HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Park Planning Commission 2025-04-15 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, April 15, 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 April 15, 2025.
Commission: Chair Charles Cooper, Vice Chair David Arterburn, Dick
Mulhern, Chris Pawson
Attending: Commissioners Cooper, Arterburn, Mulhern, Pawson,
Community Development Director Steve Careccia, Planner
Paul Hornbeck, Town Attorney Dan Kramer, Recording
Secretary Karin Swanlund
Absent: none
Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. There were six people in the
audience.
INTRODUCTIONS
AGENDA APPROVAL
It was moved and seconded (Cooper/Mulhern) to approve the agenda. The motion
passed 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
It was moved and seconded (Arterburn/Mulhern) to approve the consent
agenda. The motion passed 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT: none
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Election of Officers
It was moved and seconded (Mulhern/Pawson) to appoint Charles Cooper as Chair
and David Arterburn as Vice Chair. The motion passed 4-0.
2. Rezone 685 Peak View Dr. Senior Planner Hornbeck
Request to continue the item to the May 20, 2025 Planning Commission meeting
It was moved and seconded (Arterburn/Mulhern) to approve the continuance
request. The motion passed 4-0.
DISCUSSION:
1. Design Workshop Consultants Development Code Update
Eric Krohngold and Phillip Supino reviewed the plan and cadence of the project
they have been hired to do. They asked that the Planning Commission be the
driving force/steering committee for the rewrite, requesting candid, direct
feedback.
Summary of presentation:
Process Discussion included key goals for the Code update. (see Commissioner
comments below)
The implementation of Housing, Natural Environment, Built Environment, and
Transportation, all subjects taken from the Comprehensive Plan action statements,
was also discussed.
Next steps: Meet with the Board of Trustees, organize code recommendations,
hold a community open house on June 25, and launch the project website.
Planning Commission – April 15, 2025 – Page 2
Commissioner Comments/Questions:
Balance is key
Community Member input: how and where
Localize “Best Practices”
Ensure transparency of changes
Ensure consistency with Community Values
Differentiate aspirational vs. law
Wildlife buffers/migration- updated information needed
Revise land use definitions that do not match the Zoning District
Affordable Housing/Starter Home Zoning should be explored
Rezoning requirements and density issues need to be addressed
Changes in conditions need clarity
Design Standards should address quality development
Update drainage/landscape/lighting standards
Sidewalks/Paths to nowhere do not seem practical
Address building maintenance/blight/aesthetics
Fire mitigation
Development incentives for builders to develop what the Town wants
Housing terms: workforce, affordable, attainable, need clarity
Parking standards/incentives
2. Member Recruitment
Director Careccia reported that the open Commissioner position is being actively
recruited. He asked that current Commissioners spread the word.
3. Upcoming meetings
The May 20th meeting will have three action items: VBASE update, the Stanley
Park courts plan, and the Coyote Run rezone. A joint meeting with the Town Board
will be scheduled for early June.
There being no further business, Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
_________________________________
Chuck Cooper, Chair
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary