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Home My WebLink AboutPACKET Estes Park Planning Commission 2025-04-15This meeting will be streamed live and available on the Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos ADVANCED PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment Form: Members of the public may provide written comments on a specific agenda item by completing the Public Comment form found at https://dms.estes.org/forms/EPPCPublicComment. The form must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting. All comments will be provided to the Commission for consideration during the agenda item and added to the final packet. __________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION – TOWN OF ESTES PARK Town Hall Board Room Tuesday, April 15, 2025 1:30 p.m. INTRODUCTIONS AGENDA APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA 1.Planning Commission minutes dated March 18, 2025 PUBLIC COMMENT ACTION ITEMS 1.Election of Officers 2.Rezone 685 Peak View Dr Planner Hornbeck DISCUSSION ITEMS 1.Development Code Update Design Workshop 2.Vacant Member Recruitment 3.Future Meetings ADJOURN 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. April 8, 2025 1 2 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, March 18, 2025 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK PLANNING COMMISSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting was held in said Town of Estes Park on March 18, 2025. Commission: Chair Charles Cooper, Vice Chair David Arterburn, Dick Mulhern, Chris Pawson Attending: Commissioners Cooper, Arterburn, Mulhern, Community Development Director Steve Careccia, Planner Kara Washam, Town Attorney Dan Kramer, Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund, Town Board Liaison Frank Lancaster. Absent: Pawson Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. There were eight people in the audience. INTRODUCTIONS AGENDA APPROVAL It was moved and seconded (Cooper/Mulhern) to approve the agenda. The motion passed 3-0. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL It was moved and seconded (Arterburn/Mulhern) to approve the consent agenda. The motion passed 3-0. PUBLIC COMMENT: none DISCUSSION: Scott Moulton, Executive Director Estes Park Housing Authority Moulton began his presentation explaining the complexities surrounding housing discussions. He referenced a quote highlighting empathy within housing considerations, stressing that the conversation should not only focus on 'sticks and bricks' but also on how housing supports community members and families. Explanations of key housing terminologies: -Affordable Housing: Defined as housing costs that do not exceed 30% of a household's gross income. -Attainable Housing: Generally refers to housing available to those earning 150% of Area Median Income (AMI) or lower. -Workforce Housing: Defined specifically for working individuals over 18 working a minimum of 30 hours per week within the Estes Park School District Boundary.. Economic Considerations in Housing Moulton said that zoning laws make it risky and expensive for builders to create new housing. He pointed out the possibility that Development Code rules often don't match people's needs, making it hard to build enough homes. The issue of past density bonuses being underutilized due to economic restrictions imposed on developers was mentioned. Moulton feels that offering developers extra incentives or density bonuses could spur development and address the housing shortage. Housing Needs Assessment Findings from the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment highlighted that by 2030, there is a projected need for 2,720 additional housing units in the Estes Park area. However, the current development pipeline only reflects 350 units. He recommended a multifaceted approach that included repurposing existing properties rather than relying solely on new construction. draf t 3 Proposed Developments and Local Initiatives Future projects spearheaded by EPHA, including development at Fish Hatchery, were also discussed. The planning process for this project involves public meetings aimed at collecting community feedback. He pointed out that while it is essential for new projects to align with community expectations, current development rules may restrict the ability to achieve the most desirable results. He noted the EPHA's recent efforts in converting short-term rental properties into long- term housing units, which allowed added inventory to meet pressing needs more quickly. Moulton expressed his willingness to return for future discussions and emphasized the importance of open communication with the Planning Commission regarding housing policies. There being no further business, Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting at 2:25 p.m. _________________________________ Chuck Cooper, Chair Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary draf t 4 5 To: Chair Cooper Estes Park Planning Commission Through: Steve Careccia, Community Development Director From: Paul Hornbeck, Senior Planner Date: April 15, 2025 Application: 685 Peak View Drive Rezoning CMS Planning & Development, Inc., owner/ CMS Planning & Development, Inc. & Habitat for Humanity of the St Vrain Valley, applicants Recommendation: Staff requests Planning Commission continue this item to May 20, 2025 due to an error in the public notice. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE LAND USE CONTRACT/AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OTHER______________ QUASI-JUDICIAL YES NO Staff requests the Estes Park Planning Commission continue this item to May 20, 2025 due to an error in the public notice. 6 7 Planning Commission Meeting #1 April 15, 2025 8 Today’s Agenda Introductions and Project Review Process Discussion Comprehensive Plan Implementation Discussion Review Next Steps 1 2 4 3 9 Introductions and Project Review 10 Team Introductions Clanton & Associates Lighting Code Kimley-Horn Transportation Planning Principal-in-Charge Jessica Garrow FAICP Design Workshop Primary Consultant Project Manager Eric Krohngold AICP Project Planner Ketaki Ghodke Headwater Community Planning Co-Primary Consultant White & Smith Land Use Code Advisor Land Use Code Specialist Philip Supino AICP Lead Land Use Code Advisor Mark White ESQ., AICP Land Use Code Advisor Sean Scoopmire ESQ., AICP Outdoor Lighting Designer Rick Utting Planning and Policy Manager Justin Sternberg Lighting Designer Kate McBride LEED® GA Lead Transportation Planner Mike Schmitt AICP, PTP, RSP Transportation & Parking Planner Jeffrey Elsey PE, CAPP, LEED® AP Transportation & Parking Planner Chris Gregerson PE, TE, AICP, PTOE, PTP 11 Planning Commission Engagement Schedule We are here! 12 Roles and Expectations 1 2 3 4 Act as a Steering Committee for the process. Provide your insight and perspective on thoughts, ideas and opinions in the community related to the future of Estes Park. Review data on existing zoning code and subdivision regulations and provide input on key findings, challenges, and opportunities. Provide input on suggested code language updates. 13 Process Discussion 14 •Integrate the Estes Park Comprehensive Plan, Estes Forward, into the Code •Articulate the “why” in the regulations •Integrate considerations from state legislation •Include clear language and enforcement options •Consolidate dispersed information •Ensure code enables cross-department coordination •Capture best practices in planning and building •Provide meaningful opportunities for the community to be engaged in the process Key Goals for the Code Update15 •Codify Master Plan policies •Update terminology & definitions •Fix inconsistent and redundant language. •Add new and update graphics •Provide clear purpose statements to support understanding of different code sections •Consolidate dispersed information •Re-organize for clarity and ease of use •Integrate sustainability elements Initial Opportunities from Code Assessment16 Discussion Questions Are there any key goals and opportunities missing from this list? GOALS •Integrate the Estes Park Comprehensive Plan, Estes Forward, into the Code. •Articulate the “why” in the regulations. •Integrate considerations from state legislation. •Include clear language and enforcement options. •Consolidate dispersed information. •Ensure code enables cross-department coordination. •Capture best practices in planning and building. •Provide meaningful opportunities for the community to be engaged in the process. OPPORTUNITIES •Codify Master Plan policies. •Update terminology & definitions. •Fix inconsistent and redundant language. •Add new and update graphics. •Provide clear purpose statements to support understanding of different code sections. •Consolidate dispersed information. •Re-organize for clarity and ease of use. •Integrate sustainability elements. 17 Discussion Questions Describe your experience with the Development Code. What is working and what is not working? 18 Discussion Questions What feedback do you get from applicants and community members about the Development Code? 19 Discussion Questions Are there specific areas of the Development Code that you have particular interest in updating? 20 Discussion Questions Do you feel the future land uses and locations identified in the 2022 Comprehensive Plan are still applicable? 21 22 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Discussion 23 Comprehensive Plan Actions Natural Environment Implementation •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.D: Explore code updates, including a parks dedication and fee in lieu requirements. •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 new development, reviewing setback requirements from key habitat areas, encouraging removal of legacy barbed wire, and developing an incentive program. •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 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance maps. 24 Natural Environment Implementation25 Potential Code Adjustments Natural Environment Implementation •Ridgeline and Slope −Prohibit development on certain slopes (45%+) −Reduce allowed square footage based on slopes −Increase density reductions on slopes −Create clearer standards for ridgeline development, such as setbacks from top of slope, prohibit development from piercing a ridgeline, require vegetative screening, etc. •Sensitive Lands −Require site plan review for lands with steep slopes, riparian areas, high fire risk, etc. −Include requirements for wildlife fencing in new development −Increase setback requirements from key habitat areas •Wildfire −Integrate state wildfire code into LDC −Update landscaping requirements to be firewise −Create pathway for enforcement of new codes •Flood −Incorporate the Floodplain Maps by reference. 26 Discussion Questions What tools that we’ve reviewed do you think should be considered? Anything we should not consider? What is missing? 27 Comprehensive Plan Actions Built Environment Implementation •BE 1.A: Amend the DC to reduce barriers to incremental and small-scale commercial redevelopment. •BE 3.B: Amend the DC for consistency with the Estes Forward Future Land Use Map. •BE 3.C: Encourage the provision on workforce-serving amenities in non-residential areas. •BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing Development Code amendments. •BE. 3.K: Minimize visual impacts of large parking lots by requiring development to locate parking in the rear or side of buildings. •BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the 2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report. •BE 4.B: Incentivize or require performance standards for energy-efficient construction. 28 Built Environment Implementation29 Potential Code Adjustments Built Environment Implementation •Commercial Development −Create a fast-track process for minor commercial expansions −Require parking behind buildings •Infill and Housing −Update permissible land uses for select zones −Make housing at certain densities a by-right use in certain zones −Incentivize affordable housing through fast-track review (potentially implementing strategies identified in Prop 123) •Design Standards −Update density/dimensional requirements, parking requirements, and streetscape design standards for commercial development to enhance pedestrian safety and decrease the visual impact of parking and infrastructure •Sustainability −Allow select sustainability items to alter density and dimensional standards, such as net zero energy use or other “above and beyond” sustainability measures −Make certain sustainability improvements that may require minor dimensional variations, such as solar panels, thicker wall and roof insulation, etc. allowable by-right in new development and in remodels 30 Discussion Questions What tools that we’ve reviewed do you think should be considered? Anything we should not consider? What is missing? 31 Comprehensive Plan Actions Transportation Implementation •T 1.D Require multi-modal transportation connections for new developments. • T 2.B Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities in new developments. •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. 32 Transportation Implementation33 Potential Code Adjustments Transportation Implementation •Multi-modal Transportation −Integrate bike parking requirements for new development −Update model street sections to integrate 6– 8-foot sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes •Electric Vehicle Support −Enable electric vehicle infrastructure as an accessory use in residential and commercial development −Require new residential development to include limited electric vehicle charging stations 34 Discussion Questions What tools that we’ve reviewed do you think should be considered? Anything we should not consider? What is missing? 35 Next Steps 36 Next Steps •Board of Trustees Meeting (May) •Organize Code Recommendations (June & July) •Community Open House (June 25) •Project Website Launch and Updates (Ongoing) 37 Thank you! 38 39 4/1/2025 CURRENT PROJECTS Submittal Application Type Project Name Location Recommending/ Decision Making Proposed Meeting Ex-Parte Staff 2/16/2022 Development Plan Full Throttle Distillery/Restaurant 231 Moraine Ave staff approved yes 9/21/2022 Development Plan BAT Building 223 Cleave St staff -yes 11/17/2023 Annexation Spring Hill Suites 2365 Big Thompson Ave TB tbd 11/17/2023 Development Plan Spring Hill Suites 2365 Big Thompson Ave PC tbd yes 3/20/2024 Development Plan Kinley Accommodations 1895 Fall River Rd PC approved yes 3/20/2024 Rezone Request Kinley Accommodations 1895 Fall River Rd TB approved yes 6/7/2024 Amended Development Plan Fun City 455 Prospect Ave staff approved yes 12/5/2024 Amended Condo Map Deck expansion 540-550 W Elkhorn TB approved yes 1/17/2025 Rezone Request Coyote Run Phase II 685 Peak VIew PC/TB 20-May yes 1/24/2025 Rezone Request Workforce Housing 179 Stanley Circle Dr PC/TB tbd yes 1/24/2025 Subdivison Workforce Housing 179 Stanley Circle Dr PC tbd yes 1/24/2025 Right of Way Vacation Workforce Housing 179 Stanley Circle Dr TB tbd 2/7/2025 Annexation Petition Elkhorn Lodge Phase II tbd N of 600 W Elkhorn TB tbd 2/11/2025 Temporary Use Permit storage containers Fall River Village staff approved 2/19/2025 Easement Vacation West residence 133 Stanley Circle Dr TB tbd 3/1/2025 Code Amendement Vehicle Based Accommodations seasonal - update TB 8-Apr yes 3/14/2025 Location and Extent Stanley Park Courts/Playground 380 Community Dr PC/TB tbd yes 4/1/2025 Code Amendment Accessory Use in CD (downtown)Carousels as allowed use TB 22-Apr key: PC-Planning Commission TB-Town Board BOA-Board of Adjustment TRC-Technical Review Committee staff: PH-Paul Hornbeck KW-Kara Washam SC-Steve Careccia *Scheduled Neighborhood Meetings:Meeting Location Date 40