HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Park Planning Commission 2025-09-16
__________________________________________________________________________
1
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.
This 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, September 16, 2025
1:30 p.m.
Pre-Meeting Site Visit to 685 Peak View Drive, 12:30 pm -1:15 pm
INTRODUCTIONS
AGENDA APPROVAL
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Planning Commission minutes dated May 20, 2025 (revised format)
2. Planning Commission minutes dated June 17, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENT
ACTION ITEMS
1. Preliminary Subdivision Plat 685 Peak View Dr Planner Hornbeck
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Development Code Update
2. Site Visits
3. Future Meeting
ADJOURN
2
_________________________________
3
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, May 20, 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 May 20, 2025.
Commission: Chair Charles Cooper, Vice Chair David Arterburn,
Commissioners Dick Mulhern and Chris Pawson
Attending: Commissioners Cooper and Arterburn, Community
Development Director Steve Careccia, Planner Kara
Washam, Town Board Liaison Frank Lancaster, Recording
Secretary Karin Swanlund
Absent: Commissioners Mulhern and Pawson
Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. As a quorum of Commissioners
was not established, no official meeting was held nor business conducted. Only the non-
binding Discussion item was heard. There were three people from the public in
attendance.
INTRODUCTIONS
AGENDA APPROVAL
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
PUBLIC COMMENT:
CONTINUED ITEMS:
1. Rezone 685 Peak View Dr.
Request to continue the item to the June 17, 2025, Planning Commission meeting
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Code Amendment Vehicle-Based Accommodations Planner II, Washam
A request to consider an amendment of the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC)
to remove the requirement for electric and water availability for the Vehicle-Based
Accommodations for Seasonal Employees (VBASE) program
DISCUSSION:
1. Community Conversations Eric White, Adult Services Director
Estes Valley Library.
Mr. White shared a slide show for those present, explaining the function of Community
Conversations and how it will complement public outreach efforts for the Development
Code update. The main goal is to give people from across the community a voice and
inform decision-making with regards to the update.
There being no further discussion, Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting at 1:50 p.m.
Chuck Cooper, Chair
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
4
5
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 17, 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 June 17, 2025.
Commission: Chair Charles Cooper, Vice Chair David Arterburn, Dick
Mulhern, Chris Pawson
Attending: Commissioners Cooper, Arterburn, Mulhern, Pawson,
Community Development Director Steve Careccia, Senior
Planner Paul Hornbeck, Town Attorney Greg White, Town
Board Liaison Frank Lancaster, Recording Secretary Karin
Swanlund
Absent: None
Chair Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. There were approximately 35
people in the audience.
INTRODUCTIONS
Commissioners and staff introduced themselves.
AGENDA APPROVAL
It was moved and seconded (Arterburn/Pawson) to approve the agenda. The motion
passed 4-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes dated May 20, 2025
It was moved and seconded (Mulhern/Arterburn) to approve the consent
agenda. The motion passed 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None
ACTION ITEMS:
1. ORDINANCE 09-25, AMENDING SECTION 5.3 OF THE ESTES PARK
DEVELOPMENT CODE REGARDING VEHICLE-BASED ACCOMMODATIONS
FOR SEASONAL EMPLOYEES. Senior Planner Hornbeck requested approval of
the amendment to extend the VBASE pilot for an additional year by amending the
automatic repeal date to October 31, 2026, and to amend the access requirements
for electric and water for qualified occupants of the Vehicle-Based
Accommodations for Seasonal Employees program, according to § 5.3.D.7. of the
EPDC.
Commissioner Arterburn questioned the administrative order of this code
amendment, asking how the code adjustment can be approved through October
2026 when the statute approved by the board sunsets in April 2026. Senior Planner
Hornbeck explained that that would also be amended as part of this proposal.
Senior Planner Hornbeck noted that generators are not allowed, so noise will not be
a problem. There have been no applicants to date. This update aims to encourage
participation. Commissioner Pawson had concerns about allowing this without an
electric hookup. Senior Planner Hornbeck explained that extension cords will be
allowed for power. Wastewater will need to be dumped at an approved site. This is
not proposed for residential zoning.
It was moved and seconded (Mulhern/Arterburn) to forward a recommendation
of approval to the Town Board of Trustees of the Code Text Amendment of §
draf
t
6
Planning Commission – June 17, 2025 – Page 2
5.3.D.7., to extend the one-year pilot program and to amend the access
requirements for electric and water connections for the Vehicle-Based
Accommodations for Seasonal Employees (VBASE) program, in accordance
with the findings of fact outlined in the staff report. The motion passed 3-1
with Commissioner Pawson voting no.
1. ORDINANCE 08-25 REZONING 685 PEAK VIEW DRIVE FROM E-1 (ESTATE)
TO R (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL), FRANK THEIS, CMS PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT, INC., (OWNER-APPLIANT) DAVID EMERSON, HABITAT
FOR HUMANITY OF THE ST. VRAIN VALLEY/APPICANT.
Commissioner Pawson recused himself from this item and left the dias.
Senior Planner Hornbeck reported that the applicant's request to rezone the
subject parcel from E-1 (Estate) to R (Single-Family Residential). A conceptual
subdivision plan depicts twelve residential lots ranging in size from approximately
9,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet and an open space tract of 30,000 square
feet. Access is shown to eleven lots from a new cul-de-sac that would align with
Twin Drive. Access to the other lot would be via the private driveway to the west.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward to the Town Board a
recommendation of approval of the proposed Zoning Map Amendment, subject to
the following condition(s):
1. Future subdivision shall include a minimum of eight lots that shall be
deed restricted as "attainable" to households earning a maximum of
115% of the Larimer County Area Median Income and in accordance
with the requirements of Development Code Section 11.4.
2. All subsequent subdivision applications shall generally conform to the
conceptual subdivision plan, including access, open space, lot size and
layout, unless otherwise expressly approved by the Board of Trustees.
Key issues discussed by the Commission included dwelling units per acre, altering the
plan once approved, drainage and wildfire risks, with plans to include a retention pond
as part of the open space to help manage runoff. Attorney White did not consider this to
be spot-zoning as the ultimate use is residential. Per the application, access to the
development will be via a cul-de-sac, selected due to safety and grading constraints. If
the project is approved, coordination with the school district will be necessary to ensure
school bus access.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were also a topic of discussion with the
Commissioners. Senior Planner Hornbeck stated that ADUs would be allowed on all
lots that meet the minimum lot size requirements. The size of each ADU would be
based on the size of the primary residence. While ADUs are permitted under current
zoning, their cumulative effect on density, parking and traffic was acknowledged.
When asked about deed restrictions, Attorney White clarified that deed restrictions run
with the property, not the owner. Any future changes to the development would require
new approvals. A deed restriction will be placed on the property prior to subdivision
approval.
The requested waiver for the Development Plan aligns with current application
practices. The existing E1 zoning was grandfathered in from the 2000 rezoning,
although many properties in the area may not meet the current minimum acreage
requirements. It's unclear how many adjacent property owners fall into this category.
However, the conditions of approval will prevent any changes to the subdivision plan
and do not constitute spot zoning, according to Attorney White.
Per the staff report, he fire district did not oppose the proposed cul-de-sac, and the
school district did not submit any comments. The Town has not yet received a copy of
the agreement between the applicant and Habitat for Humanity.
draf
t
7
Planning Commission – June 17, 2025 – Page 3
As part of the approval, the applicant volunteered that the Habitat contract can be
added to the list of required conditions.
David Emerson, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley,
provided an overview of Habitat for Humanity's mission and role in the proposed
development:
• Habitat serves households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI),
with a strong focus on long-term homeownership, low foreclosure rates, and
positive community impact.
• He acknowledged that the current contract is complex and that Habitat's future
involvement is not guaranteed.
• He emphasized the importance of including attainable housing with deed
restrictions to preserve long-term affordability.
• The homes would be affordable, all-electric, and potentially include solar power
integration.
• Lots would be sold at or below appraised value, with financing options available
to help maintain affordability for qualifying families.
• Emerson confirmed that a Homeowners Association (HOA) would be necessary
to manage the open space tract included in the development.
Citizens speaking against the proposed rezoing included: Christann Higley/Town
resident, Christy Jacobs/Town Resident, Jed Eide/Town resident, Dan Scace/Town
resident, Laura Rustin/Town resident, Norma McKern/County resident, Larry
Bader/Town resident, Steve Wende/Town resident, Kristine Poppitz/County Resident,
and John Guffey/Town resident. Areas noted for concern included: increased traffic in
the area, environmental impacts, especially to wildlife, neighborhood compatibility
issues posed with rezoning to smaller lots, illegal spot zoning allegations, among other
concerns.
Scott Moulton, Executive Director, Estes Park Housing Authority/Town Resident, and
Sara Barwinski/Town resident, emphasized the critical need for workforce and
attainable housing, praising Habitat for Humanity's role and track record.
Staff and legal counsel emphasized that the adoption of the 2022 Comprehensive Plans
represents a significant change in conditions, which helps support the proposal.
Changes in conditions can include both physical development and planned land use
updates, and are not limited to a specific area. The Plan envisions Suburban Estate
areas as accommodating single-family homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs),
within a medium-density context, defined as ¼-acre lots. A 15% reduction in lot size is
permitted due to open space requirements, and the proposed half-acre lots have been
deliberately sized to prevent further subdivision. These lots will be sold at market rate.
The Commission made comparisons to nearby grandfathered, non-conforming lots that
do not meet current zoning standards. Traffic and safety concerns, particularly the blind
curves on Peak View Drive, were also discussed by the Commission. If the project is
approved, a sidewalk or multi-use trail along Peak View Drive will be required,
according to Frank Theis, the applicant. Commissioners acknowledged public
concerns, including compatibility with the neighborhood, density, and traffic, but also
recognized the pressing housing needs in the area and the importance of implementing
the Comprehensive Plan's goals. It was noted that no property value declines have
been observed near Habitat for Humanity projects, locally or nationally. Commissioner
Mulhern expressed appreciation for the Planning Department's work in managing a
complex and evolving development landscape.
draf
t
_________________________________
8
Planning Commission – June 17, 2025 – Page 4
It was moved and seconded (Cooper/Arterburn) to forward a recommendation of
approval to the Town Board, subject to the stated conditions.
• Future subdivision shall include a minimum of eight lots that shall be deed
restricted as attainable households, earning a maximum of 115% Larimer
County AMI, in accordance with requirements of Development Code Section
1.4
• All subsequent subdivision applications shall be in general confirmation with
the conceptual subdivision plan depicted, including access, open space, lot
size, layout, unless otherwise expressly approved by the Board of Trustees.
The motion passed 3-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. June 25 will be the Development Code update open house. Planning Commission
members are encouraged to attend.
2. The date of future joint study sessions has not yet been set.
Commissioner Arterburn acknowledged the tensions inherent in implementing the
comprehensive plan and evolving community needs. It was suggested that staff
consider providing more detailed density and adjacent areas in future proposals for
better clarity.
With no further business, Chair Cooper adjourned the meeting at 3:35 p.m.
Chuck Cooper, Chair
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary draf
t
9
10
Memo
To: Chair Cooper & Planning Commissioners
Through: Steve Careccia, Community Development Director
From: Paul Hornbeck, Senior Planner
Department: Community Development
Date: September 16, 2025
Subject: Coyote Run Subdivision 2nd Filing Preliminary Plat, CMS Planning &
Development, Inc., Frank Theis, Owner/Applicant, Habitat For Humanity of
the St Vrain Valley, Applicant
Type: Public Hearing, Land Use, Quasi-Judicial,
Objective:
Conduct a public hearing to consider an application for a proposed preliminary
subdivision plat which would create twelve lots in the R (Residential) Zoning District,
review the application for compliance with the Estes Park Development Code (Code),
and make a recommendation to the Town Board of Trustees to approve or deny the
application.
Present Situation:
The Coyote Run Subdivision was approved by Town Board in 2024 and created four
lots. Lots 1-3 are approximately one acre in size and are served by a private drive
accessed off Peak View Drive. Lot 4, which is 4.5 acres in size, is now proposed to be
subdivided to create 12 lots. Lot 4 was rezoned by Town Board in June, 2025 from E-1
(Estate) to R (Residential). That rezoning application included a conceptual subdivision
plat and a commitment from the applicants to deed restrict eight of the proposed lots as
attainable to households earning no more than 80% of the area median income.
The site is moderately sloped, with average grades of approximately 10%. The site is
located outside all mapped hazard areas (flood, fire, and geologic). The site is located
within an important wildlife habitat area per the 1996 Comprehensive Plan wildlife map.
The Town of Estes Park is committed to providing equitable access to our services. Contact us
if you need any assistance accessing material at 970-577-4777 or townclerk@estes.org.
11
The Plan mapped the site within a high use area for deer. The site is just outside an
area mapped as a high use area for elk.
Proposal:
The applicants request approval of a preliminary subdivision plat to create a 12-lot
subdivision. Proposed lots range in size from approximately 9,000 square feet to 18,000
square feet and an open space tract of 30,000 square feet. Access is proposed to
eleven of the lots from a new street which aligns with Twin Drive and terminates in a
cul-de-sac. Access to the other lot would be via the existing private driveway to the
west.
Per Review Procedures and Standards of the Code, "Subdivisions are approved in two
stages: first, a preliminary subdivision plat is approved, and second, a final subdivision
plat is approved and recorded." Code section 3.2 requires the Planning Commission
review the preliminary plat and make a recommendation to the Town Board, who is the
final decision-making body. The final plat is reviewed by the Town Board only.
Advantages:
The application complies with the relevant standards and criteria set forth below and
with other applicable provisions of the Code. In accordance with Code section 3.9.E.
“Standards for Review”, all subdivision applications shall demonstrate compliance with
the standards and criteria set forth in Chapter 10, "Subdivision Standards," and all other
applicable provisions of the Code.
1. Lots. All lots meet applicable minimum standards for the R Zoning District. Lot
sizes range in size from 9,202 to 18,106 square feet. The minimum lot size in the
R zoning district generally 0.25 acres, or 10,890 square feet. However, with the
provision of a minimum of 15% of the gross land area as private open areas, an
adjusted minimum lot size of 0.21 acres, or 9,148 square feet applies. Therefore,
all proposed lots meet the minimum lot size.
2. Density. Proposed net density equates to approximately three units per acre, in
compliance with the maximum four units per acre.
3. Relationship to Comprehensive Plan. The proposed subdivision is consistent
with the recommendations of the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan, which
12
designates suburban estate as the future land use for the property. This category
"is intended for low to medium density single family residential development.”
The Built Form of this category “typically consists of medium-sized single-family
homes on lots that are at least a quarter-acre in size… new homes should be
appropriately scaled for compatibility with existing neighborhood character.”
4. Geologic and Wildfire Hazard Areas. There are no mapped geologic or wildfire
hazard areas identified within this subdivision area.
5. Off-Site Utilities and Services. The Water Division, Power and
Communications, Estes Valley Fire Protection District, and Upper Thompson
Sanitation District have reviewed and expressed no objections to the proposed
subdivision.
The Applicant submitted a preliminary drainage report and grading, drainage,
and erosion control plans. Public Works has provided direction on updates
required as part of the construction plans and final drainage report to be
reviewed with the final plat application.
6. Orientation of Land Uses. The proposed subdivision will be for single-family
residential use, consistent with surrounding uses.
7. Improvements. The code requires all public improvements to either be installed
or financially guaranteed. An Improvement Agreement and the associated
improvements will be secured by letter of credit or cash deposit as part of the
final plat.
8. Compliance with Zoning Development Standards. The Code requires the
layout of lots, driveways, utilities, drainage facilities be designed in a manner
that:
a. Minimizes the land disturbance. Some land disturbance is necessary for
construction of the proposed road and detention pond, but grading
appears minimized to the greatest extent possible.
b. Maximizes the amount of open space in the development. In
accordance with Code requirements, 15% of the gross land area is to be
set aside for common open space. Additional private open space will exist
on individual lots.
13
c. Preserves existing trees/vegetation and wildlife habitat. Existing
significant trees are shown on the preliminary plat. Construction plans with
the final plat will need to indicate any significant trees planned for removal
and establish limits of disturbance. Replacement trees may be required in
accordance with the Code.
9. Limits of Disturbance. The Code requires that limits of disturbance (LOD) be
established with the subdivision of land. The proposed limits of disturbance shall
be established on construction plans submitted with the final plat.
10.Streets. A traffic study completed with the rezoning application by the applicants’
traffic engineer found traffic generated by the subdivision does not warrant
improvements to Peak View Drive such as turn lanes. Public Works reviewed the
traffic study with no adverse findings. Street design is consistent with the “Street
Design and Construction Standards” found in Appendix D of the Code. Public
Works has received a waiver request for the required curb and gutter installation
along the property frontage on Peak View Drive. Public Works has reviewed the
request, and the request has been denied. The long term vision for Peak View
Drive will consist of concrete curb and gutter and a multi-use path. Curb and
gutter are shown accordingly on the preliminary plat.
11.Sidewalks, Pedestrian Connections and Trails. Proposed sidewalk and
pedestrian connections are in compliance with Code requirements. A sidewalk
will be constructed along the internal new street, along with a connection from
the cul-de-sac to the open space. The first filing of Coyote Run Subdivision
required construction of a 10’ wide concrete multiuse path along Peak View Drive
for the length the development. The applicant has two years from approval of that
filing to complete the path, which will also serve the 2nd filing.
12.Wildlife Habitat Protection. As an area identified as important wildlife habitat
(high use area for deer), the Code prohibits non-native plant species. The
landscape plan required with the construction plans in the final plat application
will be necessary to confirm compliance. The Code also places limits on fencing
to allow animal passage. No fencing is proposed with the subdivision; however, a
note will be included on the plat to alert future land owners of this restriction.
14
13. Private Open Area. The Code requires residential subdivisions containing five
or more lots in the R Zone District to set aside 15% of the gross land area for
open areas. The proposed open space outlot meets this requirement and
includes a detention pond, trail, and benches. Code section 7.4.C.2 indicates
detention ponds may count towards the private open area set-aside requirement
when they are “accessible and usable as community amenities by the public or
the residents of the development (e.g., picnic areas, passive recreation areas,
playgrounds, ponds for fishing and/or boating, etc.). See Figure 7-6.” The
planned provision of benches and wetland plantings may qualify as a passive
recreation area. Inclusion of a landscape plan with the construction plans in the
final plat application will be necessary to confirm compliance.
Code Figure 7-6
Lastly, the application is consistent with the rezoning application. The rezoning was
approved conditioned upon the subdivision plat being in general conformance with the
access, open space, and lot size and layout depicted on the conceptual plat provided at
that time, a condition that is met. The rezoning was also conditioned upon a
requirement to execute a deed restriction no later than September 25, 2025 to restrict
eight of the lots as affordable to households earning no more than 80% of the area
15
median income. As of this writing, a master deed restriction is being developed for the
subject property for recording by that deadline. However, since the eight lots will not
formally exist until recording of the final plat, that deed restriction will need to be
amended concurrently with recording of the final plat, to specify its applicability only to
the subject eight lots.
Disadvantages:
None identified.
Action Recommended:
Staff recommends Planning Commission forward to Town Board a recommendation to
approve the preliminary plat, subject to the following findings and conditions of approval:
Findings:
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 or will be made available
by the applicant to serve the subject property.
4. This request has been submitted to all applicable reviewing agency staff for
consideration and comment with no objections received.
5. The preliminary plat application complies with applicable standards set forth in
the Estes Park Development Code.
6. The preliminary plat application is consistent with the conceptual plat included
with the rezoning application.
Conditions:
1. All outstanding staff and referral agency comments shall be addressed, including:
a. The final plat shall include a landscape plan to demonstrate conformance
with Development Code Section 7.4.C.2 regarding the detention pond.
2. Lots 1-2 and 7-12 shall be subject to an amended deed restriction recorded with
the final subdivision plat.
16
Finance/Resource Impact:
Future ongoing expenditures for street maintenance, police service, and other municipal
services will be minor compared existing town-wide expenditures on these items.
Level of Public Interest:
As of this writing no public comments have been received on this application; however,
the previous rezoning of the property generated a high level of public interest.
In accordance with the notice requirements in the Code, notice of this hearing was
published in the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, on August 29, 2025. Notice was mailed to all
required adjacent property owners on August 28, 2025. A sign was posted on the
property by the applicant.
Sample Motion:
1. I move to forward to Town Board a recommendation of approval the Preliminary
Subdivision Plat, according to findings and conditions recommended by Staff.
2. I move to forward to Town Board a recommendation of denial the Preliminary
Subdivision Plat, finding that … [state findings for denial].
Attachments:
1. Statement of Intent
2. Preliminary Subdivision Plat
17
18
19
20
21
22
Community Development
Planning Commission
September 16, 2025
Preliminary Subdivision Plat
Coyote Run 2nd Filing
Frank Theis, CMS Planning and Development, Inc., (Owner/Applicant)/
David Emerson, Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley (Applicant)
Presented by Paul Hornbeck, Senior Planner
Coyote Run 1st Filing
Subject
Property
Lot 4
Zoning Map
Vicinity Map of Subject Area
Coyote Run 2nd Filing
Coyote Run 2nd Filing
Coyote Run 2nd Filing
Advantages
•1. Lots. All lots meet applicable minimum standards for
the R Zoning District.
•2. Density. Proposed net density equates to
approximately three units per acre, in compliance with the
maximum four units per acre.
•3. Relationship to Comprehensive Plan. The proposed
subdivision is consistent with the recommendations of the
Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan.
•4. Geologic and Wildfire Hazard Areas. There are no
mapped geologic or wildfire hazard areas identified within
this subdivision area.
Advantages
•5. Off-Site Utilities and Services. No objections to the
proposed subdivision from service providers.
Public Works has provided direction on updates required
on the drainage plan as part of the construction plans and
final drainage report to be reviewed with the final plat
application.
•6. Orientation of Land Uses. The proposed subdivision
will be for single-family residential use, consistent with
surrounding uses.
•7. Improvements. Public improvements will be secured
by letter of credit or cash deposit as part of the final plat.
Advantages
•8. Compliance with Zoning Development Standards. The
layout of lots, driveways, utilities, drainage facilities are
designed in a manner that:
•a. Minimizes the land disturbance.
•b. Maximizes the amount of open space in the development.
•c. Preserves existing trees/vegetation and wildlife habitat.
9. Limits of Disturbance. The proposed limits of
disturbance will be established on construction plans
submitted with the final plat.
Advantages
10.Streets.
•A traffic study - subdivision does not warrant improvements to
Peak View Drive such as turn lanes.
•Public Works reviewed the traffic study with no adverse
findings.
•Street design is consistent with the “Street Design and
Construction Standards” found in Appendix D of the Code.
•Public Works has denied a requested waiver to the
requirement for curb and gutter installation along the property
frontage on Peak View Drive.
Advantages
11.Sidewalks, Pedestrian Connections and Trails.
•In compliance with Code requirements.
•A sidewalk will be constructed along the internal new street
•Pedestrian connection from the cul-de-sac to the open space.
•The first filing of Coyote Run Subdivision required construction
of a 10’ wide concrete multiuse path along Peak View Drive
12. Wildlife Habitat Protection.
•Final plat landscape plan to confirm non-native plant species
not proposed
•Limitations on fencing (none proposed)
Advantages
13.Private Open Area.
•15% requirement for open
areas is met.
•Outlot includes a detention
pond, trail, and benches.
•Detention ponds may count
towards the private open area
as passive recreation area.
•Landscape plan with final plat
application will be necessary
to confirm compliance.
Advantages
14. Application is consistent with the rezoning application.
Rezoning was approved conditioned upon:
•The subdivision plat being in general conformance with
the access, open space, and lot size and layout
depicted on the conceptual plat.
•Execution of a deed restriction no later than September
25, 2025 to restrict eight of the lots as affordable to
households earning no more than 80% of the area
median income. Deed restriction is being developed for
the subject property for recording by 9/25 deadline.
Disadvantages
•None identified.
Action Recommended
Staff recommends Planning Commission forward to Town Board a
recommendation to approve the preliminary plat, subject to the following
findings and conditions of approval:
Findings:
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 or will be made available by the
applicant to serve the subject property.
4. This request has been submitted to all applicable reviewing agency staff for consideration and
comment with no objections received.
5. The preliminary plat application complies with applicable standards set forth in the Estes Park
Development Code.
6. The preliminary plat application is consistent with the conceptual plat included with the
rezoning application.
Action Recommended (cont.)
Conditions:
1. All outstanding staff and referral agency comments shall be addressed,
including:
a. The final plat shall include a landscape plan to demonstrate
conformance with Development Code Section 7.4.C.2 regarding the
detention pond.
2. Lots 1-2 and 7-12 shall be subject to an amended deed restriction
recorded with the final subdivision plat.
Public Notice
In accordance with the notice requirements in the Code:
•Newspaper notice published August 29, 2025
•Mailed notice sent August 28, 2025.
•A sign was posted on the property by the applicant.
Sample Motions
1.I move to forward to Town Board a recommendation of
approval the Preliminary Subdivision Plat, according to
findings and conditions recommended by Staff.
2.I move to forward to Town Board a recommendation of denial
the Preliminary Subdivision Plat, finding that … [state findings
for denial].