HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Community Development Community Services 2012-11-15Preparation date: November 6, 2012
* Revision date:
NOTE: The Community Development / Community Services Committee reserves the right to consider
other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda was prepared.
AGENDA
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT / COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
November 15, 2012
8:00 a.m.
Board Room, Town Hall
1. PUBLIC COMMENT
2. COMMUNITY SERVICES
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i) None.
b) REPORTS
i) Visitor Center Quarterly Report. Manager Salerno.
ii) Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
• Status of Event Financials.
• Stall Barn Update.
3. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i) Temporary Policy to Extend Timeframes for Building Permits and
Applications. Director Chilcott.
b) REPORTS
i) Community Development Monthly Report. Director Chilcott.
ii) Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
4. ADMINISTRATION
a) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE TOWN BOARD
i) None
b) REPORTS
i) 2013 FTE Summary Report Compared to 2012. Administrator Lancaster.
ii) 2013 Budget Updates. Finance Officer McFarland.
iii) Status of Policy Development.
iv) Verbal Updates and Committee Questions.
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Teri Salerno, Visitor Services Manager
Date: November 5, 2012
RE: Visitor Services Quarterly Report - 3rdQ: July / August / September
Third Quarter Visitor Center Traffic:
The Visitor Center experienced a decrease of 13.18% in foot traffic in July, August, and
September over the third quarter last year. In 2011, we saw 212,458 people come
through our doors, for an average of 2,309 people per day. This year we had 184,459
visitors during our third quarter, for an average of 2,005 people each day. July was
down 23.29%, August was down 17.56% and September was up 7.15% over the same
months in 2011.
Through September 2012, counts are down 8.34% overall when compared to the same
time-period in 2011. This means that the Visitor Center has seen 28,861 fewer people
through September; in 2011 we had 345,976 total visitors compared to 317,115 this
year. Please note that this 2012 third quarter total is still higher than any third quarter
total except last year, and is only the second time since 2006 that the third quarter total
is not higher than the same quarter the year before. As illustrated in the table below, this
happened only one other time, in 2008.
Rocky Mountain National Park experienced a similar visitor count pattern as the EPVC
during the third quarter of 2012. In Rocky, both July and August were down, 12.37%
and 5.1% respectively, while September visits were up 9% over September last year.
This means that RMNP saw 80,030 less people this year in the third quarter, compared
to 2011, representing a decrease of 4.35% for the quarter. In spite of both the park and
the EPVC seeing decreases in July and August, with a similar rebound in September,
overall for the year, RMNP visitation is up 2.4% (+66,683 people) while the EPVC is
down. One plausible explanation for this could be that we are seeing repeat regional
visitors who continue straight to their destination (in town or Rocky) and do not need to
stop at our center for information. These folks are already familiar with the area.
Community Services Memo
As mentioned before, this year, Visitor Services staff began to track the percentage of
people who enter the Visitor Center through the doors that directly access the public
restrooms. With the heavier use of the public restrooms in the center in recent years,
these percentages may potentially provide some guidance as we move into the future.
We are seeing a clear pattern that is now hovering around 55% entering the building
through that entrance. Through September 30, the percent is 53%. It is interesting to
note that prior to tracking these statistics, staff had estimated around half of the visitors
enter the building via the doors near the public restrooms. It is good to receive
confirmation of this observation. The current heavy use of the public restrooms warrants
discussion as we move toward building a parking garage in the east lot that will bring
more people to the center needing these facilities.
Visitor Center Traffic
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
2012 31,464 101,192 184,459 317,115
2011 32,960 100,558 212,458 55,716 401,692
2010 19,877 76,080 179,627 49,394 324,978
2009 21,492 78,442 164,098 37,807 301,839
2008 16,797 64,642 144,648 37,433 263,520
2007 18,060 68,195 158,669 31,116 276,040
2006 8,999 54,602 139,046 29,522 232,169
Third Quarter Telephone Calls:
Visitor Services staff answered approximately 27.5% less telephone calls during the
third quarter of 2012 over the same time period in 2011. This is a much larger percent
decrease when compared to the 10.2% decrease seen in calls for the third quarter of
2011 over the same period in 2010. The Visitor Center received 6,368 calls in July,
August and September in 2012, for an average of approximately 69 calls per day. In
2011 we fielded 8,779 calls, for an average of 95 calls per day. Through September, the
call count is down overall by 22.45%, representing a decrease in calls of 4,007 over the
same time-period in 2011.
This is the lowest number of calls received in the third quarter since moving into the new
Visitor Center in 2006; the trend of decreasing calls continues. As technology changes,
the decrease in telephone calls coming into the center continues to be significant. In
spite of this statistic, the personal contact is invaluable to those who do call the center.
Visitor Services staff hear over and over how thankful callers are for having a “real”
person to speak to about our area.
The Visitor Services team is hoping the Visit Estes Park staff will include live-chat on
their new website that is currently being developed. Live chat via the website would
allow Visitor Services staff the opportunity to provide to the public the personal
customer service currently provided via telephone conversations, but through an
additional avenue that could expand our reach. The branding process is teaching us the
importance of treating our visitors – and potential visitors – like guests, and having a
personal connection with the public is essential for customer satisfaction. It is the
“personal” factor provided by Visitor Services staff that is so very difficult to measure,
yet this “personal” factor is invaluable to our success and is what contributes
significantly to a positive end result.
Visitor Center Telephone Calls
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr Total
2012 2,357 5,112 6,368 13,837
2011 3,119 5,946 8,779 2,855 20,699
2010 3,934 7,162 9,772 3,224 24,092
2009 3,931 7,608 11,035 3,796 26,370
2008 3,538 6,615 10,122 3,281 23,556
2007 3,899 6,575 10,521 3,360 24,355
2006 3,891 6,127 9,298 3,002 22,318
Retail Sales:
Retail sales through the end of September total $28,048 and the sales for the third
quarter equaled $17,911. Last year, third quarter sales totaled $20,801. Third quarter
sales have always been the highest quarter at the center. With the significant decrease
in foot traffic this third quarter over last year, one might expect a larger discrepancy in
sales between the two years. In the third quarter, the Visitor Center sold a total of 85
DVDs, which added significantly to the sales total for the quarter. With three more
months left in the year, the addition of DVD sales can potentially bring the center a bit
closer to attaining the now difficult revenue target of $42,000 for 2012, in spite of the
significant decrease in foot traffic.
Total Retail Sales Revenue by year
2005 $17,675
2006 $39,299
2007 $43,554
2008 $36,485
2009 $42,582
2010 $40,175
2011 $39,192
2012 thru Sept 30 $28,048
Please Note: In the second quarter Visitor Services report, $12,536 was mistakenly reported as the total
sales through June (this was the total through mid-July). The correct total through June 30 was $10,137.
Volunteer Ambassadors:
The number of volunteer Ambassadors currently totals 62, down three more from the
total of 65 volunteers last quarter. (This situation is due to a death, and two more
removed from the roster due to life-threatening illnesses.) W e like to keep the total
number of volunteers around 75 going into the summer, and hope that over the next
several months, we will be able to find potential volunteers to fill this gap before the
2013 season. Visitor Services staff cover the Visitor Center front desk Monday through
Friday this time of year, so this low number is currently not of concern. The
Ambassadors work the front counter only on the weekends October through the end of
May 2013. This situation will become more of an issue next year.
Budget: N/A
Recommendation: None
Community Development
Memo
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Will Birchfield, Chief Building Official
Alison Chilcott, Community Development Director
Date: November 15, 2012
RE: Temporary Policy to Extend Timeframes before Building Permits and
Applications Expire
Background:
In 2010 and 2011 Town Board approved a temporary policy extending application and
building permit expiration dates due to the economic downturn (minutes are attached).
Some property owners/businesses had applied for permits and decided not to begin
work because of changed economic circumstances. Others began work, but couldn’t
complete it for the same reason.
Without the extension, building permits are valid for 18 months from date of issuance.
The current extension expires on December 31st 2012. Town Board requested an
update prior to the 31st.
Issued permits due to expire fall into the following categories, the Applicant has:
▪ Not paid for permit
▪ Paid for permit, but did not begin work
▪ Paid for permit, began work, but not finished; or
▪ Began or completed work without paying for the permit and/or completing
required inspections.
In all these cases staff is working with applicants to determine the current status of
permits. Inspector Claude Traufield is contacting and working with homeowners and
Chief Building Official Will Birchfield is working with contractors as they walk in the door.
With the assistance of Consultant Don Widrig, we now have a report of open permits
due to expire on December 31st. This has enabled staff to proactively reach out to
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applicants with open permits. We identified more than 500 open permits of which at
least 150 have been closed during the past 30 days.
Staff recommends that we extend the permit expiration deadline for another three
months, through March 31, 2013 to allow staff to continue to proactively reach out to
property owners and contractors and close out as many permits as possible.
The alternative is to let permits expire. Expired permits become violations against
contractor licenses. Contractors can apply for new permits for the same work and pay
additional fees or the expired permits are officially non-approved and closed. The Chief
Building Official can deny contractor license renewals if there are three outstanding
violations.
In cases where permits were applied for, but not paid for, applicants have incurred and
are responsible for fees. Staff recommends waiver of these plan review fees, if the
applicant chooses not to proceed with the permitted work. Many jurisdictions collect
plan review fees during the submittal process; Estes Park does not, staff is evaluating
this option.
Budget:
General Fund Revenue: Licenses and Permits/Building
Account #: 101-2300-322.10-00
Reduced revenue is roughly estimated at approximately $10,000. An accurate estimate
can be obtained, but requires staff time to review and enter fees into Excel. PTWin
cannot generate this report automatically.
Recommendation:
I recommend recommend extending the expiration date from December 31st 2012 to
March, 31, 2013, with monthly progress updates to Community
Development/Community Services, to the Town Board to be included as an Action Item
at the November 27, 2012 Town Board meeting.
Board of Trustees – April 27, 2010 – Page 2
Mayor Pinkham stated Secretary of the Interior Salazar has appointed Grand Lake
Mayor Judy Burke to the National Parks Advisory Board.
1. CONSENT AGENDA (Approval of):
1. Town Board Minutes dated April 13, 2010.
2. Bills.
3. Committee Minutes:
A. April meetings for Utilities, Public Safety and Public Works cancelled.
It was moved and seconded (Levine/Eisenlauer) the Consent Agenda be approved,
and it passed unanimously.
2. REPORTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. GRANDSTAND PROJECT UPDATE.
Deputy Town Administrator Richardson stated the project continues to be on
schedule with 73% of the project completed and 77% of the budget expended.
The Town Board approved $200,000 in additional funding at the April 13, 2010
meeting. EPURA would cover the additional $100,000 in cost overruns. The
total cost of the project stands at $2,573,162 with additional costs. This funding
does not include the supplemental items such as the sound system and the
chairs as well as the concession stand tenant finish.
2. WESLEYAN CHURCH / DEVELOPMENT CODE STANDARDS.
Director Joseph reviewed the zoning and history of the property. Under the
existing zoning the lodge use is a legally grandfathered non-conforming use
and the lodge is old enough to pre-date any requirements for a development
plan review of the site that would require adequate public facility improvements
such as parking. The use of the lodge for religious assembly began in the
1980s and was not a permitted use at the time and is not a legally grandfather
use today. Compliance with the Development Code provisions for religious
assembly would require a rezoning of the property and approval of a
development plan. In 2000, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized
Persons Act (RLUIPA) was enacted to prohibit the imposition of burdensome
zoning law restrictions on religious institutions. The ability of the Town to
require compliance with the Development Code provisions is questionable due
to the lack of enforcement. Trustee Homeier thanked staff for the background
information; however, he questioned why the codes have not been enforced
upon this church when recent churches have had to comply. He commented
on the RLUIPA act which is controversial and complicated, and stated the
future Board should review the issue further.
3. TEMPORARY POLICY TO EXTEND TIMEFRAMES BEFORE BUILDING
PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS EXPIRE.
Director Joseph stated staff has received multiple requests to extend
application and permit expiration dates beyond the strict letter of the code due
to the current economic conditions. In some cases the business owner and/or
property owner have failed to request the final inspection and the permit has
expired. The code requires the building official to assess plan review fees and
20% of the permit fee for expired applications. A temporary policy has been
proposed by staff to extend the application expiration date until January 1,
2011. At that time, unpaid applications would expire and the applicants would
be assessed fees for services that have been provided. This extension would
also apply to projects that have not been completed and would extend the
permit expiration date to January 1, 2011. For projects with expired permits
Board of Trustees – April 27, 2010 – Page 3
that only need the final inspection completed, the temporary policy would
extend the expiration date for 30 days from the date of notice to the permit
holder.
4. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT.
• The Prospect Avenue road construction project has been delayed due to
weather delays, therefore, Moccasin bypass would remain closed through
May 6th.
3. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS.
Mayor Pinkham opened a Public Hearing for the Consent Agenda items:
1. CONSENT ITEMS:
A. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDOMINIUM MAP
1. Overlook Condominiums, Supplemental Condominium Map #4, Lot
2, Stanley Historic District, Overlook Development at the Historic
Stanley, LLC/Applicant.
Trustee Miller requested Item B.1 be removed and discussed as an action item.
As there were no comments, Mayor Pinkham closed the public hearing and it
was moved and seconded (Levine/Ericson) Item A.1 be approved with staff
conditions of approval, and it passed unanimously.
2. ACTION ITEMS:
B. AMENDED SUBDIVISION PLAT
1. Amended Plat, Lot 27, Prospect Mountain Subdivision, PUD, 5th
Filing, Robert and Theresa Bowman/Applicant.
Trustee Miller questioned why the item was addressed as an amended plat
versus a variance. Director Joseph stated the applicant was not requesting a
variance to the setback. The property owner has requested an expansion of
the building envelop to encompass the entire dwelling and deck constructed on
the PUD lot in the 1980s. Mayor Pinkham closed the public hearing and it was
moved and seconded (Blackhurst/Miller) Item B.1 be approved with staff
conditions of approval, and it passed unanimously.
4. ACTION ITEMS:
1. APRIL 6, 2010 ELECTION REPORT.
Town Clerk Williamson reviewed the Official April 6th Election Report:
FOR TRUSTEE: Total Votes Cast
ERIC W. BLACKHURST * 724
WENDY KOENIG* 1457
MARK ELROD * 746
PAUL FISHMAN 665
DAVID HABECKER 272
ART BLUME 455
DORLA EISENLAUER 563
*Elected to 4-yr. terms
Total Active Registered Voters = 3,600
Community Development / Community Services – June 23, 2011 – Page 2
to automatic sprinklers. The amendment would increase fire protection in the CD
zoning district and is more restrictive than the codes because it requires the use
of the NFPA 13 system.
2. Changes of occupancy in all non-residential zoning districts shall comply with the
requirements of the codes for automatic sprinkler systems except changes to
residential uses in fire areas that contain no more than two residential units shall
require the property owner to spend up to but not more than 25% of the value of
the improvements on automatic sprinkler systems. This amendment is less
restrictive than the codes which require full sprinkler systems.
3. New construction and/or significant improvements in all non-residential zoning
districts that create fire areas greater than 5000 square feet require approved
automatic sprinkler systems and shall be protected with NFPA 13 compliant
automatic sprinkler system. This amendment is more restrictive by requiring the
NFPA 13 system.
4. Future buildings containing residential uses which are part of development plans
approved prior to the adoption of the amendment shall be exempt from new
requirements for automatic sprinkler systems when conditions in Section
9023.2.13.3 are met.
5. Raises the threshold for requiring automatic sprinkler systems when there is a
change of occupancy to a Group A-2 occupancy (restaurant, bar, tavern,
nightclub) when certain conditions are met. This amendment is less restrictive
than the adopted codes.
The Committee suggested including definitions when posting the amendments on the
website to provide the public with the information they need to understand the
amendments and approved of the process staff followed to engage the community and
acquire input. The Committee recommends approval of the automatic sprinkler
system amendments to the 2009 International Building Code to be included as an
action item at the July 26, 2011, Town Board meeting.
EXPIRED BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS.
In April 2010, the Town Board approved a temporary policy extending application and
building permit expiration dates until January 1, 2011, due to the downturn in the
economy. Staff is requesting that the deadline be extended through the end of 2011,
with no additional fees being assessed, as local construction has not improved as
anticipated. The Committee discussed the benefits and drawbacks of extending the
expiration through 2012, and recommends extending the expiration date through
the end of 2011, with the option to reassess the economic situation at the end of
the year to determine if the deadline should be extended through 2012 as well.
The policy will be included as an action item at the July 26, 2011, Town Board
meeting.
REPORTS.
Reports provided for informational purposes and made a part of the proceedings.
• Monthly Building Division Report – The number of building permits issued
through May 2011 doubled from last year, with the valuation and fees remaining
the same. Management and prioritization of code compliance issues is being
addressed.
• Monthly Planning Division Report – Staff is reviewing minor modifications to a
previously approved project at Stonebridge, and the Stanley Technical Review
Committee met in June to review plans for Phase I of a project to restore the
Carriage House. A creative sign program application is expected to be submitted
for review in the next few weeks.
• Insurance Services Office, Inc., (ISO) Building Code Enforcement Evaluation
Report – CBO Birchfield summarized the report noting that the Town received a
numerical rating of 3 for both commercial and residential properties, which is
above the national average. A scale of 1 to 10 is used by the ISO, with a rating
of 1 representing an exemplary commitment to building code enforcement. The
ISO provides advisory insurance underwriting and rating information to insurers.
Board of Trustees – July 26, 2011 – Page 3
Rich Johnson/Town citizen questioned the use of an environmental impact
analysis completed for a residential proposal on the property. He stated the use
as a ski resort would have significantly different impacts and would destroy the
historic nature of the property. He suggested the issue be taken to a vote.
Trustee Miller requested the item be postponed to a special meeting to allow
further review of the other proposals and to allow additional public review and
comment.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Levine/Koenig) to
submit the final application and fund the third party analysis for the RTA
application from the Community Reinvestment fund, and it passed with
Trustees Miller and Elrod voting “No”.
2. TRANSPORTATION VISIONING COMMITTEE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS.
Trustee Koenig recused herself from the discussion. Trustee Ericson stated the
Transportation Visioning Committee (TVC) was established to envision the
transportation needs of the valley in 15-20 years. The committee would like to
receive public input on the issues, needs, priorities and ideas to address
transportation issues. The meetings would be held at the end of September
with at least three meetings facilitated by a no cost facilitator from CSU. Greg
Rosener/TVC member stated the committee has not come up with solutions or
prioritized ideas, and would be looking for input without preconceived ideas from
the public. The meeting would be informal, dialogue/discussion format, and
focus on collecting ideas and comments from the community. The TVC would
then discuss the issues and prioritize the items for the Town Board to consider.
Johanna Darden/Town citizen thanked the TVC and she would encourage the
Board to approve the public input process.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Elrod/Levine) to
approve the conducting of additional open public meetings to further
enhance the public input for the transportation visioning project, and it
passed with Trustee Koenig abstaining.
3. EXPIRED BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS.
Director Chilcott stated in April 2010, the Town Board approved a temporary
policy that extended the expiration through January 1, 2011 for application and
building permit due to the downturn in the local economy. The economy has not
significantly improved; therefore, staff would propose the extension of the
temporary policy through the end of 2011 with no assessment of additional fees.
The Community Development/Community Services Committee recommended
the extension through the end of 2011, with the option to reassess the economic
situation in December 2011 to determine if the deadline should be extended
through 2012.
Greg Rosener/Town citizen and Frank Theis/Town citizen spoke in support of
the extension stating the current economic situation continues to be difficult for
real estate, banking and development. They would encourage the Board
consider extending the item through the end of 2012.
After further discussion, it was moved and seconded (Elrod/Koenig) to extend
application and building permits expiration through December 31, 2012,
and it passed unanimously. The Board thanked staff for bringing the issue
forward.
4. ORDINANCE #17-11 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM AMENDMENTS TO
THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. Item moved to August 23,
Community Development
Memo
To: Community Development/Community Services Committee
Town Administrator Lancaster
From: Alison Chilcott, Community Development Director
Date: November 15, 2012
RE: Community Development Monthly Report
Background:
BUILDING SAFETY: Promote a safe built environment to (1) minimize loss of life and injury to the
general public and emergency responders; and (2) reduce property damage and destruction.
9 Building permit reports are attached. Trends continue in line with last month.
9 Staff has implemented a revised permit process to reduce wait time for Building
customers and move towards a one-stop shop for permitting. Permits are now
issued and paid for in Building, rather than Finance, eliminating a day or more of
wait time per permit. Checks are taken to Finance daily. Cash payment is accepted
in Finance only.
9 Daily inspection workload remains high averaging 16 per day through the end of
October. While Building Inspector Claude Traufield was on vacation for the first three
weeks in October, Brice Miller provided 48 contract inspections. He chose to charge
per stop instead of per inspection type. He made 48 stops, providing 77 inspections,
saving the Town $2,900 in contract services fees (77-48 = 29 x 100). Also, during
this vacation, Chief Building Official Will Birchfield provided an additional 115
inspections, saving $11,500 in contract services fees.
9 Community Development is continuing to focus on building life-safety concerns. For
the Courtyard Shops, a bank-owned property, staff requested and the property
owner agreed to submit a change of use application by November 1st. This did not
occur. Staff agreed to consider a new deadline. The restaurant has been vacant for
about a month, which reduces potential hazards. Also, there are fewer residential
tenants with the departure of summer seasonal workers.
o An architect has been hired and is working on the change of use application.
o Community Development staff and the Town Attorney continue to
communicate with the bank, the buyer, and the buyer’s representatives
(architects, electricians, etc.).
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9 Staff are continuing to work with Marys Lake Lodge to close out open permits. All but
two permits related to the main lodge are closed; the spa and outdoor wedding site
permits. Permits not associated with the main lodge remain open. Staff will follow up
with the HOA on these permits. Due to progress made with the most significant
outstanding permits, this will be last time Community Development reports
specifically on Marys Lake Lodge.
9 Building permits are typically valid for 18 months from date of issuance. In 2010 and
2011 Town Board approved a temporary policy extending application and building
permit expiration dates due to the economic downtown. The current extension
expires on December 31st 2012. Staff is recommending this deadline be extended by
three months (see separate memo).
9 The Division of Building Safety has resumed plan review and inspection of fire
suppression systems until the Fire District hires a new Fire Marshall.
ADDRESSING: Enhance public safety through the easy and rapid location of properties by law
enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical personnel within the Town of Estes Park.
9 No update.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT: Minimize death, injury, and losses to public and private property
due to flooding.
9 The Division of Building Safety is preparing for a Community Assistance visit from
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This involves review of
records for compliance with the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
9 FEMA will also provide recommendations on participation in the NFIP Community
Rating System program which can save property owners money on flood insurance.
9 Staff will discuss the amended State Floodplain Regulations and local ordinance
revisions to meet state standards.
9 Staff will request FEMA guidance on the “The Rocky” Performing Arts Center review.
Chief Building Official Will Birchfield has been in discussions with FEMA, Denver
Urban Drainage, the State NFIP, and a Fort Collins Floodplain Manager completing
research to ensure staff makes the right call about review requirements. e.g., what is
needed to authorize work within the floodplain.
SIGNAGE: Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by (1) ensuring the signage is safe and
(2) is compatible with adjacent land uses and the total visual environment of the Estes Valley.
9 Real estate agents often use temporary signs to advertize property for sale.
Temporary signage regulations were relaxed in 2010. Some realtors have expressed
concerns that they were not relaxed enough, e.g., off-site signage was too limited.
Community Development Director Chilcott participated in the Estes Valley Board of
Realtors meeting on November 1st requesting feedback on how the revised sign
code is, or isn’t, working for realtors.
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STRATEGIC/COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING: Create more convenient, equitable, healthful,
efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations. Articulate a desired future to inform
decision-making today.
9 On November 13th, staff will present a status report to the Town Board on the Estes
Valley Comprehensive Plan - Action Plan. This may assist with strategic planning.
9 On October 16th the Estes Valley Planning Commission voted to recommend an
update of the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan update will
be the topic of discussion at the November 15th Town Board/Planning Commission
work session. Planning Commission will be reviewing their recommendation and
requesting Town Board direction.
CURRENT PLANNING: Provide for the coordinated and harmonious development of the Estes
Valley, which will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote health, safety, order,
convenience, prosperity and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of
development.
9 Development applications under review can be viewed at
www.estes.org/CurrentApplications. Development activity continues to increase and
includes review of the Stanley Park Fairgrounds Stall Barns and Multi-Purpose
Events Center (MPEC) and commercial developments, such as O’Reilly Auto Parts.
9 Planner Shirk and Eric Fried, Larimer County Building are talking about what's
working and what can be improved with regarding to routing and review of building
permits in the unincorporated Estes Valley. A new County Building Inspector is
providing inspection services within the unincorporated Estes Valley. We want to
improve coordination of services for customers and ensure efficient delivery of
services.
9 Staff will be implementing a tracking system for building permits in the
unincorporated Estes Valley in January 2013. This is for permits requiring Estes
Valley Planning review only.
NUISANCES: Eliminate nuisances detrimental to the health, safety, convenience, and general welfare
of the citizens, on private property within the Estes Valley, such as waste accumulation, unsanitary
conditions, and noxious weeds.
9 Staff anticipates having code compliance policies in place the end of the year. The
Town’s current practice is to investigate anonymous life safety concerns; no other
anonymous complaints are investigated. Staff and Trustees have received some
complaints about this practice. Some residents want to remain anonymous for fear
of retribution. Staff has revised our practice to investigate anonymous written
complaints that have a significant community impact.
ENHANCING PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES
9 The community meetings about Enhancing Planning and Building Services are
scheduled for November 12th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm and December 4th from 3:30
pm to 5:30 pm. Both meetings will be held at the Museum. Trustees are encouraged
to attend and participate. Flyers have been widely distributed. The meeting will
involve small-group round table discussions about what’s working in Community
Development, what the public would like to see more of, and what’s possible!
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
9 No update. At this point in time, this is not a core service provided by Community
Development.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Board and Commissions
9 The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners has appointed resident Nancy
Hills to the Estes Valley Planning Commission to complete former Commissioner
Rex Poggenpohl’s term. Her first meeting will be the November 15th joint Town
Board/Planning Commission work session.
9 Commissioner Tucker and Commissioner Gresslin’s terms expire on December 31,
2012. These Town Board appointed positions are being advertized with a closing
date of November 23rd. Please encourage Town residents to apply.
Woodlands Heights Fire
9 Rebuilding after the Woodland Heights fire is continuing with eight permits approved
to date.
Staff Development/Training to Support Core Services
9 In November/December Community Development staff (Alison Chilcott, Will
Birchfield, Dave Shirk, and Charlie Phillips) will be attending Crucial Conversations
training hosted by Larimer County; six ½ day training sessions. Claude Traufield and
Karen Thompson will attend when the next opportunity arises.
Technology - Permitting Software and Geographic Information Systems GIS) to
Support Core Services
9 Discussions about converting to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
are ongoing. Alison Chilcott has contacted Larimer County Planning and Building
Services about their planned conversion from PermitsPlus to a web-based
development review and permitting system. Staff is exploring the benefits of using
the same system as Larimer County versus transition to Sungard. The sooner we
implement a new system, the better for customers and staff. At a minimum, having
the same system as Larimer County would assist with development/permit review in
the unincorporated Estes Valley with Larimer County.
Office Organization/Records Management
9 The Building Division had a significant backlog of inspection records to file. This
impacted our ability to determine the status of permits (open/closed) and provide
accurate information to customers. Temporary staff are reducing this backlog.
Finances
9 There are no significant expenditure or revenue changes since last month’s report.
MONTHPERMITS ISSUED 2011VALUATION2011FEES COLLECTED 2011FEES WAIVED 2011PROJECT NAMEFOR WAIVED FEESMONTHPERMITS ISSUED 2012VALUATION2012FEES COLLECTED 2012FEES WAIVED 2012PROJECT NAMEFOR WAIVED FEESJanuary42 $818,537 $10,659 $11,203Habitat for HumanityJanuary41 $595,132 $9,857 $125EP Library DistrictFebruary22 $861,828 $10,483 $0February32 $653,004 $6,981 $3,124The NeighborhoodBlack Canyon Inn-permit delayMarch37 $1,119,002 $12,736 $1,530Transit Hub March43 $977,106 $17,008 $0April40 $651,230 $6,799 $783Transit Hub & Community Non-ProfitApril35 $895,145 $12,058 $2,338The NeighborhoodMay55 $1,128,365 $18,033 $5,839Town Hall RemodelMay49 $1,115,163 $15,582 $727Moraine Ave Parking LotJune44 $780,550 $14,059 $50EPMCJune34 $1,446,563 $16,779 $0July37 $2,164,558 $27,292 $72Habitat for HumanityJuly42 $1,210,534 $11,294 $7,082The Neighborhood (2) ($5998)Light & Power Bldg. Roof ($624)Police Dept A/C ($125)Library A/C ($335)August42 $1,085,383 $16,782 $3,066The Neighborhood Attainable Housing ($2,936) & Homeowner Waiver of Expired Permit FeeAugust52 $1,619,191 $22,040 $0September39 $845,076 $12,022 $1,233UTSD ProjectSenior Center Cherokee Draw September36 $910,985 $10,689 $126Town of Estes Park A/COctober56 $938,862 $14,741 $0October38 $986,249 $8,992 $896Town of Estes Park Police Dept. RemodelNovember32 $389,465 $6,642 $0NovemberDecember53 $1,121,422 $14,451 $0DecemberTHROUGH THIS MONTH LAST YEAR 414 $10,393,391 $143,606 $23,776 YEAR TO DATE 402 $10,409,072 $131,280 $14,418% Change from 2011-3% 0% -9%2011 TOTALS 499 $11,904,278 $164,699 $23,7762012TOWN OF ESTES PARK BUILDING PERMIT SUMMARY2011Note‐ Permit fees are not always paid in the same month the permits are issued.Fees Reported: Plan review, building permitPermit total does not include Grading or Floodplain permits.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011Number Issued562 593 372 419 499% change from previous year21% 6% -37% 13% 19%Valuation$31,086,880 $35,473,383 $15,255,616 $11,233,978$11,904,278% change from previous year-26% 14% -57% -26% 6%Fees Collected$345,545 $287,648 $149,877 $155,535$164,699% change from previous year4% -17% -48% 4% 6%Fees Waived$11,916 $42,972 $26,909 $8,599 $23,7762007$02008 $6,030,8552008 $7,527,9062009 $3,026,7162009 $2,829,3972010 $2,223,2562010 $1,936,9362011 $250,0002012 $828,156Estes Park Medical Center - MRI AdditionSafeway RemodelSafeway Fueling Facility & Hail Damage RoofingSafeway Pharmacy RemodelFIVE-YEAR TRENDPROJECTS WITH SIGNIFICANT VALUATION OR COMMUNITY IMPORTANCENoneOur Lady of the Mountains Catholic ChurchEstes Park Medical CenterMarys Lake Road Bridge (county project)Stanley Park Grandstands
2012 BUILDING PERMITS - DETAILED REPORTJANUARY FEBRUARYMARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER YEAR TO DATERESIDENTIAL PERMITS(101) New Single Family DetachedAttached12 23 2 4 2 2 321 Square-footage 5,495 5,742 6,782 7,949 13,353 9,905 7,178 4,592 9,90370,899 Valuation $368,500 $537,940 $498,660 $711,109 $1,099,495 $916,546 $518,679 $284,459 $615,117$5,550,505(103) New Duplex11 Square-footage 1929 Valuation $202,962$202,962(104) New 3-4 Family11 Square-footage 3714 Valuation $302,438$302,438(438) Add/Alt/Conv Garages/Carports11 215 Square-footage - if applicable 315 440 288 11141043 Valuation $8,808 $14,973 $12,699 $75,000$111,480(434) Add/Alt/Conv26 7 25 21 26 19 26 42 23 23238Single‐Family Dwellings, 21, 5%Residential Additions, Alterations, Misc. Permits, 238, 59%Demolition, 16, 4%New 3‐4 Family, 1, 1%New Duplex, 1, 0%Garage/Carport Additions, Alterations, 5, 1%New Commercial Retail, 1, 0%Building Permits Year to Date(434) Add/Alt/Conv2672521261926422323238 Square-footage - if applicable 1,097 798 9,697 504 1,044 580 4,379 876 5,685 1,62926,289 Valuation $122,417 $52,462 $258,627 $192,085 $134,548 $178,553 $175,945 $228,921 $460,172 $200,115$2,003,844Total New Square Footage5495 5742 5643 6782 7949 13353 9905 7178 4592 990376542Total Remodel/Add Square Footage1097 798 10012 504 1484 580 4379 1164 6799 162928446 # PERMITS 27 9 28 23 30 21 30 46 26 26 266 VALUATION $490,917 $590,402 $772,835 $690,745 $860,630 $1,278,048 $1,092,491 $760,299 $819,631 $815,232 $8,171,229COMMERCIAL PERMITS(213) New Hotels, Motels, Cabins Square-footage ValuationMinor Repair/Remodel 2 18(318) New Rec. Bldg.Boiler/Furnace/Heater 1 12(319) New Religious Bldg.Stove/Fireplace 1 7(322) New Service & RepairRoof455(324) New Offices, Banks, ProfWater Heater 1 11(327) New Retail11AC/Cooler010(434) Residential Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc permits belowCurrent Month Year to DateCommercial Additions, Alterations, Misc. Permits, 120, 30%(327) New Retail11AC/Cooler010 Square-footage296296Water/Service Line/Plumbing 3 12 Valuation$31,729$31,729Gas Line/Propane 0 5(437) Add/Alt/Conv9 19 14 11 18 11 12 6 10 10120Sewer Line Square-footage 5981 1380 3656 4,804 408 322 0 427820,829Window/Siding 1 19 Valuation $89,915 $56,152 $200,671 $189,400 $222,804 $68,015 $118,044 $858,892 $87,773 $150,617$2,042,283SolarTOTAL13 149Total New Square FootageTotal Remodel/Add Square Footage5981 1380 3656 4804 70416525# PERMITS 9 19 14 11 19 1112 6 10 10121Minor Repair/Remodel 0 11VALUATION $89,915 $56,152 $200,671 $189,400 $254,533 $68,015 $118,044 $858,892 $87,773 $150,617 $2,074,012Boiler/Furnace 5 13Oven Hood/FireplaceDEMOLITION PERMITSRoof110# PERMITS 54110200 1 216Water Heater 2 4VALUATION $14,300 6,450 3,600 15,000 $0 $100,500 $3,581 $20,400 $163,831AC/Cooler120Water/Service Line/Plumbing/Backflow 6Gas Pipe/Line4TOTAL # PERMITS 41 32 43 35 49 34 42 52 36 38 402Construction TrailerTOTAL VALUATION$595 132$653 004$977 106$895 145$1 115 163$1 446 563$1 210 534$1 619 191$910 985$986 249$10 409 072Sl(437) Commercial Add/Alt/Conv also includes the Misc Permits below Current Month Year to DateTOTAL VALUATION$595,132$653,004$977,106$895,145$1,115,163$1,446,563$1,210,534$1,619,191$910,985$986,249$10,409,072SolarAntennaOTHER PERMITS NOT INCLUDED IN VALUATIONWindow/Siding2FLOODPLAIN DEV. PERMITS0000TOTAL970**Note: 50.00 charge for FPDPsVALUATION$0$0NOTES: New square footage = new construction (example: new home, new detached garage, etc)GRADING PERMITS0110 1 03Remodel/Alt/Add square footage = remodel of existing structure or addition to an existing structureVALUATION$0$3,000$0 $0 $0$3,000Add/Alt/Conv = additions, remodels, misc permits