HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Special Meeting 2022-12-06The Mission of the Town of Estes Park is to provide high‐quality, reliable services
for the benefit of our citizens, guests, and employees, while being good stewards
of public resources and our natural setting.
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.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES - TOWN OF ESTES PARK
SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
5:00 p.m.
Board Room – 170 MacGregor Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
In Person Meeting – Mayor, Trustees, Staff and Public
ADVANCED PUBLIC COMMENT
By Public Comment Form: Members of the public may provide written public comment on a specific
agenda item by completing the Public Comment form found at
https://dms.estes.org/forms/TownBoardPublicComment. The form must be submitted by 12:00 p.m.,
Tuesday, December 6, 2022. All comments will be provided to the Board for consideration during the
agenda item and added to the final packet.
REMOTE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE IN 2023
REMOTE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING BOARD MEETING
Remote participation in the meeting will be available by call-in (telephone) or online via Zoom Webinar
which will be moderated by the Town Clerk’s Office. Instructions are also available at
www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings by clicking on “Virtual Town Board Meeting Participation”.
Individuals participating in the Zoom session should also watch the meeting through that site, and not
via the website, due to the streaming delay and possible audio interference.
CALL-IN (TELEPHONE):877-853-5257 (toll-free) Webinar ID: 982 1690 2040
ONLINE (ZOOM WEBINAR): https://zoom.us/j/98216902040 Webinar ID: 982-1690-2040.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
(Any person desiring to participate, please join the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance).
AGENDA APPROVAL.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. RESOLUTION 98-22 ESTES FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND FUTURE
LAND USE MAP. Director Garner.
To consider the approval of the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan to provide a
practical and long-term guide for addressing issues related to the future development
of the Estes Valley.
ADJOURN.
Prepared 11-23-2022
*Revised
PROCEDURE FOR PUBLIC HEARING
Applicable items include: Rate Hearings, Code Adoption, Budget Adoption
1. MAYOR.
The next order of business will be the public hearing on ACTION #1
RESOLUTION 98-22 ESTES FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND
FUTURE LAND USE MAP.
At this hearing, the Board of Trustees shall consider the information
presented during the public hearing, from the Town staff, public comment,
and written comments received on the item.
Any member of the Board may ask questions at any stage of the public
hearing which may be responded to at that time.
Mayor declares the Public Hearing open.
2. STAFF REPORT.
Review the staff report.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT.
Any person will be given an opportunity to address the Board concerning the
item. All individuals must state their name and address for the record.
Comments from the public are requested to be limited to three minutes per
person.
4. MAYOR.
Ask the Town Clerk whether any communications have been received in regard
to the item which are not in the Board packet.
Ask the Board of Trustees if there are any further questions concerning the item.
Indicate that all reports, statements, exhibits, and written communications
presented will be accepted as part of the record.
Declare the public hearing closed.
Request Board consider a motion.
7. SUGGESTED MOTION.
Suggested motion(s) are set forth in the staff report.
8. DISCUSSION ON THE MOTION.
Discussion by the Board on the motion.
9. VOTE ON THE MOTION.
Vote on the motion or consideration of another action.
*NOTE: Ordinances are read into record at the discretion of the Mayor as it is not required
to do so by State Statute.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Memo
To: Honorable Mayor Wendy Koenig
Town Board of Trustees
Through: Town Administrator Machalek
From: Jessica Garner, AICP, Community Development Director
Date: December 6, 2022
Re: Resolution 98-22: Approving the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan
Town of Estes Park, Applicant, Logan Simpson, Consultant
PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE LAND USE
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OTHER______________
QUASI-JUDICIAL YES NO
Objective:
The applicant requests the Town Board review the draft Comprehensive Plan (“The
Plan”), and open and close a public hearing to consider and adopt Resolution 98-22 to
approve the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan.
Present Situation:
Colorado municipalities and counties are authorized to prepare Comprehensive Plans
as a long-range guiding document to achieve their vision and goals. The Plan provides
the policy framework for regulatory tools like zoning, subdivisions, and other policies.
The Estes Forward Plan promotes the community’s vision, guiding principles, goals,
policies and action items, and seeks to provide balance between the built and natural
environment.
The Town’s (and County’s) existing Plan was last comprehensively updated in 1996. In
2020, the Town applied for grant funds from the Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA)
Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Funds (EIAF) to support the process of
developing the Plan and was awarded $150,000 to match the Town’s investment in late
2020.
The Town initiated the process to update the Plan in early 2021, which included hiring
the firm Logan Simpson to help facilitate the process, creating a Town Board-appointed
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CompPAC), and working on engagement
strategies to bring the community into the planning process. The fourteen CompPAC
members convened for the first public meeting in May, 2021, and met several dozen
times throughout the next year, with the last formal CompPAC meeting in September,
2022. Larimer County also convened the Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee
(EVPAC) to act in a similar capacity as the CompPAC.
Development of the Estes Forward Plan included preparation of an Existing Conditions
Report to establish a baseline of conditions, including the current demographics and
population counts, the current and future land use mix in Town and in the Valley, the
economy, health indicators, housing, natural resources, and infrastructure. The full
report is included in the appendices of the Plan.
The Plan also included the preparation of a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and
corresponding land use categories to identify potential changes that address the
opportunities and challenges facing the community over the next twenty years.
Additionally, the Plan update included a series of goals, policies and action steps that
comprise the bulk of the Plan document and will be used to guide the community and
policymakers toward the shared vision and guiding principles. The Estes Forward Plan
is supported with a variety of maps and diagrams, most notably the Future Land Use
Map in Chapter 3.
Proposal:
Comprehensive Plan Content
The Plan contains the following chapters:
1) The Introduction & Plan Development chapter provides information about the
Comprehensive Plan, including background, how it’s applied, the resiliency focus
and themes used, the vision and guiding principles, and community engagement
throughout the process. Neither the resiliency themes, nor the guiding principles
are organized in terms of priority.
2) The Policy Framework chapter provides each resiliency theme with a series of
goals, policies and actions to provide guidance to the Town, County, and Both
(Town and County) on how to direct change, manage growth and resources over
the twenty-year life of the Plan. Chapter 2 defines and explains how to interpret
each set of goals, policies and actions, and delineates the responsibilities by
jurisdiction.
3) The Future Land Use chapter provides information about the Town and
County’s proposed land use categories, including how they were developed,
where they are located within each jurisdiction and how they address character,
built form, and appropriate land uses and development types. The categories
consolidated many of the former land uses into a framework that’s easier to
interpret. The categories, land use map, and the policies in Chapter Two are
designed to protect and enhance the character of the Town and County, and
prevent costly infrastructure and long-term maintenance associated with sprawl.
4) The Implementation chapter guides elected and appointed officials, Town and
County staff, and the public in developing programs and actions that implement
the adopted Estes Forward Plan’s goals and policies. Each implementation
action is a procedure, program, or technique that requires action, either alone or
in collaboration with other agencies, organizations, or partners. Completion of the
implementation measures will be subject to funding availability and staff
resources, and will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure they are being
addressed.
Advantages:
The 1996 Comprehensive Plan for the Estes Valley is obsolete, and does not reflect
current demographic or contextual data, an appropriate mix of land uses, nor advise
sufficiently on the current context of climate change, health and social considerations,
and many other areas of community interest. The new Plan, which is partially funded
with grant dollars from DOLA and is the product of eighteen months of work with the
community, is a compendium of updated and relevant information to move Estes Park
through the next twenty years with greater accuracy and feedback from residents,
property owners, key stakeholders and partner agencies about wants, needs and
concerns.
Disadvantages:
Should the Board choose to deny the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan, the Town
will need to refund the grant funds to DOLA, and explain to the public that the Plan will
not be adopted. Since the current Comprehensive Plan is twenty-six years old, the
Town will again need to generate the funds (approximately $300,000) to generate a new
Plan and restart the process. The outdated Plan currently being used does not address
the community’s present needs, but can continue to be used if the new Plan is denied.
Action Recommended:
The Planning Commission approved the Plan and adopted Planning Commission
Resolution No. 01-22 on November 15, 2022, with a few non-substantive changes to
the Plan. Staff recommends approval of Resolution 98-22 for the Estes Forward Plan.
Finance/Resource Impact:
The Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan was budgeted to cost roughly $300,000 to
complete, and of those funds, $150,000 came from the EIAF funds from DOLA as a
grant. Those funds have been spent in 2021 and 2022 producing the Plan and paying
the consultants for the work. Moving forward, the Plan is utilized on a daily basis by both
staff and the public, and will be key to guiding the upcoming Development Code update
in 2023.
Level of Public Interest:
Throughout the process of updating the Plan, engagement with the community has
been a critical factor. The Town initiated the process by establishing the online hub,
EngageEstes.org, as a resource for the community to find information and updates, as
well as watch any of the CompPAC or additional public meetings focused on the Plan.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the meetings were initially conducted virtually, and
gradually expanded into in-person meetings if safe. The team worked to ensure
meetings were accessible to the Latinx population, and also provided free food and
childcare in addition to translation and interpretation options in a variety of locations
throughout Town.
Staff and the consultant team devised a series of events that helped to inform the
subsequent stages of the Plan, including the following:
•Listening sessions during the initial audit of the Estes Valley Comprehensive
Plan
•Surveys, online questionnaires and virtual workshops to better understand the
needs and concerns from the community
•Development of a “Meeting in a Box” kit for the community to bring back to
smaller groups, facilitate dialogue and submit feedback
•Small group meetings
•Public workshops
•Interactive mapping activities
•Community conversations to dialogue about controversial issues
•Quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees
•Joint study sessions with the Planning Commission and Town Board
•Updates via social media, Town newsletter, newspaper, and EngageEstes.org
When the draft Plan was completed, staff shared the Plan widely and worked with the
CompPAC and EVPAC to collect comments. This process continued with each
successive draft, and staff convened the CompPAC for a final joint study session in
October before the final draft of the Plan was released in early November.
Comments received from the community were carefully vetted throughout the planning
process, and all public comments submitted during the draft Plan review are included as
an attachment to the staff report.
Sample Motion:
I move to approve/deny Resolution 98-22.
Attachments:
1)Resolution 98-22
2)Adoption Draft Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan Link
3)Future Land Use Map Link (Allow 30 seconds for rendering or see image)
4)Estes Forward Appendices Link
5)Draft Plan Public Comments
RESOLUTION 98-22
APPROVING THE ESTES FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Town of Estes Park, Colorado (the
“Town”) has considered the approval of a comprehensive land use plan for the Town of
Estes Park pursuant to C.R.S. 31-23-208; and
WHEREAS, prior to the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning
Commission held at least one public hearing thereon, notice of the time and place of
which was given by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the
municipality and in the official newspaper of the county affected; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted the Plan by the affirmative votes
of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
THE TOWN OF ESTES PARK AS FOLLOWS:
1.The Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan dated December 2022 and the Future
Land Use Map dated October 25, 2022 are hereby adopted and approved as the
Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Estes Park.
2.The Plan as adopted shall include all portions of the Estes Forward
Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map including all maps and
descriptive matter therein, including without limitation the following:
a.Introduction and Plan direction
b.Policy framework
c.Future land use
d. Implementation
e.Appendix A: Glossary of terms
f.Appendix B: Existing conditions report
g.Public Engagement Summaries
3.The action taken by the Planning Commission shall be recorded on the maps
and Plan and descriptive matter by the signature of the Chair or Secretary of the
Commission.
4.An attested copy of the Plan shall be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder of
Larimer County, Colorado.
5.The adoption of the Plan creates no agreement between the Town and any other
party, and the Town adopts the Plan only with respect to the Town itself. Larimer
County may adopt the Plan separately as well, on its own behalf. The Town
reserves the right to unilaterally amend the Plan it has adopted, as relates to its
own jurisdiction, consistent with all applicable law.
DATED this day of , 2022.
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Mayor
ATTEST:
Town Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Town Attorney
ATTACHMENT 1
ADOPTION DRAFT | DECEMBER 2022
ESTES FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ATTACHMENT 2
II
IIIESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Town Board of Trustees
Wendy Koenig, Mayor
Patrick Martchink
Carlie Bangs (Former Trustee)
Marie Cenac
Kirby Hazelton
Barbara MacAlpine
Scott Webermeier, Mayor Pro Tem
Cindy Younglund
Town Planning Commission
Matt Comstock, Chair
Joe Elkins
Howard Hanson
Matt Heiser, Vice-Chair
Janene Centurione (Former Commissioner)
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee
CompPAC)
David Bangs (Former Member)
Eric Blackhurst
Matt Comstock
Charles Cooper
Michael Kennedy (Former Member)
Bob Leavitt, Vice-Chair
Kirby Hazelton (Former Member)
Matthew Heiser, Chair
Barbara MacAlpine, Town Board liaison
John Schnipkoweit
David Shirk
Frank Theis
Karen Thompson
Rosemary Truman
David Wolf
Town Staff
Jessica Garner, AICP, Community Development Director
Jeffrey Woeber, AICP, Senior Planner
Special thanks to all Estes Park Town Staff who contributed
their time and expertise to this plan.
LARIMER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
John Kefalas, District I
Kristin Stephens, District II, Chair
Jody Shadduck-McNally, District III, Chair Pro Tem
County Planning Commission
John Barnett, Chair
Jordana Barrack
Bob Choate
Sean Dougherty
Conor Duffy
Gary Green
Anne Johnson, Vice Chair
Patrick Rowe
Jon Slutsky
Nancy Wallace (Former Member)
Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee
EVPAC)
David Converse
Olivia Harper (Former Member)
Michael Kennedy
Linda Moak
Rex Poggenpohl
Scott Stewart
Frank Theis
Drew Webb
County Staff
Lesli Ellis, AICP, Community Development Director
Matthew Lafferty, AICP, Principal Planner
Special thanks to all Larimer County Staff who contributed
their time and expertise to this plan.
CONSULTANTS
Logan Simpson
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
Michael Baker
OPS Strategies
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
III
IV
1. INTRODUCTION & PLAN DIRECTION .........................................................................VI
WHAT IS THE PLAN? 2
FOCUS OF THE PLAN 4
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES 5
PLAN ORGANIZATION 8
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 10
2. POLICY FRAMEWORK ...............................................................................................14
INTERPRETING THE GOALS AND POLICIES 16
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 18
BUILT ENVIRONMENT 23
ECONOMY 31
HOUSING 34
HEALTH & SOCIAL 39
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE 46
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IV
VESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
3. FUTURE LAND USE ...................................................................................................60
INTRODUCTION 62
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES 63
FUTURE LAND USE MAP 74
OPPORTUNITY AREAS 76
ANNEXATION AND FUTURE TOWN SERVICE AREAS 78
4. IMPLEMENTATION ....................................................................................................80
APPLYING THE PLAN 82
COMPLIANCE WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 83
PLAN MANAGEMENT 83
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 84
APPENDICES
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
B EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT
C PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARIES
V
CHAPTER ONE
1
What is the Plan?
Focus of the Plan
Vision and Guiding Principles
Plan Organization
Community Engagement
INTRODUCTION
PLAN
DIRECTION
ESTES FORWARD PROVIDES
AN ACTION-ORIENTED
ROAD MAP FOR THE VALLEY
FOR THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS.
1ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
The Town of Estes Park and Larimer County collaborated
to rewrite the quarter-century old 1996 Estes Valley
Comprehensive Plan to more accurately and holistically
guide the day-to-day and long-range decisions that
affect the Estes Valley into the future This coordinated
effort—Estes Forward—addresses topics pertinent to the
Town of Estes Park, the rural unincorporated areas, as
well as areas of mutual interest The planning process
engaged both Town and County community members to
establish a shared vision for the Estes Valley as a whole
Building on Past Successes
Since the mid-1980’s, the Town of Estes Park and the
surrounding Estes Valley have experienced rapid and
complex changes in the economic base, population mix,
growth characteristics, and use of natural resources
Many of these changes are caused by forces outside the
community and are difficult to recognize and influence.
The last Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1996, was a
coordinated effort between the Town of Estes Park and
Larimer County to further understand these influences
and develop a preferred future for the Valley The plan
provided a practical and long-term guide for the Town of
Estes Park Board of Trustees and Estes Valley Planning
Commission, Estes Park Urban Renewal Authority,
Larimer County Board of Commissioners and Planning
Commission, and Town and County staff in addressing
issues related to the future development of Estes Valley
The Estes Forward planning process was undertaken
to take a fresh look at the issues, challenges, and
opportunities that the Estes Valley faces today While the
Comprehensive Plan remains the Town’s principal policy
document to guide responsible growth and development
in Estes Park, the community has changed since 1996
and several important plans and studies have been
developed to help understand new priorities and values
of the current Estes community
Estes Town Strategic Plan (updated annually)
2022 Community Wildfire Protection Plan
2020 Estes Valley Open Space Plan
2020 Estes Valley Safe & Strong Resiliency Plan
2019 Larimer County Comprehensive Plan
2018 Estes Park Downtown Plan
2017 Upper Big Thompson Corridor Plan for
Resiliency
2016 Downtown Parking Management Plan
2016 Estes Park Area Housing Needs Assessment
2015 Estes Valley Economic Development Strategy
2015 Comprehensive Water Master Plan
2015 Fall River Corridor Plan for Resiliency
2015 Fish Creek Corridor Plan for Resiliency
2012 Water Conservation Plan
2008 Estes Valley Habitat Assessment
Applying the Plan
Estes Forward is intended to serve the following purposes:
Articulate a cohesive vision and actionable strategy
for the future development of Estes Park and the
Valley
Identify land use patterns, growth, transportation,
environmental, economic, and community goals
and policies as they relate to land use, conservation,
development, health, and provision of community
services and facilities
Establish a coordinated decision-making framework
through the application of long-range land use,
transportation, services, conservation and growth
goals and policies
Provide a basis for judging whether specific
individual development proposals and public
improvement projects are consistent with these
goals and policies
Inform residents, developers, decision-makers, and
other local partners of the policies that will guide
development and conservation within the Valley
INTRODUCTION
2 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
210
Miles
Date: 9/30/2022
Arapahoe and Roosevelt
National Forest
Rocky Mountain
National Park
Other Conserved Lands
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning
Area
Town of Estes Park
36
34
7
Planning Area
The Town of Estes Park is the eastern gateway to
Rocky Mountain National Park and within an enclosed
mountain valley Located just over an hour from Denver
International Airport, it is accessed year-round by
commuters via U S Highways 34 and 36 and Colorado
Highway 7, or summer sightseers who climb to 12,000+
feet over Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34) from the west
Estes Park is a small mountain community and travel
destination, with an economy that benefits from the
millions of annual visitors to Rocky Mountain National
Park The Town’s permanent resident population is
estimated at approximately 6,500, with a total Estes
Valley population at approximately 11,500 that can swell
to 85,000 during daytime peak tourist season
The planning area for Estes Forward includes the town
limits of Estes Park as well as the area surrounding the
Town, including the Estes Valley Planning Area The State
ESTES FORWARD
PLANNING AREA
of Colorado mandates a three-mile study area beyond
current boundaries for all Colorado municipalities to
establish an understanding of regional land development
patterns and service and infrastructure capacity in the
event that future annexation opportunities arise
Plan Timeframe and Future Updates
Estes Forward provides an action-oriented roadmap for
the Town for a 10-to-20-year period It is important that
the plan remain current to the conditions and trends
that are important to the community across the Valley—
issues that may change over time
It is expected that the plan will be reviewed annually or
every other year, with a closer look at the success of plan
goals and actions at the five-year mark. Generally, the
plan should be evaluated for a major update within ten
years, unless completion of actions, issues, or additional
opportunities arise prior
3ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESILIENCY
THEMES
Natural Environment
watersheds, forests,
wildlife, and
recreational areas
Economy
workforce and
adaptive economy
Health & Social
services, amenities,
and community
well-being
Built Environment
governance and
community character
Housing
supply, affordability,
and vulnerability
Transportation &
Infrastructure
critical infrastructure,
utilities, and
transportation
IMPORTANCE OF RESILIENCY
While the Estes Valley is rich in natural, cultural, and
economic resources, it is also susceptible to numerous
hazards and changing circumstances that can threaten
those resources. Some, like fires and floods, are periodic
hazard events that can cause direct damage, injuries,
and death Others, like an aging population or climate
variability, are underlying long-term “stresses” that
create and exacerbate negative outcomes before, during,
and after a hazard occurs Knowledge and awareness of
these risks and vulnerabilities not only help with response
and recovery times following a disaster, but perhaps
more importantly, helps with proactively planning for and
building local resiliency to future shocks and stresses
Over the last decade, the Estes community experienced
devastating environmental, economic, and structural
losses in the aftermath of the 2012 and 2013 fire and
flood events, significant loss of life due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the threat of record-breaking fires again in
2020 These events damaged thousands of residences
and businesses, devastated hundreds of thousands of
acres of land, obstructed roads, isolated neighborhoods,
caused utility outages, closed local economies, and
resulted in billions of dollars in damages
Disasters like these will continue to occur and are expected
to increase in intensity, duration, and frequency because
of climate change. By being flexible and adaptable to
known and unknown changes, the Town, County, and
community stakeholders can protect lives, property, and
livelihoods amidst ever changing conditions
RESILIENCY THEMES
Modeled after the Colorado Resiliency Framework,
Estes Forward is organized according to six Resiliency
Themes These themes represent the cross-sector focus
areas for implementing specific actions to achieve the
Estes Forward Vision
FOCUS OF THE PLAN
The Cost of Not Attaining Resiliency
Should the Town and County fail to build a resilient
community, we risk significant social, economic,
and infrastructure costs. If we do not resolve our
housing shortage, the Valley will be unable to
sustain a workforce and services will decrease. If
we cannot adequately build resiliency to natural
and man-made disasters and a changing climate,
our economy could be immediately and indefinitely
impacted.
4 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
G U I D I N G PRINCIPLE
S
ESTES
FORWARD
VISION
1
2
3
4
56
7
8
9
G
UIDING P R I N C I P L E S
E c o n omy
Goals
Policies
Actions
H e a l t h & Socia
l
Goals
Policies
Actions
Hou s i n g
Goals
Policies
Actions
Natu
r a l E n viron
m
e
n
t
Goals
Policies
Actions
Infrastr u c t u re
T r a n s p ortatio
n
B
uilt
Env i r o n m ent
Goals
Policies
Actions
Goals
Policies
Actions
If being fragile is to be damaged by change, and resiliency is bouncing
back from disruption, then anti-fragile is the ability to become stronger
and benefit from disorder and stress. The Mountain Strong social media
movement after the 2012-2013 fire and flood events was a call to become
stronger (anti-fragile) by preparing for, recovering from, and adapting to
change (resiliency).
VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Visioning is a critical step in every planning process,
laying a foundation for long-term community
engagement and planning Visioning ensures that the
values and goals of Estes Valley residents, leaders, and
visitors are accurately reflected in the Comprehensive
Plan’s objectives, policies, and recommendations
Valuable insights generated by the community visioning
process directly informed the development of the Estes
Forward Vision Statement and Guiding Principles
The Vision Statement articulates a collective future
vision for the Estes Valley in a single, concise declaration
Guiding Principles provide further detail on the values
and guidance for how the Town, County, and community
will achieve the Estes Forward Plan Additionally, the
Guiding Principles provide an overarching framework
for public policy goals and specific strategies aimed at
achieving the stated Vision. Specific policies and actions
are detailed in Chapter 2 Policy Framework and Chapter
4 Implementation
From Resilient to Mountain Strong
5ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
6
THE VISION
Our community works
together as responsible
stewards of our irreplaceable
mountain surroundings to
support residents and welcome
visitors by preserving and
enhancing our quality of life,
sense of community, economic
vitality, and health of the
natural environment.
6
7
Responsible access to and protection of wild spaces, scenic
vistas, outdoor recreation, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
A unified, proactive response to climate change through
adaptation, resilient infrastructure, ecosystem management,
protection of biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions.
Balanced and managed growth that enhances quality
of life, preserves local character, conserves natural
resources and wildlife habitat.
Cooperative governance and fiscal responsibility
through strong partnerships with federal, state, and
local agencies and stakeholders.
Year-round, diversified economy and social services
for residents and visitors of all ages and income
levels.
Housing opportunities sufficient to support a
multigenerational, year-round community.
Pathways to health and prosperity for people of
all races, cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual
orientations, genders, income levels, ages and
abilities, and especially people of color and those
disproportionately affected by racism, oppression,
and poverty.
Connected community linked locally and regionally by
multi-modal transportation options.
Recognition and respect for all cultures, sacred lands, and
indigenous ceremonial practices.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
7
PLAN ORGANIZATION
1
This chapter explains the purpose and
planning area of the Comprehensive
Plan, the importance of resilience
within the process, and the planning
and engagement process. This also
details the overarching Vision and
Guiding Principles under which goals
and policies are organized.
Introduction and
Plan Direction
3
This chapter focuses on the future
land use plan and its associated
categories, potential areas for future
annexation or conservation, and
additional opportunities.
Land Use Plan
4
This chapter outlines the action
plan, including specific strategies
for implementation of the goals
and policies, and a management
plan to monitor the plan’s
success.
Implementation
2
This chapter details goals and
policies organized by the six
resiliency themes.
Policy Framework
Comprehensive Plan
The Appendices include a glossary of planning terms used within the plan; a summary of public
engagement completed as part of the planning process; and the existing conditions report.
Appendices
ESTES FORWARD IS ORGANIZED INTO FOUR CHAPTERS,
WITH A SERIES OF SUPPORTING APPENDICES.
8 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
TOWN AND COUNTY
RESPONSIBILITIES
Estes Forward serves as a practical and long-term guide
for the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County Rooted
in a common vision for the future, the plan defines goals,
policies, and a desired future land use character for the
Town and the surrounding Valley While both Estes Park
and Larimer County subscribe to a shared vision and set
of guiding principles, responsibility for implementing
certain policies and actions to achieve the stated vision
differs between the two jurisdictions
Issues related to the Town and County unincorporated
areas have been addressed concurrently through this
process, and this plan will be adopted by each governing
agency for its respective jurisdiction While there is
currently no formal intergovernmental agreement (IGA),
both the Town and the County rely on the good will,
cooperation, initiative, and efforts of each other as well
as partners to implement a specific goal, policy, or action
See Chapter 2 and 4) The development of a future IGA
will be considered, consistent with the shared vision in
this plan
The direction described and illustrated in the Future Land
Use Plan (Chapter 3) will be used by each jurisdiction
independently; the Town will work toward achieving the
desired future land uses within the Town boundary, and
the County will work toward the future land uses in the
surrounding unincorporated areas of the Valley
Photo Credit: Town of Estes Park
9ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
The Estes Forward process kicked off in April of 2021 and
extended through adoption of the final plan in December
2022 The process included three phases: 1) Setting the
Foundation; 2) Defining the Direction; and 3) Realizing the
Plan Purposeful and sincere engagement has been critical
to cultivating public trust, expanding support for the Plan,
addressing concerns early and consistently throughout
the process, ultimately building a sense of ownership for
plan implementation
Public engagement was mutually guided by the Town’s
thirteen-member Estes Park Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee (CompPAC) and the seven-member Estes Valley
Planning Advisory Committee (EVPAC), an existing Larimer
County advisory board These committees informed the
engagement strategy by applying their local knowledge
and insight and advocating local engagement through
their professional and social networks
EngageEstes org was established as an online hub of
information and engagement The site provided a platform
for education and interaction through tools such as online
questionnaires and map activities EngageEstes org was
regularly updated to share opportunities for engagement,
key findings, public outreach results, and draft project
deliverables
Visioning
Community visioning took place from July 2021 through
January 2022 and included a series of events that engaged
with a total of 577 Estes Valley community members
Events included Commissioner and Trustee presentations;
listening sessions; committee workshops; one-on-one
interviews, virtual public workshops; small group meetings,
including one in Spanish; and online questionnaire and
activities The purpose of these conversations was to:
Stimulate community-wide interest in Estes Forward;
Solicit candid feedback from those who know the
community best; and
Identify themes, opportunities, local values, and
future visions and goals for the Town and surrounding
Valley
Valuable insights generated by the community visioning
events directly informed the development of the Vision
Statement and Guiding Principles and provided a
foundation for ongoing research and values analysis by
revealing the most pressing issues to be addressed in
Estes Forward
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Visioning Kick-offJUNE2021
Previous PlanAuditStakeholderInterviewsBeginListeningSessionsSurvey #1: Kick-off Questions
JULY-AUG.
Virtual Public Workshops
Survey #2: VisionNOVEMBER
CompPAC/EVPAC Vision Workshop
Visioning Meeting in a Box Kit
Draft Vision Development
DECEMBER
VisionRefinementJAN. 2022
10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
11ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
Be a leader in our relationship
with the natural world.”
Embrace *moderate* growth
and emphasize service to
RMNP visitors.”
Maintaining a sense
of place and physical
character is important.”“We need housing
that is truly
affordable.”
Fix the housing crisis; fix the
childcare crisis.”
52
ONE-ON-ONE
INTERVIEWS
4
PLANNING
COMMISSION &
TRUSTEE
PRESENTATIONS
2
VIRTUAL
VISIONING
WORKSHOPS
191
VISIONING
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY
CHOICES PUBLIC
WORKSHOP
300+
WRITTEN
COMMENTS ON
DRAFT PLAN
7
VIRTUAL
LISTENING
SESSIONS
7
SMALL GROUP
VISIONING
MEETINGS
2
EVENTOS EN
ESPANOL
95
COMMUNITY
CHOICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY
CONVERSATIONS
WORKSHOP
27
COMPPAC
MEETINGS
COMMUNITY CHOICES
The Community Choices engagement campaign took
place in May 2022 and included in-person and online
opportunities that engaged approximately 190 Estes
Valley community members Events during this phase
included a public workshop (held in English and Spanish);
online questionnaire (available in English and Spanish)
and interactive online map activity; and a small-group
discussion with the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood
Success (EVICS) Mujeres en Conexión
Public Workshops (English and Spanish)
Approximately 90 community members attended the
Community Choices Workshop held on May 25th at Estes
Park Elementary School The workshop included two
simultaneous events conducted in English and Spanish
Online Questionnaire
In conjunction with the in-person Choices Workshop,
an online questionnaire in both English and Spanish
was available from May 7th to the 22nd providing a
digital option for community members who prefer online
engagement or could not attend the workshop
Interactive Online Map Activity
This online tool was intended to gather feedback on
Future Land Uses within identified Opportunity Areas
and other locations throughout the Estes Forward Study
Area Participants could zoom to any location on the
map and drag the marker of their choice, representing a
land use category, to place it on the map
Small-group Discussion with EVICS
Mujeres en Conexión
On May 19th, Town of Estes Park staff attended a
meeting with EVICS and Mujeres en Conexión group
Approximately 10 community members attended the
meeting The discussion was conducted in Spanish and
covered a variety of topics covering the same themes as
the public workshop
12 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION & PLAN
DRAFT PLAN REVIEW
The final series of events provided an opportunity for
participants to review and provide feedback on the
draft plan and included open house events and online
activities
Elected and Appointed Boards
The draft future land use plan and goals and policies
were workshopped with Town and County leadership
in mid-July, 2022 Joint meetings of the Estes Park
Board of Trustees and Planning Commission as well
as the Larimer County Board of Commissioners and
Planning Commission resulted in productive feedback
for refining the plan. Trustees and Planning Commission
members reviewed and submitted detailed comments
on the draft goals, policies, and actions during this time
Leadership within Town staff reviewed and commented
on the draft plan simultaneously resulting in a total of
230+ comments and suggested edits collected in July,
including those submitted by the public
Community Conversations
On August 3rd, 2022, the Town partnered with the local
Community Conversations team to host a public event at
the High School to facilitate thoughtful and productive
dialogue on the draft goals, policies, and actions for high-
profile community issues such as attainable housing,
economic development, inclusivity, climate resiliency,
and the built environment The event collected feedback
on draft policies and actions and provided a venue
for the community to respectfully exchange diverse
perspectives within small groups
Online Review
On October 1, 2022, the draft plan was published for
public review through the Engage Estes project website
Community members commented directly on the plan
using an online tool In addition to adding their own
comments, residents could also review other comments
and indicate their agreement or disagreement to create
an interactive digital community dialogue Over 200
comments were submitted through the commenting tool
and by email
In addition to online plan review, an interactive version
of the Draft Future Land Use Map allowed the public to
review the map digitally by zooming to any location on
the map and reviewing the proposed future land use The
community was invited to post geo-located comments
on the map by dragging and dropping a marker in the
location related to their comment 10 comments were
made through this tool
Draft Plan Public Event
The launch of the online review period coincided with
a community-wide event held on October 6th, 2022
at the Estes Park Community Center It was hosted in
partnership with the Estes Valley Land Trust, the Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition, and other community
partners. As the final public engagement event, this
meeting celebrated the result of the planning process:
a unified Comprehensive Plan that sets the direction for
the next 20 years
The event opened with a presentation that summarized
the planning process, outcomes, and contents of the
plan Following the presentation, attendees participated
in the small-group discussion of their choosing: Future
Land Use, Housing, or Wildlife and Natural Resources
Each small group discussion allowed community
members to engage in meaningful discussions with the
planning team on the topics most important to them
Approximately 35 people attended the in-person event
Planning Commission Workshops and
Public Adoption Hearings
Following the Draft Plan Public Event, the CompPAC and
EVPAC committees met separately to review the draft
plan and consider comments received The CompPAC
joined the Estes Park Planning Commission on October
18th for a study session, and the EVPAC joined a joint
Larimer County Planning Commission and Board of
County Commissioners worksession on November 9 to
discuss further
The Estes Park Planning Commission will hold a public
hearing to consider the adoption of the Town’s portion
of the Comprehensive Plan on November 15, tentatively
followed with a Board of Trustee public hearing on
December 6
The Larimer County Planning Commission will hold a
public hearing to consider the adoption of the County’s
portion of the Comprehensive Plan on November 16,
tentatively followed with a Board of County Commissioner
ratification on December 19.
13ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CHAPTER TWO
2
POLICY
FRAMEWORK
Interpreting the Goals and Policies
Natural Environment
Built Environment
Economy
Housing
Health & Social
Transportation & Infrastructure
THE GOALS AND POLICIES IN THIS
CHAPTER ARE A CRITICAL STEP
TOWARD COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
TO MITIGATE FUTURE HEALTH,
ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS FROM NATURAL AND
ECONOMIC DISASTERS.
15ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOALS AND POLICIES OVERVIEW
The Goals and Policies identified in this chapter are
designed to enhance the lives of residents, operate
within available resources, protect the environment,
guide sound public infrastructure investments, and make
informed land use decisions They are a critical step
toward community resiliency to mitigate future health,
economic, and environmental impacts from natural and
economic disasters
For the purposes of this document, Goals, Policies, and
Actions are defined as follows:
Statements of expressions of community ideals
and a value to be sought; an end toward which
effort is directed They are broad directions that
establish ideal future conditions
Statements of standard or a course of action
that guides governmental action and decision
making to achieve the goals Policies are guides
for decision-makers, not decisions themselves
An action, procedure, implementation
technique, or specific program to be undertaken
to help achieve a specified goal or to implement
an adopted policy
GOALS
POLICIES
ACTIONS
INTERPRETING THE GOALS AND
POLICIES
In reading this Plan, it is important to understand that
the goals, policies, and actions are limited to the extent
that they are financially feasible and appropriate for the
Town and/or County to carry them out and to the extent
legally permitted by Federal and State law For example,
policies and measures which indicate that a party will
provide,” “support,” “ensure,” or otherwise carry them
out do not indicate an irreversible commitment of funds
or staff resources to those activities, but rather, that the
Town and/or County will support them when deemed
financially feasible and appropriate to do so.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
16 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
RESPONSIBILITY AND
JURISDICTION FOR TOWN AND
COUNTY
While the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan was a joint
planning process, the jurisdiction and authority to use
and implement this plan is clearly defined. There are
specific policies and actions that may be shared across
jurisdictions, and others that are firmly within either the
Town or County’s purview
The policies and actions that are associated with the
Town will be adopted and implemented by the Town of
Estes Park The policies and actions that are associated
with the County will be adopted and implemented by
Larimer County
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
Town and County Policies and
Actions
Town only policies are colored dark
blue, County only policies are colored
orange, and policies that apply to both
jurisdictions are gray.
Actions for the Town and County that
support each goal are included. More
details can be found in Chapter 4:
Implementation.
17ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TOWN
BOTH
TOWN + COUNTY)P
o
l
i
c
i
e
s
th
at
applytoboth j u r i s d i c ti o n s are
gray.
COUNTY
T
o
w
n
only
poli c i e s a re colore
d
d
a
r
k
b
lue.C
o
unty
only
p o l i c i e s are
colo
r
e
d
o
r
ange.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
GOAL NE1: Maintain Estes Valley’s scenic character and viewsheds into and
within the Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park.
B NE 1.1 The Town and County encourage the protection and enhancement of key
community gateway views.
B NE 1.2
The Town and County ensure that new development minimizes the impacts
to visual quality within the Valley, including viewsheds of the mountains and
protection of dark skies.
C NE 1.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
The natural beauty and wildlife resources of the Valley have long drawn residents and visitors to the
area. Watersheds and the natural resources within them provide the foundation and sustenance for
the Estes Valley and the region. However, as our climate changes, temperatures rise and weather
patterns are changing causing a cascade of impacts and implications, threatening both natural
and human systems. Even small changes in climate may compromise the delicate ecosystem
of flora, fauna, and landforms that define the Estes region. This Natural Environment element
establishes goals and policies to be sensitive to and work in harmony with natural ecosystems,
conserve natural resources and wildlife habitat, and plan for a changing climate.
18 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 1.A: Maintain and strengthen current code
requirements for dark skies, obtain grant
funding, and develop an incentive program to
replace non-compliant fixtures.
NE 1.B: Work to minimize obstructed views
by overhead utilities by burying lines as
appropriate.
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
NE 1.E: Maintain current code lighting
requirements for dark skies.
NE 1.F: Encourage continued ranching and
agriculture uses along with open space
conservation along Highways 7, 34, and 36.
B NE 2.1
The Town and County work with partners to create a perpetual open
space network through land acquisition, development agreements, and
conservation easements.
B NE 2.2 The Town and County protect healthy watersheds by minimizing
development impacts within riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains.
B NE 2.3
The Town and County use a suite of tools to accomplish shared land
conservation priorities that are not yet protected and incentivize infill
development where feasible.
B NE 2.4 The Town and County encourage cluster residential development to protect
wildlife habitat and movement.
GOAL NE2: Ensure the provision and preservation of diverse and accessible
open spaces throughout the Valley while allowing for contextual development
in the right locations.
19ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 2.A: Increase river, stream, and wetlands
setbacks or buffers.
NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations
in Downtown and in Mixed Use Centers and
Corridors for increased height allowances
within context of existing development.
NE 2.C: Work with willing landowners and
acquire lands through land swaps for properties
that are underdeveloped in order to build local
parks in Town.
NE 2.D: Explore potential development code
updates, such as parks dedication and fee in
lieu requirements.
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
T NE 3.1
The Town protects existing native wildlife habitat and vegetation
communities by minimizing disturbance outside of the building envelope
and limiting fragmentation, except as required for wildfire protection.
B NE 3.2 The Town and County encourage the conservation and protection of
connected wildlife habitats and movement corridors.
C NE 3.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
B NE 3.4 The Town and County limit development in wildlife conservation priority
areas as identified in the Estes Valley Open Space Plan.
B NE 3.5
The Town and County work with landowners to prevent the introduction,
establishment, and spread of invasive species, as well as to eradicate and
control populations of invasive species that are established.
GOAL NE3: Protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems.
20 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by
requiring wildlife-friendly fencing on all new
development, reviewing setback requirements
from key habitat areas/wildlife movement
corridors, encouraging removal of legacy
barbed wire fencing, seeking grant funding, and
developing an incentive program.
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment and Development Code, including
map of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by
requiring wildlife-friendly fencing on all new
development, reviewing setback requirements
from key habitat areas/wildlife movement
corridors, encouraging removal of legacy
barbed wire fencing, seeking grant funding, and
developing an incentive program.
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment including map of wildlife corridors
and sensitive habitat.
B NE 4.1
The Town and County maintain building code standards to require fire
hardened and resistant materials in new development and substantial
improvements.
B NE 4.2
The Town and County proactively mitigate risk through large-scale fuel
reduction in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park, US Forest
Service, Colorado State Forestry, Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, and
NoCo Fireshed Collaborative.
B NE 4.3
The Town and County strive to reduce evacuation time and improve
communication in the event of disaster, including an opt out (rather than opt
in) for emergency calls and text messages to all residents in both English
and Spanish.
GOAL NE4: Recognize that wildfire is a growing risk to the community and
proactively work to protect the lives, property, and resiliency of the Valley.
21ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 4.A: Consider adopting a fire mitigation
program in partnership with the Fire District
to encourage individual property owners to
reduce fuels on their property and select
landscaping choices and building materials for
fire resistance.
NE 4.B: Review current fire educational
materials and update as needed, ensuring all
materials are available in Spanish and provide
community education on available resources
in Spanish and English. Consider a targeted
communications campaign for visitors.
NE 4.C: Expand the months that the Community
Sort Yard is open.
NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation
requirements in the Development Code to align
with recommendations of Community Planning
Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community
Wildfire Protection Plan.
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
NE 4.H: Continue to evaluate and make changes
to Land Use and Building Code standards to
align with CPAW recommendations and other
best practices.
T NE 5.1
The Town strengthens development regulations to keep property and
people out of high flood risk areas and ensure space for natural flooding to
occur, including increasing setbacks and base flood elevation freeboard for
buildings.
T NE 5.2 The Town pursues grants to purchase high-risk properties and create public
spaces that mitigate flood risk.
T NE 5.3
The Town incorporates data and recommendations from the Town of Estes
Park Stormwater Master Plan and ensures consistency in growth estimates
and actions between planning efforts.
B NE 5.4
The Town and County identify infrastructure vulnerabilities, such as
undersized bridges and culverts or critical infrastructure in high flood risk
areas and pursue improvements to reduce flood risk.
GOAL NE5: Mitigate flood risk through multifunctional infrastructure and
recreation improvements.
22 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 5.A: Implement the flood mitigation projects
identified in the Estes Park Downtown Plan and
in alignment with the County efforts for river
restoration to reduce flood risk.
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
NE 5.E: Maintain strong floodplain regulations
for the Estes Valley unincorporated area.
B BE 1.1 The Town and County prioritize redevelopment and infill in areas with
existing transportation networks and available water/sewer infrastructure.
B BE 1.2
The Town and County ensure that new development minimizes the impacts
to visual quality within the Valley, including viewsheds of the mountains and
protection of dark skies.
C BE 1.3
The County encourages a scenic, natural, and ranching environment along
Highways 7, 34, and 36 and Devils Gulch Road. Any development should
blend in.
T BE 1.4
The Town encourages new development and redevelopment that prioritizes
active transportation such as walking, biking, public transit, and ride-
sharing in a pedestrian-scale environment.
GOAL BE1: Maximize public investment and the efficient delivery of
public services by strategically directing growth toward areas of existing
infrastructure, while recognizing necessary housing solutions will require
creative strategies with Environmental Justice as a foundational principle.
The built environment is perhaps the most significant contributor to, or detractor from, a
community’s sense of place. Estes Park’s distinct identity has evolved into its current form because
of the Valley’s extraordinary physical landscape, rich history, and community contributions.
Together, these elements influence the development of the built environment which impacts
nearly every aspect of daily life. This Built Environment element establishes goals and policies
to enhance quality of life, preserve local character, balance a supportive mix of land uses, align
services and infrastructure needs, and strengthen partnerships and cooperative governance.
Recommendations of this section complement and are supported by the Future Land Use Plan
presented in Chapter 3.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
23ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 1.A: Audit and amend the Development
Code (DC) to reduce barriers to incremental and
small-scale commercial redevelopment in order
to maximize infill and redevelopment of sites.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 1.D: Develop corridor or small area plans for
strategic areas as identified on the Future Land
Use Map. Work with the Town on areas that
include parcels inside of Town limits.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
24 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 1.B: Consider strategies for incentivizing
infill and redevelopment of existing buildings.
BE 1.C: Explore potential impact fees for new
development to offset the costs of increased
demand for public services such as water,
sewer, stormwater management, recreation,
social services, and public safety.
BE 1.D: Develop corridor or small area plans for
strategic areas as identified on the Future Land
Use Map. Work with the County on strategic
areas that include parcels outside of Town
limits.
BE 1.E: Identify future planning areas
that present an opportunity for infill or
redevelopment. Future planning efforts for
these areas will further inform and update the
Future Land Use Map.
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary. (See Chapter 3 for more detail)
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy
and criteria for new annexations such as:
conformance to the Future Land Use Map;
ability to accommodate 20-year growth
projections; urban-level densities and
intensities; multi-modal connectivity; water,
sewer, and urban fire service; urban road
standards; building performance standards
for hazard resiliency, water conservation, and
energy efficiency; and conservation standards
for wildlife habitat and corridors.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS:
BE 1.E: Identify future planning areas
that present an opportunity for infill or
redevelopment. Future planning efforts for
these areas will further inform and update the
Future Land Use Map.
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary with the Town of Estes Park.
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy
and criteria for new annexations such as:
conformance to the Future Land Use Map;
ability to accommodate 20-year growth
projections; urban-level densities and
intensities; multi-modal connectivity; water,
sewer, and urban fire service; urban road
standards; building performance standards
for hazard resiliency, water conservation, and
energy efficiency; and conservation standards
for wildlife habitat and corridors.
BE 1.H: Allow conservation developments,
where appropriate, that preserve open space
over traditional large-lot subdivisions.
GOAL BE2: Promote protection of the environment by ensuring that
development is in harmony with its setting and provides equal and
meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process to
achieve a healthy environment.
B BE 2.1
The Town and County require that development preserve water quality,
ecological systems, and the natural features through sensitive site design
and minimal disturbance.
B BE 2.2 The Town and County support preservation and ceremonial utilization of
indigenous cultural landscapes.
25ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 2.A: Audit the Preferred Planting List
to prioritize native, fire-resistant, climate-
adaptive, and pollinator species.
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map, as updated periodically
to include current data, during development
review to evaluate potential impacts to wildlife
habitat.
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map, as updated periodically
to include current data, during development
review to evaluate potential impacts to wildlife
habitat.
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
B BE 3.1
The Town and County implement the Future Land Use Categories to allow
a variety of compatible land uses with higher intensity and density uses
concentrated within the Estes Park town limits.
B BE 3.2
The Town and County provide appropriate transition between varying
intensity of uses and scales of development to minimize impacts between
adjacent developments.
T BE 3.3
The Town invests in physical improvements to the built environment and
placemaking in Downtown commercial areas to facilitate high quality
redevelopment, pedestrian movement, public art, and areas for relaxing,
gathering, and shopping.
T BE 3.4
The Town supports and integrates housing goals, policies, and actions into
land use policy and the Land Development Code as needed to provide a
variety of affordable, multigenerational housing opportunities.
B BE 3.5
The Town and County support opportunities for historic preservation,
rehabilitation, and adaptive use of historic structures and sites in
development review and land conservation activities to preserve the
heritage of the community.
GOAL BE3: Encourage a balanced mix of uses that meets the diverse needs of
residents, businesses, and visitors.
26 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 3.A: Amend the Town’s Development Code
for consistency with the Estes Forward Future
Land Use Framework and Map, including zoning
regulations.
BE 3.B: Support the adaptive reuse, renovation,
or redevelopment of aging centers or
commercial uses that are no longer viable due
to changing market conditions, demographics,
or retail trends into areas that support mixed
use and attainable housing opportunities.
BE 3.C: Encourage the provision of workforce-
serving amenities in non-residential areas, such
as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas,
fitness facilities, daycare centers, and bicycle
storage.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
BE 3.L: Retain the existing County Zoning and
Land Use code for the unincorporated area
of the Estes Valley, except where specific
standards are identified for clarification or
coordination with the Town.
27ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 3.D: Continue implementation of the
Estes Park Downtown Plan by integrating the
recommendations for each Character Area into
land use policy and the Development Code.
BE 3.E: Promote clean, creative, and
environmentally responsible industrial,
warehouse, or large-scale commercial uses
within the designated Industrial Mix areas on
the Future Land Use Map.
BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing
development through strategies such as
streamlined permitting, reduced application
and tap fees, density bonuses, and building
height bonuses.
BE 3.G: As opportunity presents, collaborate
with property owners to upgrade, beautify, and
revitalize existing strip commercial areas and
aging shopping centers and focus on street
improvements and amenities during utility
and transportation improvement projects that
improve curb appeal and walkability.
BE 3.H: Consider design standards for
commercial development in downtown,
highway corridors, and gateways to Estes
Park. Consideration should be given to design
guidelines that enhance historic preservation
and that do not preclude or restrict beneficial
and high-quality attainable housing projects.
BE 3.I: Encourage redeveloping commercial
centers to create a vibrant public realm though
gathering spaces, placemaking features, and
focal elements such as outdoor dining and
public art.
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the
visibility and accessibility of arts and culture as
a means of diversifying resident engagement
and participation.
B BE 4.1 The Town and County encourage energy efficiency of buildings and
structures.
B BE 4.2
The Town and County integrate climate change and adaptation planning
principles into future development code updates, and other related long-
range utilities and facilities planning documents. (See additional policies
related to climate change and climate action in the Natural Environment and
Transportation & Infrastructure sections).
GOAL BE4: Respond to the impacts of climate change through adaptation and
mitigation techniques in the built environment.
28 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
BE 4.B: Utilize the Land Development Code
and Building Code to incentivize or require
performance standards for energy-efficient
residential and non-residential construction
as recommended in the 2022 Estes Park
Environmental Sustainability Task Force
Report.
BE 4.C: Amend the Town Development and
Building codes to incentivize or require new
residential developments to construct homes
and buildings with electric vehicle-ready
conduit and wiring for at-home charging.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
B BE 5.1
The Town and County coordinate land use and development decisions
with the capacity of the transportation system and plans for future
transportation improvements.
T BE 5.2
The Town emphasizes efforts to reduce regional vehicle miles traveled by
supporting land use patterns and site designs that promote active modes of
transportation, including walking, biking, and public transit.
T BE 5.3
The Town supports conveniently located neighborhood-serving small-scale
commercial centers that provide desired service to local neighborhood
workers and visitors, reduce automobile dependency, and contribute
positively to the surrounding neighborhoods.
T BE 5.4
The Town encourages new development to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle, and
transit access through techniques such as minimizing building separation
from public sidewalks; providing safe, direct, accessible, convenient, and
pleasant pedestrian connections; including secure and convenient bike
storage; and orienting building entrances to transit service.
GOAL BE 5: Coordinate and integrate land use and transportation objectives.
29ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between
the Planning Division and Public Works
Departments during the Town’s Capital
Improvement Plan process to ensure
coordination of infrastructure improvements
and alignment with the goals of the
Comprehensive Plan and forthcoming Bike and
Pedestrian Master Plan.
T BE 6.1
The Town supports the adaptive reuse, renovation, or redevelopment of
aging centers or commercial uses that are no longer viable due to changing
market conditions, demographics, or retail trends into areas that support
mixed use opportunities.
T BE 6.2
The Town encourages the provision of employee-serving amenities in
workplaces, such as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas, fitness
facilities, daycare centers, bicycle storage areas and showers as a means
to reduce vehicle trips, encourage walking and bicycling, and support air
quality, public health, and sustainability goals.
GOAL BE6: Promote the continued evolution of Estes Park’s job-generating
commercial land uses to support existing and future businesses.
30 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
ECONOMY
GOAL E1: Maintain a balance between the needs of local residents, visitors,
and protecting the natural environment.
T E 1.1 The Town supports diverse economic development and local businesses
that can employ residents and serve customers year-round.
T E 1.2
The Town supports environmentally-responsible economic development,
business practices, and eco-tourism which relies on maintaining a high-
quality physical setting and minimal impact on the environment.
T E 1.3
The Town promotes the use of broadband and high-quality technology
infrastructure to provide attractive work and educational environments,
competitive opportunities for remote workers, quality experiences for
visitors, reduction of vehicle miles traveled, and benefits to the local
economy and residential quality of life.
B E 1.4
The Town and County strive to implement holistic approaches to land use,
economic development, and environmental management to find solutions
that integrate ecology and economy.
Mountain tourism and outdoor recreation are the primary economic drivers for the Estes Valley.
Estes Park is the basecamp for adventures in RMNP, where world-class hiking, rock climbing,
backcountry skiing, and scenic drives abound. However, the seasonal and visitor-based economy
can be vulnerable to hazards and current events, and the ongoing or periodic stresses could be
economically devastating and put the Town in a financially difficult place. This Economy element
establishes goals and policies to support a year-round, diversified economy that enables quality of
life accommodations and services and is more likely to withstand changes to the local economy.
31ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
E 2.A: Encourage and support the renovation
and/or redevelopment of existing outdated
facilities that have strong linkages to transit and
nearby retail and services.
E 2.B: Undertake strategic initiatives to attract
public and private investment in well-located
properties that are currently vacant and/or
underutilized.
E 2.C: Maintain flexible development standards
to accommodate a wide range of commercial
space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of
older properties.
E 2.D: Strategize with Economic Development
Corp. (EDC) and local stakeholders to develop
options for working with property owners
to facilitate development of vacant and
underutilized properties to achieve the highest
and best use.
E 2.E: Encourage economic development that
generates diverse tax base revenue that can
resist downturns in any one economic sector
and is based on broader regional and national/
global trends.
E 2.F: Consider partnerships with community
colleges or technical schools to support
workforce development.
T E 2.1
The Town encourages increased community workforce preparedness
and cultivates an environment to foster entrepreneurial innovation, small
business growth, and workforce diversity.
T E 2.2 The Town supports increasing attainable housing options and living wage
jobs to support economic growth and stability of the community.
T E 2.3
The Town works to make Estes Park a more predictable place for companies
to do business by reducing impediments to growth and actively planning to
provide adequate space for companies to meet long-term growth needs.
GOAL E2: Cultivate a strong, stable, and diverse local economy.
32 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
T E 3.1
The Town partners with Visit Estes Park and the Economic Development
Corporation (EDC) to support the existing tourism industry and works to
expand marketing programs to attract visitors year-round.
T E 3.2 The Town builds on sustainable outdoor recreation, specifically shoulder
and winter seasons, for year-round appeal.
GOAL E3: Welcome and accommodate visitors.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
E 3.A: Focus on new winter downtown events
and partner with local organizations to increase
activities and events year-round.
33ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL H1: Ensure new housing meets the needs of the workforce and families.
B H 1.1 The Town and County encourage stable, long-term rental opportunities.
T H 1.2 The Town enables opportunities that give the workforce, families, and fixed-
income individuals a path to homeownership.
T H 1.3 The Town prioritizes critical service providers in publicly-supported housing.
T H 1.4 The Town pursues sustainable design that reduces life cycle maintenance
costs and environmental impact and increases wildfire resiliency.
B H 1.5 The Town and County encourage designs for multigenerational living, aging
in place, and safe seasonal housing.
To achieve the multigenerational, year-round community envisioned in Estes Valley, the workforce
needs stable, affordable housing options and a housing market that will allow diverse young
families to grow into the community. Demand for housing in Estes Valley has outpaced supply
for years leading to decreasing affordability, overcrowding of the few housing options that are
available, increasing reliance on commuters to fill jobs, and jobs going unfilled. This Housing
element establishes goals and policies to create housing opportunities. By investing in housing
to meet the needs of the workforce and families there will be more housing choices for the entire
community including seasonal workers and those seeking to age in Estes.
HOUSING
34 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 1.A: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, monitor community housing
need and create a regular housing supply plan
to strategically address the areas of greatest
need.
H 1.B: Ensure affordability restrictions to
support the workforce.
H 1. C: In coordination with the County and
Estes Park Housing Authority, explore a
program to support tenants and landlords in
understanding their rights and responsibilities.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 1.F: Continue to limit short-term rental
of residential units, within the limits of the
County’s authority, and consider reducing the
number of short-term rentals to encourage
more long-term rental units for housing.
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
H 1.D: Explore tenant protections.
H 1.E: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, create a program to fund
livability upgrades in exchange for affordability
guarantees.
H 1.F: Continue limit to short-term rental of
residential units, within the limits of the Town’s
authority, and consider reducing the number of
short-term rentals to encourage more long-term
rental units for housing.
H 1.G: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, review the application
process for publicly-supported housing to
prioritize critical service providers.
H 1.H: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, maintain a list of best
design practices that reduce life cycle costs
and impacts and model use of the practices in
public housing projects.
H 1.I: Explore development code requirements
that support multigenerational neighborhoods
and aging in place.
H 1.J: Explore opportunities to allow for safe
seasonal housing.
H 1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens,
and other livability investments that support
denser family living while also protecting
people and structures from wildfire risks.
35ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B H 2.1 The Town and County locate new housing opportunities consistent with the
Future Land Use Map.
T H 2.2 The Town allows infill and redevelopment that provides more housing with a
focus to increase workforce and affordable options for all income levels.
T H 2.3 The Town uses development bonuses and other tools to incentivize deed-
restricted affordable workforce housing.
T H 2.4 The Town considers requiring that development include deed-restricted
affordable workforce housing or pay a fee.
GOAL H2: Create new housing opportunities.
36 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 2.A: Identify locations for housing
opportunities in the Town of Estes where
children have safe routes to schools and
workers can walk or ride transit to work.
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
H 2.F: Invest in infrastructure in areas where
housing opportunities are desired in order to
catalyze development or redevelopment.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
37ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS:
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
H 2.K: Consider property tax relief in exchange
for workforce housing provision (e.g., Loveland
Fire approach).
38 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
T H 3.1 The Town maintains a dedicated housing fund.
T H 3.2 The Town pursues deed restrictions to preserve the affordability of existing
workforce housing.
T H 3.3 The Town purchases land to develop or partner with a developer to create
housing.
GOAL H3: Invest in housing.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales
tax, or a property tax increase.
H 3.B: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, identify appropriate land
for public housing development or partnership,
make land interests known and stay up to date
or ahead of opportunities.
H 3.C: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore down payment
assistance, “cash buyer” assistance, reverse
mortgage, etc. programs to help the workforce
get into existing housing in exchange for a deed
restriction that preserves affordability.
H 3.D: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore a purchase-restrict-
resale program for preserving the affordability
of existing housing.
H 3.E: Facilitate a workforce housing
cooperative or community housing trust that
would allow smaller employers and the broader
community to provide housing.
H 3.F: Explore tools to subsidize affordable
rental of existing units and the creation of
workforce units by employers.
H 3.G: Stay up to date on the tools that are
successful in other communities.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales
tax, or a property tax increase.
GOAL HS1: Promote a comprehensive and diverse approach to community
health and wellness.
B HS 1.1
The Town and County recognize that community health is a topic that
is influenced and affected by local policies and practices and nearly all
elements of the Estes Forward Plan identify policies to improve human
health, safety, and equity.
T HS 1.2
The Town continues to create and improve the physical and social
environment to enable all people to develop to their maximum potential
by understanding local conditions, availability, and quality of other
determinants of health.
B HS 1.3
The Town and County ensure that policies and practices for community
design and development are inclusive, equitable, and contribute to the
health of the whole population.
B HS 1.4
The Town and County prioritize and measure the effects of planning
and transportation decisions on the overall health and well-being of the
community and its residents.
B HS 1.5
The Town and County practice effective leadership to promote and enhance
overall health conditions for residents and strengthen community ties and
resiliency with all members of the community.
B HS 1.6
The Town and County consider the overall preparedness of the community
to respond to and recover from widespread health emergencies and develop
programs and activities designed to increase resiliency and self-sufficiency.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
Community needs range from the universal, such as safety and education, to the specific,
including those experienced by an immigrant work force or aging population that have access and
functional needs. 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. This Health & Social element establishes goals
and policies to enable pathways to health and prosperity for all people in the community, and to
support services and quality of life amenities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
HEALTH & SOCIAL
39ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 1.A: Use emerging and existing racial and
health equity tools and resources, review
all relevant Town programs and policies to
ensure the promotion of equal access and
opportunity and determine functionality and
benefits to the community before implementing
new strategies. Transparently engage the
community in the dialogue and analysis
throughout the process.
HS 1.B: Utilize homeowner associations,
community groups, and business groups as
sources of individual volunteers for important
appointed positions on Town commissions,
boards, and task forces, and actively recruit
underrepresented people to positions of
leadership.
HS 1.C: Formally incorporate a Health in
All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-
making, especially as it relates to housing,
transportation, and development. Collaborate
with the County Health Department to establish
metrics and indicators that track legitimate
data and share the analysis with the community
regularly.
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote
healthy communities. Prioritize expanded
outreach efforts to low income and minority
communities, and other segments of the
community that have been traditionally under-
represented.
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
40 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote
healthy communities. Prioritize expanded
outreach efforts to low income and minority
communities, and other segments of the
community that have been traditionally under-
represented.
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
41ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B HS 2.1
The Town and County encourage the expansion of healthcare and improved
social services, including availability, affordability, and access to medical
services in Estes Park.
B HS 2.2
The Town and County encourage partnerships between public, not-for-
profit, and private health care providers, clinics, the hospital in Estes
Park, and permanent supportive housing to provide a valuable resource
and appropriate medical care for the community, including vulnerable
populations.
B HS 2.3
The Town and County support the proliferation of health education and
resources to ensure residents have information and access to nutritious
food, exercise, and behavioral health.
B HS 2.4 The Town and County foster partnerships and collaborate with community
groups and other public agencies to implement public health programs.
B HS 2.5 The Town and County recognize that emotional health and well-being is an
integral component to personal and community health.
T HS 2.6
The Town ensures the equitable creation and distribution and inclusive
design of Town recreation facilities, including smaller neighborhood parks,
passive greenspace, and playgrounds. (Also see Natural Environment goals
and policies.)
C HS 2.7
The County supports County open spaces and recreational opportunities in
the unincorporated areas of the Valley and its proximity. (Also see Natural
Environment goals and policies.)
B HS 2.8
The Town and County support local community events, services, and
programs for older adults, youth, families, and the ESL and Spanish-
speaking community.
B HS 2.9
The Town and County promote active lifestyles by encouraging walking,
bicycling, and utilizing the trail network to support public health while
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. (Also see
Transportation goals and policies)
GOAL HS2: Support behavioral and physical health.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
42 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 2.A: Create a Parks Master Plan.
HS 2.B: Increase park dedication in
development standards and/or use of local
sales tax to acquire and build new parks.
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
HS 2.D: Explore budget opportunities to
determine fiscally responsible ways to increase
resources that support behavioral health and
well-being.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
43ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
B HS 3.1
The Town and County recognize that community health is a topic that
is influenced and affected by local policies and practices and nearly all
elements of the Estes Forward Plan identify policies to improve human
health, safety, and equity.
T HS 3.2
The Town continues to create and improve the physical and social
environment to enable all people to develop to their maximum potential
by understanding local conditions, availability, and quality of other
determinants of health.
B HS 3.3
The Town and County ensure that policies and practices for community
design and development are inclusive, equitable, and contribute to the
health of the whole population.
B HS 3.4
The Town and County prioritize and measure the effects of planning
and transportation decisions on the overall health and well-being of the
community and its residents.
GOAL HS3: Foster an environment that respects and bolsters the cultural
diversity and inclusivity of the Estes Valley.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 3.A: Consider an official Diverse Community
Committee that will help to achieve the vision
of a community that recognizes diversity and
celebrates it. The Committee shall reflect the
composition of the community by age, gender,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability.
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Larimer County and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Estes Park and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
44 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK = TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB
B HS 4.1 The Town and County work with community partners to grow infant and
toddler childcare capacity in the Estes Valley.
B HS 4.2 The Town and County coordinate growth expectations and infrastructure
needs with local school and service districts for future facility needs.
B HS 4.3
The Town and County support and coordinate with the School District to
provide high-quality education, programs, and care for students of all
backgrounds.
GOAL HS4: Support services, programs, and infrastructure for children and
youth to learn and thrive in the Estes Valley.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Larimer County
to pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
HS 4.C: Continue participation in Larimer
County’s Childcare Capacity Team.
HS 4.D: Formalize and fund Safe Routes to
School initiatives.
HS 4.E: Work with local businesses to expand
the use of internships and apprenticeships for
high school students.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Estes Park to
pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
45ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL T1: Integrate multimodal transportation options to safely connect
people and destinations throughout Estes Park and the Estes Valley.
B T 1.1
The Town and County pursue a transportation system that efficiently,
equitably, and effectively supports the land use vision, minimizes vehicle
miles traveled (VMT), enhances connectivity of the existing network, and
supports the use of all modes of transportation throughout the Valley.
T T 1.2
The Town supports complete streets that result in a complete transportation
network that is safer and better for the movement of people, freight, and
goods, regardless of travel mode. (Complete Streets Policy 851, adopted
April 2019)
B T 1.3 The Town and County establish transportation connections between travel
modes that are accessible, efficient, and clearly identified.
T T 1.4
The Town works with public and private partners to contribute to a robust
transportation network with multimodal connectivity between existing and
planned activity centers.
B T 1.5 The Town and County improve the overall mobility of people, regardless of
mode through transportation projects and investments.
B T 1.6
The Town and County invest in and support Safe Routes to School efforts
including infrastructure improvements, education and encouragement
programs, and enforcement activities– to encourage walking and bicycling
to school and to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and
vehicle miles traveled, with an emphasis on areas near schools where higher
health disparities are present and traffic conflicts are common.
Estes Park is an appealing mountain community and gateway to a popular national park. However,
its very popularity creates challenges to the local transportation network, utility provision, and
infrastructure, to serve both residents and visitors. Transportation and utilities are the backbone
for a healthy, vibrant, and resilient community. The pressures from a growing population, hazard
impacts, and climate change create evolving demands on water supply, sewer, electric and
broadband services. This Transportation & Infrastructure element establishes goals and policies
to continue building out a complete multimodal transportation network and to sustain, grow, and
adapt our infrastructure and transportation systems to be resilient, adaptable to climate change,
and grow with our community while also ensuring equal protection from environmental and health
hazards and providing equal and meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making
process to achieve the stated goals.
POLICIES & ACTIONS CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB46CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
B T 1.7 The Town and County coordinate with State, County, and regional partners
to plan, phase, and secure funding for transportation investments.
T T 1.8
The Town ensures that construction detour routes provide safe and
convenient access for users of all modes of transportation, including people
with disabilities.
B T 1.9
The Town and County explore and evaluate emerging innovative
technologies to identify appropriateness and feasibility for mobility
improvements.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 1.A: Develop a Multimodal Transportation
Plan to assess and plan for multimodal
improvements.
T 1.B: Develop a Streets Master Plan to
prioritize key streets and connections by mode
e.g., vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian priority
street) and to identify and prioritize studies
of subareas and key transportation corridors
with specialized needs (e.g., Downtown, Hwy
7, Agriculture Areas, North End, Tahosa Valley,
Fall River, Carriage Hills, and Stanley Park were
suggested). Expand beyond Downtown area
Downtown Plan).
T 1.C: Design and construct transportation
facilities that serve people without
discrimination and consider those
disproportionately affected by access to a
personal vehicle or systemic transportation
inequities.
T 1.D: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments.
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 1.E: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments in
appropriate dedicated service areas.
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
47ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
T 1.H: Use quantitative technology platforms
for technical analysis, to always be paired with
qualitative input from community members.
T 1.I: Monitor the development of new and
emerging transportation technologies – such
as autonomous vehicles – to enable the Town
to prepare for their incorporation into the
transportation system if safe, appropriate,
and desired.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB48CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
B T 2.1 The Town and County continue to build out a complete trails network that
prioritizes off-street facilities. (Estes Valley Master Trails Plan)
T T 2.2
The Town encourages a shift to active transportation modes by expanding
and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle facilities to accommodate users of all
ages, abilities, races, and income levels.
T T 2.3 The Town prioritizes bicycle and pedestrian circulation. (Downtown Plan)
T T 2.4
The Town connects the active transportation network (trails and sidewalks)
to vehicle parking facilities and transit and includes amenities and
infrastructure for secure bike storage.
T T 2.5 The Town enhances safety elements at bike and pedestrian crossings,
especially downtown and other key intersections.
T T 2.6
The Town seeks opportunities to implement and assess traffic calming
strategies that reduce vehicle speeds and establish a safer, more
comfortable environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
T T 2.7
The Town prioritizes multi-modal infrastructure improvements that improve
pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit user safety and equity for inclusion in the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
GOAL T2: Provide and maintain an expanding, safe, and comprehensive
network to support walking and bicycling as viable modes of transportation
for all ages and abilities, for recreational use, and to promote community
health.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 2.A: Explore bike share program feasibility, to
include electric-assist bikes.
T 2.B: Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities
and amenities in new developments.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
49ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 2.C: Seek opportunities to eliminate walking
and bicycling network gaps across barriers
to mobility, including Big Thompson Avenue,
North and South St. Vrain Avenue, Elkhorn
Avenue, and Highway 36.
T 2.D: Seek opportunities to implement
public projects and work with employers and
stakeholders to provide secure bicycle parking
and end-of-trip support facilities (e.g., publicly
accessible lockers and changing rooms) at
centers of civic, retail, recreation, education,
and work activity.
T 2.E: Review municipal street improvement
standards to see if there are ways to decrease
high stress walking and bicycling environments
and increase walking enjoyment and safety,
particularly with regard to increased sidewalk
width, landscape buffers between sidewalks,
streets and pedestrian lighting, and other
amenities.
T 2.F: Evaluate planned street improvement
projects for feasibility of including the addition
or upgrade of sidewalks.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB50CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
T T 3.1 The Town ensures transit service frequency and times serve residents year-
round.
T T 3.2 The Town connects residents to key community services, activity centers,
and trailheads by transit.
T T 3.3 The Town ensures that transit-supportive infrastructure is adequately
maintained to provide high-quality facilities for users.
GOAL T3: Support the development and maintenance of the public transit
system to provide mobility options.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
T 3.B: Identify and study corridors, routes, and
vehicle fleet needs for future expansion of
Estes Transit.
T 3.C: Invest in bicycle-carry infrastructure on
transit vehicles.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
51ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
GOAL T4: Strengthen partnerships to provide a regional mobility network.
B T 4.1 The Town and County evaluate the roadway network for redundancy and
alternative access routes to improve circulation and reduce congestion.
B T 4.2 The Town and County evaluate the roadway network in terms of emergency
access/egress and evacuation routes.
T T 4.3 The Town manages parking with free and paid options to strategically
balance supply and demand.
T T 4.4
The Town incorporates traffic calming measures into roadway projects and
along existing corridors as identified. (Town of Estes Park Complete Streets
Policy 851, adopted April 2019)
B T 4.5 The Town and County incorporate advanced technologies with proven track
records of improving traffic flow.
B T 4.6
The Town and County collaborate local and regional mobility with Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT) and front range communities such as
Boulder, Lyons, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins.
B T 4.7 The Town and County partner with CDOT to identify, improve, and address
regional transportation patterns and challenges that affect the Estes Valley.
B T 4.8
The Town and County maintain up-to-date emergency preparedness and
evacuation plans and procedures in coordination with appropriate state,
regional, county, and local agencies and departments.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB52CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 4.A: Investigate and implement improvement
projects that will enhance traffic operations but
not compromise pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit
rider safety and accessibility, on streets where
substandard service levels are anticipated.
T 4.B: Provide training in complete streets
principles, planning, and design to Town staff
in Public Works, Planning, Police, the Fire
District and other departments or agencies (as
appropriate) to help ensure consistency in the
interpretation of Town policies and the routine
incorporation of appropriate infrastructure
designs to achieve multimodal access, safety
for all users, and other Estes Park goals.
T 4.C: Jointly participate in a Regional
Transportation Plan with the County.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 4.C: Jointly participate in a Regional
Transportation Plan with the Town.
53ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T T 5.1 The Town incorporates transportation-related design elements, such as
multi-use trails and trail underpasses, into floodway improvements.
T T 5.2 The Town includes green infrastructure in the design of transportation
improvements.
T T 5.3
The Town encourages the development of electric vehicle charging stations
and other alternative fuel infrastructure at publicly-owned locations, near
businesses, and employment sites.
T T 5.4
The Town supports development of healthier communities through the use
of lower- or non-polluting modes of transportation to reduce greenhouse
gas vehicle emissions and local air pollution levels.
T T 5.5
The Town encourages walking and bicycling as strategies to promote
public health and reduce the long-term transportation costs of owning and
maintaining a vehicle.
T T 5.6 The Town prioritizes transportation improvements in part based on
consideration of benefits to disadvantaged communities.
T T 5.7
The Town includes a robust, inclusive, and interactive community
engagement and educational process in transportation planning efforts
to help ensure that project will address the needs of local stakeholders,
especially disadvantaged populations.
T T 5.8 The Town uses repaving projects as an opportunity to cost-effectively
implement new bicycle facilities in accordance with Town plans.
T T 5.9
The Town maximizes efficient maintenance of transportation infrastructure
of all modes, such as coordinating roadway paving or striping projects to
include maintenance of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
T T 5.10
The Town evaluates and implements initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and other air pollutants, reduce runoff, promote public health and
equity, and engage the community in an inclusive planning process.
GOAL T5: Build a transportation system that is a recognized model of
resiliency and economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
ACTIONS ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB54CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 5.A: Develop guidelines for the inclusion
of green infrastructure in the design of
transportation improvements.
T 5.B: Prioritize electric-powered vehicles in
transit and staff fleet expansion.
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
T 5.D: Design sidewalks and pedestrian
pathways using environmental design best
practices principles or other techniques to
provide safe and comfortable facilities for
pedestrians at all times of day and night.
T 5.E: Develop requirements for new
commercial and multifamily residential
development to provide electric vehicle
charging infrastructure to align with new
legislation requiring updated energy guidelines.
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
55ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T T 6.1 The Town continues to dedicate the parking system revenue to parking and
transit maintenance and enhancements.
B T 6.2
The Town and County prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure while
determining opportunities to expand multi-modal options and prioritize
safety improvements.
B T 6.3 The Town and County coordinate regional transportation investments and
partners when appropriate.
T T 6.4
The Town proactively positions itself to be competitive in pursuing
grant funding for planning, design, and construction of transportation
improvements.
T T 6.5
The Town considers developing additional local sources of funding for trails
and bikeways such as special assessment districts, nonprofit corporations,
and ballot initiatives.
T T 6.6 The Town seeks opportunities to develop public/private partnerships to
provide transportation infrastructure and services.
GOAL T6: Identify strategies and funding sources to invest in transportation
infrastructure.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB56CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
CONTINUED TOWN’S ACTIONS:
T 6.C: Annually update the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) to construct and/or update
circulation facilities and assess viability
of older projects in context with new
considerations and policies.
T 6.D: Measure and track progress and evaluate
success of implementation of Transportation
and Infrastructure Chapter actions using a set
of performance measures.
T 6.E: Use funds from the Public Works’ Streets
budget for bicycle and pedestrian projects as
appropriate.
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
T 6.G: Evaluate the development of impact fees
to provide revenues to be used to construct
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that will
support new development.
CONTINUED COUNTY’S ACTIONS
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
57ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
T I 1.1 The Town supports individual property and business owners to install and
use renewable sources of energy.
B I 1.2
The Town and County, in partnership with the Platte River Power Authority
PRPA), encourage the use of rooftop and appropriately sited solar energy
generation and battery storage.
T I 1.3 The Town promotes existing programs and encourages new practices for
energy conservation in partnership with PRPA.
GOAL I1: Be leaders in energy conservation, renewable energy use and
responsible energy delivery in the face of climate change, wildfire, and
wind threats.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 1.A: Utilize the Sustainable Energy
recommendations from the 2022 Environmental
Sustainability Task Force Report.
I 1.B: Continue to update and revise public
safety power shutoff criteria and decision-
making for wind events to reduce wildfire risk.
I 1.C: Continue maintenance, reconstruction,
and burial of overhead power lines to reduce
wildfire risk.
TOWNT = COUNTYC = BOTHB58CHAPTER2: POLICY FRAMEWORK
T I 2.1
The Town supports a Big Thompson diversion point, making the land and
water rights investments accessible for use, ensuring adequate water
supply into the future.
T I 2.2 The Town incorporates climate change impacts into their water availability
planning and updates the water plan for this context.
GOAL I2: Invest in infrastructure for a healthy water supply and promote water
conservation measures.
THE TOWN’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as
gray water for irrigation, homeowner low-flow
upgrade programs and updating landscaping
standards to reduce demand.
I 2.B: Consider customer billing that
encourages less use of water (rather than a
set charge for up to a certain amount of water
consumption per month).
THE COUNTY’S RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and
evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water
conservation.
Goal I3: Establish an innovative and comprehensive solid waste, recycling,
and composting management system.
B I 3.1 The Town and County support solid waste diversion, reduction, and reuse
programs and policies.
B I 3.2 The Town and County inform and educate the public and visitors about
waste management programs and practices throughout the Estes Valley.
59ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
3
CHAPTER THREE
FUTURE
LAND USE
Introduction
Future Land Use Categories
Future Land Use Map
Opportunity Areas
Annexation and Future Town
Service Areas
THIS FUTURE LAND USE PLAN IS A
CORNERSTONE OF ESTES FORWARD,
PROVIDING GUIDANCE TO THE
TOWN AND COUNTY’S ELECTED
AND APPOINTED LEADERS AS
THEY MAKE LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS.
61ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
FUTURE LAND USE
INTRODUCTION
The Future Land Use Plan conveys the patterns and
priorities of conservation, development, economic
vitality, neighborhood character, and the preservation
of natural, agricultural, and rural landscapes It serves
as a starting point for conversations about regional
initiatives and development proposals by illustrating
the interrelationship between seemingly separate and
uncoordinated land use activities The framework also
enhances predictability for residents and developers
about the desired character of each area It is a guide
for decision-makers as they consider how proposed
development can help or harm our desired future, and
where and how the community will grow or not grow
Most of the forecasted growth in the next two decades is
expected to be accommodated within the Estes Park town
limits Accordingly, the Future Land Use Plan prioritizes
infill development and redevelopment primarily within
Estes Park town limits while simultaneously positioning
the unincorporated Valley to support new attainable
housing and mixed-use near existing commercial
centers and key transportation corridors
The Future Land Use categories, map, and related
land use policies are intended to protect the Valley’s
distinctive character and prevent development sprawl
that requires extensive infrastructure investments,
long-term maintenance, and impacts the area’s natural
character The map categorizes areas outside of Estes
Park town limits to guide appropriate development
patterns, respect private property rights, and preserve
the open and rural character that County residents value
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUTURE LAND
USE AND ZONING
The Future Land Use Categories are not zoning districts
They convey aspirational land use policy, in contrast
with zoning which is legally enforceable Zoning refers
to land use entitlements and requirements that regulate
appropriate use, form, density, and other characteristics
appropriate for a specific site. Adoption of this Plan and
the Future Land Use Plan does not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning or overlay districts
without following the legislative process for amending
the zoning map or Town and County development codes.
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
The proposed Future Land Use Categories unify the
Town and County’s framework for the built and natural
character, and work to prevent development sprawl that
requires extensive infrastructure investments and long-
term maintenance
The proposed Future Land Uses reorganize and
consolidate the Town’s previous range of land
classification that relates density and intensity of
development potential to ecological conditions
and market demand This approach coordinates
development and conservation to provide for fiscally and
environmentally responsible growth
The ten (10) Future Land Use Categories represent
development patterns that share similar attributes of
environmental and built character within the Town of
Estes Park and Larimer County’s Estes Valley Planning
Area Shared attributes within each area 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 Future Land Uses provide
a guide for land use policies and decisions that direct
growth according to character and intensity of use
62 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
DENSITY vs. INTENSITY:
Understanding the Difference
Land use refers to the set of
activities that occur on any given
property. Land use intensity
refers to the degree to which
those activities occur or the
extent to which a property is
used for activities. For example,
a commercial use is more intense
than a residential use. Density
further describes the intensity of
residential uses and is typically
expressed as the number of
dwelling units located on a single
acre of land.
63ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
2. Mountains & Foothills
3. Low-density
Accommodations
4. Suburban Estate
5. Neighborhood Village
6. Mixed Residential
Neighborhood
7. Public/Semi-Public
8. Downtown
9. Mixed-Use Centers &
Corridors
10. Industrial Mix
NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION & PARKS
The Natural Resource Conservation and Parks category
is composed of Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapahoe
and Roosevelt National Forest, Bureau of Reclamation,
and wildlife habitat, open space, parks and trail corridors
managed by Larimer County and the Town of Estes Park
The lands within this category provide a mix of recreation
opportunities including self-directed outdoor recreation,
developed parks, playgrounds, and environmental
educational opportunities while protecting natural
heritage and open space Nearly 10,000 acres have
been voluntarily conserved by private land owners via
conservation easements and the Estes Valley Land Trust
with no public access
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Federal natural resource lands
Public water-access facilities
Primitive campsites and rustic campgrounds
Natural resource based self-directed recreation
Forestry, grazing, agriculture
Wildlife corridors
Private lands under conservation easements (no
public access)
Public recreation centers
Parks and recreation sports fields
Multi-use paths & trails
Built Form
New buildings and structures, if any, should support public
utilities, research operations, public land maintenance,
park use, recreation, and low-impact agriculture These
may include structures such as restrooms, trailhead
facilities, picnic shelters, seating areas, play equipment,
concessions, or equipment storage All structures should
be designed for compatibility with the surrounding
aesthetic and for preservation of surrounding open
space and viewsheds
Building Height: 1 - 2 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: N/A
Transportation System: Streets and parking lots
provide vehicle access to trailheads and parks;
off-street trail network for pedestrian, bicycle, and
equestrian use; sidewalks, and on-street bicycle
facilities for Town parks
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Natural Resource (Larimer County)
Parks, Recreation, & Open Space
FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES
64 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
MOUNTAINS & FOOTHILLS
The Mountains & Foothills category is composed
of private forestry, agricultural, and ranching lands,
ecotourism, undeveloped natural landscapes including
steep slopes and watershed protection This category
allows for limited development of very low-density single
family or residential conservation developments Lands
in this category should not be targeted for expansion of
public or private water and sewer infrastructure Some
areas located within this category could ultimately
transition to Natural Resource Conservation & Parks
through conservation easements or expansion of public
lands to further preservation of natural resources and
wildlife habitat
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Forestry, ranching, agricultural uses
Eco and Agritourism
Single-family conservation developments
Hazard mitigation
Watershed protection
Built Form
This category supports low-density development of
buildings and structures designed for preservation of
surrounding open space and viewsheds
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 100+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are primary
transportation mode to provide access to homes
and destinations on rural, low-volume roads;
backcountry trail network for pedestrian, off-
road bicycle, and equestrian use; road shoulders
accommodate bicycles
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Mountains & Foothills (Larimer County)
Rural Estate 10 Acre Min
Rural Estate 2 5 Acre Min
65ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LOW-DENSITY ACCOMMODATIONS
The Low-Density Accommodations category is intended
for uses such as rustic lodges, resorts, and cabins that
are developed in rural areas at a lower density and
intensity than urban hotel or motel-style lodging
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Rural lodges and resorts
Built Form
This category supports low-density or clustered
development on large lots that prioritizes preservation
of surrounding natural landscapes and viewsheds Low-
density accommodations may be served by public water
and wastewater dependent upon location
Building Height: 1 - 2 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 30+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are primary
transportation mode on rural, low-volume streets;
wide shoulders accommodate bicycles and
pedestrians
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Accommodations
66 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
SUBURBAN ESTATE
The Suburban Estate category is intended for low to
medium density single family residential development,
including conservation development that may be
supported by limited small-scale neighborhood
commercial located at crossroads or along arterial roads
within the Town Any non-residential uses are appropriate
when they demonstrate the following:
Supports a local, neighborhood need
Is appropriately located for the access and
transportation requirements of the activity (e g,
a rustic camp may be acceptable on gravel road,
whereas a retail use should be located on a paved
road)
Availability of adequate utilities and infrastructure
e.g., water, sewer, fire protection)
Scale and intensity of the use is in harmony with the
surrounding neighborhood based on factors such
as:
Built character
Proximity to residential areas
Proximity to sensitive environmental features
or wildlife areas
Proximity to unique or highly visible
viewsheds, landforms, or places of interest
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Single family residential subdivisions with low to
medium density
Single family homes with accessory dwelling units
Single family clustered or conservation
developments (in the County)
Limited neighborhood-serving commercial located
at primary intersections (in the Town or key
locations)
Built Form
The Suburban Estate Category typically consists of
medium-sized single-family homes on lots that are at
least a quarter-acre in size Medium-density conservation
development with smaller lots requires public water and
wastewater However much of the development in this
category is served by septic where public wastewater is
unavailable and larger lots can accommodate individual
systems New homes should be appropriately scaled
for compatibility with existing neighborhood character
Existing suburban neighborhoods served by public
utilities can accommodate moderate increases in density
through the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: 30+ ft
Transportation System: Automobiles are the
primary mode of transportation on low-volume
streets that are wide enough for pedestrians to
safely walk the shoulder As much as possible,
dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs are discouraged
in favor of efficient, interconnected street networks.
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Estate 1 Acre Min
Estate 0 5 Acre Min
67ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE
The Neighborhood Village category contains medium
to higher density single family residential organized in a
more compact development pattern that is characterized
by an interconnected street network, available water and
wastewater, increased walkability and connectivity to
other neighborhoods and commercial nodes Limited
neighborhood-serving civic, cultural, and commercial
uses may be located near neighborhood entrances and
crossroads
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Medium to higher density single family
Accessory dwelling units
Duplexes and triplexes
Limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural, and
commercial uses
Built Form
Buildings in this classification are modestly sized and
residential in nature located on small to medium-sized
lots under half an acre that are served by public water and
wastewater. New infill should be appropriately scaled for
compatibility with the existing neighborhood character
with medium to shallow front setbacks and garages
located at the side or rear of the home Established
neighborhoods can accommodate moderate increases
in density through the addition of Accessory Dwelling
Units
Building Height: 1 - 2 5 stories
Block Length: 250 – 650 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 – 30 ft
Transportation System: Low-speed residential
streets are interconnected and shared by
automobiles and bicycles; double-loaded sidewalks
facilitate safe pedestrian travel
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Residential 0 25 Acre Min
Two-family
PUD Residential
Accommodations Low-density
68 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
MIXED RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mixed Residential Neighborhood category
accommodates high density mixed residential
development that facilitates the coexistence of
townhomes, condos, and multi-family complexes It
is characterized by an interconnected street network,
available water and wastewater, and walkable
neighborhoods that connect to commercial nodes and
other neighborhoods Mixed residential neighborhoods
may include limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural,
and commercial uses
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Condominium developments
Townhomes
Multi-family complexes
Limited neighborhood-serving civic, cultural,
commercial uses
Built Form
New structures and redevelopment in this category
consist of larger-scale residential buildings on a variety
of lot sizes served by public water and wastewater
Density bonuses incentivize attainable workforce
housing Shallow setbacks allow for maximized use of
the lot Parking and garages should be located at the
side, rear, or below structures
Building Height: 3 - 4 stories
Block Length: 250 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 - 20ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit Residential streets
in Mixed Residential Neighborhoods are
interconnected with double-loaded sidewalks and/
or shared-use paths for safe bicycling and walking
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Multi-family
69ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC
The Public/Semi-public category consists of institutional
and civic uses such as recreation centers, schools,
research facilities, utility, and public services operations
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Research facilities
Civic uses
Community/recreation centers
Schools
Public services operation
Built Form
Structures and buildings in this category consist of
1-3 story buildings on a variety of lot sizes Public/
Semi-public uses are often located on or near major
transportation corridors and served by public water and
wastewater, depending on location Street setbacks and
vegetative buffers increase as the intensity of the use
increases
Building Height: 1 - 3 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: increase as intensity and
scale increase
Transportation System: Automobiles are the
primary transportation mode; development should
strive for pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to
uses that are frequented by the public
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Public/Semi-public
70 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
DOWNTOWN
The Downtown category is characterized by a dense,
compact street grid, well-developed pedestrian network,
and readily available water or wastewater infrastructure
This area is predominantly composed of traditional,
and often historic, vertical mixed-use buildings
The Downtown is well provided for in terms of
urban services, making it the most efficient area for
redevelopment or development of underutilized land
See the Estes Park Downtown for Details
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Traditional, dense vertical mixed-use with
residential, office, institutional, commercial,
entertainment, and upper-story residential
Civic uses such as community centers, libraries,
government administration facilities
Cultural uses such as museums and performing
arts venues
Built Form
The Town Center is a complete community with
highly walkable, pedestrian-oriented streetscapes
Development should prioritize the preservation and
rehabilitation of historic buildings and encourage
compatible infill development. New and remodeled
buildings should reflect a compatible scale and
vernacular of existing buildings on small to medium-
sized lots Building heights should be 1 5-3 stories and
should form a continuous street-wall along primary
streets Parking is located on the street, at the rear of
buildings, and in off-site public lots or decks
Building Height: 1 5 - 3 stories
Block Length: 250 ft
Primary Road Setback: 0 ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Downtown Commercial
71ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
MIXED-USE CENTERS & CORRIDORS
The Mixed-use Centers and Corridors category contains
medium to higher-density vertical mixed residential
and commercial use developments located on or near
major thoroughfares This category is characterized by
an interconnected road network, available water and
wastewater, and a walkable environment and a greater
emphasis on design of upper stories for compatibility
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Mixed-Use developments with upper-story
residential, office, institutional, commercial,
entertainment
Medium-high density accommodations such as
hotels, motels, short-term rental attached units
Built Form
New and redeveloped sites in Mixed-use Centers and
Corridors should reflect a variety of building types on
large lots Development in this category should strive to
increase business density, adding residential units where
appropriate, and expanding multi-modal connectivity
Parking lots should be divided into more than one
area including the side and rear of buildings where
feasible All structures should feature pedestrian-scale
entrances Development should positively contribute
to the character of the town through pedestrian-scaled
architectural features on ground floors and landscaping.
Building Height: 1 - 5 stories
Block Length: 250 – 650 ft
Primary Road Setback: 10 - 150 ft
Transportation System: This category
accommodates all modes: automobile, bicycle,
pedestrians, and transit The pedestrian system
should connect to other mixed-use and commercial
nodes and neighborhoods Sidewalks and/or
shared-use paths and bicycle infrastructure should
connect the multi-modal network along primary
transportation corridors Pedestrian connectivity
internal to the site must connect parking areas to
the building and adjacent sites
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Office
PUD Commercial
Commercial Recreation
Commercial
Accommodations
72 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
INDUSTRIAL MIX
The Industrial Mix category is supported by major
transportation corridors, public water, and wastewater
infrastructure This category provides for a range of
industrial manufacturing, warehouse, commercial, and
large-scale institutional or office uses. It includes existing
heavy industry within the Estes Valley but supports a
shift toward light and clean industrial and small-scale
manufacturing uses with fewer environmental impacts
Appropriate Land Uses and Development
Types
Industrial and flex office space
Small scale or boutique manufacturing
Warehouse uses, including those with direct-to-
consumer sales and retail hours
Large-scale institutional and office facilities
Limited commercial uses
Existing heavy industry
Built Form
New and redeveloped sites should reflect a variety of
building types, typically on very large lots Buildings
should be appropriately screened or set back from lot
lines to minimize impacts to adjacent non-industrial
properties Street setbacks and vegetative buffers
increase as the intensity of the use increases
Building Height: 1-3 stories
Block Length: N/A
Primary Road Setback: Increases as intensity and
scale increase
Transportation System: This area accommodates
vehicles as the primary mode of transportation
but should strive for pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity to support alternatives to vehicle travel
and a healthy workplace
Previous (1996) Future Land Use Categories
Light Industrial
Restricted Industrial
73ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Lake Estes
Lily Lake
Marys Lake
FALL RIVER
FIS H C RE E K
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIG THOMPSON RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
R o c k y M o u n t a i n
N a t i o n a l P a r k
210
Miles
Future Land Use
Future Land Use categories do not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning, recorded
subdivisions, or approved development plans. The
zoning map and development codes are not changed
as a result of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
or Future Land Use Map.
Date: 11/28/2022
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
Mountains & Foothills
Accommodations
Suburban Estate
Neighborhood Village
Mixed Residential Neighborhood
Public/Semi Public
Downtown
Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
Industrial Mix
Future Land Use
RMNP Boundary
FUTURE LAND USE MAP
74 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
FUTURE LAND USE MAP OVERVIEW
The Estes Forward Future Land Use Map applies the Future Land Use
Categories to the Estes Valley Planning Area and Town of Estes Park
jurisdictions to recommend appropriate locations for each category
of land use and development character The composition of map is
informed by several factors:
The previous future land use maps (Town - 1996, County - 2019)
Current zoning map
Historic development patterns
Existing water service areas
Environmental features and constraints
Areas of anticipated development
Growth and conservation preferences articulated by the
community
The Future Land Use Map provides the overarching structure for
orchestrating appropriate patterns of development and conservation
throughout the Estes Valley. In doing so, the map influences and
informs zoning decisions to achieve desired future growth patterns
While evaluating site-specific development requests, study the
Future Land Use Map to determine whether the request is consistent
with the community’s land use and development vision
The Future Land Use Map is a guide to achieving the community’s
stated vision; however, it is not a mandate To the extent possible,
it should be closely followed, but when circumstances dictate
otherwise, it is the intent of this plan to enable the Town and the
County to respond appropriately through their land development
decisions
THE FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES AND MAP
ARE ASPIRATIONAL. THEY DO NOT ALTER,
CIRCUMVENT, OR SUPERSEDE ESTABLISHED
ZONING, RECORDED SUBDIVISIONS, OR
APPROVED DEVELOPMENT PLANS. THE ZONING
MAP AND DEVELOPMENT CODES ARE NOT
CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE ADOPTION OF
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OR FUTURE LAND
USE PLAN, CATEGORIES, OR MAP. FEDERAL
LANDS, INCLUDING NATIONAL PARKS, ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OR
TOWN AND COUNTY ZONING MAPS.
LakeEstes
LilyLake
MarysLake
FALLRIVER
FISHCREEK
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIGTHOMPSONRIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
RockyMountain
NationalPark
210
Miles
Future Land Use
Future Land Use categories do not alter, circumvent,
or supersede established zoning, recorded
subdivisions, or approved development plans. The
zoning map and development codes are not changed
as a result of the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan
or Future Land Use Map.
Date: 11/28/2022
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
Natural Resource
Conservation & Parks
Mountains & Foothills
Accommodations
Suburban Estate
Neighborhood Village
Mixed Residential Neighborhood
Public/Semi Public
Downtown
Mixed-Use Centers & Corridors
Industrial Mix
Future Land Use
RMNP Boundary
75ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Lake Estes
Lily Lake
Marys Lake
FIS H C R E E K
FALL RIVER
B
L
ACKCANYON CREEK
BIG THOMPSON
RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
R o c k y M o u n t a i n
N a t i o n a l P a r k
Other Conserved Lands
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Rocky Mountain National
Park
Future Study Areas
Gateway Corridors
Opportunity Areas
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
210Miles
11/28/22
Z:\
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
76 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
Future Study Areas
Certain 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 type 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 attainable housing Because change happens differently in
different places, and what may be desired in one location may not be
appropriate in another location, the Future Land Use Map identifies
special Future Study Areas for more detailed planning following
this plan Additional, cooperative planning between the Town and
the County will further identify suitable locations for growth and
conservation that is context-specific and proportionate to the scale
of development that is appropriate in a given location
A proactive and strategic approach to the redevelopment or
conservation of Future Study Areas within the Estes Valley promotes
a higher rate of success in realizing opportunities that meet the
community’s preferences and needs rather than passively reacting
to market-driven development pressure and fluctuating real estate
trends. By defining the ideal conservation or development scenario
for these areas, the Estes Valley community and their elected
representatives can make intentional land use decisions that support
achievement of the Estes Forward Vision and Guiding Principles
Gateway Corridors
In addition to Future Land Uses and Future Study Areas, the map
also identifies Gateway Corridors into the Estes Valley. These
important corridors deliver the first impression upon entering the
Valley and, therefore, provide a significant opportunity to convey a
sense of arrival and community identity through special attention to
viewshed protection, enhanced landscaping, signage, land use, and
the aesthetics of the built environment Like the Future Study Areas,
Gateway Corridors are deserving of additional consideration and
cooperative planning between the Town and the County
LakeEstes
LilyLake
MarysLake
FISHCREEK
FALLRIVER
B
L
ACKCANYONCREEK
BIGTHOMPSON
RIVER
66
36
36
34
34
7
RockyMountain
NationalPark
Other Conserved Lands
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Rocky Mountain National
Park
Future Study Areas
Gateway Corridors
Opportunity Areas
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning Area
Town of Estes Park
210Miles
11/28/22
Z:\
77ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ANNEXATION AND FUTURE TOWN SERVICE AREAS
Comprehensive planning and growth management in
the Estes Valley imply coordination and cooperation
between the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County A
key imperative of this plan is that the Town and County
continue to collaborate on defining a Future Town
Service Area and corresponding Annexation Policy The
Town and the County are encouraged to work together
to identify areas of shared development impact in
anticipation of where the Town will grow (and not grow)
A Future Town Service Area would define a boundary
beyond existing Town limits to indicate an area(s) where
higher intensity and density is acceptable over the next
20 years and to plan for municipal service provision The
area would 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 A Future Town Service Area would establish a
coordinated partnership for managing long-range growth
that reflects the community’s values and market realities
to provide predictability and consistency
The Future Town Service Area should be supported by
an Annexation Policy that specifies criteria for future
development, infrastructure, and public services,
mutually agreed upon by the Town of Estes Park and
Larimer County If the development criteria are met,
the Town would annex areas within the Future Service
Area and provide the full range of public services
Concentrating redevelopment within and adjacent to the
existing town boundaries supports efficient municipal
services, infrastructure maintenance, and conservation
of natural areas
This approach is intended to strengthen the connection
between more urban land use and eventual annexation
by the Town by prioritizing growth areas and limiting
development in areas of critical natural habitat and
resources It also continues an expectation that the Town,
not the County, will provide the full range of services
necessary to support a quality urban environment
78 CHAPTER 3: FUTURE LAND USE
PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
79ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
4
CHAPTER FOUR
IMPLEMENTATION »Applying the Plan
Compliance with Comprehensive Plan
Plan Management
Implementation Plan
FOR LONG-RANGE PLANNING
TO REMAIN PROACTIVE, THE
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS
IMPORTANT —OR POSSIBLY
MORE IMPORTANT— THAN THE
PLAN ITSELF.
81ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION
APPLYING THE PLAN
This chapter provides an overview of plan compliance,
management, reporting mechanisms and update
protocols It connects the strategies and actions so that
policy direction is usable and relevant for applicants, the
community, and neighbors in the development review
and decision-making processes
IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY AND
PARTNERSHIPS
Successful implementation of this Plan depends on the
coordinated and collective action of decision-makers,
staff members, community members, and other partners
The Town Board is responsible to guide
implementation by developing partnerships, issuing
final development decisions, adopting new plans,
providing funding through the budget process,
and ensuring accountability of Town department
activities in harmony with the Plan
The Board of County Commissioners is responsible
to guide implementation through Annual Work Plan
priorities, developing partnerships, and ensuring
accountability of county department activities in
harmony with the Plan
Planning Commissions are responsible to use
the guidance provided by the Plan in review of
development proposals and to promote and oversee
relevant updates to the Development Code (Town)
and Land Use Code (County)
Department Directors integrate actions into their
annual work plans and budgets Staff review
development proposals, providing decision-makers
with information as to whether such proposals align
with the Plan
Residents and Regional Partners are encouraged to
track the Plan’s implementation and participate in
budgeting processes to promote adequate funding
for implementation
Photo Credit: Town of Estes Park
82 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
COMPLIANCE WITH
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
How development proposals align with this Plan’s guiding
principles, goals, and policies will be a key consideration
during their review Planning Commissions, the Town
Board and Board of County Commissioners have broad
discretion in interpreting the Plan and its purposes and
can weigh and balance the various goals and policies
when applying them
TOWN DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS AND
REVIEW
Development of property within the Town of Estes
Park will continue to be subject to all procedures and
regulations established for development pursuant to
the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) This includes
such considerations as site planning, architecture,
parking, landscaping, and other design criteria
COUNTY LAND USE REGULATIONS AND
REVIEW
Development of unincorporated property outside the
town limits of Estes Park will continue to be subject to all
procedures and regulations established for development
pursuant to the Larimer County Land Use Code
PLAN MANAGEMENT
Estes Forward is not static, but rather is a dynamic and
multi-faceted document that defines and addresses the
changing needs of the Estes Valley It cannot anticipate
all future changes in economic conditions, market
demands, or lifestyle choices In order to remain a
relevant and functional document, this Plan should be
reviewed regularly and if needed, periodically updated,
both by the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County
AMENDING THE PLAN
Recognizing the need for the Comprehensive Plan
to remain current and reflective of issues and local
priorities, the Plan should be periodically amended to
ensure that it is consistent with the conditions, values,
expectations, and needs of its residents, businesses, and
other stakeholders Major updates to the Plan should
occur every decade, or as deemed necessary by the
Town or County Planning Commissions This updating
process should be grounded in a broad-based public
input process
The Town’s Development Code outlines the policies and
process to adopt and amend the Comprehensive Plan
Town staff is responsible for reviewing and providing
recommendations on plan amendments and the Estes
Park Planning Commission is the decision-making body
The County’s Land Use Code outlines the policies and
process to adopt and amend the Comprehensive Plan
and any associated master plans and area plans The
Larimer County Planning Commission is the decision-
making body that adopts the plan The Board of County
Commissioners ratifies the Planning Commission
adoption
PERIODIC REVIEW AND REPORTING
Development of unincorporated property outside the
town limits of Estes Park will continue to be subject to all
procedures and regulations established for development
pursuant to the Larimer County Land Use Code
83ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Tables 1 and 2 identify the type of action, the lead
department or partner for the action’s implementation,
and the general timing for implementation The Town
of Estes Park Planning Division and Larimer County
Planning Department are responsible for coordinating
with other departments regarding implementation of
the individual measures It is also important to note that
many of these actions will require staff, partners, and
financial resources to implement, thus making them
difficult to definitively schedule given the annual nature
of the budgetary process and changing priorities and
resources over the years
The actions to implement the Comprehensive Plan are
organized into the following category types:
1. Capital Projects & Investments: The projects
identified are major investments into infrastructure
and facilities and can include new construction,
as well as major renovations or replacements
The capital projects and investments identified
are particularly related to implementation of the
Comprehensive Plan but should be considered
among all other capital requests
2. Supporting Plans & Policies: This encompasses
the continued implementation of existing plans;
however, since the Comprehensive Plan sets broad
community vision and policies, some additional
planning will be necessary to provide more detailed
guidance and direction for specific topics and areas
of the community
3. Programs & Services: Many of the Comprehensive
Plan policies may be implemented through
continuation, modification, expansion or addition
of programs and services offered by the Town or
County
4. Partnerships & Agreements: Many policies will be
implemented through collaborative partnerships
with business, and community and non-profit
groups Additionally, some will be most successful
through formal partnerships, or Intergovernmental
Agreements (IGAs) between the Town and other
governmental entities, such as Larimer County, RTD,
or other special districts or agencies
5. Regulatory Reform: Since the Comprehensive Plan
establishes the direction and vision for the future,
it is important that Town and County’s regulations
support consistent guidance and decision-making
84 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
TIMING:
Short-term (1-2 years)
Mid-term (1-5 years)
Long-term (6-10 years)
Ongoing
Annual
LEAD/PARTNER:
CPW (Colorado Parks and
Wildlife)
EDC (Economic Development
Corporation)
EPHA (Estes Park Housing
Authority)
LETA (Larimer Emergency
Telephone Authority)
Non-Profit Partners
could include organizations
such as Estes Valley Land
Trust (EVLT), Estes Valley
Investment in Childhood
Success (EVICS), and the Estes
Valley Watershed Coalition.
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
NE 1.A: Maintain and strengthen current code
requirements for dark skies, obtain grant
funding, and develop incentive program to
replace non-compliant fixtures.
Regulatory Reform;
Partnerships
Agreements;
Programs & Services
Community Development
Department; Utilities
Department; Platte River
Power Authority
Short-term
NE 1.B: Work to minimize obstructed views
by overhead utilities by burying lines as
appropriate.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities Department; Town
Administrator; Public
Works Department
Long-term
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
NE 1 D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Short-term
NE 2.A: Increase river, stream, and wetlands
setbacks or buffers.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
NE 2.B: Further identify appropriate locations
in Downtown and in Mixed Use Centers and
Corridors for increased height allowances within
context of existing development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
NE 2.C: Work with willing landowners and
acquire lands through land swaps for properties
that are underdeveloped in order to build local
parks in Town.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department; Property
Owners
Long-term
NE 2.D: Explore potential development code
updates, such as parks dedication and fee in lieu
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Short-term
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations,
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Landowners
Mid-term
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; County
Planning Department;
Town and County
Leadership
Mid-term
NE 3.A: Consider an Environmentally Sensitive
Lands Zoning Overlay that would be subject to
additional design review.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
Table 1. Town of Estes Park Actions
85ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by requiring
wildlife-friendly fencing on all new development,
reviewing setback requirements from key
habitat areas/wildlife movement corridors,
encouraging removal of legacy barbed wire
fencing, seeking grant funding, and developing
an incentive program.
Regulatory
Reform; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; CPW; Non-
Profit Partners; Property
Owners
Mid-term
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment and Development Code, including
map of wildlife corridors and sensitive habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator; CPW; Non-
Profit Partners
Short-term
NE 4.A: Consider adopting a fire mitigation
program in partnership with the Fire District
to encourage individual property owners to
reduce fuels on their property and select
landscaping choices and building materials for
fire resistance.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Office of
Emergency Management;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
NE 4.B: Review current fire educational
materials and update as needed, ensuring all
materials are available in Spanish and provide
community education on available resources
in Spanish and English. Consider a targeted
communications campaign for visitors.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District Short-term
NE 4.C: Expand the months that the Community
Sort Yard is open.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Boulder County Short-term
NE 4.D: Review potential mitigation
requirements in the Development Code to align
with recommendations of Colorado Planning
Assistance for Wildfires (CPAW).
Regulatory Reform Community Development;
Fire District
Short-term
NE 4.E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development;
Fire District
Mid-term
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
86 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 5.A: Implement the flood mitigation projects
identified in the Estes Park Downtown Plan and
in alignment with the County efforts for River
restoration to reduce flood risk.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Floodplain Administrator;
Community Development;
Non-Profit Partners
Long-term
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
Programs & Services Office of Emergency
Management
Mid-term
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Short-term
NE 5.D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Floodplain Administrator;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BE 1.A: Audit and amend the Development Code
DC) to reduce barriers to incremental and small-
scale commercial redevelopment in order to
maximize infill and redevelopment of sites.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.B: Consider strategies for incentivizing infill
and redevelopment of existing buildings.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.C: Explore potential impact fees for new
development to offset the costs of increased
demand for public services such as water, sewer,
stormwater management, recreation, social
services, and public safety.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.D: Work with Larimer County to develop
corridor or small area plans for strategic areas
as identified on the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development;
Larimer County Planning
Department
Short-term
BE 1.E: Work with Larimer County to identify
future planning areas that present an
opportunity for infill or redevelopment. Future
planning efforts for these areas will further
inform and update the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Planning
Department
Short-term
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Planning
Department
Short-term
87ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy and criteria
for new annexations such as: conformance
to the Future Land Use Map; ability to
accommodate 20-year growth projections;
urban-level densities and intensities; multi-
modal connectivity; water, sewer, and urban
fire service; urban road standards; building
performance standards for hazard resiliency,
water conservation, and energy efficiency; and
conservation standards for wildlife habitat and
corridors.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 2.A: Audit the Preferred Planting List to
prioritize native, fire-resistant, climate-adaptive,
and pollinator species.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map during development review to
evaluate potential impacts to wildlife habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; Property
Owners; Developers
Ongoing
BE 3.A: Amend its development code for
consistency with the Estes Forward Future Land
Use Framework and Map, including zoning
regulations.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 3.B: Support the adaptive reuse, renovation,
or redevelopment of aging centers or
commercial uses that are no longer viable due to
changing market conditions, demographics, or
retail trends into areas that support mixed use
and attainable housing opportunities.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
88 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 3.C: Encourage the provision of workforce-
serving amenities in non-residential areas, such
as parks and plazas, outdoor seating areas,
fitness facilities, daycare centers, and bicycle
storage.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.D: Continue implementation of the
Estes Park Downtown Plan by integrating the
recommendations for each Character Area into
land use policy and the Land Development Code.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.E: Promote clean, creative, and
environmentally responsible industrial,
warehouse, or large-scale commercial uses
within the designated Industrial Mix areas on the
Future Land Use Map.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.F: Incentivize workforce housing
development through strategies such as
streamlined permitting, reduced application and
tap fees, density bonuses, and building height
bonuses.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.G: As opportunity presents, collaborate
with property owners to upgrade, beautify, and
revitalize existing strip commercial areas and
aging shopping centers and focus on street
improvements and amenities during utility
and transportation improvement projects that
improve curb appeal and walkability.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department and Property
Owners
Ongoing
BE 3.H: Consider design standards for
commercial development in downtown,
highway corridors, and gateways to Estes
Park. Consideration should be given to design
guidelines that achieve historic preservation
objectives and that do not preclude or restrict
beneficial and high-quality attainable housing
projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 3.I: Encourage redeveloping commercial
centers to create a vibrant public realm though
gathering spaces, placemaking features, and
focal elements such as outdoor dining and
public art.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Annual
89ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 3.L: Work with partners to increase the
visibility and accessibility of arts and culture as
a means of diversifying resident engagement
and participation.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short and
Mid-term
BE 4.B: Utilize the Development Code and
Building Code to incentivize or require
performance standards for energy-efficient
residential and non-residential construction
as recommended in the 2022 Estes Park
Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short and
Mid-term
BE 4.C: Amend land and building development
codes to incentivize or require new residential
developments to construct homes and buildings
with electric vehicle-ready conduit and wiring
for at-home charging.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 5.A: Promote collaboration between
the Planning Division and Public Works
Departments during the Town’s Capital
Improvement Plan process to ensure
coordination of infrastructure improvements and
alignment with the goals of the Comprehensive
Plan and forthcoming Bike and Pedestrian
Master Plan.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department
Annual
ECONOMY
E2A: Encourage and support the renovation and/
or redevelopment of existing outdated facilities
that have strong linkages to transit and nearby
retail and services.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Property
Owners
Ongoing
E2B: Undertake strategic initiatives to attract
public and private investment in well-located
properties that are currently vacant and/or
underutilized.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Property
Owners
Short-term
90 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
E2C: Maintain flexible development standards
to accommodate a wide range of commercial
space needs and facilitate the adaptive reuse of
older properties.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
E2D: Strategize with Economic Development
Corp. (EDC) and local stakeholders to develop
options for working with property owners
to facilitate development of vacant and
underutilized properties to achieve the highest
and best use.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; EDC;
Property Owners
Ongoing
E2E: Encourage economic development that
generates diverse tax base revenue that can
resist downturns in any one economic sector
and is based on broader regional and national/
global trends.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; EDC
Ongoing
E2F: Consider partnerships with community
colleges or technical schools to support
workforce development.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Community Development
Department; EDC
Mid-term
E3.A: Focus on new winter downtown events
and partner with local organizations to increase
activities and events year-round.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; EDC; Visit
Estes Park
Mid-term
HOUSING
H1.A: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, monitor community housing
need and create a regular housing supply plan to
strategically address the areas of greatest need.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department with EPHA
Annual
H1.B: Ensure affordability restrictions to support
the workforce.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H1.C: In coordination with the County and Estes
Park Housing Authority, explore a program to
support tenants and landlords in understanding
their rights and responsibilities.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
Legal, County, and EPHA
Mid-term
H1.D: Explore tenant protections.Regulatory Reform Town Administrator Long-term
H1.E: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, create a program to fund
livability upgrades in exchange for affordability
guarantees.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Town Administrator with
EPHA
Short-term
H1.F Continue limit to short-term rental of
residential units, within the limits of the Town’s
authority, and consider reducing the number of
short-term rentals to encourage more long-term
rental units for housing.
Regulatory Reform Town Administrator;
Town Clerk; Community
Development Department
Mid-term
91ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
H1.G: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, review the application
process for publicly-supported housing to
prioritize critical service providers.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Administrator with
EPHA
Mid-term
H1.H: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, maintain a list of best
design practices that reduce life cycle costs and
impacts and model use of the practices in public
housing projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department with EPHA
Mid-term
H1.I: Explore development code requirements
that support multigenerational neighborhoods
and aging in place.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
H1.J: Explore opportunities to allow for safe
seasonal housing.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H1.K: Explore childcare, community gardens,
and other livability investments that support
denser family living while also protecting people
and structures from wildfire risks.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.A: Identify locations for housing
opportunities in the Town of Estes where
children have safe routes to schools and workers
can walk or ride transit to work.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
H2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Short-term
H2.F Invest in infrastructure in areas where
housing opportunities are desired in order to
catalyze development or redevelopment.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department
with Community
Development Department
Long-term
H2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department with Legal
Mid-term
92 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
H2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department with Legal
Mid-term
H2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Long-term
H2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
H3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales tax,
or a property tax increase.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Administrator Ongoing
H3.B: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, identify appropriate land
for public housing development or partnership,
make land interests known and stay up to date
or ahead of opportunities.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Administrator with
Community Development
Department and EPHA
Ongoing
H3.C: In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore down payment
assistance, “cash buyer” assistance, reverse
mortgage, etc. programs to help the workforce
get into existing housing in exchange for a deed
restriction that preserves affordability.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Ongoing
H3.D In coordination with the Estes Park
Housing Authority, explore a purchase-restrict-
resale program for preserving the affordability
of existing housing.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Short-term
H3.E: Facilitate a workforce housing cooperative
or community housing trust that would allow
smaller employers and the broader community
to provide housing.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Long-term
H3.F: Explore tools to subsidize affordable rental
of existing units and the creation of workforce
units by employers.
Programs & Services Town Administrator with
EPHA
Long-term
H3.G: Stay up to date on the tools that are
successful in other communities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
93ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HEALTH & SOCIAL
HS 1.A: Use emerging and existing racial and
health equity tools and resources, review all
relevant Town programs and policies to ensure
the promotion of equal access and opportunity
and determine functionality and benefits to the
community before implementing new strategies.
Transparently engage the community in the
dialogue and analysis throughout the process.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Ongoing
HS 1.B: Utilize homeowner associations,
community groups, and business groups as
sources of individual volunteers for important
appointed positions on Town commissions,
boards, and task forces, and actively recruit
underrepresented people to positions of
leadership.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; HOAs,
Community Groups
Ongoing
HS 1.C: Formally incorporate a Health in
All Policies (HiAP) approach to decision-
making, especially as it relates to housing,
transportation, and development. Collaborate
with the County Health Department to establish
metrics and indicators that track legitimate
data and share the analysis with the community
regularly.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Larimer
County Health Department
Mid-term
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator
Ongoing
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities. Prioritize expanded outreach
efforts to low income and minority communities,
and other segments of the community that have
been traditionally under-represented.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Public
Information Office
Mid-term
94 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Public
Information Office
Mid-term
HS 2.A: Create a Parks Master Plan.Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.B: Increase park dedication in development
standards and/or use of local sales tax to
acquire and build new parks.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 2.D: Explore budget opportunities to
determine fiscally responsible ways to increase
resources that support behavioral health and
well-being.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department
Long-term
HS 3.A: Consider an official Diverse Community
Committee that will help to achieve the vision
of a community that recognizes diversity and
celebrates it. The Committee shall reflect the
composition of the community by age, gender,
sexual orientation, ethnicity, and ability.
Programs & Services Community Development
Department; Town
Administrator
Short-term
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Larimer County and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
Programs & Services LETA; Public Information
Office
Short-term
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Community Development
Department; EPHA
Mid-term
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Larimer County
to pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Larimer County; Childcare
providers; School District
Mid-term
95ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HS 4.C: Continue participation in Larimer
County’s Childcare Capacity Team.
Programs & Services Larimer County’s
Childcare Capacity Team
Ongoing
HS 4.D: Formalize and fund Safe Routes to
School initiatives.
Programs &
Services; Capital
Projects &
Investments
Community Development
Department; Public Works
Department
Mid-term
HS 4.E: Work with local businesses to expand
the use of internships and apprenticeships for
high school students.
Programs & Services Local Businesses; High
School
Mid-term
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
T 1.A: Develop a Multimodal Transportation
Plan to assess and plan for multimodal
improvements.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 1.B: Develop a Streets Master Plan to prioritize
key streets and connections by mode (e.g.,
vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian priority street) and
to identify and prioritize studies of subareas and
key transportation corridors with specialized
needs (e.g., Downtown, Hwy 7, Agriculture Areas,
North End, Tahosa Valley, Fall River, Carriage
Hills, and Stanley Park were suggested). Expand
beyond Downtown area (Downtown Plan).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 1.C: Design and construct transportation
facilities that serve people without
discrimination and consider those
disproportionately affected by access to a
personal vehicle or systemic transportation
inequities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 1.D: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities Ongoing
T 1.H: Use quantitative technology platforms
for technical analysis, to always be paired with
qualitative input from community members.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
96 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 1.I: Monitor the development of new and
emerging transportation technologies – such
as autonomous vehicles – to enable the Town
to prepare for their incorporation into the
transportation system if safe, appropriate,
and desired.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 2.A: Explore bike share program feasibility, to
include electric-assist bikes.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
T 2.B: Require bicycle and pedestrian facilities
and amenities in new developments.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 2.C: Seek opportunities to eliminate walking
and bicycling network gaps across barriers to
mobility, including Big Thompson Avenue, North
and South St. Vrain Avenue, Elkhorn Avenue,
and Highway 36.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Short-term
T 2.D: Seek opportunities to implement
public projects and work with employers and
stakeholders to provide secure bicycle parking
and end-of-trip support facilities (e.g., publicly
accessible lockers and changing rooms) at
centers of civic, retail, recreation, education,
and work activity.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department;
Community Development
Department
Ongoing
T 2.E: Review municipal street improvement
standards to see if there are ways to decrease
high stress walking and bicycling environments
and increase walking enjoyment and safety,
particularly with regard to increased sidewalk
width, landscape buffers between sidewalks,
streets and pedestrian lighting, and other
amenities.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Mid-term
T 2.F: Evaluate planned street improvement
projects for feasibility of including the addition
or upgrade of sidewalks.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Ongoing
T 3.B: Identify and study corridors, routes, and
vehicle fleet needs for future expansion of Estes
Transit.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Mid-term
T 3.C: Invest in bicycle-carry infrastructure on
transit vehicles.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department;
Parking & Transit
Ongoing
97ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 4.A: Investigate and implement improvement
projects that will enhance traffic operations but
not compromise pedestrian, bicyclist, or transit
rider safety and accessibility, on streets where
substandard service levels are anticipated.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 4.B: Provide training in complete streets
principles, planning, and design to Town staff
in Public Works, Planning, Police, the Fire
District and other departments or agencies (as
appropriate) to help ensure consistency in the
interpretation of Town policies and the routine
incorporation of appropriate infrastructure
designs to achieve multimodal access, safety
for all users, and other Estes Park goals.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Annual
T 5.A: Develop guidelines for the inclusion
of green infrastructure in the design of
transportation improvements.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department Mid-term
T 5.B: Prioritize electric-powered vehicles in
transit and staff fleet expansion.
Supporting
Plans & Policies;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Ongoing
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Short-term
T 5.D: Design sidewalks and pedestrian
pathways using environmental design best
practices principles or other techniques to
provide safe and comfortable facilities for
pedestrians at all times of day and night.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Ongoing
T 5.E: Develop requirements for new commercial
and multifamily residential development to
provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure
to align with new legislation requiring updated
energy guidelines.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department
Short-term
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Public Works Department;
Utilities
Short-term
98 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Ongoing
T 6.C: Annually update the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) to construct and/or update
circulation facilities and assess viability of older
projects in context with new considerations and
policies.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Town Board; Public Works
Department
Annual
T 6.D: Measure and track progress and evaluate
success of implementation of Transportation
and Infrastructure Chapter actions using a set of
performance measures.
Programs & Services Public Works Department Annual
T 6.E: Use funds from the Public Works’ Streets
budget for bicycle and pedestrian projects as
appropriate.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Public Works Department Annual
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
Programs & Services Public Works Department Ongoing
T 6.G: Evaluate the development of impact fees
to provide revenues to be used to construct
pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that will
support new development.
Program and
Services
Public Works Department Short-term
I 1.A: Utilize the Sustainable Energy
recommendations from the 2022 Environmental
Sustainability Task Force Report.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Community Development
Department; Estes Park
Sustainability Task Force;
Larimer County Climate
and Sustainability Office
Short-term
I 1.B: Continue to update and revise public safety
power shutoff criteria and decision-making for
wind events to reduce wildfire risk.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Utilities; Platte River
Power Authority
Short-term
I 1.C: Continue maintenance, reconstruction, and
burial of overhead power lines to reduce wildfire
risk.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Utilities; Platte River
Power Authority
Mid-term
I 2.A: Explore conservation measures, such as
gray water for irrigation, homeowner low-flow
upgrade programs and updating landscaping
standards to reduce demand.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Utilities; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
I 2.B: Consider customer billing that encourages
less use of water (rather than a set charge for up
to a certain amount of water consumption per
month).
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Utilities Mid-term
99ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Table 2. Larimer County Actions
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
NE 1.C: Maintain Ridgeline Protection Zones.Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
NE 1.D: Reduce impacts on viewsheds by
strengthening grading standards to reduce the
amount of cut and fill.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Short-term
NE 1.E: Maintain current code lighting
requirements for dark skies.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
NE 1.F: Encourage continued ranching and
agriculture along with open space conservation
in this area and retain rural residential zoning.
Regulatory Reform;
Partnerships &
Agreements
Planning Department;
Property Owners; Non-
Profit Partners
Ongoing
NE 2.E: Work with conservation partners, such
as the Estes Valley Land Trust, Estes Valley
Watershed Coalition, and similar organizations
to increase their ability to pursue land
preservation and open space acquisition.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners;
Property Owners
Mid-term
NE 2.F: Explore the feasibility of a Transfer of
Development Rights program.
Regulatory Reform Community Development
Department; County
Planning Department
Mid-term
NE 3.B: Improve wildlife movement by requiring
wildlife-friendly fencing on all new development,
reviewing setback requirements from key
habitat areas/wildlife movement corridors,
encouraging removal of legacy barbed wire
fencing, seeking grant funding, and developing
an incentive program.
Regulatory
Reform; Programs
Services;
Capital Projects &
Investments
Planning Department;
CPW; Non-Profit Partners;
Property Owners
Mid-term
NE 3.C: Update the 2008 Wildlife Habitat
Assessment including map of wildlife corridors
and sensitive habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department;
County Administrator;
CPW; Non-Profit Partners
Short-term
NE 4 E: Evaluate site design standards and
landscape requirements to ensure appropriate
spacing of native trees and frequent thinning
and pruning of materials.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department; Fire
District
Mid-term
NE 4.F: Implement the 2022 Community Wildfire
Protection Plan.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs
Services; Capital
Projects
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
100 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
NE 4.G: Explore supporting a Fire District led
fire mitigation public education program in
coordination that includes public seminars.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Fire District; Non-Profit
Partners
Short-term
NE 4.H: Continue to evaluate and make changes
to Land Use and Building Code standards to
align with CPAW recommendations and other
best practices.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department; Fire
District
Mid-term
NE 5.B: Support and participate in Larimer
Connects.
Programs & Services Office of Emergency
Management
Mid-term
NE 5.C: Adopt the updated floodplain insurance
maps.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Short-term
NE 5. D: Coordinate on the Larimer County
Strategic Plan Improvements for floodplain and
drainage projects.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Floodplain Administrator;
Non-Profit Partners
Mid-term
NE 5.E: Maintain strong floodplain regulations
for the Estes Valley unincorporated area.
Regulatory Reform Floodplain Administrator Mid-term
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
BE 1.D: Work with Estes Park to develop corridor
or small area plans for strategic areas as
identified on the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Mid-term
BE 1.E: Work with Estes Park to identify future
planning areas that present an opportunity for
infill or redevelopment. Future planning efforts
for these areas will further inform and update
the Future Land Use Map.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 1.F: Consider defining a Future Town Service
Area Boundary.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
BE 1.G: Develop an annexation policy and criteria
for new annexations such as: conformance
to the Future Land Use Map; ability to
accommodate 20-year growth projections;
urban-level densities and intensities; multi-
modal connectivity; water, sewer, and urban
fire service; urban road standards; building
performance standards for hazard resiliency,
water conservation, and energy efficiency; and
conservation standards for wildlife habitat and
corridors.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Department
Short-term
101ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
BE 1.H: Allow conservation developments, where
appropriate, that preserve open space over
traditional large-lot subdivisions.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.B: Limit areas of disturbance for new
development in order to protect existing native
vegetation, except as required for wildfire
protection.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.C: Continue to enforce grading
requirements and limitations on steep slope
and ridgeline development that maintain natural
slopes and viewsheds.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.D: Continue applying and enforcing
floodplain development standards, as well
as stream and wetland corridor protection
requirements.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.E: Reference the wildlife habitat
assessment map during development review to
evaluate potential impacts to wildlife habitat.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Planning Department Ongoing
BE 2.F: Work with the Ute, Arapaho, and other
Sovereign Nations to protect, interpret, and
provide access to sacred lands and ceremonial
sites.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Planning Department;
Private Property Owners
Ongoing
BE 3.J: Conduct regular audits to ensure
permitted uses are consistent with the desired
future land use mix and account for new uses
that result from changes in market forces and
technological advancements.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Annual
BE 3.K: Minimize the visual impact of large
parking lots by requiring new development and
redevelopment to locate parking at the rear or
side of buildings and converting unneeded and
underutilized paved areas into neighborhood-
enhancing features that improve walkability.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 3.L: Retain the existing County zoning and
Land Use code for the unincorporated area
of the Estes Valley, except where specific
standards are identified for clarification or
coordination with the Town.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Ongoing
BE 4.A: Implement the recommendations of the
2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability
Task Force Report for eliminating barriers and
incentivizing battery storage, photovoltaic (PV)
solar and or small-scale wind generators.
Regulatory Reform Planning Department Mid-term
102 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HOUSING
H 1.F: Continue limit to short-term rental
of residential units, within the limits of the
County’s Authority, and consider reducing the
number of short-term rentals to encourage more
long-term rental units for housing.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Planning Department;
EPHA
Short-term
H 2.B: Explore removing density limits in
commercial zones.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.C: Explore allowing large single-family
homes to be converted into multiple units.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Mid-term
H 2.D: Allow duplex, triplex, cottage court, dorm
and other “missing middle” housing types.
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Mid-term
H 2.E: Explore density increases tied to the
creation of deed-restricted housing (e.g. small
lot subdivision, reduced lot coverage, additional
height)
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Regulatory
Reform
Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.G: Explore an inclusionary housing
requirement for residential development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development;
County Attorney; Town
Attorney
Mid-term
H 2.H: Explore a workforce housing linkage
requirement/fee for residential and commercial
development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development;
County Attorney; Town
Attorney
Mid-term
H 2.I: Explore maximum unit sizes to limit cost
and maintain future infill potential.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Long-term
H 2.J: Identify and remove regulations
that create unintended barriers to housing
development.
Regulatory Reform Larimer County Planning
Department; Estes Park
Community Development
Short-term
H 2.K: Consider property tax relief in exchange
for workforce housing provision (e.g. Loveland
Fire approach).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager Mid-term
H 3.A: Secure one or more dedicated funding
sources for a housing fund, specifically
exploring increasing the lodging tax, a sales tax,
or a property tax increase.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager Long-term
103ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
HEALTH & SOCIAL
HS 1.D: Advocate for policies at the federal,
state, and regional levels that are aimed at
improving community health, reducing health
disparities, examining environmental justice
practices and policies, and elevating social
equity.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Manager; Larimer
County Department of
Health and Environment
Ongoing
HS 1.E: Implement a broad public outreach
program, utilizing the Town and County
websites, newsletters, multi-lingual outreach,
and additional technological methods to
engage with the community about available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities. Prioritize expanded outreach
efforts to low income and minority communities,
and other segments of the community that have
been traditionally under-represented.
Programs & Services Public Information Office Mid-term
HS 1.F: Develop and utilize innovative methods
and media, including social media posts, digital
newsletters, information brochures, television
programming, tactical urbanism, public
and private art, pop-up activities and other
creative methods, to broaden the dialogue and
collaboration with residents and communicate
critical information regarding available
programs and resources that promote healthy
communities.
Programs & Services Public Information Office Mid-term
HS 2.C: Improve neighborhood connectivity to
existing parks.
Capital Projects &
Investments
Road and Bridge
Department
Mid-term
HS 3.B: Send bilingual text message alerts,
especially during emergencies and hazard
events. Work with Estes Park and Larimer
Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA) as
needed.
Programs & Services LETA Short-term
HS 4.A: Evaluate and implement selected
recommendations from the Workforce Housing
and Childcare Task Force Report and Housing
Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
County Department of
Human Services
Mid-term
HS 4.B: Work with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Estes Park to
pursue grants or provide financial support to
early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies,
private childcare providers, and/or the school
district to support the expansion of existing
childcare programs.
Partnerships &
Agreements
Non-Profit Partners; Town
of Estes Park; Childcare
providers; School District
Mid-term
104 CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION
ACTION DESCRIPTION TYPE LEAD/PARTNER TIMING
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
T 1.E: Require multimodal transportation
connections for new developments in
appropriate dedicated service areas.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Development Review;
Transportation Planning
Ongoing
T 1.F: Establish a consistent and thorough
wayfinding program that includes signage,
printed and downloadable materials, and digital
applications (apps) for electronic devices.
Downtown Plan, Master Trails Plan, Downtown
Parking Plan).
Programs & Services Larimer County Road
Bridge Department;
Town of Estes Park Public
Works
Short-term
T 1.G: Continue expansion of the fiber and
broadband infrastructure to facilitate Intelligent
Transportation System (ITS) technologies and
traveler information systems.
Capital Project Larimer County
Engineering; Larimer
Broadband
Ongoing
T 3.A: Identify and implement workforce transit
opportunities and partners to service Estes
Valley, Front Range communities, and Denver
International Airport.
Programs & Services Larimer County
Engineering; Human
Services
Ongoing
T 5.C: Establish an electric vehicle (EV)
infrastructure policy to establish charging
station requirements and identify providers
government, private enterprise, or
combination).
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Board of County
Commissioners
Short-term
T 6.A: Adopt a “dig once” policy to require
public and private entities to coordinate with
local government on the installation of extra
fiber or conduit whenever ground will be broken
in the public right-of-way and establish if
other improvements can be coordinated with
construction activities.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Larimer County
Engineering; Larimer
Broadband
Short-term
T 6.B: Maintain and update a traffic impact fee
to require new development to pay its share of
street and other transportation improvements
based on its impacts.
Regulatory Reform;
Supporting Plans &
Policies; Programs &
Services
Board of County
Commissioners;
Engineering
Annual
T 6.F: Actively pursue grant funds for planning,
design, and construction of transportation-
related capital improvement projects.
Programs & Services Larimer County
Engineering; Road
Bridge; Planning
Department
Ongoing
I 2.C: Prepare a Water Master Plan and
evaluate its Land Use Code to advance water
conservation.
Supporting Plans &
Policies
Estes Park Utilities;
Community Development
Mid-term
105ESTESFORWARD | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | DECEMBER 2022
ATTACHMENT 3
APPENDICES
A. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS SNAPSHOTS
C. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SUMMARIES
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
4
A
ACCESS/EGRESS: Points of entrance and exit from
subdivisions and communities. These access and
egress points prevent a population from being isolated
from outside support in the event of a natural disaster.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT: Finished habitable space
in a single-family dwelling or in a detached building that
is clearly accessory to the single-family dwelling on
the lot. Accessory living area may contain a complete
dwelling unit.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Housing is affordable if it costs
no more than 30% of the household’s gross income.
Housing cost includes mortgage or rent payment,
homeowners association dues, and utilities. For
reference, the median household income in the Town of
Estes Park in 2020 was $55,000. A home affordable to
household with median income would rent for $1,375 per
month including utilities or cost about $220,000 with a
10% down payment, interest rate of 4.65%, and 25% of
monthly housing costs going to insurance, taxes, and
dues.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION: Any and all
transportation types other than the automobile.
Alternative modes of transportation include bicycles,
buses, carpools, van pools, pedestrians, and passenger
railroads.
ATTAINABLE HOUSING: Decent and safe housing that
is within the means of the local workforce in terms of
condition, size, and price, regardless of whether or not
the property is restricted by income level. Housing is
generally considered attainable when its cost does not
exceed 30% of the household’s gross income.
B
BROADBAND: The Federal Communications Commission
defines broadband as internet connection speeds of at
least 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
BROADBAND SERVICE: The provision, on either
a commercial or non-commercial basis, of data
transmission technology that provides two-way data
transmission to and from the Internet with advertised
speeds of at least 768 kilobits per second (kbps)
downstream and greater than 200 kbps upstream to end
users, or providing sufficient capacity in a middle mile
project to support the provision of broadband service to
end-users within the project area.
BUILDING CODE: A set of rules that specify standards for
construction of buildings and are in effect for all permits.
BUILDING ENVELOPE: Areas within the boundaries of a
lot within which all buildings on the lot must be placed.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT: The elements of the environment
that are generally built or made by people rather than
natural processes.
BUILT FORM: This term is used to describe the size,
scale, and siting location of a building or development.
It helps describe the character of the Future Land Use
Categories.
C
CAPITAL EXPANSION FEES (CEFS): Fees paid by new
development for the impact of that development on
public facilities; also known as impact fees or exactions.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM/PLAN: A schedule
and budget for future capital improvements (building or
acquisition projects) for roads, utilities, and other capital
facilities, to be carried out over a specific time period.
CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT: A development design
which concentrates buildings on portion or portions of
the site to leave the remainder undeveloped and used
for agriculture, open space and/or natural resource
protection.
COMMUNITY SEWER SYSTEM: A sewage system that
collects sewage from more than one parcel or lot and
provides treatment at a centralized location and is not
owned by a sanitation district or municipality.
COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS: A
resource and tool that allows local communities to
influence where and how federal agencies implement
fuel reduction projects on federal and non-federal lands
in the Wildland-Urban Interface.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: A document adopted by the
Planning Commission to provide policy direction on the
physical development of the land (also referred to as
Master Plan).
CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT: An approach to
development that prioritizes the protection of natural
resources, open space, and agricultural lands.
Conservation developments cluster housing into a
consolidated area and preserve the remaining land
available for open space, agricultural land, or natural
areas. Also see Rural Conservation Development.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
5ESTES FORWARD | A: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CONSERVATION EASEMENT: A legal agreement between
a landowner and a land trust or government agency
that permanently limits uses of the land to protect its
conservation values. The conditions of the land are
monitored to ensure adherence to the terms of the
conservation easement and to conserve the land in
perpetuity.
CULTURAL RESOURCE: A site or structure which is part
of the area’s cultural heritage; that is, which typifies a
particular stage of human activity in the area. Cultural
resources include archaeological sites, historic buildings
and sites, and undisturbed natural sites that have
historic or prehistoric associations including those with
paleontological (fossil) specimens.
D
DEFENSIBLE SPACE: An area where material capable of
allowing a fire to spread unchecked has been treated,
cleared, or modified to slow the rate and intensity of an
advancing wildfire and create an area for fire suppression
operations.
DENSITY BONUS: An increase in allowable density used
as an incentive to a developer to benefit the community
and/or maximize the protection of open space, water
quality, or air quality.
DENSITY: The number of housing units per unit of land,
i.e. per acre.
DESIGN STANDARDS/CRITERIA: A standard contained
in a land use regulation which relates to design of a
subdivision, site plan or structure.
DESIGN WITH NATURE: Development that incorporates
natural factors and processes into its design to create
benefits for communities and natural systems.
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL: A determination of how an
area of land can be developed through analyzing physical
attributes, carrying capacity for a specific land use, and
potential market demand.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: Standards or criteria that
are applied to development based on its use, location, or
other considerations.
DEVELOPMENT TYPES: This term is used to describe
what uses are appropriate for each Future Land Use
Category. This includes the use of land for recreation or
conservation, as well as more intense use and building
on the land, such as residential, commercial, or office
buildings.
DISASTER: Any natural catastrophe (including, but not
limited to, any tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven
water, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide,
snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire,
flood or explosion, which causes damage of sufficient
severity and magnitude to warrant assistance through a
re-build program to alleviate the damage, loss, hardship,
or suffering caused thereby.
E
ENTITLEMENTS: Legal rights conveyed by approvals from
governmental entities to develop a property for a certain
use, intensity, building type, or building placement.
EQUITY: Just and fair inclusion into a society in which
all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.
F
FEE-IN-LIEU: A fee paid instead of making a land
dedication, capital improvement or other requirement,
and equivalent to that requirement. An example is a fee-
in-lieu of a school site dedication as part of a subdivision
approval.
FEMA COMMUNITY RATING SYSTEM PROGRAM
(CRS): A program that provides a variety of resources to
improve flood mitigation and reduce risk to properties
and residents. It scores communities on a scale from
one to ten for their level of preparedness and mitigation
measures implemented and recognizes community
efforts that go beyond the minimum standards of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through
reducing flood insurance premiums for property owners.
FIRE/WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) CODE: Land
Use Code provisions that advance fire and life safety
for the public, as well as property protection through
a comprehensive approach to wildfire regulation and
hazard management.
FLOODPLAIN: The channel and relatively flat area
adjoining the channel of a natural stream or river that has
been or may be covered by water during times of flood.
FLOODWAY: The channel of a river or other water course
and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in
order to discharge the based flood without cumulatively
increasing the water surface elevation by more than 0.5
foot.
6
FUTURE LAND USE PLAN: Guides the location, intensity,
and design of development by identifying future growth
opportunities and constraints, and providing future land
use categories that include information such as density/
size, primary and secondary uses, and design principles.
FUTURE STUDY AREA: Geographic areas identified on
the Future Land Use Map for additional cooperative
planning.
G
GATEWAY CORRIDOR: Transportation corridors into
the Estes Valley that are identified on the Future Land
Use Map for additional cooperative planning and
enhancement.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT: A system of land use
regulations designed to influence the location, timing,
and character of development, instead of controlling the
amount or rate of growth.
H
HAZARD AREA: All areas that are or may become
hazardous due to environmental conditions, including
but not limited to wildfire; avalanche; landslide; rock
fall; mud flow and debris fan; unstable or potentially-
unstable slopes; seismic effects; radioactivity; ground
subsidence; and expansive soil and rock.
HEALTH SERVICES: Include any number of health-related
facilities, services, and organizations providing support
to the medical profession and patients.
HOUSING COST BURDEN: Monthly housing costs as a
percentage of household income over the past 12 months
either as rent or mortgage payments. Housing costs
equal to or greater than 30% of a household’s income is
considered to be a cost burden.
I
INCLUSIONARY HOUSING: Requiring that a certain
percentage of a residential project is deed restricted
for affordability, ensuring a variety of price points in a
residential project.
IMPACT: The potential direct or indirect effects of a
proposed development on activities, utilities, traffic,
surrounding land uses, the environment, and other
factors.
IMPACT FEES: (See capital expansion fees)
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES: A plan of action
intended to accomplish a specific principle.
INTENSITY: The level of concentration of non-residential
land uses or activities occurring within an area.
INFILL: Infill is the development of vacant land within an
existing area of development, as opposed to development
on the outskirts of existing development.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA): A
contractual agreement between the Town, County, or
another governmental entity.
L
LAND USE: A description of how land is used or occupied.
LAND USE CODE: A regulatory document containing all of
Larimer County’s land use regulations, including zoning
district provisions and subdivision requirements. It brings
together all regulations under a single administrative
procedure, with uniform definitions and other common
elements to achieve a more understandable, user-
friendly regulation.
LEVEL OF SERVICE: An established minimum capacity
of public facilities or services that must be provided per
unit of demand, i.e. per new housing unit.
LIFELINE SERVICES: Services to communities that
are necessary for their daily needs, to maintain a high
quality of life, and to support community and individual
preparedness i.e. basic utilities, communication systems,
transportation systems, etc.
LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT: Systems and practices
that use or mimic natural processes that result in the
infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater in
order to protect water quality and aquatic habitat.
M
MOBILITY CORRIDOR: A corridor designated for future
multi-modal transportation facilities.
MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION: A transportation
system that includes multiple types (modes) of
conveyances such as an automobile, rail, bus, pedestrian,
and bicycle.
7ESTES FORWARD | A: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS: Agreements between
agencies, organizations, and jurisdictions that provide a
mechanism to quickly obtain emergency assistance in
the form of personnel, equipment, materials, and other
associated services.
P
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: Criteria that must be met
by development to limit a particular defined impact.
PLACEMAKING: A multi-faceted approach to the
planning, design, and management of shared spaces.
Placemaking capitalizes on the assets of a particular
location and its potential, with the intention of creating
shared spaces that promote health, happiness, and well-
being.
PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE: A form of governance
structure in unincorporated communities that provides
an organized forum to facilitate communication within
communities and with the County on issues that impact
unincorporated residents.
POLICY: A statement of standard or a course of action
that guides governmental action and decision making.
PUBLIC FACILITIES: Land and structures used by the
public including fire stations, parks, and schools.
Q
QUALITY OF LIFE: The personal perception of the
physical, economic and emotional well-being that exists
in the community.
R
RESILIENCE: The capacity to prepare for disruptions,
to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and
grow from a disruptive experience.
RIPARIAN AREAS: Areas of land and water forming a
transition from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems along
streams, lakes, and wetlands.
RURAL CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT: The name for
the County’s required rural cluster subdivision.
RURAL LAND USE PROCESS: Larimer County’s voluntary
procedure for development of properties that are 70 acres
or larger; designed to provide an attractive alternative to
division into 35-acre tracts.
S
SERVICE DISTRICTS: Service area for fire protection,
road, and water districts.
SUBAREA PLAN: Detailed plan prepared for interested,
unincorporated mountain communities that show
cohesive characteristics, unique land use issues, and
opportunities. These plans can detail location-specific
needs, recommend changes or improvements on a scale
that is not possible for the majority of the Valley, and
serve as an extension of the Comprehensive Plan.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY: A system which maintains
or enhances current economic opportunities and
community well-being without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.
T
TRANSIT: A public transportation system (i.e. a public
bus or light rail system).
TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (TDM):
A plan to alleviate traffic congestion through improved
management of vehicle trip demand, often including
strategies to reduce single-occupancy vehicles and
encouraging travel at times of lower congestion.
W
WATERSHED: An area of land that drains rainwater or
snow into one location such as a stream, lake, or wetland
and that supplies drinking water, water for agriculture
and manufacturing, opportunities for recreation, and
provides habitat.
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI): A zone of
transition between undeveloped wildland and human
development.
Z
ZONING: An element of the Land Use Code that refers
to land use entitlements and requirements that regulate
appropriate use, bulk, height, density, and other
characteristics appropriate for a specific site.
8
9ESTES FORWARD | A: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX B
EXISTING
CONDITIONS
SNAPSHOTS
»Introduction
»Community
»Economy
»Health & Social
»Housing
»Infrastructure & Transportation
»Natural Resources & Hazards
»References
PREPARED BY:PREPARED FOR:
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
Estes Forward
Planning Area
Local Roads
Major Roads
Buildings
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Planning
3-Mile Study
Stream
Lakes
Rocky Mountain National Park
Arapahoe and Roosevelt
National Forests
Other Conserved Lands
0 21
Miles
´
3-Mile Study Area
Estes Valley Planning Area
INTRODUCTION
ESTES FORWARD
The Town of Estes Park and Larimer County are
rewriting the 1996 Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan to
more accurately and holistically guide the day-to-day
decisions that affect the Estes Valley into the future.
This coordinated effort with Larimer County is called
Estes Forward and will address topics pertinent to the
rural unincorporated areas as well as areas of mutual
interest and engage both County and Town residents
and stakeholders.
The purpose of Estes Forward is to produce a practical
and long-term guide for the Town of Estes Park and
Larimer County. It will articulate a common vision for the
future, define goals, policies and a desired future land
use character with the Town and the surrounding Valley.
Modeled after the Colorado Resiliency
Framework, this Snapshot—and the Estes
Forward planning process—examines existing
conditions across six resiliency sectors:
1. Community (governance and land use)
2. Economy (workforce and adaptive economy)
3. Health & Social (services, amenities, and
community well-being)
4. Housing (supply, affordability, and vulnerability)
5. Infrastructure & Transportation (critical
infrastructure, utilities, and transportation)
6. Natural Resources & Hazards (watersheds,
forests, agriculture, and recreation areas)
Resilience | rə’zilyəns |
noun
The capacity to prepare for disruptions, to
recover from shocks and stresses, and to
adapt and grow from a disruptive experience.
PLANNING AREA
The planning area for Estes Forward includes the Town
limits of Estes Park as well as the area surrounding
the Town, including the Estes Valley Planning Area.
The State of Colorado mandates an additional three-
mile study area beyond current boundaries for all
Colorado municipalities to establish an understanding
of regional land development patterns and service
and infrastructure capacity in the event that future
annexation opportunities arise.
QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE
ANALYSIS
The Estes Forward process is based on extensive
public engagement which will help to produce and
refine the Future Land Use Plan, goals, policies, and
implementation strategies at subsequent phases. The
intent of this Snapshot document is to showcase issues
and trends based on the best available data. The topics
are tempered with qualitative data collected during six
Listening Sessions and 33 one-on-one interviews in the
first phase of the planning process. The issues articulated
in this document will continue to be investigated and
brought back to the public for review throughout the
process.
Data was provided by the Town of Estes Park and Larimer
County, supplemented by data from the US Census and
Colorado State Demography Office as appropriate.
Please see a more complete Reference list on last page.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
While the Estes Valley is rich in natural, cultural, and
economic resources, it is also susceptible to numerous
hazards that can threaten those resources. Some, like
fires and floods, are periodic “shocks” that can cause
direct damage, injuries, and death. Others, like an aging
population or climate variability, are underlying long-
term “stresses” that create and exacerbate negative
outcomes before, during, and after a hazard event (shock)
occurs. Knowledge and awareness of these risks and
vulnerabilities not only help us to respond and recover
following disaster, but perhaps more importantly, help us
proactively plan for and build local resilience to future
shocks and stresses.
Over the last decade, the Estes community experienced
devastating environmental, economic, and structural
losses in the aftermath of the 2012 and 2013 fire and
flood events, significant loss of life due to the COVID-19
pandemic, and was impacted by a record-breaking fire in
2020. These events damaged thousands of residences
and businesses, devastated hundreds of thousands of
acres of land, obstructed roads, isolated neighborhoods,
caused utility outages, closed local economies, and
resulted in billions of dollars of damages.
Disasters like these will continue to occur and may
increase in intensity, duration, and frequency because
of climate change and globalization. By being flexible
and adaptable to known and unknown changes, we
can protect lives, property, and livelihoods amidst ever
changing conditions.
11ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
DEMOGRAPHICS AND
POPULATION
1 The Town of Estes Park ranks sixth oldest in Colorado, however the preceding five towns all have populations under 500 people.
According to the 2020 Census, there are a total of 9,830
residents living within the 3-Mile Study Area. Of that,
5,904 residents live in the Town of Estes Park and an
additional 1,281 residents live in the unincorporated
areas within the Estes Valley Planning Area.
Throughout the 3-Mile Study Area, about a third of
residents are older than 65 years old, and the Town
has an even older population within the 65+ age range,
resulting in the oldest median age for a town its size in
the state.1 Areas just outside of Town have more children
and working-age residents.
The Estes Park School District, an area that expands
past the 3-Mile Study Area and into neighboring areas
of Drake, Pinewood Springs, Glen Haven, and Allenspark,
serves a more diverse population. A third of the students
that attend the elementary, middle, and high schools in
Estes Park identify as Hispanic.
While the Estes Valley’s population identifies primarily as
white, there is also a significant population of residents
in the Town (15%) that have Hispanic and Latino Origins.
Residents across the Estes Valley are generally well
educated, with similar ratios to Larimer County. Residents
living outside of town have slightly higher levels of
education (Associate, Bachelor, Master, Professional, or
Doctorate degrees) as well as a higher household income
than Town residents.
CURRENT AND FUTURE LAND USE MIX
Almost two thirds of the entire 3-Mile Study Area
encompasses public and private open space, parks,
and forest. This includes a portion of Rocky Mountain
National Park (RMNP), Larimer County Open Space,
Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, and other
public and private conserved lands. The second most
predominant land use is currently residential, covering
19% of the 3-Mile Study Area. Close to 9% is currently
used for ranching and agriculture.
Within the Estes Valley Planning Area established in the
1996 Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan, the dominant
existing land use is Single Family Residential at 30% of
the land area, followed by Agriculture and Institutional,
both at 10% each. There are currently about 5 sq. miles of
vacant residential land in the Estes Valley Planning Area.
The 1996 Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map
shows a slightly different development pattern, with
more single-family residential categories with densities
ranging from 1/4 acre to 10 acre minimums. Several
future land uses are only anticipated in the Town,
including Downtown Commercial, Duplex, Office, and
PUD Commercial. About 90% of the future multifamily
areas were anticipated within the Town as well. The
majority of Rural Estate, Accommodations, and the Parks,
Recreation and Open Space land uses were envisioned
within the unincorporated areas of the Estes Valley.
The 5.6 sq. miles of privately-owned land in the
unincorporated areas outside of the Estes Valley Planning
Area are designated as Mountains & Foothills in the
Larimer County Comprehensive Plan, with the preferred
uses of agriculture, forestry, and outdoor recreation. The
remaining area includes RMNP, National Forests, and
other conserved public open space, which is designated
as Natural Resource.
COMMUNITY
Key Strengths
• Existing local and regional planning mechanisms in
place to support resiliency.
• Increasing political and local advocacy for resiliency
action.
• Lessons learned from previous disasters.
• Strong cross-sector and volunteer collaboration.
Key Challenges
• Significant growth projections.
• Ongoing unmet community needs from previous
disasters.
• Limited regulatory oversight.
• Limited funding and administrative capacity to
support resilience activities.
31% of residents are older than 65 within
the 3-Mile Study Area, compared to about
37% of residents within the Town of Estes.
15% of Town residents identify as Hispanic
or Latino.
12
Existing Land Uses in the Estes Valley
Estes Valley Future Land Uses (based on the 1996 Plan)
Single-Family Residential Parks, Recreation
& Open Space
Rural Estate
2.5 acre min.
Rural Estate
10 acre min.
Public/Semi
Public
Agriculture
Single-Family
Residential3
1 Future Land Use Commercial includes Downtown Commercial, Commercial Recreation, and PUD Commercial
2 Future Land Use Accommodation includes both Accommodations and Accommodations Low Density
3 Includes Residential and Estate Residential Future Land Uses
Vacant
Parks, Recreation
& Open Space
Commercial1
Accommodations2
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
Future Land Uses
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Planning Area
3-Mile Study Area
Lakes
Larimer County Framework Categories
Mountains & Foothills
Natural Resource
Estes Valley Future Land Use (1996)
Accommodations
Accommodations Low Density
Commercial
Downtown Commercial
Commercial Recreation
PUD Commercial
PUD Residential
Restricted Industrial
Office
Public/Semi Public
Parks, Recreation & Open Space
Multifamily 3-8 du/ac
Duplex
Residential 1/4 acre min.
Estate 1/2 acre min.
Estate 1 acre min.
Rural Estate 2.5 acre min.
Rural Estate 10 acre min.
´
13ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
CURRENT CAPACITY AND GROWTH PROJECTIONS
Vacant private land in the 3-Mile Study Area that is
reasonably suitable for greenfield development could
add approximately 642 new dwelling units in the future,
with current zoning. This analysis identified areas that
are high hazard areas, steep slopes, floodplains, ridgeline
protection areas, and other lands unlikely to develop
or subdivide in the foreseeable future, and calculated
development entitlements for the remaining unbuilt and
vacant lands based on current Town and County zoning.
Through this analysis, 44.5% of the projected new
housing units fall within the current Estes Park Town
limits, while the remaining projected new housing
units are located within the unincorporated County
surrounding the Town. Within the unbuilt areas of the
Town that might be suitable for new development, most
new development could occur in the E-1 Estate and the
RE Rural Estate zoning districts.
Within the unbuilt areas outside of Town that might
be suitable for new residential development, most
new development could occur in the EV RE-1 and EV
RE (Estes Valley Rural Estate), the O Open, and the FO
Forestry zoning districts.
This analysis assumes zoning densities in unbuilt lots
and relies on parcel data received from Larimer County
in 2020. While the new housing estimates do not account
for the ability to provide water and sewer services for
new residential development and do not differentiate
between new seasonal or permanent residents, it does
provide an estimate for the potential number of new
dwelling units on vacant land that the 3-Mile Study Area
can expect to accommodate considering the current
density expectations and current zoning entitlements.
It is also important to note that this estimate does
not include already built/developed lands that could
potentially accommodate higher densities and additional
new dwelling units by further subdividing or redeveloping
existing properties. This means that the future baseline
build-out could likely be greater than 642 new dwelling
units depending on the number of future subdivision and
redevelopment proposals that are approved within the
3-Mile Study Area.
642 new dwelling units could potentially be
built on vacant land as currently zoned.
1,485 acres of vacant private land are
potentially suitable for future development.
COMMUNITY
Wildfire Hazards
Larimer County Extreme Wildfire
Hazard areas are based on hazard
modeling using vegetation data.
Ridgline Protection
These ridgelines are protected through
the Town’s Development Code and
the County’s Land Use Code to allow
continuation of sight lines.
Slopes over 15%
Development on slopes can require
more cost and engineering, and cause
environmental disturbance.
7
36
36
34
34
66
7
36
36
34
34
66
These are the environmental constraints that went into the analysis for potential new
residential development within the 3-Mile Study Area.
7
36
36
34
34
66
14
Conserved Lands
These areas are federally or locally
conserved through government
designation or conservation
easements.
Floodplains
The 2019 floodplain data shows
areas that have experienced or are
likely to experience flooding in a
major storm event.
Geologic Hazards
Larimer County Geologic Hazard
areas are vulnerable to erosion and
deposition.
7
36
36
34
34
66
7
36
36
34
34
66
7
36
36
34
34
66
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for a joint
Estes Valley planning area and boundary expired in
February 2020. As part of this IGA, the Estes Valley
Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment had
shared duties for both the Town and County in making
recommendations to the Town Board for developments
within Town limits and to the County Commissioners for
developments outside of Town limits (but still located
within the Estes Valley Planning Area).
Larimer County now administers land use planning
applications that are located outside of Town limits. In
2020, Larimer County adopted the current zoning and
uses from the Estes Valley Development Code into the
County’s Land Use Code. The Town administers the
Estes Park Development Code for land within town limits.
The Town established a new Estes Park Planning
Commission and Board of Adjustment in order to prepare
for the expiration of the Estes Valley Planning Area IGA
in 2020. At the County level, the Larimer County Board
of County Commissioners appointed seven members to
the Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee to advise
on matters of community planning interest and on the
comprehensive plan.
Regardless of whether the Town and County put a new
IGA in place after this comprehensive plan, the two
entities will coordinate closely on matters of annexation
and land use in the Estes Valley.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
With projected population growth, areas with high
hazard susceptibility and natural constraints mean that
locations to safely develop within the region are limited.
Staff and leadership in the Estes Valley see the imperative
to plan for climate change action. However, with limited
administrative capacity, the Town and County rely heavily
on partnerships, including cross-sector collaboration and
non-profit organizations. Most mitigation and resilience
work is funded through unreliable, competitive grants. A
more certain and sustained funding source would better
address the reality of ever-present, long-term risks.
The community is successfully incorporating lessons
learned from prior experience. For example, in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Estes Valley Resiliency
Collaborative was established working closely with the
Larimer Recovery Collaborative. Its current focus is
economic recovery, yet is expected to expand to more
community-wide resiliency efforts.
15ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
ECONOMIC DRIVERS
Mountain tourism and outdoor recreation are the primary
economic drivers for the Estes Valley. Estes Park is the
basecamp for adventures in RMNP, where world-class
hiking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and scenic
drives abound. Many of the businesses in Estes are
geared towards tourists; shops, galleries, and boutiques
line the main street, and some businesses are still only
open seasonally. This is reflected with Accommodation
& Food Service industry dominating the share of jobs in
the Town.
The 2015 Comprehensive Economic Development
Strategy (CEDS) for the Estes Valley articulated a vision to
support year-round economic, cultural, and recreational
opportunities, build a reputation for mountain
entrepreneurship, and diversify the local industries. That
plan clearly links the Valley’s economic success with
the improvements and availability of workforce housing,
broadband infrastructure, and childcare.
ECONOMY
The entire Estes Park Valley and much of the 3-mile Project Boundary is within the Estes Park
Area Enterprise Zone. Additionally, the southern portion of the Estes Valley (from Hwy 36
south to the County line) is a designated Opportunity Zone. These are two state tax incentive
programs designed to promote business development.
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
0 21
Miles
´Employment Density
Local Roads
Major Roads
Buildings
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Planning Area
3-Mile Study Area
Stream
Lakes
Rocky Mountain National Park
Arapahoe and Roosevelt
National Forests
Other Conserved Lands
5–927 Jobs per Sq. Mile
928–3,693 Jobs per Sq. Mile
51-200 Jobs
1–50 Jobs
201-420 Jobs
While there are businesses
throughout the Valley, Downtown
Estes Park’s core has the most jobs
per square mile.
16
FISCAL HEALTH
The impacts of COVID-19 on the economy were
staggering. Similar to most Colorado communities,
Estes Park relies heavily on sales tax revenue to
provide and manage municipal services, facilities, and
infrastructure. The Town reported a decline in sales tax
collections as low as -34% in May 2020 from May 2019
numbers. However, by March 2021, sales tax revenues
were back up and exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.
According to an Estes Park EDC study, reporting
businesses indicated that 75% of workforce positions
were suspended early in the COVID pandemic (March
16–April 30, 2020). Additionally, closure of RMNP further
exacerbated the economic situation.
Key Strengths
• Robust tourism industry.
• Premiere location near RMNP.
Key Challenges
• Dependence on a limited number of industries and
employment types.
• Seasonal tourism industry (predominantly spring,
summer, fall).
• Increasing real estate pricing and business rents
are pushing out small, local businesses.
• Negative impacts from peak tourist season on
traffic congestion and natural environment.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
The seasonal and visitor-based economy can be
vulnerable to hazard events, major shocks; and the
ongoing stresses could be devastating and put the Town
in a financially difficult place. A community that has a
diverse economic base will be more likely to withstand
shocks and stresses to the local economy.
Ecotourism, or tourism centered on the natural
environments in Estes, is also extremely vulnerable
to climate change impacts. Natural areas and nature-
based recreation areas play an important role in
attracting visitors to the Estes Valley, who spend money
at local businesses.
83% of businesses had decreased revenue
as a result of the Cameron Peak and East
Troublesome wildfires in 2020.
WORKFORCE
Just over half of the population in the Estes Valley is
in the workforce. The other half include retirees and
children. About two thirds of employed Town residents
work in Estes, and a third commute outside of Town. One
in ten Town residents work from home—slightly higher
than both the County and State averages.
50% of Town residents are in the workforce.
Both year-round workers and seasonal workers contribute
to the local economy. About 3,000 jobs must be newly
filled each summer with temporary/seasonal workers to
meet seasonal employment needs in the region. These
jobs are generally low-paying service positions.
With high housing costs in Estes, many workers commute
to Estes. The cost to commute averages about $690 per
month and there is not a convenient transit option year
round designed to serve workers.
While not a new challenge, local employers are having
an especially difficult time filling jobs and retaining
employees. The scarcity of housing available for year-
round or seasonal workforce in the area is reported to
negatively affect at least 85% of all employers. Some
employers have attempted to increase wages in hopes
of attracting workers, however the continued workforce
shortages indicate this has had little immediate success.
$84,400 is the 2021 median family
income. Family households tend to make
more than non-family households.
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
Sales Tax Revenue by Month
2019 2020 2021
By March 2021, sales tax revenues were back
up and exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.
17ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
HEALTH&SOCIAL
!(!(!(!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
!(!(!(
!(!(
!(
!(
!(!(
!(
Boulder County
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
H
Other Conserved Lands
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Rocky Mountain
National Park
Local Parks
Schools!(
Lakes
Stream
3-Mile Study Area
Estes Valley Planning
Area
Town of Estes Park
Buildings
Hospital
Trails
Major Roads
Local Roads
HEALTH AND SOCIAL
AMENITIES
420Miles
¯
H
!(!(!(!(
!(
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
0 21
Miles
´Health & Social Amenities
Local Roads
Major Roads
Buildings
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Planning Area
3-Mile Study Area
Stream
Lakes
Trails
!(Schools
Hospital
Local Parks
Rocky Mountain National Park
Arapaho & Roosevelt National
Forest
Other Conserved Lands
PARKS, OPEN SPACE, RECREATION AND TRAILS
An active and healthy lifestyle is important to many
residents and visitors of the Estes Valley. The Estes
Valley Recreation & Park District manages the local
parks, recreation, and trail facilities—including the
Lake Estes Marina and the Mary’s Lake and East Portal
campgrounds. Ball fields and courts, a bike park, a dog
park, and community garden are located next to the
Estes Park Fairgrounds, south of Lake Estes. Small open
spaces adjacent to the Downtown provide trails and
river views. Many of the vast public lands surrounding
the Estes Valley, including federal lands (Arapaho and
Roosevelt National Forests and RMNP) as well as county
parks (Hermit Park Open Space) and private conserved
lands, provide outdoor recreation activities.
The Town manages some multi-use paths, the Riverwalk,
and many of the sidewalks, which can provide some
additional connectivity for bikes. The Estes Valley Master
Trails Plan (2016) provides a comprehensive overview of
existing and future trail priorities.
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. 293 acres of local parks
3,538 acres of local open space and
conservation easements
151 miles of trails
Half of Town residents are within a
10-minute walk to a park
18
Key Strengths
• The 2021 Larimer County Hazard Mitigation Plan
maps locations of vulnerable populations in relation to
identified hazard areas.
• Strong culture of volunteerism.
• Network of cooperative health, fire, and public safety
agencies.
• Access to medical care and health care professionals.
Key Challenges
• Vulnerable populations.
• Increased public health hazards.
• Communication barriers.
• Low health insurance rates.
• Limited access to services in remote areas.
HEALTH&SOCIAL
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND AMENITIES
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. Additionally, the Valley has over 90 nonprofits
serving a variety of cultural, recreational, educational,
and community needs.
• The Larimer County Human Services Department
and the Larimer County Department of Health
provide health and human services throughout the
County.
• One of the six hospitals in Larimer County is located
in Estes Park.
• The Larimer County Office on Aging and the Disabled
Resource Services Center provide resources and
services to older and disabled adults.
• Nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Club and Estes
Valley Investment in Childhood Success provide
resources for young families.
• The Estes Valley Recreation Center provides fitness
and recreation activities.
• The Estes Park School District R-3 operates an
elementary, middle, and high school that serves over
1,100 students across the greater Estes Valley.
• Senior Center moved to a new location and provides
activities and social events for active adults.
See more resources in the Estes Park Community
Resources Guide.
90+ non-profits are in the Estes Valley.
Emergency services are provided by the Estes Valley
Fire Protection District, the Estes Park Emergency
Communications Center, the Estes Park Police
Department, and the Larimer County Office of Emergency
Management. These organizations can continue to best
support this community through education, outreach,
and awareness prior to emergency or disaster response.
The Workforce Housing and Childcare Ad-Hoc Task Force
reports a childcare crisis citing tightly limited ratios of
caregivers to infants/toddlers and the low revenue for
childcare providers in the Estes Valley. The need for high-
quality early childhood education at affordable rates is
clear. The report recommends coordinated community
efforts, providing financial support (including funding a
town site), and ensuring accountability.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
A more cohesive and service-oriented community, made
of more resilient individuals, can better adapt to ongoing
change. Community needs range from the universal,
such as safety and education, to the specific, including
those experienced by an immigrant work force or aging
population that have access and functional needs.
Prioritizing adaptation actions for the most vulnerable
populations would contribute to a more equitable
future within and across communities. Older adults are
particularly vulnerable during and after disasters. Public
health programs and policies should actively promote
the resilience of older adults and aging in place methods
should be central to all planning conversations.
Of individuals 65yrs old and younger, 19% are without
health insurance and 12% are disabled. The safety nets
for these vulnerable populations in Estes Park are few.
Further, during past disaster events, it was found that
non-English speakers were less likely to use available
emergency shelters and they reported inaccurate
deterrents, such as they would have to pay for shelters
or their immigration status would be questioned.
14% of the Estes Valley population resides
in households where English is not the
primary language.
19ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
HOUSING STOCK
2 Note: The Estes Park School District was the area studied in the 2016 Housing Needs Assessment and includes the Town of Estes
Park, unincorporated Estes Valley, as well as neighboring areas including Drake, Pinewood Springs, Glen Haven, and Allenspark.
The Town of Estes Park has 4,382 housing units, which
account for 79% of the housing stock within the Estes
Valley Planning Area.
The 2020 Census found that 64% of the units in the
Town of Estes Park are occupied. This is higher than
the 60% occupancy rate for the Estes Valley Planning
Area as a whole. The occupancy rate in the Town of
Estes Park is slightly below the occupancy rate of 67%
found in the 2010 Census—an expected decline given the
rise of the vacation rental industry in the past decade.
That the decline was not any greater may be a result
of the requirement that vacation homes be licensed in
residential districts in the Valley, with a cap on the total
number. In April 2020, the Town and County divided the
cap allowing 322 vacation rentals on residential zoned
properties in Town limits and 266 on residential zoned
properties in the unincorporated area of the Estes Valley
Planning Area. Currently, both programs are at capacity
with a waiting list of properties.
Of the owner-occupied units, 52 have restrictions to
guarantee their affordability and/or occupancy by
the workforce. Of the renter-occupied units, 297 have
restrictions. The 349 restricted units represent about 8%
of the housing stock in the Town of Estes Park.
8% of current housing stock is guaranteed
for occupancy by the local workforce.
HOUSING NEED
A Housing Needs Assessment was completed in 2016
and analyzed the area within the Estes Park School
District. That assessment estimated that 300-340 units
of workforce housing would need to be built per year in
the School District to address existing overcrowding,
commuting, and unfilled jobs plus projected job growth
and retirement.2
Over the past five years only about 14 housing
units have been added per year in the Town
of Estes Park, not all of which are workforce
housing.
This severe undersupply of housing is a relatively new
phenomenon. In the 2000s about 92 units were added
per year in the Town of Estes Park. In the 1990s it was 117
units per year. A similar trend is seen in the Estes Valley
as a whole. The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment is the
fourth installment of the study. The need for workforce
housing has grown in each assessment because not
enough of the supply provided between assessments
has been affordable to the workforce. However, the
almost complete lack of new housing in the 2010s is
unprecedented and has led to the significant increase in
the need for housing.
The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment attributes the lack
of supply to a combination of the Great Recession and
natural disasters at the beginning of the decade along
with a lack of zoning allowances and community support
for housing projects. However, current projects such as
Peak View and Wildfire indicate that recent incentives
HOUSING
Affordable Units by Average Median Income
in Estes Park
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
4,500
5,000
Housing Units in Town
Housing Units Built in the Town of Estes
Park By Decade
Built 2010 - 2019
Built 2000 - 2010
Built 1990 - 1999
Built 1980 - 1989
Built 1970 - 1979
Built 1960 - 1969
Built 1950 - 1959
Built 1940 - 1949
Built 1939 or earlier
20
and code updates to address the 2016 assessment
are starting to create more supply. Those two projects
represent about 115 units that are in the works, and
there are about another 95 units in the pipeline. This
represents a significant increase over the rate of supply
from the past decade. In addition, the Town has entered
into negotiations with America West Housing Solutions
to develop the fish hatchery property, with 190 new units
preliminarily conceptualized.
Catching up to housing need once behind is a difficult
task, especially in smaller, resort communities. The
feeling that quality of life is diminishing as workers can
no longer find housing is a common sentiment among
many Estes residents. For example, employers spend
more time and money training employees they cannot
retain, and community members see unique, high-quality
services disappear because when the provider leaves or
retires a replacement cannot afford to step in.
AFFORDABILITY
The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment found that the
median single-family home listed in November 2015 cost
2.6 times what was affordable to a household employed
in Estes Park. The median condo listing at the same time
cost 1.2 times what was affordable. Available affordable
supply was limited to condos, which are not as well
suited to families and larger households.
The 2016 Housing Needs Assessment also indicated
growth rates likely to exacerbate the lack of affordability.
With housing stock only growing at about 0.3% annually
and jobs projected to grow at 1.9%–3.2%, prices were
likely to rise faster than wages.
Compounding the issue in recent years in many
mountain resort towns has been increased external
demand from a combination of low-interest rates, short-
term rentals,popularity of real estate investment, and
COVID-19.
As a result of the lack of supply in the
2010s, coupled with continued job growth,
the 12-month rolling median sales price for
single-family homes and condos has each risen
almost 30% annually since 2016.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
The resiliency of housing can be characterized as a
function of its availability, affordability, quality, and
vulnerability. To meet seasonal employment needs, the
area must fill approximately 3,000 jobs every summer
and homes for tourism and service jobs are in short
supply. The Town’s housing stock also struggles to meet
the needs of essential workers, such as police officers,
firefighters, and nurses, who are first responders to a
natural disaster.
In the Town of Estes Park, there are over 600
homes at risk of a rockslide, 75 homes with a
1% annual chance of flooding, and about 785
buildings in moderate, high, or highest risk of
wildfire.
Developing workforce housing within Estes Park is
essential, but must be balanced with building safely and
avoiding the wildland urban interface or other hazard
prone areas. Much of the existing building stock is
located in high hazard vulnerability areas.
The compounding impacts are numerous. A disaster
can diminish already scarce building stock, residents
can be displaced, and cost to repair damages may be
insurmountable. Additionally, the inventory is relatively
old, creating challenges for local workers to both afford
to buy homes and make needed repairs.
For younger residents to be able to live in the Estes Park
area, significant changes to housing policies, regulations,
and strategies are needed.
Key Strengths
• Active efforts to plan for and construct workforce
housing.
Key Challenges
• Limited housing availability, particularly workforce.
• Housing stock is vulnerable to hazards.
• Second homes and short-term rentals impact the
availability for affordable housing.
21ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
WATER RESOURCES
Water is supplied to the Estes Valley largely through
snowmelt and water capture through reservoirs. Climate
change, wildfire burn scars, and population growth are the
main factors contributing to scarcer or at-risk resources.
Water providers, such as Northern Water, provide raw
water to the community. Recently, Estes Park purchased
additional water rights, providing another source to meet
future demands.
The Town owns two water treatment plants (WTP) that
provide water to the Estes Valley and currently operate
during different seasons.
1. Mary’s Lake WTP is rated at 4.0 millions of gallons
of water per day (MGD). It operates April–October.
2. Glacier Creek WTP is rated at 3.0 MGD for a
combined rated capacity of 7.0 MGD. It operates
January–April and July–December.
4.7 MGD is the projected potable
water high peak demand for 2034, which is
equivalent to using over seven Olympic-sized
swimming pools of water every day.
In May of 2021, Estes Park approved a new pretreatment
building with a rapid mix basin, flocculation,
sedimentation with plate settlers, and supporting
ancillary systems for the Glacier Creek WTP after it fell
out of safe drinking water status. The improvements
are made possible through a federal loan and grant.
This will also allow the Town to run the plant year-round,
increasing their capacity to provide clean drinking water
to meet increasing demands.
The Town has nine potable water storage tanks
dispersed geographically providing 3.7 MGD of storage
capacity. The tanks range in age from 10–74 years, and
the condition of the tanks varies by age. Per the 2015
Master Plan, the system has sufficient storage capacity
to meet the criteria throughout the planning period and
the goal is to store at least 25% of the maximum daily
consumption. However, with increasing population and
increasing fluctuations in climate, the Town may need
additional storage tanks.
The four existing pump stations in the Town’s distribution
system also likely to need to be reevaluated to determine
the improvements needed to match growth within the
community.
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
UTILITIES IN ESTES PARK
Town utilities will see pressure from a rapidly growing
population and the current capacity to meet the new
pressures depends on the condition, age, and capacity
of the system. Impacts from hazards and climate change
and evolving demands of the community are also key
considerations for the future of utilities in the Valley.
All utilities are susceptible to natural disasters, such
as flooding and wildfire, which have caused damage to
the Town’s facilities and homeowners—during the 2013
flooding the full time residents had no sewer and were
homebound because the flood had taken access roads
as well as local utilities.
The Town’s utilities demand and use varies greatly by
season due to the influx from the tourism industry and
the draw to RMNP. The visitors accessing RMNP pose an
additional stress to the infrastructure which proposed
projects must account for. For example, the Town needs
to account for additional water usage for the high peak
season or widen roadways to avoid congestion caused
by the visitors.
The growth of the Front Range has also impacted the
Town’s infrastructure as more second home and regional
vacationers from the Metro Area drive to RMNP and
nearby recreational areas.
DRAINAGE AND HYDROLOGY
The Town was impacted by the state’s largest flood event
to date and learned a great deal about their vulnerabilities
to flooding. Following the 2013 flood, the rainfall peaks
were adjusted. Hydraulic performance of the drainage
system may need to be reevaluated for existing capacity
and future projects.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s floodplain
maps are currently being updated. These show a large
portion of the downtown core and additional homes and
structures in the special flood hazard area. The Estes
Park Downtown Plan offers a wealth of information on
strategies that work with nature to reduce impacts, such
as creating more space for the river in the downtown
area that doubles as a community asset. The Town has
few hydrologic measuring tools, such as stream gauges,
to measure flows with better accuracy and inform the
community to make adequate decisions such as larger
bridge openings.
The downtown area along the Upper Big Thompson
River from US 36/Moraine Avenue to Crags Drive
requires major channel and crossing improvements
including stream restoration, bridge enlargement, and
embankment stabilization.
22
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
POWER AND COMMUNICATION
The community-owned and operated electrical and
broadband utility, Power and Communication, provides
both electricity and access to broadband internet service
for Estes Valley residents.
Estes Park is a member of the Platte River Power
Authority (PRPA), which is a non-profit that purchases or
generates all of the energy in Estes Park. PRPA recently
updated the Integrated Resource Plan, which lays out
the near and long-term strategy for ensuring the power
needs are met.
Increasing population, heating and cooling demands,
and opportunities to diversity their portfolio of power
sources are all detailed in the 2020 Integrated Resource
Plan.
Energy is currently produced from about 30%
renewable sources. PRPA has a goal of using
100% renewable energy by 2030 without any
degradation in service.
Ensuring access to high-speed internet is essential to
building an equitable and resilient community. To address
this need, Estes Park Power & Communications has
established Trailblazer Broadband in 2019, a community-
owned and operated high-speed internet service that
is delivered over fiber optic cable. As this project rolls-
out over the next three to five years, it will be critical to
extend service to the ten percent of households without
access to broadband internet.
Key Strengths
• Sufficient potable water storage capacity.
• Community broadband service.
• Lessening reliance on fossil fuels.
Key Challenges
• Aging facilities and equipment.
• Population growth, workforce commuting, and
tourism increase demand on already fragile
infrastructure.
• Critical infrastructure and facilities in high-risk
locations.
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESILIENCY
In the 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan update, the Town
identified 21 critical facilities and other community
assets as important to protect or that provide critical
services in the event of a disaster. Identified facilities
are categorized as communication, health and medical,
energy, food, water, and shelter, safety and security, and
miscellaneous.
The region’s critical infrastructure is aging and must
support evolving demands of a growing population,
flourishing tourism industry, and threats from climate
change. For example, water supply systems that receive
less snowmelt may struggle to provide adequate water
supply to the community without additional water
hardening or conservation measures.
SEWER
The Estes Park Sanitation District is a division of the
local government and in charge of wastewater collection
and treatment. It has benefited from a strategic plan
for improvements that mean its current capacity and
efficiency is well positioned to serve the growing
community.
The treatment facility was built in 1964, with many
improvements since then. The current permitted
capacity is 1.5 (MGD). The plant operates at 50–55%
capacity during the peak tourism season. Approximately
one third of the system is still clay pipes.
The Estes Park Sanitation District estimates
that their number of customers increases
two-fold during peak tourism seasons.
The Upper Thompson Sanitation District provides
wastewater treatment for the community surrounding
Estes Park. The facility has a capacity of 2.0 MGD. The
plant can treat up to 3.75 MGD, which is almost twice in
comparison from current peak flow. However, at around
5 MGD, the 2034 estimated peak flows are higher than
what the plant presently can treat at maximum capacity.
The plant will need to be rehabilitated or improved to
meet future demand.
23ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
COMMUTER PATTERNS
The travel patterns for the Town of Estes Park show
an almost even split of residents commuting in and
out of town. However, nearly twice as many employees
commute to Estes Park from elsewhere on a daily basis.
Commuting patterns both in and out of Estes Park are
dispersed among several Front Range communities.
HOUSING & TRANSPORTATION AFFORDABILITY INDEX
The Housing and Transportation Affordability Index
compares geographical regions with typical regional
or national costs. This index offers insights to help
understand how transportation impacts Estes Park
residents and how Estes Park could plan for more
equitable and affordable transportation options. Of their
annual income, an Estes Park resident will spend an
average of 25% on housing and 23% on transportation
for a total expenditure of 48%.
The high demand of housing and transportation costs
leaves less disposable income for other financial
opportunities. In dispersed areas, people are more
likely to need privately-owned vehicle(s) and drive
farther distances, which increases the household’s
transportation-related expenses.
$13,546 annual transportation costs
1.91 autos per household
22,304 average household vehicle miles
traveled
From 2012 to 2019, RMNP had a 44% increase in the
number of visitors. Projections regarding vehicle miles
traveled on Larimer County roadways is expected to
almost double by 2045. This increase in traffic will create
more frequent congestion in the future, particularly for
roadways already experiencing seasonal congestion
from tourism including the main arterials leading into the
Town: US 34, US 36, and SH 7.
Top locations Estes Park residents work:
Estes Park 50%
Denver 5%
Fort Collins 4%
Boulder 3%
Loveland 3%
Top locations Estes Park employees live:
Estes Park 37%
Loveland 5%
Fort Collins 3%
Denver 2%
Longmont 2%
Live and Work
in Estes Park:
1,378
Inflow
2,355
Outflow
1,383
45%
50%
48%
48%
Housing and Transportation Affordability
Index Comparisons
24
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
MODE SPLIT
On a typical workday, Estes Park residents commute
an average of 19 minutes, significantly lower than
the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Although the overwhelming majority of Estes Park
residents have access to a vehicle, this is not
always the preferred mode of transportation.
With the median age of Estes Park residents closer
to that of a retiree, access to public transportation
and other modal options, such as walking or biking,
will help meet mobility needs for underserved
populations such as older adults, people with
mobility challenges, and low-income households.
WALKABILITY
While the majority of Estes Park residents own vehicles,
the option of multiple modes of travel is beneficial to all.
A network that facilitates active means of transportation,
such as walking or bicycling, provides environmental and
health benefits to a community and its residents.
One metric to assess a community’s walkability is
the Walk Score®, a measurement that is based on the
walking distance to amenities such as grocery stores,
parks, and health services. The Town of Estes Park has
a Walk Score® of 59 or “somewhat walkable.” Estes Park
has a score comparable to Breckenridge, with a score
of 54, and a significantly higher score than Kalispell,
Montana, with a score of 41.
Walk Score® is just one tool to assess walkability. Criteria
such as connectivity, accessibility, level of comfort, and
safety contribute to a user choosing to travel via foot
rather than other means. The purpose of the trip must
also be considered. Improving the Town’s walkability is
possible through the addition of pedestrian facilities that
improve the user experience.
The current level of bike infrastructure earns the Town
a bike score of 36. This score is within the lowest range
(0-49 Somewhat Bikeable) and is described as “minimal
bike infrastructure.” The Town ranks comparable to
Breckenridge, with a score of 34, but worse than Kalispell
with a score of 48.
In Estes Park, two main trails provide a scenic ride along
Lake Estes. A third trail connects and provides access
to assets along Elkhorn Avenue, the Town’s main street.
By examining its future growth expectations, population
demographics, and available land for growth, along with
key gaps regarding connectivity, crossings, lighting,
and separation/protection from vehicular traffic, the
Town can determine the best way to improve the active
transportation network and increase options for local
walkability and bikeability. Expanding the coverage and
connectedness of the current network would benefit
residents and tourists alike and decrease vehicles on the
roadway network.
Key Strengths
• An adopted Complete Streets policy reinforces the
desire to improve multimodal options.
• The RMNP and Estes Park shuttle services offer
options during seasonal high visitation periods.
• The Town’s electric trolley supports environmental
sustainability goals.
Key Challenges
• Public transportation is not available year round.
• Gaps in connectivity and wayfinding limit the active
transportation network and user experience.
• Vehicular congestion is perceived as getting worse
and not sustainable.
• Bicyclist and pedestrian comfort levels vary greatly.
The network favors experienced cyclists.
25ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
TRANSPORTATION
TECHNOLOGIES
Transportation technologies, services
and strategies that enhance safety and
mobility on transportation networks
are rapidly emerging. The past few
years have seen the rise of on-demand
mobility services such as Uber and
Lyft. Currently an on-demand service
in Estes Park provides rides for older
adults and people with disabilities.
There have also been strides in ride-
share services like scooters and bikes
that provide transportation options in
the densest parts of cities. The Town of
Estes Park should leverage recent and
future technologies that would provide
beneficial additions to their mobility
options.
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
MULTIMODAL CHARACTERISTICS
Access to multimodal options such as walking, biking, and transit
offer low-cost and sustainable solutions to mobility. A successful
and well used multimodal network includes connected and
safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities that provide access to key
destinations, including transit stops. The high mobility zone shown
on the map on the following page represents the area with ample
access to biking and pedestrian facilities including sidewalks and
multi-use paths as well as twenty transit stops (out of the dozens
provided by the free shuttle service). This zone offers a high level of
multimodal connectivity within the Town of Estes Park.
To combat the demand on the roadways, the Town of Estes Park
funds free shuttles to key locations around town with one shuttle
that connects the Estes Park Visitor center to the RMNP Shuttles.
Bustang, a regional bus service operated by the Colorado
Department of Transportation provides weekend service from
The Estes Shuttle offers free transit service within the
Town and connecting to RMNP.
26
INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION
Denver, Westminster, Boulder, and Lyons to Estes Park during the
busy summer tourist season. These efforts reduce the number of
vehicles on seasonally congested roadways and contribute to a
more reliable transportation system. Bustang starts at Denver Union
Station and ends at the Estes Park Visitor Center, the largest multi-
modal hub in town; providing access to the Estes Shuttle service,
pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
The Town of Estes Park also provides many parking spaces within
Town. There are options for on-street parking and public surface
parking lots, as well as parking garages. The parking ranges from
no cost to $10 for overnight parking. Parking is free at the Town’s
extremities and costs more near the center of Town. This concept
aims to incentivize parking further away from the Town’s center,
which experiences significant vehicular congestion. These parking
spots are also close to multi-modal options including bike and
pedestrian facilities and shuttle stops. These parking spots offer
1-hour, 3-hour, and all day options providing visitors with parking
locations that connect seamlessly to Estes Park mobility options.
Downtown Transportation
Local Roads
Major Roads
Buildings
Town of Estes Park
Stream
Lakes
Rocky Mountain National Park
Other Conserved Lands
Bike and Pedestrian Paths
0 0.50.25
Miles
´
Parking
Street Parking
High Mobility Zone
Mobility Hub/Visitor Center
RELATIONSHIP WITH
RESILIENCE
Transportation, proper evacuation
routes, and safe ingress and egress
for communities are a key component
of resilience. During the 2020 fires,
the Town roads and evacuation plans
were tested. Although the Town was
able to evacuate efficiently without a
single injury, some residents reported
confusion with routes and where to find
information.
Downtown Transportation
Local Roads
Major Roads
Buildings
Town of Estes Park
Stream
Lakes
Rocky Mountain National Park
Other Conserved Lands
Bike and Pedestrian Paths
0 0.50.25
Miles
´
Parking ranges from no cost to $10 for overnight
parking. There are 1hr, 3hr, and all day options.
27ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
NATURAL RESOURCES & HAZARDS
NATURAL & SCENIC RESOURCES
The natural beauty and wildlife resources of the Valley
have long drawn residents and visitors to the area.
Watersheds and the natural resources within them
provide the foundation and sustenance for the Estes
Valley and the region. From views of alpine mountains
to flowing rivers of riparian valley, the Valley is rich in
natural values. The Wildlife and Hazards map shows the
ecologically important Big Thompson River, Fish Creek
and Fall River corridors.
The area showcases populations of megafauna as
well as unique and sensitive resources. The Valley is
important habitat area and movement corridors for
herds of elk, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and mule
deer; predators such as black bears, coyotes, and
mountain lions; and eagles, hawks, and numerous other
bird species. Elk and mule deer inhabit the majority of
the Valley, moving to higher elevations during warmer
months. Fifteen threatened or endangered species, such
as the greenback cutthroat trout and the boreal toad,
also inhabit the Valley.
The Estes community values the ability to view wildlife
out their backdoor; however, negative interactions do
occur if not planned and managed correctly. Living
with wildlife takes care and precautions to maintain a
sustainable and healthy ecosystem.
Scenic 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 frame the community’s gateways.
Steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and river corridors have
shaped how the Valley has grown.
Key Strengths
• Access to public lands and recreation and
outstanding natural scenery.
• Significant land conserved by federal, state, local, or
land trust organizations
• Abundant charismatic wildlife supports community
awareness.
Key Challenges
• Recurring seasonal severe weather and extreme
hazard events.
• Access to local community resources.
• Natural resources and recreation areas drive peak
tourism.
• High wildfire risk and extensive development in the
wildland-urban interface.
HAZARDS
The 2021 Larimer County Hazard Mitigation Plan
identifies wildfire and severe winter, spring, and summer
storms as the highest risk hazards for the Town of Estes
Park. Other hazards identified as moderate threats
include flood, rockfall and landslide, drought, disease
outbreak, and utility disruption. Existing Town stresses
such as an aging population, climate uncertainty,
insufficient infrastructure, and lack of economic diversity
are factors that can amplify vulnerability.
For example, the 2012 wildfires burned over 20 Estes Park
homes, aggravating an already limited housing stock.
The immense fires reduced air quality, increasing health
hazards to an already vulnerable senior population. They
obstructed evacuation routes and forced closure of many
area businesses as well as the nearby National Park. The
following year, raging floodwaters and mudslides shut
down all major roads into Estes Park, isolating residents
during prime tourist season. Floodplain, steep slope, and
wildfire ordinances are used by the Town to reduce risk.
The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies seven new
mitigation projects all intended to lessen vulnerability
and increase resilience to hazards.
The Estes Park Downtown Plan proactively takes into
account the impacts and threats from prior and recent
flood events and the new hydrology and floodplain maps
currently being updated. New floodplain mapping reflects
this risk and will put many of the downtown structures in
the floodplain. This also means that development and
substantial improvements may be limited by floodplain
regulations. The Downtown Plan recommends key flood
mitigation opportunities to improve resiliency in the
downtown core, many of which also offer recreational
and placemaking benefits. Implementing these
recommendations could assist in removing properties
from the floodplain, while also providing a community
benefit.
15 threatened and endangered species
inhabit the Valley.
Visitation to RMNP increased from 2.9 million
in 2010 to 4.6 million visitors in 2019.
9,716 acres of sensitive/unique resources,
including ranches have been conserved by the
Estes Valley Land Trust.
28
NATURAL RESOURCES & HAZARDS
RELATIONSHIP TO RESILIENCY
As our climate changes, temperatures rise and
weather patterns change causing a cascade of
impacts and implications, threatening both natural and
human systems. Even small changes in climate may
compromise the delicate ecosystem of flora, fauna, and
landforms that define the region. Future development
should be sensitive to avoid and/or work in harmony with
all-natural ecosystems.
Land use and land cover patterns should develop
with natural systems in mind. This includes adequate
stream setbacks, native vegetation in the landscaping
requirements, fire breaks and mitigation and permeable
surfaces.
CLIMATE
The Estes Valley is a high mountain valley with a climate
that differs from the rest of the Larimer County towns; it
has cooler summers and warmer winter temperatures.
Average annual precipitation is 15 to 16 inches, with the
greatest amount occurring in April and May.
Climate change creates a variety of threats to the
natural environment, such as reducing snow cover and
the availability of water, prolonging drier conditions
more conducive to invasive weeds, pests, catastrophic
wildfire, and shrinking habitat for alpine plants and
animals. Climate change, extreme weather, invasive
weeds, and fire suppression alter the Valley’s wildlife
habitat and forest structure resulting in an extended fire
season with potentially more frequent and catastrophic
fires and floods.
UV7
£¤36
£¤36
£¤34
£¤34
UV66
Wildlife & Hazards
Local Roads
Major Roads
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Planning Area
3-Mile Study Area
Stream
Big Game Migration Corridors
Important Raptor Habitat
Wetland and Riparian Habitat
100 Year Floodplain
Ridgeline Protection Areas
Severe Geologic Hazard
Very High Wildfire Hazard
Slopes>30%
Rocky Mountain National Park
Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forests
Other Conserved Lands
0 21
Miles
´
##
29ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
210
Miles
±
Date: 9/30/2022
Arapahoe and Roosevelt
National Forest
Rocky Mountain
National Park
Other Conserved Lands
Rivers and Creeks
Lakes
Local Roads
Major Roads
Estes Valley Planning
Area
Town of Estes Park
Estes Valley Big Game
Roadkill Frequency
UV7
£¤36
ELKHOR
N S
A
I
N
T
V
R
A
I
N
SAINT VRAIN
£¤34
BIGTHO
M
P
S
O
N
MORA
I
N
E
Low
High Big Game Roadkill
Frequency
(2005-2020)
Deer Migration Patterns
Elk Migration Patterns
Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) monitors elk, deer, and other wildlife movement. Their most
current migration mapping shows how large elk and deer herds move around the valley, while
CDOT’s roadkill reports show where elk and deer are killed moving through the valley across
state highways. Note that the map above does not show roadkills on County or Town roads.
30
REFERENCES
1. 2020 Census Population and Housing Unit Data
2. American Community Survey 2019, 5-Year Estimate
3. Estes Park Area Housing Needs Assessment 2016). https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/
atoms/files/Final%202016%20HNA%20Report.pdf
4. Estes Park Community Resources Guide. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fOEYYZzWX-Ctncx-
YodKbj8ESNrY_0CN/view
5. Estes Park Comprehensive Water Master Plan 2015.
6. Estes Park Downtown Plan https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aebQWw76doRQVUugJMaGSv8sL88_3zka/view
7. Estes Park ParkScore. https://www.tpl.org/city/estes-park-colorado
8. Estes Park Sanitation District. http://estesparksanitation.org/
9. Estes Park Sanitation District Collection System Map. http://estesparksanitation.org/epsdProfile/EPSD%20
Collection.pdf
10. Estes Park School District R-3. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/colorado/districts/estes-park-school-
district-r-3-110218
11. Estes Valley Board of Realtors
12. Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan (1996). https://estespark.colorado.gov/comprehensiveplan
13. Estes Valley Stormwater Management Project Volume I & II. Stormwater Master Plan. https://drive.google.com/
file/d/18_dXzACQlp1wXiwha1-XIy1BoBSZH47c/view
14. Hydrologic Analysis of Fall River, Upper Big Thompson River, Black Canyon Creek & Dry Gulch. Town of Estes
Park.
15. Larimer County Assessors Data 2021
16. Larimer County Comprehensive Plan 2019. https://www.larimer.org/sites/default/files/uploads/2019/
larimercountycomprehensiveplan2019_vol1_0.pdf
17. Larimer County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (2021). https://www.larimer.org/emergency/hazard-mitigation-
plan
18. Platte River Power Authority 2020 Integrated Resource Plan. https://www.prpa.org/wp-content/
uploads/2020/10/IRP_10.8_spread.pdf
19. Trail Blazer Broadband. https://trailblazerbroadband.com/
20. U.S. Census Center for Economic Studies, Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics Data 2018. OnTheMap:
https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/
21. Workforce Housing and Childcare Ad-Hoc Task Force Final Report (2019). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-
jCgSmaLr8XYgvITDzOShpgvhQIGW-rb/view
31ESTES FORWARD | B: SNAPSHOTS
APPENDIX C
PUBLIC
ENGAGEMENT
SUMMARIES
»Detailed Issues Summary
»Vision Engagement Summary
»Choices Engagement Summary
»Draft Plan Public Review and
Engagement Summary
ESTES FORWARD
DETAILED ISSUES SUMMARY
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 1
September 30, 2021
INTRODUCTION
The planning team conducted one-on-one interviews
and a series of listening sessions to gather valuable
feedback from community stakeholders regarding goals,
challenges, opportunities, and values present in the
Estes Valley today. The purpose of these conversations
was to start a dialogue with local and regional partners,
and to also:
• Stimulate community-wide interest in Estes
Forward;
• Solicit candid feedback from those who know the
community best; and
• Identify initial themes, opportunities, local values,
and future visions and goals for the Town and
surrounding Valley.
This report outlines the questions asked and
summarizes the feedback gathered. It does not
represent a consensus and includes some opposing
views and ideas. While the summary reflects a wide
spectrum of ideas, agencies, and input, it may not
reflect every idea in the Valley; there will be room for
additional participation and ideas as the project moves
forward.
METHODOLOGY
A total of 33 individuals were interviewed by
phone/video conference in July and August 2021. These
one-on-one discussions were held with members of the
CompPAC, EVPAC, Town Planning Commission, Town
Board of Trustees, County Planning Commission, and
Board of County Commissioners.
A list of local and regional partners and interest groups
was compiled by Town and County staff, the CompPAC
and EVPAC. The Town invited close to 80 contacts to
participate in themed listening sessions to discuss
PARTICIPATION
Representatives from the
following groups, agencies
and industries participated in
the listening sessions:
• Colorado Department of
Transportation
• Comprehensive Plan
Planning Advisory Committee
(CompPAC)
• Estes Chamber of Commerce
• Estes Dept of Public Works
• Estes Housing Authority
• Estes Park Dept of Events
and Visitor Services
• Estes Park Economic
Development Corporation
• Estes Park Museum
• Estes Park Senior Citizens
Center Board
• Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS)
• Estes Valley Land Trust
• Estes Valley Nonprofit
Resource Center
• Estes Valley Planning
Advisory Committee (EVPAC)
• Estes Valley Recreation and
Park District
• Estes Valley Watershed
Coalition
• Homeowners Associations
and Property Owners
Associations
• Larimer County Dept of
Natural Resources
• Lions Club
• Loveland Housing Authority
• National Park Service
• Northern Water
• Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 2
issues that are most important to address in the process, and opportunities and ideas the new
plan should integrate.
Seven listening sessions were held in July and August to discuss the following topics:
• Housing
• Transportation and Connectivity
• Utilities and Infrastructure
• Community Services, Groups, and Facilities
• Business and Tourism
• Land Management and Conservation
• Resiliency and Hazard Mitigation
HOW WILL THIS INFORMATION BE USED?
The findings from the one-on-one interviews and listening sessions set the foundation for
ongoing research and values analysis by revealing the most pressing issues to be addressed
in the planning process. The candid conversations with community members also provide
context and insights to issues otherwise not formally documented. These initial conversations
are not representative of all perspectives in the Estes Valley and broad community
engagement will continue to be a priority throughout the planning process.
SUMMARIZED FEEDBACK
Modeled after the Colorado Resiliency Framework, this document―and the Estes Forward
planning process―summarizes the feedback to-date across six resiliency sectors. Other
feedback about the regulatory updates and expectations for the planning process and
deliverables are also summarized below.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Community (governance and land use) ..................................................................................... 3
2. Economy (workforce, industries, and adaptive economy) ........................................................ 6
3. Health and Social (services, amenities, and community well-being) ...................................... 10
4. Housing (supply, affordability, and vulnerability) .................................................................... 12
5. Infrastructure and Transportation (critical infrastructure, utilities, and transportation) ....... 15
6. Hazards and Natural Resources (watersheds, forests, agriculture, and recreation areas) ... 18
7. Land Use Code Opportunities .................................................................................................. 21
8. What Should This Plan Be? ...................................................................................................... 21
9. What Makes for a Successful Process? .................................................................................. 23
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 3
1. COMMUNITY
An important topic of discussion was whether and
how new growth should take place outside of
Town limits and/or within the existing community.
This issue focuses largely on the future growth of
the Town of Estes Park but is applicable to the
entire Valley.
• Stakeholders emphasized that vacant land and
redevelopment opportunities inside of Town
offer substantial growth to the tax base and
would benefit from existing infrastructure. Infill
would reduce demands for annexing new land
into the Town boundaries for greenfield
development.
• Stakeholders also described many
opportunities for growth that would depend
upon annexing land and growing around the
edges of Town.
• Some stakeholders proposed that commercial
corridors along highways and community gateways should be priority areas for future
annexation and new growth and development.
• Unincorporated communities in the Estes Valley have capacity for new development
but consider themselves as separate from Estes Park and are wary of change and do
not want new development to creep towards them.
• Growth outside of Town limits is where most wildfires occur. While it is difficult to limit
development within the widespread Wildland Urban Interface, there is a need to
balance growth and economic pressures with the exposure to risk from natural
hazards, especially if service industry workers and the migrant labor force live in these
areas that are at the greatest risk more frequently due to their relative affordability.
• Increase housing and economic capacity without decreasing open space by allowing
taller buildings and redevelopment Downtown. Make the Town’s core more attractive
for developers to encourage infill or redevelopment in those areas as compared to
urban sprawl around the periphery of its borders.
It is important to engage the whole community throughout the planning process and
not let one voice speak louder than the rest.
• Tourism and business leaders have influenced development decisions for the
community in the past. Stakeholders believe it is important to incorporate broad
viewpoints into the decision-making process to receive a wider range of input and a
more balanced set of opinions that can help find a middle ground between economic
interests and resident priorities.
Discussion Takeaway
Stakeholders discussed issues
that impact the Town and Valley,
such as the current and future
governance of the region and
urban sprawl. One theme was
that business and tourism
interests should not be
prioritized at the expense of the
needs of community residents.
They also shared issues that
specifically impact the Town,
such as the demographic
complexity of the Estes Park
community and the need to
update the Town’s Land
Development Code.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 4
• Estes Park is more than just a resort community, and the residents and the
neighborhoods that they live in must also be represented.
• The prosperity of the tourism industry supports the community infrastructure that
makes Estes Park an attractive retirement destination and a livable community. The
tourism industry relies on younger workforces to sustain tourism operations. The
retiree community in contrast are not as dependent on tourism and the younger
workforce, which makes cooperation between the groups more difficult.
• To promote resident voices, stakeholders emphasized the need for the community to
interact with one another and come together to make shared decisions about their
future.
The Estes Park community is complex despite its relatively small size, which includes
wealthy retirees, a local and commuting workforce, permanent and seasonal residents,
tourists and visitors, businesses, and nonprofits all with their own unique priorities and
needs. These demographics significantly impact the decision-making and political
processes of the Town.
• The plan should seek to balance and find compromise between the members of the
community that would prefer to limit the Town’s growth and discourage new residents
from moving to the area, with other members of the community that accept the natural
progression of change and are focused on creating future benefits while limiting
negative impacts of new growth and development.
• There is a generational gap with older retirees resisting change to preserve the quality
of life and aspects of their communities that first brought them to the area.
• The plan should anticipate two-sets of needs; during the summer tourist season, the
influx of visitors puts pressure on services and infrastructure, while some business
models and services aren’t viable in the winter offseason to serve the year-round
population.
• There is a growing population of Spanish speaking residents that benefit from outreach
and community services in their own language. To better incorporate these residents
that are members of the workforce and are raising families throughout the Valley,
stakeholders believe that additional translation services and language accessibility is
important.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 5
Updating the Town’s Development Code could encourage expanded business
opportunities and functions to revitalize areas that are crucial for the local economy,
such as the Downtown. These issues largely impact the growth models and future
conditions of the Town.1
• One stakeholder believes that the Town’s current code is too restrictive and was
designed to curtail development, despite the community wanting to bring in more
business opportunities. They also described examples of the current regulations
putting the community at odds with one another by exacerbating political differences
through the decision-making process and creating distrust between groups.
• Some stakeholders emphasized the need to create community-wide design standards
that will prevent undesired types of new development such as “tacky” signs, strip malls,
and billboards. Instead, the design standards should promote desirable community
aspects such as public art, dark sky lighting standards, scenic views throughout the
community, and in general, higher quality development that the community will be
proud to call their own.
• Others emphasized that an update to the Town’s Development Cod could help revitalize
and create a vibrant downtown by encouraging new growth and redevelopment.
• Another stakeholder explained that the charm of Estes Park is found in the diversity of
its building styles. For them, design standards should be created to promote high
quality and aesthetically pleasing architecture, as well as to ensure that structures can
withstand changes in seasonal temperatures.
There are opportunities for strengthening and maintaining critical regional
partnerships throughout the Valley.
• Enhance relationships between the Town and outlying communities throughout the
Valley, including the governments of Larimer County and Estes Park, to promote new
ways to cooperate for the benefit of the entire Valley.
• Outlying communities throughout the Valley rely on Estes Park for nearby services and
commercial businesses, and cooperation with the Town is essential for improving the
living conditions of the entire region.
• Although residents outside of Town do not live within its jurisdiction, they do often vote
in shared special districts such as recreation, library, fire, school, sanitation, and school
districts that stretch across community boundaries.
1 The County’s Land Use Code is more focused on rural residential land uses whereas the Town’s
Development Code focuses on a mix of downtown, commercial, and residential land uses.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 6
The question was discussion of whether there should be a unified form of governance
for the entire Estes Valley Planning Area or whether the jurisdiction and authority of
both levels of government should remain separate.
• Many stakeholders support returning to a joint Town and County Planning Advisory
Committee and Land Development Code. They see the recent split as short-sighted and
hope that the Comprehensive Planning process will recommend a return to a combined
planning area.
• Other stakeholders do not share the above perspective and believe that Town
government should be the leader for the entire Valley, with the Town Trustees and
Planning Commission spearheading the new Comprehensive Planning efforts. For this
group, the Town must be a collaborator throughout the entire region and a joint
problem solver.
• Regardless of future decisions that determine the governance structure of the Estes
Valley, stakeholders emphasized that regional partnerships should be maintained and
strengthened as part of the Comprehensive Planning process. This requires
cooperation from all levels of government as well as interagency coordination
throughout the region, including the Town and County, outlying communities
throughout the Valley, as well as shared special districts such as fire, sanitation, and
park districts.
2. ECONOMY
The tourism industry plays an important role for
the entire Estes Park community; however, a
common theme of discussion was to not let it
dominate every aspect of the Estes Valley.
• Stakeholders recognized that although any
required services and retail options can be
obtained by traveling to the Front Range, more
local businesses are needed for the Valley’s
communities to improve the quality of life for
residents. These stakeholders desire more
small businesses and nearby services that
directly benefit residents rather than focusing
exclusively on tourists and visitors.
• Tourism should not be the end all be all when a
community is surrounded by and relies on the
natural environment, as many residents have
relocated to the Valley for reasons other than
the associated tourism economy. For these
stakeholders, the tourist economy must be balanced with the needs of residents to
create a more livable community.
Discussion Takeaway
Stakeholders discussed
economic issues that impact the
Town and Valley, such as
balancing the regional tourism
industry with the needs of
residents. They also discussed
economic development and
marketing strategies that largely
focus on the Town’s economy
but also have implications for the
entire region, such as strategies
to attract a young workforce and
young families, as well as
considerations for diversifying
the local economy.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 7
• Other stakeholders discussed the reality that the tourism industry bolsters the local
workforce and provides revenue for conserving natural resources as well as for
community services and infrastructure that benefits year-round residents.
o For these stakeholders, Estes Park’s status as a destination community and the
associated tourism industry is undeniably the backbone of the regional
economy, which should not be taken for granted, especially considering that the
Town’s General Fund is heavily reliant on sales taxes that are collected from
visitors.
o Enhancing the tourism industry includes increasing visitor infrastructure to
bring more to the area, disperse crowding, or allow more activities in the
shoulder seasons.
• Many stakeholders explained that local or small businesses should be prioritized to
prevent the Valley from becoming overly commercialized, to preserve the small-town
character of communities, and maintain the quality of life for year-round residents.
o This group believes that if two thirds of the Town’s revenue is generated over
the course of a 5-month long tourist season that can be impacted by natural
hazards, then the local economy is not a sustainable model for the future and
the tourism industry alone is not enough to sustain the Valley’s communities.
o The local economy must diversify to provide new opportunities for the local
workforce and new services for the year-round residents.
Younger generations need career opportunities in Estes Park that allow them to stay
long-term.
• Without career opportunities, the best and brightest that are raised throughout the
Valley will leave and only return for brief visits. Jobs are important, but career
opportunities should be prioritized as more is needed for these groups than seasonal
jobs and gig economy work. To benefit younger generations, a sustainable local
economy must be created by promoting local businesses as well as year-round
employment opportunities.
• While there are career opportunities in the tourism industry, it will be important to grow
the types of local industries that provide diversified and sustainable career
opportunities for younger generations.
• Increasing wages and benefits, creating long-term workforce incentive programs,
improving affordable and workforce housing stock, or encouraging home ownership
programs for young families and year-round employees could be considered.
• Many stakeholders recognized that if younger generations do not remain in Estes Park
that the Valley’s communities will continue to age and become less sustainable over
time, relying primarily on wealth brought in from outside of the region by tourists and
the retirement community.
• Small business innovation would enhance opportunities for the younger workforce as
well as retirees, as compared to only prioritizing shops and services for tourists.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 8
Creating an entrepreneurial spirit throughout the community would encourage small
business innovation and create new career opportunities as a result.
Attracting year-round businesses and new career opportunities is a priority for
diversifying the local economy and creating a more sustainable community, which is
primarily a focus for the Town with implications for the entire County.
• The entire Valley is susceptible to natural hazards and largely reliant on seasonal
tourism. Creating economic stability across seasons and mitigating the impacts of
natural hazards in the future helps the regional economy and workforce to be more
resilient and better suited for diverse types of industries and businesses.
• Another challenge identified was the region’s deficit of affordable and workforce
housing units for its current seasonal workforce, let alone for the type of expanded
workforce that is required for a diversified economy.
o Currently, stakeholders believe that the region should consider itself fortunate
that that so many workers are willing to commute from where they live into the
Valley for job opportunities in the tourist economy.
o There is a concern that if the housing deficit makes it unreasonably expensive
to live in Estes Park during the summer season, and as employment
opportunities increase throughout the County, workers may not continue to
commute to the Town or Valley for employment opportunities in the future.
o There is a perceived risk that the present conditions and trends will lead to even
more exacerbated workforce shortages.
• A long-term goal to extend the current seasonal economy to generate more revenue,
retain jobs during the off months, and potentially increase housing options and local
services, could be achieved through better marketing the shoulder and winter season
for potential tourists and visitors, and identify appropriate economic sectors that fit the
exiting small-town character and could help stabilize the current boom/bust economy.
• The current “Zoom Town” trend and the attractiveness of the Valley as a remote
working location would continue to attract primary employees and outside money to
the region; however, stakeholders acknowledged that this trend alone would not attract
primary employers that provide more substantial fiscal and longer-term community
benefits.
• Year-round, living wage jobs could provide the Hispanic workforce more options for
living in the Valley and create a more diverse economy. According to one stakeholder,
these populations are often year-round residents of the Valley, but many are required to
work long hours and multiple jobs during the summer to save enough money to survive
during the winter seasons when the same employment options are not available.
• The Town could collaborate with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) or
Visitors Bureau to pilot a small business incubator that provides space for a wide range
of business to establish their operations within the community.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 9
• A partnership with the EDC, landlords, and small businesses could promote housing
sustainability throughout the community. Traverse City, Michigan was provided as an
example where retiring farmers have placed their properties in a land trust that is
managed to advance community goals such as affordable housing and business
incubation.
• It is important to recognize that high speed internet services and improved broadband
infrastructure will be a crucial component of any strategy to attract small technology-
based businesses and young entrepreneurs. Market these capabilities as advertising
strategies for attracting new residents and businesses to the region.
There are businesses, services, and industries that stakeholders believe should be
established locally or built upon to improve the local economy as well as the qualities
of life for its residents.
• Current options for museums, cultural, and entertainment opportunities for the
community could be expanded in Town.
o The current Estes Park Museum is open year-round and visitation numbers are
up, which suggests greater demand. The museum is an example of a
destination and activity that is transitioning to a year-round business model.
• Heritage tourism is a potential marketing niche, with a focus on the historical “West
End merchants of Elkhorn,” in particular. Many Rocky Mountain towns have majestic
mountains, but history is what makes a place unique.
• High-end tourism-related retail that also benefits the community, such as high-quality
photography or artwork, is desired. There is a perception that many higher end
businesses have degraded over the years and are now only targeted at tourists that
constantly cycle through rather than loyal, local customers and wealthier visitors.
• Services and businesses that cater to winter recreation and snowshoers that visit the
Town and Valley during the winter months could be more heavily promoted to increase
tourism in the off season.
• Small scale milling would remove timber, mitigate potential fire risks, and promote
forest health and opportunities for natural resource employment. Rather than setting
up a timber plant or a local timber industry that may not be profitable or cost effective
in the Valley, the community could partner with Boulder County or another Front Range
community to share their mill and provide resources for its operations.
• Expanding educational opportunities throughout the area to bolster the local economy,
but the need for a new campus or institutional use would put even more pressure on
the current housing market. The EDC is not actively trying to attract these types of new
uses.
• Plumbers, flooring, and HVAC businesses are the types of services that residents would
prefer to find locally. Most residents understand that other services and retail needs
require a drive to the Front Range.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 10
• There is potential in incentivizing or promoting industry clusters as economic
development opportunities for attracting permanent employees and new residents.
Several industry clusters, including draft beverage, distilleries, and breweries; light
manufacturing and sewing related industries; or outdoor gear and apparel could be
considered.
3. HEALTH AND SOCIAL
The region is diverse, but it often seems like that
diversity is hidden, as the wealthier and older
populations are typically the most engaged and
vocal groups.
• It is important to promote values of openness
and inclusion, as well as social justice issues
and acknowledge local diversity.
Continued health services throughout the region
are essential.
• Estes Park Health Living Center—the Valley’s
only long-term care facility—recently closed due
in part to not being able to accommodate
enough residents to make its operations viable
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town’s Good Samaritan Society provides assisted
living services, but there is no longer a retirement home in the community.
• Such services and facilities would improve the community’s overall quality of life while
also benefitting the senior population needs to allow them to continue sustaining
themselves and aging in place.
• A small regional hospital, as well as mental health and supporting services, were
described as community needs.
Increased educational and childcare opportunities throughout the region would benefit
young families as well as the local workforce.
• There are many challenges to creating new daycare facilities and for promoting
affordable childcare options in general: a perceived lack of commercial zoning in both
the Town and throughout the County; minimum parking requirements within the Town’s
Development Code are unnecessary if adults drop off and pick up their children; and
the lack of existing facilities around the Town’s commercial core where parents are
often required to travel or commute for work.
• 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 living in the Estes Park Valley build a local sense of character and
continuity throughout the region. Young families also require early educational and
Discussion Takeaway
Stakeholders discussed issues
that impact the Town and Valley,
such as improving access to
health, educational, and
childcare services. They also
discussed needs specific to
Town residents, such as an
increase in neighborhood parks
throughout their communities.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 11
childcare services to thrive as part of the workforce. New community services and
amenities are likely needed as the number of permanent residents increases and new
demand is generated.
• It is sometimes difficult for young families to make connections throughout the
Valley’s communities. Additional services and facilities for younger age groups could
help foster connections between families, including a larger community center with
more programs and increased family recreational opportunities throughout the Valley.
• An educational mountain campus or other higher education opportunities could
contribute towards a year-round economy and attract associated businesses that
target student populations. Such new or expanded educational institutions could even
prioritize ecological and environmental studies.
o The Honda experiential school in Eagle Rock was mentioned as a unique
operation that could be expanded to benefit the wider community.
o There is currently a climbing and outdoor school in the area that includes
dormitories.
o The “old man mountain” property that is owned by the University of Northern
Colorado could be a future location for hospitality training or other educational
opportunities.
o The Front Range Community College tried to establish a campus in the 90’s, but
instead partnered with the local high school to create a Career Technical
Education Center.
There is a perceived need for more local parks and gathering places throughout the
Valley.
• New parks are limited by available funding despite the community residents’ desire for
additional outdoor recreation and local camping. The lack of available land, funding,
and overlapping jurisdictions also provide hurdles for creating new parks throughout
the community.
• New parks should focus on serving neighborhoods and residents, such as pocket parks
or neighborhood parks.
• Stakeholders indicated that there were limited options for local gathering places that
were readily available and affordable, whether indoors or outdoors.
• Recreational opportunities such as golf courses, campgrounds, and the local marina all
had record years. Meanwhile, new programs are being offered, such as fishing and
hiking, and there is also a new bike park within the community. Each of these
recreational opportunities provide examples of activities that can enhance the tourist
economy while providing amenities for locals as well.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 12
4. HOUSING
A desire for new affordable housing programs and
a holistic housing strategy was a common theme
throughout interviews and listening sessions. This
theme impacts both the Town and County, as
Town employees often live outside of its
boundaries and commute due to the high costs of
living within Estes Park.
• Housing prices during the summer tourist
season are currently unmanageable for many
groups, causing them to live further away and
commute longer distances to access
opportunities within the tourism economy.
Stakeholders described a need for a permanent
workforce that can live within the community.
• Currently, there is a housing shortage for
seasonal workers and the local workforce. One
of the first steps towards improving the qualities of life for the workers in the service
and tourism industries is to provide affordable housing options for families and
employees. Throughout the Valley, affordable housing options located close to
employment hubs or schools and near Downtown or along transit routes are especially
important for seasonal workers that do not own an automobile or share a single car
with their families. Currently, affordable housing is often located further away from
community services and activity hubs.
• Important members of the community’s workforce often live in Front Range
communities but there is a sense that they may move closer if they had the
opportunity. Some commuters may prefer to live outside of the Valley, but this is not
the case for all seasonal workers and community members, many who likely wish they
could live closer to where they work.
• Other stakeholders believed that workforce housing represents an endless cycle of
growth where more services and infrastructure are required with new housing.
o For these stakeholders, childcare and the availability of family services are also
deciding factors that influence whether workforce families can live within the
community where they work.
o The need for new workforce and seasonal housing must also be balanced with
the risk of expanding urban sprawl into areas where wildfire risks are more
acute.
There are benefits and drawbacks of vacation rentals, a common theme that impacts
both the Town and County.
• Vacation rental benefits included added capacity to local hotels, supplemental
incomes, and retirement revenue for residents.
Discussion Takeaway
Stakeholders discussed issues
that impact the Town and Valley,
such as affordable housing
programs, holistic housing
strategies, and vacation rentals.
They also discussed solutions
that would primarily impact the
Town’s housing priorities, such
as temporary housing for
seasonal employees and
updating the Town’s Land
Development Code to promote
new housing developments for
its residents.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 13
• Vacation rentals reduce the available housing stock for permanent residents or
seasonal workers, as well as for new retirees who would like to move to the Valley’s
communities but cannot find affordable options thereby contributing to affordable
housing shortages.
o For these stakeholders, the benefits of vacation rentals must be balanced with
the fact that real estate investors are able to take advantage of short-term
rental offsets to obtain a second home at the expense of the housing needs of
the wider community.
o Owners with second homes or long-term rentals within the Valley’s
communities will likely sell their investments at a premium and contribute
towards the housing deficit as well as increased housing prices. This allows
retirees to have second homes and investment properties at the same time, but
also results in short-term rental buyers who can outbid existing or prospective
new residents.
o The fire district reports that short-term rentals are a major source of wildfire
ignition because single-family building codes and existing homes are often not
suited for intensive use by a constant stream of visitors, or lack of awareness
about outdoor smoking, grilling, or firepit use.
• In general, stakeholders emphasized a need for new regulations that will ensure there
is accountability, that these vacation rentals are well maintained, and that they do not
cause negative impacts on their surrounding neighbors.
• Ideas for changes to current short-term rental (County) and vacation home regulations
(Town) include the following:
o Utilize the existing cap on the number of approved short-term and vacation
rentals throughout the Town and the County to prioritize which types of
structures are granted the limited number of licenses or permits.
o Clarify whether licenses or permits will be transferred when ownership of the
properties change and if they run with the land to reduce uncertainty for
prospective buyers that are seeking investment and business opportunities
within the real estate market.
There is a need to promote a Valley-wide housing policy that respects the natural
environment and wildlife, as well as the surrounding scenic views that define the
community.
• Tensions between the need for growth and development must be balanced with the
shared desire to preserve open space, viewsheds, and the small-town character of
Estes Park.
• Increasing capacity without decreasing open space could be accomplished by allowing
taller buildings and redevelopment Downtown. Stakeholders explained that this
strategy creates new, related tensions when viewsheds and scenic views are impacted
by increased heights.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 14
There is a need for housing options for seasonal employees as compared to
permanent housing options. This theme primarily impacts the Town where businesses
and the seasonal workers that they rely on could utilize alternative housing options.
• Placing seasonal restrictions on short-term rentals (i.e., allowing short-term rentals
only during the off-season) could provide options for temporarily increasing the
capacity of the housing stock based on when it is most needed.
• RVs, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and campgrounds could contribute to the
seasonal housing stock, but cannot currently be rented out. Changing these rules could
represent an option for providing additional housing for a few months out of the year.
• Many seasonal employees work through the J-1 Visa program and do not have
vehicles; their seasonal housing needs to be located near their employment or transit
lines.
There is a need to update the Town’s Land Development Code to incentivize
developers to build dense, multifamily, and affordable housing.
• The previous model of growth was described as custom homes on large lots in tandem
with open space, which created what many classified as urban sprawl. Now that land is
running out for new development, residential density and rental options need to be
increased while ensuring that private property rights are being maintained and that new
density is compatible with surrounding uses. Stakeholders explained that every piece
of land within their communities is now being scrutinized for development, whether it
involves infill, renovation, or new development.
• Stakeholders believe that ADUs are an important component of a holistic housing
strategy.
• There is a concern that the current incentive to allow additional multifamily density in
the Town that is designated as affordable housing is not an effective incentive because
affordable housing does not increase developers’ profits or future revenue.
• In general, stakeholders believe that dependable political support, consistent
implementation of regulations, and an easily navigable Town Land Development Code
and permitting process will reduce difficulty and risk for developers that otherwise
deters the development of new housing.
Housing opportunities include promoting the need for new multifamily, affordable, and
workforce housing that enables seasonal employees and members of the workforce to
live within the same communities where they work rather than commuting long
distances.
• Prioritize vacant land and redevelopment opportunities inside of Town that already
exist for new housing developments.
o An area within Estes Park near 4th Street that was described as a “reclamation
district” was identified as an opportunity area for new workforce or affordable
housing. Due to its central location and proximity to downtown, this area could
make an ideal site for new multifamily development.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 15
o Expand multifamily zone districts in the Town that allow a mix of housing types
throughout areas where additional multifamily density and height bonuses
could be applied, reduce minimum lot sizes within existing neighborhoods and
for future development, increase building heights downtown (potentially
incorporating building step backs on upper stories), allow residences above
commercial space to create mixed-uses, and promote the redevelopment and
adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
o Find ways to incentivize developers to build new housing stock rather than
relying on the Town to act as an affordable housing developer.
• Consider alternative funding strategies to support the construction of new workforce
and affordable housing options, such as collecting fees from vacation rentals.
• Cluster development is as a strategy for increasing residential density in the Estes
Valley while also reducing wildfire risk, preserving open space, and reducing sprawl.
Temporary and seasonal housing options are needed to address the housing demands
of the seasonal workforce during the summer tourist months.
• Seasonal employees likely need housing for only a few months during the summer
tourist season as compared to permanent, year-round housing within the community.
There’s a need to temporarily increase the capacity of the housing stock when it is
most needed, rather than providing permanent housing for every employee despite the
community having a lack of year-round businesses and job opportunities.
• Dormitory style housing, tiny home communities, new RV parks, repurposing non-
residential development to residential development, incentivizing local businesses to
build housing for their employees, and clustering workforce housing developments that
can provide density while conserving open space are all ideas to consider.
• Affordable housing options that are located close to employment hubs or schools, near
Downtown or along transit routes, especially for seasonal workers that do not own an
automobile or share a single car with their families are needed. Currently, affordable
housing is often located further away from community services and high activity areas
where jobs are located.
• Promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a method for contributing to the seasonal
housing stock. Currently, ADUs cannot be rented out and changing these rules could
represent an option for providing additional housing for a few months out of the year.
5. INFRASTRUCTUR E AND TRANSPORTATION
There is a desire to increase transit service throughout the Valley to serve both
residents and tourists, with implication to both the Town and County.
• Transit options are needed for seasonal workers who may not own automobiles or may
not be able to live closer to where they work due to high housing prices beyond the
seasonal Bustang, six Estes Transit and two RMNP routes.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 16
• Increased transit service can also reduce the
number of drivers and traffic that pass through
Estes Park if it is designed to serve residents as
well as tourists and visitors.
• By reducing impacts caused by automobiles on
ecotourism and outdoor recreation,
stakeholders believe that transit can contribute
towards better promoting sustainable tourism
throughout the Valley.
Stakeholders suggested opportunities for
enhancing transit options and circulation,
including improved bike and pedestrian
infrastructure, carpool lots, and special transit
from Front Range communities.
• Identify additional benefits of increasing transit
services for tourists, commuters, and residents
as parallel strategies for better controlling the
traffic flow throughout Downtown Estes Park
and relieving pressure on the limited parking
areas for tourist destinations.
• Improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists that could provide new multi-modal
connections to the Downtown district from neighborhoods and commercial areas.
• Create carpool lots in partnership with Front Range communities.
• Provide transportation services for nearby CU and CSU students that want to visit the
region.
• Promote electric vehicles and multi-modal transportation options as opportunities for
improving air quality and reduce the Town’s carbon footprint, which would promote
sustainable tourism initiatives.
Water infrastructure and availability was a common discussion theme. While several
issues were highlighted specifically for the Town, there are Valley-wide impacts.
• There are flexible costs for new multi-unit residential water taps, which facilitate more
housing density and new development.
• Areas in Estes Park that do not currently have water and sewer access were discussed.
In addition, the newly adjusted FEMA discharge peaks could affect the existing
drainage network and require replacement of drainage structures throughout
Downtown, while the projected sewer needs may require expanded permitting to
discharge into the Big Thompson River.
• Wildfires and climate change have impacted the region’s watersheds and water supply.
Discussion Takeaway
Transit services, water
infrastructure, and water
availability impact the Town and
Valley. Stakeholders also
discussed solutions that would
primarily impact the Town’s
infrastructure and transportation
priorities, such as the flow of
traffic and parking throughout
Downtown, new multi-modal
infrastructure for pedestrians
and cyclists, as well as high-
speed internet and improved
broadband service for
encouraging the current “Zoom
Town” trend.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 17
o Water supply must be diversified, and infrastructure improved to proactively
tackle these worsening issues, as only a percentage of the shared water supply
is dedicated for communities and there is no guarantee that percentage will be
adequate in the future.
o The Valley is served by the local watershed on one side and by the greater
Colorado system on the other side, with the Colorado river system decreasing
over the past twenty years.
Traffic flow through Downtown and limited parking for tourist destinations is a
concern that primarily impacts the Town.
• Stakeholders described ongoing experiments to address Downtown parking issues,
such as paid parking areas, large parking garages, and other ideas.
• Stakeholders also explained that these traffic and parking issues have become very
political and divisive recently.
Providing new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as new multi-modal
connections to the Downtown district from neighborhoods for residents and hotel
areas for tourists is seen as an issue for the Town.
• Better trails that can accommodate a range of alternative transportation options are
essential for residents while also providing tourism related benefits. An interconnected
multi-modal trail system should be the ultimate goal for the community in order to
maximize those potential benefits, although other improvements such as dedicated
bike lanes would also be beneficial.
• New multi-modal connections were discussed as having the benefit of creating a
physical and perceived connection for residents in neighborhoods with the Downtown
district, especially during the summer months when automobile traffic becomes an
impediment for visiting the area.
• Many stakeholders mentioned the increasing popularity of electric bicycles throughout
their communities and the need to incorporate them as part of any future transit or
multi-modal transportation planning efforts.
There is demand for high-speed internet and improved broadband services throughout
the Valley as the “Zoom Town” trend continues and more residents move to the region
while working remotely.
• Improved internet access has the potential to bring new residents and revenue to the
Town.
• The Town has recently taken an important step by investing in the Trailblazer
Broadband and its high-bandwidth service. The planning process should build on these
efforts by including tactics that will further encourage this potential economic
powerhouse.
• The possibility of fiber optic trenching conflicting with utilities or roadway expansions
was discussed, reiterating the need to communicate with agencies and other
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 18
disciplines throughout the decision-making process that are involved with
infrastructure, transportation, and drainage.
• Improved services were also discussed for areas where the workforce and working
families live, as well as where Hispanic communities are located.
6. HAZARDS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Reducing wildfire risk throughout the region was a
prominent discussion theme that impacts both the
Town and County.
• The 2020 wildfires throughout the Valley
created a new emphasis for residents to
prepare their communities for wildfire risk. After
experiencing those natural hazards,
stakeholders emphasized incorporating fire
mitigation strategies into every aspect of the
Valley’s communities to prepare for inevitable
future hazards.
• Stakeholders discussed the wildland urban
interface and its crucial role for managing
wildfires, as proposed new development must
consider wildfire risk.
o Encouraging open space and land
conservation at the Town’s periphery
would discourage new development and
bring added benefits of maintaining fast
response times, as well as marketing and tourism priorities.
o Areas of the unincorporated Estes Valley can shore up lands that are already
being conserved and provide additional buffers for those existing natural areas.
• Stakeholders explained that most structure fires have been within short-term rentals.
Single-family and other types of homes are required to meet different building and fire
codes than vacation rentals that are utilized more intensively and by a larger number of
residents.
• Older buildings within the Town’s urban core were described as particularly at risk, as
they often do not meet modern fire and building codes. Many are not sprinkled, which
could lead to larger fires that spread throughout the Downtown district and create
major economic impacts for a small Town such as Estes Park.
• Stakeholders believe that by proactively addressing these challenges, residents and
decision-makers can help protect their communities from natural hazards.
Discouraging particularly flammable landscaping for new development was also a
Discussion Takeaway
Stakeholders discussed issues
that impact the Town and Valley,
such as reducing wildfire risk,
local fire districts, and natural
hazard notification systems.
They also discussed topics that
would primarily impact the
Town’s resiliency and natural
resource priorities, such as
reducing flood risk and updating
the Town’s Development Code
and County’s Land Use Code to
promote environmental
stewardship and manage the
legacy of the surrounding
landscape.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 19
recommendation. Stakeholders were split on whether short-term rental properties
needed to meet additional building and fire codes.
Local fire districts and natural hazard notification systems apply to both Town and
Valley.
• Stakeholders explained that the fire district is largely reliant on volunteers that have
disposable time to dedicate to their communities. Economic pressures impact the
availability of these crucial volunteers, due to working multiple jobs or long hours.
o One stakeholder suggested locating new stations where volunteers are readily
available or where new growth is occurring.
o Traffic and automobile congestion should also determine the locations of new
fire stations, as these conditions can slow response times for the entire
community.
o Funding for fire districts is provided through a mix of sales and property taxes.
As a result, the revenue that is collected for these purposes has increased in
tandem with the community’s growth.
• Stakeholders approved of Larimer County’s updates, warnings, and evacuation alerts
for residents during the recent wildfires.
o These notification systems are also able to provide alerts to the community
about mudslides and other natural hazards through emails and text messages.
o During the recent wildfires, residents who did not receive these alerts often
relied on local networks of neighbors, friends, and community members to
receive information. In the future, neighbors, HOA’s, and realtors that work with
new residents in neighborhoods could all be mobilized to help the community
sign up for notifications and begin preparing for future disasters.
It will be increasingly important to proactively mitigate and reduce flood risks,
especially within Downtown Estes Park.
• A good portion of the Downtown district is in a floodplain. In addition, older buildings in
these areas were often constructed without modern flood mitigation or fire
suppression requirements. These conditions may lead to rising flood insurance rates in
the future.
• For stakeholders, this reality further enforces the need to incentivize the rehabilitation
and redevelopment of older structures before disaster strikes. For some, these
incentives should offer taller building heights in exchange for better standards.
• In general, it’s important to prioritize design and regulations to mitigate the flood risks
associated with the nearby river.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 20
Development regulations are seen as weak in both the Town and County when it
comes to promoting environmental stewardship and managing the legacy of the local
landscape.
• Stakeholders discussed that the Town’s current Land Use Code does not prioritize
wildlife protection or mitigate impacts on wildlife as part of the development process.
• In addition to wildlife protection, stakeholders believe that access to public lands and
outdoor recreation, protecting natural lands, and preservation of scenery must be
improved through future Land Use Code updates.
• Stakeholders also believe that regulations should be created to promote renewable
energy options and water conservation.
There are opportunities to promote resiliency and natural resource goals throughout
the Valley, such as …
• Explore grants opportunities and regional or local partnerships for increasing funding
and capacity for resiliency goals. Larimer County is beginning a community outreach
plan and creating an engagement strategy for their Climate Smart Framework. The
Board of County Commissioners hired a program manager to oversee the rollout of this
initiative. In addition, recovery efforts from the recent wildfires are currently being
managed by the Colorado Resiliency Office.
• Consider proposed new developments according to their proximity to the Wildland
Urban Interface. Recommend “no build zones” within these areas, follow the national
wildland urban interface code, and make it more difficult to gain approval for new
development in these high-risk areas. Greenbelts, wildfire buffers, and open space
easements on private land were all mentioned as techniques for creating additional
areas around the Town where new development would be discouraged.
• Provide bilingual alerts and notifications about natural hazards. During the recent
wildfires, Spanish speaking residents often did not utilize the shelters that were
provided, potentially because they were concerned about costs or their immigration
status.
• Recognize water conservation as an essential aspect of adapting to climate change,
preparing for the future, and getting ahead of natural hazard trends. For example,
lowering water levels directly impacts the availability of communities to utilize hydro-
electricity generation as a renewable energy option.
• Promote renewable energy through new uses such as solar farms or other methods as
a priority for lowering electricity costs, reducing the Town’s energy footprint, and
creating a cleaner community.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 21
7. WHAT SHOULD THIS PLAN BE?
To best represent their communities, the plan should recognize that the Valley is unique and
has different priorities as compared to other surrounding communities. For many, the success
of the region relies on preserving its character and sense of place above all else.
For these reasons, it will be important that the plan emphasizes that Estes Park and the
surrounding Valley prize its natural beauty, scenic views from Town, and outdoor recreation.
The Plan should provide a sustainable approach towards protecting and preserving the unique
features that make the Estes Valley a special place and an attractive destination, such as night
skies, river corridors, and mountain viewsheds. It should strive to balance tensions between
pressure for new growth and development with the shared desire to preserve open space,
viewsheds, and the small-town character of Estes Park.
Stakeholders prioritized the following aspects that should be incorporated as part of the Plan:
• Incorporate a land inventory that shows where the opportunities for new growth and
development are located in order to begin envisioning scenarios for a growth model
based on redevelopment and increased density as compared to a growth model based
on annexation and growth around the edges of Town. These scenarios should consider
the ability for different land use models and patterns to grow the tax base, the
implications for new or existing community infrastructure, and the impacts on the
natural environment. A land inventory should also be able to target areas where new
growth and development should be directed in the future.
• Create an annexation policy for the region and resolve expectations for growth into the
unincorporated County. Propose solutions for managing population density and
determine how to best make use of limited space that is constrained by the
surrounding natural topography and federal lands. Determine the carrying capacity for
the Valley as compared to the Town and designate future land uses that will guide
allow targeted areas to change in the future and guide the community towards its
goals. Any proposed annexation around Town boundaries should be planned to
conserve open space and wildlife corridors while also incorporating buffers around the
Town. Balance this model of growth with the need to protect the pristine nature of the
Valley and its wildlife, rather than allowing commercial activity and urban sprawl to
spread unchecked throughout the entire region.
• Provide a clearer vision for the future of vacation rentals throughout the Valley and how
they can be leveraged to address workforce housing priorities. Resolve conflicts
between vacation rentals and adjacent homeowners.
• Offer strategies for accommodating new workforce and affordable housing options.
Describe why and where new housing is needed, provide specific workforce housing
strategies, and convey the connections between the services provided by the
workforce, the taxes collected from residents and guests, and the high qualities of life
and community infrastructure that year-round residents prioritize.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 22
o Designate areas for higher density and infill development while outlining criteria
for including higher densities in those areas. Encourage incentives for existing
structures to convert to multifamily housing. This type of guidance has the
potential to reduce community disagreements on new housing proposals that
have become divisive in the past while also ensuring that new density is located
in targeted areas or is consistent with existing densities that surround those
areas. It also has the potential to help protect decision-makers and justify their
decisions when pursuing strategic priorities like housing affordability.
o Consider incorporating components of a Strategic Community Housing Action
Plan that could encourage, support, and coordinate the efforts of the many
organizations that are stakeholders in the region’s housing market. Separate
seasonal housing, market rate housing, and attainable housing into different
categories to tackle each issue separately.
o Define the Town’s role in providing expanded housing options, which could act
as a developer and building new projects itself, incentivizing developers to build
the desired types of new housing or acting as a land bank or land trust to
benefit new housing projects and desired development patterns.
o Create a “shotgun” approach to the housing crisis where constant progress is
emphasized and many solutions are tested, then replicated if they work for the
community or deemphasized if they do not.
• Prepare for and protect the community from future wildfires (especially within the
Wildland Urban Interface) and other types of natural disasters, such as flooding,
mudslides, water shortages, and more.
• Devise solutions for attracting new and different types of businesses and diversifying
the local economy. Promote sustainable economic strategies and a healthy economy
for the future that focuses on tourism but also incentivizes other diverse types of small
and local businesses.
• Prioritize the needs of younger residents and families when determining a balance
between the existing tourism industry and new opportunities for creating a sustainable
local economy by promoting small or local businesses and creating year-round
employment opportunities.
• Integrate ideas from other mountain communities.
The Plan should focus on big ideas and visioning efforts for the future of the Town and
the Estes Valley communities.
Some questions proposed by stakeholders include the following:
• How big do we want to be?
• How many visitors can we support?
• If we want to grow, are we willing to dedicate land for new trails, build new bike paths,
or reduce minimum lot sizes? Is there funding for infrastructure improvements, and
what changes would be required to create the community size that we desire?
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 23
• What do we want our shared future to look like? Where do we want to go as a
community?
Implementation plans and funding mechanisms should be prioritized as important
components of this Plan. According to stakeholders, these aspects are necessary to
demonstrate that the long-term Plan is achievable and this it will not create barriers for the
desired pattern of growth and development in the future. This could be accomplished by
emphasizing a long-term capital plan that complements the community’s land use plan.
Many of the priorities discussed throughout the Plan will need to be incorporated into the land
development process through code updates and new regulations to better emphasize and
retain the Valley’s connection to its natural surroundings while responding to the modern
conditions and trends that are occurring throughout the region. The Plan should define
community tools and provide suggestions for an improved Land Development Code that can
accomplish the goals that are identified throughout the Comprehensive Planning Process. It
should prepare the community and set the foundation for a future Land Use Code update by
discussing or incorporating new tools such as incentives, new technologies (an example being
renewable energy), and new classifications of land uses that have emerged since previous
planning processes.
New land uses and programs should be promoted by this Plan that have direct community
benefits, such as affordable housing, community services like the existing Fire Mountain
residential treatment center, and schools or higher educational programs that can build
workforce capacity throughout communities.
In addition, the Plan should represent a living process that promotes trust and goodwill within
communities while empowering residents to create positive change for the future. The stated
goals of this Plan will require fostering community capacity and leadership to begin
addressing complex problems that require political courage or innovative solutions. The Plan
should commit the community to dealing with age-old problems while creating support and
justification for elected officials that will inevitably need to make difficult decisions to lead the
community into the future.
The Plan should also strive to maintain and strengthen regional partnerships, which will
require cooperation from all levels of government as well as interagency coordination
throughout the region, including the Town and County, outlying communities throughout the
Valley, as well as shared special districts such as fire, sanitation, and park districts.
8. WHAT MAKES FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROCESS?
Creating community buy-in as part of this process will be an essential component of the
Comprehensive Planning Process, as the subsequent steps will be much more difficult if there
is not shared support or consensus throughout the Valley’s communities. To further this buy-
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 24
in, all perspectives should be incorporated, and conflicts should try to be reconciled to the
greatest extent possible.
Successful comprehensive planning processes will require an understanding of the complexity
of the Estes Park community despite its relatively small size, which includes wealthy retirees
that are aging in place, a local workforce largely attracted by the service and hospitality
industries, permanent and seasonal residents, as well as tourists and visitors, families,
businesses, and nonprofits all with their own unique priorities and needs.
A major aspect of the process will be finding compromise between members of the
community that would prefer to limit the Town’s growth and discourage new residents from
moving to the area, with other members of the community that accept the natural progression
of change and focus on creating benefits from it while limiting negative impacts.
• These conversations can be carefully managed by identifying what needs to be
retained as change occurs to satisfy both groups. While it is important to embrace the
benefits of growth such as new jobs, housing, infrastructure, and services, it will also
be essential to preserve the lifestyles and heritage that established residents are
accustomed to by balancing priorities such as conservation and historic preservation
with the benefits of new growth and development.
• The ability to find compromise will be dependent on emphasizing the importance of
sustainable growth rather than uncontrolled, explosive growth throughout the Valley
and balancing the need to grow with protecting the aspects that make the Estes Valley
unique and special. It will also involve retaining a sense of community and creating a
shared appreciation for the character of the area that has brought everyone involved in
this process together.
• It will be important to recognize the difficulty of proposed change for retirees and the
senior population, as well as the importance of helping those groups adapt to new
growth and development in the future.
• It will also be important to explain that younger populations require change to create
new opportunities for them to prosper within these same communities. They have been
described by stakeholders as needing expanded health care, educational, and hazard
mitigation services based on where they can afford to live throughout the Valley’s
communities. The needs of these groups must be considered, otherwise, the
community will become older and less sustainable over time. One stakeholder
explained that many high schoolers throughout the region likely plan to move away
from the region after graduating due to a lack of housing, education, career, and other
opportunities.
Considerations for building support for new regulations, enforcement programs, and
public policy through future Land Use Code updates or through the Comprehensive
Planning process include the following:
• Acknowledging that adopting new regulatory tools or updating codes will be a
challenging endeavor. Often, residents desire action but do not want new regulations or
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 25
codes. The concepts of climate change, increased densities, and attracting new
residents in general can represent contentious and political topics throughout
communities.
• Recognizing a window of opportunity may currently exist to consider these types of
issues and future strategies, as the community may be willing to discuss climate
change, wildfires, and mitigation techniques such as prescribed fires after experiencing
the recent wildfires. Community partners and property owners may now be willing to
engage in conversations in ways different from the past, especially if conversations
about resiliency, climate change, and natural resources are tied to hazard mitigation,
evacuation plans, and public safety in general. Rather than emphasizing climate
change, it may be less divisive to reference more popular terms such as forest health or
wildfire mitigation.
• Framing increased residential densities and new zone district or building height
regulations as essential for attracting a younger population, stabilizing a reliable year-
round workforce, and supporting local families. Emphasizing the need to provide new
housing to promote small and local businesses viability as an economic development
strategy, as well as the need to provide affordable housing for residents as strategies
for creating more sustainable communities and can provide the local workforce needed
by the tourism industry, are both additional strategies for describing the community
benefits of new growth and development.
• Connecting the ability of future updates and new regulations with promoting
environmental stewardship and managing the legacy of the surrounding landscape.
To successfully engage the public as part of this process, the following strategies
should be utilized:
• Town Hall meetings that the public has a history of attending, when safe to do so.
• Newspaper advertisements.
• Involve the following groups:
o Elected leaders and decision makers. Provide opportunities as part of the
process for them to interact in-person with advisory committees, and for County
and City officials to build trust and interact with each other. Provide quarterly
reports and briefings to decision makers and keep them informed on all planned
events so that they are aware and can participate if they would like.
o Development community.
o Business community that is most likely to represent tourist and visitor interests.
Outreach to business owners that serve tourists as well as outreach at tourist
events or directly to visitors. Business owners may not live in Estes Park due to
the seasonal nature of the economy, but they are vested in their local business
and the conditions of the community it relies on.
• Balance the voices of community residents throughout the planning process, as
compared to only considering business and tourism related interests.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 26
• Promote community driven change by making it easier for service sector workers and
other members of the community that may not currently be engaged with local affairs
to participate.
• Create opportunities to engage the substantial Hispanic workforce and contribute
towards creating a welcoming, bilingual community.
• Recognize that the Plan must account for two separate communities and sets of
priorities during the winter offseason and the summer tourist season. Consider that the
region consists of different groups with their own unique needs based on the time of
year.
• Engage with underserved communities.
• Reach out to second homeowners through utility bills.
• Build community trust by providing genuine opportunities for community engagement
and creating positive perceptions of the County and Town governments.
• Recognize that Town decisions will impact the entire Valley and promote alignment
between the two jurisdictions (such as shared building codes to create a more
seamless development environment throughout the entire region), examine the annual
Town survey, and identify political candidates and the issues that they are prioritizing
through their campaigns.
• In general, set the stage and communicate with the community about what the process
is and why it is important. Ensure that this is the citizen’s plan and that it is not
perceived as being designed for elected officials or tourists.
To prioritize resident voices, stakeholders emphasized the ability for the community to
interact with one another and come together to make shared decisions about their
future.
• There are often limited options for affordable meeting spaces throughout the
community, as potential locations are often utilized by tourists or visitors for events
such as weddings, conferences, etc.
• To provide the opportunity to come together, one stakeholder believes that the
community needs more meeting spaces by the water or in neighborhoods outside of
commercial zones.
• The Hispanic community often hosts events within their own communities. Meanwhile,
the Town’s Public Works Department recently held a successful public meeting by
traveling to the neighborhood where the impacted residents lived in order to reach out
to them more effectively.
Estes Forward Interviews and Listening Sessions Summary Page 27
9. LAND USE CODE OPPORTUNITIES
Future updates to the Town’s Land Use Code are guided and recommended by the
Comprehensive Planning Process and represent opportunities for achieving strategic
objectives and furthering public policies. Stakeholder priorities for future updates
include the following:
• Update landscaping regulations to promote non-organic and xeriscaping options
throughout the community. These changes could help reduce wildfire risks, incorporate
the concept of defensible space around residential areas, and promote water
conservation for new development projects.
• Do not curtail new development, but rather encourage expanded business
opportunities and revitalization of areas that are crucial for the local economy, such as
the Downtown.
• Create a vibrant Downtown by encouraging new growth and development throughout
the Town’s core through updated regulations.
• Incentivize developers to build new multifamily, affordable, and dense housing
projects.
• Devise regulations and opportunities for reducing the volume of traffic that passes
through Downtown and increasing parking availability within busy areas. Analyze
existing parking options and current parking standards to determine workable
solutions. Encourage ongoing experiments that are addressing Downtown parking
issues, such as paid parking areas, large parking garages, and other unique ideas.
• Prioritize safety improvements required by building codes as part of licensing and
permitting for short-term and vacation rentals.
• Find ways to require older buildings to be rehabilitated or redeveloped to incorporate
modern fire suppression and flood mitigation techniques before disaster strikes.
• Encourage renewable energy options and water conservation by incorporating new
technologies and modern land uses.
• Promote wildlife protection and mitigate impacts on wildlife from new development, as
well as environmental stewardship and managing the legacy of the surrounding
landscape, as part of the development process. Potentially require mitigation plans as
part of new development proposals.
COMMUNITY VISIONING
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 1
March 11, 2022
INTRODUCTION
Purposeful and sincere outreach is critical to cultivating
public trust, expanding support for the plan, addressing
concerns early in the process, and building a sense of
ownership for plan implementation.
Community visioning took place from July 2021 through
January 2022 and included of a robust series of events that
engaged a total of 577 Estes Valley stakeholders at the time
of this publication.
Stakeholder engagement for the Visioning phase of Estes
Forward was mutually guided by the thirteen-member Estes
Park Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee
(CompPAC) and the seven-member Estes Valley Planning
Advisory Committee (EVPAC), an existing Larimer County
advisory board. Both appointed committees include members
that represent various areas of expertise and perspectives.
The CompPAC and EVPAC informed the engagement strategy
by applying their local knowledge and insight while also
generating public engagement through their professional and
social networks.
The joint Town and County planning team utilized a variety of
engagement tools to gather valuable feedback from
community stakeholders regarding goals, challenges,
opportunities, and values present in the Estes Valley today.
The purpose of these conversations was to:
• Stimulate community-wide interest in Estes Forward;
• Solicit candid feedback from those who know the
community best; and
• Identify themes, opportunities, local values, and future visions and goals for the Town and
surrounding Valley.
This report documents the key themes, ideas, and public perspectives presented through the visioning phase.
It does not represent a consensus and includes some opposing views and ideas. While the summary reflects
a wide spectrum of feedback, agencies, and input, it may not reflect every idea in the Valley. Additional
opportunities for participation and ideas will be made available as the project advances.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 2
METHODOLOGY
Over the course of the seven (7) month visioning phase, the planning team engaged Estes Valley
stakeholder through a variety of methods:
One-on-One Interviews
Fifty-two (52) individual stakeholder interviews were conducted between July 2021 and January 2022.
Interviews were conducted via telephone and video conference and engaged stakeholders to identify
key themes, opportunities, local values, and future goals for the Estes Valley. Interviewees included
members of the CompPAC, EVPAC, Estes Park Planning Commission, Town Board of Trustees, Larimer
County Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, and individual community members
interested in sharing their unique perspective on life in Estes.
Listening Sessions
Close to (eighty) 80 local and regional partners and interest groups were invited to participate in seven
(7) listening sessions held in July and August 2021. Each listening session focused on a pertinent topic:
• Housing
• Transportation and connectivity
• Utilities and infrastructure
• Community services and facilities
• Business and tourism
• Land management and conservation
• Resiliency and hazard mitigation
Earlier listening Sessions and the first set of stakeholder interviews were summarized in a separate
Issue Summary.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 3
Virtual Visioning Workshops
Two virtual public visioning workshops were held on November 3rd and 17th, 2021 with a total of 30
engaged participants. The workshops were conducted in virtual breakout groups and provided
attendees with an opportunity to voice their ideas, preferences, and priorities for the future of the Estes
Valley.
Meeting in a Box / Small Group Meetings
A Visioning Meeting in a Box Kit was provided to the public, through the project website, to facilitate
community-led engagement among colleagues, neighbors, and friends. The downloadable kit included
project background information, facilitation directions, discussion questions, and answers to frequently
asked questions. Discussion questions were designed to stimulate productive conversations around the
challenges and opportunities facing the Estes Valley while encouraging participants to find common
ground. Over the course of the Visioning phase, the results of seven (7) meetings in a box and small
group meetings occurred.
Two special meetings, conducted in February 2022, were held with the Spanish-speaking community (90
attendees) and the Genizaro Affiliated Nations Tribal Council (6 attendees) to understand these
communities’ unique challenges, preferences, and priorities for the future of the Estes Valley. Comments
from both of these listening sessions are captured in this document.
Online Surveys
Two (2) online questionnaires were deployed in July and December 2021 to collect stakeholder
feedback on key issues, priorities, and vision for the future of Estes. A total of 191 responses were
collected through the online questionnaires.
CompPAC & EVPAC Meetings
The Estes Park CompPAC and Larimer County EVPAC each met twice during the Visioning phase, and
hosted a joint workshop on December 16th, 2021 to brainstorm visioning ideas and review the draft
Vision and Guiding Principles. Recordings of these meetings and discussions can be viewed online.
Board of Commissioners, Planning Commissions, & Board of Trustees Vision Presentations
Over a series of meetings in February 2022, the draft Vision and Guiding Principles were presented to
the Larimer County Planning Commission, County Board of County Commissioners, Estes Park Planning
Commission and Estes Park Board of Trustees. Each board provided verbal feedback on the draft
statement and principles.
HOW WAS THIS INFORMATION USED?
Valuable insights generated by the community visioning events directly informed the development of
the Estes Forward Vision Statement and Guiding Principles. The Vision Statement articulates a
collective aspirational vision for the Estes Valley in a single, concise declaration. Guiding Principles
provide further detail on what it means to achieve the Estes Forward Vision through a shared set of
community values.
Additionally, the results of community engagement through the visioning stage, provide a foundation for
ongoing research and values analysis by revealing the most pressing issues to be addressed in the
Estes Forward Plan. The candid conversations with community members also provide context and
insights to issues otherwise not formally documented.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 4
SUMMARY OF KEY THEMES
Modeled after the Colorado Resiliency Framework, this
document―and the Estes Forward planning
process―summarizes the feedback to-date across six
resiliency sectors. This is a high-level executive summary of
key themes. For more detail, see the in-depth summary of
the listening sessions, stakeholder interviews, and complete
survey results at the end of this document.
1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
• Valley-wide strategy for reducing wildfire and flood
risks and impacts.
• Unified, community response to climate change.
• Opportunities to improve the culture of
environmentalism through individual behaviors,
business practices, and public policy. Shared sentiment that Estes Park should lead by example
as the premier gateway community to Rocky
Mountain National Park.
• Emphasis on protecting and conserving natural
surroundings for inherent environmental value and
viewshed protection.
• Maintain and manage responsible access to the
Valley’s abundant outdoor recreation offerings and
public lands.
2. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
• Prioritize solutions and services for residents and
long-term community over tourism industry.
• Balance growth to protect rural character and
viewsheds of the valley through open space preservation.
• Establish a vision for the built character of the Town that preserves historic structures and
areas that define the Town’s unique architectural identity.
• Improve efficiency of land use within the Town. Identify opportunities for adaptive reuse of
underutilized buildings, appropriately scaled infill, and suitable sites for new development.
• Unified approach to governance is relevant to more than just land use and includes agencies
beyond the Town and County local governments. Achieving the vision will require alignment and
activation of the resources of a variety of different community organizations, sectors, and
partnerships.
• Address land management issues related to tourism.
Key Takeaway
ACTIVE STEWARDSHIP.
Access to scenic vistas and
stunning mountain landscapes was
cited my most stakeholders as the
number one reason they choose to
live in or visit the Estes Valley. As
such, stakeholders recognize the
importance of continued
stewardship of these natural assets
through localized strategies to
mitigate and adapt to the impacts of
climate change.
Key Takeaway
BALANCE. Stakeholders
consistently expressed the need for
a balanced approach to land use
that acknowledges development
pressures and increase in visitation
while intentionally protecting the
local character, natural resources,
and iconic landscapes that define
the Estes Valley.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 5
3. ECONOMY
• Acknowledge significance of tourism industry and
importance of complementary business enterprises,
while identifying opportunities for diversification of
the local economy.
• Attract year-round businesses that provide essential
services and standard household goods for both
residents and visitors.
• Need for stable, living-wage jobs and new career
opportunities for young professionals to sustain a
year-round local community.
• Desire to maintain distinct business character of
Estes Park with locally owned businesses rather
than retail chains.
• Leverage tourism revenue for infrastructure and
placemaking investments.
4. HEALTH AND SOCIAL
• Increased engagement of younger professionals,
families, Hispanic community, and tribal nations in
community decision-making and local government.
• Continued, modern health services throughout the
region are essential.
• Increased educational and childcare opportunities to
support working families as well as the local
workforce.
• Desire for more local parks, gathering places at
existing parks, and trails that connect destinations
throughout the Valley; tribal access to ceremonial
lands.
• Increased support services and facilities for seniors.
Key Takeaway
DIVERSIFICATION. Economic
diversity was a common theme
throughout the surveys, stakeholder
interviews, and CompPAC/EVPAC
meetings. Key elements of a
diversified economy for the Estes
Valley, as identified by stakeholders,
includes the tourism industry while
providing a wider variety of jobs and
local businesses that support
residents and visitors of all ages,
income levels, and life stages.
Key Takeaway
CONTINUUM OF CARE.
Stakeholders discussed the
simultaneous need for increased
services that support children, the
aging population, and their
caretakers. This includes access to
health, educational, and social
services for all life stages.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 6
5. HOUSING
• Desire for a holistic and creative housing strategy to
address the need for multigenerational workforce
housing.
• Allow workforce to live, engage, and contribute to
the sense of community in the Estes Valley where
they work rather than commuting long distances.
• Balance economic benefit of short-term rental
market with negative impacts, such as reduction in
available housing stock.
• Recognize that housing needs of seasonal
employees are different than permanent housing
needs of year-round residents.
6. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION
• Consensus that improved mobility and
transportation options are critical as a hazard
mitigation tool in the event of an evacuation.
• Desire to increase transit service throughout the
Valley to serve both residents and visitors from the
Front Range.
• Demand for bicycle infrastructure and multi-modal
connectivity between neighborhoods, Downtown,
and lodging destinations.
• Increased alternatives to driving and more park-once
opportunities to alleviate vehicle traffic through
Downtown.
• Ensure security and long-term viability of infrastructure including water, sewer, and electrical
service.
• Demand for high-speed internet and improved broadband services throughout the Valley to
support emergency communications and growing remote workforce.
• Intentional effort to transition to renewable energy sources for residential, commercial, and
public structures.
• Recognize difference in infrastructure demands and solutions between the Town and County.
• Infrastructure expansion decisions directly impact locations of growth and conservation.
Key Takeaway
AFFORDABLE & AVAILABLE.
Housing needs impact both the
Town and County, with stakeholders
consistently identifying two primary
challenges: lack of housing units,
and unaffordability of units that are
available to the general workforce.
Key Takeaway
RESPONSIBLE & RESILIENT.
Stakeholder input emphasized the
need for infrastructure and
transportation investments that
support responsible growth,
enhanced mobility, and increased
resilience in the face of
environmental hazards.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 7
VISIONING ENGAGEMENT NOTES AND RESULTS
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEW RESPONSES
Note that the notes below are not inclusive of the one-on-one interviews held in June/July 2021. Those
comments are summarized in a separate Issues Summary. The comments below represent new comments
from stakeholder interviews with community members held in January 2022.
VISION
1. What are the things (characteristics, places, etc.) about the Estes Valley that always need
to be retained?
• Gateway to RMNP; not ski town or winter resort town. RMNP is the most important feature.
There are a lot of people who think the town can’t or shouldn’t change. But the town has grown
enormously in the past 50 years, and it will likely continue that way.
• Small town feel. Versus Breckinridge/Aspen (avoid pretentious lifestyle). Estes is a small town
with family-feel to it.
• Enjoy mom and pop restaurants and locally owned restaurants. But also have upscale options.
Still accessible small-town community.
• Accepts that change happens. Maintain access to the National Park.
• Natural environment. Certain distinctive character. 70s-80s added a lot of tourist attractions,
gimmicky, but they died out and the town gravitated back to core values. Diverse architecture
and unique blend of character that is funky. Variety of heights and styles shouldn’t go away.
Doesn’t want to lose the local businesses to national brands and chains.
• The Town’s downtown plan presents images of the downtown that look like a corporate-
character, modern-classic architecture. Does not want to see this happen. Redevelopment has
historically been driven by natural disasters rather than market forces or economic disasters.
• Would hate for EP to become a playground for all terrain, motorized vehicles and OHVs.
• The rural character
• The land – need to preserve natural spaces and trails and access. Not allowing much more
commercial development.
• Access to RMNP and the national forest.
2. What are the biggest issues facing the Estes community? What are issues that might arise
in the future if not addressed now?
• High property costs and no workforce housing. Exacerbated by the loss of homes from fire.
$600/sq foot to build in Estes? Need to be forward thinking about this issue. Work with
community developers and builders to provide the housing we need.
• Lots of challenges: #1 is affordable housing for young families and workforce. Need to address
this forcefully to get the affordable rates.
• Environment and sustainability; individual cars from tourism and commuters coming in. Need
mass transit coming from Lyons and Loveland.
• Expansion of transportation and transit in the winter, too. Including biking and walking.
Separate facilities.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 8
• Long-term sustainability – social, economic, and environmental. Avoid significant degradation
of our resources and community.
• Need to reduce pollution in our area and localized pollution sources from tourism driving…more
people moving here. Reluctantly supports increased density and building heights.
• Can’t have just a bunch of “rich old white people” living here, but need housing that is affordable
and available to everyone.
• Climate change issues. Mitigate vs. adapt. Stormwater mitigation system (very expensive).
• Better planning coordination with RMNP (what does that look like?). Town needs to coordinate
with it better and stop trying to be an alternative attraction to the national park. RMNP should
drive visitation, rather than the town trying so hard to attract visitors. Complement the park
rather than compete with it. Four season economy notion is misguided because it will
exacerbate labor shortage (can’t fill 2 season jobs as it is).
• Visit Estes Park presents the town as in competition with other Mtn. Towns. This is the wrong
view. Each town has its own attractions and amenities unique and distinct from each other.
Stop trying to be a ski town. Focus on your own assets and strengths, rather than besting other
towns.
o Examples of competitive enterprises (compete with RMNP): the mountain coaster;
Town keeps trying to get a performing arts venue established but has failed. The
existing event center has not been a financial success on its own merits. Not getting the
caliber of events and performances required to attract people from the front range.
o Examples of complementary business to RMNP (hospitality businesses such as
lodging). Gemstone stores (great fun), ice cream shops, taffy stores (market limits the
number of these in town). Via ferrata (new and respectful).
• Volume of traffic during tourist season. major lack of alternative transportation aside from
vehicles. Not bike friendly. This could be a major way to reduce congestion and pollution.
• Recognize it is not a ski resort destination with slopes for skiing or MTB. But there are mountain
bike trail opportunities. This would be a great complementary activity to the national park.
• Riverwalk on (Big Thompson) needs repair/update but was a fantastic amenity when it was
added years ago. Continue the sense of place investments like seat-walls, sidewalk dining.
• Trophy houses all along the scenic highway and now the growth is destroying the environment
and rural character and the viewshed of the peak-to-peak byway.
• The town trying to be a year-round town has caused problems with needing housing and
employment that pays a living wage.
• Less development, more conservation.
• Visit Estes Park needs to stop funding so much marketing and promoting the area. The valley
doesn’t need it. People are coming here anyway. Spend their budget to improve the community
and invest in physical infrastructure or tangible improvements.
• Parking, lack of housing, lack of childcare, lack of workers to fill jobs.
• Same as destination towns everywhere: housing availability and cost. Foster resilient, more
well-rounded economy, not solely based on tourism.
• Money to maintain and update infrastructure is a huge challenge for EP. Tax revenues used to
promote more visitation thru Visit Estes Park needs to be used for infrastructure. Evaluating
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 9
basic needs and adjusting spending is lacking.
3. What big opportunities and ideas should the new plan consider?
• Conference & event destination: outdoor conferences, athletic events. More year-
round/shoulder-season events. Lower cost than ski resort towns. Closer to Denver/airport. At
existing event space and other hotels and the Stanley.
• RMNP is greatest asset and visitation buffers the town from domestic economic recessions;
still receive international travelers. We’ve already got what we need, but need to manage,
protect, steward it well. No need to expand the town.
• Like the roundabout near the Stanley and thinks it helps with traffic.
• Form-based code or code to protect the distinct architectural character of the downtown.
Pocket parks, walkability. More park-like spaces.
• Big developments should have to provide employee housing on site.
• Huge potential as RMNP gateway community to educate people on environmentalism and lead
the way in sustainable practices from business (stop using plastic bags, Styrofoam, etc).
Bizarre juxtaposition of the stunning natural environment and people’s behaviors that continue
to degrade it.
• Need more representation from younger professionals and Latino/Hispanic community on town
boards and committees. Have to be able to afford to be on the town board by having time to
commit to it (i.e., not having to work all the time). What about a stipend to support this
participation from working-age people?
4. If you left Estes for 20 years and came back, what would you hope to see?
• Infrastructure and roads improved.
• Above-ground powerlines underground.
• Modernizing utilities.
• Bond Park centered as a gathering place. Centered around downtown. Services downtown.
• Not room for growth, but modernization.
• No tall buildings. Keep height limitations.
• No chain stores or hotels.
• It may have changed, but still fundamentally the EP I remember. Don’t lose the rustic, pioneer
character/mentality.
ECONOMY
• Opportunity for smaller grocery/pharmacy. Smaller grocery store alternative to Safeway.
Neighborhood grocery.
• Family-friendly, cheaper food alternatives like Chick-fil-A. Many restaurants closed 1-2 days per
week in winter.
• Nice to have a few retail stores that are more standard household goods
• Too many t-shirts shops and junky tourist shops. Streetside cafes and more outside dining
where possible. Sidewalk dining – widen sidewalks. More bistros, upper scale dining
opportunities like jazz bars, but don’t go overboard and become Aspen.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 10
HEALTH & SOCIAL
• High quality childcare for all ages, especially for youngest children.
• Public-private partnership, incentives for new private companies, or new spec buildings. Need
actionable plans. Must be affordable for working families.
• There is only one daycare. Not sure what the solution could be. YMCA does provide childcare
• If providing childcare, provide senior services as well. To not do so is ageist.
• Very few choices for renting out a pavilion or gazebo for a gathering. Perhaps at existing parks,
rather than new parks. Upgrading and adding amenities to existing parks. Town does a great job
with parks. Better promotions for the park and the rules and regulations/availability. Improve
what you have.
• Smaller neighborhood parks and green space
• Appreciate the permits and limited access to the trailheads and RMNP that has reduced
onslaught of tourists all at one time.
• Library and Rec Center as great community fixtures that really support the local community
through their programs – enhance quality of life. Brings people together. Same with the
community center in the wintertime. Classes offered….music, painting, children’s programs.
• Senior Citizen center in the community center…has never recovered from the loss of the original
senior center building. Seniors depended on the meals and seeing and engaging with other
people. Meals no longer provided.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND HAZARD MITIGATION
• Need solar incentives and more emphasis on enviro friendly policies like making recycling
easier and educate people about it and all environmental impacts. Invest in better equipment,
such as better cardboard compactors, to make it easier to recycle.
• The town needs to enforce the ordinances they have. They don’t enforce the dark sky ordinance
or weed ordinance. Very much support stronger regulations AND enforcement. Larimer county
is good at enforcing and the town is not. Inconsistency with the Town.
• Weeds are a huge issue. Need weed management to be part of the building/soil disturbance
process, need enforcement of the weed ordinance to address Cheat Grass that grows in
disturbed soil. Cheat grass is a highly invasive grass that kills all the native vegetation, and this
is a big issue. It doesn’t get eaten by wildlife. And it also dries early and is a major fire hazard.
This is the grass that turns brown and fuels megafires.
• YES - Tension between economics and conservation. Lack of affordable housing causing people
to commute in to work. Sale of single use plastics in the town for convenience for visitors, but
the town should be stewarding preservation of RMNP and the area.
• Invasive plants and weeds – need requirements for property owners to limit the spread of
these...absentee property owners don’t maintain the properties well. The county doesn’t have
staff to enforce the regulations the way it needs to. Need an educational component for
landowners…no barbed wire, trash storage.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 11
• Light and noise pollution….the town has regulations on the books requiring night-friendly
outdoor lighting for new development and remodels. Noise pollution coming from wedding
parties at event venues in the valley…the sound travels up from commercial areas to residential.
• Need wildlife corridor preservation. Unchecked development doesn’t acknowledge wildlife
habitat or migration corridors. This could use a plan to identify the corridors and incorporate
into the development review process.
• Need to reduce or ban single-use plastics: bottles and plastic bags.
• In alignment with supporting making a difference with climate change Estes Park should ban all
plastic bags- that will also help with plastic trash. When I was in India a couple years ago at one
of their national parks- a lion preserve -all plastic was banned including plastic water bottles.
What does it mean to create a “sustainable and resilient community?”
• Need to have a permanent sustainability committee and embed institutional changes to the
plan. Seek grants more aggressively (staff position). Funding a permanent sustainability
coordinator for the town.
• Concern in the taskforce that the plan will not truly incorporate a sustainability model.
Sustainability and resilience are not the same exact thing.
• EV watershed coalition, Wandering Wildlife Society group focuses on keeping wildlife and
people safe and prevent dangerous interactions. Elk and Bear outreach/education. Need the
comp plan to include wildlife corridors carved out to maintain connected alongside the plans to
develop land.
• Need a program that encourages renewable energy.
• Lack of resources to recycle the way it’s needed…need a facility that accepts more items for
recycling. NEED CURBSIDE RECYCLING.
• Need a community wide compost facility for yard debris and green-waste.
• Concerned about fires and climate change. Have opportunity to educate people/visitors on
climate change and environmentalism – murals and artwork. Cigarette butt education (fire
prevention) – parking deck as a blank canvas…enviro-educational interpretive signs on the
riverwalk.
• Litter and fire education for visitors.
TRANSPORTATION
• Great, walkable town. But there are a few areas that need crosswalks & lights, beacons for
crossing:
o Hwy 7 & Carriage Drive, Improved Crossings to provide safe access to Scotts Pond
playground for the neighborhoods on the opposite side of the streets. Small crosswalks
are not lit and there is not signage; 45mph speed limit requires higher visibility for
pedestrians
o Areas on Hwy 34 near Lake Estes Resort and the Lake Estes Park areas -connect the
park to the distillery & other attractions with safe crossings. Especially where speeds
increase to 40 mph.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 12
• Downtown is well planned for, but complete streets needed and extended to town limits as
much as possible. Most full-time residents live just outside the town and we need sidewalks,
bike facilities that connect to the town system. Especially with the advent of e-bikes.
• Along Moraine Avenue up toward Mary’s Lake Road. Extend sidewalk west from where it ends at
Fun City to the town limits. Connect YMCA to downtown via sidewalk. More sidewalks on
Westside of town. 66 & 34.
• Concept of the loop (conversation for 8 years). Should add center turn lane to Moraine instead.
The loop is a FLAP grant (funded) through CDOT to make main roads through EP one-way to get
visitors to RMNP faster. 80% of community is against this, but Town trustees went ahead with it
anyway. The loop is the biggest thing that could change the character of the town. The town
doesn’t listen though despite the majority public sentiment.
• The town likes the bus shuttle from town to RMNP, but it’s not useful for locals.
• Do have a lot of opportunities for walking and pedestrians but need space for bike facilities. E-
bikes could be very popular. Parking garage on town hall lot for tourists. Hundreds of J1 workers
in summer always ride bikes and need facilities.
• Need enhanced access and experience with the physical environment via bikes and
walking/hiking access to RMNP. Ability to get into national park more easily without a vehicle.
• Town needs bike infrastructure bad. Need to go from east of town to the park. Both 34 & 36
corridors. Multiuse trail around the devils gulch and dry gulch (form a loop).
• The trolley for tourists does not serve locals.
• Need senior/disabled transportation service.
• More walking trails like around the lake---very popular and well used. Need more multi-use paths
that connect to destinations.
HOUSING
Does the current housing in Estes Valley meet your needs? If not, why?
• No, it’s extremely difficult to find anything affordable due to vacation homes (almost 1000
vacation homes) removes from the available housing stock. What was once available for
residents or workers is now short-term vacations homes. Town population has doubled, but no
youth/students (school population declining) because families can’t afford to live here.
Commuting not ideal.
• No, housing is unaffordable and the families she works with struggle to find housing even with
dual income homes. Disconnect between the decision makers and the people who make the
town work and the lack of places for them to live.
• Works for the EP Housing Authority. Have to be open and willing to approach solutions by
preserving existing stock and building new (although we can’t build out way out of it entirely).
ADUs won’t solve it entirely.
o All for regulations that have been proposed recently: Adding ADUs as a permitted use in
one of the specific residential zoning districts.
Fix zoning: E1 requires that lots are 1 acre and in actuality, the lots are a quarter of an
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 13
acre and so the predominant density doesn’t match the zoning. If it did, it would result in
a lot less available housing on that land.
• No, need housing that meets the needs of the citizens (not out of town investors and tourists).
Need a valley-wide strategy for this.
• Need housing for working people here that is TRULY affordable.
• Market-driven affordable housing is the solution. Govt. is a lousy developer. Incentivize this type
of housing development through reduced tap fees, pay for infrastructure to an extent, reduced
permit fees, density bonuses.
• EV allows density bonus for designated workforce housing in RM/multifamily zoning. To be
designated, one of the people living there has to be full-time employed in the Estes Valley. BUT,
hard to get a loan for this because it’s a type of deed restriction and someone has to enforce
this.
• Need housing for working people, professionals.
• Town is about to pass ordinance that will allow up to 800sf detached unit, although will be
difficult to do because of setbacks on lots, etc.
• Yes - National housing crisis is a result of the wealth gap. It’s OK for people not to live where
they work. Physical limitations to growth. Does not want to see EP become a Denver suburb.
Need to be realistic. The town is unrealistic in thinking that growth is a desirable outcome. Think
about evacuations in case of natural disasters….the few roads to/from EP could not handle
twice as many residents. Also don’t want a massive highway destroying the character of the
environment how people get to EP. The Town is not obligated to provide housing for ALL
workers. But a better, reliable public transit system would help workers get here.
o The relationship between the town and EDC is “incestuous”. Town does whatever EDC
does. Their planning documents are the same. EDC has convinced the town that they
must grow or die. EDC doesn’t recognize any limits to growth. Never talk about
responsible growth.
o ED such as bringing in low-impact industry like outdoor gear manufacturing and more
remote workers (year round) is a bad idea because the town can’t physically handle
adding tons more residents. No space for big box stores or new schools that would be
necessary for adding ten thousand more residents
• I don't think there's any objective proof that "sustaining the quality of life we currently enjoy
depends" on arranging, somehow, for "those who work in our community to be able to live here
as well." [quotes from the Trail Gazette, Jan. 04, 2022 article] In fact, I think it could reasonably
argued that the quality of life we currently enjoy requires nothing more than maintaining the
status quo. This is not to suggest that we should discourage workers from living in EP, just that
it's Faulty logic to claim that it's essential.
o In fact, I'd argue that the primary beneficiaries of a local workforce are the businesses,
who can expect to be able to pay less for folks who don't have to pay to commute or pay
market rates for housing. Again, this isn't to suggest that there's not a benefit to the
workers themselves, just that the reasoning doesn't hold up.
o Second, the articles state time and again that the affordable housing problem in EP
goes back decades ‒ "at least 75 years in these [EP Trail Gazette] pages", longer by far
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 14
than an affordable housing problem has been recognized nationwide. Yet "it seems to
have come to a head recently with new and unprecedented urgency." It seems
reasonable to conclude that the origin of the problem is not so much that there is a
crisis in EP as that there is now a crisis everywhere, with the result that people who
used to be able to afford to live elsewhere and commute to EP now cannot afford to live
anywhere.
o Third, the whole series of articles treats workforce housing as a problem independent of
other considerations, giving only lip service to other implications that you and I
discussed ‒ adequacy of roads, water (a big deal), electricity, schools, local shopping,
etc., etc., etc. There's no real acknowledgement that some basic limits may apply and
that the build-out they call for is unrealistic.
o As I said on the phone, the affordable housing problem nationwide is frequently, and
compellingly, attributed to the growing "wealth gap" in America. I tend to buy into these
analyses. I'm one of the lucky ones, who can afford not just one house but two, one in a
decent suburb of Boston and the other in EP. If I was starting my career today rather
than almost 50 years ago, I'm not sure I could look forward to as bright a future. My
own advantages were mostly gained in the 70's, 80's and 90's, and we live in a different
world, economically, today.
o The authors of these articles propose a solution based on a new accommodations tax
and construction of new affordable housing units. Save for all the collateral damage,
this might be a plan, but the prospect of collateral damage (and the loss of the Town as
we know it) is very real.
o So, I have a different idea. How about if we take the new tax money and use it to buy up
and rehab (not expand) existing properties? These might be single family homes. They
might be existing apartment blocks. They might be existing motels. All of these would
be used for workforce housing ‒ without expanding the residential footprint at all. There
might be minor infrastructure impacts (residents have different needs than visitors, so
motels converted to workforce housing would impose different loads on the
infrastructure). The plan would rely entirely on open-market transactions, with no
discounts, incentives, or whatever, to muddy things up.
o As another thought, the Town could use some of the tax money to directly subsidize
housing costs for its workforce. This might come in the form of subsidized rent or
mortgages, or it might come in the form of property tax relief offset by the new taxes.
o I suspect there are a million reasons that the Town would oppose either of these plans.
Not the least of these reasons is that these plans don't involve much in the way of
development ‒ economic activity ‒ that the Town and its opinion leaders favor. And it
doesn't include the prospect of increased property tax revenue in the future, as does
new development.
o There is one major reason that such a plan is desirable, though: it is the least disruptive
way to attack the affordable housing problem.
o There is another approach, too, which would meet with howls if suggested: EP business
owners could pay their employees more. (It stands to reason that employers in a
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 15
community where it's expensive to live should have to pay their employees more,
doesn't it?) This, of course, is easy for me to say as a non-business owner, but I think it
reflects reality. (BTW, business owners elsewhere should pay more, too. The fact that
they don’t is a big part of the reason there's a wealth gap in the first place.) Yes, the
businesses might be less profitable. They might have to increase their prices and lose
some business. They might have to eat the cost increases and just take home less.
Some of them would probably just give up. Life is tough, I guess. (For my part, I think
increasing pay is actually more powerful, in that it benefits both those employees who
choose to live in EP and those who choose to commute. I suspect that better pay would
actually attract more commuters.)
o One last thought: I mentioned that I think the EDC is a bad influence on the Town
government (at all levels; perhaps worst of all on the Staff). The EDC and the Town
government seem to think of economic development as a goal. It should not be. The
point of economic development is to foster quality of life, which is the true goal.
Economic development provides opportunity and money, both of which can promote
quality of life, but it comes at a cost. The tricky bit is to figure out when economic
development, both in general and in the specific developments, is really a net benefit or
a detriment.
How should the Town focus on adding new residential units – infill in existing neighborhoods
(where possible) or entirely new residential developments?
• There are areas where land is used inefficiently. Ex: amusement park occupies prime real estate
for new housing. Dilapidated strip malls are inefficient use of space being only 2 story. Perfect
opportunity for mixed use. How can we cast the vision for this? Need to be bold and aggressive
and assertive. Control our future rather than letting it happen to us. Need vision for what the
town will look like – architectural aesthetic, rebrand? Fears that town will be too complacent.
• Corner of Elkhorn and Moraine building – Indian Village – now closed. The building was sold to
a pub-owner and was going to raise the rent on the souvenir store and people were upset, but he
was only raising rent to current market value and to be able to improve the building.
• The increase in building heights for greater density.
• New multi-family housing near the intersection at the light on 34. Not in older, established
neighborhoods, but all for it.
• Need to be creative. Tiny-house, bungalow courts. Quiet the Nimbys. Need greater density. Fish
Hatchery housing project, and housing authority. Need more support from County to build
outside of town limits.
• Need housing for year-round AND more seasonal. A mix of both. Need the town to reduce
restrictions on setbacks to make it easier to add ADUs, especially in downtown neighborhoods;
or waive the permit fees to ADUs. Have now increased height restrictions to allow for more
residential units in upper stories. Need to be more creative and think outside the box. Develop
incentives for failing hotels to convert to long-term housing.
• Fish hatchery project will provide housing. ADUs could definitely help.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 16
• No. need large lots – everyone needs space. Density does not provide a high quality of life for
anyone. People don’t need to live up here; they should have public transportation bringing
workers to EP from outside town.
• Big advocate for infill. Need to stop allowing development on the fringes.
Would you support new residential units in your neighborhood to provide housing for workers
and year-round residents? If so, what form should infill housing units take? (granny-
flats/mother-in-law suites; detached garden cottages; conversion of large single family homes
into 2-3 apartment units?
• YES – need all (including new greenfield development) and need to be done well. Needs to be
regulated.
• YES – need small infill apartments (rather than greenfield). To protect the natural environment
from more outward development sprawl.
• Would support this, but reluctantly. Need a grants coordinator/administrator as a permanent
town position – these could fund affordable housing initiatives.
• Yes, this works. Density works. Strong sense of community is a secondary benefit of denser
neighborhoods.
• Reduce restrictions on ADUs and make it easier (allow them on smaller lots, etc.)
• Need a mix of housing choices whether attached or detached multifamily, condos, apartments
• Definitely not.
Should there be any regulation on new dwelling units to limit or prohibit short-term rentals?
• Mixed on Airbnb’s…Old Hotels are inefficient to meet modern needs. need to be rebuilt to use
land more efficiently…tiny cabin properties should be converted to more efficient use of space.
• Collect occupancy tax on vacation rental homes. This is a source of the affordable housing
crisis. Too many short-term rentals owned by out-of-town residents, prices out year-round
workers. Out of town absentee owners operating short-term rentals should be severely limited.
• Occupancy tax on Airbnb’s
• STR tax or sales tax….need to tax tourists.
• a max number in residential zoned areas including multi-family. No longer issuing permits for
short-term rentals and are no longer allowing a waitlist for STRs and now those homes are
exponentially more valuable. Suggestion: add an additional fee to STR renewals and use it to
pay for a part time code enforcement to focus on STRs. *STRs that require permits on the ones
that do not have a permanent resident living on-site. ADUs that are STRs are not treated the
same as STRs that stand alone as 100% vacation rentals.
• YES. THEY NEED TIGHTER RESTRICTIONS. Larimer county doesn’t have too many regulations
currently and need more enforcement against disrespectful STRenters.
• Doing away with the waiting list and transferability of the STR permit compounded the problem
by making permitted properties all the more valuable.
• Recognize that STRs are part of the economy and allow employment of workers at $22-
$25/hour.
• YES – STRs not regulated enough…a full-time family living in the home next door, but they have
to rent by the room to pay their mortgage.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 17
• Every new vacation rental takes housing from workforce.
FINAL COMMENTS
• Our town council needs to be wise, but bold. Treat people equitably.
• Small businesses can’t compete with high minimum wages, but at the same time the employees
need to make more money to live. Ex; Former UPS store employee left to go work at a restaurant
at the Stanley for $30/ hour.
• Estes does a lot right and they do a great job of communication especially for a small town.
Love it here.
• Sustainability: we need to do better with waste management and disposal. It is more expensive
to recycle than throw-away. Need composting locally without hauling far away. Incentivize
recycling with lower rates and higher rates for landfill trash
• Rich 2nd, 3rd homeowners spend very little time in their houses so they don’t engage/invest in
the community.
• We need year-round residents who invest in and engage in the community.
• Remote workers exacerbate housing crisis, by taking available housing for other workers with
lower-paying jobs who then have to commute to the valley.
• Everything seems to be a controversy these days.
• Rustic, but the town is maturing. Council needs to pay attention to ordinances that protect the
harmony and safety of the community. Such as clean-burning stove requirements (need one in
Estes Park). The recently adopted noise is helpful in protecting the neighborhoods from
vacation-rental disturbances. Sustainable and neighborly behaviors as cultural norms.
• Open space/green space is good to maintain. Intersection of 66/34, logging operation. Wide
range of quality of establishments – some in major disrepair or poorly constructed or gimmicky
architecture to very high-end. Address through zoning regulations and form-based code.
• Waste transfer station/public works yard is highly visible. At least they could screen it with
landscape buffer.
• Beautification is lacking and need attention to the gateways into town. Love the stonework for
signage.
• The Tahosa Valley community doesn’t want much to do with Estes Park. Tahosa valley is as
developed as it can be.
• All decision making by Estes Park elected officials has been guided by business and economic
decisions. Concerned about visual impacts to the Peak-to-peak hwy. 7 corridor with
development in addition to the impacts of natural disasters. No viewshed consideration for
siting of mega-homes.
• The last 25 years of Estes Park have been a disaster. Hopeful for the future described in this
plan.
• Growth in the 1990s was good, but now we are full and don’t have the room/physical space.
• Need to reconcile the preferences between the retirees and the younger professionals and
families.
• Need to focus more on the needs of younger families and professionals or there won’t be a
future for the town with no one in it and only tourists.
• We don’t need public buildings for offices because people are now all working from home.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 18
• Evaluate how to more efficiently use empty buildings (public and private) rather than
constructing new.
• Honor the past and agreements with landowners and ordinances. Take care of citizens and
taxpayers, first and foremost.
• About 50 homes in the neighborhood have very shallow water lines.
• Boulder has a greenbelt around it that is appreciated, but also creates limits on housing.
• EP could have higher density, taller buildings in appropriate places to keep development
compact. Conservation cluster approach to development. Infrastructure to support the growth.
GENIZARO AFFILIATED NATIONS TRIBAL COUNCIL LISTENING SESSION
• Historic displacement from their former summer residency and sacred fasting place
• Frustration and wariness of the government, they’ve been made countless promises and no
accountability
• Trying to exist despite centuries of violence and genocide
• Hope to see a return to balance
• Want unfettered access to EP during the summer for ceremonial spaces, rituals
• Ceremonies connect us, despite separation, to the land and each other
o Old Man Mountain used to be a site for vision quests
• Reconnect in a meaningful way again here- not implying the need to own land, but would like
access to it for ceremonial purposes
• Want to be able to manage ceremonial fires without heavy-handed regulations
• Want to be able to use drums as part of our ceremonies
• Co-sponsor events with us, and cultivate a new relationship with the tribes (pow-wows, etc.)
• Planting and use of some plants is sacred- want to work more closely with park rangers to
educate
• A respectful relationship with the forests and better overall management of the resources it
protects (water, air, wildlife, etc.)
• A better understanding and respect for the land, water, and air
• Want to plant and pick our own medicine
• Want true action to be taken, not just platitudes, to rebuild trust and accountability
• Deeply consider what legacy we want to leave in Estes Park, a sense of self, connection to the
homeland and our ancestors
EVENTO EN ESPAÑOL COMMENTS
Valued characteristics of Estes Park
• Peaceful
• Tranquil
• Lack of violence
• The kids are safe here
• Great place to raise a family
• People are nice
• Lots of opportunities to volunteer, if we had time
• The schools
• Good recreation and outdoor opportunities
• People have the opportunity to share their point of view
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 19
• After school activities for kids
• Help with education opportunities and scholarships, community college
• The size of this town is perfect
• Scale of building density
• People are free to value their culture as much as they value being in America
• Lots of talent and passion in our community
• Pride in our culture
20-Year Vision
• Continue how we are
• EP needs to protect the workforce here, and we need quality housing
• Value for the labor force
• A natural place
• Necessary commodities are more affordable- i.e. food
• Greater equality
• Better housing options
• People aren’t displaced from their housing
• Quality jobs for our kids
• A better future for the children- education and jobs
• Need more security and safety for everyone
• Better insurance options to be able to afford rent, etc.
• People won’t need to work 3 jobs to pay rent
• Investments made for locals, not just tourists
• More diversity of culture here
• More participation in meetings and events
• More diversified cultural events for the public, especially in the summer
• Keep the focus on working people
• Allow everyone here to live the American Dream
• Treat all people equally and with respect
• Quality of life and access to opportunity increases
• Bilingual communication
• Dignity for all people in EP
• Respect for Latinx residents who need more of a voice here
• Better options for childcare, more affordable
• More opportunities to be involved and have meetings like this on a regular basis
• More voices are heard and more information is shared with us
Current Challenges
• Understanding the rules and documents with housing is challenging- landlords benefit from this
• Take our needs into account, especially if we’re being evicted…
• Poor conditions within housing available, but very high rents
• Information is only available in English
• Lack of diversity in leadership
• Events aren’t geared towards our culture
• Don’t feel invited, don’t feel welcome at events here
• Working multiple jobs, no time to relax or get involved
• Documentation and language barriers (drivers license, passport, bank accounts)
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 20
• Health issues are ignored due to high cost of treatment
• Basic provisions are so expensive
• Lack of notice if we’re being evicted
• Over-crowded housing
Needs
• Childcare
• Housing
• More Latin-x participation and leadership
• More year-round jobs with better wages
• Improve the safety net for vulnerable people
• Stable housing for longer than a year
• Want a mortgage, not a lease
• Support for youth
VISIONING MEETING-IN-A-BOX / SMALL GROUP MEETINGS RESPONSES
20-Year Vision
• Without a clear and concise vision statement (to ease memorizing), people resort to their
personal default vision.
• As the gateway community for RMNP, Estes Valley is a model for living in harmony with the
natural environment that people come to experience by employing environmentally sustainable
practices that provide for the residents and the ecosystems to thrive, while educating and
serving visitors.
• Proximity to public land
• Protect views of protected open space, especially the hillsides
• Use alternative transportation to get around all year
• Envision not needing to drive or being able to use one mode of transportation (not a car) from
one end of town to the other safely
• Access to walk and bike to stores and parks for all ages
• Less pollution (including light and emissions)
• Dark skies
• Preserve wild spaces
• Good stewardship of the land to create the environment we want to live in
• Balance tourism demands
• Preserve the sounds of nature
• Grow our own food
• Strong sense of community and getting to know people
• Green energy and solar
• Walkable areas and expanded bike trails
• Water conservation and fire mitigation strategies
• Housing affordability and accessibility for low income and families to utilize
• Accessibility to nature
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 21
• A quaint tourist town and a gateway to the park, with little corporate stores and year-round
small businesses
• People come to Estes Valley to experience the natural environment as well as to learn about and
experience environmental stewardship and sustainability in action.
• All proposals, decisions, and actions align with and advance the vision. Those that can’t
demonstrate this are dismissed.
• The town, businesses, organizations, school district, and health services are exemplary as they
work together to educate people and provide them with that direct experience.
• A focus on sustaining the natural environment provides the area with additional resiliency to
wildfire and flooding.
• Infrastructure and structures are constructed to be environmentally focused - reducing energy
needs and the risk of and damage from fire (e.g. via underground wiring) and flood.
• The carbon footprint of Estes Valley is zero. The valley has been weaned of fossil fuels, relying
on green energy. Reduction, reuse, and recycling are the lifestyle.
• Many new businesses have arisen to support the environmental and sustainability model.
• There is an abundance of Certified B Corporations.
• There is a flourishing economy that isn’t dependent upon exploitation, excessive consumption,
and excessive waste to be healthy.
• The population of Colorado continues to grow, but, by imposing limitations, in Estes Valley the
natural environment has been preserved and people have opportunities to experience the
benefits that nature has to offer without the ubiquitous influence of people.
• Land with existing structures has been redone for environmentally sustainable human use (or
returned to its natural state), but additional land remains undeveloped - preserved and
protected.
• Residential housing is for the people who work here and/or are full-time residents. Short-term
rentals have been phased out and are restricted to resorts.
• Lodging, restaurants, commercial businesses and services are along the highways 34, 36, and 7,
with residential areas going from more dense to less dense as one moves away from the main
highways.
• Except for a few historical buildings downtown, buildings are limited to 2 stories and being
unobtrusive to preserve views and the natural environment experience.
• Natural habitat and open space are liberally interspersed with human spaces to provide for the
needs of other natural organisms as well as people.
• The downtown area as the retail focus retains its quaint, historical charm while aligning with the
vision.
• Bike/pedestrian paths connect parts of the valley to each other, the schools, and RMNP.
• Crowds of visitors are well managed to provide their experience with the natural environment
without negatively impacting that environment.
• Estes Valley is a safe place - with people living in harmony with the environment and with each
other.
• Bring demographics together and avoid isolating different cultures
• Like the low-rise look of town, don’t build 8-story buildings
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 22
• Want better transportation between Town and RMNP
• Integrate and interface with RMNP on traffic issues and create a hub at the park with regulated
transportation
• Reduce congestion in town with more shuttles, especially during peak season
• Renew the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Estes Park and Larimer County.
• Land-banking for affordable housing
When you look back on this process in the future, what would you regret not doing?
• The climate is changing - as much as we may want to resort to past practices or maintain the
status quo, we must change how we do things to mitigate the damage we are doing to our
planet.
• What we do in Estes Valley affects those communities downstream from us. The more that we
can work with nature, the better it will be for everyone.
• Assumptions that need to be questioned:
o Estes Valley needs to grow in population to accommodate the increase in the number of
people who want to live here. (We need to preserve and protect our natural environment
- for the wildlife and for people to be able to experience for the aesthetics and for
therapeutic value. Otherwise Estes Valley will lose its natural environment and look like
a mass of high rises and houses.)
o Those who want second homes here have a right to purchase one. (People who work
and are full-time residents should have priority access to available housing.)
o Home sales are governed by the marketplace, going to the highest offer. (This only
exacerbates the high cost of homes, making them only available to the wealthy. What if
certain neighborhoods [e.g. Carriage Hills, Lone Pine, The Neighborhood] were only
available to local workers of a certain range of the AMI? Consider the mode for
workforce housing that America West has.)
o People can do whatever they want with their property if they have the money to do so.
(Only if they can prove it aligns with and advances the vision.)
o Despite rising temperatures and recurring droughts, there will be enough water supply
(surface and well) for an increase in population and visitors. (We need to prevent
overbuilding for sustainable services - think Colorado River water allotments made
when there was more water available.)
VIRTUAL VISIONING WORKSHOP RESULTS
What is one thing you value about Estes that you do not want to lose?
• People—everybody is happy to be here, helpful, kind with a generous spirit, people help each
other out
• Natural beauty
• Estes is a unique community
• Character
• Lifestyle
• Historic heritage
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 23
• Estes is a unique place to be
• Wildlife
• Community spirit
• History
• Sense of community
• People working together to create the place we live
• Environment and how fast it’s changing and becoming more fragile
• Would not want to lose closeness to nature down the highway 7 corridor
• Home amongst nature – environment and wildlife is preserved and nurtured and recovered, and
it’s a home, not a commercial strip
What do you want Estes to be in 20 years?
• The beauty of the place and the people
• Environmental, social and economic sustainability
• Feel a sense of energy
• A model town, where people work together to sustain the environment
• Art, music, locally-owned business
• A vibrant, creative, energetic community with community spirit
• Energy, enthusiasm, flexibility
• Maintained the small town “feel”
• Estes Park residents take care of ourselves
• No chains (restaurant, retail, etc.)
• That educational system is a priority, along with housing, sustainability
• Old foundations/facades remain, use existing foundations but build/move forward as well
• Home among nature
• Preserve wildlife
• Flood mitigation downtown
• Improve aesthetics along Highway 7- URA?
• Housing for the working class
• Community with homes, schools and families- a full spectrum of incomes and sustainability
considerations
• An economy that supports generational diversity
• Attract jobs typically in the metro area (call center, remote service industries)-need broadband,
energy and housing to support it
• Stable property values and dynamic options for property ownership
• Make community safe as possible with fire and flood mitigation and preserve wildlife
• Land stewardship
• Provide housing to accommodate a diverse, multi-generational, multi-economical, multi-ethnic,
sustainable town.
• Nature and the easy connection to our glorious outdoors
• Easy access to nature
• Lots of friendly people
• On a sustainable path for economic equity. Environmental stability.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 24
• Friendly and easy access
• Community events and traditions
• Friendly- everything within 5 miles
• Nature, mountains, beauty, green, easy for climate change
• More affordable housing
• Servants of our environment not just a place to collect revenue.
• Estes Park will be a premiere destination community, welcoming everyone. Infrastructure that
supports residents and visitors - lots of them.
• On a sustainable path for economic equity. Environmental stability.
• EP will be a town with business all year round- a balance of tourist and residents.
• Maintain and enhance our sense of place given the challenges of climate, price of property and
types of commerce.
• Be a leader representing nature as our core
• "Stewards of natural environment
• Winter businesses
• Universities with some branch centers here- education
• More educational signs to protect nature
• More bike friendly
• Diversity of people, want to retain sense of community and enrichment, permanent sense of
community.
• A tight knit vibrant community and government that welcomes diversity, embraces and protects
the natural environment and provides key services and opportunities that allow the entire
community to thrive. Not afraid to change thoughtfully.
• An economically and culturally diverse community that protects the natural beauty while
supporting middle wage families and workforce.
• Preserving the character of our town and the beautiful environment in the Estes Valley is
recognized as one of the community’s primary goals.
• natural beauty is a given- what kind of community do we want to be- a tourist community or one
that welcomes tourists? Come together in times of need, welcome visitors
• preserve the Town's character- beauty, sense of community, environment
• Preserving the character of our town and the beautiful environment in the Estes Valley is
recognized as one of the community’s primary goals.
• People come to EP with a purpose. Want an honest, caring, collaborative community that does
things together in good and bad times
• Outgrown the old EP, don't miss the Elkhorn/Moraine Christmas tree!
• Sense of community. Many people here care about our community and want to contribute to it's
welfare and success. Volunteerism.
• Mountains, forest, wildlife brought and keep me here.
• Keep what we love and make it even better!
• In 20 years: mountains, snowpack, water, live trees and animals. As beautiful then as it is now.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 25
• A tight knit vibrant community and government that welcomes diversity, embraces and protects
the natural environment and provides key services and opportunities that allow the entire
community to thrive. Not afraid to change thoughtfully.
• Tourist economy, what do we need to diversify the economy, including different kinds of
businesses. (Craft beverages, outdoor industry, remote workers with $)
• A community that is thoughtful but not afraid to change and knows how to change without
damaging the elements that make this town attractive to the entire community.
• Sense of community in 20 years is what I appreciate.
• Ways to mitigate effects of climate change and maintain the quality of life.
• Year round residential units to support a sense of community. Visitors are beneficial, and we
have more amenities than a typical small town (hospital, schools). Diversity is key
• Retain the sense of community.
• Take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change such that our beautiful environment is
maintained.
• Move closer to a year-round economy not based solely on tourism.
• EP as a leader in sustainability, in all aspects of the term- social, environmental, economic
• Diversifying businesses, how to do it better and year-round.
• Young families are critical.
• A more diverse population with younger and working-age families. More people of color as well.
While still providing for the needs of our seniors.
• How to bring kids back to town when they leave for school, jobs, etc? Be opportunistic
• Tight knit government that represents the entire valley- achieve common goals
• Young workforce has left in the last 10-15 years. Need to find ways to bring them back and
house them without losing the charm of EP.
• Full playgrounds and kids!
• Diversity of people- culturally, racially, ethnically, etc. for a richer context here.
• Any discussion of housing for middle income family’s needs to include funding mechanisms
provided by residents and visitors.
• Housing should fit into an overall plan for zoning such that new housing is placed in appropriate
areas.
• Solar panels on workforce housing
• Renewable energy powering town buildings
• Downtown master planning improvements
• Better recycling & composting
• Diversity
• A community that welcomes ALL
• Stop destroying lands. Sustainable way of life.
• Pedestrian & Bicycle friendly community
• Mixed use
• Air and water quality
• Vibrant, robust downtown that serves residents and visitors
• Workforce housing
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 26
Fflood migitation in downtown corridor – improved blighted area on Hwy corridor – additional
housing for working class that is close to town and local amenities
• Community – with schools - regular town more than a destination community with full
spectrum of incomes and backgrounds – balanced and sustainable
• This is a real place, does not want to see is skewed towards a high-end resort community –
enough mini golf and slides - a second grocery store would be good.
• Generational diversity with an economy that can support younger workers. Businesses that
attract workers based out of Denver, Boulder, etc. with Zoom economy. Make it an attractive
place so we can support those types of industries. Perfect place for call center. Broadband
would need to be in place.
• High-speed broadband is important to allow people to work from home
• Property values are a fundamental issue – housing needs to be for families – factors that figure
into our attitudes should be made known
• Missing middle housing – demographic has changed so housing needs have changed. Not just
income based, but also housing styles. Need to be more creative with how people want to live.
Resiliency Themes (Housing, Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Environment)
• Need to maintain the workforce in the Valley
• Funding mechanisms that can be implemented are important to build additional housing
• Creative housing strategies are necessary, WFH downtown and near downtown, ADUs, seasonal
housing
• Build up and around Estes Park (Glen Haven, etc)
• Utilities and infrastructure are needed in areas identified for housing-any federal funds?
• Land swaps?
• Promote good redevelopment in commercial areas
• Green building strategies to also attract new families if affordable
• Transportation solutions also needed- rideshare, Bustang expansion?
• Broadband needs to expand
• Solar energy is essential
• Housing. Opportunities for vibrant, quality, mixed-income, higher density
• Economic and social sustainability, otherwise, avoid becoming retiree-only community
• Growth, sustainability
• Need affordable housing for hospital, schools, police, teachers
• Housing is issue #1
• Extreme price increase in housing recently
• Increase density to preserve open space
• Quality education is key to attract families, so we have a multi-generational community
• Mobility, walkable downtown
• Natural beauty, recreation
• Lack of acknowledgement of Native American heritage. No mention of NA heritage. Not feeling
welcome because indigenous holidays are not celebrated, only Christian traditions. Welcome
everyone, including indigenous
• Don’t lose views through high density.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 27
• Apply change in a way that is compatible with natural surroundings, sustainable. Plan through
lens of sustainability: triple bottom line – Profit, planet, people
• Economy and natural resources drive others on list
• Education will drive our purpose and help our changes be relevant to what is going on now and
how to enhance them later. Would bring in younger families.
• Bicycle and pedestrian friendly
• EVs
• Preserve our downtown area
• Floodplain will make us more efficient
• Annexation?
• Indigenous connections need reconnection.
• Historical, cultural, their ways with the land
• Remember our roots
• Diversity
• Infrastructure- manage residents- tourists- part timers
• Transit system needs enhancement
• “Natural resources” theme could be moved to the top of the list
• “Natural resources” is different from “nature.” As noted, perhaps this theme needs to focus our
attention on Nature, as the foundational part of the overall reality in our “community
development” or “comprehensive planning” discussion so that we/the planners consider our
primary role to be “caretakers” OF and WITH Nature, rather than treating “Natural Resources” as
something simply given to humans for our uses and applications.
• Significant and foundational role that we need to give to the natural world (Nature) in the
context of creating and developing community.
• Maintain the small town feeling of Estes Park.
• Values the trees and animals. We need to address, with focus and clarity, on the fundamental
problem and clear solutions of and in relation to climate change.
• Recycling needs advancement.
• Practical approach to include: Improve our ties to nature, green up our infrastructure
(buildings, bike paths/trails, biking and walking accessibility, our impact on climate change,
presence of fires as part of the ecological footprint, community development.
• Environment as a clear focus of interest and attention. Emphasis on sustainable living.
• Emphasis on keeping and enhancing the community GREENNESS! The community needs a food
co-op and a strong recycling program.
• Native Americans need/must be included in the comprehensive planning process as
stakeholders. Estes Park residents are global citizens and need to understand their role as such.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle!
• Air quality of Estes Park and the National Park must be cared for as primary elements of this
environment.
• Keep and care for the clean air and healthy living of this region.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 28
• “Sense of Place”: This includes – access to nature, scenic views, support of nature. Also need
social orientation: affordable housing, sense of family, economic sustainability – year-round
economy, everything tied to sustainability.
• There is a recycling program; it needs improving, but is a good start.
• Native people add value, but there is no reservation here in Estes Park. Not sure how they will
enter into the conversation.
• Diversity & Inclusiveness
• Representation from Indigenous People
• Sustainability in environment, people, profit, planet
• Renewable energy
• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Embrace positive change
• Building outside of Estes proper will make those people susceptible to fires. Get a better plan
together to make areas a safe as possible for fire breaks, mitigation, etc. To make Estes as safe
as possible – additional education.
• Downtown plan, transportation advisory board, are all doing good things. Estes needs to be a
full-circle economy. There is a lack of stewardship of the land – especially invasive species –
lots of great work going on that needs to translate from a vision to a development code.
• Participation in NFIP plan to increase flood awareness and decrease insurance premiums.
Invasive species – weeds are a huge problem all over the Estes Valley.
What are the ingredients of a community vision?
• Vision should broad enough to take us into the future. A good vision will help us make
decisions. Not detailed, restrictive.
• Managing expectations for growth & development, esp. Considering viewsheds, height,
• Vision is overall encompassing idea about a place, community, group of people. The real power
of the comp plan is the physical aspect -- in addition to jobs, services, etc. It can shape the
overall vision of physical aspects of the community.
• Sustainability!
• Balance. There needs to be a balance to what the residents want and what the businesses need.
What does ep want to be when it grows up? Tourist town or retirement community? If retirement
comm., what sustains public services? Where do workers live?
• Anticipation of what may come - not just what's happening now.
• We need a long-term vision for Estes Park and the Estes valley and surrounding areas. The
areas just outside the three-mile line are impacted by traffic & tourism. This area is a very
special, unique areas that need to be protected & have a plan
• Equitable community input
• Long-term outlook; optimism; pragmatism; focus on big picture
• One that will be relevant in 20 years from now. One that considers our relationships with rmnp
and the national forest service. One that accepts all forms of accommodations for our guests -
campers, hotel guests, short-term rentals, etc. Smart growth
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 29
• Taking advantage of our geographic setting, seeing opportunity in our visitation, serving our
local needs (housing, schools, recreation, services, etc).
• Equitable housing opportunities, access to public parks and natural spaces, sustainable
economic growth, public transportation and infrastructure
• Generational diversity
• Housing is the soul of the community. Without adequate housing for the workforce, balance
cannot be achieved. Businesses need workers that are invested in the community.
• Needs assessment for growth for next 20 years
• Quality of life for residents, including healthcare, recreation
• Acknowledge the increasing impact of climate change on all of us.
• Adaptability
• Diverse opinions are welcomed.
• The vision statement should not be restrictive, rather positive, inclusive, broad, and about the
possibilities.
• The only constant is change!
• Maintaining sense of place and physical character important. Details of the character - scenery,
ecology, environment, and access to nature.
• A unified community
• How will we facilitate & encourage smart growth?
• Widespread feedback and participation. Diversity.
• Long term vision of balance, all voices heard, not just business minded but a quality of life for
all. Please listen to all voices not just the loudest who are focused on money but on the quality
of life
• Considering human and environmental dimensions
• Services for all ages from childcare to nursing homes.
• Favorite line from the 1996 Comp Plan: There is growing evidence that age segregated
retirement development may carry the seeds of their own destruction . . . communities that
maintain a balance of young and old . . . are communities of the future.
• Maintain the integrity of neighborhoods in the county.
• Conservation of the environment and mitigation of climate change challenges.
• A plan that can be implemented and is implemented rather than sits on the shelf.
• Economic factors important - need a year-round business to be sustainable. We need to identify
items beyond the visitor economy.
• Vibrancy! You can have a sustainable short-term rental community, but it would not be vibrant.
We need greater inclusivity, more young people and children - they bring energy
• Please revisit whether or not the Loop is the most beneficial for the entire community. I've
heard from many businesses that the Loop would hurt their business.
• climate change, protection of wildlife corridors, living in harmony with the environment and
wildlife, keep attainable housing and resist the lure of profit from the short-term rental craze
• I agree that 25 years of progress was lost when the EV Planning Area dissolved. If the Comp
Plan process could foster revisiting the wisdom (or lack of it) of that decision.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 30
• Address the hazards associated with climate change such as increased wildfire activity and
more severe weather.
• Health and social - if we don't take care of that, we won't be able address other items. Childcare,
filling jobs will be important for the town -- to enable some of the other functions of the
community. Flourish in those roles.
• When the Estes Valley Joint Planning Area was dissolved, we lost 25 years of collective vision.
Unity, collaboration, alignment between political bodies must be part of a collective vision.
• Innovative, out the box thinking for downtown Estes, specific to this unique special area -
maintain, preserve, conversation with unique housing/childcare
• Unique focus on stewardship to build a proud legacy"
• Estes Park must overcome pressure from the real estate complex that keeps vacation/short-
term rentals as the tail that wags the dog. Transfers of vacation home licenses with sales
should end.
• Targeted geographic areas for housing and commercial development. Similar to "Smart
Growth"
• Comment/Issue: Childcare is the issue - two parents may be able to find a job but can't fulfill
that childcare need. The support system is lacking.
• Growth isn't the key issue. The issue is vibrancy. We may not all agree we want growth, but we
can agree we want a vibrant community.
• We need a Tiny House community where workers can park a home for the summer season!
• Visitor/LC planning commisison perspective as a tourist - interested to know what diverse local
residents want for the vision. E.g., DT Fort Collins affordable housing project for workers
downtown - could that be an example?
• Feasible. The vision must be deliverable.
• Potential for creative and innovative ways to approach things - such as downtown affordable
housing - in balance with maintaining physical character and gateway to NP important role.
E.g., Asheville NC might be similar peer community.
• The Vision should include partners - for example the Fire District is a different gov't entity but is
a key partner.
• Estes Park is unique - e.g., can't envision mixed use developments in the single-family
neighborhoods. Need to think outside the box.
• Vision should be measurable instead of subjective. The subjectivity leads to diverse
interpretation by administrators.
• Seasonal job flux - how do we create a seasonal living situation for that number of people. e.g.,
Branch of university with student housing?
• An idea for creative seasonal housing - accessory dwelling units is an idea but it's been debated.
• The real issue is growth vs. balance vs. maintaining quality of life.
• BALANCE might need to appear at the top of the vision.
• Annexation also very important to the vision
• Growth will arrive whether desired or not. If nothing else, visitors will come through. Think
about it in terms of -- if growth happens, how and where do we want it. NPS might stifle growth.
• Question: Should growth be in the town or up and down the corridors?
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 31
• Current discussion in the town for downtown heights, etc., might help a little but there's more
demand. Plus, DT is in the floodplain. Fire protection expensive. Flood mitigation creates
limits.
• What about conservation easements on ranch lands? How are those decisions getting made?
They are outside town limits.
• Considering human and environmental dimensions
• Maintaining sense of place and physical character important. Details of the character - scenery,
ecology, environment and access to nature.
What should the format be for the vision?
• Bulleted List = 11 Votes
• Short/Slogan = 9 Votes
Which community events would be most conducive for thoughtful public engagement
Which community events would be most conducive for thoughtful public engagement from a broad
group of people?
• Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Sept 18
• Virtual Public Meeting
• Día de los Muertos, TBD
• Pumpkin and Pilsners, Oct 9
• Virtual Public Meeting
• Saturday at the Estes Valley Community Center
• In-Person Town Hall Event
• In-Person Town Hall Event
• Pumpkin and Pilsners, Oct 9
• Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, Sept 10
• Día de los Muertos, TBD
• Farmers Markets Thursday Mornings
• In-Person Town Hall Event
• In-Person Town Hall Event
• Virtual Public Meeting
• Saturday at the Estes Valley Community Center
• Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, Sept 10
• Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show, Sept 4-6
• Autumn Gold Festival, Sept 25-26
How do you learn about Town and County initiatives?
• Town or County Website
• Newspapers
• Town or County Direct Emails
• Neighbors and Friends
• Posted Flyers
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 32
What are three ways that you will help get the word out about upcoming events for this plan?
• Have a schedule that outlines opportunities for engagement
• Guest columns in both newspapers
• share the engageestes.org website and encourage participation through that
• Continue to write local newspaper articles about the Plan process and topics.
• Inform my HOA members.
• I engage the local community through my business. Open discussions with customers about
their goals and interests and our process will always be my primary engagement role.
• Share with close circle of friends, post/share on my social media, ensure coworkers (aka young
workforce!) are looped in and paying attention/participating.
• I will share in my social media, my outreach groups, my commissioner community conversation
monthly meeting, I also have conversations on hiking trails and trailheads in the area
• If materials are provided, I am willing to speak to Rotary Clubs, PEOs, etc. I need talking points.
• Sharing with colleagues, talking with friends/neighbors in different parts of the valley
• "Posting on social media.
• Incentivize employees to attend.
• Communicate with stakeholders in key community groups.
• Nextdoor
• Conversations with neighbors
• Limited email
• I can deliver a talk to organizations: Newcomers, HOA, PEO. Also, a dedicated website is needed.
• Engage with other groups and committees to share information
• Encourage neighborhood residents to attend in person meetings and Zoom meetings to share
what they hope for in the Comp Plan for the town and valley.
• Announcements at Town Board meetings (as a trustee).
• Writing letters to the editor of the local newspapers.
• Emails to my HOA members.
• Neighborhood meetings and group email for organizations in which I am a member.
• HOA meetings, conversations with citizens, newspapers
• "Communication to people based on board memberships and other organizations
• Elevator Speeches that can be used in social and business
• environments
• Inviting people to in person events
• Forward emails that are informative
• Presentations to various community groups; in person community meetings; continual articles
online and for local print media.
• Letters to HOAs to share with their members. This may cover some of the 2nd homeowners.
They are going to be difficult to engage unless they are already engaged.
Estes Forward Community Visioning Engagement Summary Page 33
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS/BOARD OF TRUSTEES/PLANNING
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Outreach
• Key stakeholders to continue to include: Economic Development Corporation, Northern
Colorado Fire, and the Watershed Coalition
• Thoughtful consideration for how Guiding Principles were crafted, but consider how to
reconcile the potential conflicts between them.
• Important that the community influences the preferred choices.
• In general, BOCC and PC deferred to Town and those with local experience/interest in
Estes.
Choices
• Recreation is not listed as a Choices topic and should be.
Built Environment
• Supportive of establishing a GMA.
• Statutory 3-mile study area is confusing. Requires explanation for why it is on a map in
the plan and outreach materials.
Natural Environment
• Climate Change Adaptation should be addressed in addition to mitigation.
Housing
• Consider how environmental regulations will affect housing costs.
• Natural growth constraints combined with additional regulatory limits could
unintentionally drive up housing costs further. Avoid slanting the plan towards
additional regulations.
• See the CSU Institute for the Built Environment’s new “Lifelong Housing Initiative” with
five focus areas that are very relevant to the older population in Estes.
• Estes has a large workforce population with very different housing needs.
• How to address unmet housing needs given the growth constraints? Is this a problem
we can build our way out of?
• Include an action to develop a Comprehensive Housing Strategy. The Town will be
initiating a new Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Plan shortly.
• Appreciate seeing equity. Evaluate choices through an equity lens.
Estes Forward
Community Visioning Survey
SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT
18 June 2021 - 06 January 2022
SURVEY RESPONSES
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 1 of 25
Relaxing environment
Small town (limit development of undeveloped places, up not out)
Small Town
Connectivity to nature. Small-town charm and events like Christmas parade.
Personable
Access to the outdoors
Multiple options for outdoor recreation
natural beauty
Residential neighborhoods
Community
The small community atmosphere, neighbors knowing each other, watching out for each other.
The views
Small town friendliness
Q1 Name one thing you love and value about the Estes Valley that you don't want to lose.
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 2 of 25
Natural beauty
Rocky Mountain National Park
Natural resources
Views - no building should be over 3 stories
small town feel
Open space
That there is still open space that looks like a park. Sadly this has dwindled greatly in the last 20 years.
Trails through open space
Wildlife
The serenity, peace, and quiet that honors the animals and national park that call this area home.
Access to surrounding recreation / natural environment, including the viewshed
Small town atmosphere
Natural beauty
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 3 of 25
Access to tons of open space that allows for outdoor recreation and safe wildlife viewing
The connection to nature and the national park
Open space and small-town feel
It's "small town" character.
Natural environment with business development limited to Estes Park
Nature/Outdoor Access
The natural beauty and genuine small town character that is being destroyed by rampant development
Appreciation for RMNP and the associated wildlife and access to public lands
The small population. I don't want it to get bigger
the natural beauty
a good balance between maintaining the natural resources offering conveniences (restaurants, shops,
outdoor amusement). The main thing I love about Estes is the mountains, Lake Estes, and nature ,
Open space and parks
Optional question (38 response(s), 0 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 4 of 25
Fewer houses, cars, and people
Letting forest fires burn and only preventing in densely populated city limits. I'm not interested in extravagant
resources Benning used to save houses of the wealthy who chose to build in obscure places
Small Town
Better balance between catering to tourists vs locals. Recognition of the changing demographics - many more
families here now, but limited resources. Childcare under 2.5. Alternative transportation like scooters and
bikes. More housing options.
No change
A more diverse prosperous business climate
More diversity in business, more local craft businesses (not geared toward tourism), same level of outdoor
recreation options, more public art
More bike paths, incl from town to/into RMNP - Jackson WY model. More business that are consistent with the
ambience of the valley. Business that support outdoors, hiking, horseback, wellness activities. Less t-shirt
stores! Less motorized activities.
No high rises, views.
Real workforce housing, as Breckinridge has provided—town owned, restricted, town monitored, & enforced.
Q2 If you left Estes for 20 years, what do you hope to see when you come back?
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 5 of 25
A community with residents that can afford to live in the community where they work.
A thriving mountain community with continued, well-planned housing and businesses, good infrastructure, no big
box stores, family-friendly (no casinos or marijuana dispensaries please!) In 20 years I expect well-planned
growth.
A town oriented toward being a good place to live and to visit. Not oriented to any special interest
Welcoming neighbors. Local pride.
open space and wildlife
A progressive community that has emerged as a national leader and role model in sustainability
Wildlife and view
No more vacation rentals
I would hope to recognize it as what it was.
Houses built of fire-resistant materials and homes surrounded by defensible space
a more walkable community
I hope to see a similar Estes -- quaint, peaceful, quiet, moderately paced, and friendly mountain town that
welcomes visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 6 of 25
Implementation of completely renewable / sustainable systems (e.g. energy production, housing development,
waste
management/recycling, etc.)
Small town atmosphere
Small town feel
Dramatic views of mountains and meadows and healthy wildlife habitat throughout
Forest, mountains, elk, deer, sheep, bears.
Something similar to
Free parking again. That metered parking thing you have now is really horrible. I won't visit Estes while that is in
force.
Very little change outside of the town of Estes Park
A community that is vibrant, diverse, and welcoming (including the individuals that live here, the businesses that
exist here, and the cultural events and experiences we offer in the town).
The way it was while I grew up and got married here
A more balance community in terms of year around economic stability, outdoor wellness oriented activities for a
wide range of diverse communities and year around recreational opportunities
Nothing changed other than better/more fire mitigation and better technology infrastructure
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 7 of 25
no sprawl, limited growth
What I would hope not to see would be growth overrunning the natural beauty of the valley.
Progression, a mother grocery store, more affordable housing for young people, less property taxes
Governance aimed at residents and not businesses. Sparse development so we can all get out in a
wildfire.
More community, more open space
I would like a government that is more focused on provideing for the residents as opposed to the tourists.
Supported community. Land use that retains the rural character while still meeting needs of the community.
Maintain the roads and trails and provide better wildfire mitigation in the forests
Ecosystem building
More inclusive code updates that address density, affordability (such as ADUs), and mixed use in the
downtown corridor
Preserve open space and use consistent with the ambience of the valley. Less amusement park type of things
that can found elsewhere.
Optional question (37 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q3 Community (governance /land use/built environment)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 8 of 25
Enforcement of codes.. trash, vehicles, occupancy, vacation rental limits
A healthy community requires real workforce housing, not developer projects whitewashed as such. Governance
requires trustees engaged on issues & not just rubber-stamping staff recommendations. Tough questions like a
board of directors would ask staff.
Neighborhoods; residents that live here, raise their children here, work here and retire here.
Well-educated, knowledgeable people with the right skill sets to be in leadership positions. I want people who
love the land but who aren’t afraid of growth.
Reduce size and scope of government to activities that are necessary and impossible for private sector
Inclusive, fair and sustainable.
A smaller police department or one that actually reports what it does and how it spends its funding
Community leaders that think holistically, outside the box, and use unorthodox approaches to solve multiple
community problems at once instead of compartmentalizing problems and solutions
No corporate establishments - loccaly owned
Land use should include more open space
More control on land use. Estes is full. Scenic corridors need to be maintained.
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 9 of 25
Keep adding to open space. Build new workforce housing in the already-developed downtown,
equitable land access for outdoor activities
Transparent, ethical governance that retains the traditional mountain character and preserves historic uses of the
land including good stewardship for the national park and surrounding areas.
Consistency between county and town land areas
Get rid of good old boys and girls; embrace low density, low height building, preserve what’s left of environment
and open space
Subdued commercialism
Working professionals, families, and the under-served are valued as highly as the retired community.
People helping people.
Non-sociopathic/non-fascist (contrast with Boulder County)
Recognize the importance of land use being limited to preservation of the natural environment outside of Estes
Park. Support and encourage business growth within the town.
A community that embraces and celebrates diversity in all areas (i.e. individuals that live and visit here, in the
business we have in town, and the cultural events/experiences offered).
Thoughtful, conservative growth that is not driven by the greed of realtors
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 10 of 25
Governance that respects diverse interests and opinions of the community members
Empahsis should be made to maintain the natural beauty unique to the Estes valley
More land used for parks and open space for dog walking / mountain biking
Retirees bring stability, money, wisdom. Excessive development will drive out the the retirees and make Estes a
noisy, chaotic, unpleasant place.
The economy is fine
convert some of the tourist facilities to work force housing
Available work for professionals beyond just supporting tourism.
No additional toys to encourage year-round tourism unless located in the canyon. Keep Estes Park original.
diverse inclusive and prosperous
Make it easier for our workers to live here, to contribute to the economy and sense of community. More local
products to help balance out the seasonality of tourism-based businesses.
More diverse and less dependent on tourism.
Optional question (34 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q4 Economy (workforce and adaptive economy)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 11 of 25
More home based businesses
A healthy community needs workers who can and do live here—this is at odds with the highest “use” economically
—tourist attractions & short-term vacation rentals. The highest economic use is short-sighted & will fail as
unsustainable.
A move towards stable jobs for residents, away from a primary focus on visitors. The visitors will come, we need a
community that can address the needs of its residents.
We need a year-year round tourism industry with jobs that pay a living wage or better.
Recognize that we are totally dependent on visitation and workforce is crucial and do what is necessary to help.
Local owners and operators. No big box stores. Somewhat less reliance on tourism.
Liveable wage for all workers. Maybe a cap on "management" salaries.
A town that does not rely on low wage workers and instead has minimum wages both in the public and private
sector
Affordable housing
With less vacation rentals, we should once again be able to support our local workforce
Businesses need to be sustainable and support their workers. Things will cost more to do this
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 12 of 25
Make housing affordable for those younger people upon whom we depend to care for us. We need YEAR-
AROUND public transportation. New workforce housing MUST be built where people don't have to have a car to
get to work, i.e., downtown.
Diverse workforce with local affordable housing. Businesses and economy must respect and support the historic
small town look and feel of Estes Park as a gateway to Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park and preserve the natural beauty and
historic uses of the valley.
Livable wage jobs that allow people to stay in Estes year-round
Stop drive for year round economy
No large businesses
The economy supports the local community first and tourists second.
Balanced, strongly supportive of the trades
Applies to #5 as well. Identify and support reasonably priced housing for the workforce as it’s not economically
viable to commute from the valley for minimum wage.
Diverse economy that values ALL working individuals and provides adequate pay for all to enjoy a life in Estes
Park (regardless of if they are making a 6 figure salary or not).
N/A
An economic environment that provides employment with living wage, respect and housing access for hard
working community members
no suggestions other than not to overbuild the valley for the sake of
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 13 of 25
12/12/2021 02:49 PM
more tax revenue/
N/A
Up not out. Estes isn't as unaffordable as people rant. You can buy a townhome for a fair price compared to
other desirable places
Convert some of the tourist facilities to work force housing.
More flexible options for temporary housing (long-term rentals, not just hotels). Reconsider accessory dwelling
units. Housing that is affordable.
No cheap housing. Employees can drive to EP the same as EP persons drive to Longmont, Loveland, Boulder
and Fort Collins
uniformed and diverse
More education on UWI and the responsibilities that come with living here. More housing options for workers
(of all levels, as most middle class workers cannot afford to buy a home here), higher density housing with a
lower footprint
Housing for the workforce.
Add dorms or seasonal housing, to avoid cramming workers in neighborhood houses
Talk to Breckinridge. Learn from their experience. You need 2-3 BR houses with fenced yards on long term
rentals that your teachers &
Optional question (32 response(s), 6 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q5 Housing (supply, affordability, and vulnerability)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 14 of 25
nurses on term contracts can afford. I see zero interest in this in Estes.
Too many houses in the Estes Valley are not for residential use. We need to return the accommodation business
to the historic use within the Estes Valley: motels, cabin resorts, hotels, camping. to the
Trying to “make” housing “affordable” is a bit of a pipe dream. Increasing supply would help some with
affordability. But we have to be realistic about what the market forces are, but the problem is not fully vacation
rentals.
We will never have all of the needed service worker housing. The public sector to provide the needed incentives
for the private sector to provide what is possible
Supply is necessarily limited. Don't overbuild! Affordability can be addressed by real estate reform - ban
speculation. Limit rents and commissions. You have a good handle on risks. Encourage Firewise participation.
Fewer vacation rentals, more long-term affordable rentals for workers.
Build up, incentivize builders to make workforce housing, but also do not do so on the back of preexisting
businesses. Make lodging and short term rentals allies and not enemies.
Housing could once again be affordable without vacation rentals
Businesses perhaps need to provide housing for seasonal workers. This was the case 50 years ago. Airbnb and
others need to be more firmly regulated.
Housing here is SO expensive that our medical assistants are commuting from Wellington, Loveland, and
Longmont. As soon as they can find jobs closer to where they live, they leave. We need more child care,
workforce housing, public transitit
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 15 of 25
density that makes sense to promote walkable areas
Affordable, safe, desirable housing for all residents including permanent and temporary workforce that
serves Estes.
Enough to meet population demands, but balanced with preservation of open spaces
Eliminate all short term rentals
More well-zoned affordable housing
Individuals who work professionally to improve the Estes community are able to find housing locally at prices that
align with their income level
Housing that blends in with the mountians.
Has to be be a limit on the 10,000 square foot, $50 million trophy homes.
See #4
Housing (renting AND owning) opportunities for individuals across the "income spectrum". Ensuring that there are
adequate and safe housing options for those from low income to high income (i.e. housing opps. that reflect the
need in each income bracket).
N/A
Housing that is sustainable, affordable and safe
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 16 of 25
no comment
Much more affordable housing options. Even the “affordable” housing here isn’t.
I have little use for these.
Fine
Keep hospital and medical services. Better family resources like childcare. Expanded community-serving
amenities (not tourist amenities). Additional grocery store-Sprouts! Affordable housewares (better than Dollar
store, not $$ as hardware. mini-Target?)
Keep our health system strong. EP Health is a modern facility. Keep up with technology.
resident focused
Keep our hospital viable, invest in more social services here such as mental health services, and assistance
for those with housing challenges. Prop up the nonprofits who are already here doing this work.
Seek a balance between tourism & a healthy community. Housing is the key. Ignore that, or give it lip-service
without serious effort, & community well-being will wither away to greed.
We need a medical clinic that supplies doctors, a place to stabilize patients with emergency needs, labs,
radiology, home health, rehabilitation, and long term care. We need food delivery and
Optional question (32 response(s), 6 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q6 Health and Social (service, amenities, and community well-being)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 17 of 25
services that allow residents to age and grow up in place.
We do have a large community of low-income workers and older retired people, and we need to insure adequate
services, without gaps or barriers to health care, transportation for the disabled.
Keep the hospital afloat. Provide incentive for rest home.
I haven't lived in Estes long enough to be familiar with these needs.
affordable long-term care facilities for elders or citizens with disabilities.
A vibrant community that celebrates art and culture
Our locals should be valued more than tourists
The festivals are great, the new community center is great. Estes is an odd community in that it has a large, older
population and an educational infrastructure for a much smaller town. Estes should remain focused on summer
and not year around
The loss of our only skilled-nursing care facility was awful for local seniors and their families. Much health care
access requires driving to the Valley. More mental health services are needed. Many people need help with food
and other basics.
Continued excellent healthcare through local hospital, doctors offices, community wellness centers for exercise
and community activities. Special attention to seniors and aging population for special healthcare, transportation,
and living assistance.
Services that meet the needs of the local populace
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 18 of 25
Health services well-staffed with specialists
Individuals who live and work in Estes are able to afford goods and services without paying premium prices
intended for tourists
Available service for all.
Get rid of the Estes Park Medical Center. They've been a bunch of crooks forever.
Estes is so fortunate to have such tremendous healthcare resources. We need to do everything we can to
maintain that level of resources.
Health and social services that are available (ensuring the need services are available in town), accessible
(ensuring the services can be accessed and are affordable), and acceptable (ensuring it's socially acceptable to
access these services) for all!
Please keep the hospital open
Services that support healthy eating, active living and that provides access to services to all regardless of income
including mental health services.
no comment
Recreational
Robust escape routes are needed to evacuate in a fire. We don't
Optional question (28 response(s), 10 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q7 Infrastructure & Transportation (critical infrastructure, utilities and transportation)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 19 of 25
have them and never will. Therefore, limit the population of the Estes Valley to the number that can evacuate.
Better crossing to school from the west side of St Vrain
maximize broadband and underground utilities. Incentivize garage and expand public transit. Revisit the Loop.
Make Elkhorn bike friendly! Consider ped-only street. Scooter share. Reduce car traffic.
No change
resident focused
Bury utility lines wherever feasible, as soon as possible. Continue expansion of broadband. Keep moving in the
right direction on transportation, and expand options for electric vehicles.
Reliable and innovative. Thank god for the fiber internet!
Hike & bike paths need to be completed & connected, even through Town. Small nimble buses year round
would help, too.
Transportation especially from home to necessary businesses such as grocery store, pharmacy, community
centers. Roads are in dire need of repair. The lack of roads into our area and the growth of population make
emergency evacuations terrifying.
We need to think ahead to traffic flow, green public transportation, getting tourists to not park so much “in town,”
and we are in the West and we have serious drought issues so water management is so important.
Maintain what we have. Fix W. Elkhorn bridge. Get out of the Loop. Get new flood study and get Downtown out
of the floodway. Recognize that RMNP can't accommodate increased visitation. Recognize the Valley is out of
room.n
Estes Forward Community Visioningv: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 20 of 25
Recommend improvements for pedestrian, cycling and public transit for all residents.
use of solar and wind power.
A fully solarized and electrified community
Uitlities are not updated like other communities, we do not need a new town hall
Broadband and cell service needs to be expanded if only for emergency services.
Our electricity lines are mostly above ground, making them vulnerable to weather and fires. Our highways are too
busy in summer (18 miles downhill with no passing lanes) and always in need of repairs. 2013 flood trapped us
here..
better bikeability downtown, incentives and access to discourage car use
Maintain critical infrastructure, utilities, and transportation while severely limiting expansion to preserve the
integrity of the valley and stewardship of the national park, and maintain the forests, open spaces, and public
lands for future generations.
Bus and public transportations throughout the town, along with active modes integration (e.g. connecting bike
paths to trailheads)
Well-organized traffic control
Free or low-cost public transportation exists between the northern front range and Estes to allow working
professionals to get to work without losing a significant portion of their wages to commuting costs
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 21 of 25
Roll out Trailblazer to Allenspark a little faster, please.
Utilities. As a part time resident, I’ve seen my electric bill increase from $8 to $16 to $23 per month when our
cabin is closed and we’re not receiving any service.
I would like to see in an increase in public transportation offered year round, better sidewalk access, and better
road bike (for leisure and commute) access in Estes.
The shuttles to RMNP are a great addition
Efficient and effective roads, trails and mass transit to move more people around without large expansions of
roads.
Cat 5 wiring throughout the city, better and larger area wifi
more busses or some way to to encourage less vehicle traffic would be nice
We live part time in the north end of the Estes Valley because it is beautiful, quiet, and restful, and because
friends visit to enjoy the park with us. Continued development and limits on park use are sending us elsewhere.
More watershed areas.
Continue providing connections to NPS and public open space. Enhance trail system.
Optional question (29 response(s), 9 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q8 Natural Resources (watersheds, forests, agriculture, and recreation areas)
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 22 of 25
No change. Keep our area original. Too many goodies encourage too many tourists. We are past being maxed on
tourists and unknown how much money leaves the area to parts unknown being owned by corporations. Keep it
local.
strategic long term planning
Take great care with the resources we have now - we aren't getting more!
Enlightened management as the natural resources are what attract residents and visitors.
Protect wildlife corridors. Educate visitors better on driving safely here & not approaching wildlife so closely. More
warning signage might help.
Forests need to be managed. Multi-use trails are essential. We need riparian habitat. We need clean air and
clean water.
More use of green public transportation and fire mitigation.
Most managed by Fed. Gov. We need to guide private land use to maintain what desireability is left.
Watersheds and forests are in severe danger from the climate crisis and need to be protected. I would like to see
community supported agriculture. I think recreational areas are essential, but am not familiar enough to advise on
future needs.
preservation of open spaces.
A leadership role in national sustainability measures
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 23 of 25
Maintain wildlife - views - no exceptions
These are top priorities, but please no more things like Mustang Coaster in residental areas. in residental areas.
And a big NO to the ADA
Natural Resources need more protection as they are the lifeblood of the area. Too much housing is infringing on
the watersheds and forests. Estes needs to do a better job of controlling growth and not pushing it to adjacent
areas.
Too much lassiez-faire land use. We need to concentrate housing so that our open space isn't lost to
development. Drought and wildfires must be expected and measures to deal with them emplaced. Overcrowded
trails and parks must be managed to reduce use.
Maintaining the highest stewardship for our natural resources must be in the forefront to ensure the valley
maintains its historical character and preserves this unique environment for wildlife and future generations of
residents and visitors.
Preservation and stewardship of surrounding natural resources while enhancing trail access and recreational
amenities
Eliminate any plans to expand your reach into the Tahosa Valley. Stop any plans for increased business activity.
Remember less is more!
Preservation of existing natural areas...control of commercial development
Open spaces and wildlife habitat are always high priorities in all planning decisions
Lots of natural areas that are easily assessable but well managed.
For gods sake, people. Can't we just use basic common sense here?
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 24 of 25
The focus should be on the Estes area proper and shouldn’t extend to the Tahosa Valley. Mile #2 on Highway 7
should be the limit for Estes Valley involvement in natural resource planning.
Natural resources that are recognized as inherently valuable are protected moving forward for this and future
generations.
Put the brakes on the obscene, thoughtlees greedy development that is occuring on every side of the
community, especially as it applies to Tahosa Valley. I am a CO native and have been a resident in this very
special part of the world for 62 years, pleas
Respect for and care of (management include prescribed
burns)forests, enhanced public access, open space with an appropriately managed level of public access that
does not degrade these resources.
Protect them and maintain them, this is what makes Estes attractive to tourism.
Optional question (30 response(s), 8 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Estes Forward Community Visioning: Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 06 January 2022
Page 25 of 25
COMM UNITY CHOICES
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 1
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology ..................................................................................................................................... 4
How Was This Information Used? .................................................................................................. 6
Summary of Discussion and Questionnaire Results ..................................................................... 7
1.Natural Environment............................................................................................................ 7
2.Built Environment ................................................................................................................ 8
3.Economy .............................................................................................................................. 9
4.Health and SociaL ............................................................................................................. 10
5.Housing .............................................................................................................................. 11
6.Infrastructure and Transportation .................................................................................... 12
7.Vision ................................................................................................................................. 13
8.Guiding Principles .............................................................................................................. 13
Public workshop - ENGLISH ......................................................................................................... 15
Natural Environment ................................................................................................................. 15
Built Environment ..................................................................................................................... 18
Economy ................................................................................................................................... 20
Health and Social ...................................................................................................................... 21
Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Infrastructure and Transportation ............................................................................................ 24
Public Workshop– SPANISH ........................................................................................................ 31
Overarching Comments ............................................................................................................ 31
Affordable Housing/Housing.................................................................................................... 31
Wildfire Concerns ...................................................................................................................... 32
Information Sharing/Spanish Translation ............................................................................... 32
Sustainability Efforts/Conservation ......................................................................................... 32
Cost of Living in Estes Park ...................................................................................................... 32
Transportation .......................................................................................................................... 33
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 2
Built Environment Considerations ............................................................................................ 33
Equity ........................................................................................................................................ 33
Childcare ................................................................................................................................... 33
Citizenship................................................................................................................................. 33
Health/Healthcare & Education ................................................................................................ 33
EVICS and Mujeres en Conexión Meeting.................................................................................... 34
Environment .............................................................................................................................. 34
Fire Mitigation ........................................................................................................................... 34
Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Healthcare ................................................................................................................................. 34
Public Transportation ............................................................................................................... 34
Childcare ................................................................................................................................... 34
Interactive Online Map Activity .................................................................................................... 35
Other submitted Comments ......................................................................................................... 37
E-mail received May 11, 2022 ................................................................................................... 37
E-mail received May 27, 2022 ................................................................................................... 37
Letter from stakeholder, May 2022 .......................................................................................... 38
Letter from Sierra Club Poudre Canyon Group, May 2022 ....................................................... 39
Full Questionnaire Response report – ENGLISH ......................................................................... 40
Full Questionnaire Response report - SPANISH ..........................................................................105
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 3
June 3, 2022
INTRODUCTION
The Community Choices engagement
campaign took place in May 2022 and
included in-person and online participation
opportunities that engaged approximately 190
Estes Valley stakeholders. This outreach
effort was the second set of events and
activities to broadly engage the public in the
Estes Forward planning process.
Stakeholder engagement for the Community
Choices phase of Estes Forward was mutually
guided by the thirteen-member Estes Park
Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee
(CompPAC) and the seven-member Estes
Valley Planning Advisory Committee (EVPAC),
an existing Larimer County advisory board.
Both appointed committees include members
that represent various areas of expertise and
perspectives. The CompPAC and EVPAC
informed the engagement strategy by
applying their local knowledge and insight to
aid in shaping the questions, choices, and
context for the issues at stake.
The joint Town and County planning team utilized a variety of engagement tools to gather
valuable feedback from community stakeholders to identify and prioritize policy and
implementation opportunities that support and work toward the Estes Forward Vision and
Guiding Principles.
Participation Overview
Public Workshop
• May 12 @ Estes Park Elementary School
• 90 attendees
• Discussions in English and Spanish
Questionnaire
• 69 responses for English Questionnaire
• 13 responses for Spanish Questionnaire
Interactive Online Map Activity
• 94 pins (comments) were submitted
Small-group Discussion with EVICS Mujeres en
Conexión
• May 19
• 10 attendees
• Discussion in Spanish
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 4
Note: This report documents the key themes, ideas, and public perspectives presented through the Community
Choices phase to understand which choices are most supported by the community at large. While the summary
reflects a wide spectrum of feedback, agencies, and input, it may not reflect every idea in the Valley.
METHODOLOGY
Over the course of the five (5) month Community Choices phase, the planning team engaged
Estes Valley stakeholders through a variety of methods:
•Public Workshop (held in English and Spanish)
•Online Questionnaire
•Interactive Online Map Activity
•Small-group Discussion with EVICS Mujeres en Conexión
Public Workshop (English and Spanish)
Approximately 90 Estes Valley community members attended the Community Choices
Workshop held on May 25th at Estes Park Elementary School. The workshop included two
simultaneous events conducted in English and Spanish. Approximately 60% of attendees
participated in the Spanish-language event.
The Spanish-language event was conducted as a facilitated full-group discussion with many
attendees completing the questionnaire as the conversation took place in real time.
The English-language event was organized with six discussion stations that corresponded with
each the plan’s six resiliency themes. Each station allowed participants to engage in a small
group discussion facilitated by a member of the consultant team for approximately 15 to 20
minutes before the facilitators rotated to lead a discussion with the next group, allowing all
attendees to discuss choices associated with each topic. Additionally, a map activity station
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 5
provided participants with the opportunity to evaluate and comment on a draft Future Town
Service Area Boundary and suggest future land uses for key opportunity areas within the Estes
Valley.
Both Spanish and English-speaking groups were presented with educational information about
each choice allowing participants to learn about the tradeoffs and potential benefits that could
result from each choice.
Online Questionnaire
In conjunction with the in-person Choices Workshop, an online questionnaire in both English and
Spanish was available from May 7th to the 22nd providing a digital option for stakeholder who
prefer online engagement or could not attend the workshop. The questionnaire presented
identical questions as those discussed at the in-person workshop including public opinion on
the draft Vision and Guiding Principles. Each question contained links to additional context and
information. A total of 69 respondents completed the questionnaire online.
Interactive Online Map Activity
This online tool was intended to gather feedback on Future Land Uses within identified
Opportunity Areas and other locations throughout the Estes Forward Study Area. Participants
could zoom to any location on the map and drag the marker of their choice, representing a land
use category, to place it on the map. Participants were then prompted to provide additional
comments explaining their choice. The placed pins remained available throughout the duration
of the Choice phase for anyone to view. A paper version of this activity was replicated at the in-
person Choices Workshop. In total, 94 pins were placed through the online and workshop
versions of the mapping activity.
Small-group Discussion with EVICS Mujeres en Conexión
On May 19th, Town of Estes Park Staff attended a meeting with Estes Valley Investment in
Childhood Success (EVICS) and Mujeres en Conexión group. Approximately 10 community
members attended the meeting. The discussion was conducted in Spanish and covered a variety
of topics covering the same themes as the public workshop.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 6
HOW WAS THIS INFORMATION USED?
The purpose of these conversations was to confirm the Vision and Guiding Principles and
identify community-supported strategies and direction. Feedback will be translated into goals,
policies, and implementation actions for the draft Comprehensive Plan. The candid
conversations with community members also provide context and insights surrounding the
Choices that otherwise might not be formally documented.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 7
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
This is a high-level executive summary of key themes that emerged from the engagement
process. For more detail, see the full set of comments, and online questionnaire results at the
end of this document.
1. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Public questionnaires and comments were
heavily themed around living in balance with
the natural environment and the risks
associated in order to create a resilient and
proactive community. These included
changes to existing code to mitigate the
impacts of extreme events and improve
structural resiliency and addressing future
development through updated design
standards and/or reviews and controlling
growth. The greatest support was for design
solutions that integrated native plants,
flooding buffer zones, and protection against
future wildfires. Open-ended comments also
include support for preserving more open
space with the recognition that doing so
requires increasing development density in
other locations.
Questionnaire respondents supported the solutions above, as well as the following top choices:
•63% support increasing open space/park dedication requirements in the development
design standards.
•74% support increasing river, stream, and wetland setbacks or buffers.
•80% support further increasing investments to proactively mitigate fire near the wildland-
urban interface through forest management, fire breaks, and property mitigation
programs.
•67% support increasing development regulations to keep property and people out of the
floodplain and ensure space for natural flooding to occur.
•70% support developing education resources and programs to support community
decision making that reduces resource consumption and carbon emissions; and
planning community transportation, water, and electric systems to reduce environmental
impacts.
Key Takeaways
ADAPTABILITY
•Support for financial incentives to
retrofit existing structures to improve
fire resistance.
•Prioritize energy and climate hazard
solutions such as energy efficient
buildings, wildfire and flood mitigation.
•Be a forward-thinking community that
can support a larger population and
maintain its current quality of life and
access to services.
•Support for regulations that protect
wildlife in and around Estes Park.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 8
2. BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The discussion at the Choices Workshop
revealed wide support for evaluating
opportunities to reuse, repurpose, and
revitalize land within Town limits. Support for
prioritizing redevelopment was echoed in
several open-ended questionnaire comments.
For future land development, the public is
aware of, and even encourages, growth that
gives new residents equal access to public
services and quality infrastructure.
Questionnaire respondents emphasize
maintaining the harmony of the built
environment with natural beauty by ensuring
that new growth respects Dark-Sky
regulations, wildlife corridors, and preserves
open space. Respondents also indicated
overarching support for the consolidated draft Future Land Use Categories. A few participants
included suggestions for minor modifications to the categories such as: higher density for the
Mixed Residential category and adding wildlife corridors to Natural Resource Conservation and
Parks category.
Questionnaire respondents ranked the following options as their top solutions when envisioning
the future development needs of the Estes Valley:
• 65% Support mapping a service area to identify where the Town can feasibly extend
fiscally and environmentally responsible infrastructure and utilities. This service area is
where long-term annexation and Town development could be considered in the future.
• 64% think that any new development area should be connected to the Town via a multi-
use transportation network.
• 69% support developing design and building code standards related to building
performance. i.e., hazard resilience, energy efficiency.
Key Takeaways
CONSCIOUS DEVELOPMENT
• Support for nature-based development
solutions to improve the wellbeing of
both humans and wildlife.
• Desire for change to be led by town
leadership along with interdisciplinary
collaboration from multiple sectors.
• Incentivize homeowners and future
community members to mitigate their
own risk in an informed and effective
way.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 9
3. ECONOMY
Most of the economy small group discussion
at the Choices workshop questioned the
premise of wanting to support a year-round
economy, which is embedded in the draft
Guiding Principles. Many participants
challenged that Estes Park already has a year-
round economy, and others worried that a
year-round economy would mean undesired
levels of growth and no respite from the
tourists. With that in mind, many participants
mentioned that even the current economy
could be supported with more affordable
housing, childcare options, and attracting
more non-tourism-based industries.
Most discussion participants emphasized the
Town’s role in economic development to be a
holistic approach—to build and maintain the necessary infrastructure (transportation, utilities,
broadband), provide balanced land uses and housing options, and quality of life amenities and
services (including childcare). Several participants also suggested strengthening the
partnership with the EDC, Visit Estes Park, and other local organizations that are involved in local
economic development.
Open-ended questionnaire comments indicated support for stimulating the winter tourism
economy, investing in workforce development through a community-college or university
partnership, and attracting new business that aligns with community values.
Questionnaire respondents identified the following options as their top strategies for addressing
the economic challenges of the Estes Valley:
• 71% support affordable housing initiatives as a key component of a healthy economy.
• 81% believe that Estes Parks should pursue a holistic approach to economic
development, including community development and quality of life investments.
• 64% support investing in workforce housing as the most important form of holistic
economic development that the Town can engage in.
Key Takeaways
HOLISTIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Hesitant support for year-round
economy—if that means more growth
and more tourists in winter months.
• Role of Town should be as economic
development partner but not leader.
• Importance of building and
maintaining necessary infrastructure,
balancing land uses and housing
options, and providing quality of life
amenities and services – all to attract
and retain local businesses.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 10
4. HEALTH AND SOCIAL
There was broad support from the workshop
participants for the Town program, recreation,
and amenity options presented. Participants
especially wanted to see additional trail
connections and local parks. Most
approaches to providing childcare were also
supported, with general consensus that it’s
not Town zoning that presents regulatory
barriers but is instead the state and federal
standards for childcare facilities that are
sometimes cost prohibitive.
Discussion on how to create a more inclusive
environment in Town focused on working with
local partners and non-profits, empowering a
voice for underrepresented groups, and
language translation services.
Open-ended questionnaire responses included
suggestions for signage or art installations
that state the Town’s vision and guiding
principles and better connectivity for bike
infrastructure.
Questionnaire respondents identified the following choices for health and social issues:
• 65% support prioritizing the construction of multi-use corridors throughout the valley.
• 64% support leveraging partnerships with local non-profits to create a more inclusive
community.
• 57% support pursuing grants or other creative partnerships to support early-childhood
and youth non-profits and schools in expanding childcare programs.
• 77% support continued funding for the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success
(EVICS) program.
Key Takeaways
INTEGRATED HEALTH AND PARTNERSHIPS
• New parks should be built in
underserved and denser
neighborhoods.
• Trails need to be connected
throughout the Valley.
• Event programs should focus on
attracting local attendance instead of
regional.
• Childcare is essential and should be
supported by all means necessary.
• To be an inclusive community, Estes
should focus on partnerships with
local non-profits and improving
communication in other languages.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 11
5. HOUSING
Participant discussions on housing identified
several strategies with community support.
Housing the year-round workforce and critical
service providers were the most commonly
supported goals. The most commonly
identified criteria for locating new housing
opportunities were proximity to downtown and
within the Town boundary. These locations
were commonly cited as being compatible
with community values. Affordable ownership
opportunities were identified as the most
important design consideration. There was
also support for an additional lodging tax and
an increased property tax, with an
accommodation for long-time owners unable
to pay. Programs to purchase deed restrictions on existing and new units received the most
support. Specific ideas included down-payment or “cash buyer” assistance for purchasers and
stimulus for private developers. Allowances for bigger buildings, allowances for infill, incentives
for attainable housing, and requirements on developers to provide housing all received support.
The general sentiment is that a variety of approaches are needed to address the housing
challenge from every angle.
Open-ended questionnaire comments included suggestions for dormitory-style housing for
seasonal workers, a local minimum wage, and a reduction in vacation rentals and second
homes.
Questionnaire respondents supported the strategies listed above. Top choices include:
• 78% support ensuring that a certain percentage of affordable housing is available for
critical service providers.
• 79% support additional lodging tax to support funding for workforce housing.
• 65% support government investments in infrastructure to enable new housing in desired
locations.
• The highest ranked criteria to be considered when evaluating new housing opportunities
was avoiding crucial wildlife habitat.
• The highest ranked design criteria for new housing was affordability.
• The highest ranked option when considering how new housing opportunities should be
added was to incentivize housing by allowing for bigger buildings and more units for
attainable housing ONLY.
Key Takeaways
MULTIPLE AND VARIED SOLUTIONS
• Prioritize housing for the workforce
and critical service providers.
• Provide opportunities for housing
within town limits rather than growing
outside.
• Funding through taxes should target
visitors and second homeowners
before creating additional burden for
long-time residents.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 12
6. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION
Participant discussions on transportation and
infrastructure revealed several strategies that
are supported by the community. Participants
indicated broad support for improving and
expanding the sidewalk network and filling
gaps in the system. The discussion on bicycle
infrastructure revealed general consensus
that facilities are much needed, but the group
exhibited varying levels of comfort with using
on-street bike lands with many demanding off-
street facilities that are safe for children as
well as less-experienced riders.
The discussion on water supply generated
multiple ideas ranging from regulatory action
to educational campaigns, but consensus
indicated that a systems-wide approach is
needed. In addition to water infrastructure,
workshop participants discussed methods for improving the resiliency of energy delivery
systems. The community indicated broad support for working more closely with the Platte River
Power Authority (PRPA) on multiple solutions including: incentivizing energy efficient uses,
retrofits, and
Open-ended questionnaire responses suggested planning for e-bikes, bus-only express lanes,
and increased investment in wind and solar energy.
Questionnaire respondents supported the following choices:
• 53% support the Town and County in pursuit of proven technologies for transportation.
• 77% support focusing on promoting existing programs in collaboration with PRPA to
improve resiliency of energy delivery.
• 76% support working with PRPA to update powerlines and vulnerable infrastructure.
• Respondents highly prioritize improved and expanded sidewalks and trails.
• When asked about public transit, questionnaire respondents ranked transitioning to
alternative, zero-emission fuel sources for transit vehicles the highest.
• The highest ranked option for private vehicle mobility was technology that improves
traffic flow.
• To protect water supply, the highest level of support was for reducing demand by
updating landscaping and design standards and irrigating parks and golf courses with
grey water.
Key Takeaways
EMPOWER THE PEOPLE
• By expanding facilities and programs
for active-transportation throughout
the Valley.
• By expanding transit routes and
increasing bus or shuttle services.
• By incentivizing water conservation
and demand reduction efforts before
investing in big infrastructure projects.
• Through education on water and
energy conservation, and waste
reduction through lifestyle choices.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 13
7. VISION
Workshop participants indicated general support for the Vision, stressing that achievement of
the Vision should be considered when making the community choices. Most questionnaire
respondents also supported the Vision statement with 66% agreeing with the statement as
written. About 22% of participants indicated support with a small revision and 10% did not
support the Vision statement overall. Suggestions for revising the Vision statement included:
• Prioritizing environmental stewardship
• Inclusive language to encompass other community stakeholders in addition to residents
and acknowledge diversity in lifestyle choice
• Acknowledging the threat of natural hazards
8. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Just over half of all questionnaire respondents supported the Guiding Principles at 54%. About
31% of respondents indicated support with small revisions and 13% did not support the Guiding
Principles overall. Suggestions for revising the Guiding Principles included:
• Prioritizing residents over visitors
• Greater emphasis on environmental stewardship
• Clarify location of responsible access
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%
Yes!
Yes, with a small revision
No (please indicate your reasons below)
Do you support the Draft Vision?
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%
Yes!
Yes, with a small revision (please specify in
question below)
No (please specify)
Do you support the Draft Guiding Principles?
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 14
COMMUNITY CHOICES
ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
This appendix includes the raw results and comments collected from the following engagement
activities:
1. Choices Public Workshop (English)
2. Choices Public Workshop (Spanish)
3. EVICS and Mujeres en Conexion Meeting
4. Other Submitted Comments
5. Interactive Online Map Activity
6. Choices Questionnaire Results (English)
7. Choices Questionnaire Results (Spanish)
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 15
PUBLIC WORKSHOP - ENGLISH
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Question #1: Taken together, steep slopes, floodplains, wildfire risks, wildlife habitats, and
scenery all make it tricky to develop land in and around Estes. What additional strategies would
you support to protect the natural environment and scenery and allow for contextual
development in the right locations?
• Focus of in-town acquisitions should be on pocket parks. Within county the Land Trust
should lead conservation with existing sources.
• Need for acquiring pocket parks: use of local sales tax.
o For multi-family, need to examine park requirements to ensure developers are
building and HOAs are maintaining appropriate facilities.
o 20ish properties owned by Town that are not developed, however, many in
nonresidential areas. Need to be accessible by bike and ped.
o Need a Parks Master Plan.
• Ridgelines and Steep Cuts: concerns that the current regulation is too restrictive, and
increases would remove the value of property from existing owners. People have to be
more aware and understand the process when they buy. Difficult with competing
interests of parking and circulation requirements, especially on commercial properties.
o Peak to peak – Boulder County blue line
• Acquire lands through land swaps for properties that are underdeveloped and build local
parks in Town.
Question #2: What approaches would you support to better protect wildlife and enhance
biodiversity and ecosystems?
• Keep, salvage, and/or relocate rare/native plants.
• Add new option for fencing: While fencing is currently in the Development Code,
additional action is needed. Options include: prohibit all 6 ft fences, require wildlife
passage friendly fencing, allow 6ft fences only within the property setbacks, require
removal of all barbed wire fencing and research incentive programs.
• Add considerations and possible incentives for solar on homes and businesses
o Increasing price of propane and decreasing cost of solar will likely drive the
market that way. Need payback incentives.
o Need to consider viewsheds and context.
• Add dark skies: while currently in the Development Code, additional action is needed.
Options include: continue to enforce, require retrofit and look for incentive programs to
replace fixtures.
• Setbacks: Town should match County wetland/riparian setbacks.
• Further define habitat
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 16
• Mixed reactions on maximum house size: Boulder County restricts within the historic
context. Others say it’s not needed.
• Choice A – Do not support. Counter to encouraging higher density.
• Choice B – Regulations could be a nice in-between between A&B.
• Plan for and/or design flood control where water wants to flow. Rain garden, wetland,
etc.
• Ensure that mitigation projects don’t negatively impact neighbors.
• Choice A – Prioritize acquisition.
• Reduce development in high hazard areas.
• Need to be proactive.
• Encourage public flood mitigation projects downtown that reduce risk (alternative to
private)
o Fort Collins case study – Poudre River
• New bridges downtown needed.
• Be smart about redevelopment. Choose flood mitigation projects/areas that will have
many benefits. I.e. reduces flood risk, creates a public activity space, animal habitat,
wetland, etc.
Question #3: How should the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County decrease the risk of
wildfire to residents, visitors, and the area’s natural resources?
• Choice D – Support. Easy to get folks onboard.
• Incentivize transit alternatives.
• Ensure services are available in town to reduce commuting. I.e., affordable housing and
childcare.
• Collaborate with Larimer County on Climate Plan. Become an equal partner. (x2 support)
• Climate Change Symposium, May 21, 2022, Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC) is
hosting a climate change symposium. Larimer County and Estes Park are co-sponsors.
• Choices A & B are more likely to be effective and change the course of the community.
• Need to address resiliency.
• Do all options. All are important.
• Who are the partners? Who can we collaborate or team with to support mitigation?
• Insurance considerations – wildfire mitigation may be required for insurance.
• Consider community character when it comes to imposing regulation. What character
are we trying to achieve? Are regulations elevating or detracting from character?
• Community education is an effective tool.
• Choice A - Support.
• Choice B – Against restricting; however, important to look at codes that require more
resilient buildings and environment.
• In process of adopting a WUI code. Support.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 17
• In process of adopting 2021 building code.
• Subsidize sprinkler retrofits – see City of Loveland case study.
• Economic incentivizes are a powerful tool to community risk reduction.
• Incentives over regulation for folks that aren’t planning construction (will encourage
retrofit in cases where it’s not required by code).
• Focus on private mitigation. Federal partners are very proactive.
• Building codes for construction materials.
• The county should extend the Forestry sort yard hours and months of operation.
• And/or Estes needs something similar.
• Sort yards incentivize good stewardship.
• Residents use the sort yard run by Boulder.
• Recommend collaboration/cooperation with CSU Forest Management Program.
• Choice B – Estes already has limited development area, restricting would further limit.
• Instead, fire breaks and thinning.
• Mill levies increase to enable the fire district to create a dedicated wildfire mitigation
division.
• Choice C – Already a good warning system in place.
• CWPP is currently in update – includes warning system improvements, fire
ingress/egress recommendations, etc.
• Need to inform visitors. Visitor awareness.
• Increase fines.
• Enforcement.
• Need to look to the future. Need to be prepared.
• Neighborhood pods responsible for mitigation. Educate residents so they can be
proactive with mitigation.
• Education + incentives are important (for all hazards).
• Underutilize power of insurance companies
• They have pressure to apply regulations
• Individual owners will not act alone without regulations.
Question #4: How should Estes Park improve flood resiliency to protect lives, property and
preserve the historic character and economic vitality of this area?
• Choice A – Do not support. Counter to encouraging higher density.
• Choice B – Regulations could be a nice in-between between A&B.
• Plan for and/or design flood control where water wants to flow. Rain garden, wetland,
etc.
• Ensure that mitigation projects don’t negatively impact neighbors.
• Choice A – Prioritize acquisition.
• Reduce development in high hazard areas.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 18
• Need to be proactive.
• Encourage public flood mitigation projects downtown that reduce risk (alternative to
private)
o Fort Collins case study – Poudre River
• New bridges downtown needed.
• Be smart about redevelopment. Choose flood mitigation projects/areas that will have
many benefits. I.e., reduces flood risk, creates a public activity space, animal habitat,
wetland, etc.
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?
• Choice D – Support. Easy to get folks onboard.
• Choice C – Incentivize transit alternatives.
• Ensure services are available in town to reduce commuting. Ie affordable housing and
childcare.
• Collaborate with Larimer County on Climate Plan. Become an equal partner. (x2 support)
• Climate Change Symposium, May 21, 2022, Estes Valley Watershed Coalition (EVWC) is
hosting a climate change symposium. Larimer County and Estes Park are co-sponsors.
• Choices A & B are more likely to be effective and change the course of the community.
• Need to address resiliency.
• Do all options. All are important.
Other Comments:
• Remove discussion of Town vs County. Natural resources are important across the
board.
• In general, no new build restrictions. So few new development occurring that spending
time on new regulations will have limited benefit.
• Include references to the Estes Valley Open Space Plan
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Draft Growth Management Area Boundary Map
• Looks good to me
• Extend boundary west of Mary’s Lake Road but still conserve/protect Prospect Mountain
• Include Carriage Hills
• Re-establish EV Planning Area
• Stop the insanity: no growth!
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 19
Question #1: Change is likely and it’s important to plan for where and how growth should and
shouldn't occur in the valley. How should Estes Park and Larimer County plan for future Town
growth and services outside of the current Estes Park limits?
• Focus on infill and redevelopment
• Multi-story vs. outdated growth
• Evaluate under-utilized land
• Highest and best use?
• Carriage Hills didn’t annex b/c horse restrictions
• Underground Utilities
• Consider school districts (implications on case by case?)
• Broad Area
• Fire districts
• Utilities
• Broadband
• Developers who want services
• SF Individual owners don’t want to annex
• Annexation is topic and decision for govt, not individuals (some debate on this)
• County Zoning to consider commercial
• Must consider expanding for new housing
• Why is growth an assumption?
• Some land uses need to change
• Current housing is not adequate. Need to provide areas for this
• DT should diversify
• County developments want to annex but don’t want to upgrade roads, etc. to town
standards
• Support for Choice B (Map a service area to identify where the Town can feasibly extend
fiscally and environmentally responsible infrastructure and utilities. This service area is
where long-term annexation and Town development could be considered in the future.)
• Support for Choice C (Discourage new annexations; focus redevelopment within Town
boundaries rather than outward (see Mapping Activity for redevelopment locations))
Question #2: Through this process the Town and County will update their development policies.
What criteria should the Town use to evaluate future requests for infrastructure extensions or
development permits?
• Support for requiring that the proposed development conform to the prescribed uses and
character of the Future Land Use Framework and Map (Choice D)
• Support for requiring that new development meets high standards for building energy
and water efficiency and hazard resilience (Choice G)
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 20
• Support for requiring that the proposed development area is connected to the Town via
a multi-use transportation network. (Choice H)
• Support for requiring that new development conserves parkland, open space, critical
wildlife habitat, and viewsheds AND respects wildlife corridors (Choice I)
• Other criteria: is dark sky compliant
Question #3: This plan proposes a range of future land uses in the Valley’s planning area that
consolidates 18 previously adopted future land use categories into 8 categories. Review the
proposed categories. Do you agree with this organization of future land use in the Estes Valley?
Are there any characteristics you would change?
• Need to increase land for industrial
o Convert some land to industrial and commercial enterprise
• Category 1: there should be a category without buildings or construction of any kind
Question #4: The previous Comprehensive Plan defines specific architectural guidelines. How
should the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan direct decision-makers regarding decisions
about the style, form, and function of buildings in Estes Park and surrounding county?
• Support for developing objective design standards based on location. i.e., downtown,
highway corridors, gateway areas (Choice A)
• Support for developing design standards based on development type, i.e., commercial,
multi-family (Choice B)
• Support for developing design and building code standards related to building
performance. i.e., hazard resilience, energy efficiency (Choice C)
• Support for updating the sign code (Choice E)
o “No neon”
• Choice F - Strengthen site design and performance standards in the County - just needs
enforcing
• Strongly oppose Choice G – “no guidance”
ECONOMY
Question #1: What would allow the Estes Valley to support a year-round economy?
• Do we really want a year-round economy? Do we already have one?
• How do second homeowners contribute?
• E. Need programs and attractions in the winter, not necessarily recreation related
• E. Redirect summer tourism revenue/marketing budgets to attract tourism in the winter
• D. Focus on a non-tourism based industry / More non-tourism businesses
• E. Winter day-trip tourism is a good niche
• If we do want a year-round economy, need more businesses and residents; more
affordable childcare, and a “thinking” economy (ie. Think tanks/high tech)
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 21
• Don’t have jobs for both parents or each person in the household
• F. We already have a year-round economy, don’t need to expand
• Create community that is fundamentally connected on ecology
• Build/grow based on ecology foundation, not for growth’s sake
• Don’t want traditional business development
• F. We do have a year-round economy (government, hospital and services)
• C. Affordable housing is key
• Balance willingness/desire for growth and ability to serve and build the infrastructure
o Look at the whole built environment (the old plan restricted this)
• “Tourism leads to an easy buck, not a better buck.”
Question #2: What role should the Town of Estes Park local government play in economic
development?
• A. Attract or have a proactive approach to economic development
• B. Holistic approach
• Both options were supported, but there’s a preference for the holistic approach
Question #3: What type of traditional business development should the Town engage in?
• Town could partner or pursue ED opportunities.
• Town can be good partner with EDC and others
Question #4: What type of holistic economic development should the Town engage in?
• A. Public arts/culture – already happening not essential to prioritize
• B. Trails and transportation is just as important as other utilities and infrastructure
• B. Need infrastructure (broadband) - came up more than once
Other Comments:
• Need younger workforce at the table
• Short-Term Rentals should be treated as a business and left in an Accommodation zone
• Don’t want to boom into a Front Range community
o Don’t want to grow in height, density. Control growth
• Let the free market do its thing (2a)
• Create exist signage (not just gateway signage) to reflect on what this experience was
HEALTH AND SOCIAL
Question #1: What kinds of local programs, recreation, or park amenities would you like the
Town to prioritize in the future, either through direct management, sponsorship, or partnerships?
• Already have a lot to support seniors (c)
• Hard to coordinate ESL/Spanish programs and staffing/volunteers (e)
• Robust/welcoming greenspace/gathering space (a)
o Parks for residents, not just visitors (ABCD neighborhood/Hospital area)
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 22
o 10 min. walk distance for everyone
• Integrate health
• All options were supported.
• Wanted focus on local events, not events that bring in tourist or people from outside of
Estes.
• County has strong mental health programs
• Want access to parks/trails
o Trail connectivity
o Connect trails and fill in trail gaps
o Use volunteer labor to help make trails
• Safe alternative transportation options
• Bus should be free year-round
• Put new parks in denser and lower socio-economic areas (places that need access to
greenspace)
Question #2: How could the Town create a more inclusive environment in the community?
• Library should help
• Provide interpretation services
• 2a – maybe but need to get diverse group. Incentivize and then ensure flexibility
(childcare)
• Give them authority to make decisions
• Celebration for different cultures
• All were supported, but most support was for c and d (partnerships with local non-profits,
and improve town communication and engagement opportunities in other languages)
• Already have staff committee for EDI
• Non-profit coalition group?
• To be a welcoming community, need to be affordable
Question #3: What should be the Town and County's role in providing childcare?
• Need more childcare, need workforce to provide childcare
• Participants liked A, B, C, and E.
• Didn’t think that there are zoning or regulatory barriers (D), and not participating in
providing childcare didn’t seem like a viable option.
• Offering financial subsidies for childcare was most supported.
• Use Childcare Task Force Report
• Housing/childcare joint development (i.e. provide childcare at the site of new housing)
• Regulatory barriers aren’t local (childcare standards at fed/certification level)
• Public/private partnerships for childcare
o Need different variety of childcare times and on weekends
o Incentives, funding
o Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and YMCA programs are all good partners
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 23
Question #4: What should be the Town and County's role in supporting programs for school
aged children and with the school district?
• All were supported options.
• Coordinate with ALL service districts with growth projections (not just the school
district)
• Schools – establish internship opportunities
HOUSING
Question #1: What housing goals should be set for the Estes Valley?
• Housing the year-round workforce and critical service providers were the most
commonly supported goals, with the definition of critical service provider being broader
than just the teachers, firefighters, and EMS listed as examples.
• Ensuring affordability of housing at a full range of incomes was valued as one, of many,
tools for housing the year-round workforce, rather than a goal on its own.
• Support for multigenerational living focused on ensuring young families have housing
and bringing the young and aging together as a single community.
• There was concern that a housing goal perpetuates a growth mindset and a response
that the lack of a housing goal under-provides housing without changing that mindset.
Question #2: What are the most important criteria to consider in locating new housing
opportunities?
• The most commonly identified criteria for locating new housing opportunities were
proximity to downtown and within the Town boundary. These locations were commonly
cited as addressing multiple community principles.
• Redevelopment and infill of existing commercial sites to include more housing was a
commonly identified opportunity. Industrial and accommodations zones were
specifically identified.
• There was also support for looking outside of the Town boundary with suggestions
ranging from expanding the Town boundary specifically for housing opportunities to
locating housing anywhere it is proposed because locations are so hard to find.
• Consideration of wildlife habitat, proximity to transit, and safe routes to schools were
also identified criteria.
Question #3: What are the most important design considerations for adding housing
opportunities?
• Affordable ownership opportunities were identified as the most important design
consideration.
• A continuum of stable rental opportunities and the possibility of ownership for those
committed to the community was more important to participants than affordable
housing for anyone looking to relocate to Estes.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 24
• Valuing long-term rental over short-term rental was important to participants.
• Designing sustainably for long-term affordability was also important to participants.
Question #4: Ensuring housing affordability and opportunity requires funding. What funding
options should be pursued in support of Attainable Housing? (Attainable Housing is housing
that is affordable to households earning less than 150% of Larimer County Median Income)
• There was support for an additional lodging tax and an increased property tax, with
accommodation for long-time owners unable to pay.
• Exploration of a vacancy tax on second homeowners, like Crested Butte’s, was also
suggested.
Question #5: If a dedicated funding source were to be developed, how should housing funds be
utilized?
• Programs to purchase deed restrictions on existing and new units received the most
support. Specific ideas included down-payment or “cash buyer” assistance for
purchasers and stimulus for private developers.
• There was also support for partnering with affordable housing developers and
collaborative efforts to combine the limited resources of small businesses.
Question #6: How should housing opportunities be added to the appropriate areas of Estes
Valley?
• Allowances for bigger buildings, allowances for infill, incentives for attainable housing,
and requirements on developers to provide housing all received support. The general
sentiment was that all approaches are needed.
• Downtown was identified as a location for taller buildings, with design considerations.
• Redevelopment was identified as a major opportunity, but displacement of existing
residents was identified as an important consideration of redevelopment.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION
Question #1: “Active transportation” is any human-powered mode of transportation, such as
walking or bicycling. Which types of “active transportation” improvements should Estes Park
prioritize?
• Choice A. Improved and expanded sidewalks and trails
o Trail/sidewalk vs. on road with cars (Devil’s Gulch Rd, Graves Ave)
o Like detached trails
o Like a combination of on-street and detached PLUS connections between them
o Consider mindset of would parents let kids on street? Likely not, prefer separated
o No bikes currently allowed on Riverwalk – lots of pedestrians
o More trails are always good
o Bike lanes are not great and too narrow
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 25
o Build up the bike path network
o Yes to wide shared paths
o Building out the trail network is key
o Very little flat land; uphill on narrow roads is difficult
o Trail connectivity is key. Dry Gulch, Devils Gulch would be a good extension
o Scott Ave connects Fish Creek to 7
o Near Scott Ave is a nice trail for bike/ped
o In some areas, residents don’t want sidewalks
o 2014 sales tax revenue portion goes to trail expansion (180)
o Master Trail Plan has vision for building out the network
• Choice B. Bikes lanes on streets
o Vision is to be a leader in advancing benefits and offering a real shared-roadway
experience (rather than a follower)
o People are afraid to cycle downtown
o Like clearly delineated bike lanes
o Must also consider emergency vehicles and plows, get up to ~38 ft. A ladder truck
is ~ 12 ft wide
o People need to feel safe - even paint or collapsible stakes might help
o No to bike lanes (deaths)
o Safety is key
o ROW generally 40 ft, roads 20 ft. Often, there is space. How should we use?
o Complete Streets doesn’t apply to developer streets
o When streets are redesigned, reconfigure! e.g., 3rd St and 4th St, about 2-3 blocks
long
o With redevelopment of downtown, is the plan to make more bike friendly?
Downtown Plan acknowledges this
o If riding bike out of town, you’re taking your life into your own hands
o Some put bike(s) on car to get to a trailhead (instead of riding to it)
o Too scared to ride bike currently
o The loop will have bike lanes
o A painted stripe does not feel safe
o Markings and bike lanes add visual cues; is inclusive and reminds drivers it’s a
shared road
o Maintenance is a consideration
o Consider a philosophical approach to give priority to bikes/ped.
o Consider one car lane (low volume, low speed, both directions and oncoming
vehicles would yield to each other) to give ROW to a bike lane in each direction.
May have topography limitations for applicability of this idea
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 26
o 34 going west will connect to RMNP
o Considerations for a bike lane on 34: CDOT consent (hopefully pay); topography
(down to river); bedrock; ROW width; private property owner easements; lots of
prep work; no curb/gutter
• Choice C. Bike amenities at destinations (bike racks, repair stations, lockers)
o Favorable comments re: bike maintenance stations around lake, downtown
o Often employers offer bike racks
o Maybe eventually in parking structure
o Hiker shuttle, maybe bike lockers
• Choice D. Bike sharing or rentals
o Concern re: placement of bikeshare
o Electric (e-) bikes: how to incorporate, how much space, which areas? Streets, not
off-street sidewalks; issues with speed
o Love the idea of bike share; events center to downtown if have bike facility;
around lake
o Electric assist would be good, though tourists will likely be in flat areas
o No commuters likely if too expensive
o Hotels may add as amenity and then town wouldn’t have to fund
o Focus on infrastructure and let private industry increase supply of bikes
o Bikeshare memberships – would be good to have memberships with income
adjustments
o In the past, a non-profit’s experience: bikes gifted to kids were sold for cash
o Leave bike sharing and rentals to the bike shops/private commercial/free
enterprise. Leave the government out of it
Question #2: Public Transit: What should Estes Park and Larimer County prioritize?
• General comments:
o Estes Park is car-centric
o We need public transportation.
o Projections are B.S.
o There is a lack of advertising regarding transit
o With strong tourist economy, wouldn’t more transit and less cars be worth looking
at?
o Be in close partnership with RMNP
o Want more inclusive shuttle systems
o Develop vision to be less car-centric
o Set objective to reduce the number of cars
o Winter vs. developing year-round economy
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 27
o Additional transit service within Estes Park town limits
• Choose A, high priority. Current transit prioritizes visitors, not residents.
o Would like to see expansion serve residents.
o Fish Hatchery project to serve bus routes
o Thinking of Winter Park and Steamboat. If robust, people will use it
o Don’t have too many thoroughfares
• Choice B. Additional service within the Estes Valley (includes unincorporated parts of
Larimer County and nearby communities like Glen Haven, Drake, Allenspark and
Pinewood Springs)
o YMCA route is coming back – high priority
o YMCA route lessens traffic congestion and parking congestion
o No exterior park-n-ride in valley, e.g., 7 & Fish Creek, south end. Similar to Fall
River
o Transit access to trails – park entrance, Tunnel Road, YMCA, Lumpy Ride, more
o Lily Lake
o Long-range: RMNP cleared concept for multi-use path between two entries. Trail
loop, parking structure between two entries, loop and back to parking structure
o Fish Hatchery housing development on 34 – must have a car. Access and
Connection. Fall River Trail will connect (and Aspen Glen Campground)
o Advertise – free shuttle! Hwy 7 and Fall River
• Choice C. Additional transit between Estes Park and the Front Range
o Seasonal workers, central to town
o Reliable and affordable connection to Denver airport
o Would think some commuters would use additional transit options
o Transit on 34 and 36 is for workforce
o Bustang (Union Station, Boulder, Lyons) on weekends to parking structure and
RMNP is heavily subsidized at $10 fare. Previously, ridership was poor.
o Transit network in 20 years… long-term should we go to Lyons, DIA, etc.? More
services in summer?
o How do we reach the folks who commute?
o Light rail would be cool
o Bustang seems good. What if more frequent?
o Introduce Visit Estes Park at a distance so they can get here via public
transportation
o 34 and 36 corridors – open the pathway
o It’s a regional cooperative effort
o Right now, to degree of large visitor numbers in summer, short-term employees,
the need for transportation is about five months. But for them, it’s a big deal!
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 28
o Shuttle services and buses could be a real need
o Hard part that 3-month (summer) period is not about six months (though there is
a noticeable peak in the summer)
o Vans good, go to airport
• Choice D. Improved transit infrastructure (bus stop amenities like benches and shelters,
signage)
o Only two real bus pullouts: Elkhorn and Prospector
• Choice E. Transitioning to alternative, zero-emission fuel sources for transit vehicles
o Want zero emissions, large and small size, major arteries. In summer – use all
vehicles in fleet. In winter – use the smaller vehicles
Question #3: Access for private vehicles: What should Estes Park and Larimer County prioritize?
• Choice A. Additional electric vehicle charging stations
o Wireless deficit prohibits (reduces ability to) vehicle charging
o Free parking for electric cars to encourage use
o FedEx, similar carriers, etc. – incentivize for electric
o Electric – further incentives
o Think there are enough charging stations in Town (Rivian, private, Basilica, and
Stanley?).
o Electric cars are a fad.
o Let private industry provide charging stations; Town doesn’t need to
o Should local government be involved in e-charging stations OR should it be
private sector?
o Four fast-charges at Visitor Center via Charge Point (driven by state)(paid for one
at the visitor center) and on the route Denver to Craig
o At Town Hall lot, owned by Town
o How much charged? What’s the rate? How often are they used?
o Are there energy efficiency benefits? Serious tradeoffs to consider
• Choice B. Additional parking supply
o Get rid of paid parking – return to free because Estes Park makes enough with
tax revenue
o Commenter has only gone downtown once after Estes Park started to charge for
parking
o Look at Breckenridge with a 50-acre parking lot, $5 fee
o Shoppers are spending money here and having to watch the clock for their 2-hour
parking to expire (counterpoint made that the person could increase time via
app). If I’m a shop owner, I don’t want my customer worrying about parking time
expiration.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 29
o In favor of paid parking.
o People parking at Safeway because it’s free
o Use the Variable Message Signs (VMS) more to direct people to parking structure
o Need better info regarding parking
o Reference made to Los Angeles: many people are fine with paid parking
o On a nice Colorado day, a lot of Front Rangers coming to town and fine with paid
parking
o Support for a parking structure on west side geared to RMNP
o RE: adding more parking downtown:
There are additional options
Commenter rode trolley for first time this spring
Do we have data correlating to businesses?
o Anecdotal: Tax dollars paid to state, then comes back and get it by category
o Near Performance Park, to get people coming out of park. Might help if keeps
them out of downtown. The route really needs to get them there
o People who use the parking structure must add time to walk to their destination
from the structure
o Who’s impacted the most? Who receives the burden?
o Regarding the parking garage:
the convenience of parking adjacent to your destination/activity if better
than parking at the garage and having to walk; adjacent parking takes less
time
If get off shift at night, don’t want to walk to parking garage in the dark.
Suppose could park in garage initially, then step out of work to move car
closer to workplace when the paid period ends
Connect with transit; want people to not drive
• Choice C. Technology that improves traffic flow
o Don’t want autonomous vehicles
o Light on 7 that activates when approach
• Choice D. Ride share options (Uber, Lyft, taxi)
o Would support ride share. Problems in past were tied to poor cellular coverage:
the drivers weren’t getting paid because poor cellular coverage didn’t
accommodate the phone app showing the trip as completed, so they didn’t get
paid and no longer wanted to serve the area
o Like ride share
o Ride share would be good
o Ride share – yes
o RideShare – there are no prohibitions; driven by private sector economics
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 30
Question #4: Where on the spectrum of transportation innovation should Estes Park and Larimer
County be?
• No discussion on this question; see questionnaire results
Question #5: How should Estes Park protect adequate water supply for residents, visitors, and
provide water for fire response into the future?
• Choice A – Need to better understand water use of parks/golf course to decide if grey
water is worth it.
• Water conservation is priority – add native and drought resistant landscape
requirements to the code.
• Infrastructure is a waste – try to get people to recycle more. More action to limit waste.
• Education is needed – more awareness of personal choices and what is leading to
decreased water supply.
• Prioritize water conservation prior to infrastructure.
• Water cost relative to water usage. AKA higher use, higher cost.
• Regulate through building code, such as low flow toilets.
• Whole system approach to water planning.
• Eagle Rock School case study (not sure what context this case study was given in)
• Water transmission infrastructure is undersized – upgrades are piecemeal as new
development goes is.
• Estes Park is a gateway community, people need to be aware of community values –
nature, indigenous perspectives. (Education)
Questions #6: How should Estes Park and Larimer County work with partners to support
improvements to the resiliency and sustainability of energy delivery systems?
• The Town and energy provider are not doing a good job incentivizing efficiency retrofit.
o Efficiency Works https://efficiencyworks.org/
• How do we increase support for a government solar garden?
• Need to employ tactics to reduce energy use
o Consider conservation opportunities around heating and transportation.
Improve multi-modal options
Incentivize solar
• Choice C – yes, underground power lines.
• Incentivize or require heat pump HVAC systems.
• Choice B – Yes, if it can prevent fire.
o However, consider other impacts of power outages such as ventilator dependent
residents.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 31
• Continue pursuing renewables
• Support all choices given. However, undergrounding is cost prohibitive.
• Energy efficiency rebates needed.
• PRPA is too fossil fuel heavy.
• Advertise and incentivize energy retrofits.
• Invest in grid improvements and renewables.
• Incentivize & regulate efficiency in remodels and new builds.
• Instead of undergrounding, be diligent about trimming trees around power lines.
PUBLIC WORKSHOP– SPANISH
OVERARCHING COMMENTS
• We’re all in this together
• We want to be more involved and work collectively to see results for the future
• People are very busy working and it’s hard to get involved in these efforts, especially as
a working parent
• There’s no time to take vacations or be engaged in these efforts, there is no balance
between work and life, and it isn’t sustainable
• Seattle has a living wage they pay people; can we have that?
• The Town won’t acknowledge that the Latinx population is a major component of the
workforce here
• We need representation, leadership and advocacy at Town Hall to help with sharing
information and conflict resolution, as well as encouraging participation in events
• We need someone who can be the voice of our population, work to represent the Hispanic
community
• We want more events that are geared towards the Latinx population- music and
international events, food and fun contests
• Would like more Latinx artists and more culturally-sensitive events that are inclusive
AFFORDABLE HOUSING/HOUSING
• Cost of housing is beyond the means of most of the community, can Estes help secure
AH?
• Can the Town buy properties for people, or build housing?
• Much of the housing needed isn’t available in the summer, only the winter, and people
are being displaced
• People are leaving permanently, there is nowhere to live here
• I want a home with a garden, and I also think multi-family and higher density housing
would be convenient, especially for those in need
• The living conditions of many places in town are bad, buildings are in disrepair, and it’s
not safe
• We want decent places to live
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 32
• How do we present a united front and how do we bring these needs to the attention of
landlords in a way that they’ll do something?
• Heating costs are very high, as is electricity
• Overcrowded conditions, we want dignity for housing
• Many seasonal employers are paying people under the table, they’re taking money from
the Town
• Jobs should go to people who live here first
• Want help with renter’s rights and advocacy
• People don’t want to rent to Latinos
WILDFIRE CONCERNS
• For many, a significant concern is receiving notification or warnings when fire is
approaching- in 2020 all of the messaging was in English
• What do people do with their animals if displaced, where can they go to find safety and
shelter?
• People want the same amount of information and notice when threats are nearby
INFORMATION SHARING/SPANISH TRANSLATION
• Provide information (including wildfire danger/threat) in Spanish so people can find
resources for housing and food
• Text messages are very effective for those who registered, but alerts were in English only
• There should be Spanish translation at every public meeting so everyone can participate
and voice their opinions
• There are so many important topics, and we are being left out of the dialogue
• Communication should be equal and fair
• We want more Spanish language education for families, it helps to keep families intact
when youth speak Spanish and the older adults learn English
• Language can divide families
SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS/CONSERVATION
• Everything is changing- global warming, water resources
• The Town should get EVs
• Interest in solar panels for housing
• Most apartments and many businesses don’t offer recycling, can this be mandatory?
• Want more recycling facilities and easier access to what we have currently
• Education on sustainability is important, children will benefit from understanding the
bigger vision of conservation and sustainability, and more will know what they can do to
contribute to these efforts
COST OF LIVING IN ESTES PARK
• Many drive to the Valley to buy groceries, food is too expensive here
• The Community Center is too expensive, and they don’t offer summer programs for kids
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 33
TRANSPORTATION
• Need reliable public transportation/carpooling strategies for travel outside Estes Park
• Please ensure shuttle routes and timing are responsive to the needs we have, and where
we live, and can it be year-round?
BUILT ENVIRONMENT CONSIDERATIONS
• Want Estes to grow, we want more parks and homes, but there are concerns about the
effects on wildlife and that affects tourism
• Some don’t want to see growth in Estes, it’s too big
• Desire for more homes, but not businesses
• Desire for more multi-family housing, and less short-term rentals
EQUITY
• No balance between workforce and income
• Wages need to be more balanced here for social equity
• People should be able to live on one salary in the household
• Despite working in town for over 20 years, when I raise my prices, people won’t pay,
despite how expensive it is to live and do business here
CHILDCARE
• The cost is high, either raise incomes or reduce the prices somehow, this should be a
human right to provide affordable, decent childcare
• EVICS lacks the resources to help everyone, the Town should help out
• I can’t work without childcare, and I have to choose between it or working
• This is an investment in the future, regardless of what language we speak
CITIZENSHIP
• How do we solve this issue here?
• A myriad of issues regarding documentation status here
• Could employers offer support with legal issues? Can the Town?
• We want a pathway to citizenship
• Lending practices aren’t helping us
• Where do older people go for help, especially if they don’t have the retirement resources
many have?
HEALTH/HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION
• We need affordable healthcare
• The school system needs to do a better job helping Latinx students to succeed and excel
• More bi-lingual teachers needed, and more homework is needed
• Sports should be year-round
• Be more attentive to Latinx students
• Summer school for students
• Tutors
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 34
• We need to see more parents coming to School district meetings to voice their opinions-
we need advocacy
EVICS AND MUJERES EN CONEXIÓN MEETING
ENVIRONMENT
• Visitors need to be educated more about sustainability and the natural environment in
Estes Park, especially in vacation homes. There is trash everywhere and they don’t
recycle
• Often, there are no recycling bins at vacation homes or hotels, owners think it doesn’t
look good in the rooms. People aren’t making an effort to be responsible at all- can the
owners/staff be required to follow some rules and have bins?
• Kids need to learn to recycle and reduce waste
• Invest in more water-refill stations around town
• How can we trust that the water is safe here?
• Composting is important too, but it’s not an option for the most part
FIRE MITIGATION
• Is anything being done here to communicate about fire danger?
• Signage, educational opportunities are needed
• What about the powerlines and cables in the trees, are they safe?
HOUSING
• Largely unstable, especially when it makes more money to rent as vacation homes
• Is there any protection for renters, or any information to help renters to address issues
with landlords (ventilation, broken items, heat, overall conditions of the house)
HEALTHCARE
• Since COVID, Salud isn’t accepting new patients
• Staff there isn’t being paid well
• There should be affordable healthcare services for the uninsured- sliding scale?
• We need volunteers to speak to the community about nutrition, exercise, food choices,
and general health advice and resources for people
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
• Many people don’t own cars here, and they need reliable public transportation, and we
need more information on existing services in Spanish, and we need it near our
neighborhoods, the hospital, and the grocery store
CHILDCARE
• Need more affordable childcare, and more flexibility if we want to add more children
• There’s a pervasive attitude that women should stay home to take care of the kids, and
we want to work and be a part of the community too, but we need affordable choices
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 35
INTERACTIVE ONLINE MAP ACTIVITY
Participant Suggestions for Opportunity Area Future Land Uses
1. Mixed Residential and Mixed Use
2. Mixed Residential and Mixed Use
3. Mixed Residential and Mixed Use
4. Mixed Residential and Downtown Mix
5. Mixed Residential, Downtown Mix, and Village Neighborhood
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 36
6. Mixed Residential and Downtown Mix
7. Mixed Residential, Downtown Mix, Mixed Use Center
8. Mixed Residential and Village Neighborhood
9. Mixed Residential
10. Mixed Residential and Mixed Use
11. Natural Resource Conservation and Parks
12. Natural Resource Conservation and Parks or Keep it As It Is
13. Mixed Residential and Village Neighborhood
14. No Comments
15. Natural Resource Conservation & Parks, Keep it As It Is, Mixed Residential, and Village
16. Village Neighborhood
17. Mixed Use Center
18. Mixed Residential
19. Village Neighborhood
20. Natural Resource Conservation and Parks
Comments in other Locations
• Intersection of Fall River Road and James McIntyre Road identified as location for
Natural Resource Conservation and Parks
o “The Fall River Road rec/bike trail needs to get extended to Fish Hatchery Road
and connect to the RMNP.: The Fall River Road rec/bike trail needs to get
extended to Fish Hatchery Road and connect to the RMNP.”
• The Dry Gulch Road Corridor was identified as a location for Natural Resource
Conservation and Parks.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 37
OTHER SUBMITTED COMMENTS
E-MAIL RECEIVED MAY 11, 2022
Dear Mayor and Trustees,
I understand that public input is being sought relative to the Estes Park Comprehensive Plan. In
that spirit, I respectfully request your consideration of the following recommendation pertaining
to future development in Estes Park and within Estes Valley. Larimer County Commissioners
are copied on this communication since some buildings in our community are approved through
the Larimer County planning and development process.
I recommend the Comprehensive Plan state explicitly that all future new development should be
designed in a manner that respects the traditional mountain ambience of Estes
Park. Specifically, design solutions should result in architecture that preserves and enhances
the historic character and natural beauty of this mountain community. Importantly, buildings
with a distinctive industrial look and feel should be discouraged (pre-engineered metal buildings,
monolithic tilt-up concrete slab facades, etc.). Similarly, architecture that is ultra-contemporary,
making a “one-of-a-kind" design statement, should be avoided in most cases. Such buildings
are more appropriate within a metropolitan urban setting, not so much in Estes Park.
While the Town of Estes Park does not currently have architectural design standards to which
developers must adhere, it is important that our guiding documents, such as the Comprehensive
Plan, speak to the desire to promote architectural solutions that are informed by the natural
open spaces and abundant wildlife. Such solutions will result in more cohesive overall future
development that is complementary to Estes Park’s position as the gateway to Rocky Mountain
National Park.
As a full-time resident of Estes Park, I make the above recommendation from the perspective of
one who spent a career in the architecture and engineering design profession. I strongly believe
that Estes Park’s best days are ahead and hope that our community will promote future
development solutions that are additive to, and not deductive from, the unique character of our
community.
E-MAIL RECEIVED MAY 27, 2022
Re: Estes Forward Comprehensive Planning Document (May 24th)
I find it strange that Estes should include a Progressive approach to planning our future, in light
of the disastrous outcomes of our current Progressive administration in Washington. Indeed,
many woke Progressive ideologies are included in this document: proactive response to climate
change, reduced carbon emissions, equity, and affordable housing for all. I don’t agree with any
of these statements and, without further explanation and defining limits, I cannot support it. I
think that many in the retired community of Estes are rightfully concerned with where this town
is heading.
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 38
LETTER FROM STAKEHOLDER, MAY 2022
Estes Forward Community Choices Engagement Summary Page 39
LETTER FROM SIERRA CLUB POUDRE CANYON GROUP, MAY 2022
Community Choices
SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT
18 June 2021 - 31 May 2022
PROJECT NAME:
Get Involved
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 1 of 64
Q1 Residency - Where is your primary residence? (Select One)
27 (40.3%)
27 (40.3%)
30 (44.8%)
30 (44.8%)
1 (1.5%)
1 (1.5%)1 (1.5%)
1 (1.5%)8 (11.9%)
8 (11.9%)
Town of Estes Park Estes Valley Planning Area (but outside of Town)
Other parts of unincorporated Larimer County, including Drake, Glen Haven, etc.Boulder County Other
Question options
Mandatory Question (67 response(s))
Question type: Dropdown Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 2 of 64
Q2 What is your relationship with Estes Park? (check all that apply)
I live here full-time I live here part-time I work here I own a business here I visit here
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
51
10
15
7
2
Optional question (65 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 3 of 64
Q3 Do you consider yourself a part of any of the following communities? (check all that
apply)
Latinx/Hispanic community English as a second language
"Colorado For All" diversity, equity and inclusion demographics (including: gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual
orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, and/or socio-economic status)
Under 25 yrs old
Question options
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
2
1
19
Optional question (20 response(s), 47 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 4 of 64
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 5 of 64
Q1 Do you support this draft Vision?"The Estes Valley community works together as
responsible stewards of our iconic mountain ...
45 (67.2%)
45 (67.2%)
15 (22.4%)
15 (22.4%)
7 (10.4%)
7 (10.4%)
Yes!Yes, with a small revision No (please indicate your reasons below)
Question options
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 6 of 64
Q2 Do you support the draft Guiding Principles below?Responsible access to wild spaces,
scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and Rocky Mountain National Park.A unified, proactive
response to climate change through resilient infrastructure, ecosystem man...
37 (55.2%)
37 (55.2%)
21 (31.3%)
21 (31.3%)
9 (13.4%)
9 (13.4%)
Yes!Yes, with a small revision (please specify in question below)No (please specify)
Question options
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 7 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
change iconic to irreplaceable -- under year-round diversified
economy and social services, put residents first, then visitors!
Screen Name Redacted
4/18/2022 01:17 PM
i would remove the phrase "of all backgrounds" in the vision
statement
Screen Name Redacted
4/23/2022 09:27 AM
Add "protects wildlife" to the Guiding Principles under the balanced
growth section.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Vision: The phrase "our...home" is a bit restrictive and could imply
that only residents have a stake. Suggest a more inclusive synonym:
e.g., "surroundings."
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
In the vision, emphasis on sustainability for the environment -- without
the environment there is no economy
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
1)Strike the reference to RMNP. EP area has no control over federal
lands. 2) point 2 seems overly broad. 3)Pathways to health seems to
belong to Medical Center vs. Town/County governance.
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 02:07 PM
The Estes Valley recognizes its vulnerability to catastrophic wildfire
and works with residents and visitors to mitigate the danger and
assure that all can evacuate in a fire.
Screen Name Redacted
5/03/2022 03:19 PM
We must protect the beauty and ecology of the North End of the
Estes Valley by preserving it as a low density area.
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
We will never have accessible or affordable housing for those who
want to live or work here as long as STRs consume much of the
housing that could be used to achieve this goal.
Screen Name Redacted
5/07/2022 10:18 AM
Add… Respect and opportunities for all people without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected
characteristics.
Q3 What would you change or add to the draft Vision or Guiding Principles?
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 8 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/10/2022 04:59 PM
Revamp the entire thing...the town actually doesn't care about
individuals unless you are wealthy or extremel poor
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 02:00 PM
"The Estes Valley community works together as responsible stewards
of our iconic mountain home to welcome visitors and support
residents of all backgrounds . . ."
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
How these different principles will be determined and followed up with
in a democratic manner.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 01:02 PM
Maintain, sustain our unique “Sense of Place”
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Balancing our needs and wants with fiscally sound approaches that
do not overburden our constituents and create a counter effect to any
of the above. Steer clear of corporate greed within our government.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
Guiding Principals - we serve as a buffer to Rocky, more emphasis on
protecting wildlife, buffer habitat, and their seasonal migration routes.
If we lose the wildlife, we lose much of the town's character.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Edit to #1 above is to "value residents". Edit to #2 first bullet point is
"Responsible access to and protection of . . ."
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
1. This is the TOWN OF ESTES PARK comprehensive plan. The
statement needs to acknowledge that. It should read... "The Town
envisions an Estes Valley Community that works together..." The rest
is fine.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 04:34 PM
make residents a priority over visitors
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
"Balanced growth that enhances quality of life" is too weak, it should
be managed growth. There should be no commitment to support
growth, the top priorities are quality of life, local character,
conservation and STEWARDSHIP.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 9 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/16/2022 03:41 PM
fiscal responsibility
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:08 AM
Depends upon the multi-modal transportation options
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Every statement can mean different things to different people. For
example Balanced growth What does that really mean? I'm pro
growth with some restrictions.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 02:53 PM
Vision should include climate change/rapid ecological change
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
Community that values accessing its downtown without emphasis on
single method of modality
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 01:43 PM
Your goal of "protection of sacred lands and indigenous ceremonial
practices" can be very tricky to achieve while still maintaining
separation of church and state. The government should neither
prohibit NOR protect religious practices.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
See notes above.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 06:24 PM
Focus on attainable goals
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
I would keep the existing plan in place. It has adequately served the
community for many, many years. Expanding the town and changing
zoning laws to allow certain development is how the downturn of a
community begins!
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 10:21 AM
Affordable housing for all is too broad. It could be interpreted to
require housing for homeless people moving to Estes just to get
housing.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
reduce strain on the town in summer and promote business in winter
Screen Name Redacted By emphasizing the idea that our town should work towards being a
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 10 of 64
5/22/2022 07:48 PM model of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:49 PM
The verbage is a bit narrow... "Recognition an respect for all cultures"
and "residents and visitors of all backgrounds" fails to include
LGBQT+. Perhaps "residents and visitors of all background and
lifestyles" would be more inclusive.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
health prosperity and equity for all is sooo broad that how will people
even tap k about what that would mean let alone make decisions
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 08:33 PM
Guiding Principles needs more work.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 10:24 PM
Developing and sustaining a vibrant community.
Optional question (36 response(s), 32 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 11 of 64
Q4 Taken together, steep slopes, floodplains, wildfire risks, wildlife habitats, and scenery all
make it tricky to develop land in and around Estes. What additional strategies would you
support to protect the natural environment and scenery and allow ...
Increase open space/park dedication in the development design standards
Develop a suite of tools to protect conservation areas and incentivize infill development
Develop stricter ridgeline development requirements
Create a Town dedicated sales tax for open space acquisition to supplement the County's “Help Preserve Open Space” sales tax
Dedicate governmental funding to conservation partners to increase their ability to conserve land
Reduce impacts on viewsheds by strengthening the County’s grading standards to reduce the amount of cut and fill. Restrict
development above a certain hillside elevation
Create an Environmentally Sensitive Lands Zoning Overlay. Land that contains some or all of the natural constraints listed above
would be subject to additional design review.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
41
44
39
34 33
42 43
13
Optional question (66 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 12 of 64
Q5 What approaches would you support to better protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity
and ecosystems? (select all that apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click
here.
Salvage and relocate rare native plants ahead of construction Require native plants as part of new development
Increase river, stream, and wetlands setbacks or buffers Enact a building fee to support habitat enhancements
Build roadway underpasses or bridges Cluster residential development Limit the maximum house size
Limit development in wildlife conservation priority areas as identified in the Estes Valley Open Space Plan
New wildlife regulations should only apply to County development
New wildlife regulations should only apply to Town development Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
28
44
50
28 28
36
27
49
10
8
14
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 13 of 64
Q6 How should the Town of Estes Park and Larimer County decrease the risk of wildfire to
residents, visitors and the area’s natural resources? (select all that apply)To learn more about
the context of this question, click here.
Further increase investments in proactively mitigating fire near the wildland-urban interface through forest management, fire breaks,
and property mitigation support programs
Restrict new development in higher hazard/more challenging to defend fire areas that are at the community’s perimeter.
Improve the community education and warning systems to allow for ample evacuation time in the event of wildfire.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65 61
38
46
27
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 14 of 64
Q7 How should Estes Park improve flood resiliency to protect lives, property and preserve
the historic character and economic vitality of this area? (select all that apply)To learn more
about the context of this question, click here.
Pursue grants to purchase highest-risk properties and create public spaces that also mitigate flood risk.
Increase the development regulations to keep property and people out of the floodplain and ensure space for natural flooding to
occur.
Allow individual property owners to decide how they would like to respond to the updated flood insurance rate maps.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
43
46
25
11
Optional question (66 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 15 of 64
Q8 How should Estes Park and Larimer County collaborate to adapt to the impacts of
climate change? (select all that apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click
here.
Increase funding to support adaptation and mitigation efforts to create a more resilient community.
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)
Revise transportation and building code requirements to offset greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Develop education resources and programs to support community decision making that reduce resource consumption and carbon
emissions; and plan community transportation, water, and electric systems to reduce environmental impacts.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
37
43
38
51
19
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 16 of 64
Q9 Change is likely and it’s important to plan for where and how growth should and
shouldn't occur in the Valley. How should Estes Park and Larimer County plan for future Town
growth and services outside of the current Estes Park limits? (select all t...
Maintain current approach: unincorporated landowners initiate annexation applications to the Town; each is evaluated on a case-by-
case basis.
Map a service area to identify where the Town can feasibly extend fiscally and environmentally responsible infrastructure and utilities.
This service area is where long-term annexation and Town development could be considered in the future.
Discourage new annexations; focus redevelopment within Town boundaries rather than outward (see Mapping Activity for
redevelopment locations).
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
14
41
25
12
Optional question (66 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 17 of 64
Q10 Through this process the Town and County will update their development policies.
What criteria should the Town use to evaluate future requests for infrastructure extensions or
development permits? (select all that apply)To learn more about the cont...
The proposed development is within or shares a contiguous boundary with the Town
Proposed development is not more than 2 miles from the current Town boundaries
The Town can provide the same level of services to the proposed development as it currently provides to the rest of the town (water,
sewer, fire, police, streets, etc.)
The proposed development conforms to the prescribed uses and character of the Future Land Use Framework and Map
The proposed development will be at municipal-level densities and intensities
The proposed development provides affordable or attainable housing
The new development meets high standards for building energy and water efficiency and hazard resilience
The proposed development area is connected to the Town via a multi-use transportation network
The new development conserves parkland, open space, critical wildlife habitat, and viewsheds Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
31
7
35
29
7
35
41
23
45
10
Optional question (64 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 18 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
NO to all but Natural Resource Conservation and Parks -- and a
HUGE NO!!! to Suburban Estates -- why must we even consider such
things? A large part of the charm of Estes Park is its' fairly small size
and explorability -- we just don't need to keep pursuing further
development!!!
Screen Name Redacted
4/18/2022 05:24 PM
I agree with this approach
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Generally, yes, this is appropriate. But the 10-acre min. lot size in
either Town or County is a recipe for sprawl development. Much
larger min. lot sizes in 'Mountains and Foothills' is needed. Also
suggest higher-density multi-unit residential development. The 'Mixed
Residential Neighborhood' concept is good, but the densities should
be higher if the Town is serious about workforce housing, which
almost certainly will have to be multi-unit for hte majority.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
Connect existing neighborhoods with trail easements for more
walkability (ie: ABC area to Prospect Mt; Also, take Prospect Mt by
imminent domain and make open space
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Categories seem reasonable. Why are 1997 standards/categories
mentioned?
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 02:07 PM
The explicit assumption here is that development will continue. Why?
What benefit do the current residents of the Valley get from it? STOP!
Screen Name Redacted
5/02/2022 01:25 PM
seems more appropriate
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
Building heights in 1-5 should be limited to 2 stories not 2.5
Q11 This plan proposes a range of future land uses in the Valley’s planning area that
consolidates 18 previously adopted future land use categories into 8 categories. Review the
proposed categories. Do you agree with this organization of future land use in the Estes
Valley? Are there any characteristics you would change?To learn more about the context of
this question, click here.Note: click here to view this image in more detail.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 19 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 02:00 PM
I agree with the proposed categories
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Yes, I agree with these categories as a next step in organization.
Does this plan have jurisdiction with government owned spaces as
well as private/public owned spaces?
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 01:02 PM
While very useful in an urban setting, “Mixed use” is out of character
with the single family residential nature of our small community in our
strong natural setting, and should be restricted to the downtown area.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Add a workforce housing component.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
I'd add wildlife corridors and viewing to category 1
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Allow no more than 2 story buildings (houses and all others) -- with
completely below level crawl space/basement. ALL categories need
to allow for wildlife habitat protection areas.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Category 7 seems to allow for 4-story buildings. This exceeds
anything now permitted in the development code (including the new
downtown limit), and it seems unlikely that the Planning Commission
will go for this. You need to back that off to 3 stories.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 04:34 PM
Get rid of vacation rentals except in high density areas
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
I am good with these.
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 02:27 PM
Agree
Screen Name Redacted
5/18/2022 11:34 AM
looks good to me.
Screen Name Redacted
5/18/2022 06:02 PM
Disagree with 7 for 4 story building. Small scale is important.
Disagree with 8 regarding large scale institutional and office, and
existing heavy industry.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 20 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/19/2022 09:48 AM
Not sure what the new categorization actually accomplishes if it is not
a zoning district plan. It seems like these categories discourages the
development of lot sizes between 0.25 and 1 acre, while this is likely
an attractive sized lot for many potential residents. Perhaps this is
important for preserving attainability of housing in new construction
projects. Do the land use categories encourage infill development?
Screen Name Redacted
5/19/2022 01:44 PM
agree
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:08 AM
I think you have captured most of the different types of uses. What
about industrial in rural areas or agricultural?
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Taller buildings allowed in Downtown Estes Park
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 02:53 PM
I think they're okay... I'd prefer a reduction in Suburban Estate land
uses.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
These categories seem fine.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
Agree with this.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 01:43 PM
These categories seem appropriate.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
Makes sense.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:15 PM
I am unsure what the changes would involve.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:20 PM
I am Not able to understand the impact of the changes.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
Eliminate #3 (suburban estates); reduce #4 and expand into the more
high density residential pattern of #5, recognizing other limits to
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 21 of 64
growth.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 06:24 PM
Seems reasonable
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
Please maintain minimum lot acreage requirements currently in force
for the 10, 2.5 and 1 acre zoning.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
I would like to see clearer maximum density designations in the
proposed land use categories. Keeping the existing lot size
requirements for the 10, 2.5 and 1 acre land use categories would
accomplish this.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
I would keep the existing plan in place. It has adequately served the
community for many, many years. Expanding the town and changing
zoning laws to allow certain development is how the downturn of a
community begins!
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:39 PM
Natural Resource Conservation and Parks in the County is the
category that lists; Natural-resource based self-directed recreation,
Parks and Recreation Sports Fields, Multi-Use Paths & Trails I
believe all categories should include these developments. I am a big
supporter of "pocket parks" where a child can walk to a neighborhood
recreation area that does NOT require driving across town or crossing
major highways.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
Focus on workforce and materials that are very fire
resistant...attractive.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 06:10 PM
Looks good!
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:48 PM
There is a lack of vision for safe bicycle access in most of the land
use categories, specifically dedicated bike lanes and paths, rather
than shared roads.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 08:33 PM
looks good
Screen Name Redacted The residential development types speak of family units and these
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 22 of 64
5/22/2022 09:21 PM development types should be dedicated as residential allowing no
commercial businesses, including and particularly short term rentals.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 10:24 PM
Although the contextual information states that proposed FLUC are
aspirational not legal zoning, the level of detail feels like a zoning
definition. And unfortunately there is a lot of jargon in the definitions.
For example in the Mountains and Foothills - What is a single family
conservation development? Is there a minimum acreage defined for
this category like in most categories? In order to prevent the creep of
building across the entire valley, how will these categories work?
Need to know more about the specific categories and how they would
be distributed and with what goals in mind.
Optional question (43 response(s), 25 skipped)
Question type: Essay Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 23 of 64
Q12 The previous Comprehensive Plan defines specific architectural guidelines. How should
the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan direct decision-makers regarding decisions about the
style, form, and function of buildings in Estes Park and surrounding cou...
Develop objective design standards based on location. i.e., downtown, highway corridors, gateway areas
Develop design standards based on development type. i.e., commercial, multi-family
Develop design and building code standards related to building performance. i.e., hazard resilience, energy efficiency
Develop design standards for the preservation of historic buildings Update the sign code
Strengthen site design and performance standards in the County for large residential structures and steep slope development
No guidance; allow subjective personal and market-driven design choices Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
35
28
47
32
18
30
6
16
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 24 of 64
Q13 What housing goals should be set for the Estes Valley? (select all that apply)To learn
more about the context of this question, click here.
Ensuring a percentage of the year-round workforce lives locally (versus commuting)
Ensuring a percentage of the seasonal workforce lives locally (versus commuting)
Ensuring a percentage of critical service providers like teachers, firefighters, EMS lives locally (versus commuting)
Ensuring the resident community includes lower income households
Ensuring the multigenerational balance of the community including children and aging populations
Estes does not need a housing goal Other (write in)
Question options
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
54
41
59
45
49
1
18
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 25 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
New housing opportunities are most definitely needed for those who
work hard here in Estes Park to make this such a wonderful place to
live -- we really need to give first place priority to all those who are the
backbone of our community!
Screen Name Redacted
4/18/2022 01:17 PM
housing added with large development projects
Q14 What are the most important criteria to consider in locating new housing opportunities?
(please rank by priority order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn more about the context
of this question, click here.
Q15 Are there other important criteria to consider in locating new housing opportunities? Or
do you think new housing opportunities are not needed? Please specify:
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Avoiding crucial wildlife habitat 4.11
Location within a defined Growth Management Area 4.18
Existing or planned surrounding density and height 4.43
Mitigating wildfire risk 4.48
Existing or planned water and sewer service 4.61
Proximity to existing or planned transit 5.66
Walkability to downtown Estes Park and employment areas 5.69
Mitigating flood risk 5.73
Location within the Town of Estes 6.20
Proximity to existing or planned trailheads, parks, or other recreation 8.55
Optional question (65 response(s), 3 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 26 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/22/2022 10:32 AM
There is no need to increase homes over $800,000. Estes Valley
needs affordable housing for workforce. EV needs dormitory style
housing for seasonal workers, affordable homes for year round
employees.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
In addition to transit, multimodal transportation access, existing or
planned, is important.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
Restrict short term rentals, they drive up housing costs/rental costs
and encourage unsustainable growth; restrict new development
outside city limits; create more away-from-roads hiking opportunities
that connect neighborhoods
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Middle income housing for rental and purchase are perhaps the most
critical need for the Estes Valley in the foreseeable future.
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 02:07 PM
New housing opportunities should be in Loveland, Lyons, Grand
Lake, etc., not Estes Park.
Screen Name Redacted
5/02/2022 01:25 PM
Desperately needed! But need to be planned out
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
New housing is needed as growth occurs, but the Business (limit
STRS in Residential areas to 2 or 3 weeks/year) of STRs in
residential areas needs to be curtailed and STRs should be confined
to hotels, motels and homes within accommodations zone areas.
Screen Name Redacted
5/07/2022 10:18 AM
As previously noted, increase the density of housing within the
current town limits.
Screen Name Redacted
5/08/2022 09:29 AM
This question should say what kind of housing opportunities. I believe
any tax funded housing- workforce, low income, etc- should have
efficiency and clean hvac systems like heat pumps
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
We do need more affordable housing. It should be located within
easy walking distance of downtown services. Consider in-fill
development with high density units.
Screen Name Redacted Recognize the different kinds of housing needs and the location of
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 27 of 64
5/11/2022 06:36 PM those opportunities.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 01:02 PM
Redevelopment of downtown and fairgrounds area for higher density
housing.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Flexibility with product to allow lower cost options (travel trailer,
mobile, tiny, high density).
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
We can ALWAYS use new housing, but just because we can doesnt
mean we should. We have no vision for the maximum number of
people, so we keep building to accommodate them. The cycle will
contine until it's too late. What's the target?
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Maintaining current open spaces in existing neighborhoods should be
a top priority. Any rental properties should be LONG-TERM only
rentals. No trailer parks or campers used.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
New houseing opportunities are 100% needed in the town of Estes
Park.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Redevelopment should also be included here somehow.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 04:34 PM
limit vacation rentals as they are impacting year round residents and
affordability
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
I think these 10 are enough to start with, and yes, new housing is
essential.
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 02:27 PM
Would love for the workforce to be able to live here
Screen Name Redacted
5/16/2022 05:27 PM
I dont really care where the housing is. The town is so small.
Ultimately the new housing needs to be carbon neutral. Its ridiculous
to see gas lines on new workforce housing construction.
Screen Name Redacted
5/19/2022 09:48 AM
Affordability, non vacation home communities
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 28 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:08 AM
Workforce housing is an issue that we must address to improve
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Housing opportunities are needed. Avoid high fire risk areas for
multifamily housing projects
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 02:53 PM
Occupancy of home/square footage/beds
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
Please please please! No more VRBOs, hotels, motels, lodging or
short-term rentals.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
It is important to preserve natural areas, and to minimize the negative
impact on our wildlife. Avoiding urban sprawl, and concentrating
development within town limits will be beneficial. Redevelop
inefficient single story buildings into 2-3 floors.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:15 PM
Strict building codes including height restrictions; avoid ridge line and
view corridor areas, building in within town boundaries
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
increase density of residential living space, reduce land obligations
for residential structure and sprawl. Coordinate and collaborate
reduced obligation of land for human occupation. Remember that
Estes Park needs to exemplify "best use"
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 06:24 PM
Compatibility with neighborhood
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
Require VRBO's to have the owner onsite as a way to reduce the
number of YRBO's and therefore increase the housing available year
round.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
If the priority was removed from housing tourists(VRBO/short term
rentals) and placed on housing locals, I believe that we have plenty of
structures already available which are simply not used to optimize
community at this time.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
I think there is the need for some new housing under the existing
commercial density already in place but commercial expansion will
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 29 of 64
require more. Not sure we need more commercail expansion.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
There is fire risk every place. There is almost no place for housing so
put it were you can and that is about all you can do. This question is
written like there are many alternatives when there actually are almost
none. Wake up.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 04:44 PM
Access to multi-modal and pedestrian-focused transportation options
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 06:10 PM
Access to affordable, healthy food. Access to childcare and schools.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:48 PM
Other environmental impacts, such as resource consumption, waste
management, and carbon emissions.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
what about limiting numbers of rent by owner houses. and those that
exist need a three times and you're out when you disturb the
neighbors because people are moving away because no one is
holding rentals accountable.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:21 PM
New housing opportunities in residential zones should not allow for
STRs.
Optional question (41 response(s), 27 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 30 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
Huge is not necessarily better or even necessary -- my husband and I
are incredibly happy and comfortable in our 768 sq foot home!
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Although solution is not only local, strongly recommend removing
disincentives to condo construction in Estes Valley and Colorado.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
solar on roof
Screen Name Redacted see comments in 16
Q16 What are the most important design considerations for adding housing opportunities?
(please rank by priority order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn more about the context
of this question, click here.
Q17 Are there other important design considerations for additional housing opportunities? If
so, please specify:
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Affordability 1.97
Ownership opportunities 2.43
Rental opportunities 4.02
Front or back yard (flexible on whether walls are shared with another
unit)
4.82
Number of bedrooms 4.89
Detached single-family home 4.96
Ground floor access (cannot be a second story or higher unit)6.00
Single story unit (cannot have any/many stairs)6.04
Optional question (63 response(s), 5 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 31 of 64
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
Screen Name Redacted
5/07/2022 10:18 AM
Apply a higher building permit fee to any single-family home that
exceeds 2,500 sq ft of living space and use the funds to help reduce
the cost of building affordable/workforce housing units.
Screen Name Redacted
5/08/2022 09:29 AM
Efficiency and clean hvac systems, ie heat pumps.
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
Incentivize small square footage. No more giant mansions for part-
year residents. These types of dwellings use WAY too many
resources!
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Style of housing in relationship to the neighborhood and consideration
of infrastructure.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 01:02 PM
Maintain natural setting and single family residential character of our
community.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Shared common areas with multiple studios.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
Cant prioritize until we know how much we can build?
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Designs should fit in with the existing designs in the
neighborhood/area.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
n/a
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Cluster housing (zero lot-line) with shared yards is a good idea as
well.
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
Housing for seasonal workers needs to be closely managed. Those
residents have no ownership and no stake in maintaining the
property. Owners must be responsible for their upkeep to avoid a
seasonal worker ghetto.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 32 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 02:27 PM
Because of the terrain it could be difficult to have no stairs without
significant grading
Screen Name Redacted
5/16/2022 05:27 PM
NET ZERO
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:08 AM
Should be energy efficient, well insulated
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Walkable to downtown or near mass transit pickup point
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 01:37 PM
Perhaps semi dormatory style for seasonal workers.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
Energy-efficient, water-efficient, "green" building codes.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
Energy efficient and solar installed
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 01:43 PM
Impact on neighbors
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
Please consider referencing the design aesthetic of historic Estes
Park – the quaint 1950's mountain style – but with modern energy
efficient systems and materials. Also, solar panels should be
incentivized to be included.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:15 PM
See comments on #15
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 06:24 PM
Parking, noise
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
Intelligent location of housing to allow easy access to necessary
services.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
We need appartments, town houses, condo and lower priced home
for workers. that is simple.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 33 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 04:44 PM
Transit-oriented development (See http://www.tod.org/ for
explanation)
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 06:10 PM
Sustainable building, infrastructure such as recycling and trash. How
can current housing be used for seasonal workforce?
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
all of those are pertinent DEPENDING on location and
circumstances. we need to go up if we want to keep openspace.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 08:33 PM
Important to permit more floors for apartment living - increase height
limitations in area where the views will not be severely impeded.
Optional question (32 response(s), 36 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 34 of 64
Q18 Ensuring housing affordability and opportunity requires funding. What funding options
should be pursued in support of Attainable Housing? (select all that apply) (Attainable
Housing is housing that is affordable to households earning less than 150%...
Property tax Sales Tax Lodging Tax Voluntary real estate transfer fee Improvement district collection
Impact fees There should not be funding dedicated to housing Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
17
38
54
10
18
28
5
16
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 35 of 64
Q19 If a dedicated funding source were to be developed, how should housing funds be
utilized? (select all that apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
Purchase of land for future development by the Housing Authority or through public-private partnership
Deed restriction of existing units to ensure their long-term affordability and/or occupancy by the workforce
Investment in infrastructure like water, sewer, and street improvements to enable new housing in desired locations
Fee waivers for housing development Purchase of deed-restrictions in market development projects
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
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
38
33
44
25
14
41
11
Optional question (66 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 36 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
The 1996 Comprehensive Plan is already 26 years old -- the 2016
Housing Needs Assessment is already 6 years old -- please, please,
PLEASE STOP wasting money on further surveys and assessments -
- the consulting fees alone that have been spent in the last few years
could have helped pay for actual housing for people who need it!
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Even implementing all of the above will not fill the affordable housing
deficit. Thus, recommend regional mass transit and similar
transportation development - almost certainly public-sector. It's
unfortunate to be so close to Front Range transportation but with so
little connectivity to Estes.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
End short term rentals for people who do not live in Larimer County
as primary residents
Q20 How should housing opportunities be added to the appropriate areas of Estes Valley?
(please rank by priority order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn more about the context
of this question, click here.
Q21 Do you have any other comments or suggestions on how the Town and/or the County
should address housing in the future? If so, please specify.
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Incentivize housing by allowing for bigger buildings and more units
ONLY for Attainable Housing. (Attainable Housing is housing that is
affordable to households earning less than 150% of Larimer County
Median Income)
1.79
Allow for more housing units within each building, but keep the size of
allowed buildings the same
2.40
Require developers and/or businesses to provide Attainable Housing or
pay a fee
2.47
Allow for bigger buildings and more units as the base property right 2.77
Optional question (62 response(s), 6 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 37 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Smaller lots, higher density, dedicated source of funding. Use the
Housing Authority to address the development and management of
multi family projects dedicated to workforce and low income housing
projects. Question 20 above seems to provide for only 4 options.
There has to be more choices/options.
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 02:07 PM
Housing freeze ASAP.
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
Households earning less than 150% of Larimer County Median
Income are going to have a difficult time affording the higher costs of
necessities in Estes Park and should not be encouraged to move
here unless they are part of the workforce
Screen Name Redacted
5/08/2022 09:29 AM
Allow for higher density only for workforce deed restricted housing &
attainable housing. Allow even more density for workforce &
attainable with efficiency design and cleaner hvac systems.
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
Update building codes so new developments are net zero!
Screen Name Redacted
5/10/2022 04:59 PM
I honestly feel it's way too late
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 02:00 PM
Attainable housing should be located proximal to work, school, and
community services. The location should be conducive to walking,
biking, or use of public transit.
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Allow individuals to petition for multifamily / grandmother
accommodations where appropriate and change zoning. Give
financial breaks to individuals who provide affordable workforce
housing.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
No more tax, tax , tax to grow the burden.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
Please start discussion on a housing cap. How many people do we
want to fit in here? Once we have a number, then we can prioritize. If
not, we'll just keep growing until we look like just another Longmont.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 38 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
New short term rentals in residential areas should not be allowed.
Existing STR should not be transferable -- if residence is sold, then it
will no longer qualify as a STR. ALL STR should be required to pay
full lodging fees.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
Apart of the affordable housing should accont for seasonal rentals.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Bite the bullet and stop catering to the NIMBY crowd.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 04:34 PM
Vacation rentals are impacting the quality of life for residents and
affordablity for ownership by locals
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
Please avoid creating rules that will incite private interest to
collaborate to manipulate them to their own benefit. Please also be
mindful of fees that will be passed onto the consumer and may then
be self-defeating.
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 02:27 PM
Apply for federal grants
Screen Name Redacted
5/18/2022 11:34 AM
Reduce VRBO units in residential areas. Too many homes bought for
vacation rentals. Puts a "commercial" venture in a residential setting
and reduces opportunities for local workers to buy a home for their
family.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
The town should do more housing projects
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 09:04 AM
https://estesideas.com
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 01:37 PM
Require developers and/or businesses to provide
attainable/affordable housing as part of the development! PERIOD. If
they can just pay a fee, some will do just that to get out of it. Let them
go elsewhere if they don't want to comply.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
Noise pollution, light pollution, wildlife impact. Please take into
consideration the location of commercial venues (including wedding
venues) when they are next to housing and the NOISE they produce.
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 39 of 64
Please also make more effort to address the light pollution in the
area. Lights are on that don't have to be on! We need everyone in the
region to convert their outdoor lighting over to night-sky-friendly
lighting. All new housing should be required to have bear-proof trash
cans and strict monitoring of garbage handling.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
Another source of funding for affordable housing should be additional
fees and taxes on short-term rental houses. The yearly license fee
should be increased substantially to fund affordable housing.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:15 PM
Consider more smaller, affordable housing buildings rather than less
but larger multi-family units.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
Increase density of residential living space, for all Estes Park
housing, regardless of income qualifications.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
Discourage new annexations; focus redevelopment within Town
boundaries rather than outward growth. Keeping commercial
development to a minimum will help facilitate that goal.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
density is not a concern for work force housing. Fit in what you can
were you can. Otherwise, density is a big concern because the town
is too busy in summer as it is. We do not need or want more summer
residents unless they are working.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
these choices depend on the location of the property. Not sure where
you got these crazy unclear choices that will end up being restrictive
without giving good guidelines.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:21 PM
Eliminate STRs
Optional question (31 response(s), 37 skipped)
Question type: Essay Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 40 of 64
Q22 What would allow the Estes Valley to support a year-round economy? (select all that
apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
More year-round residents Affordable childcare Affordable housing
Community college satellite campus offering workforce development in skilled trades, growing industries, and programs of study with
local specialization
New winter outdoor recreation activities such as skiing
None of these, the Estes Valley should not strive for a year-round economy Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
33
43
49
34
15
7
21
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 41 of 64
Q23 What role should the Town of Estes Park local government play in economic
development? (select all that apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click
here.
Strictly engage in traditional business development (such as Recruiting/retaining businesses & workers; supporting local start-ups;
providing financial incentives to companies; building industrial/commerce parks)
Engage in holistic economic development, including community development and quality of life investments (such as Investing in
placemaking; improving existing infrastructure; investing in workforce housing; revitalizing; underperforming properties)
None. The Town should not directly engage in any economic development.Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
11
54
5
14
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 42 of 64
Q24 What types of traditional business development should the Town engage in? (select all
that apply)
recruiting new businesses retaining existing businesses recruiting and retaining workers
supporting local business start-ups promoting Estes Park providing financial incentives to companies for job creation
investing in shovel-ready industrial/commerce parks or spec-buildings Expanding utilities to new development sites
Other (please specify)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7
8
7
8
3 3
1
7
Optional question (11 response(s), 57 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 43 of 64
Q25 What types of holistic economic development should the Town engage in? (select all
that apply)
Investing in public arts and culture Improving existing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, broadband)
Investing in workforce housing
Investing in place-making such as enhancements to gateways, streetscapes, parks, and civic spaces
Working with partners to revitalize underperforming or dilapidated commercial and industrial properties Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
26
43
45
32
44
11
Optional question (54 response(s), 14 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 44 of 64
Q26 What kinds of local programs, recreation, or park amenities would you like the Town to
prioritize in the future, either through direct management, sponsorship, or partnerships?
(select all that apply)To learn more about the context of this question...
Smaller neighborhood parks and green space or playgrounds Multi-use trail corridors through the Valley
Community events, services, and programs for seniors Community events, services, and programs for youth/families
Programs for ESL and Spanish-speaking community Programs/services for mental health Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
38
52
18
27
25
30
15
Optional question (67 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 45 of 64
Q27 How could the Town create a more inclusive environment in the community? (select all
that apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
Create a Town sponsored Equity & Diversity Committee Collaborate with school and after school programs
Leverage partnerships and programs with local non-profit organizations
Provide Town communication and engagement opportunities in other languages Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
19
34
43
30
11
Optional question (65 response(s), 3 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 46 of 64
Q28 What should be the Town and County's role in providing childcare? (select all that
apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
Town to partner with nonprofits or private childcare providers to operate a program at town-owned facilities, like the community
center.
Town to provide town-owned land for nonprofits or private childcare providers to construct a new childcare facility.
Offer financial subsidies for childcare to qualifying low-income households.
Allow childcare uses in more zoning districts and reduce/eliminate regulatory barriers.
Pursue grants or financial support to early-childhood and youth nonprofit agencies and/or the school district to support the expansion
of existing childcare programs.
Continue participation in Larimer County’s Childcare Capacity Team.Not participate in providing childcare.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
34
15
25
33
44
33
4
12
Optional question (66 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 47 of 64
Q29 What should be the Town and County's role in supporting programs for school aged
children and with the school district? (select all that apply)To learn more about the context of
this question, click here.
Support Safe Routes to School initiatives
Coordinate growth expectations with the school district to plan for future facility needs
Continue funding the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success program.Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
46
40
53
6
Optional question (63 response(s), 5 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 48 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
Make certain we have handicap accessibility wherever possible
Screen Name Redacted
4/18/2022 05:24 PM
With the housing situation a problem without solution in the short
term, wouldn't be possible to have transportation from Loveland or
ongmont
Screen Name Redacted
4/22/2022 10:32 AM
Sadly, the geographic terrain, the geographic spread of our town and
surrounding community, the tourist traffic, and the advanced age of
our residents does not support the goals of the citizenry embracing
bicycle riding on a broad basis. Its just not real
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Bring back rollerblading? (semi-facetious suggestion). I think
implementing all #29 ideas would be a great step forward in this area.
Screen Name Redacted inter-neighborhood connecting trails away from roads; more open
Q30 “Active transportation” is any human-powered mode of transportation, such as walking
or bicycling. Which types of “active transportation” improvements should Estes Park
prioritize? (rank by priority order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn mo...
Q31 What other types of active transportation would you like to see in Estes that isn't listed
in the question above?
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Improved and expanded sidewalks and trails 1.51
Bike lanes on streets 2.19
Bike amenities at destinations (bike racks, repair stations, lockers)2.89
Bike sharing or rentals 3.50
I don't prioritize active transportation options in Estes 3.52
Optional question (65 response(s), 3 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 49 of 64
4/29/2022 02:24 PM space
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Continue working on the trails.
Screen Name Redacted
5/02/2022 01:25 PM
scooters
Screen Name Redacted
5/03/2022 03:19 PM
Develop qualifications for licensing multi passenger ATVs for legal
street use.
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
Bike lanes should be separate from auto traffic
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Allow skating or boarding during specific transit hours or by permit to
support workforce individuals who depend on that mode of
transportation.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Needs will be met privately.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Extension of planned bike paths. Keep bikes OFF the town streets.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
n/a
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
If electric bikes are allowed, my priority 1 above is far above all
others. Get those things off pedestrian trails.
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
I don't really see a lot of bike traffic in Estes Park. Biking is popular,
like pickleball, but I don't see the need. Better to walk and provide
public transportation. The River walk from the visitor center/garage is
awesome.
Screen Name Redacted
5/16/2022 05:27 PM
ride shares to the front range, bird/lime electric scooters with profits
funding community development during the tourism season, etc
Screen Name Redacted Biking!!
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 50 of 64
5/17/2022 09:34 PM
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
More sidewalks
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 09:04 AM
Bike routes. Consider following the guidelines and recommendations
offered up by the Bicycle Friendly Community assessment that was
conducted on Estes Park a number of years ago. This assessment
provides specific ways to improve active transportation.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
A system of multi-use trails that run from park entrances and the outer
edges of the region to downtown.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
scooters
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 01:43 PM
Expansion of the free trolley system, both in area and number of
service days.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:20 PM
We need to fix the town infrastructure we have and maintain it year. It
is my experience that that does not happen now. Why add more that
will be neglected?
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
Improved and expanded sidewalks and trails; bike lanes on streets;
bike amenities at destinations; bike sharing or rentals.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 07:17 PM
Dirt or gravel walking/running trails
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
None that I can think of. Promotoing bikes in town I think adds
congestion to pedestrian traffic and increases the cause of pedestrian
motor vehicle accidents. Other bike trails ouside of town can be
addressed.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:59 PM
Bike lanes on streets are dangerous and the streets of Estes are
already very narrow. Bike racks, rental bikes, bike share, just cluter or
nice town.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 04:44 PM
Ensure that bike trails are designed to accommodate e-bikes. E-bikes
increase the likelihood that people will bike to a destination with steep
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 51 of 64
slope present within the community.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 06:10 PM
dirt trails instead of sidewalks everywhere (easier on joints). ADA
compliance.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
trails that connect.
Screen Name Redacted Many workers have shared that the trransit system in downtown ends
Optional question (30 response(s), 38 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Q32 Public Transit: What should Estes Park and Larimer County prioritize? (rank by priority
order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn more about the context of this question, click
here.
Q33 What other types of public transit would you like to see in Estes that isn't listed in the
question above?
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Transitioning to alternative, zero-emission fuel sources for transit
vehicles
2.46
Additional transit between Estes Park and the Front Range 2.48
Additional transit service within Estes Park town limits 2.70
Additional service within the Estes Valley (includes unincorporated parts
of Larimer County and nearby communities like Glen Haven, Drake,
Allenspark and Pinewood Springs)
3.00
I don’t prioritize public transit in Estes 3.83
Improved transit infrastructure (bus stop amenities like benches and
shelters, signage)
3.89
Optional question (64 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 52 of 64
4/22/2022 10:32 AM too early for the hours they work.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Include bicycle-carry infrastructure on all transit vehicles. Works well
in Europe.
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Reestablish the transit system to areas within the Estes Valley by
providing those in outlying lodging properties the ability to ride public
transportation. This service was successful then canceled by a
previous town board.
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 02:07 PM
Peru, with topography similar to Estes Park, operates communal taxis
called "colectivos" which are usually cars or small vans. Board
anywhere along the route, get off anywhere, pay for the miles
traveled. Could be useful for peripheral trailheads.
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
Incentivize use of the public transit options available. People are lazy
and stuck in their ways. They are too accustomed to always jumping
in their personal vehicles. Make it harder to use personal vehicles
and easier to use public transit
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Year round access to public transportation.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
How can you keep adding? Is housing a priority or not? Limit focus.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
We should be careful about improving bus service to the front range.
We dont want to encourage unemployed transients
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
No suggestions.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
n/a
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Something like the existing Hiker Shuttle but to other RMNP locations
might help in the summer.
Screen Name Redacted I have ideas but I don't know what can be done. How restricted are
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 53 of 64
5/14/2022 07:21 AM we by US34 and US36 being highways?
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 09:47 AM
airport connection (or busses timed to utilize Boulder airport
connection)
Screen Name Redacted
5/19/2022 01:44 PM
year round service
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Private taxis incentivies
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
year round services
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 01:43 PM
Expansion of the free trolley system, both in area and number of
service days.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
I think the deveopment of private transportation between the town
and the front range should be looked at. Possibly utilizing a section of
the Car Park facility as a central drop-off/pick-up point can be looked
at.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 04:44 PM
1. The repurposing of the Estes Park Visitor Center and Parking
Garage into a modern transportation hub that makes public
transportation easy and efficient for visitors. 2. Bus-only express
lanes to key destinations to incentivize bus travel.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 06:10 PM
Better public transit to RMNP.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:48 PM
Car share services
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:57 PM
transportation needs to reach the hotels that are outside the town
limits so those people won't need parking spaces.
Optional question (22 response(s), 46 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 54 of 64
Q34 Access for private vehicles: What should Estes Park and Larimer County prioritize?
(rank by priority order where 1 is the highest priority)To learn more about the context of this
question, click here.
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Technology that improves traffic flow 1.80
Additional Electric Vehicle charging stations 2.32
Ride share options (Uber, Lyft, taxi)2.41
Additional parking supply 2.76
Optional question (61 response(s), 7 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 55 of 64
Q35 Where on the spectrum of transportation innovation should Estes Park and Larimer
County be? (select one)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
4 (6.5%)
4 (6.5%)
35 (56.5%)
35 (56.5%)
23 (37.1%)
23 (37.1%)
Cautious (wait and see)Middle of the pack (proven technologies)Leading edge (early adopter)
Question options
Optional question (62 response(s), 6 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 56 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/15/2022 06:02 PM
What can be done to increase usage of the parking garage? It is
nearly always empty -- can businesses provide incentives like $5 off
on a meal?
Screen Name Redacted
4/18/2022 01:17 PM
town is too spread out to have transit work properly
Screen Name Redacted
4/22/2022 10:32 AM
There need to be more roadways for egress during a natural disaster.
The last fire in the park could have been a disaster. Moraine from the
be built roundabout needs to be expanded to 3 or four lanes for
safety and convenience
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
To qualify my response on #34: Different innovations probably call for
different points on the spectrum - e.g., EV tech is not leading edge
any more.
Screen Name Redacted
5/02/2022 01:25 PM
I marked leading edge b/c of our location to the national park. We
have an opportunity to be innovative and showcase that to our
visitors.
Screen Name Redacted
5/05/2022 09:59 AM
It is a critical problem and must be solved or it will degrade the quality
of life here further
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
Consider making Elkhorn a pedestrian mall with traffic routed around
via Wonderview.
Screen Name Redacted
5/10/2022 04:59 PM
How to evacuate a town full of residents and tourists in a timely and
safe manner/
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 02:00 PM
If the town is serious about encouraging bicycle use, then streets and
bike lanes should frequently be swept clean. This may mean taking
over street sweeping from CDOT on state highways.
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Make the downtown area pedestrian only and create an atmosphere
of community with parking at the structure or fairgrounds for day and
long term visitors. We could avoid the cluster of traffic in town and
Q36 Are there any other transportation comments you'd like to make?
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 57 of 64
allow those who are just passing through to do so..
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Big spender ideas with other peoples money for a town of 6000.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
n/a
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
We've got some very confusing intersections that could be improved,
that's for sure.
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
Parking lots should be dicouraged. Parking structures close to but out
of town with buss and shuttle support would aid traffic. How many EV
cars are there that we need to invest in charging stations?
Screen Name Redacted
5/15/2022 09:47 AM
Make sure active transport connects destinations people want to go to
efficiently - for transportation, not recreation. Boulder really missed
the mark on that and we can learn from it.
Screen Name Redacted
5/17/2022 09:34 PM
Please allow and expand biking in Estes.
Screen Name Redacted
5/19/2022 01:44 PM
build the Loop!
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Most town vehicles should be electric
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 09:04 AM
Ideally, we could have a community that supports year-round
residents in Estes Park. In reality, we are solving our workforce
housing shortage by having people commute from the front range.
We should optimize transportation for this group.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 01:37 PM
We need a tunnel or walking bridge between the Visitors Center and
lower stanley village. village
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 02:53 PM
Make EP more walkable and bike-able
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 58 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
Installation of roundabouts throughout the roadway system.
Encourage walking in the downtown corridor by parking structures on
the periphery of downtown
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
You should be aware that bus routes between the Estes Valley and
the front range (e.g. Bustang service) also bring the possibility of
creating homeless population problems. Please research and be
aware of the struggles Nederland has with homeless issues.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:34 PM
Reduction of cars in the "canyon" from Lyons on 36 and from
Loveland on 34, including on the streets of Estes Park and in RMNP
should be a high priority objective for development outcomes.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
Introducing new technologies comes with a price tag, both
economically & socially. The town has flourished these many
decades with moderately changing and adapting to progress. I have
been involved in technology for many years. Not all technology is
good!
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:35 PM
Don't put in "The Loop". Instead, use technology and signage to
support directional changes in heavy traffic areas depending on time
of day to ease traffic flow
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 04:44 PM
Continue the development of bike trails in Estes Park. Consider
eliminating one lane of vehicular traffic on the east side Hwy 7
between Hwy 36 and Graves Ave to convert into a two-way bike lane.
The existing bike "sharrows" are proven to be ineffective.
Optional question (27 response(s), 41 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 59 of 64
Q37 How should Estes Park protect adequate water supply for residents, visitors, and
provide water for fire response into the future? (please rank by priority order where 1 is the
highest priority)To learn more about the context of this question, click...
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Reduce demand by updating landscaping and design standards and
irrigate parks and golf courses with grey water.
1.57
Update the 2015 Water Master Plan to understand climate change
impacts to supply and plan for the future of water use.
1.80
Prioritize water supply infrastructure to increase capacity.2.49
Optional question (61 response(s), 7 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 60 of 64
Q38 How should Estes Park and Larimer County work with partners to support
improvements to the resiliency and sustainability of energy delivery systems? (select all that
apply)To learn more about the context of this question, click here.
Focus on conservation and renewable energy: Promote existing programs and collaboration with the Platte River Power Authority.
Work with PRPA to support planned power outages during high wind events and storms to reduce wildfire hazards.
Work with PRPA to update power lines and infrastructure that are most vulnerable to storm impacts and/or have low efficiency.
Other (please specify)
Question options
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
55
28
53
12
Optional question (62 response(s), 6 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 61 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 12:01 PM
Some of my comments about econ. development (data centers,
cryptocurrency) are high energy demand concepts and require
visionary planning.
Screen Name Redacted
4/29/2022 02:24 PM
why water the golf course and playing fields during hte day? Why not
water with grey water at night ?
Screen Name Redacted
5/01/2022 11:53 AM
Water and electric rates continue to climb and there seems to be no
plateau in what the Town is willing to charge the consumer.
Screen Name Redacted
5/07/2022 10:18 AM
Reduce water usage by incentivizing the use of native and drought
tolerant plants, drip irrigation, and solar power.
Screen Name Redacted
5/08/2022 09:29 AM
So many.
Screen Name Redacted
5/09/2022 02:51 PM
Hold PRPA accountable for diversifying their portfolio and encourage
use of renewables
Screen Name Redacted
5/11/2022 06:36 PM
Wish the above question was ranked in importance. If a wildfire could
be avoided by a temporary power outage, it's worth it.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:08 PM
Cost on all have risen faster than COL. More efficiency and less
Grand spending. The wastewater costs are ridiculous.
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 02:13 PM
The west will fight us for our water at some point. Are we prepared?
Screen Name Redacted
5/12/2022 04:08 PM
Water conservation practices should be improved. For instance,
watering sodded areas in median at Highways 7 and 36 leads to
wasting water. More efforts should be made to bury utility lines in
areas where it is possible.
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 08:04 AM
n/a
Q39 Are there any other comments on water or energy utilities that you'd like to make?
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 62 of 64
Screen Name Redacted
5/13/2022 02:28 PM
Water is going to be increasingly challenging. The Town has
considerable leverage over new outlying development with its supply
system and should consider using it.
Screen Name Redacted
5/14/2022 07:21 AM
We have an arid mountain environment, only native grasses and
plants should be cultivated. No watering using potable water should
be allowed. EP cannot support golf tee lawns like those grown East of
the Mississippi.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 08:10 AM
Follow recommendations of the Sustainable Taskforce
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 01:37 PM
Encourage private wind mills and movement toward renewable
energy.
Screen Name Redacted
5/20/2022 04:14 PM
Emphasize more native plantings in existing or new developments.
Encourage or mandate that decorative areas with turf grass be
converted to native grass and plantings. Speed up the town's
transition to a better billing system for Estes Power.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 09:26 AM
Estes Park has access to so much solar energy opportunity and it is
negligent to not make use of it.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:06 PM
I've read about the special tree power lines and that sounds like a
great plan to continue to deploy.
Screen Name Redacted
5/21/2022 03:15 PM
If at all feasible, plan for underground power lines for new
development and possibly beginning to move from old above ground
power lines to buried lines.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 09:49 AM
Again, necessary updates are always good. Other actions which will
encourage town expansion are pervasive and lead to unwarranted
unnecessary growth and cost. Cause and effect.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 02:35 PM
Bury power lines where possible
Screen Name Redacted I would like to see the Town work with the Bureau of Reclamation to
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 63 of 64
5/22/2022 02:39 PM develop "Solar Garden" extensive solar arrays on Bureau property in
the Estes Valley.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 07:48 PM
More investment in alternative energy sources, we have abundant
solar and wind resources here.
Screen Name Redacted
5/22/2022 10:24 PM
consider a valleywide approach. For example, study the water
availability througout the valley to understand the valley supply and
future water availiability.
Optional question (24 response(s), 44 skipped)
Question type: Single Line Question
Community Choices : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 31 May 2022
Page 64 of 64
Opciones Comunitarias
SURVEY RESPONSE REPORT
18 June 2021 - 02 June 2022
PROJECT NAME:
Get Involved
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 2 of 22
Q1 Observando nuestro entorno, estamos conscientes de que las pendientes empinadas,
las llanuras aluviales, los riesgos de inc...
Q2 ¿Qué enfoques apoyaría para proteger mejor la vida silvestre y mejorar la biodiversidad
y los ecosistemas? (Seleccione toda...
Aumentar los espacios abiertos/parques de acuerdo a los estándares de desarrollo.
Desarrollar requisitos más estrictos para el desarrollo en crestas de montaña
Crear en el pueblo un impuesto sobre las ventas, dedicado a la adquisición y preservación de espacios abiertos
Apoyar con fondos gubernamentales a los socios de conservación para aumentar su capacidad de conservar la tierra
Question options
10
20 17
2 1
7
Requerir que plantas nativas sea parte de desarrollos nuevos
Aumentar, construir zonas de amortiguamiento y protección cerca de ríos, arroyos y humedales
Construir pasos subterráneos o puentes para facilitar el paso de la vida silvestre
Promover el desarrollo residencial de grupos de vivienda Limitar el tamaño máximo de las casas Otro (escriba)
Question options
10
20
3
16
8
16
8
Optional question (22 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Optional question (22 response(s), 1 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 3 of 22
Q3 ¿Cómo deberían el pueblo de Estes Park y el condado de Larimer disminuir el riesgo de
incendios forestales y proteger a los...
Q4 ¿Cómo debería Estes Park mejorar la resistencia a las inundaciones para proteger vidas,
propiedades y preservar el carácter...
Aumentar las inversiones en la mitigación proactiva de incendios cerca de la interfaz urbano-forestal a través de la gestión forestal,
los cortafuegos y los programas de apoyo a la mitigación de fuego en propiedades particulares
Restringir el nuevo desarrollo en el perímetro de la comunidad que se encuentren en áreas de mayor riesgo.
Mejorar los sistemas de educación y advertencia de la comunidad y garantizar la comunicación en español para permitir el
conocimiento a tiempo y evacuación organizada en caso de incendio forestal.
Otro (escriba)
Question options
10
20
9 8
14
4
Buscar subvenciones para comprar propiedades en estado de mayor riesgo por su ubicación y crear espacios públicos que mitiguen
el riesgo en casos de inundación.
Aumentar las regulaciones para mantener la propiedad y las personas fuera de la llanura aluvial y garantizar el espacio para que
ocurran inundaciones naturales.
Otro (escriba)
Question options
10
20
12
14
2
Optional question (21 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Optional question (21 response(s), 2 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 4 of 22
Q5 ¿Cómo deberían colaborar Estes Park y el condado de Larimer para adaptarse a los
impactos del cambio climático? Estas opcio...
Q6 Es probable que haya cambios y es importante planificar dónde y cómo debe y no debe
ocurrir el crecimiento en el valle.¿Cóm...
Aumentar la financiación para apoyar los esfuerzos de adaptación y mitigación para crear una comunidad que resista de mejor
manera los impactos producidos por cambios climáticos.
Revisar los requisitos del código de transporte y construcción para compensar las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y el
consumo de energía.
Desarrollar recursos y programas educativos para apoyar la toma de decisiones comunitarias que reduzcan el consumo de recursos
y las emisiones de carbono; y planificar los sistemas comunitarios de transporte, agua y electricidad.
Otros (escriba)
Question options
1/2
5
10
15 10
5
11
6
Mantener el enfoque actual: los terratenientes no incorporados deberían iniciar solicitudes de anexión al pueblo que se deberían
evaluar caso por caso.
Mapear un área de servicio para identificar dónde el Pueblo pueda extender de manera factible infraestructura y servicios públicos
fiscal y ambientalmente responsables.
Otro (escriba)
Question options
5
10
15
1
12
1
Optional question (19 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Optional question (13 response(s), 10 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 5 of 22
Q7 A través de este proceso, el Pueblo y el Condado actualizarán sus políticas de
desarrollo. ¿Qué criterios debe usar el Pueb...
Q8 El Plan Integral anterior define lineamientos arquitectónicos específicos.¿Cómo debería
el Plan Integral de Estes Forward d...
El desarrollo propuesto no debería estar a más de 2 millas de los límites actuales de la ciudad
El desarrollo propuesto proporciona viviendas asequibles o alcanzables
El nuevo desarrollo cumple con altos estándares para la eficiencia energética y del uso del agua del edificio y la resistencia a los
peligros estructurales
El área de desarrollo propuesta está conectada al pueblo a través de una red de transporte de usos múltiples
El nuevo desarrollo conserva zonas verdes, espacios abiertos, hábitat crítico para la vida silvestre y cuencas visuales
Question options
1/2
10
20
4
14
9 8 9
Desarrollar estándares de código de diseño y construcción relacionados con el desempeño de la construcción
Desarrollar estándares de diseño para la preservación de edificios históricos Actualizar el código de construcción
Otros (escriba)
Question options
2
4
6
8 6
2 2
1
Optional question (19 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Optional question (8 response(s), 15 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 6 of 22
Q9 ¿Qué objetivos de vivienda deben establecerse para Estes Valley? (Seleccione todas las
que correspondan)
Q10 ¿Cuáles son los criterios más importantes a considerar en la localización de nuevas
oportunidades de vivienda? (Por favor c...
Asegurar que un porcentaje de la fuerza laboral viva localmente durante todo el año
Garantizar que la mayoría de la fuerza laboral estacional viva localmente
Garantizar que la mayoría de los proveedores de servicios críticos, como maestros, bomberos, EMS vivan en el pueblo Option 3
Garantizar que la comunidad residente incluya una diversidad de hogares que se han establecido en Estes, independientemente de
su ciudadanía o estado legal
Garantizar el equilibrio multigeneracional de la comunidad, incluidos los niños y las persona de la tercera edad
Otros (escriba)
Question options
1/2
10
20
13 12
9
7
5
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Ubicación dentro del Pueblo de Estes 1.00
Proximidad al tránsito existente o planificado 2.50
Ubicación dentro de un Área de Gestión del Crecimiento definida 3.00
Accesibilidad a pie al centro de Estes Park y áreas de empleo 3.50
Optional question (19 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Optional question (2 response(s), 21 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 7 of 22
Q11 ¿Cuáles son las consideraciones de diseño más importantes para agregar
oportunidades de vivienda? (Por favor clasifique las siguientes opciones)
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Precios razonables al alcance de la comunidad 1.00
Oportunidades de compra 2.00
Oportunidades de alquiler 3.00
Número de dormitorios 4.00
Optional question (2 response(s), 21 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 8 of 22
Q12 ¿Cómo se deben agregar oportunidades de vivienda a las áreas apropiadas de Estes
Valley?
9 (60.0%)
9 (60.0%)
5 (33.3%)
5 (33.3%)
1 (6.7%)
1 (6.7%)
A. Incentivar la creación de viviendas, al permitir edificios más grandes y más unidades ÚNICAMENTE para Viviendas a precios
asequibles.
B. Exigir a las compañías constructoras y/o negocios que brinden viviendas asequibles o paguen una tarifa adicional en sus
permisos
Otros (escriba)
Question options
Optional question (15 response(s), 8 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 9 of 22
Q13 ¿Qué permitiría que Estes Valley respalde una economía durante todo el año?
(Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Más residentes durante todo el año Servicios de guardería asequibles Vivienda asequible
Campus satélite del colegio comunitario Otros: (escriba)
Question options
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
4
16
11
4
1
Optional question (19 response(s), 4 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 10 of 22
Q14 ¿Qué papel debe desempeñar el gobierno local del Pueblo de Estes Park en el
desarrollo económico? (Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Participar estrictamente en el desarrollo empresarial tradicional
Participar en el desarrollo económico holístico, incluido el desarrollo comunitario y las inversiones en calidad de vida
Otro (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
9
Optional question (9 response(s), 14 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 11 of 22
Q15 ¿Qué tipo de desarrollo empresarial tradicional debería emprender el Pueblo?
(Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Captación de nuevas empresas Retener negocios existentes Reclutar y retener trabajadores
Apoyo a la creación de empresas locales Promoción de Estes Park
Proporcionar incentivos financieros a las empresas para la creación de empleo
Expansión de los servicios públicos a nuevos sitios de desarrollo Otro (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
2 2
5
2 2 2
Optional question (8 response(s), 15 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 12 of 22
Q16 ¿Qué tipo de desarrollo económico holístico debería emprender el Pueblo? (Seleccione
todas las que correspondan)
Invertir en arte y cultura públicos
Mejora de la infraestructura existente (agua, alcantarillado, carreteras, Internet de banda ancha)
Invertir en viviendas para la fuerza laboral Otro (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8
3
4
Optional question (9 response(s), 14 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 13 of 22
Q17 ¿Qué tipo de programas locales, recreación o servicios de parques le gustaría que el
Pueblo priorizara en el futuro, ya sea a través de administración directa, patrocinio o
asociaciones? (Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Eventos comunitarios, servicios y programas para personas mayores
Promover RMNP a la comunidad Latin-x al expandir las oportunidades de traducción, educación, guías turísticos, etc.
Eventos comunitarios, servicios y programas para jóvenes/familias Programas para ESL y la comunidad de habla hispana
Programas/servicios de salud mental Otros (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
4
5
6
4
1
Optional question (12 response(s), 11 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 14 of 22
Q18 ¿Cómo podría el pueblo crear un ambiente más inclusivo en la comunidad? (Seleccione
todas las que correspondan)
Crear un Comité de Equidad y Diversidad patrocinado por el Pueblo
Trabajar para construir rutas para la ciudadanía legal para residentes indocumentados
Trabajar con proveedores de salud locales para crear opciones asequibles que atraigan a la comunidad latina a utilizar los servicios.
Desarrollar una visión compartida y colaborar con el distrito escolar y los programas extracurriculares
Aprovechar asociaciones y programas con organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro
Brindar oportunidades de comunicación y participación de la Ciudad en otros idiomas Otros (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
3
6
3
2
4
2
Optional question (9 response(s), 14 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 15 of 22
Q19 ¿Cuál debería ser el papel del Pueblo y el Condado en el cuidado de niños? (Seleccione
todas las que correspondan)
El pueblo debería asociarse con organizaciones sin fines de lucro o proveedores privados de cuidado infantil para operar un
programa en instalaciones propiedad del pueblo
El pueblo debería proporcionar terrenos de propiedad de la ciudad para organizaciones sin fines de lucro o proveedores privados de
cuidado infantil para construir una nueva instalación de cuidado infantil.
Ofrecer subsidios financieros para el cuidado de niños a hogares de bajos ingresos que califiquen.
Permitir usos de cuidado infantil en más distritos de zonificación y reducir/eliminar las barreras reglamentarias.
Otros (escriba):
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
7
3
4
2
Optional question (8 response(s), 15 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 16 of 22
Q20 ¿Cuál debería ser el papel del Pueblo y el Condado en el apoyo a los programas para
niños en edad escolar y con el distrito escolar? (Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Apoyar las iniciativas de rutas seguras a la escuela
Coordinar las expectativas de crecimiento con el distrito escolar para planificar las necesidades futuras de las instalaciones.
Continuar financiando el programa Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS)
Trabajar con el distrito escolar en una visión compartida sobre la educación necesaria para que nuestros estudiantes tengan éxito en
el mundo actual
Otros (escriba):
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
6
4
3
5
3
1
Optional question (8 response(s), 15 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 17 of 22
Q21 “Transporte activo” es cualquier modo de transporte impulsado por humanos, como
caminar o andar en bicicleta. Qué tipos de mejoras de "transporte activo" debe priorizar Estes
Park (clasificar por orden de prioridad)
Q22 Transporte público: ¿Qué deberían priorizar Estes Park y el condado de Larimer?
(Clasificar por orden de prioridad)
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Carriles para bicicletas en las calles 1.00
Aceras y senderos mejorados y ampliados 2.00
Servicios para bicicletas en los destinos 3.00
Alquiler o uso compartido de bicicletas 4.00
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Transición a fuentes alternativas de combustible de cero emisiones para
vehículos de tránsito
1.00
Servicio de tránsito adicional dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Estes
Park
2.00
Servicio adicional dentro de Estes Valley (incluye partes no
incorporadas del condado de Larimer y comunidades cercanas)
3.00
Tránsito adicional entre Estes Park, Loveland, Fort Collins, Denver,
Boulder, etc.
4.00
Infraestructura de tránsito mejorada (servicios de parada de autobús
como bancos y refugios, señalización)
5.00
Optional question (1 response(s), 22 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Optional question (1 response(s), 22 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 18 of 22
Q23 Acceso para vehículos privados: ¿Qué deberían priorizar Estes Park y el condado de
Larimer? (Clasificar por orden de prioridad)
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Tecnología que mejora el flujo de tráfico 1.00
Oferta adicional de estacionamiento 2.00
Estaciones de carga adicionales para vehículos eléctricos 3.00
Opciones de viajes compartidos (Uber, Lyft, taxi)4.00
Optional question (1 response(s), 22 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 19 of 22
Q24 ¿En qué parte del espectro de la innovación en el transporte deberían estar Estes Park
y el condado de Larimer? (Seleccione uno)
3 (75.0%)
3 (75.0%)
1 (25.0%)
1 (25.0%)
0 (0.0%)
0 (0.0%)
Medio del paquete (tecnologías probadas)Vanguardia (primero en adoptar)Obrar con cautela (esperar y ver)
Question options
Optional question (4 response(s), 19 skipped)
Question type: Radio Button Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 20 of 22
Q25 ¿Cómo debería Estes Park proteger el suministro de agua adecuado para los
residentes, visitantes y proporcionar agua para la respuesta a incendios en el futuro? (Por
favor clasifique por orden de prioridad)
OPTIONS AVG. RANK
Actualizar el Plan Maestro del Agua de 2015 para comprender los
impactos del cambio climático en el suministro y planificar el futuro del
uso del agua.
1.00
Priorizar la infraestructura de suministro de agua para aumentar la
capacidad.
2.00
Reducir la demanda actualizando los estándares de diseño y paisajismo
e irrigando parques y campos de golf con aguas grises.
3.00
Optional question (1 response(s), 22 skipped)
Question type: Ranking Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 21 of 22
Q26 ¿Cómo deberían trabajar Estes Park y el condado de Larimer con los socios para
apoyar las mejoras en la resiliencia y sostenibilidad de los sistemas de suministro de
energía? (Seleccione todas las que correspondan)
Centrarse en la conservación y la energía renovable: promover los programas existentes y la colaboración con la Autoridad de
Energía del Río Platte (PRPA).
Trabajar con PRPA para apoyar los cortes de energía planificados durante eventos de vientos fuertes y tormentas para reducir los
riesgos de incendios forestales.
Trabajar con la PRPA para actualizar las líneas eléctricas y la infraestructura que son más vulnerables a los impactos de las
tormentas y/o tienen baja eficiencia.
Otro (escriba)
Question options
1
2
3
4
5
3
2
4
1
Optional question (7 response(s), 16 skipped)
Question type: Checkbox Question
Opciones Comunitarias : Survey Report for 18 June 2021 to 02 June 2022
Page 22 of 22
DRAFT PLAN REVIEW
ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Estes Forward Draft Plan Engagement Summary Page 1
October 28, 2022
INTRODUCTION
The final series of events provided an opportunity
for participants to review and provide feedback on
the draft plan and included open house events and
online activities.
ELECTED AND APPOINTED
BOARDS
The draft future land use plan and goals and
policies were workshopped with Town and County
leadership in mid-July, 2022. Joint meetings of the
Estes Park Board of Trustees and Planning
Commission as well as the Larimer County Board
of Commissioners and Planning Commission
resulted in productive feedback for refining the
plan. Trustees and Planning Commission
members reviewed and submitted detailed
comments on the draft goals, policies, and actions
during this time. Leadership within Town staff
reviewed and commented on the draft plan
simultaneously resulting in a total of 230+
comments and suggested edits collected in July,
including those submitted by the public.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
On August 3rd, 2022, the Town partnered with the
local Community Conversations team to host a
public event at the High School to facilitate
thoughtful and productive dialogue on the draft
goals, policies, and actions for high-profile
community issues such as attainable housing,
economic development, inclusivity, climate
resiliency, and the built environment. The event
collected feedback on draft policies and actions
Participation Overview
Elected and Appointed Boards
• July 2022
• 230+ comments and edits collected,
including public comments
Community Conversations
• August 3rd, 2022
• Public Workshop on draft policies and
actions
Online Review
• October 2022
• 200+ comments on draft plan
• 10 comments posted to Future Land Use
Map
Public Event
• October 6th, 2022
• 35 attendees
• Plan overview + small group discussions
Planning Commission Workshops & Adoption
Hearings
• October 18, 2022 CompPAC + Estes Park
Planning Commission
• November 9, 2022 EVPAC + Larimer
County Planning Commission
• November 15, 2022 Estes Park Planning
Commission Adoption Hearing
• November 16, 2022 Larimer County
Planning Commission Adoption Hearing
• December 6, 2022 Estes Park Board of
Trustees Public Hearing
• December 19, 2022 Larimer Board of
County Commissioners Ratification
Estes Forward Draft Plan Engagement Summary Page 2
and provided a venue for the community to respectfully exchange diverse perspectives within
small groups.
ONLINE REVIEW
On October 1, 2022, the draft plan was published for public review through the Engage Estes
project website. Community members commented directly on the plan using an online tool. In
addition to adding their own comments, residents could also review other comments and
indicate their agreement or disagreement to create an interactive digital community dialogue.
Over 200 comments were submitted through the
commenting tool and by email.
In addition to online plan review, an interactive
version of the Draft Future Land Use Map allowed
the public to review the map digitally by zooming
to any location on the map and reviewing the
proposed future land use. The community was
invited to post geo-located comments on the map
by dragging and dropping a marker in the location
related to their comment.10 comments were
made through this tool.
DRAFT PLAN PUBLIC EVENT
The launch of the online review period coincided
with a community-wide event held on October 6th,
2022 at the Estes Park Community Center. It was
hosted in partnership with the Estes Valley Land
Trust, the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, and
other community partners. As the final public
engagement event, this meeting celebrated the
result of the planning process: a unified
Comprehensive Plan that sets the direction for the
next 20 years.
The event opened with a presentation that summarized the
planning process, outcomes, and contents of the plan.
Following the presentation, attendees participated in the small-
group discussion of their choosing: Future Land Use, Housing,
or Wildlife and Natural Resources. Each small group allowed
community members to engage in meaningful discussions with
the planning team on the topics most important to them.
Approximately 35 people attended the in-person event.
Estes Forward Draft Plan Engagement Summary Page 3
SUMMARY OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
• The Town’s natural resource mapping is sorely outdated and needed to better evaluate
development proposals.
o Interactive maps by multiple sources (CPW, USFWS, TNC, etc.) are better than
the static maps.
o CODEX represents some of the best available science.
• Strong agreement with Actions NE 2.D, 3.A and 3.C re: Code updates
SUMMARY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT & FUTURE LAND USE MAP SMALL
GROUP DISCUSSION
• Land use policies support stated community values through prioritizing infill,
redevelopment, and density within existing residential neighborhoods:
o Attainable workforce housing
o Conservation
• Cartographic revisions and consideration of future land use outside of Planning Area
suggested by RMNP staff
• Overall acceptance of Future Land Use Categories and Map and what they seek to
achieve
• Estes Valley Land Trust staff participated in discussion in support of the plan
SUMMARY OF HOUSING SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
• Workforce and families prioritized over all community members and the aging
population
• Pursue removing structural/policy barriers from undocumented participation in
programs
• Housing unit need and comparison to 2016 Housing Needs Assessment
• Importance of viewing the housing goals/actions within the context of the future land
use plan
SUMMARY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
• While these are not explicitly ordered from most to least important, move Health &
Social to be the first element. Our future's hopes and strength relies on the health and
welfare of the people. If our people are not resilient, healthy, and stable, or when our
systems are unjust and inequitable, none of the other elements matter.
• The majority of service workers and 1/3 of school children are Hispanic. What is in the
plan for them? Hispanic, BIPOC, etc. never appears in the plan, except the word
“minorities” appears in a single action.
Estes Forward Draft Plan Engagement Summary Page 4
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC
ADOPTION HEARINGS
Following the Draft Plan Public Event, the CompPAC and EVPAC committees met separately to
review the draft plan and consider comments received. The CompPAC joined the Estes Park
Planning Commission on October 18th for a study session, and the EVPAC joined a joint
Larimer County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners work session on
November 9 to discuss further.
The Estes Park Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of the
Town’s portion of the Comprehensive Plan on November 15, tentatively followed with a Board
of Trustee public hearing on December 6.
The Larimer County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the adoption
of the County’s portion of the Comprehensive Plan on November 16, tentatively followed with a
Board of County Commissioner ratification on December 19.
HOW WAS THIS INFORMATION USED?
The purpose of these conversations and online tools was to broadly engage the public on the
draft plan in its final form. Public feedback during this stage of community engagement was
encouraged to target specific changes to the content of the plan with particular attention to
the goals, policies, actions, and Future Land Use Plan. Comments resulted in a series of final
edits including technical revisions, clarification of key terms, cartographic refinements to the
Future Land Use Map, and the addition of a small number of policies and actions.
Estes Forward Draft Plan Engagement Summary Page 5
DRAFT PLAN REVIEW
ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
This appendix includes the raw results and comments collected from the following
engagement activities:
1. Joint Estes Park Planning Commission & Board of Trustees July Work Session
2. Joint Larimer County Planning Commission & Board of County Commissioners July
Work Session
3. July Review of Goals, Policies, Actions by Estes Park and Larimer County Leadership
and Staff
4. Online Public Review of Draft Plan
5. Interactive Online Future Land Use Map
1. Joint Estes Park Planning Commission & Board of Trustees July Work Session
2. Joint Larimer County Planning Commission & Board of County Commissioners July Work Session
Comment IDDate posted User name Comment Page Address and How
7805 10/06/2022 - 12:46am Barbara MacAlpine Capital M on "member" to be consistent with the labels of other former participants.3 addressed as requested
7828 10/11/2022 - 3:02pm Howard Hanson In 1997, this was the Estes Valley Planning Commission, I believe.8 addressed as requested
7919 10/18/2022 - 5:36pm Marina Connors 1996 or 1997? Paragraph above refers to 1996 plan.8 addressed: 1997
7933 10/21/2022 - 10:20am Kimberly
Add language to make distinct connections between land use, transportation, and health in
recommendations and strategies. 8 added "health" to list in 2nd bullet.
7829 10/11/2022 - 3:02pm Howard Hanson Please use "remain"9 addressed as requested
7934 10/22/2022 - 12:20am Donna McMillen We do NOT want to be annexed. 9 Noted, but not applicable as a revision to the plan
7806 10/06/2022 - 1:08am Barbara MacAlpine
Within the text, this theme is referred to as "Transportation and Infrastructure" whereas those
terms are reversed in this graphic. The order should be consistent throughout the document. 10 addressed as requested
7830 10/11/2022 - 3:03pm Howard Hanson Really? In the Estes Valley?10
This sentence refers to the cumulative and total impact of the recent wildfires and
floods, not just in the Estes Valley.
7831 10/11/2022 - 3:04pm Howard Hanson What does this mean in this context?10 Removed "globalization" since I didn't have a good answer for the question.
7832 10/11/2022 - 3:05pm Howard Hanson
Sometimes it's "resilience" and sometimes "resiliency." Please pick one and stick with it instead of
switching back and forth, or clearly define the difference.10
changed all "resilience" to "resiliency" to be in alignment with the Colorado
Resiliency Plan
7935 10/22/2022 - 12:23am Donna McMillen ‘a’10 addressed as requested
7936 10/22/2022 - 12:25am Donna McMillen ‘in” damages. 10 addressed as requested
7937 10/22/2022 - 12:27am Donna McMillen Every tire in 2020 was msn-made, not “natural.”10 added, "and man-made"
7938 10/22/2022 - 12:33am Donna McMillen Ipad issues…. Every fire in 2020 (Cameron Peak and East Troublesome) wed man made, not natural. 10 added, "and man-made"
7939 10/22/2022 - 12:35am Donna McMillen Wildlife protection. Ranching is part of the natural environment?10 addressed: replaced "ranching" with "wildlife"
7940 10/22/2022 - 12:37am Donna McMillen Emergency Preparedness.10
Not addressed; Emergency Preparedness/Response is not a component of the
Built Environment theme
7807 10/06/2022 - 1:13am Barbara MacAlpine
The same comment applies to this graphic: Within the text, this theme is referred to as
"Transportation and Infrastructure" whereas those terms are reversed in this graphic. The order
should be consistent throughout the document. 11 addressed as requested
7833 10/11/2022 - 3:06pm Howard Hanson Surely this is unnecessary. A good opposite for "fragile" is "robust." That is a much better choice.11 revised for clarity.
7941 10/22/2022 - 12:40am Donna McMillen
Please consider omitting all of this paragraph except the last sentence. And within that, please
consider a concise, non-double negative, coherent sentence. 11 revised for clarity.
8018 10/23/2022 - 7:05pm Scott Moulton
I know the many meetings, iterations, and work that went into this vision statement. I applaud the
vision statement and am pleased to see where the community landed. 12 Noted; no action required.
7916 10/17/2022 - 11:28pm Jeremy Call
Paraphrasing from Jose: “This is a professionally prepared plan and I applaud these guiding
principles which emphasize equity, but sadly there is nothing in this for my people. This plan is for
those in power to remain in power. Knowing that the Census undercounts BIPOC residents, a better
way to estimate the Hispanic populations is by service workers and school-age children. The
majority of service workers and 1/3 of school children are Hispanic. What is in the plan for them?
Hispanic, BIPOC, etc. never appears in the plan, except the word “minorities” appears in a single
action.” 13 Noted
7797 10/01/2022 - 1:15pm PM
Pedestrian and wildlife corridors need to be identified and planned for, at this time crossing the
34/36 intersection and Starbucks/Mcdonalds area is confusing, an underpass for pedestrians on the
north side of the intersection?14
NE.3.C addresses updating the Wildlife Habitat Assessment & Code including
corridors map. Transportation element addresses pedestrian infrastructure.
7942 10/22/2022 - 12:49am Donna McMillen Maybe sustainability and not growth to the point of Vale or Breckenridge. 14 replaced "growth" with "or conservation"
7834 10/11/2022 - 3:07pm Howard Hanson "responsibility ... differs" please.15 addressed as requested
7835 10/11/2022 - 3:08pm Howard Hanson Is this true? Has the Town Board adopted a plan for this?15
Revised to state, "The development of a future IGA will be considered, consistent
with the shared vision in this plan."
7836 10/11/2022 - 3:09pm Howard Hanson This is right about 5% of the population of the Valley. Is 5% really robust?16 Deleted "robust" (note that robust referred to the series of events)
8028 10/23/2022 - 10:44pm Barbara MacAlpine
CompPAC was established as the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. The word Planning is
not part of its name. I have noted that in many corrections throughout this document--sorry to be
so repetitive, but I think it's important to get it right.16 Addressed as requested
8010 10/23/2022 - 6:45pm Erin Alt space needed 16 spacing for this column adjusted
8014 10/23/2022 - 6:46pm Erin Alt space needed 16 spacing for this column adjusted
8013 10/23/2022 - 6:46pm Erin Alt space needed 16 spacing for this column adjusted
8012 10/23/2022 - 6:46pm Erin Alt space needed 16 spacing for this column adjusted
8011 10/23/2022 - 6:46pm Erin Alt space needed 16 spacing for this column adjusted
7837 10/11/2022 - 3:10pm Howard Hanson Which Planning Commission?19 This paragraph has been replaced with greater detail on Draft Plan Review
7914 10/17/2022 - 10:59pm Jeremy Call
From Jose: While these are not explicitly ordered from most to least important, move Health &
Social to be the first element. Our future's hopes and strength relies on the health and welfare of
the people. If our people are not resilient, healthy, and stable, or when our systems are unjust and
inequitable, none of the other elements matter. 20 This is a decision for the Planning Commissions and/or Elected Boards
4. Online Public Review of Draft Plan Comments
7808 10/06/2022 - 1:36am Barbara MacAlpine Correct the spelling of "defined".22 addressed as requested
7913 10/17/2022 - 10:56pm Jeremy Call grammar - "patterns _are_ changing..." ?24 addressed as requested
7943 10/22/2022 - 1:06am Donna McMillen Just, thank you!24 noted; no revision required
7944 10/22/2022 - 1:08am Donna McMillen
So, I have to know now; who in the ranching community is on the board? How is this (ranching)
constantly being applied to preserving our natural environment when it literally is the antithesis of
it? 24
There are existing ranches in the unincorprated areas of the Valley, particularly in
the north
7945 10/22/2022 - 1:10am Donna McMillen They all should be buried. 24 opinion noted
7946 10/22/2022 - 1:11am Donna McMillen Why??24 This is a desired use in the unincorporated areas of the valley
7811 10/06/2022 - 9:23pm Rachel Ames
Start by getting rid of the 9 hole golf course and turning it back into a riparian area. There could be
walk ways throughout. 25 noted
7838 10/11/2022 - 3:11pm Howard Hanson
Has this Plan (developed independently by the EVLT) been adopted officially? Can it really drive
policy?26 The Open Space Plan was not formally adopted by the Town.
7947 10/22/2022 - 1:18am Donna McMillen Ranching again?? That protects wildlife habitat how?26 opinion noted
7948 10/22/2022 - 1:21am Donna McMillen Please actually do enforce removal of barbed wire fencing. 26 noted
7949 10/22/2022 - 1:23am Donna McMillen Seek grants for the community to upgrade current structures with resistant materials. 27 This is too detailed for the scope of this plan
7950 10/22/2022 - 1:24am Donna McMillen And limit tourists during that time. 27
Noted, however, disaster events are not planned, thus it would be close to
impossible to limit tourist activity in advance of a disaster.
7951 10/22/2022 - 1:27am Donna McMillen
The fires didn’t start on individual property. You want the ability to tell everyone to cut down their
trees? Most citizens already mitigate for fire. 27 opinion noted
7952 10/22/2022 - 1:29am Donna McMillen Burning the slash piles would help. 27 opinion noted
7953 10/22/2022 - 1:29am Donna McMillen Where is it listed to educate the tourists? 27 Updated NE4.B to included a targeted communications campaign to visitors
8022 10/23/2022 - 7:12pm Scott Moulton
This is a critical step; current land use codes and landscaping requirements directly oppose fire
mitigation standards. They also require planting which is nearly impossible to procure. 27 noted; no revision required
7809 10/06/2022 - 2:00am Barbara MacAlpine For consistent use of verbs, change to Maintain ... (not Maintains ...)28 addressed as requested
7839 10/11/2022 - 3:13pm Howard Hanson please use "contributor to, or detractor from, a community's..."29 addressed as requested
7812 10/06/2022 - 9:26pm Rachel Ames Require that weed mitigation be part of the building permit. 31 This is out of the scope of this plan.
7840 10/11/2022 - 3:14pm Howard Hanson
This wording is ambiguous. Please use
require that development preserve...31 addressed as requested
7841 10/11/2022 - 3:15pm Howard Hanson "mix...meets" please 32 addressed as requested
7842 10/11/2022 - 3:19pm Howard Hanson
Town residents voted down a historic preservation initiative a few years ago. Having it raised here
smacks of catering to special interests whom that vote disappointed, and therefore bring into
question what other proposed policies also cater to special interests. Is this really the place to raise
this issue?32 duplicate comment
7843 10/11/2022 - 3:22pm Howard Hanson
Town residents voted down a historic preservation initiative a few years ago. Having it raised here
smacks of catering to special interests whom that vote disappointed, and therefore bring into
question what other proposed policies also cater to special interests. Is this really the place to raise
this issue?32 This is a decision for the Planning Commissions and/or Elected Boards.
7844 10/11/2022 - 3:25pm Howard Hanson
It would be nice to be able to edit your own comments. This one needs that, as the historic
preservation one somehow got repeated.
For here, though, the actions are for the Town's Code to be amended (BE 3.A) but the County's to be
retained. How about changing BE 3.L to read:
Amend the County Zoning and Land Use Code where specific standards are identified...32 Noted but not changed. This text came from the County directly.
7813 10/06/2022 - 9:29pm Rachel Ames
Create a unified set of standards, codes and goals for the entire Estes Valley. Right now the
differences between city and county building regulations are counterproductive. 33
This plan does identify common goals and strategies. The IGA that had a unified set
of standards/code for the EVPA was dissolved.
7845 10/11/2022 - 3:25pm Howard Hanson The EPPC rejected this recently.33 noted.
7801 10/03/2022 - 4:02pm Miriam McGilvray This last policy feels like a better fit under Goal E1. 38 addressed as requested
7810 10/06/2022 - 12:06pm Barbara MacAlpine Do you mean wildlife or wildfire? The latter seems more logical here.40 addressed as requested
7879 10/17/2022 - 10:32am matt comstock have critical services/employers been defined? Seems a bit opaque 40
Critical service providers is typical defined through implementation policy by the
Town or Housing Authority and varies by jurisdiction.
7915 10/17/2022 - 11:27pm Jeremy Call
Paraphrased from Jose: “The housing section does not address our people’s housing needs. We are
sleeping 10 people per every 2-bedroom apartment with multiple families per unit. No other
demographic has that struggle. The housing goals/policies support new housing but we cannot
afford new housing. Instead new housing may gentrify (displace) our current substandard housing.”
“The Housing section appropriately focuses on services workers. However, undocumented workers
constitute a large percentage of service workers, and may not qualify for Housing Authority
programs, mortgages, deeds, etc. Until that is rectified the home ownership policies do not apply to
the majority of service workers, so the plan does not solve the fundamental worker housing issue.”
40
Add a sentance or two to the intro that is a brief summary of the housing issues -
the housing needs assessment talks in more detail about overcrowding along with
other housing shortage issues. Providing more options is how the pressures that
lead to overcrowding get relieved. H.3.2. also gets at preserving the affordability of
existing housing.
8015 10/23/2022 - 7:01pm Erin Alt
maybe add "retirees" to this statement. Many are unable to afford to downsize their homes when
the time comes. 40 Added "older adults with fixed incomes"
8016 10/23/2022 - 7:02pm Erin Alt
Older adults do not always have options available when they are looking to downsize for their
retirement. 40
Added "and fixed-income individuals …"older adults looking to downsize will
benefit by virtue of the smaller units being available, but H.1.2 is more about a
spectrum of affordability to address the deficit of young families.
8017 10/23/2022 - 7:05pm Erin Alt Possibly zoning laws or incentives that promote missing middle housing 40 H.1.I addresses this
8023 10/23/2022 - 7:24pm Scott Moulton
The county MUST play a more active role in reviewing and supporting policies that help increase the
availability of attainable housing options. The EV cannot sustain by only focusing on attainable
housing inside the town limits. The county has acknowledged they have no policies or plans to help
promote attainable housing. 40 see Goal H2 for additional County actions
7846 10/11/2022 - 3:28pm Howard Hanson
This has been discussed in other mountain communities and appear to be a fallacy. It's not at all
clear that STR owners would want to convert to long-term rentals, which preclude their own use of
their properties. Rather, they're likely to let those properties sit vacant.41
A STR limit is one piece of the puzzle in encouraging a variety of housing types. The
expectation should not be that a STR will stop second-home and retirement home
ownership, but it does limit one option other than long-term rental and is desired
for other reasons in the community as well.
7995 10/23/2022 - 2:41pm Rick Grigsby Subject to inherent and vested private property rights,41 added: "within the limits of the Town's authority"
7880 10/17/2022 - 10:35am matt comstock what does this mean - "inclusionary housing requirement"43 Added to Glossary of Terms
7881 10/17/2022 - 10:36am matt comstock do we have an idea of what these barriers to development are?43
Barriers to development often come in the form of unintended conglomerations of
requirements where, for example, a new building code combines with existing
zoning to make the allowed development impracticle and therefore reduces the
allowed development.
7847 10/11/2022 - 3:30pm Howard Hanson
It might be worth delaying the release of this new Plan in order to assimilate the results of the
upcoming referendum on extending the lodging tax. If that question passes, it will effectively do this.44 the current adoption timeline meets DOLA grant requirements
7848 10/11/2022 - 3:30pm Howard Hanson The upcoming election does this.44
Agreed that the lodging tax is a great source for the housing fund, but if it doesn't
pass a housing fund will still be needed
8024 10/23/2022 - 7:30pm Scott Moulton
Many programs like this exist across the country and certainly in Colorado. I would recommend
removing direct references to specific communities as an unintended consequence may be
assuming the comp. the plan is drawing a line of desirability for Estes to be like another specific
community. 44 addressed as requested
7826 10/11/2022 - 11:38am SiteAdmin Change to "innovative methods and media" instead of "innovative mediums"46 addressed as requested
7849 10/11/2022 - 3:32pm Howard Hanson I second the other comment with extreme emphasis, here and elsewhere. Use "media"46 addressed as requested
7827 10/11/2022 - 11:38am SiteAdmin
Change to "innovative methods and media" instead of "innovative mediums"
Make change in Ch. 4 as well.47 addressed as requested
7818 10/09/2022 - 12:11am Barbara MacAlpine I think you mean "Natural Environment" rather than "Natural Resources" here as well as in HS 2.7.48 addressed as requested
7850 10/11/2022 - 3:33pm Howard Hanson While this may be a good idea, many will interpret it as an endorsement of socialism.48 noted
8019 10/23/2022 - 7:08pm Erin Alt change to "behavioral"48 addressed as requested
8020 10/23/2022 - 7:09pm Erin Alt remove "and mental"48 addressed as requested
8021 10/23/2022 - 7:11pm Erin Alt Will this plan provide support for the senior citizens center?48 Included as a service and program provider
7798 10/02/2022 - 7:16pm Barbara MacAlpine This is Goal T1, not HS1.52 addressed as requested
7799 10/03/2022 - 11:50am Planning Team Thank you, this has been updated.52 addressed as requested
8025 10/23/2022 - 7:38pm Scott Moulton
This must come with financial considerations. Increasing and improving our transportation network
is critical, but requirements of this nature can have unintended consequences of increasing housing
costs, perpetuating the already present attainability issues. I believe an amendment to this action
recommendation is necessary given this consideration. This comment would also apply to TOEP if
similar action recommendations are in this document which I did not notice. 53
Noted, however this doesn't specify the scale or infrastructure mode connections.
Could be a bus stop, sidewalk or paths.
7814 10/06/2022 - 9:43pm Rachel Ames Add shoulders to existing roadways. 55
T.1.A and T.1.B will address where wider shoulders are appropriate for multimodal
users)
8026 10/23/2022 - 7:42pm Scott Moulton
Everything in this section is critically important. Private industry, our residents, and our guests are
telling us through words and most importantly actions that multi-modal and less car-centric modes
of transportation are a critical part of our community for residents and visitors alike. Despite the
work done to date, our network of trails, connections, and pedestrian-friendly routes is woefully
inadequate. An entire and significant portion of our population relies on alternate modes of
transportation, and we as a community do not support those needs. 55 noted
7819 10/09/2022 - 12:46am Barbara MacAlpine
If the Goal is designated I1 (for Infrastructure 1), then shouldn't the policies by labeled I 1.1, I 1.2,
etc., and wouldn't that also apply to the policies under Goal I2 (i.e., label them I 2.1 and I 2.2)? It's
confusing as currently presented.64 addressed as requested (changed font)
7851 10/11/2022 - 3:36pm Howard Hanson "reconstruction and burial" would be more explicit here.64 addressed as requested
7882 10/17/2022 - 10:48am matt comstock
what have been the historical barriers to removing overhead power lines? Have heard this topic
many times - seems like a definite need with our winds but unclear on why this has never been
implemented 64 Funding is the main barrier to burying power lines.
7885 10/17/2022 - 2:08pm SiteAdmin
They are currently labeled as such, however the font makes the "I' and "1" look the same. We will
look into how to better show this.64 addressed as requested
8029 10/23/2022 - 11:12pm Barbara MacAlpine
What I meant is that there should not be a T at all; just label the policies I 1.1, I 1.2, I 1.3, standing
for Infrastructure Policy 1.1, Infrastructure Policy 1.2, etc. Thank you for reconsidering this.64 addressed as requested
7820 10/09/2022 - 1:04am Barbara MacAlpine "unify" rather than "unifies"69 addressed as requested
7852 10/11/2022 - 3:37pm Howard Hanson
The layout makes this confusing. It would help to have all ten closer together, particularly for online
readers. This applies to the legends for the forthcoming maps, too.69 export as spreads
8027 10/23/2022 - 9:40pm Fred Barber
Others have called attention to the fact that two -- and only two -- of the "Future Land Use
Categories" include proposed minimum lot sizes. These other comments are critical of the
proposed reduction of the minimum lot size in certain existing zones to 1/4 acre, from either 1 acre
or 1/2 acre under current regulations.
While I agree with these comments, I would suggest a different remedy: Simply remove the
minimum lot size proposals from the Comp Plan altogether. In my opinion, the Comp Plan should,
and does, offer qualitative descriptions (e.g., "low to medium density single family residential
development") but should leave quantitative requirements -- and, importantly, the careful analysis
and discussion of such requirements -- to the Code development phase.
I believe it has been stated that the Comp Plan land use categories may not even map one-to-one to
zones in the eventual Code. This factor alone is sufficient reason to pull out the proposed minimum
lot sizes.69
These are not framed as proposed minimum lot sizes, they are a description of
general character and utility infrastructure needs
7853 10/11/2022 - 3:38pm Howard Hanson "composed" is the correct word here and in the following uses.70 addressed as requested
7932 10/21/2022 - 9:42am Kimberly Encourage safe walking areas that are well-designed, lit, safe and landscaped 73
pedestrian infrastructure strategies and actions addressed in the Infrastructure
and Transportation Planning Theme.
7854 10/11/2022 - 3:40pm Howard Hanson Is this usage (and below) meant to preclude additional heavy industry? It seems to imply that.79 yes; reflective of desire to minimize extractive resource-intensive industry.
7856 10/11/2022 - 3:43pm Howard Hanson I sure hope this made-up word is defined in the (presently missing) glossary.79 addressed: replaced makerhood with "and small-scale manufacturing"
7815 10/06/2022 - 9:48pm Rachel Ames Please be sure to preserve migration corridors and sufficient habitat to limit habitat fragmentation. 80 actions included in Natural Environment planning theme
7855 10/11/2022 - 3:41pm Howard Hanson The legend needs to be on this page for online readers. (It does work for print, though.)80 export as spreads
7875 10/17/2022 - 9:22am Bo Winslow
I am interested in the zoning on the Cheley Camp property. We have mixed zoning that is not being
shown on this map and would like to have an opportunity to comment. We are currently working
with a Larimer County Planner and she has recommended we get active with this process as most of
our zoning in non-compliant for what we are doing. I would like to know next step for us?80
The FLUM does not address zoning and the FLU will not change at this time, but
the camp is identified as an area of future study in the plan and that will be the
appropriate process and time to evaluate zoning and future plans for site specific
development.
7883 10/17/2022 - 12:20pm Sherman, Roger
I am concerned about this large area being set aside for "future study". This area should be kept as
pristine as possible as it is the only entrance corridor into Estes that still retains some of what made
Estes Park special. Rampant development as we have seen around Mary's Lake, Little Valley and
Carriage Hills would destroy this area and compromise a unique asset: Cheley Camp. It should be
preserved as is. 82 noted concerns
7884 10/17/2022 - 12:28pm Barbara MacAlpine "Estes Park Planning Commission". Using the complete name reduces ambiguity.89 addressed as requested
7886 10/17/2022 - 2:13pm Barbara MacAlpine I think you need a semi-colon rather than comma here.91 addressed as requested
7887 10/17/2022 - 2:18pm Barbara MacAlpine Who is responsible for this? Boulder County or Larimer County?92 Boulder County
7907 10/17/2022 - 10:04pm Barbara MacAlpine Plans (not Plan). Also true for BE 1.F; BE 2.E; BE 3.D; and BE 3.H in Chapter 4. 93 addressed as requested
7906 10/17/2022 - 9:53pm Barbara MacAlpine Plans (not Plan)93 addressed as requested
7888 10/17/2022 - 4:21pm Barbara MacAlpine Add Property Owners?95 addressed as requested
8030 10/24/2022 - 12:16am Barbara MacAlpine Delete "Land". It's just called the Development Code in Estes Park.96 addressed as requested
8031 10/24/2022 - 12:28am Barbara MacAlpine
BE 4.A and BE 4.B will probably take a while to implement completely--hence the Mid-term
designation--but work on both of those actions should begin within the Short-term time frame. We
need progress now on renewable energy solutions that the town can encourage; waiting for another
two or three years would be counter-productive for our residents and our environment.
Furthermore, with the construction of more workforce housing under consideration, it is important
to have regulations that encourage energy efficiency, to benefit those who will be living in that
housing as well as the community's environment as a whole.96 addressed as requested
7889 10/17/2022 - 4:37pm Barbara MacAlpine Delete Ongoing from the Lead/Partner column 97 addressed as requested
7908 10/17/2022 - 10:08pm Barbara MacAlpine Regulatory Reform 98 addressed as requested
7890 10/17/2022 - 4:41pm Barbara MacAlpine Change comma to semi-colon for internal consistency.98 addressed as requested
7891 10/17/2022 - 4:45pm Barbara MacAlpine Delete the second "H1.K:".98 addressed as requested
7997 10/23/2022 - 2:42pm Rick Grigsby Subject to inherent and vested private property rights,98 added: "within the limits of the Town's authority"
8006 10/23/2022 - 3:26pm William Brown
While maintaining the cap on short-term rentals in residential zones is appropriate, we should not
reduce the number of short term rentals - that is not the answer to workforce housing. Short-term
rentals account for around 40% of the local marketing district lodging tax collections and their
occupants account for approximately 25% of town sales tax revenues. 98 Noted
7909 10/17/2022 - 10:08pm Barbara MacAlpine Capital Projects and Investments 99 addressed as requested
7892 10/17/2022 - 4:53pm Barbara MacAlpine Change comma to a semi-colon for internal consistency.100 addressed as requested
7893 10/17/2022 - 4:55pm Barbara MacAlpine Do you mean Town Administrator?100 addressed as requested
7894 10/17/2022 - 4:58pm Barbara MacAlpine The lead for this is more likely to be the Public Works Department. 101 addressed as requested
7895 10/17/2022 - 5:01pm Barbara MacAlpine Town Administrator, not Town Manager 101 addressed as requested
7910 10/17/2022 - 10:16pm Barbara MacAlpine
Programs and Services; same edit for T 1.H; T 1.I; T 2.D; T 2.E; T 3.A; T 4.B; T 6.D; T 6.F; T 6.G in Table
1, Chapter 4.103 addressed as requested
7911 10/17/2022 - 10:24pm Barbara MacAlpine
Capital Projects and Investments; same edit for T 3.C; T 4.A; T 5.B; T 5.D; T 6.C; T 6.E in Table 1 of
Chapter 4.103 addressed as requested
7896 10/17/2022 - 5:08pm Barbara MacAlpine Wouldn't that be Regulatory Reform?103 addressed as requested
7897 10/17/2022 - 5:12pm Barbara MacAlpine This sounds more like Regulatory Reform 103 addressed as requested
7899 10/17/2022 - 5:17pm Barbara MacAlpine Add Parking & Transit?104 addressed as requested
7898 10/17/2022 - 5:17pm Barbara MacAlpine Add Parking & Transit?104 addressed as requested
7912 10/17/2022 - 10:27pm Barbara MacAlpine Change to Regulatory Reform; Supporting Plans and Policies 105 addressed as requested
7900 10/17/2022 - 5:22pm Barbara MacAlpine
Add Public Works Department. Members of that department would actually develop the policy for
Town Board approval.105 addressed as requested
7901 10/17/2022 - 5:23pm Barbara MacAlpine Add Department.105 addressed as requested
7902 10/17/2022 - 5:24pm Barbara MacAlpine Wouldn't this also be Regulatory Reform?105 addressed as requested
7903 10/17/2022 - 5:32pm Barbara MacAlpine Delete "Estes Park" for consistency; this Lead is just called Utilities throughout Chapter 4.106 addressed as requested
7904 10/17/2022 - 5:33pm Barbara MacAlpine
Delete "Estes Park" for consistency; this Lead is just called Utilities throughout Chapter 4. Same
comment for I 2.A and I 2.B.106 addressed as requested
7905 10/17/2022 - 5:35pm Barbara MacAlpine Change to Community Development Department for consistency.106 addressed as requested
7954 10/22/2022 - 4:12pm Barbara MacAlpine
In the Natural Environment section of Table 2, the reference is to "Community Development
Department." In this section, it's the "Estes Park Community Development Department." Note also
that in Table 1, it's the "Community Development Department." Consistency would be better
throughout the document.109 addressed as requested
7955 10/22/2022 - 4:17pm Barbara MacAlpine
Here's another inconsistency: References before are to the Planning Department, whereas here and
in some of the following Lead/Partner columns it's the Larimer County Planning Department. Since
Estes Park doesn't have a Planning Department, the Larimer County addition doesn't seem
necessary.109 addressed as requested
7956 10/22/2022 - 4:23pm Barbara MacAlpine ... the 2022 Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report ...110 addressed as requested
7957 10/22/2022 - 4:31pm Barbara MacAlpine
Throughout the rest of this page it's "Larimer County Planning Department; Estes Park Community
Development." For consistency, I'd rather see "Planning Department; Community Development
Department." Or change the designations that precede this page.111 addressed as requested
8005 10/23/2022 - 3:23pm William Brown
While continuing the cap on short-term rentals in residential areas is appropriate, reducing the
number of short-term rentals is not the answer to workforce housing challenges. These short-term
rentals provide around 40% of the lodging tax generated in the local marketing district and those
rentals and their guests account for approximately 25% of town sales tax revenue.111 Noted
7958 10/22/2022 - 4:39pm Barbara MacAlpine
This is reference as "Road and Bridge Department" under HS 2.C on page 106. Might as well be
consistent.113 addressed for consistency to reference the town or county department in question
7959 10/22/2022 - 4:41pm Barbara MacAlpine What is BCC?113 Board of County Commissioners. Spelled out
7960 10/22/2022 - 4:43pm Barbara MacAlpine Same comment as under Table 2, T 1.F.113 addressed as requested
7961 10/22/2022 - 4:51pm Barbara MacAlpine
These are called Utilities and Community Development Department in other parts of Chapter 4.
Maybe Estes Park could be in parentheses in front of Utilities here, just to avoid confusion.
Sometimes consistency isn't that informative :-)113 addressed for consistency to reference the town or county department in question
7962 10/22/2022 - 5:02pm Barbara MacAlpine Should be "landowner" (singular, not plural).5 addressed as requested
7963 10/22/2022 - 5:29pm Barbara MacAlpine Use "help" rather than "helps"; this change is needed twice in this sentence.11 addressed as requested
7964 10/22/2022 - 5:46pm Barbara MacAlpine change to "expands"12 addressed as requested
7965 10/22/2022 - 6:06pm Barbara MacAlpine Delete the second "are" in this sentence.16 addressed as requested
7821 10/09/2022 - 1:16pm scott stewart
I believe that Visit Estes Park funds should only be used to promote Estes tourism doing the slow
months of November to April. We have too many visitors from spring to fall and too few in winter.
Lets work to balance that. Lets work to promote winter activities and work to develop winter
activities that will attract visitors during the slow months. A tubing hill, hot springs and educating
that many trails can be hiked easily all winter with just micro spikes. No snow shoes needed. 17 noted
7966 10/22/2022 - 10:34pm Barbara MacAlpine
This suggested change creates a more readable sentence:
...economy can be vulnerable to hazard events and major shocks; and the ongoing stresses could be
devastating and put the Town ...17 addressed as requested
7822 10/09/2022 - 1:19pm scott stewart
I very much support that we need both more affordable housing for workers and we need to protect
as much wild space as possible. I feel redevelopment is way more important than developing new
spaces. And adding bike and walking trails can cut down on traffic and greatly add the quality of life. 18 noted
7967 10/22/2022 - 10:43pm Barbara MacAlpine
Try "surrounding" instead of "surround". It works better with the verb "provide" near the end of the
sentence.18 addressed as requested
7968 10/22/2022 - 10:54pm Barbara MacAlpine Do you mean "finding" or "funding" here?19 addressed as requested
7969 10/22/2022 - 11:05pm Barbara MacAlpine Change to "4,382 housing units, which account for ...".20 addressed as requested
7970 10/22/2022 - 11:13pm Barbara MacAlpine
The previous sentence states that "The 349 restricted units represent about 8% of the housing stock
...". This says 7%. Which is it?20 updated call out to match sentence 8%
7928 10/20/2022 - 7:04pm Rich Chiappe
There are 6 million visitors to RMNP annually. Some percentage of those will fall in love with the
area and eventually want to buy a home in the Estes Valley. Demand for second/luxury homes in
the Estes Valley increases every year while the amount of new home development in the Estes
Valley increases at a disproportionately slower rate. The housing crisis in the Estes Valley is a
product of simple economics: supply vs. demand, not because 7% of the homes in the valley are
used as short-term rentals. STRs are not the cause of the problem.21 noted
7971 10/22/2022 - 11:17pm Barbara MacAlpine This is not a complete sentence.21 Added: "This represents a…"
7972 10/22/2022 - 11:21pm Barbara MacAlpine "...medial sales price for .... has [not have] each risen ..."21 addressed as requested
7823 10/09/2022 - 1:29pm scott stewart
I believe that a major risk of fire in the valley are the power line right aways that are not being
properly maintained. There are many very large dead trees that should they fall could easily hit a
power line and cause a power outage and start fires. This is easy to fix, it just takes a budget and a
desire to minimize the risk. 23 updated action I.1.C. to include maintenance
7973 10/23/2022 - 12:12am Barbara MacAlpine
This paragraph/sentence is confusing. Please rewrite to make a clearer connection between the
material before the semicolon and after it.25
Revised: " With the median age of Estes Park residents closer to that of a retiree,
access to public transportation and other modal options, such as walking or biking,
will help meet mobility needs for underserved populations such as older adults,
people with mobility challenges, and low-income households."
7874 10/17/2022 - 9:19am John Howell
Please increase bike path network - including to/from and within RMNP. See Grand Teton NP and
Jackson, WY as a model. 27 This is an objective of the Infrastructure and Transportation Planning theme.
7974 10/23/2022 - 12:28am Barbara MacAlpine Change to Lumpy Ridge (capital R).28 addressed as requested
7978 10/23/2022 - 1:02am Barbara MacAlpine It's the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center (not Estes Valley).34 addressed as requested
7975 10/23/2022 - 12:54am Barbara MacAlpine
CompPAC is the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. The word "Planning" is not part of the
name.34 addressed as requested
7976 10/23/2022 - 12:56am Barbara MacAlpine The name is Estes Park Housing Authority, sometimes referred to EPHA (even in this document). 34 addressed as requested
7977 10/23/2022 - 12:59am Barbara MacAlpine It's the Estes Park Dept of Public Works.34 addressed as requested
7979 10/23/2022 - 1:12am Barbara MacAlpine "The retiree community in contrast is [not are] ..." 37 addressed as requested
7981 10/23/2022 - 1:31am Barbara MacAlpine "... additional translation services and language accessibility are [not is] important."37 addressed as requested
7980 10/23/2022 - 1:16am Barbara MacAlpine Development Code [not a fish :-)]38 addressed as requested
7982 10/23/2022 - 1:35am Barbara MacAlpine help [not helps--plural subject, plural form of verb]41 addressed as requested
7983 10/23/2022 - 1:37am Barbara MacAlpine eliminate one "that"41 addressed as requested
7984 10/23/2022 - 1:40am Barbara MacAlpine existing [not exiting]41 addressed as requested
7985 10/23/2022 - 1:49am Barbara MacAlpine "Each of these ... provides [not provide] ..."44 addressed as requested
7986 10/23/2022 - 1:53am Barbara MacAlpine It's the Town's Development Code. We don't call it the Land Development Code.45 addressed as requested
7921 10/20/2022 - 6:49pm Rich Chiappe
Here in Windcliff, there has been exactly 1 house fire in the 53 years of our residential commuinity.
That home was a private, seasonal residence (not a short-term rental). It is estimated that over
those 53 years, more than 150,000 individual rental guests have come through Windcliff's onsite
vacation rental program. Those 150,000 visitors have started ZERO fires and 100% of those have
abided to Windcliff's short-term rental rules that control smoking, grilling and all other forms of
potential ignition. Well managed Short-term rentals do not make a residence any more susceptible
to ignition than seasonal residences or full-time residences.46 noted; no revision required
7922 10/20/2022 - 6:52pm Rich Chiappe
Doing so will effectively eliminate 44% of the tax base of the Estes Valley and 44% of the annual
contributions of the lodging tax increase support of workforce housing and childcare as it would
effectively eliminate the short-term rental market entirely. More than 80% of the market for short-
term rentals in the Estes Valley runs from Memorial Day to Halloween each year. There is almost no
other "off-season" opportunity in the Estes Valley.47 opinion noted
7987 10/23/2022 - 2:00am Barbara MacAlpine Just Town's Development Code (no Land in the name of it).47 addressed as requested
7988 10/23/2022 - 2:04am Barbara MacAlpine Delete "Land".47 addressed as requested
7989 10/23/2022 - 2:06am Barbara MacAlpine Delete "as".48 addressed as requested
7923 10/20/2022 - 6:54pm Rich Chiappe
Short-term rentals utilize a residence no differently than homeowners do. The usage is residential.
The behavior is residential. Anyone who's ever lived in a home of any kind understands how to use
a residence of any kind.52 addressed as requested
7994 10/23/2022 - 2:17pm Barbara MacAlpine "thus" rather than "this"?56 addressed as requested
7996 10/23/2022 - 2:41pm Barbara MacAlpine
As mentioned many times previously, the town's "Land Use Code" is the Development Code.
Anyone reading this section may find it confusing. 60 addressed as requested
7999 10/23/2022 - 2:46pm Barbara MacAlpine CompPAC = Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (not Planning)61 addressed as requested
8003 10/23/2022 - 3:01pm Barbara MacAlpine Key elements .... include [not includes] ...65 addressed as requested
7926 10/20/2022 - 6:57pm Rich Chiappe
The 53-year harmoniously running tradition of offering homes for use as short-term rentals in
Windcliff has had ZERO impact on "available workfoce housing stock." Because of the extremely
high expense of buying a lot in Windcliff and building a home, homes in Windcliff have never been
economically available to the workforce. There have been exactly zero "workforce level" families
and local workforce employees resident in Windcliff in 53 years. Using Windcliff homes when the
homeowners are not present has zero negative impact on available housing stock.66 addressed as requested
8004 10/23/2022 - 3:07pm Barbara MacAlpine "different from" is preferred usage over "different than"66 addressed as requested
7876 10/17/2022 - 9:28am John Howell Agree with this comment.69 addressed as requested
7877 10/17/2022 - 9:29am John Howell Agree with this comment.72 Noted; no revision required.
7878 10/17/2022 - 9:34am John Howell
Look at burying those huge electric cables along 36/Lake Estes. Would beatify the entrance into
town instead of looking at those huge industrial electric cables and towers... 77 Noted; no revision required.
7927 10/20/2022 - 7:01pm Rich Chiappe
In Windcliff, there are 160 properties. Fewer than 30 of those are full-time residents and fewer than
40 are offered as short-term rentals when they are not being used by their homeowners
themselves. Our residential community was designed and developed to be luxury second homes
that may be used as short-term rentals if and when the homeowners choose to do so. Not a home
in Windcliff has ever been considered affordable for full-time workforce housing. 81 Noted
8007 10/23/2022 - 4:49pm Barbara MacAlpine Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee 122 Noted
8008 10/23/2022 - 5:02pm Barbara MacAlpine lanes, not lands 131 addressed as requested
8009 10/23/2022 - 5:06pm Barbara MacAlpine ??? The sentence just ends with "and".131 revised:" incentivizing energy efficient uses and retrofits".
Date Name Comment Address and How
10/21/2022 Kent Smith
We just finished re-reading the comp plan draft and noticed that one
thing that is not mentioned in any sector is solid waste.
We think it is critical to include: innovative and comprehensive regimen
for solid wasted diversion.
There are a number of places where this issue could be inserted and is
most critical for the preservation of our ecology and our economic
sustainability. We mentioned this in the meeting but are not seeing it
in the draft. Without a plan we are at the mercy of our visitors.
We have discussed this with Travis as well as it being the frequent
subject of Judi's columns.
Add Goal I3: Establish an innovative and comprehensive solid waste,
recycling, and composting management system.
1. The Town and County support solid waste diversion, reduction,
and reuse programs and policies.
2. The Town and County inform and educate the public and visitors
about waste management programs and practices throughout the
Estes Valley.
10/22/2022 Frank Theis
On pages 19-22, under recommended actions by both the Town & County, I think
continuing to work with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition should be included for the
Wildlife Plan Update, Wildfire Mitigation on private lands, and Flood Mitigation &
resiliency. On a related note, I think the Watershed Master Plans, which were developed
immediately after the 2013 flood by the Town & EVWC for Fish Creek and Fall River, and
a couple of years later for the Big Thompson by EVWC, should be mentioned as guiding
documents which have been adopted by the Town & County (and the Colorado Water
Conservation Board which paid for most of the work).
Added Estes Valley Watershed Coalition to NE 2.E, NE 3.B, NE 3.C, NE
4.A, NE 4. F, NE 4.G, NE 5.A, and NE 5.D
Fish Creek, Fall River and Upper Big Thompson Plans were added and
linked on page 2.
10/19/2022 Barbara MacAlpine
While reviewing the Comp Plan draft for the nth time, I had a few questions that you
might address. They are more about form than substance. I wanted to get your opinion
before making a suggested change on the online version.
At the beginning of the document, members of various boards, commissions, and
committees are listed, including those who are former members. Shouldn't Janene be
designated as a former member of the EP Planning Commission? Same question about
the EVPAC: Olivia Harper is no longer listed as a board member on its website; I believe
her term was slightly extended through the summer but has now ended. It would seem
consistent to add "former member" after her name.
Here's another name question: Rosemary Truman is a member of CompPAC. She is
listed as Rose Truman. Is that her preferred name? I've only spoken with her a few times
(unfortunately) and don't really know what she likes to be called, but it would be a shame
to get it wrong.
Finally, there is an occasional reference to the Town of Estes Planning Department, which
I always find confusing. Isn't Planning considered a division within your department? Am
I being picky? I'm wondering if there might be a better way to reference that unit.
Added (Former Commissioner) after Janene Centurione's name
Added (Former Member) after Olivia Harper's name and added Scott
Stewart (new member according to EVPAC website)
Changed to Rosemary (not Rose)
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
Overall health care in general – hospital has not really been addressed. Should there be
more expectations about the hospital and how health care fits in long term? Identifying
available land – should it be redevelopment? Map regarding future study areas. Those
areas go out of the town limits and go into the county – down 34 and other areas. Those
would be zoning issues going forward. Talk about the annexation policy that wasn’t very
clear. Not very well covered. Statements about encouraging reducing short-term
rentals. Not sure if that’s part of this plan. IGA and what it did and didn’t do – unified
goals and standards for the county. Agrees that’s important. In some ways the plan has
addressed the situation. Otherwise, the plan is right on. He would be in a position to
make a recommendation to accept it.Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
- DC – This is a tremendous improvement. There’s still a lot of jargon – words not in
dictionary or defined. E.g., “Placemaking” is not in the dictionary. Would be good to
clean it out – wouldn’t be that hard. If it isn’t in the dictionary, it shows up in word
processing check. Also, Plan only as good as actions, and priorities. Most organizations
can’t handle 3-4 at a time. What are the priorities. If asking staff which ones. Not
reasonable that all those things get done. Anything that’s going to address the future –
will be in the town. Town is responsible for most. Very little that the county is expecting
to change over time. Is that realistic? Worrisome that the engine is on the town side.
Why not allowing ADUs in the county? Could that help the workforce? What is going to
happen next 10-20 years for county. Is status quo unrealistic? Not necessarily unhappy
with it but thinks It punted on some things. Pleased with diversity and breadth of
discussions. Concern that Action Items aren’t associated.
Added "Placemaking" to Glossary of Terms
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
- MK – Hasn’t had a chance to review so wouldn’t be ready to recommend and will
send comments separately.Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
- LM – Annexation – hope for involvement of HOAs, etc. before trying to annex. Not
ready to discuss new IGA prior to this comp plan. That’s coming. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
- FT – County is not as likely to have changes. Likes the idea that Hwy 7 shows up as a
study area. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
- A lot of priorities, but by the 23rd. Recommend to county planning commission push
to prioritize the plan. Wish for a timetable. Can’t solve it. Recommend a prioritization
list and responsibilities. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting - FT - Ought to have a formal voice and recommend the plan. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting - DW – Agree with the concept. Not a lot more that’s going to happen. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting - MK – Should and can make a recommendation. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting - Get Rex’s input. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I was surprised by the tabulation that 67% of the respondents did not support the draft
plan, with only 22% fully in favor without qualification. This may not portend positively
for a new IGA, which I believe is necessary. Is there any way to know what percent of
those taking the survey participated in this question?
Not sure where Mike got those numbers. We didn't ask for overall
support of the plan. We didn't have a survey or specific questions
that we asked during this phase
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Housing was by far the most commented on area. Limitation or reduction of STRs,
affordable housing (including year around workforce housing and suggestions that the
seasonal workforce be housed in dormitories), ecologically and environmentally sound
building principals seem to be the most popular subjects. I was also surprised at the
number of negative comments regarding additional growth (seems we have (not
surprisingly) a major disagreement between commercial and residential interests). I tend
to fall into the limited growth camp. I was, as you would guess, encouraged about
comments regarding preservation in the North End. I was also surprised to learn during
Thursday’s EVPAC meeting that the concept of historic venues had been turned down
about 10years ago. I think and would have thought this issue would have strong support.
I’m going to try to get more information to see what was involved.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Natural environment:Devils Gulch Road is a Gateway with a large number of people
coming up from Loveland and then detouring up CR 42 at the Forks. Commercial
development along Devils Gulch Road has, to date, been confined to the Town and has
been tastefully done. Let’s keep it that way.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I like most of the provisions of this section but think many of the Goals envision the Town
expanding further into the County. I don’t object to this as long as the annexed areas
really fit the Town’s loftier goals and the expansion and development is in harmony with
the overall tenor of the general plan and compatible with the character of the area
surrounding the annexed portion.
Noted. The IGA for annexation will be an agreement between the
Town and County.
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Housing: I’m most interested in what we come up with regarding STRs. Residents are
generally opposed to STRs in Residentially zoned areas and would like to see them
reduced or eliminated. I agree with the concept of encouraging lower cost residential
housing and workforce housing and believe we should distinguish between year around
and seasonal workforces.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy Health and Social: I don’t see anything to object to or modify Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Transportation and Infrastructure: I would support some sort of Valley wide public
transportation that reduces County residents’ reliance on individual cars. It doesn’t have
to be more than a couple of connections each in the morning, afternoon, and evening,
but it has to be reliable and could utilize small park and ride lots. I especially like the
section on water. An effort to move all utility lines underground would not only enhance
the viewsheds but has the important benefit of removing what could be a cause of
wildfires.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Future Land Use: I think the categories are generally ok, but as with most high-level plans,
the devil is in the details, which I suspect EVPAC will spend much of the next few years
ironing out. We will need to establish our priorities, responsibilities and timetables as
discussed in Thursday’s meeting, although the Plan provides some amendable guidance.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Other Notes: I was sorry the screen names in the public comments were omitted. I would
have enjoyed knowing who thought what.Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
While it isn’t our purview, I would like to see the Building Department encourage new
developments to use gravel or other low reflectivity surfaces in new parking lots rather
than asphalt or concrete.Noted but out of the scope of the Comprehensive Plan
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I think this is a good plan in that it replaces the outdated plan with more specific goals
and recommendations. I still see the “them” and “us” approach and feel that a new IGA is
going to be difficult, but desirable. None the less, you, Jody and all the others who have
spent an inordinate amount of time to get us this far are to be commended for a job well
done.Noted
ESTES FORWARD ONLINE INTERACTIVE FUTURE LAND USE MAP COMMENTS
to
Latitude Longitude Address Category
40.364261143
83149
-
105.54419517
51709
1021 Marys Lake Road, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74433
Future Land Use
Comment Marys Lake Road should be shown here
40.365855202
291606
-
105.53923308
849336
820 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74434
Future Land Use
Comment stop light desperately needed here
40.369153557
39683
-
105.53187847
137453
Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado
80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74435
Future Land Use
Comment all of Moraine Ave needs a center turn lane and sidewalk!
40.371838716
14677
-
105.50771713
256837
381 South Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes
Park, Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74436
Future Land Use
Comment good spot for new town hall, and land is for sale now
40.351360145
479326
-
105.50707340
24048
1010 Acacia Drive, Estes Park, Colorado
80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74437
Future Land Use
Comment good spot for workforce housing
40.374249954
74452
-
105.51154732
704164
179 Stanley Circle Drive, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74438
Future Land Use
Comment town owned property...make use of it
40.375999070
44243
-
105.52304327
487947
116 East Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74439
Future Land Use
Comment empty lot for 13 years...town should purchase and make a picnic area/restroom/food truck location
40.374527854
66491
-
105.52275359
630585
Ivy Street, Estes Park, Colorado 80517,
United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74440
Future Land Use
Comment
transportation hub?
relocate post office
repurpose current po building
40.376877697
87748
-
105.52932500
839235
432 West Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74441
Future Land Use
Comment redevelop West Park Center and make better use of river front
40.365683536
268705
-
105.53975343
704225
820 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park,
Colorado 80517, United States
http://engageestes.org/get-
involved/maps/draft-future-land-use-
map?reporting=true#marker-74442
Future Land Use
Comment town owned property. make use of it
18-Jun-2021 23-Oct-2022
Marker Details
Comment
5. Interactive Online Future Land Use Map Comments
Date Name Comment Address and How
10/21/2022 Kent Smith
We just finished re‐reading the comp plan draft and noticed that one
thing that is not mentioned in any sector is solid waste.
We think it is critical to include: innovative and comprehensive regimen
for solid wasted diversion.
There are a number of places where this issue could be inserted and is
most critical for the preservation of our ecology and our economic
sustainability. We mentioned this in the meeting but are not seeing it
in the draft. Without a plan we are at the mercy of our visitors.
We have discussed this with Travis as well as it being the frequent
subject of Judi's columns.
Add Goal I3: Establish an innovative and comprehensive solid waste,
recycling, and composting management system.
1. The Town and County support solid waste diversion, reduction, and
reuse programs and policies.
2. The Town and County inform and educate the public and visitors
about waste management programs and practices throughout the
Estes Valley.
10/22/2022 Frank Theis
On pages 19‐22, under recommended actions by both the Town & County, I think
continuing to work with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition should be included for the
Wildlife Plan Update, Wildfire Mitigation on private lands, and Flood Mitigation &
resiliency. On a related note, I think the Watershed Master Plans, which were developed
immediately after the 2013 flood by the Town & EVWC for Fish Creek and Fall River, and a
couple of years later for the Big Thompson by EVWC, should be mentioned as guiding
documents which have been adopted by the Town & County (and the Colorado Water
Conservation Board which paid for most of the work).
Added Estes Valley Watershed Coalition to NE 2.E, NE 3.B, NE 3.C, NE
4.A, NE 4. F, NE 4.G, NE 5.A, and NE 5.D
Fish Creek, Fall River and Upper Big Thompson Plans were added and
linked on page 2.
10/19/2022 Barbara MacAlpine
While reviewing the Comp Plan draft for the nth time, I had a few questions that you
might address. They are more about form than substance. I wanted to get your opinion
before making a suggested change on the online version.
At the beginning of the document, members of various boards, commissions, and
committees are listed, including those who are former members. Shouldn't Janene be
designated as a former member of the EP Planning Commission? Same question about
the EVPAC: Olivia Harper is no longer listed as a board member on its website; I believe
her term was slightly extended through the summer but has now ended. It would seem
consistent to add "former member" after her name.
Here's another name question: Rosemary Truman is a member of CompPAC. She is listed
as Rose Truman. Is that her preferred name? I've only spoken with her a few times
(unfortunately) and don't really know what she likes to be called, but it would be a shame
to get it wrong.
Finally, there is an occasional reference to the Town of Estes Planning Department, which I
always find confusing. Isn't Planning considered a division within your department? Am I
being picky? I'm wondering if there might be a better way to reference that unit.
Added (Former Commissioner) after Janene Centurione's name
Added (Former Member) after Olivia Harper's name and added Scott
Stewart (new member according to EVPAC website)
Changed to Rosemary (not Rose)
ATTACHMENT 5
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
Overall health care in general – hospital has not really been addressed. Should there be
more expectations about the hospital and how health care fits in long term? Identifying
available land – should it be redevelopment? Map regarding future study areas. Those
areas go out of the town limits and go into the county – down 34 and other areas. Those
would be zoning issues going forward. Talk about the annexation policy that wasn’t very
clear. Not very well covered. Statements about encouraging reducing short‐term rentals.
Not sure if that’s part of this plan. IGA and what it did and didn’t do – unified goals and
standards for the county. Agrees that’s important. In some ways the plan has addressed
the situation. Otherwise, the plan is right on. He would be in a position to make a
recommendation to accept it.Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
‐ DC – This is a tremendous improvement. There’s still a lot of jargon – words not in
dictionary or defined. E.g., “Placemaking” is not in the dictionary. Would be good to clean
it out – wouldn’t be that hard. If it isn’t in the dictionary, it shows up in word processing
check. Also, Plan only as good as actions, and priorities. Most organizations can’t handle 3‐
4 at a time. What are the priorities. If asking staff which ones. Not reasonable that all
those things get done. Anything that’s going to address the future – will be in the town.
Town is responsible for most. Very little that the county is expecting to change over time.
Is that realistic? Worrisome that the engine is on the town side. Why not allowing ADUs
in the county? Could that help the workforce? What is going to happen next 10‐20 years
for county. Is status quo unrealistic? Not necessarily unhappy with it but thinks It punted
on some things. Pleased with diversity and breadth of discussions. Concern that Action
Items aren’t associated.
Added "Placemaking" to Glossary of Terms
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
‐ MK – Hasn’t had a chance to review so wouldn’t be ready to recommend and will
send comments separately.Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
‐ LM – Annexation – hope for involvement of HOAs, etc. before trying to annex. Not
ready to discuss new IGA prior to this comp plan. That’s coming. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
‐ FT – County is not as likely to have changes. Likes the idea that Hwy 7 shows up as a
study area. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting
‐ A lot of priorities, but by the 23 rd. Recommend to county planning commission push
to prioritize the plan. Wish for a timetable. Can’t solve it. Recommend a prioritization list
and responsibilities. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting ‐ FT ‐ Ought to have a formal voice and recommend the plan. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting ‐ DW – Agree with the concept. Not a lot more that’s going to happen. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting ‐ MK – Should and can make a recommendation. Noted
10/20/2022 EVPAC Meeting ‐ Get Rex’s input. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I was surprised by the tabulation that 67% of the respondents did not support the draft
plan, with only 22% fully in favor without qualification. This may not portend positively for
a new IGA, which I believe is necessary. Is there any way to know what percent of those
taking the survey participated in this question?
Not sure where Mike got those numbers. We didn't ask for overall
support of the plan. We didn't have a survey or specific questions
that we asked during this phase
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Housing was by far the most commented on area. Limitation or reduction of STRs,
affordable housing (including year around workforce housing and suggestions that the
seasonal workforce be housed in dormitories), ecologically and environmentally sound
building principals seem to be the most popular subjects. I was also surprised at the
number of negative comments regarding additional growth (seems we have (not
surprisingly) a major disagreement between commercial and residential interests). I tend
to fall into the limited growth camp. I was, as you would guess, encouraged about
comments regarding preservation in the North End. I was also surprised to learn during
Thursday’s EVPAC meeting that the concept of historic venues had been turned down
about 10years ago. I think and would have thought this issue would have strong support.
I’m going to try to get more information to see what was involved. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Natural environment:Devils Gulch Road is a Gateway with a large number of people
coming up from Loveland and then detouring up CR 42 at the Forks. Commercial
development along Devils Gulch Road has, to date, been confined to the Town and has
been tastefully done. Let’s keep it that way. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I like most of the provisions of this section but think many of the Goals envision the Town
expanding further into the County. I don’t object to this as long as the annexed areas
really fit the Town’s loftier goals and the expansion and development is in harmony with
the overall tenor of the general plan and compatible with the character of the area
surrounding the annexed portion.
Noted. The IGA for annexation will be an agreement between the
Town and County.
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Housing: I’m most interested in what we come up with regarding STRs. Residents are
generally opposed to STRs in Residentially zoned areas and would like to see them
reduced or eliminated. I agree with the concept of encouraging lower cost residential
housing and workforce housing and believe we should distinguish between year around
and seasonal workforces. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy Health and Social: I don’t see anything to object to or modify Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Transportation and Infrastructure: I would support some sort of Valley wide public
transportation that reduces County residents’ reliance on individual cars. It doesn’t have
to be more than a couple of connections each in the morning, afternoon, and evening, but
it has to be reliable and could utilize small park and ride lots. I especially like the section
on water. An effort to move all utility lines underground would not only enhance the
viewsheds but has the important benefit of removing what could be a cause of wildfires. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Future Land Use: I think the categories are generally ok, but as with most high‐level plans,
the devil is in the details, which I suspect EVPAC will spend much of the next few years
ironing out. We will need to establish our priorities, responsibilities and timetables as
discussed in Thursday’s meeting, although the Plan provides some amendable guidance. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
Other Notes: I was sorry the screen names in the public comments were omitted. I would
have enjoyed knowing who thought what. Noted
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
While it isn’t our purview, I would like to see the Building Department encourage new
developments to use gravel or other low reflectivity surfaces in new parking lots rather
than asphalt or concrete. Noted but out of the scope of the Comprehensive Plan
10/24/2022 Mike Kennedy
I think this is a good plan in that it replaces the outdated plan with more specific goals and
recommendations. I still see the “them” and “us” approach and feel that a new IGA is
going to be difficult, but desirable. None the less, you, Jody and all the others who have
spent an inordinate amount of time to get us this far are to be commended for a job well
done.Noted
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED ON 12/3/2022
Board of Trustees Public Comment
Name: Stephanie Ahrndt-Pawson
Stance on Item: Neutral
Agenda Item Title: Comprehensive Plan To be Heard Dec. 6, 2022.
Public Comment:
To Whom it May Concern: Newer full time resident received a letter dated 11/28 on 12/2 for a meeting to
occur on 12/15/22 to propose rezone of 685 Peak View an E1 7.62 acre parcel to R-1. I do not know of
plan yet because this meeting proceeds Comprehensive Plan meeting set for 12/6 however I am aware
multiple residents voiced concern October to November of exactly this, a drastic change of 1 home per
acre to what could be 8 homes per acre is a big change. Sending this as a concern in the timing of this
along with applicants influence in the comprehensive plan and for profit development incorporation. Thank
You
File Upload
Please note, all information provided in this form is considered public record and will be included as permanent record for
the item which it references.
Files are limited to PDF or JPG.
25 MB limit. Video files cannot be saved to the final packet and must be transcribed before submitting.
To: Trustees, Town of Estes Park
Re: Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan Adoption Draft December, 2022
Public Comment: Town Trustees Should Eliminate Action Item H 1.F
The Town of Estes Park is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan for the first time in
25 years. The Estes Park Comprehensive Plan establishes land use, community design, growth
management, mobility and circulation, housing, scenic and environmental quality, economic and
intergovernmental coordination policies for the Town.
Within the Adoption Draft of the “Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan” is proposed action H 1.F
which would continue limit to short-term rental of residential units, within the limits of the
County’s Authority, and consider reducing the number of short-term rentals to encourage more
long-term rental units for housing.
For decades, homeowners in the Estes Valley have been required to obtain a license and pass stringent
life safety inspections to legally rent their home to guests as a STR. The Town capped the maximum
number of permissible STRs in residential zones in 2016. That number was fixed at 322 licenses —
perhaps approximately 5% of the total number of residential units in the Town of Estes Park.
The Town has understandably expressed concerns that the use of private homes has impacted
the availability of workforce housing. However, that concern ended more than six years ago with
the implementation of the cap number of permissible STRs in residential zones.
There is also some belief that elimination of STRs in residential zones will increase availability of long-
term rentals, however, this ignores the fact that the vast majority of STR owners utilize their homes for
personal use and enjoyment precluding the home’s use as a long-term rental. Item H 1.F is a punitive
attack on a traditional, legal and economically productive land use activity in the Estes Valley.
Short-term rentals (STRs) have been a part of the Estes Valley since the 1860s. STRs provide
vacationers with the experiences that eventually bring many of them back year-after-year, and
some to eventually move and/or retire here to make the Estes Valley a diverse place to live. By
and large, STRs have operated peacefully and harmoniously in residential zones of the Town.
Based on tax source reporting from Visit Estes Park, visitors of Short-term rentals in residential
zones of the Town of Estes Park contribute more than $5M annually more than half of which is
Town sales tax. STRs in residential zones are also on track to contribute an additional $1.4M/year to
the Town’s Workforce Housing and Childcare programs with the recent passage of Ballot Issue 6E.
Should the Comprehensive Plan be adopted as drafted and the number of legally operating STRs in
residential zones in the Town be decreased, the economic ramifications would negatively impact everyone
in the Estes Valley. The Town should therefore eliminate Action Item H 1.F from the Comprehensive Plan.
- Rich Chiappe
Director, Estes Valley Short-Term Rental Alliance
Director, Visit Estes Park
Owner, Windcliff Vacation Rentals
Broker, HomeSmart Realty Group
Estes Valley STR Owner since 2011
Full-Time Estes Valley Resident since 2017
DECEMBER 1, 2022
PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED ON 12/6/2022
Estes Park Town Board Public Hearing
December 6, 2022
What is Estes
Forward?
“If you don’t know where you’re going,
you might not get there.”
-Yogi Berra
A joint planning
process for the
Town of Estes
Park and
surrounding
unincorporated
Larimer County
An update of the
1996 Estes Valley
Comprehensive
Plan
A practical but
aspirational long-
term guide for the
Town and County
A common vision
for the future,
defined goals and
policies, and
desired future
land use
character
Estes Forward Process
Phase 1
Setting the Foundation
•Initiation and Management
•Engagement Strategy
•Public Kickoff and Qualitative
Assessment
•Comprehensive Plan Audit
•Existing Conditions and
Trends Analysis
Phase 2
Defining the Direction
•Visioning Outreach
•Community Choices and
Priorities Outreach
Phase 3
Realizing the Plan
•Policy Framework
Development
•Adaptive Management and
Implementation Plan
•Draft Plan and Public Review
•Adoption Hearings and Final
Plan
Engagement Process
Stakeholder
Interviews
Listening
Sessions
Visioning
Questionnaire
Virtual
Visioning
Workshops
Evento en
Espanol
Community
Choices
Questionnaire
Community
Choices Events
Community
Conversations
Event
Public Draft
Event and
Review Period
52
ONE-ON-ONE
INTERVIEWS
4
PLANNING COMMISSION
& TRUSTEE
PRESENTATIONS
2
VIRTUAL VISIONING
WORKSHOPS
191
VISIONING
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY CHOICES
PUBLIC WORKSHOP
300+
WRITTEN COMMENTS
ON DRAFT PLAN
7
VIRTUAL LISTENING
SESSIONS
7
SMALL GROUP
VISIONING MEETINGS
2
EVENTOS EN ESPANOL
95
COMMUNITY CHOICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESPONSES
1
COMMUNITY
CONVERSATIONS
WORKSHOP
27
COMPPAC MEETINGS
Engagement Process and Products
Stakeholder
Interviews
Listening
Sessions
Visioning
Questionnaire
Virtual
Visioning
Workshops
Evento en
Espanol
Community
Choices
Questionnaire
Community
Choices Events
Community
Conversations
Event
Public Draft
Event and
Review Period
Issues Summary
Plan Audit Report
Existing Conditions
Snapshots
Draft Vision
Document
Draft Goals,
Policies and
Strategies
Draft
Comprehensive
Plan
Building Upon Previous Land Use Plan
•Estes Forward retains relevant ideas from
supported goals and policies in the 1996 plan:
•7 of 10 community-wide goals reflected within
goals for each new resiliency theme
•4 Land Use policies
•4 Community Design policies
•3 Growth Management policies
•5 Mobility and Circulation policies
•10 Housing policies
•15 Scenic Environmental Quality policies
•7 Economic policies
•4 Intergovernmental Coordination policies
Draft Review
Public Review
•1,115 total views on Konveio Tool
•194 comments on Konveio Tool
•6 emailed comments
•9 visitors to EngageEstes.org Mapping Activity
•10 pins on EngageEstes.org Mapping Activity
•35+ attendees at in-person Draft Plan Event
Committee Review
•CompPAC Meeting (9/8)
•EVPAC Meetings (9/15, 10/20, 11/10)
•EPPC and CompPAC Workshop (10/18)
•Larimer County BCC/PC/EVPAC Meeting (11/9)
•Estes Park Planning Commission Adoption
Hearing (11/15)
•Larimer County Planning Commission
Discussion (11/16)
Plan
Organization
Chapter 1:
Introduction and
Plan Direction
•What is the Plan?
•Focus of this Plan
•Vision and Guiding
Principles
•Plan Organization
•Planning Process
“Our community works together
as responsible stewards of our
irreplaceable mountain
surroundings to support
residents and welcome visitors
by preserving and enhancing
our quality of life, sense of
community, economic vitality,
and health of the natural
environment.”
Vision
“Our community works together
as responsible stewards of our
irreplaceable mountain
surroundings to support
residents and welcome visitors
by preserving and enhancing
our quality of life, sense of
community, economic vitality,
and health of the natural
environment.”
o Responsible access to and protection of wild spaces, scenic
vistas, outdoor recreation, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
o A unified, proactive response to climate change through
adaptation, resilient infrastructure, ecosystem management,
protection of biodiversity, and reduced carbon emissions.
o Balanced and managed growth that enhances quality of life,
preserves local character, conserves natural resources and
wildlife habitat.
o Cooperative governance and fiscal responsibility through strong
partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and
stakeholders.
o Year-round, diversified economy and social services for
residents and visitors of all ages and income levels.
o Housing opportunities sufficient to support a multigenerational,
year-round community.
o Pathways to health, prosperity, and equity for all races,
cultures, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders,
income levels, ages and abilities, and especially people of color
and those disproportionately affected by racism, oppression,
and poverty.
o Connected community linked locally and regionally by multi-
modal transportation options.
o Recognition and respect for all cultures, sacred lands, and
indigenous ceremonial practices.
Guiding
Principles
Chapter 2: Policy
Framework
•Natural Environment
•Built Environment
•Economy
•Housing
•Health & Social
•Transportation &
Infrastructure
What’s New In This Plan?
Natural Environment Goals:
1.Maintain Estes Valley’s scenic character and
viewsheds.
2.Preserve open spaces while allowing for
contextual development in the right locations.
3.Protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
4.Protect the lives, property, and resiliency of the
Valley from wildfire.
5.Mitigate flood risk through multifunctional
infrastructure and recreation improvements.
BIG IDEAS
•Implement our Shared Land Conservation
Strategies and Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
•Intentional consideration of wildlife
habitat areas in development review
What’s New In This Plan?
Built Environment Goals:
1.Strategically direct growth toward areas of existing
infrastructure
2.Ensure that development is in harmony with its setting.
3.Encourage a balanced mix of uses
4.Respond to the impacts of climate change through
adaptation and mitigation techniques in the built
environment.
5.Coordinate and integrate land use and transportation
objectives.
6.Promote the continued evolution of Estes Park’s job-
generating commercial land uses.
BIG IDEAS
•Prioritize infill and redevelopment over
greenfield development.
•Strengthen protection of natural
environment and climate resiliency
•Greater mix and range of land uses within
each category, esp. on corridors.
•Equal and meaningful opportunity to
participate in development decision-
making.
New Water Division Facility
What’s New In This Plan?
Economy Goals:
1.Maintain a balance between the needs
of local residents, visitors, and
protecting the natural environment.
2.Cultivate a strong, stable, and diverse
local economy.
3.Welcome and accommodate visitors.
BIG IDEAS
•Diversified year-round tax base and
employment
•Expand eco-tourism, environmentally-
friendly businesses, and remote work with
broadband infrastructure
•Diversify industries and focus on year-
round, full-service amenities, encouraging
entrepreneurial innovation, and workforce
diversity.
•Recognize the relationship between
economy and housing to support and
retain the local workforce.
What’s New In This Plan?
Housing Goals:
1.Ensure new housing meets the
needs of the workforce and
families.
2.Create new housing opportunities.
3.Invest in housing.
BIG IDEAS
•Focus on the supply of housing options
and affordability
•Attract and keep families so that people
can see a path from entry to retirement in
the community
•Allowances, incentives, and requirements
•The Housing Needs Assessment and
Action Plan will actualize the vision
immediately.
What’s New In This Plan?
Health & Social Goals:
1.Comprehensive and diverse approach to
community health and wellness.
2.Support mental and physical health.
3.Respect and bolster the cultural
diversity and inclusivity of the Estes
Valley.
4.Support services, programs, and
infrastructure for children and youth to
learn and thrive.
BIG IDEAS
•Health & Social is a new component and
focus; absent from previous plan
•Strong connection to the built
environment
•Emphasize service to residents with
distinct needs such as, older residents,
youth, minorities, and ESL residents.
•Recognize that health is multifaceted and
should be supported by programs,
services, and facilities
•Celebrate and empower cultural diversity,
talents, character, and resiliency of Valley
residents.
•Increased access and affordability of
childcare and youth programs.
What’s New In This Plan?
Transportation Goals:
1.Multimodal transportation options
2.Expanding, safe, and comprehensive network to
support walking and bicycling
3.Public transit system.
4.Strengthen partnerships for a regional network.
5.Build a transportation system that is a recognized
model of resiliency and economic, environmental, and
social sustainability.
6.Identify strategies and funding sources to invest in
transportation infrastructure.
BIG IDEAS
•Prioritize a complete multimodal
transportation system that serves ALL
modes of transportation.
•Prioritize pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
•Provide alternative modes of
transportation to reduce vehicle
dependency.
•Continue to incorporate developing
advances in technologies.
What’s New In This Plan?
Infrastructure Goals:
1.Be leaders in energy conservation, renewable
energy use and responsible energy.
2.Invest in infrastructure for a healthy water
supply and promote water conservation.
BIG IDEAS
•Proactively encourage and enable use of
renewable energy sources on public and
private structures and facilities.
•Resilient and reliable utilities through
capital investment, strong partnerships,
proactive maintenance, and consumer
education.
•Coordinate water planning with land use
planning.
•Secure new water supply through a Big
Thompson River diversion point.
Chapter 3: Future
Land Use
Chapter 3: Future
Land Use
Consolidates previous 18
Future Land Use categories
into 10
1996
Future
Land Use
Map
Chapter 3:
Opportunity Areas
“Opportunities” to achieve
the Community Vision where
further study and
examination are needed.
•Future Study Areas
•Gateway Corridors
Chapter 4:
Implementation
•Applying the Plan
•Compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan
•Plan Management
•Implementation Plan
Regulatory
Reform
•Future updates to development codes (including Zoning and
Subdivision Regulations) should be consistent with this
Comprehensive Plan.
Supporting
Plans and
Policies
•The Comprehensive Plan can be fortified and realized through
additional plans, studies, and programs, and implementation of
existing supporting plans.
Capital
Projects and
Investments
•Major investments into infrastructure and facilities and can
include new construction, as well as major renovations or
replacements.
Programs and
Services
•Comprehensive Plan policies may be implemented through
continuation, modification, expansion or addition of programs
and services offered by the Town or County.
Partnerships
and
Agreements
•Many policies will be implemented through collaborative
partnerships with business, and community and non-profit
groups.
EPPC Voted to Adopt the Plan with Changes
1.Revised policy BE 3.5 on page 26: “The Town and County support opportunities for historic
preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive use of historic structures and sites in development
review and land conservation activities to preserve the heritage of the community.”
2.Revised policy HS 2.1 on page 42: “The Town and County encourage the expansion of healthcare
and improved social services, including availability, affordability, and access to medical services
in Estes Park.”
3.Revised policy HS 2.2 on page 42: “The Town and County encourage partnerships between public,
not-for-profit, and private recognize that not-for-profit health care providers, clinics, the hospital in
Estes Park, and permanent supportive housing to provide a valuable resource and appropriate
medical care for the community, including vulnerable populations.”
4.Revised Opportunity Map to reduce size of southern Future Study Area to the east of Hwy 7.
5.Grammatical and formatting revisions.
Next Steps
Adoption Schedule:
•Nov. 15: EPPC Public Adoption Hearing
•Dec. 6: Town Board Public Adoption Hearing
•Dec. 21: County PC Adoption Hearing
•Dec. 19: Board of County Commissioners
Ratification Meeting
After Adoption
(see Implementation Plan in Ch. 4)
•Develop a Future Town
Service Area
•IGA and Annexation Policy
•Align Land Use Codes