HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET CompPAC 2022-03-10ESTES FORWARD
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CompPAC – TOWN OF ESTES PARK
TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 am.
Estes Park, CO 80517
The Estes Park Board Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee will participate remotely due to the
Declaration of Emergency signed by Town Administrator Machalek on March 19, 2020, related to
COVID-19 and provided for with the adoption of Ordinance 04-20 on March 18, 2020. Procedures for
quasi-judicial virtual public hearings are established through Emergency Rule 06-20 signed by Town
Administrator Machalek on May 8, 2020, and outlined below.
Please click the link below to join the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92672524563
Or Join by Telephone:
1. Dial US: +1 833-548-0276 (toll free)
2. Enter Meeting ID: 926 7252 4563 followed by #
The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Town’s Youtube Channel and recorded and
posted to YouTube and www.estes.org/videos within 48 hours.
Public Comment
When the moderator opens up the public comment period for an agenda item, attendees
wishing to speak shall:
1. Click the “Raise Hand” button, if joining online on the Zoom client, or
2. Press *9 and follow the prompts if joining by telephone.
3. If you are watching live on YouTube, please call the number listed above, and mute your
computer audio for the duration of your remarks.
Once you are announced, please state your name and address for the record.
To participate online via Zoom, you must:
• Have an internet-enabled smartphone, laptop or computer.
• Using earphones with a microphone will significantly improve your audio experience.
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.
Prepared March 3, 2022
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AGENDA
JOINT MEETING
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CompPAC)
ESTES VALLEY PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EVPAC)
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Thursday, March 10, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. AGENDA APPROVAL
3. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
A. Minutes from February 24, 2022
4. PUBLIC COMMENT (Please state your name and address).
5. DISCUSSION: Community Choices and Priorities
1. Economy
2. Infrasturcture and Transportation
3. Health and Social
6. OTHER
A. Next steps Director Garner
B. Virtual/In-person meetings Director Garner
7. ADJOURN
Prepared 03/3/2022
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Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, February 24, 2022
Minutes of a Joint meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee of the Town of Estes Park, and the Estes Valley Planning
Advisory Commission, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held via ZOOM
in said Town of Estes Park on February 24, 2022.
Committee: Chair Matthew Heiser, Vice-Chair Bob Leavitt, Members
David Bangs, Charles Cooper, Eric Blackhurst, Kirby Nelson-
Hazelton, John Schnipkoweit, Frank Theis, Karen Thompson,
Rose Truman, David Wolf, David Shirk, Matt Comstock
EVPAC Committee: Dave Converse, Drew Webb, Olivia Harper
Consultant Team: Jeremy Call, Miriam McGilvray, Jenny Young, Anne
Kuechenmeister, Alex Norton, Carol Sammons, Taylor
Broyhill
Also Attending: Community Development Director Jessica Garner, Larimer
County Community Development Director Lesli Ellis, Trustee
Barbara MacAlpine, Larimer County Commissioner
Shadduck-McNally, Planning Technician LauraJane Baur,
Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund,
Absent: Heiser, Truman, Schnipkoweit, Wolf, Comstock
Vice-Chair Leavitt called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
The motion passed with a visual thumbs-up vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
None
CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of Minutes from February 10, 2022.
The motion passed with a visual thumbs-up vote.
DISCUSSION: (for full comments, view the meeting recording)
This joint meeting was facilitated by consultant Logan Simpson and their team.
Miriam McGilvray presented 24 draft choices covering six themes to confirm that we are
asking the right questions and providing the right choices.
The Commission was asked to rank the order of importance of these six themes, and the
following were the top three:
1) Housing – adding accommodations, restricted housing with focus on specific
segments of the community and funding options how should they should be
utilized.
2)Natural Environment – steep slopes, floodplains, wildfire risks, wildlife habitats,
climate change and scenery related to development.
3)Built Environment – simplify future land use, where outward growth (change) would
be most appropriate, redevelopment and development design standards.
OTHER
-The next CompPac meeting will be March 10, 2022
-Spanish speaking outreach event is being held tonight, 6:00 at the Community Center.
-Discussion on virtual/in-person meetings in March
There being no further business, Vice-Chair Leavitt adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
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CompPAC/EVPAC Workshop on Community Choices
February 24, 2022 @ 9:00 AM
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Phase 2 Community Choices & Priorities
Purpose and Intent
•Identify and analyze high-level policy and
implementation priorities and choices that reflect the
Vision and Guiding Principles.
•Provide educational information about each choice,
allowing the public to learn about the tradeoffs and
potential benefits that could result from each choice.
•The outcome of the choices analysis, workshops, and
online activities will identify community-supported
strategies and direction that we can then translate
into goals, policies, and implementation actions for
the Comprehensive Plan, later this Spring/Summer.
Process
Development
•Review public and committee input to-date and
results from Plan Audit
•Identify Choices regarding policies and strategies
Outreach
•Package Community Choices into questions and
provide background context
•Workshop Choices with the community
Synthesis
•Review feedback and identify desired policy and
strategy direction
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Economy
Question #1: What role should the Town play in
economic development? (select all that apply.)
A.Strictly engage in traditional economic development such as:
o recruiting new businesses
o retaining existing businesses
o supporting local business start-ups
o promoting Estes Park
o providing financial incentives to companies for job creation
o investing in shovel-ready industrial/commerce parks or
spec-buildings
B.Engage in holistic economic development, including community
development and quality of life investments such as:
o Investing in public arts and culture
o Investing in infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, broadband)
o Investing in workforce housing
o Investing in place-making such as enhancements to
gateways, streetscapes, parks, and civic spaces
o Working with partners to revitalize underperforming or
dilapidated commercial and industrial properties
C.None –the Town should not directly engage in any form of
economic development
D.Other: ___________
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Jobs for residents, security, and a greater capacity to enjoy life
•Grow the tax base to pay for quality-of-life amenities, infrastructure, education & schools
•Diversify the local industry base for economic resilience
•Draw talent to the area, helping employers to grow
•Allow employees to afford living closer to jobs in town and engage as members of the community
•Curb leakage of wages, keeping dollars in town
•Invest in amenities, facilities, and services that benefit local residents while making the physical attributes of the town attractive to employers and businesses
•Tradeoffs
•Over-promotion and recruitment can result in population growth, increased visitation, and infrastructure demands that current systems may not be prepared to handle resulting in traffic, overcrowding, possible strain on water and sewer systems.
•Absence of an economic development strategy leaves the community susceptible to volatility in market forces and consumer trends.
Background and Context of Question
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Economy
Question #2: What would allow the Estes Valley to support a year-round economy? (select all that apply.)
A.More year-round residents
B.Affordable Childcare
C.Affordable Housing
D.Community college satellite campus
offering workforce development in
skilled trades, growing industries, and
programs of study with local
specialization opportunities
E.None of these, the Estes Valley
should not strive for a year-round
economy.
F.Other: ___________
•Policy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Stable customer base for local businesses in the off-peak season
•Viability of the Estes Valley as a vibrant full-time home and diverse community
•Resident workforce is more reliable than seasonal and commuting workers
•Year-round residents invest and engage in the community more frequently than seasonal residents or visitors
•Tradeoffs
•A year-round economy means more year-round residents and commerce which increases load on infrastructure and demand for public services that current systems may not be prepared to handle resulting in traffic, overcrowding, possible strain on water and sewer systems, potential overuse of trail systems and natural areas.
Background and Context of Question
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ECONOMIC CHOICES
Question #1: What role should the Town of Estes Park local government play in
economic development? (Select all that apply.)
A. Strictly engage in traditional economic development such as:
o recruiting new businesses
o retaining existing businesses
o supporting local business start-ups
o promoting Estes Park
o providing financial incentives to companies for job creation
o investing in shovel-ready industrial/commerce parks or spec-buildings
B. Engage in holistic economic development, including community development
and quality of life investments such as:
o Investing in public arts and culture
o Investing in infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, broadband)
o Investing in workforce housing
o Investing in place-making such as enhancements to gateways,
streetscapes, parks, and civic spaces
o Working with partners to revitalize underperforming or dilapidated
commercial and industrial properties
C. None – the Town should not directly engage in any economic development
D. Other: ___________
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Background
In recent decades, the definition of economic development in many communities has become
more holistic. Holistic economic development encompasses both primary business growth
(through entrepreneurship, retention, expansion, and recruitment) and community
development (e.g., investing in physical infrastructure, innovation infrastructure, education,
better public policies, lifestyle amenities). The success of holistic economic development
initiatives is measured by a broader array of metrics for measuring prosperity, from wealth and
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income generation to educational performance, business startup activity, affordability, and
ecosystem health, for example.
Community members have expressed differing opinions on the role of town government in
economic development – whether it should be involved at all, and if it is involved, should it
only engage in community development or take a holistic approach that includes traditional
economic development through collaboration with the Economic Development Corporation
(EDC). (Excerpted from the 2015 EV Economic Development Strategy)
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
One of the community’s Guiding Principles, as identified through the Estes Forward planning
process, is to achieve a year-round diversified economy with support services for visitors and
residents of all ages and income levels. In order to achieve this, Estes Park must consider that
it has limited space for physical growth and a strong desire to retain its unique character and
physical beauty. Many residents see an urgent need for greater economic diversity, increased
affordability, supportive resources to help families and residents of all ages prosper, resources
to protect valuable natural resources, and maintain infrastructure. Considering these desired
outcomes expands the role of economic development beyond a traditional approach. But
exactly what that approach should look like, must be influenced by Estes Park residents,
stakeholders, and the community at large.
Benefits
• Jobs for residents, security, and a greater capacity to enjoy life
• Grow the tax base to pay for quality-of-life amenities, infrastructure, education &
schools
• Diversify the local industry base for economic resilience
• Draw talent to the area, helping employers to grow
• Allow employees to afford living closer to jobs in town and engage as members of the
community
• Curb leakage of wages, keeping dollars in town
• Invest in amenities, facilities, and services that benefit local residents while making the
physical attributes of the town attractive to employers and businesses
Tradeoffs
• Over-promotion and recruitment can result in population growth, increased visitation,
and infrastructure demands that current systems may not be prepared to handle
resulting in traffic, overcrowding, possible strain on water and sewer systems.
• Absence of an economic development strategy leaves the community susceptible to
volatility in market forces and consumer trends.
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Relevant case studies
• Captured and Converted: Jackson County, NC Green Energy Park – former landfill
converted to methane-harvesting for affordable glassblowing and metalworking studio
space
• The Civic Canvas: Creative Districts and Public Art – Colorado state programs and
certification in Crested Butte, Paonia, and Carbondale
• Riverwalk Revamp – Inspiration from Salida
• Dilapidated to Delectable: Economic Vibrancy through Adaptive Reuse in Fort Collins
Question #2: What would allow the Estes Valley to support a year-round economy?
(Select all that apply)
A. More year-round residents
B. Affordable Childcare
C. Affordable Housing
D. Community college satellite campus offering workforce development in skilled
trades, growing industries, and programs of study with local specialization
such as: hospitality training, forestry/wildlife/natural resource management, wildland
firefighting, outdoor recreation management, environmental science & sustainability, restoration
ecology
E. None of these, the Estes Valley should not strive for a year-round economy.
F. Other: ___________
Policy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County*
*Strategies for how the Estes Valley achieves a year-round economy will differ between the Town of Estes
Park and Larimer County.
Background
The Estes Valley was once a completely seasonal economy focused on tourism, with a large
share of businesses shutting their doors during the winter months. Over the past fifty years,
the shoulder seasons continue to extend further into the winter, drawing guests from across
the nation and Front Range. An increase in year-round residents has also led to more
businesses remaining open and providing services throughout the year. Despite these
improvements, the Estes Valley’s economy and population remains more seasonal than
national averages, creating challenges for businesses trying to stay open and residents
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looking for a full range of annual services. In recent years, many residents have expressed
desire for a more balanced and diverse year-round economy for several reasons:
• Many residents aren’t engaged in the tourism industry
• Exclusive reliance on tourism makes the valley susceptible to instability in travel
market as affected by national market trends, natural disasters, and global pandemics
• Lack of year-round living-wage employment opportunities to support families and
working-age residents
The seasonal economy, limited housing, and few childcare options are some of the factors
contributing to a decline in the number of young families living and working in the Estes Valley.
Many workers live outside of the Estes Valley and commute into the community, which
compounds instability in the workforce. The Estes Valley’s average age is now among the
highest in the country.
The loss of younger, working age residents is a major concern for local leaders and businesses
because they represent an important employee base that allows for the provision of high-
quality services in the Estes Valley, including the medical center, police force, city services,
park maintenance, and more. The Estes Valley is falling behind in terms of annual sales tax
revenue and other measures that help a community afford year-round economic development.
(Excerpted from the 2015 EV Economic Development Strategy)
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
One of the community’s Guiding Principles, as identified through the Estes Forward planning
process, is to achieve a year-round diversified economy with support services for visitors and
residents of all ages and income levels. The ingredients necessary to support a year-round
economy should be influenced by the preferences, ideas, and needs of Estes Valley residents,
stakeholders, and the community at large. Many residents see an urgent need for greater
economic diversity, increased affordability, supportive resources to help families and residents
of all ages prosper, resources to protect valuable natural resources, and maintain
infrastructure.
Benefits:
• Stable customer base for local businesses in the off-peak season
• Viability of the Estes Valley as a vibrant full-time home and diverse community
• Resident workforce is more reliable than seasonal and commuting workers
• Year-round residents invest and engage in the community more frequently than
seasonal residents or visitors
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Tradeoffs
• A year-round economy means more year-round residents and commerce which
increases load on infrastructure and demand for public services that current systems
may not be prepared to handle resulting in traffic, overcrowding, possible strain on
water and sewer systems, potential overuse of trail systems and natural areas.
Relevant case studies
• Outdoor Industry Hub: Steamboat Springs
• From Marketing to Management: A Transitioning Tourism Economy – Lessons from
Gunnison/Crested Butte, Telluride, and Whistler, BC
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Infrastructure & Transportation
Question #1: Which strategies should Estes Park
and the County explore to address peak season
transportation challenges?
A.Partner with regional public transportation
providers to offer transit options to reduce the
quantity of vehicles driving to Estes Park
B.Continue developing parking strategies to provide
immediate seasonal relief as well as long-term
sustainable solutions
C.Build the Western Bypass
D.Build sidewalks, bike facilities, trails, and
connections to complete a safe, accessible, and
well-connected multimodal network
E.Improve traffic flow
F.Implement Transportation Demand Strategies
(TDM)
G.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 3 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Reduces privately-owned or single-occupancy vehicle travel
•Reduces the number of vehicles traveling to Estes Park
•Increases level of comfort for active travelers as the network separates people from vehicular traffic, thus increasing the likelihood of people choosing to travel using active modes
•Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
•Fitness and health benefits from active modes
•Alternative routes and mode options reduce vehicle traffic downtown
•Tradeoffs
•Use of public right of way space must consider all needs –vehicles, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, utilities, drainage –and be prioritized accordingly.
•Vehicle flow could be impacted by facilities that make travel safer for other modes of travel.
•Seasonal weather will impact the active transportation network
•Construction of a bypass will require significant investment and the extent of impact to downtown traffic is uncertain
•Resistance to change and ability to affect personal travel choices
Background and Context of Question
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Infrastructure & Transportation
Question #2: How can Estes Park plan for
increasing parking demand from residents,
business owners and patrons, and tourists?
A.Add remote parking facilities with on-site
amenities (e.g., car charging, car wash, or oil
change stations) to make remote parking an
appealing option
B.Design remote parking facilities as transit
hubs that connect travelers to Estes Transit
and micromobility docking stations (e.g.,
electric-assist bikes or e-scooters)
C.Explore regional parking options with bus or
microtransit service from Front Range
communities
D.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Parking adjacent to a particular destination provides convenient access
•Convenient parking aids people with disabilities and mobility needs
•Adequate parking supply and access to accurate information about available parking reduces traffic caused by people circulating to find a spot
•Parking lots with multimodal connections to downtown encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use
•Offering travel-related amenities at remote parking facilities may encourage travelers to park remotely and use transit options to access RMNP and the downtown core
•Tradeoffs
•Prime real estate is used for the important and practical function of vehicle parking
•Limited spaces in downtown core contribute to drivers circulating while looking for a parking spot
•Environmental impacts: heat island effects and increased drainage from impervious surfaces
•Public resistance to parking fees
Background and Context of Question
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Infrastructure & Transportation
Question #3: How can Estes Park and Larimer
County incorporate Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) to reduce traffic volumes
while supporting the needs of residents, in-
commuters, out-commuters, and visitors?
A.Establish effective regional and community TDM goals
and programs
B.Create a Transportation Demand Management Plan to
document the TDM vision and implementation strategies
and responsibilities
C.Establish partnerships to provide regional transit or
microtransit options that connect to Estes Park Transit
D.Explore shared micromobility opportunities, such as bike
share, to facilitate access to the downtown core from
outlying areas
E.Add developer requirements that facilitate connections to
alternative modes (transit, microtransit, micromobility)
F.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choices for Larimer County
•Supports 2 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Engages stakeholders, e.g., employers and employees, who know best which TDM strategies would benefit them
•Increases transportation options
•Provides regional travel options to labor force workers facing affordable housing issues
•Provides travel options to labor force workers who do not drive or have access to a vehicle
•Reduces single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel, thus reducing congestion and GHG emissions
•Tradeoffs
•Some strategies will take time and resources to develop and implement while traffic congestion continues to worsen
•Difficult to track and evaluate success
•Difficult to implement and enforce
Background and Context of Question
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Infrastructure & Transportation
Question #4: How should Estes Park and Larimer
County prioritize multimodal network
improvements to facilitate safe, accessible, and
connected active transportation?(select all that
apply)
A.Incorporate on-street bike facilities (e.g., bike lanes and
sharrows) into all road projects (new construction or
resurfacing, etc.)
B.Focus on expanding the off-street trail network
C.Create a Multimodal Transportation Master Plan to
identify existing conditions of the active transportation
network, plan and prioritize the vision network, and
document goals and performance measures
D.Close gaps in the trail/sidewalk network where
connections and crossings are missing; detached
sidewalks where possible
E.Focus on bicycle and pedestrian amenities (e.g., lighting,
wayfinding, and secure bike parking)
F.Review and amend, as needed, roadway design manuals
to comprehensively address development and integration
of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
G.Other (write-in):
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Provides well-connected active transportation routes that enable human-powered modes such as bicycle, foot, wheelchair, or scooter
•Increases level of comfort for active travelers as the network separates people from vehicular traffic
•Increases likelihood of people choosing to travel using active modes
•Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
•Fitness and health benefits from active modes
•Tradeoffs
•Use of public right of way space must consider all needs –vehicles, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, utilities, drainage –and prioritize accordingly.
•Vehicle flow could be impacted by facilities that make travel safer for other modes of travel.
•Seasonal weather, such as significant snowfall, can impact trails/sidewalks and increase operations and maintenance (O&M) workload.
Background and Context of Question
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Infrastructure & Transportation
Question #5: How should Estes Park ensure
adequate water supply for residents, visitors,
and fire response into the future?
A.Focus on reducing demand. Reduce, reuse
and recycling water through updated
landscaping and design standards, a code
review for development and irrigation
practices for parks and golf courses that
use grey water.
B.Update the 2015 Water Plan to understand
climate change impacts to supply and plan
for the next 50 years of water use in Estes
Park.
C.Prioritize construction for the second
diversion point on the Big Thompson River
to ensure adequate supply beyond 2034.
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits and Tradeoffs
•Reducing demand would slow the increase of new water source needs and conserve this natural resource; however, the Town would need to invest in programs, code updates, and infrastructure to reduce consumption which may be costly.
•New Diversion Point will boost capacity to allow growth to have adequate water supply beyond the projected 2034 date when water resources are expected to run out;this is a critical community project, but requires a large financial investment.
•Reducing growth and development would protect the water supply viability for existing residents, businesses, and services; however, this increases the pressure on affordable housing and limits the capacity for tourism services.
Background and Context of Question
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TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Question #1: Which strategies should Estes Park and Larimer County consider to
address peak season transportation challenges?
A. Partner with regional public transportation providers for transit options to reduce the
quantity of vehicles driving to Estes Park
B. Continue developing parking strategies to provide immediate seasonal relief as
well as long-term sustainable solutions
C. Build the Western Bypass
D. Build sidewalks, bike facilities, trails, and connections to complete a safe,
accessible, and well-connected multimodal network
E. Improve traffic flow
F. Implement Transportation Demand Strategies (TDM)
G. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
By itself, Estes Park is an appealing mountain community with scenic landscape and wildlife
views, outdoor recreation, commercial and retail establishments, and popular annual Town
events. As a gateway community to the popular Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Estes
Park is also a destination town and experiences a significant tourism boost, particularly in the
park’s peak season (generally May to October).
In recent years, and partly due to the Covid pandemic in 2020 and the increased acceptance of
remote work, gateway communities in the western United States have become popular places
to live. People with the ability to work from home are choosing to live in small towns and cities
that are surrounded by scenic public lands and natural amenities, and provide a better lifestyle
fit than perhaps life in a metropolitan or suburban area can. However, these population
increases combined with significant tourism results in pressures and challenges for these
otherwise small gateway communities.[1] Stoker identifies perceived transportation challenges
as parking-related issues, traffic congestion, and climate-related impacts, areas that Estes
Park is familiar with and has been addressing for years.
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Primary access to Estes Park is via United States (US) Highway 34 and US 36 and State
Highway (SH) 7. The three highways are two-lane undivided principal or minor arterials that
also serve as truck routes. US 34 is designated as Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway, and SH 7 is
designated as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
With the average annual daily traffic (AADT) of each highway approach into town exceeding a
few to several thousand vehicles per day (VPD), the traffic counts near the intersection of US
34 and 36 in Estes Park approaches 16,000 vpd and approximately 10,000 to 12,000 through
downtown, particularly in peak season. The vehicle mix includes cars, trucks (personal and
freight), campers, and other recreational vehicles.
The Town has been actively addressing transportation challenges with free shuttle service, a
new parking structure connected to downtown via a pedestrian only sidewalk, various parking
strategies, and cooperative partnering with RMNP. The popularity of Estes Park and RMNP,
which sees approximately a million visitors in its peak month (July), is certainly challenging,
and Estes Park and Larimer County continue to explore multi-faceted solutions to plan for
continued growth and anticipated impacts.
Solutions must consider the variety of travelers to and from Estes Park, such as in-commuters,
out-commuters, destination tourists, pass-through visitors, and truck traffic. What works for
one will not work for another. For example, one of the many highlights of RMNP is Trail Ridge
Road, a Colorado scenic byway that is only open on a weather-permitting basis in the warmer
months of summer and fall. The 48-mile paved road connects Estes Park on the RMNP’s east
side to Grand Lake on the west side. The road reaches its high point at 12,183 feet elevation
and provides scenic views unique to the Rocky Mountains. Many visitors plan their trip to pass
through the park via Trail Ridge Road, thus requiring use of their personal vehicle rather than a
transit option that might be embraced by an in-commuter who is unable to afford housing in
the Estes Valley.
[1] Philip Stoker, Danya Rumore, Lindsey Romaniello & Zacharia Levine (2021) Planning and Development Challenges
in Western Gateway Communities, Journal of the American Planning Association, 87:1, 21-33, DOI:
10.1080/01944363.2020.1791728
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Responsible access to wild spaces, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and
the Rocky Mountain National Park
Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services,
and structures
Guiding Principle: Connected community linked locally and regionally by multi-modal
transportation options.
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Benefits of Multi-faceted Peak Season Transportation Solutions
• Offers regional transportation alternatives to increase transit options and reduce
privately-owned or single-occupancy vehicle travel
• Offers remote parking paired with transit to reduce the number of vehicles traveling to
Estes Park
• Provides well-connected active transportation routes that enable people to park their
vehicles and travel within town via human-powered modes such as bicycle, foot,
wheelchair, or scooter
• Increases level of comfort for active travelers as the network separates people from
vehicular traffic
• Reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as individuals switch from gasoline- or
diesel-powered modes of travel
• Reduces GHG emissions as improved traffic flow reduces vehicle idling time in
congestion
• Provides fitness and health benefits as people travel from point to point
• Designated bypass routes provide an alternative road network to reduce traffic
downtown
Tradeoffs
• When an established network is car-centric, there is often resistance to change
• Use of public right of way space must consider all needs – vehicles, transit, bicycle,
pedestrian, utilities, drainage – and be prioritized accordingly
• Vehicle flow will be impacted by facilities that make travel safer for other modes of
travel
• Car-centric travelers may resist leaving their vehicles at remote locations and relying on
transit
• Seasonal weather, such as significant snowfall, will impact trails/sidewalks and
increase operations and maintenance (O&M) workload
• Construction of the Western Bypass will likely require significant investment and the
extent of impact to downtown traffic is uncertain
• Technological strategies to improve traffic (e.g., signal timing) may be insufficient on
the heaviest travel demand days in peak season
• Roadway and intersection configurations can be a limiting factor
• The state highways that provide access to Estes Park are mountain roads, at times
curvy and/or narrow, with limited ROW
• The state highways are in CDOT’s jurisdiction
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Supporting Graphics
1. Graph showing increasing visitation trends (Estes Park and RMNP)
2. 2003 Estes Valley Transportation Alternatives Study map showing a potential western
bypass road
Page 24
Question #2: How can Estes Park plan for increasing parking demand from residents,
business owners and patrons, and tourists?
A. Add remote parking facilities with on-site amenities (e.g., car charging, car
wash, or oil change stations) to make remote parking an appealing option
B. Design remote parking facilities as transit hubs that connect travelers to Estes
Transit and micromobility docking stations (e.g., electric-assist bikes or e-
scooters)
C. Explore regional parking options with bus or microtransit service from Front
Range communities
D. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
As a mountain community that also serves as a gateway town to a national park, Estes Park is
a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, vacationers, and tourists, as well as day-trip
travelers from Colorado’s Front Range. Residents, business owners, and employees seek
parking on a routine basis while visitors and tourists are less predictable and may be
unfamiliar with the Town’s parking facilities. Vehicle types include standard cars, trucks,
motorcycles, campers and recreational vehicles (RVs), buses, and trailers.
The Town has an adopted Downtown Parking Management Plan and has completed previous
studies to address parking issues and establish policies including parking permits for locals,
business owners and employees, and downtown residents and rental property owners.
The parking supply is currently a mix of 18 surface lots, a parking structure, and on-street
parking. The Park and Ride lot at the Stanley Fairgrounds/Event Center includes 20 RV spaces.
The Estes Park Parking Structure at the Visitor Center offers 412 spots, but no RV, bus, or
trailer spaces. Two downtown parking lots accommodate a limited number of RVs and buses.
According to the Town of Estes Park Public Parking map, the parking inventory includes 2,102
vehicle spaces and 34 RV spaces. The Town provides a free shuttle to transport parking lot
patrons to the downtown core.
In 2021, a paid parking strategy was implemented for approximately 30 percent of the Town’s
parking supply to test viability during the peak season. The town contracted with a parking
management company to operate and manage the facilities and spaces for a flat fee. Chapter
10.06 of the municipal code establishes that all parking revenues can only be used for
Page 25
administrative, operation, and enhancement of parking management, complementary transit,
and alternative transportation services.
Time limits, which encourage turnover, vary by parking facility and include 1-hour, 3-hour, and
all-day options. The Estes Parking App provides a smartphone application to help travelers
locate available parking.
The N. St. Vrain parking structure and the Town Hall parking lot include a limited number of
parking spaces with electric car chargers.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services,
and structures.
Benefits to an adequate parking supply
• Parking adjacent to a particular destination provides convenient access
• Convenient parking aids people with disabilities and mobility needs
• Adequate parking supply and access to accurate information about available parking
reduces traffic caused by people circulating to look for a parking spot
Tradeoffs
• Prime real estate is used for the important and practical function of vehicle parking
• Limited spaces in the downtown core contribute to drivers circulating while looking for
a parking spot
• Environmental impacts associated with parking facilities include heat island effects
and increased drainage from impervious surfaces
Supporting Graphics
1. Data summarizing the
2021 paid parking
implementation, including
percent utilization
2. Triangle graphic showing
the relationship of
convenient, inexpensive,
and plentiful parking
3. Current Town parking
map
Page 26
Question #3: How can Estes Park and Larimer County incorporate Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) to reduce traffic volumes while supporting the needs of
residents, in-commuters, out-commuters, and visitors?
A. Establish effective regional and community TDM goals and programs
B. Create a Transportation Demand Management Plan to document the TDM
vision and implementation strategies and responsibilities
C. Establish partnerships to provide regional transit or microtransit options that
connect to Estes Park Transit
D. Explore shared micromobility opportunities, such as bike share, to facilitate
access to the downtown core from outlying areas
E. Add developer requirements that facilitate connections to alternative modes
(transit, microtransit, micromobility)
F. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is the use of strategies to inform and encourage
travelers about alternative travel options. Successful implementation of TDM reduces travel
demand which can maximize the efficiency of existing infrastructure, minimize congestion,
lower vehicle emissions, support economic vitality, and improve overall quality of life.
TDM efforts include informational campaigns, incentive programs, and policy considerations.
Alternative modes of transportation and strategies that support TDM include biking, walking,
transit, ridesharing, remote working, flexible work schedules, micromobility, and other new and
emerging mobility solutions.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services,
and structures
Guiding Principle: Connected community linked locally and regionally by multi-modal
transportation options
Page 27
Benefits of Travel Demand Management
• Engages stakeholders, e.g., employers and employees, who know best which TDM
strategies would benefit them
• Increases transportation options
• Provides regional travel options to labor force workers facing affordable housing issues
• Provides travel options to labor force workers who do not drive or have access to a
vehicle
• Reduces single occupancy vehicle (SOV) travel, thus reducing congestion and GHG
emissions
Tradeoffs
• Some strategies will take time and resources to develop and implement while traffic
congestion continues to worsen
• Can be difficult to track and evaluate success
• Can be difficult to implement and enforce
Relevant Case Studies
San Francisco’s Transportation Demand Management Plan is a short and easy-to-read plan
that provides ideas to create and foster and environment of multimodal travel. While San
Francisco is a much larger city, the plan models a straightforward approach to TDM.
In Washington State, King County Metro’s Innovative Mobility Action Agenda with the
following six strategies that could guide mobility management in any community: shared
mobility; mobility-as-a-service; electric, connected, and automated; data management and
smart cities; infrastructure and built form efficiency; and culture of innovation.
Supporting Graphics
Graphic showing examples of TDM categories relevant to Estes Park
Page 28
Question #4: How should Estes Park and Larimer County prioritize multimodal network
improvements to facilitate safe, accessible, and connected active transportation?
(select all that apply)
A. Incorporate on-street bike facilities (e.g., bike lanes and sharrows) into all road
projects (new construction or resurfacing, etc.)
B. Focus on expanding the off-street trail network
C. Create a Multimodal Transportation Master Plan to identify existing conditions
of the active transportation network, plan and prioritize the vision network, and
document goals and performance measures
D. Close gaps in the trail/sidewalk network where connections and crossings are
missing; detached sidewalks where possible
E. Focus on bicycle and pedestrian amenities (e.g., lighting, wayfinding, and
secure bike parking)
F. Review and amend, as needed, roadway design manuals to comprehensively
address development and integration of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
G. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
Primary access to Estes Park is via US 34, US 36, and SH 7. US 34 is designated as Trail Ridge
Road Scenic Byway, and SH 7 is designated as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. With the AADT
of each approach into town exceeding a few to several thousand VPD, the traffic counts near
the intersection of US 34 and 36 in Estes Park can approach 16,000 vpd and approximately
10,000 to 12,000 vpd through downtown.
The purpose of a roadway changes how the right of way is used. For example, US 34 and US
36 are classified as principal arterials and prioritize automobiles and freight vehicles. A rural
road may have paved shoulders, but bicyclists and pedestrians feel unsafe due to the speed of
passing vehicles. A roadway such as a main street through a downtown area, however, needs
to account for pedestrians, bicyclists, and traffic influenced by curbside parking and business
accesses.
The Town adopted Public Works Policy 851 in April 2019 to establish a Complete Streets
policy, to “promote and encourage the development of a multi-modal transportation network
Page 29
that will provide access to all users. Through the application of Complete Streets principles,
we will provide comprehensive, safe, convenient, and comfortable routes for walking, bicycling,
and public transportation. This will encourage active living lifestyles, wellness, reduce traffic
congestion, reduce noise and air pollution, and improve the safety and quality of life of Estes
Park residents and visitors.”
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Connected community linked locally and regionally by multi-modal
transportation options.
Benefits of a Robust Active Transportation Network
• Provides well-connected active transportation routes that human-powered modes such
as bicycle, foot, wheelchair, or scooter
• Increases level of comfort for active travelers as the network separates people from
vehicular traffic
• Increases likelihood of people choosing to travel using active modes
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions as individuals switch from gasoline- or diesel-
powered modes of travel
• Provides fitness and health benefits as people travel from point to point
Tradeoffs
• Use of public right of way space must consider all needs – vehicles, transit, bicycle,
pedestrian, utilities, drainage – and prioritize accordingly.
• Vehicle flow will be impacted by facilities that make travel safer for other modes of
travel.
• Seasonal weather, such as significant snowfall, can impact trails/sidewalks and
increase operations and maintenance (O&M) workload.
Case Studies
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published Small Town and Rural Multimodal
Networks in December 2016. The guidebook includes a section that addresses communities
that provide access to public lands. One example is the North Moab Recreation Areas
Alternative Transportation Project, which documents success in the Moab, Utah, area.
Similarities include extremely high tourist visitation compared to the town’s population base,
intersecting state highways, strong desire for sustainable solutions, and a strong desire for
active transportation facilities.
Page 30
Supporting Graphics
In the Estes Valley Trail Plan, there are four future trail opportunities maps (Estes Park Area,
Downtown Core, Northeastern District, and Southeastern District). Select with an emphasis on
closing gaps to build out the active transportation network (vs. purely recreational hiking)
Page 31
Question #5: How should Estes Park ensure adequate water supply for residents,
visitors, and fire response into the future?
A. Focus on reducing demand. Reduce, reuse and recycling water through updated
landscaping and design standards, a code review for development and irrigation
practices for parks and golf courses that use grey water.
B. Update the 2015 Water Plan to understand climate change impacts to supply
and plan for the next 50 years of water use in Estes Park.
C. Prioritize construction for the second diversion point on the Big Thompson
River to ensure adequate water supply beyond 2034.
Background
The 2015 Comprehensive Water Plan shows that the Town will run out of water supply by
2034, that is only 12 years away. Estes Park has two water treatment plants and has put the
foundational elements in places to increase the capacity to provide water to Estes Park. This
includes securing more native water rights and purchasing land to build infrastructure to
process more water for use in Estes Park with a second diversion point from the Big
Thompson River. Currently, neither of the water treatment plants can run year around.
The 2021 Estes Park Source Water Protection Plan notes that wildfire and algal blooms are
likely significant hazard impacts with a high risk to the source water supply. As the recent fires
showed up.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
A healthy and reliable water supply, protected from the impacts of hazards and fluctuating
demands due to tourism is necessary for the community’s quality of life and resilience.
Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services
and structures.
Benefits
A. Reducing the demand B. New diversion point
infrastructure
C. Update the 2015 water
plan
This would slow the increase
of demand for new water
source needs and conserve
this valuable natural
resource.
This project will boost
capacity to allow growth to
have adequate water supply
beyond the projected 2034
date when water resources
are may not be adequate for
the needs.
This would update the
information available to the
town for decision making and
best practices for water
management.
Page 32
Tradeoffs
A. Reducing the demand B. New diversion point
infrastructure
C. Update the 2015 water
plan.
The Town would need to
invest in programs, code
updates and infrastructure to
reduce consumption, which
may be costly.
The project is expensive and
funding has not yet been
secured.
This is not an action that
immediately addresses the
known issue.
Relevant Case Studies
El Paso County, Water Master Plan, 2018
Noting an imminent shortage in water supply by 2040, and up to a 30% gap by 2060, El Paso
County completed a water master plan. The plan identifies a broad range of recommendations
to reduce use, including reusing water and reviewing building and development standards to
reduce water use in new buildings and landscaping. https://assets-
planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/WaterMasterPlan2018/Water-
Master-Plan-2018-A-Copy.pdf
Page 33
Health & Social
Question #1: What kinds of local programs, recreation, or park amenities do you wish were here in Estes Park?(select all that apply)
A.Smaller neighborhood parks and green space or playgrounds
B.Multi-use trail corridors through the Valley as identified in the Estes Valley
Master Trails Plan
C.More community events, services, and
programs for seniors
D.More community events, services, and
programs for youth/families
E.Programs for Spanish-speaking
community
F.Programs/services for mental health
G.Other (write-in):
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 4 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Meets community desire for additional outdoor
recreation close to home.
•Improved physical, mental, and emotional health.
•Provide services for a broad and complex social fabric
of unincorporated areas, visitors, and employees
•Tradeoffs
•Additional land for parks reduces supply of available land
for other pressing needs.
Background and Context of Question
Page 34
Health & Social
Question #2: How could the
Town create a more welcoming and inclusive environment?
A.Create a Town sponsored Equity & Diversity Committee
B.Collaborate with school and after school programs
C.Leverage partnerships and programs with local non-profit organizations
D.Provide Town communication and engagement opportunities in other
languages
E.Incorporate Spanish Translation into
public outreach
F.Other (write-in):
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 3 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Diverse perspectives contribute innovative
solutions to complex problems
•Supports diverse business environment
•Diversity among decision-makers helps translate
needs of underrepresented groups into tangible
policies and services
•More cost effective to address inequities before
they become wider social problems.
•Tradeoffs
•N/A
Background and Context of Question
Page 35
Health & Social
Question #3: What should be the Town's role in providing childcare and supporting education? (Select all that apply)
A.Partner with nonprofits or private childcare providers to
operate a program at town-owned facilities, like the
community center.
B.Provide town-owned land for nonprofit or private childcare
providers to construct a new facility.
C.Offer financial subsidies for childcare to qualifying low-
income households.
D.Support Safe Routes to School initiatives.
E.Coordinate growth expectations with the school district to
plan for future facility needs.
F.Allow childcare uses in more zoning districts and
reduce/eliminate regulatory barriers.
G.Provide grants or financial support to early-childhood
nonprofit agencies and/or the school district to support
the expansion of existing childcare programs.
H.Continue participation in Larimer County’s Childcare
Capacity Team.
I.Continue funding the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood
Success program.
J.Other (write-in).
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Improve social capital, build connections, and bring together the Estes Valley community in ways that strategies such as building the local economy or conserving the natural environment alone cannot accomplish.
•Young families require early education and childcare services to thrive as part of the workforce.
•Tradeoffs
•Use of Town financial resources that could be directed toward a different cause. However, without adequate available childcare services, the Town will continue to struggle to support a resident workforce and establish a year-round economy that is not dependent on seasonal workers and tourism.
Background and Context of Question
Page 36
HEALTH & SOCIAL CHOICES
Question #1: What kinds of local programs, recreation, or park amenities do you wish
were here in Estes Park? (select all that apply)
A. Smaller neighborhood parks and green space or playgrounds
B. Multi-use trail corridors through the Valley as identified in the Estes Valley Master
Trails Plan
C. More community events, services, and programs for seniors
D. More community events, services, and programs for youth/families
E. Programs for Spanish-speaking community
F. Programs/services for mental health
G. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Background
Recreation areas close to home, such as paved and accessible trails, neighborhood parks,
picnicking areas, community gardens, and natural-surface trails with access from
neighborhoods within the Town, are important to the community. The importance of recreation
and access to open spaces has only continued to increase since the COVID-19 pandemic
which showcased a greater need for physical, mental, and emotional health. The National Park
and other public lands, while abundant, are not always accessible to local families, either due
to visitor crowding, distance, time constraints, and/or cost. Furthermore, most public lands do
not provide the amenities found at a typical neighborhood park, such as restrooms, shelters,
accessible paths, or playgrounds.
For a town with a small population, Estes Park has a complex and broad social fabric as the
service provider for many smaller unincorporated communities and annual visitors to the area,
as well as the employees that serve them. The Valley hosts an array of agencies to provide
residents and partners with community services.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Paramount to the community’s vision of investing in the quality of life of Estes Park is
ensuring strong connections to the local community. Participating in programs, visiting local
parks, and volunteering in the community is essential to building those strong connections.
Page 37
Guiding Principles supported:
• Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and conserves
natural resources.
• Diverse, engaged, and healthy community that champions social, political, racial, and
economic equity.
• Adequate and available social services that meets the needs of all ages.
• Year-round, diversified economy and supporting services for visitors and residents of
all ages and income levels.
Benefits
• Meets community desire for additional outdoor recreation close to home.
• Improved physical, mental, and emotional health.
Tradeoffs
• Additional land for parks reduces supply of available lands for other pressing needs.
Supporting Graphics
EVOSP Neighborhood Recreation Graphic:
Page 38
Question #2: How could the Town create a more welcoming and inclusive
environment? (Select all that apply.)
A. Create a Town sponsored Equity & Diversity Committee
B. Collaborate with school and after school programs
C. Leverage partnerships and programs with local non-profit organizations
D. Provide Town communication and engagement opportunities in other languages
E. Incorporate Spanish translation into public outreach
F. Other (write-in):
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choices for Larimer County
Background
Our community is becoming increasingly diverse, and so are their needs and aspirations.
Nontraditional and underrepresented voices of the community should be uplifted with respect
to diversity of lived experience, cultures, beliefs and values. Creating a welcoming environment
for all, with attention to underrepresented groups, will contribute to building stronger resiliency
in our community. We know that environmental, economic, and structural shocks can intensify
social and economic inequalities, causing disproportionate harm to communities that do not
have the means to prepare for or respond to events unanticipated events. Engaging residents
and visitors of all backgrounds in all Town matters, from shaping to implementing policies, will
ensure that everyone in Estes moves forward.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principles: Diverse, engaged, and healthy community that champions social, political,
racial, and economic equity
Economic opportunities and services for visitors and residents of all ages and income levels
Adequate and available social services that meet the needs of all ages.
Benefits
Innovative solutions: When people of all backgrounds are welcome into our town, their diverse
perspectives contribute to innovative solutions to complex problems and to creating and
supporting more businesses. Inclusion is key to moving Estes Forward.
Removal of systemic barriers: Having residents of all backgrounds in decision-making roles is
essential to translate these needs into effective delivery of policies, programs, and services,
that can remove systemic barriers. It is more cost effective to address inequities before they
become wider social problems.
Page 39
Relevant Case Studies
Larimer County has recently formed its first equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) board to
advise the Board of County Commissioners and other county staff to ensure EDI are central to
all county activities, from human resources to policies and management of resources. The
State of Colorado passed Executive Order D 2020 175 directing the Department of Personnel
and Administration to lead state action on EDI. Lastly, as of January 2021 (via Executive Order
14008), the Federal Government’s Justice 40 Initiative requires that 40% of the overall benefits
of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
Supporting Graphics
Page 40
Question #3: What should be the Town's role in providing childcare and supporting
education? (Select all that apply.)
A. Partner with nonprofits or private childcare providers to operate a program at town-
owned facilities, like the community center.
B. Provide town-owned land for nonprofits or private childcare providers to construct a
new childcare facility.
C. Offer financial subsidies for childcare to qualifying low-income households
D. Support Safe Routes to School initiatives
E. Coordinate growth expectations with the school district to plan for future facility needs
F. Allow childcare uses in more zoning districts and reduce/eliminate regulatory barriers.
G. Provide grants or financial support to early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies
and/or the school district to support the expansion of existing childcare programs.
H. Continue participation in Larimer County’s Childcare Capacity Team.
I. Continue funding the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success program.
J. Other (write-in):
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choices for Larimer County
Background
The lack of availability of infant and toddler care in the Estes Valley has been characterized as
a crisis according to the Town’s 2019 Childcare and Housing Task Force Report. The lack of
childcare options creates significant challenges for families in the Estes Valley and for local
organizations, including the Town, trying to recruit and retain employees.
The Town is currently in the process of updating its Childcare Funding Guidelines that define
qualification and evaluation criteria to be used when reviewing requests for Town funds for
childcare related purposes. The Town is also currently working to establish the Childcare
Funding Reserve and identifying a funding mechanism for this new reserve fund. The answer
choices presented above include actions identified in the Childcare and Housing Task Force
Report and the Childcare Funding Guidelines as well as additional strategies to consider. The
2019 report and Childcare Funding Guidelines state that the Town does not intend to operate a
childcare facility itself or provide Town staff to operate a facility.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Adequate and available social services that meets the needs of all ages.
Page 41
Benefits
These types of services can improve social capital, build connections, and bring together
the Estes Valley community in ways that strategies such as building the local economy
or conserving the natural environment alone cannot accomplish.
Young families require early educational and childcare services to thrive as part of the
workforce.
Tradeoffs
Use of Town financial resources that could be directed toward a different cause. However,
without adequate available childcare services, the Town will continue to struggle to support a
resident workforce and establish a year-round economy that is not dependent on seasonal
workers and tourism.
Relevant Case Studies
The Childcare Challenge: An Economic Problem – Solutions from Spearfish, Fort Collins, and
Chicago
Page 42
Page 43
Natural Environment
Question #1: Taken together, steep slopes, floodplains, wildfire risks, wildlife habitats, and scenery all make it tricky to develop land here. What additional strategies would you support to protect our natural environment and scenic views?
A.Change open space/parks dedication or fee-in-lieu requirements
B.Develop a Transfer of Development Rights Program
C.Develop stricter ridgeline development requirements
D.Dedicate a funding source to EVLT and other conservation partners to increase their ability to conserve land
E.Create a Town dedicated sales tax for open space acquisition to supplement the County’s “Help Preserve Open Space” sales tax
F.Strengthen the County’s grading standards to reduce the amount of cut and fill
G.Restrict development above 8,300 feet or similar
H.Create an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Zoning Overlay. Properties that contain some or all of the natural constraints listed above would be subject to additional design review
I.Others (write-in):
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 2 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Protection of large parcels that benefit wildlife migration and refuge areas
•Define the boundaries of development, reduce sprawl
•Reduce wildlife-human conflicts
•Protected scenic views
•Provide additional public access
•Expand buffers from wildfire risk and other hazards
•Tradeoffs
•Consumer demand for large lots and spaces between homes
•Defining the need of growth to not artificially increase costs
•Determine if open space would be preserved with no, limited, or significant public access.
•New funding could help acquire some unprotected properties, but not enough money to conserve it all, nor is that the goal.
Background and Context of Question
Page 44
Natural Environment
Question #2: What approaches would you support that protects wildlife?
A.Require wildlife-friendly fencing
B.Salvage and relocate rare native plants; require native plants
C.Riparian setbacks or buffers
D.Building fee to support habitat enhancements
E.Roadway underpasses or bridges
F.Cluster development/conservation-oriented development
G.Limiting the maximum house size
H.New regulations that only apply to County development
I.New regulations that only apply to Town development
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 3 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Supports identified community conservation values
•Increased economic development and property values associated with wildlife protection
•Secure long-term viability of wildlife populations
•Builds on other existing wildlife protections like dark sky regulations
•Tradeoffs
•Depending on the level of regulation, additional development may experience administrative or management cost increases or resource constraints.
Background and Context of Question
Page 45
Natural Environment
Question #3: How should the Town and
County decrease the risk of wildfire to residents and visitors and the impacts on
the area’s natural resources?
A.Further increase investments in
proactively mitigating fire near the wildland-urban interface through
forest management, fire breaks, and property mitigation support
programs.
B.Restrict new development in high
hazard fire areas that are disconnected from the town core.
C.Improve the community education and warning systems to allow for
ample evacuation time in the event of wildfire.
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits and Tradeoffs
•Fire Mitigation Investment assists with slowing or stopping wildfire spread into highly populated areas, but requires substantial funding given the scale of wildfire risks.
•Development Restrictions and Regulations can reduce new development out of the highest hazards and sensitized environmental areas, reducing the number of people and properties most vulnerable and less reachable in the event of a hazard event. However, this impacts individual property owners and may result in legal challenges.
•Community Education increases odds of adequate warning times to protect lives during wildfire events and can prevent human-caused wildfires, however it ultimately depends on individual preparedness and actions.
Background and Context of Question
Page 46
Natural Environment
Question #4: How should Estes Park protect Downtown from known flood risk to preserve the historic character and economic vitality of this area?(Select all that apply)
A.Pursue grants to purchase highest-risk properties and create public park spaces that also mitigate flood risk.
B.Continue to require mitigation components for new development or redevelopment in the floodplain
C.Allow individual property owners to decide how they would like to respond to the updated flood insurance rate maps.
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits and Tradeoffs
•Town Investment in Downtown Revitalization creates
amenities, protects the economic vitality of Downtown
and improves natural spaces along the river. However,
there is significant staff time, resources, and funding
needed.
•Regulations to Restrict Development in Food Areas
reduces the risk and protects new investment, but it can
also reduce potential investments in the area.
•Allowing Property Owners to Decide provides freedom of
choices based on business and property owner needs
and capacities, however it relies on individual choices
and resources to respond to the known risk.
Background and Context of Question
Page 47
Natural Environment
Question #5: How should the Town and County collaborate to adapt to the impacts of climate change? Of these, where should Estes Park and Larimer partner to prioritize their efforts?
A.Increase funding to support adaptation and mitigation efforts to create a more resilient community.
B.Increase regulation to restrict development in sensitive and/or high-risk areas (such as areas that are prone to wildfire, flooding or include critical habitat) and revise transportation and building code requirements to offset greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
C.Education and programs to support community decision making to reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions; and plan community transportation, water, and electric systems to reduce environmental impact.
These choices are not mutually exclusive, they could support each other or act independently of each other.
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park and Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits and Tradeoffs
•Increased funding can support significant impacts on climate change adaptation in the future, but can impose additional financial burden on residents, tourists, and/or businesses.
•Increased regulation reduces the risks on people and property, can help direct development to less risky locations, and reduces GHG emissions and energy consumption. The drawback is decreased personal freedoms for land development and could increase the cost of new development.
•Education and programming help the community and visitors understand local priorities and climate reality; however it relies on individual actions and capacity to change behaviors.
Background and Context of Question
Page 48
Built Environment
Question #1: (open-ended question): The
proposed spectrum of future land uses in the valley’s planning area consolidates 18
previous future land use categories into 8 types.
Do you agree with this organization of future development in the Estes Valley? Is there anything you would change?
Proposed Future Land Use Character:
1.Natural Resource Conservation & Parks
2.Mountains & Foothills
3.Suburban Estate
4.Traditional Neighborhood
5.Mixed Residential Neighborhood
6.Downtown
7.Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
8.Light Industrial Mix
•Policy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 3 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Organized, consolidated vision for the future of land use and built character
•Simplified framework for decision-making
•Managed growth
•Resource conservation
•Fiscally responsible infrastructure expansion
•Tradeoffs
•Absence of a future land use framework that defines the character of land uses and the built environment can lead to haphazard or reactive land use decisions that respond to market and development pressures, or political influence that may disregard long-term implications of development decisions.
Background and Context of Question
Page 49
Question
#3
Page 50
Built Environment
Question #2: We can either grow out or up. Not growing or changing is not an option. Where would outward growth be most appropriate?
How should Estes Park and Larimer County plan for future annexation or service areas outside of the current Estes Park town limits?
A.Establish a Growth Management Area (GMA) to identify areas for long-term future annexation or urban service expansion. What would be the appropriate boundaries?
B.Maintain current approach: unincorporated landowners initiate annexation applications to the Town; each is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
C.Focus development within Town boundaries (see Question #3)
D.Other (write-in):
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Identifiable urban/rural edge
•Coordinated land use planning & infrastructure planning
•Land conservation
•Maximizes utility of water/sewer systems
•Encourages infill to maximize economic productivity of land within town limits
•Tradeoffs
•Annexed properties pay additional municipal property taxes and adhere to municipal codes and regulations in exchange for public services and infrastructure
•Limited growth can inflate property values by further limiting resource (land) consumption which could potentially exacerbate limited housing supply
Background and Context of Question
Page 51
Built Environment
Question #3: (Mapping Exercise) Given the constraints to outward expansion, how should we redevelop? Based on public feedback and careful analysis of development and economic trends, already-developed areas identified on the map are expected to experience change in the next 20 years and present opportunities for investment.
If these areas change, what land uses would be appropriate? where are opportunities for densification, different land uses, redevelopment,
or new catalytic development?
A.Suburban Estate
B.Traditional Neighborhood
C.Mixed Residential Neighborhood
D.Downtown
E.Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
F.Light Industrial Mix
G.Other: ____________________________
•Policy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Guide responsible change
•Focus resources and planning efforts on strategic areas
•Achieve desired land use and character outcomes
•Reduce impacts on surrounding open space and habitat
•Tradeoffs
•Could limit full market potential of a site
•Absence of a proactive and strategic approach to public
and private investment can result in loss of investment
opportunities and undesirable or inefficient use of land in
the few remaining suitable locations for investment
Background and Context of Question
Page 52
Built Environment
Question #4: How should the Plan direct decision-makers regarding decisions about the built character of Estes Park?(select all that apply).
A.Develop objective design standards based on
location. i.e., downtown, highway corridors,
gateway areas
B.Develop design standards based on
development type. i.e., commercial, multi-
family
C.Develop design and building code standards
related to building performance. i.e., hazard
resilience, energy efficiency
D.Develop design standards for the
preservation of historic buildings
E.Update design standards within the sign
code
F.Strengthen site design and performance
standards in the County for large residential
structures and steep slope development
G.No guidance; allow subjective personal and
market-driven design choices
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Cohesive architectural identity
•Contributes to distinct sense of place
•Historic preservation
•Improved structural resilience and performance
•Minimize visual clutter or loss of identity to corporate architecture
•Protect mountain slopes, visual character, viewsheds, night skies
•Tradeoffs
•Additional cost for development and redevelopment
•If inappropriately applied, can result in a monoculture of architectural form
•Limits creativity
Background and Context of Question
Page 53
Housing
Question #1 In addition to the types of housing
opportunities identified in the mapping exercise, how
should housing be added in the Town of Estes Park?
(select all that apply)
A.Context-sensitive allowances for more housing units
within currently allowed residential building forms.
B.Require developers and/or businesses to provide
restricted housing or pay a fee.
C.Density bonuses in Town commercial and
multifamily areas for restricted housing within the
allowed building form.
D.Bonuses in Town commercial and multifamily
areas that allow more density and height for
restricted housing.
E.Bonuses for restricted areas should be allowed in
other areas. Where? (write-in):
F.Restricted housing opportunities are not needed.
Why not? (write-in):
G.Other (write-in):
"Restricted housing" refers to housing that has a deed-
restriction ensuring long term affordability and/or workforce
occupancy.
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Supports 2 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Address the Estes Valley housing shortage
•Context-sensitive allowances can add housing that is naturally more affordable. E;.g., recent allowance of ADUs in the Town of Estes Park. Additional strategies will be explored in the Town's upcoming "missing middle" code review. (Choice A)
•Through requirements, the community's housing solution is shared between developers, businesses, and the community.(Choice C)
•Density and height bonuses for workforce or affordable housing(Choices D, E)
•The topography of Estes Valley presents limits and requires careful consideration, but also represents an opportunity to “hide” height and density.
•Tradeoffs
•Infill and redevelopment can seem like a significant change in character because there are more people around to experience the physical change, but a well-designed project can fit seamlessly into the existing character once complete.
Background and Context of Question
Page 54
Housing
Question #2: Should restricted housing
from public funding, incentives, and
requirements focus on serving a certain
segment of the community?
(select all that apply)
A.Focus on the year-round workforce
B.Focus on the seasonal workforce
C.Prioritize critical service providers like
teachers, firefighters, EMS
D.Focus on lower income levels
E.Focus on families with children
F.Focus on the aging population
G.I am not in favor of publicly funded,
incentivized, or required housing
H.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 2 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Housing stability allows for the growth of a year-round economy. (A)
•Critical service providers who live locally can make it to work when weather impedes commuting. (C)
•Assists lower wage employees who cannot afford housing even when it is available. (D)
•Ensures that workforce families can thrive in Estes. (A, E)
•Allows for new housing stock to meet the needs of Estes' aging population. (F)
•Tradeoffs
•The indirect community benefits from housing for workforce families can be hard to recognize for those not directly benefited. (A)
•Focus on seasonal workforce housing perpetuates the seasonal economy. (B)
•The housing need is too large to effectively focus on everyone, and each demographic has specific design needs.
Background and Context of Question
Page 55
Housing
Question #3: Ensuring housing affordability
and opportunity requires funding. What
funding options should be pursued in
support of restricted housing? (select all
that apply)
A.Property tax
B.Sales tax
C.Lodging tax
D.Voluntary real estate transfer fee
E.Improvement district collection
F.Impact fees
G.There should not be funding dedicated to
housing.
H.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 1 Guiding Principle
•Benefits
•Funding for housing can be used to develop housing directly or leveraged against other funding sources to build additional housing.
•A housing fund with one or more dedicated revenue streams allows the community to create and take advantage of opportunities.
•Tradeoffs
•New taxes must be approved by the voters, so they cannot be implemented exclusively by the direction of the Comprehensive Plan.
•If property values rise faster than wages, long-term residents can find increased property taxes burdensome.
•Sales tax increases can have disproportionate impact on the people with the least ability to pay.
Background and Context of Question
Page 56
Housing
Question #4: How should housing funding
and resources be utilized?
(select all that apply)
A.Purchase of land for future development by the
Housing Authority or through public-private
partnership.
B.Deed restriction of existing units to ensure their long-
term affordability and/or occupancy by the
workforce.
C.Investment in infrastructure like water, sewer, and
street improvements to enable new housing in
desired locations.
D.Purchase of deed-restrictions in market development
projects.
E.Facilitation of collaborative resourcing in the
community to bring together housing developers,
funders, and interests with the goal of working
together to turn more opportunities into reality
F.Other (write-in)
•Policy Choice
•Implementation Strategy Choice
•Choice for Town of Estes Park
•Choice for Larimer County
•Supports 2 Guiding Principles
•Benefits
•Purchasing land for development by a private partner allows the community to leverage outside development expertise. (A)
•Housing Authorities can often access state and federal funding and utilize tools not available to private developers. (A)
•Preparing shovel-ready sites for development encourages investment while addressing other livability, economic, and community development goals. (C)
•Purchasing deed-restrictions in market development ensures long-term affordability of units already being built and provides up-front financing for developers. (D)
•Making more potential partners aware of opportunities will increase the likelihood of action and build capacity for new ideas. (E)
•Tradeoffs
•Loss of existing workforce housing to retirement could be one of the largest sources of projected housing need in a community. (B)
Background and Context of Question
Page 57
February 17, 2022
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHOICES
Question #1: Taken together, steep slopes, floodplains, wildfire risks, wildlife habitats, and
scenery all make it tricky to develop land here. What additional strategies would you support to
protect our natural environment and scenic views? Change open space/parks dedication or
fee-in-lieu requirements
A. Change open space/parks dedication or fee-in-lieu requirements
B. Develop a Transfer of Development Rights Program
C. Develop stricter ridgeline development requirements
D. Dedicate a funding source to EVLT and other conservation partners to increase their
ability to conserve land
E. Create a Town dedicated sales tax for open space acquisition to supplement the
County's “Help Preserve Open Space” sales tax
F. Strengthen the County’s grading standards to reduce the amount of cut and fill
G. Restrict development above 8,300 feet or similar
H. Create an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Zoning Overlay. Properties that contain
some or all of the natural constraints listed above would be subject to additional
design review
I. Others (write-in):
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park*
Choices for Larimer County*
*Dedication requirements and impact fees could vary between the Town and the County. Opportunities and
priorities for open space conservation are likely going to be on the edges of Town and outside the desired
areas for growth, thus keeping growth concentrated and allowing for more open spaces. Close coordination
and/or agreements would be needed between the Town and County, especially in the case of a TDR program.
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Background
Increases in population and visitation necessitates thoughtful planning and careful
consideration for development and the wildlife that inhabits the area. Protection of open space
provides many benefits to the community and the landscape, which is desired by the public.
Stakeholders believe that access to public lands and outdoor recreation and preservation of
scenery must be improved through future Land Use Code updates. Large open spaces and
natural areas provide recreational space, trails, viewshed preservation, placemaking,
community separation, community amenities, protection of cultural resources, and access to
nature. The Estes Valley Open Space Plan, completed by the Estes Valley Land Trust and
Partners, identified the need to conserve an additional 5,000 acres in the next 10 years.
Further views of multiple peaks over 13,000 feet, including iconic views of Longs Peak and
Mount Meeker, surround the Valley. Views from the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Hwy 7) of the
Continental Divide and other key features such as Lumpy Ridge and Prospect Mountain frame
the community’s gateways. Steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and river corridors have shaped how
the Valley has grown.
That being said there are significant tradeoffs to consider when looking to protecting open
space. When adding all the natural constraints together – wildlife, riparian areas, flood/wildfire
risk, scenic views, steep slopes - development is very limited. Determining how to grow while
minimizing impacts to sensitive lands will continue to be critical.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principles:
• Responsible access to wild spaces, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and the Rocky
Mountain National Park.
• Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and conserves
natural resources.
This question helps to determine the desire from the community to conserve public lands for
improved access to outdoor recreation, protection of scenic viewsheds, and balancing
development.
Benefits
• Protection of large parcels that could benefit wildlife migration and refuge areas away
from people
• Define the boundaries of development, reduce sprawl
• Reduce wildlife- human conflicts
• Additional public access
• Expand buffers from wildfire risk and other hazards (if public lands are managed to
reduce risk)
• Protect scenic views
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Tradeoffs
• Consumer demand large lots and spaces between homes
• Defining the need of growth to not artificially increase costs
• Determine if open space would be preserved with no, limited, or significant public
access.
• New funding could help acquire some unprotected properties, but not enough money to
conserve it all, nor is that the goal.
Relevant Case Studies
1. Transfer of Development Rights: Pima County, AZ; King County, WA
2. Open space dedication case study – need to find
3. Ridgeline Protections: https://cga.ct.gov/PS94/rpt%5Colr%5Chtm/94-R-0328.htm
4. http://crgov.com/DocumentCenter/View/285/Skylines-and-Ridgelines-PDF?bidId=
Supporting Graphics
• TDR graphics
• Open Space dedication case studies?
• Lands over 7,500 feet in elevation
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Question #2: What approaches would you support that protects wildlife?
A. Require wildlife-friendly fencing
B. Salvage and relocate rare native plants; require native plants
C. Riparian setbacks or buffers
D. Building fee to support habitat enhancements
E. Roadway underpasses or bridges
F. Cluster development/conservation-oriented development
G. Limiting the maximum house size
H. New regulations should only apply to County development
I. New regulations should only apply to Town development
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
The protection of wildlife habitat, ecosystem values, economic development, quality of life, and
visitation to the Estes Valley is deeply intertwined. Estes Valley is a unique and desirable place
to live for humans, wildlife and plant species, however, as wildlife-human interactions increase
problems can be created for both. Wildlife habitat includes a combination of landform,
vegetation, and water resources within the Valley. Suitable habitat for many Species of
Greatest Conservation Need have been identified in the valley.
Community members have discussed that the Town’s current Land Use Code does not
prioritize wildlife habitat protection and movement corridors, or mitigate impacts on wildlife as
part of the development process. Concerns around public safety, especially with elk, are also
important. For example, as wildlife is attracted to and/or pushed towards road corridors this
can cause collisions. Details should be developed in collaboration with Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) and other conservation partners.
Code updates, guidelines, and/or best management practices for development, buildings, and
landscapes could include the following and would be found in the Town’s Development Code
or Municipal Code:
- Fencing
- Dark Skies
- Noise barriers
- Native plant preservation
- Seeding/native planning
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o Plantings to no attract elk
o Pollinators
o Noxious weeds
- Landscape maintenance
- Wildlife water catchments
- Riparian buffers
- Roadway crossings
- Cluster development/conservation-oriented development
- Set back requirements
- Transfer of development rights
- Maximum house size
- Signage/education to homeowners and visitors
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principles:
• A unified response to climate change through proactive and resilient ecosystem
management, protection of biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions.
• Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and conserves
natural resources.
• Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services, and
structures.
Identifying ways to preserve wildlife habitat alongside wildlife friendly development can
promote key community values: biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and safety for all.
Benefits
• Supports identified community conservation values
• Increased economic development and property values associated with wildlife
protection
• Secure long-term viability of wildlife populations
• Builds on other existing wildlife protections like dark sky regulations
Tradeoffs
• Depending on the level of regulation, additional development may experience
administrative or management cost increases or resource constraints.
Relevant Case Studies
1. Wildlife Friendly Development Ordinances and Guidebooks: Ventura County, CA; City of
Edmonton, CA
2. Establish Maximum Size of Single-Family Residences (Source: Sustainable Code)
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3. Maximum Scale of Development (Source: Teton County Land Development
Regulations)
4. Wildlife Friendly Development (Source: AZFGD)
5. Planning for Trails with Wildlife in Mind (Source: Colorado State Parks)
6. Noise Barrier Design Handbook (Source: Federal Highway Administration)
Supporting Graphics
• Map of natural resources (existing conditions)
• Graphic of dark skies, fencing, plants or other tools
• Wildlife habitat map from EVOSP
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HAZARD MITIGATION
Question #3: How should the Town of Estes Park, and Larimer County decrease the
risk of wildfire to residents and visitors and the impacts on the area’s natural
resources?
A. Further increase investments in proactively mitigating fire near the wildland-urban interface through forest management, fire breaks, and property mitigation support programs B. Restrict new development in high hazard fire areas that are disconnected from the town core. C. Improve the community education and warning systems to allow for ample evacuation time in the event of wildfire.
Background
Estes Park had to confront its vulnerability to wildfire in the 2021 Cameron Peak Fire. Gusty
winds and drought and climate change impacts created a scenario that threatened property
and lives in the area. Several factors saved Estes Park, including the critical mitigation efforts
that have been ongoing in the area for years. These include thinning and fuels reduction, which
are credited with slowing the fire before winter weather saved the day. Investments to protect
the community, with additional fire mitigation and revegetation to protect water quality will be
needed. There are also challenging decisions about how to protect the most vulnerable
properties and people that have properties in high hazard areas, and how to address future
development pressure in these areas. The more homes that are built in the beautiful natural
spaces outside of town, the more properties and people are potentially located in high hazard
wildfire area and are vulnerable to wildfires.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Decisions that are resilient and environmentally responsible may also mean choices that limit
individuals’ opportunities to build in high hazard areas and how Estes Park invests in fire
mitigation to protect their future.
Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services,
and structures.
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Benefits
A. Fire Mitigation
Investment
B. Development
Restrictions and
Regulations
C. Community Education
and Warning
Assists with slowing or
stopping wildfire spread into
highly populated areas.
Keeps new development out
of the highest hazard and
sensitize environmental
areas, reducing the number
of people and properties
most vulnerable and less
reachable in the event of a
hazard event.
Increases odds of adequate
warning times to protect
lives during hazardous
wildfire events. Education
can assist with preventing
human caused wildfires.
Tradeoffs
A. Fire Mitigation
Investment
B. Development
Restrictions and
Regulations
C. Community Education
and Warning
Requires substantial funding
given the scale of activities. A
dedicated funding source
needs to be identified.
A challenging choice for
communities that will impact
individual property owners
and may results to legal
challenges.
Depending on individual
actions and choices.
Relevant Case Studies
Arkansas River Watershed Coalition, Monarch Pass Wildfire Mitigation.
With over 90% of the trees on portions of Monarch Pass dead from beetle kill, the wildfire risk
looms. Over two summers the Arkansas River Watershed Coalition thinned 466 acres of forest
on Monarch Pass. Using logging machinery from Nordic countries, they were able to ensure
minimal impact on the soils and natural environment and access slopes up to 35 degrees
steep. The funding for this effort, which is ongoing, comes from a 2018 sales tax, and a
guiding document, Envision Chaffee County, that laid the groundwork to support the work.
Mitigation will continue on public and private lands. This coordinated mitigation effort is a
model for other communities with high fire risk.
https://coloradosun.com/2021/10/06/monarch-pass-wildfire-mitigation/
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Question #4: How should Estes Park protect Downtown from known flood risk to
preserve the historic character and economic vitality of this area? (Select all that
apply)
A. Pursue grants to purchase highest-risk properties and create public park spaces
that also mitigate flood risk.
B. Continue to require mitigation components for new development or redevelopment in the floodplain C. Allow individual property owners to decide how they would like to respond to the updated flood insurance rate maps.
Background
The downtown core is critical to the economic vitality and community character of the area,
yet it is also vulnerable to flooding. While the 2013 flood impacts were not as substantial as
neighboring towns, the flood event was not as substantial in Estes Park either. An updated
flood study reinforces the need to protect the historic downtown and businesses. . There is
also an opportunity to continue to invest in the downtown in a way that both protects it and
adds to the elements that the community would like more of. The 2018 Estes Park Downtown
Plan offers many concepts for resilient design that integrate flood mitigation with great
community spaces for events, accessing and enjoying the riverfront and navigating downtown
on trails.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
The Estes Valley community works together as responsible stewards of our iconic mountain home to
welcome residents and visitors of all backgrounds by investing in our quality of life, sense of community,
and economic vitality.
Benefits
A. Town Investment in
downtown revitalization
B. Regulations to restrict
development and
substantial improvement
in downtown structure in
the high hazard flood
area.
C. Allow individual property
owners to make the best
choices for them, given
the newly updated maps.
Creates community
amenities, protects the
economic vitality of
downtown and improves
natural spaces along the
river.
Reduces the risk that
investments will be made in
the high hazard flood area.
Provides freedom of choice
to make decisions based on
business and property owner
needs and capacities.
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Tradeoffs
A. Town Investment in
downtown revitalization
B. Regulations to restrict
development and
substantial improvement
in downtown structure in
the high hazard flood
area.
C. Allow individual property
owners to make the best
choices for them, given
the newly updated maps.
Staff time, resources and
monies needed as a leader of
the effort for redevelopment
pulls from focus on other
activities.
Reduces the potential
investment in the heart of
Estes Park.
Based on individual choices
and resources to respond to
the known risk.
Relevant Case Studies
Resilient St. Vrain, Longmont, CO
Longmont, like many Colorado Communities, was severely impacted in the 2013 flood event. In
response, they are taking steps to reduce the likelihood of flood impacts to people and
property through improved natural stream design. The design will focus on improving habitat
for fish and wildfire, access to recreation along the St. Vrain and widening the stream bed to
improve flow capacity. The benefits to the community include recreation access, trail
connections, improved stream water quality, increased biodiversity and habitat for native
species. You can see more about the project here: https://youtu.be/laJgVpfpVJc
Supporting Graphics
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CLIMATE CHANGE
Question #5: How should Estes Park and Larimer County collaborate to adapt to the
impacts of climate change? These choices are not mutually exclusive, they could
support each other or act independently of the other. Of these, where should Estes
Park and Larimer partner to prioritize their efforts?
A. Increase funding to support adaptation and mitigation efforts to create a more
resilient community.
B. Increase regulation to restrict development in sensitive and/or high-risk areas
(such as areas that are prone to wildfire, flooding or include critical habitat) and
revise transportation and building code requirements to offset greenhouse gas
emissions and energy consumption.
C. Education and programs to support community decision making to reduce
resource consumption and carbon emissions; and plan community
transportation, water, and electric systems to reduce environmental impact.
Background
The impacts of climate change are here and increasing. They will continue to increase the
likelihood of hazard impacts to Estes Park and the surrounding areas. Adapting to this reality
will require resources and proactive planning. Estes Park can continue to increase
investments in adaptation and mitigation strategies that will increase the community’s
resilience. Examples of these are fuel reduction efforts in the forests around Estes Park and
updated flood risk analysis and reduction activities.
Climate Smart Larimer County is an ongoing opportunity and the work that Estes Park is doing
for climate change can integrate into this effort and inform it. For example, the Estes Park
Sustainability Task Force has provided guidance and recommendations that can build into
future climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts and future planning efforts.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
A unified response to climate change through proactive and resilient ecosystem management,
protection of biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions.
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Benefits
A. Increased funding B. Increased regulation C. Education and support
Increased funding to support
adaptation, mitigation and/or
education activities can have
significant impacts on the
climate change adaptation
future.
Reduces the risks for and
impacts of persons and
property development. This
can help direct development
to less sensitive or risky
locations. Creates regulations
the support the reduction of
GHG emissions and energy
consumption.
Helps the community and
visitors understand local
priorities and climate reality
in order to take personal
action.
Tradeoffs
A. Increased funding B. Increased regulation C. Education and
support
Additional financial burden
on residents, tourists and/or
businesses.
Decreases personal freedoms
for land development and
could be challenged if
considered a “taking” of
property. Can increase the
cost of new development.
Relies on individuals’ will and
capacity to make a change in
behaviors and habits.
Relevant Case Studies
Boulder County, CO BuildSmart Program
Boulder County BuildSmart, the county’s residential green building code, requirements affect
all new residential construction and additions in unincorporated Boulder County.
The Boulder County BuildSmart Regulations encourage high-performing, sustainable
residential development, and redevelopment in the unincorporated areas of Boulder County by
promoting development that will: create energy efficient structures that reduce both the
production of greenhouse gases from residential buildings and the amount of material sent to
landfills, conserve water and other natural resources in the homebuilding process, and ensure
proper indoor air quality.
https://www.bouldercounty.org/property-and-land/land-use/building/buildsmart/
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BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHOICES
GROWTH MANAGEMENT & LAND USE PLANNING
Question #1: The proposed spectrum of future land uses in the valley’s planning area
consolidates 18 previous future land use categories into 8 types.
Do you agree with this organization of future development in the Estes Valley? Is there
anything you would change? (open-ended question with accompanying graphic)
Proposed Future Land Use Character:
1. Natural Resource Conservation & Parks
2. Mountains & Foothills
3. Suburban Estate
4. Traditional Neighborhood
5. Mixed Residential Neighborhood
6. Downtown
7. Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
8. Light Industrial Mix
Policy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background:
Thanks to its natural topographic boundaries, the Town of Estes Park has avoided extreme
sprawling development patterns that characterize many metro-area Front Range communities.
However, the past couple of decades have witnessed increasing development pressure on
valley lands that occupy the urban-rural interface at the edge of the town boundaries. Estes
Valley’s future land use Development Character Areas provide a framework for protecting the
valley’s built and natural character; and prevent development sprawl that requires extensive
infrastructure investments and long-term maintenance.
The proposed Development Character Areas reorganize and consolidate the previous future
land use categories to establish a fluid spectrum of land classification that relates density and
intensity of development potential to ecological conditions and human settlement patterns.
This approach coordinates development and conservation to provide for fiscally and
Page 70
environmentally responsible growth that maintains the efficient provision of municipal
services.
The eight (8) proposed Development Character Areas are:
1. Natural Resource Conservation & Parks
2. Mountains and Foothills
3. Suburban Estate
4. Traditional Neighborhood
5. Mixed Residential Neighborhood
6. Downtown
7. Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
8. Light Industrial Mix
These eight (8) character areas represent development patterns that share similar attributes of
environmental and built character within the Town of Estes Park and the Larimer County’s
Estes Valley Planning Area. Shared attributes of the built environment include the size and
type of buildings and their relationship to the street; the street type and block pattern;
supported transportation modes; the intensity of land use; and density of development. The
Character areas are intended to provide a guide for land use policies and decisions that direct
growth according to character and intensity of use.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Identifying a framework for future land use and development character that protects the
valley’s built and natural character; and focus growth in locations of existing and planned
infrastructure investment supports the achievement of the following Guiding Principles,
identified through the Estes Forward planning process:
• Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and conserves
natural resources.
• Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure, utilities, services, and
structures.
• Responsible Access to wild spaces, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and Rocky
Mountain National Park
Benefits:
• Organized, consolidated vision for the future of land use and built character
• Framework for decision-making
• Managed growth
• Resource conservation
• Fiscally responsible infrastructure expansion
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Tradeoffs
• Absence of a future land use framework that defines the character of land uses and the
built environment can lead to haphazard or reactive land use decisions that respond to
market and development pressures, or political influence that may disregard long-term
implications of development decisions.
Supporting graphic : Proposed Future Land Use Development Character Areas
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Question #2: We can either grow out or up. Not growing or changing is not an option.
Where would outward growth be most appropriate?
How should Estes Park and Larimer County plan for future annexation or service areas
outside of the current Estes Park town limits?
A. Establish a Growth Management Area (GMA) to identify areas for long-term
future annexation or urban service expansion. What would be the appropriate
boundaries?
B. Maintain current approach: unincorporated landowners initiate annexation
applications to the Town; each is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
C. Focus development within Town boundaries (see Question #3)
D. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background:
Suburban patterns of development, popularized in the second half of the 20th century are
characterized by auto-oriented linear commercial development, parking lots, and large-lot
residential development that inefficiently converts agricultural and natural spaces into built
areas.
Due to its natural topographic boundaries, the Town of Estes Park has avoided the worst of
sprawling auto-oriented, strip commercial development patterns, but the past few decades
have witnessed increasing large-lot development pressure on valley lands that occupy the
urban-rural interface at the edge of the town boundaries.
While popular for individual consumers, auto-oriented development produces only short-term
prosperity in exchange for encumbering the town and county with a hefty long-term
maintenance burden of extensive infrastructure. Concentrating new development largely
within the existing town boundaries and service areas allows for the most efficient and fiscally
responsible provision of municipal services, infrastructure maintenance, conservation of
natural areas, long-term tax-base stability, and neighborhood cohesion.
Loveland, Berthoud, Fort Collins, and many other Larimer and Boulder County municipalities
employ a tool called a Growth Management Area boundary to anticipate where towns will grow
(and not grow) long-term. A GMA defines a boundary beyond existing town limits to indicate
the area(s) where urban level growth is expected and anticipate the need for municipal service
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provision. The area does not necessarily need to be served exclusively by the municipality for
all services, but the designated area should be serviceable by an existing urban service
provider. The town and county work together to plan for the growth of this area through and
intergovernmental agreement to establish standards for development, infrastructure, and
public services.
Larimer County’s Comprehensive Plan establishes the following criteria for new GMA
boundaries:
• Accommodate 20-year growth projections
• Urban-level densities, intensities
• Similar urban design standards
• Water, sewer, urban streets, and urban fire protection provision
• Jointly adopted infrastructure objectives and standards, i.e., Urban Area Road
Standards and Drainage Standards
• Urban services provided by the County are minimized.
Because the Town – not the County - provides the full range of services necessary to support
a quality urban environment, annexations within GMAs should strive to accomplish the
densities, intensities and street pattern contained in the Town’s land use plan. New uses
should be developed where urban-level infrastructure is available. Affordable housing options
are also more appropriate in this area.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and
conserves natural resources.
A Growth Management Area can help prioritize growth areas and conserve or limit growth in
areas of critical natural habitat or natural resources. By understanding where long-term
development might happen, we can better plan for service areas and necessary infrastructure
expansion.
Benefits
• Identifiable urban/rural edge
• Coordinated land use planning & infrastructure planning
• Land conservation
• Maximizes utility of water/sewer systems & transportation networks
• Encourages infill to maximize economic productivity of land within town limits
Tradeoffs
• Annexed properties pay additional municipal property taxes and adhere to
municipal codes and regulations in exchange for public services and infrastructure
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• Limited growth can inflate property values by further limiting resource (land)
consumption which could potentially exacerbate limited housing supply
Relevant case studies
Boulder’s Bold Moves: Lessons Learned from 60 years of Growth Management Strategies
Supporting graphics
Interactive online mapping activity identifies some potential annexation areas where the Town
could grow outward. Participants are prompted to place a color-coded pin in each annexation
opportunity that corresponds with the type of development they think is appropriate in that
location.
Loveland, Berthoud, and Fort Collins have established 20-year Growth Management Areas
(dark grey) to communicate where landowner-initiated annexations will be considered.
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Question #3 (Mapping Exercise): Given the constraints to outward expansion, how
should we redevelop? Based on public feedback and careful analysis of development
and economic trends, already-developed areas identified on the map are expected to
experience change in the next 20 years and present opportunities for investment.
If these areas do change, what land uses and types of redevelopment would be
appropriate? Are there other areas that you think are opportunities for different land
uses, redevelopment, or new catalytic development?
A. Suburban Estate
B. Traditional Neighborhood
C. Mixed Residential Neighborhood
D. Downtown
E. Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
F. Light Industrial Mix
G. Keep area as it is
H. Other: ____________________________
Policy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background:
Certain older, developed areas of the Estes Valley are likely to experience more change,
investment, or growth over the next 20 years due to a variety of factors including development
pressure, market trends, and aging infrastructure. The degree and kind of change will differ in
each area based on the context of the built environment, environmental constraints, market
demands, local preferences, and needs such as workforce housing. Because change happens
differently in different places and what may be desired in one location may not be appropriate
in another location, a future land use map can explain the community’s desire for change.
Identifying the opportunities at various locations throughout the Estes Valley will allow for a
context-specific approach to prescribing implementation actions that are proportionate to the
scale of investment that is appropriate and desirable in a given location.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principles: Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character,
and conserves natural resources.
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A proactive and strategic approach to redevelopment of specific opportunity areas within the
Estes Valley promotes a higher rate of success in realizing redevelopment opportunities to
meet the community’s preference and needs for housing rather than passively reacting to
market-driven development pressure and fluctuating real estate trends. By defining the vision
for these areas, the Estes Valley community and their elected representatives can make
intentional decisions about redevelopment in these areas that supports achievement of the
Estes Forward Vision and Guiding Principles.
Benefits
• Guide responsible change
• Focus resources and planning efforts on strategic areas
• Achieve desired land use and character outcomes.
• Adding housing or redeveloping existing built-upon areas reduces impacts on
surrounding open space and habitat
Tradeoffs
• Could limit full market potential of a site
• Absence of a proactive and strategic approach to public and private investment can
result in loss of investment opportunities and undesirable or inefficient use of land in
the few remaining suitable locations for investment
Supporting graphics
Interactive online mapping activity identifies locations of potential change and development.
Participants are prompted to respond by placing a color-coded pin in each opportunity area
that corresponds with the type of development & character they think is appropriate in that
location.
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BUILT CHARACTER
Question #4: The previous comprehensive plan defines specific architectural
guidelines in detail. How should the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan direct
decision-makers regarding decisions about the built character of the Estes Valley?
(select all that apply).
A. Develop objective design standards based on location. i.e., downtown, highway
corridors, gateway areas
B. Develop design standards based on development type. i.e., commercial, multi-
family
C. Develop design and building code standards related to building performance.
i.e., hazard resilience, energy efficiency
D. Develop design standards for the preservation of historic buildings
E. Update design standards for the sign code
F. Strengthen site design and performance standards in the County for large
residential structures and steep slope development
G. No guidance; allow subjective personal and market-driven design choices
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Town of Larimer County
Background:
The built form of structures and buildings is perhaps the most significant contributor, or
detractor, to a community’s sense of place (or lack thereof). Estes Park’s unique identity has
evolved into its current form as a result of the area’s extraordinary physical landscape, rich
history, and the vibrant personalities of its people. Together, these elements influence the
development of the built environment which, in turn, impacts daily life as we interact with and
navigate the network of roads, buildings, pathways, and infrastructure that we’ve created. The
Estes Valley has long evoked a distinct sense of place in many people, as evidenced by its
popularity and history as a travel destination.
Estes Park stakeholders have expressed a range of opinions on the built character of the town
as it is today. Some stakeholders emphasize the need to develop community-wide design
standards that will prevent undesired types of new development such as “tacky” signs, strip
malls, and billboards.
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Other stakeholders desire design standards that promote desirable functional features such
as public art, dark sky lighting standards, scenic views, and in general, higher quality
development that the community will be proud to call their own.
Still, other stakeholders feel that the charm of Estes Park is derived from the diversity of its
building styles. From their perspective, design standards should promote high quality and
visually compelling architecture, in addition to ensuring that structures perform well under the
stresses of the high-altitude mountain climate.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Determining if design standards are desired, what form they should take (performance,
resilience, architectural character), and where they should be applied will help direct future
planning and community development efforts as stewards of the Estes Valley – a key theme
of the Estes Forward Vision Statement. Additionally, these decisions will support progress
toward achieving the Guiding Principle: Resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure,
utilities, services, and structures.
Benefits:
• Cohesive architectural identity
• Contributes to distinct sense of place
• Historic preservation
• Improved structural resilience and performance
• Minimize visual clutter or loss of identity to corporate architecture
• Protect mountain slopes, visual character, viewsheds, night skies
Tradeoffs
• Additional cost for development and redevelopment
• If inappropriately applied, can result in a monoculture of architectural form
• Limits creativity
Relevant case studies
Case studies of jurisdictions that have implemented strategy choices listed above
Supporting graphics
• Visual preference survey for various types of architectural character for downtown,
commercial corridors, office/institutional, multifamily, etc.
• Precedent images related to case studies
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HOUSING CHOICES
Question #1: In addition to the types of housing opportunities identified in the
mapping exercise, how should housing be added in the Town of Estes Park? (select all
that apply)
A. Context-sensitive allowances for more housing units within currently allowed
residential building forms.
B. Require developers and/or businesses to provide restricted housing or pay a
fee.
C. Density bonuses in Town commercial and multifamily areas that allow
additional restricted housing units within the existing building form.
D. Bonuses in Town commercial and multifamily areas that allow more density and
height for restricted housing.
E. Bonuses for restricted areas should be allowed in other areas. Where? (write-in):
F. Restricted housing opportunities are not needed. Why not? (write-in):
G. Other (write-in):
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Background
Estes Valley’s supply of housing opportunities has not kept pace with its job growth over the
past decade. While Estes Valley jobs have grown at an annual rate of 2-3% in the past 10 years,
housing opportunities have grown at annual rate of less than 0.5%.
The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment identified a number of barriers to housing provision.
Recent code updates and public initiative have proven effective in lowering those barriers. The
210 units in the pipeline and 190 units being discussed at the Fish Hatchery are examples of
how increased opportunity can result in additional housing units on the ground. For context,
the Town of Estes Park only issued building permits for about 15 units per year prior to the
code updates.
The 1996 Comprehensive Plan calls for a balance of allowances and incentives that will
encourage private investment in housing and support public efforts to provide housing. The
mapping exercise allowed for the identification of opportunities for adding housing through
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density increases and character shifts. There are also ways to add housing through
opportunities that get more out of the allowed built form or focus specifically on restricted
housing that will remain affordable and/or workforce occupied for the long-term. "Restricted
housing" refers to housing that has a deed-restriction ensuring long term affordability and/or
workforce occupancy.
The 1996 Plan also calls for establishment of a linkage between new development and the
provision of affordable housing. The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment took the next step
suggesting a guarantee that new development provide new workforce housing. As the recent
decade has shown, job growth and housing growth can get out of balance rapidly. Linking
development of space for jobs to development of housing can keep jobs and housing in better
balance. Many mountain towns and cities across the country have these programs. Many
institute them in combination with incentives that ease the financial impact on developers –
the goal is to mitigate the housing need not stop the development.
How does this support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Balanced growth that enhances quality of life, preserves local character, and
conserves natural resources
Guiding Principle: Accessible and affordable housing for all.
Benefits
• Address the Estes Valley housing shortage
• Context-sensitive allowances can add housing that is naturally more affordable. An
example is the recent allowance of ADUs in the Town of Estes Park. Additional
strategies will be explored in the Town's upcoming "missing middle" code review.
(Choice A)
• Through requirements, the community's housing solution is shared between
developers, businesses, and the community. (Choice C)
• Density and height bonuses for workforce or affordable housing that already exist can
be enhanced and applied to more areas. (Choices D, E)
• The topography of Estes Valley presents limits and requires careful consideration, but
also represents an opportunity to “hide” height and density.
Tradeoffs
• Infill and redevelopment can seem like a significant change in character because there
are more people around to experience the physical change, but a well-designed project
can fit seamlessly into the existing character once complete.
Relevant Case Studies
The Town of Jackson and Teton County, Wyoming decided to focus future development in the
Town of Jackson as an ecosystem protection and housing solution. Denser, centralized
housing preserved open space, views, habitat, and migration corridors while also providing
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housing opportunities that were more affordable to obtain and maintain. To implement this
policy the Town of Jackson had to rethink its zoning, creating an infill/redevelopment code.
Simultaneously, Teton County’s role has been more focused on growth management so that
the Town of Jackson is the logical place for development, removing the opportunity for urban
sprawl. To do this, the Town of Jackson made a number of changes to its zoning such as
removing density and floor area limits for deed-restricted housing. The Town of Jackson also
identified additional areas adjacent to commercial centers that would be appropriate for
additional residential density, allowed accessory units in all single-family zones, removed unit
configuration requirements in duplex/triplex zones, and created minimum density
requirements in some zones. Since these code changes were made in 2018, the
Jackson/Teton County community has seen a 50% increase in the number of units built each
year, without having to impact additional open space or habitat. Jackson and Teton County
have also seen their commuter rate flatten out after years of getting worse, preserving
community character and avoiding the shift toward resort character.
With code flexibility, a developer in Glenwood Springs was able to convert an existing single-
family home within walking distance of main street into a 5-unit apartment building without
changing the historic, exterior character of the home. In the right conditions these sorts of
developments can add opportunity while blending seamlessly into the existing community
fabric. The City of Gunnison has also made a number of changes to its code to allow more unit
types downtown and encourage this type of development.
Question #2: Should restricted housing from public funding, incentives, and
requirements focus on serving a certain segment of the community? (select all that
apply)
A. Focus on the year-round workforce
B. Focus on the seasonal workforce
C. Prioritize critical service providers like teachers, firefighters, EMS
D. Focus on lower income levels
E. Focus on families with children
F. Focus on the aging population
G. I am not in favor of publicly funded, incentivized, or required housing
H. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
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Background
Estes has been focused on permanent residents and a year-round economy for a number of
years. The 1996 Comprehensive Plan calls for housing for permanent residents in all sectors
of the community in a variety of housing types and price ranges. The 2016 Housing Needs
Assessment was the fourth installment of the study and looked at the housing needs for the
workforce as well as current residents living in overcrowded housing situations.
Estes’s character is unique from other resort communities, but it shares many of the housing
challenges of those communities. Many communities focus their deed-restriction programs on
the populations with the least ability to afford market housing that are at the most risk of
being lost from the community. In many cases these are working families. The 2016 Housing
Needs Assessment and 2019 Workforce and Childcare Study identified a lack of housing and
childcare opportunities as an impediment to enabling young families to place roots and
become the new old-timers of Estes. Many communities facing the same challenges support
all members of the community but focus their housing efforts on affordability and availability
of housing for year-round workforce families. Some programs also provide preference for
certain critical service providers, especially when they rely on volunteer service provision such
as a volunteer fire department.
The current inventory of deed-restricted units in Estes ensures that the occupants are
members of the workforce. Some of the restrictions ensure affordability at certain income
levels, others rely on the workforce restriction to ensure affordability over time by limiting the
market for the units to those that work locally.
Estes is also an aging community. Lifelong Colorado and other planning efforts are shining
light on the housing needs of the aging population and the inappropriateness and
inaccessibility of some of the older housing stock in communities like Estes.
How does this support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Year-round, diversified economy and supporting services for visitors and
residents of all ages and income levels.
Guiding Principle: Accessible and affordable housing for all.
Benefits
• Housing stability allows for the growth of a year-round economy. (A)
• Critical service providers who live locally can make it to work when weather impedes
commuting. (C)
• Assists lower wage employees who cannot afford housing even when it is available. (D)
• Ensures that workforce families can thrive in Estes. (A, E)
• Allows for new housing stock to meet the needs of Estes' aging population. (F)
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Tradeoffs
• Focusing housing efforts on workforce families supports the entire community
indirectly but can be harder to recognize for those not directly benefited.
Relevant Case Studies
The Jackson/Teton County deed-restriction inventory includes rental and ownership units. All
units require the occupant to work locally currently or have worked locally for a number of
years, allowing long-standing community members to retire in place. Some units have a variety
of price/rent restrictions across the income spectrum. Some units only have an appreciation
cap, allowing the initial price to be set by the developer, but limiting the appreciation to below
market. These appreciation capped units have become more affordable over time and have
been successful in serving the middle income. Jackson/Teton County also gives volunteer
critical service providers a leg-up in its weighted drawing process when a unit becomes
available.
Question #3: Ensuring housing affordability and opportunity requires funding. What
funding options should be pursued in support of restricted housing? (select all that
apply)
A. Property tax
B. Sales tax
C. Lodging tax
D. Voluntary real estate transfer fee
E. Improvement district collection
F. Impact fees
G. There should not be funding dedicated to housing.
H. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
Addressing the shortage of affordable housing in Estes Park will require a full suite of tools
and efforts. Many of those efforts require funding. The 1996 Comprehensive Plan and 2016
Housing Needs Assessment both call for the identification of public and private funding
streams dedicated to housing. A housing fund with dedicated revenue sources is important for
public investment in housing. Regardless of the type of investment – land, development, deed-
restriction on existing units – knowing that funds will be available and being able to estimate
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the amount allows for more successful project development. The fees discussed above are
one source, but other sources are also available.
Municipal property tax is limited, but Larimer County could explore a property tax dedicated to
housing. While new real estate transfer taxes are prohibited, voluntary transfer fees can be
used as a source of funding for housing. Improvement service districts and downtown
business districts can include housing in their purpose and dedicate a portion of the funding
they collect toward housing. Housing fees on new development or impact fees like the one
being explored for short-term rental are also common sources of funding.
How does this question support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Accessible and affordable housing for all.
Benefits
• Funding for housing can be used to develop housing directly or leveraged against other
funding sources to build additional housing.
• A housing fund with one or more dedicated revenue streams allows the community to
create and take advantage of opportunities.
Tradeoffs
• New taxes must be approved by the voters, so they cannot be implemented exclusively
by the direction of the Comprehensive Plan.
• If property values rise faster than wages, long-term residents can find increased
property taxes burdensome.
• Sales tax increases can have disproportionate impact on the people with the least
ability to pay.
Relevant Case Studies
Summit County Colorado uses a variety of funding sources to fund their housing program. It
has a property tax levy dedicated to housing, open space preservation and wildfire prevention.
It has a 0.6% sales tax to be used for affordable housing. It also has housing requirements that
generate fees.
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Question #4: How should housing funding and resources be utilized? (Select all that
apply)
A. Purchase of land for future development by the Housing Authority or through
public-private partnership.
B. Deed restriction of existing units to ensure their long-term affordability and/or
occupancy by the workforce.
C. Investment in infrastructure like water, sewer, and street improvements to
enable new housing in desired locations.
D. Purchase of deed-restrictions in market development projects.
E. Facilitation of collaborative resourcing in the community to bring together
housing developers, funders, and interests with the goal of working together to
turn more opportunities into reality.
F. Other (write-in)
Policy Choice
Implementation Strategy Choice
Choice for Town of Estes Park
Choice for Larimer County
Background
There are a number of ways to utilize funding and other community housing resources to
create additional housing opportunities in Estes Valley. As with allowances, incentives, and
requirements, the communities that have done the most to address housing are utilizing
community resources in a variety of ways. The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment suggests
that Estes Valley do the same.
Funding can be deployed in many ways. Many communities use a housing authority like the
Estes Valley Housing Authority to develop housing and access Low Income Housing Tax
Credits or other sources of state and federal funding. Other communities focus on land
acquisition then partner with a developer to build the housing – as Estes is doing on the Fish
Hatchery site. Housing development can also be facilitated through strategic investment in
infrastructure improvements in areas where housing development is desired. This can lower
the cost of development and improve the desirability of an area.
As populations who could afford housing age into retirement, many communities are
increasingly focusing on methods to deed-restrict existing units. Communities are also turning
toward partnerships with developers where deed-restrictions are purchased up front as a
method of project financing for the developer paid back by long-term community benefit.
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Beyond financial partnership, communities are also looking to support more collaboration in
housing resources. Collaborative resourcing efforts in other communities are facilitated by the
public, a community foundation, or another third-party organization. Collaborative resourcing
brings together people interested in providing housing to share ideas, potential funding
sources, and potential partners. The theory is that the collaboration will both enable more
action and build capacity for future action.
How does this support our Vision and Guiding Principles?
Guiding Principle: Cooperative governance through strong partnerships.
Guiding Principle: Accessible and affordable housing for all.
Benefits
• Purchasing land for development by a private partner allows the community to leverage
outside development expertise. (A)
• Housing Authorities can often access state and federal funding and utilize tools not
available to private developers. (A)
• Preparing shovel-ready sites for development encourages investment while addressing
other livability, economic, and community development goals. (C)
• Purchasing deed-restrictions in market development ensures long-term affordability of
units already being built and provides up-front financing for developers. (D)
• Making more potential partners aware of opportunities will increase the likelihood of
action and build capacity for new ideas. (E)
Tradeoffs
• Loss of existing workforce housing to retirement could be one of the largest sources of
projected housing need in a community. (B)
Relevant Case Studies
The Vail InDEED program is part of the Town of Vail’s goal to acquire an additional 1,000 deed-
restricted units by 2027. The Town of Vail has created a fund to buy deed restrictions on
existing units. The amount of money available depends on the circumstances of the unit and
the deed restriction applied.
The Tahoe Community Foundation created the Mountain Housing Council as a collaborative
resourcing project that highlights the efforts of various workforce housing developers and
advocates in the area. It has been successful in raising the profile of affordable housing
efforts and attracting additional funding.
In Santa Barbara County, California a collaborative resourcing team facilitated by a third party
is bringing together a diverse group of wildfire interests to leverage local funds and access
state funding for wildfire prevention and mitigation measures for housing that have been
prioritized by the community.
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The Town of Jackson and Teton County utilize a public- private partnership model. The public
purchases land and releases a request for proposals to find a development partner. The
request for proposals outlines the type of housing desired in the project and a development
agreement is negotiated from the selected proposal. Jackson and Teton County have received
multiple responses for each project and have leveraged public funds to create more housing
than when acting as developers.
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