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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Park Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee 2022-09-08ESTES FORWARD 1 AGENDA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CompPAC) TOWN OF ESTES PARK Thursday, September 8, 2022 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Town Hall Rooms 202-203 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from July 28, 2022 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (Please state your name and address). 4. DRAFT DOCUMENT REVIEW Director Garner 5. DISCUSSION: Upcoming schedule Director Garner 6. ADJOURN The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Town’s YouTube Channel and recorded and posted to YouTube and www.estes.org/videos within 48 hours. The Town of Estes Park will make reasonable accommodations for access to Town services, programs, and activities and special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 577-4777. TDD available. Prepared September 1, 2022 2 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, July 28, 2022 Minutes of a JOINT Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee meeting of the Town of Estes Park. Meeting held Virtually in said Town of Estes Park on July 28, 2022. Committee: Chair Matthew Heiser, Vice-Chair Bob Leavitt, Members David Bangs, Charles Cooper, Eric Blackhurst, John Schnipkoweit, Frank Theis, Karen Thompson, Rose Truman, David Wolf, David Shirk, Matt Comstock Also Attending: Community Development Director Jessica Garner, Trustee Barbara McAlpine, Larimer County Community Development Director Lesli Ellis, Commissioner Shadduck-McNally, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund Absent: Members Comstock, Bangs, Thompson, Shirk, Wolf Chair Heiser started the meeting at 9:00 a.m. Members Schnipkowiet and Truman joined the meeting late. The meeting was officially called to order at 9:40 a.m. Director Garner informed the group that David Bangs had submitted his resignation from the CompPAC. Due to the timeline of the process, he will not be replaced. Volunteers are needed for the Community Meeting on August 3 for note-takers and facilitators. PUBLIC COMMENT. None DISCUSSION: (for full comments, view the meeting recording at engageestes.org) Continued discussion focusing on Future Land Use and Built Environment. Public comments have been received and will be thoroughly reviewed by both Directors and Logan Simpson. Director Ellis noted that the Estes Valley PAC met and discussed the future land use in the county. Chair Heiser asked for notes/and or minutes from these meetings for the CompPAC to review. Annexation discussion will take place after the CompPlan is adopted, but a careful review is necessary now for future regulatory processes. Director Garner explained that the Highway 7 corridor, and other corridors, might need a specific “corridor plan”. A recommendation in the Comp Plan is the correct way to go about this. Director Ellis stated that Larimer County does not have an interest in Industrial zones. Chair Heiser asked if there is a regulation on percentages for zoning due to the need for industrial areas. Member Theis suggested that the Village Neighborhoods need a closer look, as many don’t make sense on the future land use map. It was stressed that Future Land Use Map does NOT affect zoning; it is updating the guiding principles. Theis suggested putting wording on the map to address this. Comments can be sent to Directors Garner and Ellis through the end of July. dra f t 3 CompPAC – July 28 – Page 2 Questions asked at the July 14 meeting: 1. Do any of the Land Use Categories need to be reworked or redefined? 2. How do you feel about the Draft Future Land Use Map? 3. Are there any major concerns with the direction of the Built Environment goals and policies? APPROVAL OF MINUTES from July 14, 2022 The minutes were approved by a thumbs-up vote. OTHER: The next CompPac meeting is scheduled for August 11. The consultants will have a new draft in mid-August that will be disseminated to the public. There being no further business, Chair Heiser adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m. Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary dra f t 4 ESTES FORWARD DRAFT PLAN CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 1 V2: September 2, 2022 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TOWN OF ESTES PARK Town Board of Trustees Wendy Koenig, Mayor Patrick Martchink, Mayor Pro Tem Carlie Bangs (Former Trustee) Marie Cenac Kirby Hazelton Barbara MacAlpine Scott Webermeier Cindy Younglund Town Planning Commission Matt Comstock Joe Elkins Howard Hanson Matt Heiser Janene Centurione Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CompPAC) David Bangs Eric Blackhurst Matt Comstock Charles Cooper Mike Kennedy Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair Kirby Hazelton (Former Member) Matthew Heiser, Chair Barbara MacAlpine, Town Board liaison John Schnipkoweit David Shirk Frank Theis Karen Thompson Rose Truman David Wolf 5 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 2 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 1 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 Gary Green Anne Johnson, Vice Chair Patrick Rowe Jon Slutsky Nancy Wallace, Secretary Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee (EVPAC) David Converse Olivia Harper Michael Kennedy Linda Moak Rex Poggenpohl 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. CONSULTANT Logan Simpson FHU Michael Baker OP Strategies 6 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND PLAN DIRECTION What is this Plan and who is it for? Focus of this Plan Vision and Guiding Principles Plan Organization Planning Process CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK Interpreting the Goals and Policies Natural Environment Built Environment Economy Housing Health & Social Transportation & Infrastructure CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE Introduction Future Land Use Categories Future Land Use Map Opportunity Areas Annexation and Future Town Service Areas CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION Applying the Plan Compliance with Comprehensive Plan Plan Management Implementation Plan APPENDICES A. Glossary of Terms B. Existing Conditions Snapshots C. Public Engagement Summaries 7 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 4 CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION AND PLAN DIRECTION WHAT IS THIS PLAN AND WHO IS IT FOR? 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. 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 differ 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 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. 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, 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. 8 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 5 • Inform residents, developers, decision-makers, and other local partners of the policies that will guide development and conservation within the Valley. 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 6,510, with a total Estes Valley population at approximately 10,000 that swells to XX,XXX during 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 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. 9 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 6 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 remains 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. FOCUS OF THIS PLAN IMPORTANCE OF RESILIENCY While the Estes Valley is rich in natural, cultural, and economic resources, it is also susceptible to numerous hazards that can threaten those resources. Some, like fires and floods, are periodic “shocks” 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 event (shock) occurs. Knowledge and awareness of these risks and vulnerabilities not only help with response and recovery times following disaster, but perhaps more importantly, helps with proactively planning for and building local resilience 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 again the threat of another record-breaking fire 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 of damages. Disasters like these will continue to occur and may increase in intensity, duration, and frequency because of climate change and globalization. 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. Resilience | rə’zilyəns | noun The capacity to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from a disruptive experience. 10 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 7 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. 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. 11 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 8 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. GUIDING PRINCIPLES • 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. 12 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 9 PLAN ORGANIZATION Estes Forward is organized into four chapters, with a series of supporting appendices. 13 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 10 PLANNING PROCESS 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 1997, 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 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 1997 and several important master plans and studies have been developed to help understand new priorities and values of the current Estes community. • Estes Town Strategic Plan (updated annually) • 2020 Estes Valley Open Space Plan • 2020 Estes Valley Safe & Strong Resiliency Plan • 2019 Larimer County Comprehensive Plan • 2018 Estes Park Downtown Plan • 2016 Downtown Parking Management Plan • 2016 Estes Park Area Housing Needs Assessment • 2015 Estes Valley Economic Development Strategy • 2015 Comprehensive Water Master Plan • 2012 Water Conservation Plan • 2008 Estes Valley Habitat Assessment 14 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 11 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 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 outreach 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 Planning 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. 15 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 12 Visioning Community visioning took place from July 2021 through January 2022 and included of a robust series of events that engaged 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. 16 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 13 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. The purpose of these conversations was to confirm the Vision and Guiding Principles and identify community-supported strategies and direction. Feedback was then translated into draft goals, policies, and implementation actions. Key themes that emerged from this phase of engagement included: adaptability to natural hazards; the need for thoughtful development solutions to housing and climate change; an economy that balances resident and visitor needs; expanded infrastructure for active transportation and; inclusivity of historically underrepresented communities within the Estes Valley. Public Workshop (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 stakeholder 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. 17 Estes Forward Chapter 1 // Page 14 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. Draft Plan Review This 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. 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. On August 3rd, 2022, the Town partnered with the local Community Conversations team to host a public event at the Middle 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 resilience, 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. [Include overview of additional public meetings in October] 18 ESTES FORWARD DRAFT PLAN CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK V2: September 2, 2022 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 1 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 resilience to mitigate future health, economic, and environmental impacts from natural and economic disasters. 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. 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. Goals •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. Policies •An action, procedure, implementation technique, or specific program to be undertaken to help achieve a specified goal or to implement an adopted policy. Actions 19 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 2 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. Town only policies are colored dark blue, County only policies are colored teal green, and policies that apply to both jurisdictions are gray. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT GOAL NE1: Maintain Estes Valley’s scenic character and viewsheds into and within the Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park. NE 1.1: The Town and County encourage the protection and enhancement of key community gateway views. 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. NE 1.3: The County encourages development to blend in and conserve the natural environment along Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Actions to support Goal NE 1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 along with open space conservation in these gateways and retain rural residential zoning. 20 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 3 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. 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. NE 2.2: The Town and County protect healthy watersheds by minimizing development impacts within riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains. 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. NE 2.4: The Town and County encourage cluster residential development to protect wildlife habitat and movement. Actions to support Goal NE 2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 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 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 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. GOAL NE3: Protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems. 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. NE 3.2: The Town and County encourage the conservation and protection of connected wildlife habitats. 21 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 4 NE 3.3: The Town and County plan trails that reduce impacts on wildlife habitat and species preservation. NE 3.4: The Town and County limit development in wildlife conservation priority areas as identified in the Estes Valley Open Space Plan. 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. Actions to support Goal NE3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 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. 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. NE 4.1: The Town and County maintain building code standards to require fire hardened and resistant materials in new development and substantial improvements. 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. 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. 22 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 5 Actions to support Goal NE 4. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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. GOAL NE5: Mitigate flood risk through multifunctional infrastructure and recreation improvements. 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. NE 5.2: The Town pursues grants to purchase high-risk properties and create public spaces that mitigate flood risk. NE 5.3: The Town incorporates data and recommendations from the Town of Estes Park Stormwater Master Plan and ensure consistency in actions between planning efforts. 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. 23 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 6 Actions to support Goal NE 5. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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: Maintains strong floodplain regulations for the Estes Valley unincorporated area. 24 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 7 BUILT 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. BE 1.1: The Town and County prioritize redevelopment and infill in areas with existing transportation networks and available water/sewer infrastructure. BE 1.2: The Town and County work together, in specified locations of shared impact, to facilitate coordinated land use and development decisions in consideration of transportation, infrastructure, and service capacity. BE 1.3: The Town, not the County, provides the full range of services necessary to support a quality urban environment. To that end, the Town and County coordinate land use and development decisions within the capacity of public services such as water, sewer, stormwater management, recreation, social services, public safety, and the transportation network. 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. Actions to support Goal BE1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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. • 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, 25 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 8 sewer, and urban fire service; urban road standards; building performance standards for hazard resilience, water conservation, and energy efficiency; and conservation standards for wildlife habitat and corridors. 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. • 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 resilience, 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. BE 2.1: The Town and County require development to preserve water quality, ecological systems, and the natural features through sensitive site design and minimal disturbance. BE 2.2: The Town and County support preservation and ceremonial utilization of indigenous cultural landscapes. Actions to support Goal BE2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 26 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 9 • 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. GOAL BE3: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that meet the diverse needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. 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. BE 3.2: The Town and County provide appropriate transition between varying intensity of uses and scales of development. 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. 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. Actions to support Goal BE3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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, 27 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 10 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. • 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. 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. 28 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 11 • 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. GOAL BE4: Respond to the impacts of climate change through adaptation and mitigation techniques in the built environment. BE 4.1: The Town and County encourage energy efficiency of buildings and structures. 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 the Natural Environment for additional policies related to climate change and climate action). Actions to support Goal BE4. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. The Town’s recommended actions include: • BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the 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 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV) solar and or small-scale wind generators. GOAL BE 5: Coordinate and integrate land use and transportation objectives. 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. 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. BE 5.3: The Town supports conveniently located neighborhood-serving commercial centers that provide desired services to local neighborhoods workers and visitors, 29 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 12 reduce automobile dependency, and contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhoods. 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. Actions to support Goal BE5. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. The Town’s recommended actions include: • BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between the Planning 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. GOAL BE6: Promote the continued evolution of Estes Park’s job-generating commercial land uses to support existing and future businesses. 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. 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. 30 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 13 ECONOMY GOAL E1: Maintain a balance between the needs of local residents, visitors, and protecting the natural environment. E 1.1: The Town supports diverse economic development and local businesses that can employ residents and serve customers year-round. 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. 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. GOAL E2: Cultivate a strong, stable, and diverse local economy. E 2.1: The Town encourages increased community workforce preparedness and cultivates an environment to foster entrepreneurial innovation, small business growth, and workforce diversity. E 2.2: The Town supports increasing attainable housing options and living wage jobs to support economic growth and stability of the community. 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. E 2.4: 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. Actions to support Goal E2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 31 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 14 • 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. GOAL E3: Welcome and accommodate visitors. 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. E 3.2: The Town builds on sustainable outdoor recreation, specifically shoulder and winter seasons, for year-round appeal. Actions to support Goal E3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 32 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 15 HOUSING GOAL H1: Ensure new housing meets the needs of the workforce and families. H 1.1: The Town and County encourage stable, long-term rental opportunities. H 1.2: The Town enables opportunities that give the workforce and families a path to homeownership. H 1.3: The Town prioritizes critical service providers in publicly-supported housing. H 1.4: The Town pursues sustainable design that reduces life cycle maintenance costs and environmental impact. H 1.5: The Town and County encourage designs for multigenerational living, aging in place, and safe seasonal housing. Actions to support Goal H1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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 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. The County’s recommended actions include: • H 1.E: Continue limit to short-term rental of residential units and consider reducing the number of short-term rentals to encourage more long-term rental units for housing. 33 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 16 GOAL H2: Create new housing opportunities. H 2.1: The Town and County locate new housing opportunities consistent with the Future Land Use Map. 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. H 2.3: The Town uses development bonuses and other tools to incentivize deed- restricted affordable workforce housing. H 2.4: The Town considers requiring that development include deed-restricted affordable workforce housing or pay a fee. Actions to support Goal H2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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. 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. • H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost and maintain future infill potential. 34 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 17 • 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). Goal H3: Invest in housing. H 3.1: The Town maintains a dedicated housing fund. H 3.2: The Town pursues deed restrictions to preserve the affordability of existing workforce housing. H 3.3: The Town purchases land to develop or partner with a developer to create housing. Actions to support Goal H3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 (e.g. Breckenridge program). • 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. 35 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 18 HEALTH & SOCIAL GOAL HS1: Promote a comprehensive and diverse approach to community health and wellness. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 resilience and self-sufficiency. Actions to support Goal HS1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 36 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 19 • 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 mediums 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 mediums, 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. 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 mediums 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 mediums, 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. GOAL HS2: Support mental and physical health. HS 2.1: The Town facilitates the expansion of healthcare and improved social services, including availability, affordability, and access to medical services in Estes Park. HS 2.2: The Town and County recognize that not-for-profit health care providers, clinics, and permanent supportive housing provide a valuable resource and appropriate medical care for the community, including vulnerable populations. 37 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 20 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 mental health. HS 2.4: The Town and County foster partnerships and collaborate with community groups and other public agencies to implement public health programs. HS 2.5: The Town and County recognize that emotional health and well-being is an integral component to personal and community health. HS 2.6: The Town ensures the equitable creation and distribution of Town recreation facilities, including smaller neighborhood parks, passive greenspace, and playgrounds. (Also see Natural Resources goals and policies.) 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 Resources goals and policies.) HS 2.8: The Town and County support local community events, services, and programs for seniors, youth, families, and the ESL and Spanish-speaking community. 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) Actions to support Goal HS2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 mental health and well-being. • HS 2.E: Track and monitor local health outcomes to ensure health equity and community wellness. The County’s recommended actions include: • HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to existing parks. • HS 2.E: Track and monitor local health outcomes to ensure health equity and community wellness. 38 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 21 GOAL HS3: Foster an environment that respects and bolsters the cultural diversity and inclusivity of the Estes Valley. HS 3.1: The Town partners and collaborates with schools, afterschool programs, and local non-profit organizations to create inclusive programs, events, and educational opportunities that celebrate and engage everyone in cross-cultural sharing. HS 3.2: The Town recognizes the importance of good communication with and among its residents, and gives priority to sharing information that is precise, timely, and in a format that is accessible to everyone. HS 3.3: The Town supports the principle that a diverse community is one of the most important factors in creating a better future for everybody, taking advantage of the wealth of contributions that a diverse community provides. HS 3.4: The Town encourages, promotes, and supports events that celebrate holidays unique to the different groups of residents, presentation of cultural events planned by various groups, and all other opportunities for interaction among members of the community. Actions to support Goal HS3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. GOAL HS4: Support services, programs, and infrastructure for children and youth to learn and thrive in the Estes Valley. HS 4.1: The Town and County work with community partners to grow infant and toddler childcare capacity in the Estes Valley. HS 4.2: The Town and County coordinate growth expectations and infrastructure needs with local school and service districts for future facility needs. 39 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 22 HS 4.3: The Town supports and coordinates with the School District to provide high- quality education, programs, and care for students of all backgrounds. Actions to support Goal HS4. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 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. 40 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 23 TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE GOAL T1: Integrate multimodal transportation options to safely connect people and destinations throughout Estes Park and the Estes Valley. 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 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) T 1.3: The Town and County establish transportation connections between travel modes that are accessible, efficient, and clearly identified. T 1.4: The Town works with partners to contribute to a robust transportation network with multimodal connectivity between existing and planned activity centers. T 1.5: The Town and County improve the overall mobility of people, regardless of mode through transportation projects and investments. 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. T 1.7: The Town and County coordinate with State, County, and regional partners to plan, phase, and secure funding for transportation investments. 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. T 1.9: The Town and County explore and evaluate emerging innovative technologies to identify appropriateness and feasibility for mobility improvements Actions to support Goal T1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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, 41 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 24 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 serves people without discrimination and considers 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). • 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 and appropriate. 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. 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. 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 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 and abilities T 2.3: The Town prioritizes bicycle and pedestrian circulation. (Downtown Plan) 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. 42 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 25 T 2.5: The Town enhances safety elements at bike and pedestrian crossings, especially downtown and other key intersections. 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 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). Actions to support Goal T2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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. GOAL T3: Support the development and maintenance of the public transit system to provide mobility options. T3.1: The Town ensures transit service frequency and times serve residents year- round. T3.2: The Town connects residents to key community services, activity centers, and trailheads by transit. T3.3: The Town ensures that transit-supportive infrastructure is adequately maintained to provide high-quality facilities for users. Actions to support Goal T3. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 43 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 26 • 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. GOAL T4: Strengthen partnerships to provide a regional mobility network. T 4.1: The Town and County evaluate the roadway network for redundancy and alternative access routes to improve circulation and reduce congestion. T 4.2: The Town and County evaluate the roadway network in terms of emergency access/egress and evacuation routes. T 4.3: The Town manages parking with free and paid options to strategically balance supply and demand. 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) T 4.5: The Town and County incorporate advanced technologies with proven track records of improving traffic flow. T 4.6: The Town and County coordinate local and regional mobility with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and front range communities such as Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins. 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. 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 to support Goal T4. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. 44 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 27 GOAL T5: Build a transportation system that is a recognized model of resiliency and economic, environmental, and social sustainability. T 5.1: The Town incorporates transportation-related design elements, such as multi- use trails and trail underpasses, into floodway improvements. T 5.2: The Town includes green infrastructure in the design of transportation improvements. T 5.3: The Town encourage the development of electric vehicle charging stations and other alternative fuel infrastructure at publicly-owned locations, near businesses, and employment sites. 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 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 5.6: The Town prioritizes transportation improvements in part based on consideration of benefits to disadvantaged communities. 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 5.8: The Town uses repaving projects as an opportunity to cost-effectively implement new bicycle facilities in accordance with Town plans. 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 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. Actions to support Goal T5. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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). 45 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 28 • 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). GOAL T6: Identify strategies and funding sources to invest in transportation infrastructure. T 6.1: The Town continues to dedicate the parking system revenue to parking and transit maintenance and enhancements. T 6.2: The Town and County prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure while determining opportunities to expand multi-modal options and prioritize safety improvements. T 6.3: The Town and County coordinate regional transportation investments and partners when appropriate. T 6.4: The Town proactively position itself to be competitive in pursuing grant funding for planning, design, and construction of transportation improvements. T 6.5: The Town consider developing additional local sources of funding for trails and bikeways such as special assessment districts, nonprofit corporations, and ballot initiatives. T 6.6: The Town seeks opportunities to develop public/private partnerships to provide transportation infrastructure and services. Actions to support Goal T6. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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. • 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. 46 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 29 • 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. 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. • T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning, design, and construction of transportation-related capital improvement projects. GOAL I1: Be leaders in energy conservation, renewable energy use and responsible energy delivery in the face of climate change, wildfire, and wind threats. I 1.1: The Town supports individual property and business owners to install and use renewable sources of energy. 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. I 1.3: The Town promotes existing programs and encourages new practices for energy conservation in partnership with PRPA. Actions to support Goal I1. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. 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 reconstruction of overhead power lines to reduce wildfire risk. 47 Estes Forward Chapter 2 // Page 30 GOAL I2: Invest in infrastructure for a healthy water supply and promote water conservation measures. 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. I 2.2: The Town incorporates climate change impacts into their water availability planning and update the water plan for this context. Actions to support Goal I2. More details can be found in Chapter 4: Implementation. The Town’s recommended actions include: • I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as grey 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. 48 ESTES FORWARD DRAFT PLAN CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE V2: September 2, 2022 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 1 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. It is a guide for decision-makers as they consider how proposed development can help or harm our desired future. 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 that shape 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. 49 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 2 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES The proposed Future Land Use Categories simplify the previous plan’s outdated 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 previous plan’s 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 that maintains the efficient provision of municipal services. The framework also enhances predictability for residents and developers about the desired character of each area. 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. 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 Plan, Categories, or Map. 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. 50 AA 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) » Recreation Centers » Parks and Recreation Sports Fields » Multi-Use Paths & Trails BUILT FORM » Buildings & structures (if any) support parks & recreation activities » 1 to 2 story buildings » Vehicle access to parks and trailheads » Off-street trails for bike/ped/ equestrian 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Natural Resource (Larimer Co.) » Parks, Recreation, & Open Space DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Forestry, ranching, agricultural uses » Eco and Agritourism » Single-family conservation developments » Hazard mitigation » Watershed protection BUILT FORM » 1 to 2.5 story buildings that preserve open space and viewsheds » Primary Road Setback: 100+ ft. » Vehicles are primary transportation mode » Off-street trails for bike/ped/ equestrian; road shoulders for bicycles 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Mountains & Foothills (Larimer Co.) » Rural Estate 10 Acre Min. » Rural Estate 2.5 Acre Min. DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Traditional vertical mixed- use with residential, office, institutional, commercial, entertainment » Cultural & civic uses such as museums and performing arts venues BUILT FORM » High Density » Pedestrian-oriented streets » Preservation of historic structures » Small to medium lots » 1.5 to 3 story buildings » Residential in upper stories only » Primary road setback: 0 ft. » Block length: 250 ft. » Continuous street-wall » Public water and wastewater » Multi-modal connectivity » Compact street grid 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Downtown Commercial Natural Resource Conservation & Parks Mountains & Foothills Downtown12Suburban Estate4 Neighborhood Village5 Mixed Residential Neighborhood6 8 ESTES VALLEY PROPOSED FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors9 DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Mixed-Use with residential, office, commercial, entertainment » Medium to high density accommodations such as hotels, motels, short term attached units BUILT FORM » Large lots » Near major thoroughfares » Divided parking: front, side, & rear » Pedestrian-scale architecture » 1 to 5 story buildings with residential in upper stories only » Primary road setback: 10-150 ft. » Block length: 250 – 650 ft. » Public water and wastewater » Multi-modal connectivity 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Office » Commercial » PUD Commercial » Commercial Recreation » Accommodations Industrial Mix10 DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Industrial and flex office » 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 » Large lots » 1 to 3 story buildings » Appropriate screening and setbacks from adjacent properties » Primary road setback: increases as intensity increases » Public water and wastewater » Vehicles are primary transportation mode; strive for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Light Industrial » Restricted Industrial DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Condominium developments » Town-homes » Multi-family complexes » Limited neighborhood- serving civic, cultural, and commercial uses BUILT FORM » High Density » 3 to 4 story buildings with density bonuses for workforce housing » Medium to large scale buildings & lots » Public water and wastewater » Primary road setback: 10-20 ft. » Block length: 250 ft. » Multi-modal connectivity 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Multifamily DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Medium to higher density single family » Accessory dwelling units allowed » Duplexes and triplexes » Limited neighborhood- serving civic, cultural, and commercial uses located near neighborhood entrances and primary intersections BUILT FORM » 1 to 2.5 story residential » Lots under half an acre » Accessory dwelling units » Public water and wastewater » Primary road setback: 10-30 ft. » Block length: 250 – 650 ft. » Low-speed residential streets shared by vehicles and bicycles with interconnected sidewalk system 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Residential .25 Acre Min. » Two-family » PUD Residential » Accommodations Low Density DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Single-family residential subdivisions with low to medium density » Single family homes with accessory dwelling units » Single-family conservation developments (in the County) » Limited neighborhood- serving commercial located at primary intersections (in the Town) BUILT FORM » Single family residences » Accessory dwelling units » 1 to 2.5 story buildings » .25 acre lots in conservation developments with public water and wastewater » Lots over .25 acre; septic appropriate if public wastewater is unavailable » Primary road setback: 30+ ft. » Vehicles are primary transportation mode on low-volume streets; wide shoulders for pedestrians 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Estate 1 Acre Minimum » Estate .5 Acre Min. DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Research facilities » Civic uses » Community/Recreation Centers » Schools BUILT FORM » 1 to 3 story buildings » Primary road setback: increases as intensity increases » Public water and wastewater dependent on location » Vehicles are primary transportation mode; strive for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Public/Semi-Public DEVELOPMENT TYPES » Rural lodges & resorts BUILT FORM » Large lots » 1 to 2 story buildings » Primary Road Setback: 30+ ft. » Public water and wastewater dependent on location » Vehicles are primary transportation mode on low-volume streets; wide shoulders for pedestrians 1997 FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES » Accommodations Public/Semi-public7Low-density Accommodations3 Note: 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. 51 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 4 NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION & PARKS The Natural Resource Conservation and Parks category is comprised of Rocky Mountain National Park lands, Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forest, wildlife corridors, parks and trail corridors managed by Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park, and other conserved open space or natural areas managed by conservancies or land trusts, including those under conservation easements, and other environmentally sensitive areas. 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. 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) • Recreation Centers • Parks and Recreation Sports Fields • Multi-Use Paths & Trails Built Form New buildings and structures, if any, should be constructed only to 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. • 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Natural Resource (Larimer County) • Parks, Recreation, & Open Space 52 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 5 MOUNTAINS & FOOTHILLS The Mountains & Foothills category is comprised 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Mountains & Foothills (Larimer Co.) • Rural Estate 10 Acre Min. • Rural Estate 2.5 Acre Min. 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 53 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 6 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Accommodations 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 conservation developments (in the County) • Limited neighborhood-serving commercial located at primary intersections (in the Town) 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 54 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 7 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Estate 1 Acre Min. • Estate .5 Acre Min. 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 & 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 allowed • 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 55 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 8 Previous (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Residential .25 Acre Min. • Two-family • PUD Residential • Accommodations Low-density MIXED RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD The Mixed Residential Neighborhood category contains 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 & wastewater, and walkable neighborhoods that connect to commercial nodes and other neighborhoods. Mixed residential neighborhoods include 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 or 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Multifamily 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 56 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 9 • 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: Automobile are primary transportation mode; development should strive for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to uses that are frequented by the public Previous (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Public/Semi-public DOWNTOWN The Downtown category is characterized by a dense, compact street grid, well-developed pedestrian network, and readily available water or wastewater infrastructure. This zone is predominantly comprised 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. 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 in this Character Area should reflect a compatible scale and vernacular of existing buildings on small to medium-sized lots. Building heights should be 1.5 to 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 57 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 10 • Block Length: 250 ft. • Primary Road Setback: 0 ft. • Transportation System: This category accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle, pedestrians, and transit. Previous (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Downtown Commercial 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. 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 be developed to 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Office • PUD Commercial • Commercial Recreation • Commercial 58 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 11 • Accommodations 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. This category includes existing heavy industry within the Estes Valley but supports a shift toward light and clean industrial 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 in this character area should reflect a variety of building types, typically on very large lots. Buildings should appropriately screened or setback 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 zone 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 (1997) Future Land Use Categories • Light Industrial • Restricted Industrial 59 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 12 FUTURE LAND USE MAP The Estes Forward Future Land Use Map applies the Future Land Use Categories to the Estes Valley Planning Area and Town of Estes Park jurisdiction to recommend appropriate locations for each category of land use and development character. The composition of map is informed by several factors: • The previous (1997) future land use map • 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 as a way to achieve desired future growth patterns. Consideration of site-specific development requests should include a study of the Future Land Use Map to determine whether the request is consistent with the land use and development vision articulated in this plan. However, adoption of the map 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. 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. Estes Park and the Surrounding Valley: The Town is the center of commerce, industry, and civic life. Its contiguous, compact form makes walking, cycling, transit, broadband, police, fire protection, water and sewer service both feasible and desirable. Rural areas in the surrounding valley are naturally suited to protect watersheds and ecosystems; reduce natural hazards and wildfire risk to development; and enhance nature-oriented outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities. Almost all forecasted growth should be accommodated within the existing Town limits, and future growth in the unincorporated area should be coordinated with the County through Future Town Service Areas and an Annexation Policy. 60 UV7 £¤36 ELKHO R N N. SAINT V R A I N £¤34 BIG TH O M P S O N MORA I N E S . S A I N T V R A I N Lake Estes Lily Lake Marys Lake F ALL R I V ER FI S H CREE K BLACKCANYONCREEK BI G THOMPSONRIVER Draft Future Land Use Map 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: 8/29/2022 Natural Resource Conservation & Parks Mountains & Foothills Accommodations Suburban Estate Neighborhood Village Mixed Residential Neighborhood Public/Semi Public Downtown Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors Industrial Mix Proposed Future Land Use Lake Rivers Estes Valley Planning Area Town of Estes Park 0.5 210 Miles ± Future Study Areas Entryways 61 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 14 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 kind 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. 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 Use 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. 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 defines a boundary beyond existing Town limits to indicate area(s) where higher intensity and density is acceptable over the next 20 years and to plan for municipal service provision. The area does not necessarily need to be served exclusively by 62 Estes Forward Chapter 3 // Page 15 the municipality for all services, but the designated area should be serviceable by an existing urban service provider. A Future Town Service Area establishes 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 agreed-upon Annexation Policy that specifies criteria for future development, infrastructure, and public services. If the development criteria are met, the Town would annex 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. 63 ESTES FORWARD DRAFT PLAN CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION V2: September 2, 2022 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 1 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. For long-range planning to remain proactive, the implementation plan should be considered as important as the Plan itself. 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. Planning 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. 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, 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. 64 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 2 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. PERIODIC REVIEW AND REPORTING Given the long-term nature of the Comprehensive Plan, it is critical to periodically evaluate its effectiveness and to document the implementation status of the various policies and actions that it contains. As necessary, reports should be made to the Town Planning Commission and/or County Planning Commission. 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 Planning Department 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. 65 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 3 Table 1. Town of Estes Park Actions 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. 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. NE 2.A: Increase river, stream, and wetlands setbacks or buffers. NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations in Downtown 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 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. 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 including map of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat. 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 66 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 4 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing Spanish and provide community education on available resources in Spanish and English. 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 Colorado 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. 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. 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. 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: Work with Larimer County to develop corridor or small area plans for strategic areas as identified on the Future Land Use Map. 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. BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service Area Boundary. BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy and criteria for new annexations such as: conformance to the Future Land 67 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 5 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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 resilience, water conservation, and energy efficiency; and conservation standards for wildlife habitat and corridors. 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 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. BE 3.A: Amend its 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. 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. 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. 68 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 6 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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 achieve historic preservation objectives 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. BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the 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 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. BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between the Planning and Public Works Departments during the Town’s Capital 69 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 7 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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. 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. E2B: Undertake strategic initiatives to attract public and private investment in well-located properties that are currently vacant and/or underutilized. E2C: Maintain flexible development standards to accommodate a wide range of commercial space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of older properties. 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. 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. E2F: Consider partnerships with community colleges or technical schools to support workforce development. E3.A: Focus on new winter downtown events and partner with local organizations to increase activities and events year-round. 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. H1.B: Ensure affordability restrictions to support the workforce. 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. H1.D: Explore tenant protections. H1.E: In coordination with the Estes Park Housing Authority, create a program to fund livability upgrades in exchange for affordability guarantees. H1.F Continue limit to short-term rental of residential units and consider reducing the number of short-term 70 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 8 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing rentals to encourage more long-term rental units for housing. H1.G: In coordination with the Estes Park Housing Authority, review the application process for publicly- supported housing to prioritize critical service providers. 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. H1.I: Explore development code requirements that support multigenerational neighborhoods and aging in place. H1.J: Explore opportunities to allow for safe seasonal housing. H1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens, and other livability investments that support denser family living. 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. H2.B: Explore removing density limits in commercial zones. H2.C: Explore allowing large single-family homes to be converted into multiple units. H2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm and other “missing middle” housing types. H2.E: Explore density increases tied to the creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional height) H2.F Invest in infrastructure in areas where housing opportunities are desired in order to catalyze development or redevelopment. H2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing requirement for residential development. H2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage requirement/fee for residential and commercial development. H2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost and maintain future infill potential. H2.J: Identify and remove regulations that create unintended barriers to housing development. 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. H3.B: In coordination with the Estes Park Housing Authority, identify appropriate land for public housing 71 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 9 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing development or partnership, make land interests known and stay up to date or ahead of opportunities. 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. H3.D In coordination with the Estes Park Housing Authority, explore a purchase-restrict-resale program for preserving the affordability of existing housing (e.g. Breckenridge program). H3.E: Facilitate a workforce housing cooperative or community housing trust that would allow smaller employers and the broader community to provide housing. H3.F: Explore tools to subsidize affordable rental of existing units and the creation of workforce units by employers. H3.G: Stay up to date on the tools that are successful in other communities. HEALTH AND 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. 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. 72 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 10 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach program, utilizing the Town and County websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach, and additional technological mediums 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 mediums, 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. 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 mental health and well-being. HS 2.E: Track and monitor local health outcomes to ensure health equity and community wellness. 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. LETA 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 73 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 11 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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. TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE 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 serves people without discrimination and considers 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). 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 and appropriate. 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. T 2.C: Seek opportunities to eliminate walking and bicycling network gaps across barriers to mobility, 74 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 12 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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. 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. 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 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). 75 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 13 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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. 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. 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. 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 reconstruction of overhead power lines to reduce wildfire risk. I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as grey 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). 76 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 14 Table 2. Larimer County Actions Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 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 along with open space conservation in this area and retain rural residential zoning. NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such as the Estes Valley Land Trust 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 77 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 15 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing 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. BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service Area Boundary. 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 resilience, 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. 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 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. 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. 78 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 16 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV) solar and or small-scale wind generators. HOUSING H 1.E: Continue limit to short-term rental of residential units and consider reducing the number of short-term rentals to encourage more long-term rental units for housing. 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. 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). 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. HEALTH AND 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. HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach program, utilizing the Town and County websites, newsletters, multi- lingual outreach, and additional technological mediums 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 mediums, including social media posts, digital newsletters, information brochures, television programming, tactical urbanism, public and private art, pop-up activities and other creative 79 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 17 Action Description Type Lead/Partner Timing methods, to broaden the dialogue and collaboration with residents and communicate critical information regarding available programs and resources that promote healthy communities. HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to existing parks. HS 2.E: Track and monitor local health outcomes to ensure health equity and community wellness. 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. LETA 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. TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE 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. T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit opportunities and partners to service Estes Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver International Airport. T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure policy to establish charging station requirements and identify providers (government, private enterprise, or combination). 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. 80 Estes Forward Chapter 4 // Page 18 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. T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning, design, and construction of transportation-related capital improvement projects. I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water conservation. 81