Health and Environment
Ongoing
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities. Prioritize expanded outreach
efforts to low income and minority communities,
and other segments of the community that have
been traditionally under-represented.
Programs & Services Public Information Office Mid-term
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
Programs & Services Public Information Office Mid-term
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Road and Bridge
Department
Mid-term
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Estes Park and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
Programs & Services LETA Short-term
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Department of
Human Services
Mid-term
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Estes Park to
pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners; Town
of Estes Park; Childcare
providers; School District
Mid-term
104 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
T 1.E: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments in
appropriate dedicated service areas.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Development Review;
Transportation Planning
Ongoing
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
Programs & Services Larimer County Road
Bridge Department;
Town of Estes Park Public
Works
Short-term
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
Capital Project Larimer County
Engineering; Larimer
Broadband
Ongoing
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
Programs & Services Larimer County
Engineering; Human
Services
Ongoing
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Board of County
Commissioners
Short-term
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County
Engineering; Larimer
Broadband
Short-term
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Board of County
Commissioners;
Engineering
Annual
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
Programs & Services Larimer County
Engineering; Road
Bridge; Planning
Department
Ongoing
I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and
evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water
conservation.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Estes Park Utilities;
Community Development
Mid-term
105ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | DECEMBER 2022