HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTAFF REPORT EPPC Habitat on Raven Subdivision Prelim Plat EPPC 11-21-23
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Memo
To: Chair Matt Comstock
Estes Park Planning Commission
Through: Jason Damweber, Interim Community Development Director
From: Kara Washam, Planner I
Date: November 21, 2023
Application: Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat
Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley, Inc. (Owner/Applicant)
Van Horn Engineering and Surveying (Representative)
Recommendation: Staff recommends the Estes Park Planning Commission forward a
recommendation of approval to the Town Board of Trustees, subject to the
findings described in the staff report.
Land Use:
Comprehensive Plan Designation: (Future Land Use): Mixed Residential Neighborhood
Existing Zoning District: R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
Site Area: 0.82 Acre
PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE LAND USE
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OTHER______________
QUASI-JUDICIAL YES NO
Objective:
The Applicant requests the Planning Commission review the proposed Raven
Subdivision Preliminary Plat to create five (5) lots in an R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
Zoning District.
Location:
The property is legally described as Lot 2A, Ward Minor Subdivision. It is located
approximately 300 feet east of the southeast corner of the intersection of Lone Pine
Drive and Raven Avenue.
Background:
The 0.82-acre subject property is undeveloped and was created through the Ward
Minor Subdivision in January 2021. The property was previously zoned RM (Multi-
Family Residential). The Minor Subdivision was completed in anticipation of further
subdividing the property, enabling Habitat for Humanity to develop single-family
residences on five proposed lots.The rezoning application, known as Raven
Subdivision Rezoning, was submitted for concurrent review with this subdivision
application and proposed rezoning the 0.82-acre parcel from RM (Multi-Family
Residential) to R-1 (Single-Family Residential), which has a minimum lot area
requirement of 5,000 square feet. The Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees voted to
approve Ordinance 09-23 for the Raven Subdivision Zoning Map Amendment at the
regular public hearing held on November 14, 2023.
Project Description:
Habitat for Humanity plans to develop the five proposed lots with single-family
residences in the R-1 zone, which is a use by right.
Habitat for Humanity will construct the dwellings and sell the homes to individual,
qualified buyers. §4.3.D.4 of the Estes Park Developmen
developments in the R-1 District shall be subject to the attainable housing limitations for
Covenant and Agreement is required per §11.4.E.4. This will be finalized and recorded
with the subsequent Raven Subdivision final plat.
Open Space is required per §4.3.D.1 of the EPDC at a minimum of 15% of the total
subdivision. The applicant proposes a conservation easement for the open space on Lot
5, with the Estes Park Housing Authority serving as Grantee of the easement. This will
be finalized and recorded with the subsequent Raven Subdivision final plat. The open
space is approximately 6,288 square feet and is 17.5% of the total subdivision. The
open space will be used for passive recreation and accessed from the proposed
sidewalk along Raven Avenue.
Location and Context:
The proposed subdivision is situated approximately 500 feet north of Big Thompson
Avenue (Highway 34) near an area with a mixture of density and uses, including
residential, accommodations, and commercial. The adjacent residential properties
exhibit a range of density, including RM (Multi-Family) to the north and directly west of
the subject property. The properties to the east of the subject property are lower density
and zoned E (Estate). These lots are approximately 0.47 acres. The Rocky Mountain
Hotel and Conference Center sits just south of the subject property and is zoned A
(Accommodations).
ZoningMap
Table 1: Zoning and Land Use Summary
Comprehensive Plan Zone Uses
Subject Mixed Residential R-1 (Single-Family
Residential
Site Neighborhood Residential)
Mixed Residential RM (Multi-Family
North Residential
Neighborhood Residential)
Mixed-Use Accommodations,
South A (Accommodations)
Centers & Corridors Motel
East Suburban Estate E (Estate) Residential
Mixed Residential RM (Multi-Family Residential,
West
Neighborhood Residential) Condominiums
Vicinity Map
Project Analysis
Review Criteria
Per the EPDC, Chapter 3 Review Procedures and Standards, Section 3.9.C.1.,
General, "Subdivisions are approved in two stages: first, a preliminary subdivision plat is
approved, and second, a final subdivision plat is approved and recorded."
Section 3.2 requires a Planning Commission review and recommendation of the
preliminary plat, with the Town Board's final action (approval or denial) as the decision-
making body. The final plat goes only to the Town Board. The Applicant intends to
submit a final plat application soon.
Depending upon the project's complexity, this section may be a brief summary of the
standards of review or may involve a more detailed analysis of the criteria based on issues
relevant to any particular project.
1. Lots. The proposed Raven Subdivision is a resubdivision of Lot 2A of Ward Minor
Subdivision, approved and recorded in early 2021. The proposed subdivision
includes four (4) lots approximated 5,975 square feet in size with Lot Five (5)
approximately 11,950 square feet. With approval of the concurrently reviewed
Raven Subdivision Rezoning application, all lots meet applicable minimum zoning
standards for the R-1 (Single-Family Residential) Zoning District.
2. Comprehensive Plan. The subject property is designated as a Mixed Residential
Neighborhood in the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map.
This category "accommodates high density mixed residential development that
facilitates the coexistence of townhomes, condos and multi-family complexes."
There is a variety of existing development in this area of Estes Park and a variety
of Future Land Use categories surrounding the subject property. Nearby uses
include Accommodations, multi-family and single-family residential, commercial
and service uses. The proposed subdivision is consistent with the surrounding
area and with the recommendations of the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan.
3. Grading and Site Disturbance. Limits of Disturbance. The EPDC Section
10.5.B.2 requires that limits of disturbance (LOD) be established with the
subdivision of land. With platted easements, setback requirements, an existing 20-
foot Drainage and Utility Easement and another proposed Drainage Easement, the
building area of each of the five lots is limited to a specific location. This establishes
limits of disturbance for the subdivision.
4. Open Space Area. The EPDC Section 4.3.D. requires residential subdivisions
containing five or more lots to set aside a percentage of the gross land area for
open areas. The proposed subdivision has 17.5% set aside for open space, which
exceeds the minimum requirements.
5. Geologic and Wildfire Hazard Areas. There are no Geologic or Wildlife Hazard
areas within this subdivision area.
6. Water. The Town of Estes Park will provide water service to the five proposed lots.
Town Utilities/Water has stated they can provide water with service lines using
existing mains in this area and has "no objection" to the preliminary plat application.
7. Fire Protection. The Estes Valley Fire Protection District has reviewed this
proposal and has provided comments. Specific requirements apply to building
permit applications.
8. Electric. There is an overhead electric line across the subject area. There was
some question about whether the proposed residential structures would have the
7.5-foot minimum required separation from this line. The Applicant has determined
this distance can be met. This will be verified through the building permit review
process and prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy. Power &
Communications does not have any other issues or concerns.
9.Sanitary Sewer.Sewer service is provided by the Upper ThompsonSanitation
District (UTSD). Revisions to easements were made on the preliminary plat as
requested by UTSD, and with those revisions, UTSD has "no new comments."
10. Stormwater Drainage. A Utility, Grading and Drainage plan was submitted by the
Applicant and revised as requested by Public Works. An onsite detention pond
with drainage easement is proposed to capture stormwater flows from the project.
Public Works notes a Final Drainage Report will be required with construction
plans which will be finalized and approved prior to the recordation of the final plat
(Attachment 5).
11. Streets and Access. The two western lots, Lots 1 and 2, will have access by a
single point from Raven Avenue, with Lots 3, 4 and 5 having individual access
directly from Raven Avenue. An Access and Driveway Easement Agreement has
been submitted for the common drive for Lots 1 and 2. This will be finalized and
recorded with the final plat. A five (5) foot concrete sidewalk is proposed and will
follow the existing curb and gutter with a 2% cross-slope.
12. Public Right-Of-Way. There is no dedication of public right-of-way associated with
this subdivision plat.
Reviewing Agency Comments:
The preliminary plat application was referred out for agency comments. Agency
comments were received by Staff, which have been addressed with the revised plat
submittal (Attachment 3). There are no outstanding issues.
Planning Commission Continuance:
The Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat application was presented to the Estes Park
Planning Commission on October 17, 2023. Questions were raised at that time, with
the Planning Commission ultimately voting to continue the Subdivision to the November
st
21 hearing. The following is a brief discussion of the questions that were raised on
th
October 17:
1. Concern for existing vegetations, specifically willows. The willows are not in a
wetlands area. Commissioner Shirk recommended preserving the willows by
incorporating them into the open space and would like to see what vegetation is
being removed.
a. Per Daniel Barrett, Van Horn Engineering, regrading will occur for
drainage to flow into the detention pond, which may affect the willows.
b. Commissioner Shirk requested more consideration for conservation and
possible movement of the swale, so it is not impacting the willows, starting
with the stormwater design.
c.Per David Emerson, Habitat for Humanity, there arenot many options due
to drainage, and the Fire Department does not allow for landscaping near
a house.
2. It was moved and seconded (Shirk/Comstock) to continue the recommendation
of the Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat to the next regular meeting, requesting
more information on 7.2.d, limits of disturbance, Subsection 2, criteria for
establishing limits of disturbance, information about the maintenance of a
stormwater pond, requirements of appendix B.2.c, submittal requirements for
Preliminary Subdivision Plans showing the vegetation on site. The Applicant
consented to the continuation. The motion passed 4-0.
a.
existing vegetation in greater detail, including the extent of the willows.
The revised preliminary plat also shows the Limits of Disturbance in
greater detail. (Attachment 3)
b. response letter to summarize the
limits of disturbance and to provide more information on detention pond
maintenance. (Attachment 7)
Public Comments:
A neighborhood and community meeting regarding the project was held on August 7,
2023, at the Presbyterian Community Church. There were seven attendees. The
Applicant discussed the rezone and subdivision projects and answered questions
regarding the zoning, timeframe for the project, property valuation, and landscaping of
the proposed development. Staff has meeting notes and a sign-in sheet on file
(Attachment 6).
In accordance with the notice requirements in the EPDC, notice of the Planning
Commission meeting was published in the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, on November 3,
2023. Notification was mailed to all required adjacent property owners on October 2,
2023.
Staff has received no inquiries or opposition at this writing.
Any comments submitted will be posted to: www.estes.org/currentapplications.
Staff Findings:
Based on the foregoing, Staff finds:
1. The Planning Commission is the Recommending Body for the Preliminary Plat.
2. The Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees is the Decision-Making Body for the
Preliminary Plat. Town Board approval of a Final Plat is also necessary to
subdivide the property.
3.Adequate public/private facilities are currently available to serve the subject
property.
4. This request has been submitted to all applicable reviewing agency staff for
consideration and comment.
5. The Preliminary Plat application complies with applicable standards set forth in
the EPDC.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat.
Sample Motions:
1. I move to forward a recommendation of approval to the Town Board of Trustees
of the Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat, according to findings of fact
recommended by Staff.
2. I move to continue the Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat application to the next
3. I move to forward a recommendation of denial to the Town Board of Trustees of
the Raven Subdivision Preliminary Plat
for denial\].
Attachments:
1. Application
2. Statement of Intent
3. Revised Preliminary Plat
4. Preliminary Grading Plan
5. Public Works Comment Letter- April 4, 2023
6. Neighborhood and Community Meeting Notes
7. Van Horn Engineering Response Letter
ESTES
APPLICATION
Submittal Date:3/15/2023
Type of Application
Condominium Map
BoundaryLine Adjustment
Development Plan
Preliminary Map
ROW or Easement Vacation
Special Review
Final Map
Street Name Change
Preliminary Subdivision Plat
Supplemental Map
Final Subdivision Plat
Minor Subdivision Plat
Amended Plat
Other: Please specify
General Information
Habitat for Humanity Development
Project Name
5 Lot Subdivision
Project Description
TBD Raven Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517
Project Address
Lot 2A, Ward Minor Sub., EP
Legal Description
2520316002
Parcel ID #
Site Information
0.5
0.82
Lot SizeArea of Disturbance in Acres
Vacant
Existing Land Use
5 Single Family Lots
Proposed Land Use
5
Existing Water Service TownWellNone Other (specify)
5
Proposed Water Service TownWellNone Other (specify)
5
Existing Sanitary Sewer ServiceEPSDUTSDSepticNone
5
Proposed Sanitary Sewer ServiceEPSDUTSDSeptic
5
Is a sewer lift station required?YesNo
5
Existing Gas ServiceXcelOtherNone
RM
RM
Existing ZoningProposed Zoning
Raven Ave, between Lone Pine Dr. & Dry Gulch Rd.
Site Access (if not on public street)
5
Are there wetlands on the site?YesNo
5
Site staking must be completed at the time application is submitted. Complete?Yes No
Primary Contact Information
Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn Engineering
Name of Primary Contact Person
1043 Fish Creek Rd., Estes Park, CO 80517
Complete Mailing Address
5
Primary Contact Person isOwnerApplicantConsultant/Engineer
Attachments
5
Application fee 5
Digital Copies of plats/plans in TIFF or PDF format emailed to
5
Statement of intentplanning@estes.org
5 copies (folded) of plat or plan
5
5
11" X 17" reduced copy of plat or plan
Please review the Estes Development Code Appendix B for additional submittal requirements, which
may include ISO calculations, drainage report, traffic impact analysis, geologic hazard mitigation report,
wildfire hazard mitigation report, wetlands report, and/or other additional information.
Town of Estes Park P.O. Box 1200 170 MacGregor Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517
Community Development Department Phone: (970) 577-3721 Fax: (970) 586-0249 www.estes.org/CommunityDevelopment
Revised 20
STATEMENT OF INTENT for the RAVEN PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION
PLATand REZONING of LOT 2A of the WARD MINOR SUBDIVISION,
th
located in Section 20, Township 5 North, Range 72 West of the 6 P.M., Town of
Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado
September 29, 2023
PROJECT LOCATION:
The proposed development is within the Town of Estes Park, in Section 20, Township 5 North, Range
th
72 West of the 6 P.M. The property is located adjacent to and south of Raven Avenue which is
north of US 34 and east of Lone Pine Drive. The property addresses will be off of Raven Avenue and
there are no new named roads associated with this subdivision.
OWNER:
The owners of this land and the applicant is Habitat for Humanity with a contact of David Emerson.
Habitat will own the property until their new owner qualification and application process is finalized,
at which time, each lot will be deeded to new owners.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project is proposed as a 5 lot subdivision. The detention pond will be included with the eastmost
lot and will be covenant controlled for maintenance. Each of the four western lots are 5,975 s.f. in size
and the eastmost lot contains 11,950 s.f. Density is calculated at 5/0.82 or 6.1 units per acre which
meets the allowed R-1 zoning density. While the intent of this subdivision is to generally supply local
workforce housing, no density bonus is requested or applied for. This property is within the
annexation limits of the Town currently. There is a dedicated road (Raven Avenue) for the lot
frontage. No new right of way dedication is proposed or needed. Utility Easements are proposed to be
dedicated for the proposed utility needs associated with the buildout of this plan (see preliminary plan).
This project proposes to rezone the current property from residential (RM) zoning to residential (R-1)
zoning which will allow building of single family homes on proposed lots 1-5.
As lots are built out under Habitat for Humanity processes, 5 lots with a house each will be sold
individually and used as single family housing for owners and/or residents in the Estes Valley. This
development is intended for local working families, and not vacation rentals. An HOA with
covenants will be formed for the proposed use and care of the common spaces and improvements.
ACCESS:
Currently the 0.82 acre single lot (2A) is vacant and has no internal roads or driveways. A single
access point will serve the two western lots. The remaining three eastern lots will access directly
from Raven Avenue. The purpose of the shared driveway on the west is to provide better sight
distance given the crest vertical curve that exists on Raven Avenue. This project will easily provide
access for emergency purposes by having individual or shared driveways close to (or on) Raven
Avenue. Given the small size of the development, no traffic study was required.
OPEN SPACE:
Open space is provided by the area on the east side of Lot 5 that contains an existing drainage and
utility easement and a proposed drainage easement. The total square footage of this area is
approximately 6,287 sq-ft which is 17.5% of the existing Lot 2A. This open space area will be used
for passive recreation. The remaining area of Lot 5 to the west of the open space area is 5,660 sq-ft,
Page 1 of 3
which meets the allowed R-1 zoning density. Furthermore, this project includes relatively dense
vegetation on the southand east sides.These vegetated areas have been reviewed and
determined to not be a wetland. Nonetheless, we are proposing minimal impact to the vegetated areas
on site. Two large deciduous tree clusters exist on site. The west of the two is directly under the
proposed home construction on Lot 5, so it will be removed. The east cluster of the two is directly over
the sewer line that exists and will also be removed in time.
UTILITIES (see individual utility notes below):
This property is currently adjacent to all the main utilities. The main lines will be tied into via service
lines and no main lines will be extended.
ELECTRIC: The existing overhead utility lines along the south right of way for Raven Avenue are
proposed to remain overhead.
WATER: A water main exists in Raven Avenue and one trench is proposed to connect 4 of the 5
service lines to. The fifth lot is proposed to connect to the fire hydrant stub on the south side of
Raven Avenue. Regarding fire protection, there is an existing hydrant on site (mentioned above).
SEWER: There is an existing sewer main downhill from the proposed homesites and all 5 new
houses are proposed to connect via pvc separate service lines that exit the south side of each new
home. Each service line will be able to provide sewer service by gravity flow. There is also mention
of (but no formal locates as of yet) a sewer service line near the proposed service lines that serves
the building to the west. Said line will need to be located and maintained or relocated for that service
to continue.
GAS: Gas service has not been worked out at this preliminary stage, but is planned to be secured
from gas lines in the neighborhood.
PUBLIC FACILITIES: Curb and gutter exist along the south side of Raven Avenue and a
wide public sidewalk (concrete) is proposed to be added along the frontage. The grade
of the sidewalk will follow and be attached to the curb and gutter. The sidewalk will be within the
public right of way. For non-access areas, curb h
LANDSCAPING: This project requires landscape buffers along the north (non-arterial) road and the
district buffer along the south (accommodation zoned property). The requirements for buffering of
the streets and districts require significant landscaping that historically has overcrowded the trees so
the future landscape plan (with final plat submittal) will likely propose an alternative. It is planned to
utilize the required number of trees and shrubs, however distribute them throughout the property
including around the proposed houses. Locating trees around the houses provides screening as well
and will add to the visual appeal of the overall property.
STORMWATER: This property is not close to a river, yet has an outfall flow path that can be used for
the outfall from the detention pond that is proposed. The single detention pond is designed to capture
the developed difference in flow and release at 90% of the historic flow, which will minimize-lessen
stormwater impacts downstream. The pond is designed with an outlet structure with an orifice plate
restriction to mimic the 90% historic flow. The location of the release is such that less adverse
impacts will result downstream. There is a significant off-site pass through flow to the east that exists
as a grass lined swale along the southern line of the property. This off-site flow is detained upstream
in at least two detention ponds. No change to this off-site flow quantity is proposed and only
enhancement of the existing swale and repair of one adjacent culvert is proposed (see notes on
Page 2 of 3
drainage sheet). The pond is intentionally kept shallow for safety and the side slopes are proposed at
a 3:1 (H:V) ratio slope so that grasses will take hold, prevent erosion and look aesthetically pleasing.
The pond is also curved and shaped to blend into the natural environment better than a rectangular
pond would.
ARCHITECTURE: Attached to this preliminary proposal are elevations and floorplans for a
house to be built on this subdivision once it is approved.
SCHEDULE: The houses will not all be constructed at the same time, but a steady construction
process is planned as families apply and are matched up with Habitat for Humanity. The utility
service lines will all be installed at one time once approval is given for the subdivision. There is no
formal phasing plan to build the homes by.
Standards for Reviewfor rezoning set forth in EPDC Section 3.3:
The proposed rezoning and preliminary subdivision plat meet the three requirements laid
out in EPDC. Further, by rezoning from RM to R-1 it allows for the building of high-
density single-family homes. RM zoning allows for high-density development but forces
them to be multi-family attached townhomes or condos. The existing lot is currently
vacant and not a steeply sloped lot, so it is an ideal candidate to be developed and add to
the growth of Estes Park consistent with the policies and intent of the Comprehensive
Plan. There are adequate services, utilities and facilities in this area as well.
OTHER:
This property was granted a Variance in January of 2023 by the Estes Valley Board of
A Neighborhood meeting was held in early August of 2023 for this subdivision. Minutes
of said meeting are attached with this application.
All setbacks for the R-1 zone are met with the proposed construction within this proposed
subdivision (as shown on the attached mapping).
A wetland study was completed by Van Horn Engineering (in 2009) and that determined that
there are no wetlands present on the property. Dense vegetation exists in the south east of the
property due to the concentration of storm drainage across this section of the property.
The property does not lie within a Mapped Estes Valley hazard area
Page 3 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS
Ward Minor – Preliminary Subdivision Plat
Habitat for Humanity – Raven Ave (5 lots)
Public Works Comments
April 4, 2023
SUMMARY
The following documents were submitted by Van Horn Engineering and Surveying, unless otherwise noted, in
support of this Preliminary Subdivision Plat review:
Statement of Intent (3/15/22)
Preliminary Subdivision Plat (3/15/23)
Preliminary Utility, Grading & Drainage Plan (3/15/23)
Architectural Plan by BAS1S (3/15/23)
Preliminary Drainage Report (3/15/23)
Public Works finds that the Preliminary Subdivision Plat is acceptable.
A Final Drainage Report shall be submitted for approval with the Construction Plan.
Construction plans for subdivisions shall be approved prior to final plat approval (EPDC Appendix D, IX.
A).
Construction plans for all developments shall be approved prior to issuance of first building permit (EPDC
Appendix D, IX. A).
No building permits will be issued until the Improvement Agreement is executed (EPDC §10.5 K.3) and
securities are in place. Alternatively, the applicant may construct the public improvements that otherwise
must be securitized. These improvements must be “in place” according to EPDC §7.12 C.1.
Where multiple building permits are to be issued for a project, 25% of the building permits and certificates
of occupancy may be issued prior to the installation and acceptance of the drainage facilities (EPDC §7.12
F. 2).
ANALYSIS
Statement of Intent. ACCESS: The shared driveway serving Lots 1 and 2 (accessed through Lot 1A of the Ward
Minor Subdivision) shall be covered by submittal of a maintenance agreement for recordation (EPDC Appendix D,
III. B. 6. c).
Utility, Grading & Drainage Plan.
The proposed Ingress/Egress driveway is existing.
The existing opening with tapered curbs on Raven Ave shall be restored to continuous full height curb if
not used for new driveway or other approved access.
The high slope area may be graded as necessary for the site design.
Preliminary Drainage Report.
References to elements and information for the Final Drainage Report are acknowledged.
The effective FIRM (12/19/06) need not be included in the Final Drainage Report.
MEETING NOTES
Meeting:Habitat for Humanity Raven AvenueProject
Date/Time:Thursday, August7, 2023at 5:00 PM
Location:Fellowship Hall, Presbyterian Community Church –1700 Brodie Avenue
Note Taker:Daniel Barrett, Van Horn Engineering
Project Overview
John Lovell, Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valleypresented.
Johnintroduced professionals assisting with project.
Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn Engineering
Daniel Barrett, Van Horn Engineering
Lonnie Sheldon, Van Horn Engineering presented the following
Site Plan–show housing footprints, 5 single family homes, each house has a 1-cargarage, homes would
be two stories and have 3 or 4-bedrooms, two western most homes would utilize a shared driveway
Conceptual Architectural Plans–conceptual butgives you an idea of what this might look like.
Notice of Application
–neighbors will be noticed that application submitted. Sign will be posted to
let you know application has been submitted.
Reason for rezoning –RM zoning is high density but there is a caveat in the Code that does not allow for
single family homes to be built on these proposed lots. Rezoning to R-1 would solve this problem and
allow Habitat to keep the plans exactly as they are. Lonnie explained that the Town is waiving the
rezoning fee to make this process easier for Habitat. The Town generally supports rezoning. Habitat loses
out on timing because Van Horn did not catch this caveat in the Code.
John Lovell, Habitat for Humanity presented the following
Habitat for Humanity overview
o Summary of Habitat for Humanity’s vision/mission to provide permanently affordable housing.
o Homeownership model
o Affordable, USDAmortgages1-3% interest, recycle to build more homes
o Those selected need to have a housing need, ability to repay, and income in the range of 40-80%
of the Area Median Income($40,000 -$80,000/year income for a family of four)
o Families partner, take classes to prepare for home ownership
o Must be US Citizen or legal resident
o Long term benefits to homeowners in the program–2021study completed in Colorado
Greater sense of well-being
Improved health
Safer neighborhood
Increased savings
Improved educational outcomes for family members
o Goal is to make sure Habitat for Humanity homes blend in with other homes in the neighborhood
where they are located. Provided examples of homes built in Estes Park. Have homes in 30
different neighborhoods.
o Homes will become part of Estes Park’s permanently affordable housing stock.
November 19, 2020
Project location –loton Raven Avenue, across from OlympianLanewhich will support 5 single family
homes
Public Comments & Questions
Question:–Has rezoning been approved?
Answer –No,not yet -this meeting is the first step in that process.
Question:–How will this affect property taxes?
Answer –John Lovell explained that property taxes tend to go up and houses appreciate at the same value as the
rest of the neighborhood.
Question:–Will the Town fix that zoning issue that makes it difficult to build high-density single family homesin
RM zoning?
Answer –Lonnie explained that former Planner Randy Hunt wanted to fix itbut left before he could.
Question:–From property owner across the street: will the thistle that was pulled from the lot and piled up on site
be removed soon?
Answer –John Lovell explained that it was supposed to be removed and thanked the property owner for bringing
this to his attention. He expressed his intention to get it removed as soon as possible.
Question:–Whatis the timeline to build?
Answer –That depends on Town support and volunteers. Habitat hopes to build at least 1 house per year. With
more community volunteers, they can build faster. Lonnie explained the utility work needed to get started with one
road cut being necessary. If this plan is approved, they can begin building foundations in the spring (2024).
Question:–Will it be landscaped and will wild,existing vegetation be replanted?
Answer –The Town has landscaping guidelines that will be followed. Lonnie explained that there will be more
public meetings moving forward and that can be discussed if the plan is approved. Lonnie explained reason for
shared access on the west side.
Page2| 2