HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Estes Park Planning Commission 2022-09-20PLANNING COMMISSION – TOWN OF ESTES PARK
TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
1:30 p.m.
Estes Park, CO 80517
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Prepared September 14, 2022 1
NOTE: The Planning Commission reserves the right to consider other appropriate items not available at the time the agenda
was prepared.
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION – TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
1:30 p.m.
AGENDA APPROVAL
PUBLIC COMMENT. (Please state your name and address).
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Planning Commission Minutes and Study Session Minutes dated June 21, 2022
ACTION ITEMS
1. Rezone – Homes on Fish Hatchery Senior Planner Woeber
2. Conditional Use Permit for ADU Senior Planner Woeber
3. Development Plan – Twin Owls Motel Senior Planner Woeber
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. CompPlan Update Director Garner
ADJOURN
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Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado June 21, 2022
Minutes of a Study Session meeting of the PLANNING COMMISSION of Estes Park,
Larimer County, Colorado. The meeting was held in the Town Board Room, 170
MacGregor Avenue in said town.
Commission: Chair Matt Comstock, Vice-Chair Matthew Heiser,
Commissioners Joe Elkins, Howard Hanson, Janene
Centurione
Attending: Comstock, Hanson, Heiser,
Also Attending: Director Jessica Garner, Senior Planner Jeff Woeber,
Planner II Town Board Liaison Barbara MacAlpine,
Recording Secretary Karin Swanlund
Absent: Centurione, Elkins
Chair Comstock called the meeting to order at 11:00 p.m.
This was the first meeting in the Boardroom for this Planning Commission. Deputy
Town Clerk Bunny Beers gave an overview on how to use the microphones and voting
buttons for a live session.
Matt Ashby, the consultant from Ayers Associates, introduced his team and began the
slide presentation on the Missing Middle. Graham Smith from Multi.Studio was virtually
present. The benefits of more housing options, how to get them, and what is “missing
middle” housing were discussed. Obstacles to attaining missing middle housing were
also reviewed. To summarize, the power comes from putting more units on a smaller
lot, thus achieving the level of density and efficiency needed.
A purpose and intent statement, guiding criteria, and what is appropriate will have to be
explored. Knowing the vision will help with the mechanics of updating the Development
Code. The draft code amendment could be ready by August, with public engagement
in October and the final draft available for a November meeting vote.
Chair Comstock adjourned the Study Session at 12:45 p.m.
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
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Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 21, 2022
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the ESTES PARK PLANNING
COMMISSION of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado.
Meeting held in said Town of Estes Park on the 21 day of June 2022.
Committee: Chair Matt Comstock, Vice-Chair Matthew Heiser,
Commissioners Joe Elkins, Howard Hanson, Janene
Centurione.
Attending: Vice-Chair Heiser, Commissioner Centurione, Commissioner
Elkins, Commissioner Hanson, Director Jessica Garner,
Senior Planner Jeff Woeber, Planner II Alex Bergeron,
Planning Technician LJ Baur, Recording Secretary Karin
Swanlund, Town Attorney Dan Kramer, Town Board Liaison
Barbara MacAlpine
Absent: Centurione, Elkins
ChairComstock called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
AGENDA APPROVAL
It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Hanson) to approve the agenda. The motion
passed 3-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT none
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
Commissioner Hanson asked that the Large Vacation Home approval be moved to action
item one.
It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Heiser) to approve the amended consent
agenda. The motion passed 2-0, with Comstock abstaining.
ACTION ITEMS
1.Large Vacation Home 851 Peak View Drive Director Garner
Owner Drew Siroky, 851 Peak View Drive, explained that when he bought the five-
bedroom home, it was approved for 12 occupants, but an occupancy of 10 was on the
issued license. It was unknown why this was the case, but he wanted to comply with the
regulations.
It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Heiser) to approve the Large Vacation home
and the motion passed 3-0.
2.Code Amendment Remove RE-1 Zoning Director Garner
Staff is seeking approval to amend both the Development and Municipal Codes to
eliminate the RE-1 Zoning District. Presently, only three parcels inside the Town are
zoned RE-1, none of which are zoned for single-family use.
The Purpose of eliminating RE-1 zoning is twofold:
A)Remove a Zoning District that serves no useful purpose inside the Town of Estes
Park. It is a residential Zoning District that requires a 10-acre minimum lot size.
B)In an environment in which attainable and workforce housing is a critical need, it
is hard to see how a 10-acre lot, single-family-only Zoning District has a role to
play in the Town of Estes Park
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Planning Commission – June 21, 2022 – Page 2
It was moved and seconded (Heiser/Hanson) to recommend approval of the code
amendment in accordance with the findings as presented. The motion passed 3-0.
3. Rezone 800 Castle Mountain Road from RE-1 to R2 Director Garner
Staff requests to change the zoning of the Town-owned parcel from RE-1 to R-2 to
remove the defunct Zoning designation and reflect the surrounding zoning of the
adjacent properties. An additional rationale for the rezone request pertains to the
parcel's acreage, which currently does not meet the development standards for RE-1.
RE-1-zoned sites require a maximum of one unit per ten acres, and the site acreage is
4.07 acres, which falls below the minimum threshold for development. The Town has no
intention to redevelop the parcel and anticipates the site being used indefinitely for
water storage.
It was moved and seconded (Hanson/Heiser ) to recommend approval of the
Rezoning request in accordance with the findings as presented. The motion
passed 3-0.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Director Garner gave an update on the Comprehensive Plan. A draft of the four
chapters has been produced, is available on engageestes.org and will be reviewed by
the CompPac and Estes Valley Planning Advisory Committee on Thursday, June 23,
2022, at 9:00 a.m. A fully vetted draft plan is scheduled for an August review. July 12
will be a joint study session with the Town Board and the Planning Commission, with an
update report given by Logan Simpson. The first week of August will be another
community event, facilitated by Restorative Justice, focused on items that create
controversy, mainly the built environment and land use.
An overhaul of the Development Code will happen after the Comp Plan is completed.
There is DOLA funding for this.
Planning Technician LauraJane Baur has taken over the CPAW project and will have an
update at the next meeting.
There being no further business, Chair Comstock adjourned the meeting at 2:30 p.m.
_______________________________
Chair Comstock
Karin Swanlund, Recording Secretary
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Memo
To: Chair Matt Comstock
Estes Park Planning Commission
Through: Jessica Garner, AICP, Community Development Director
From: Jeffrey Woeber, Senior Planner
Date: September 20, 2022
Application: Rezone from A-1 (Accommodations) to RM (Multi-Family Residential)
Town of Estes Park, Owner
America West Housing Solutions, Applicant/Owner’s Representative
Recommendation: Staff recommends the Planning Commission forward a recommendation
of approval to the Town Board of Trustees, subject to the findings described in the staff report.
Land Use:
Comprehensive Plan Designation: (Future Land Use): Institutional, Public/Semi-Public (INS)
Existing Zoning District: Accommodations, Low-Intensity (A-1)
Site Area: 21.8 Acres
PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE LAND USE
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OTHER______________
QUASI-JUDICIAL YES NO
Objective:
The applicant requests the Planning Commission review the proposed request, and open and
close a public hearing to consider and recommend approval of a “Zoning Map Amendment”
(Rezoning) of 21.8 acres from A-1 (Accommodations) to RM (Multi-Family Residential).
Location:
The property is located south of the intersection of Fall River Road (Highway 34) and Fish
Hatchery Road.
Background:
The Town of Estes Park has owned a 68 +/- acre property for many years. Although the Fish
Hatchery was destroyed in the flood of 1982, the site is referred to as the “Fish Hatchery”, and
contains the Historic Fall River Hydroplant Museum, as well as four residential structures used
for temporary staff housing. The majority of the property is undeveloped.
The Town of Estes Park sought a qualified Developer to help evaluate, plan, and implement the
development of the Fish Hatchery Property for workforce housing. The current project would be
development of multi-family rental units, with the potential for selective site amenities to attract
and retain workers in the Estes Valley area. Due to their financial capabilities and expertise
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PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
REZONING, FISH HATCHERY PROJECT SITE
PAGE 2 OF 6
building workforce housing, America West Housing Solutions, a non-profit affordable housing
development firm, was selected through a competitive bid process to partner with the Town and
help design the site in a multi-phased process. The Town does not plan to sell the land, but
rather retain ownership and enter into a long-term ground lease with the development partner.
If approved, the historic Fall River Hydroplant, and the residence directly adjacent to it, will
remain on the property and in use. The remaining Town-owned buildings may be demolished or
reused as part of the new development.
Project Description:
The Town proposes to rezone 21.8 acres of the total site’s 68 acres from A-1 to RM, which is
the first step in the process of entitlement to establish the Town’s first workforce housing project.
Defined as a housing unit in which at least one adult household member is employed within the
boundary of the Estes Park School District R-3 for at least 30 hours per week year-round,
workforce housing requires verification of eligibility, which is completed when a tenant initially
applies to live in workforce housing and on an annual basis through the Estes Park Housing
Authority.
The current A-1 Zoning does not allow for the multi-family use. RM is the only Zoning District in
the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) that allows the necessary density bonus and
incentives for workforce housing, including an allowance to increase the building height from 30
feet to 38 feet, and double the density from eight units per acre to 16 units per acre.
Location and Context:
Project Location, Zoning
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PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
REZONING, FISH HATCHERY PROJECT SITE
PAGE 3 OF 6
Vicinity Map
Table 1: Zoning and Land Use Summary
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ZONING USES
SUBJECT PARCEL Public/Semi-Public (INS) A-1 (Accommodations) Employee housing
NORTH RE-1 (Residential Estate) Unincorporated RMNP Facility, Undeveloped
SOUTH N/A (RMNP) N/A Undeveloped, Park
EAST R (Residential) Unincorporated, County Residential
WEST Public/Semi-Public (INS) A-1 (Accommodations) Museum
Project Analysis:
Pending approval of the proposed Zoning District change, detailed plans for the workforce
housing project will be finalized in the near future. Future steps for the project include a
Preliminary and Final Subdivision Plat and Development Plan that address access, parking,
location and design of structures, drainage, water, wastewater, electric, landscaping, lighting,
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PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
REZONING, FISH HATCHERY PROJECT SITE
PAGE 4 OF 6
etc. The Estes Park Planning Commission and Town Board of Trustees each play a role in the
subsequent processes, which require one or more public hearings.
Review Criteria
All applications for text or Official Zoning Map Amendments shall be reviewed by the EPPC and
Town Board for compliance with the relevant standards and criteria set forth below and with
other applicable provisions of this Code. In accordance with Section 3.3D “Standards for
Review” of the EVDC, all applications for rezoning shall demonstrate compliance with the
applicable standards and criteria:
1. The amendment is necessary to address changes in conditions in the areas
affected.
Staff Finding: One condition that exists in the Estes Park area is a shortage of workforce
housing. Undeveloped, RM-zoned property is nearly nonexistent. Under today’s
Development Code standards, RM zoning is necessary to develop workforce housing.
2. The Development Plan, which the proposed amendment to this Code would allow,
is compatible and consistent with the policies and intent of the Comprehensive
Plan and with existing growth and development patterns in the Estes Valley.
Staff Finding: Staff has waived the development plan requirement per Section 3.3.B.1 of
the Estes Park Development Code:
“All applications seeking to amend this Code to allow a change from one (1) zone
district to a different zone district or seeking to amend this Code by changing the
permitted uses in any zone district shall be accompanied by a development plan.
This requirement may be waived by Staff if it finds that the projected size,
complexity, anticipated impacts or other factors associated with the proposed
development or subdivision clearly justify such waiver.”
The EPDC implies (erroneously) that a “rezoning development plan” is necessary in
order to determine whether a rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. In
fact, rezoning in and of itself is one of the legislative matters that should be reviewed for
Comprehensive Plan consistency.
The property is in the Fall River Sub-Area within the Estes Valley Comprehensive Plan.
Recommendations for this Sub-Area that are applicable to the subject property include
the following key issues:
1. Due to the steep topography and Fall River floodplain, development
opportunities are severely limited within the planning area.
6. Hillside development must be evaluated to ensure that the quality of the
physical and visual environment is not negatively impacted.
11. It is important to maintain the vistas from Fall River Road in to RMNP
and from Fall River Road to Fall River itself.
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PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
REZONING, FISH HATCHERY PROJECT SITE
PAGE 5 OF 6
Chapter 6 of the Plan specifies, under Section 5.0 Housing, “Community Wide Land Use
Policies,” which include:
5.1 Encourage a variety of housing types and price ranges.
5.3 Establish a balanced program of incentives, and public and private
actions, to provide affordable housing.
The proposed rezoning is the first step to establish zoning on the subject property, which
can subsequently be developed consistent with these Land Use Policies.
Staff Finding: The proposed rezoning is compatible and consistent with the policies and
intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
3. The Town, County or other relevant service providers shall have the ability to
provide adequate services and facilities that might be required if the application
were approved.
Staff Finding: Service and utility providers have reviewed the rezoning application and
indicated they are able to provide adequate services to this site.
Reviewing Agency Comments: This rezoning application was referred out for agency
comments. Agency comments received were minimal, with no issues identified and no
recommendations for this stage of the project.
Public Comments:
Two neighborhood and community meetings regarding the workforce housing project were held
in mid-January and July 14, 2022 at the Hydroplant Museum adjacent to the Fish Hatchery
property. There were approximately 30 attendees. Staff discussed the rezoning and the project,
and answered numerous questions. Attendees both opposed and supported the project. There
was input and discussion of impacts including traffic, visual impacts, wildfire evacuation, etc.
Staff emphasized that the development was not being approved by the rezoning, and additional
review and approval processes would address such impacts in detail. Comments in support of
the rezoning noted the general shortage of housing in the Estes Park area.
In accordance with the notice requirements in the EPDC, notice of the Planning Commission
meeting was published in the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, on September 2, 2022. Notice was
mailed to all required adjacent property owners on August 31, 2022.
Any comments submitted will be posted to: www.estes.org/currentapplications.
STAFF FINDINGS:
Based on the foregoing, staff finds:
1. The Planning Commission is the Recommending Body for the Zoning Map Amendment.
2. The Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees is the Decision-Making Body for the Zoning Map
Amendment.
3. Adequate public/private facilities are currently available to serve the subject property.
4. This request has been submitted to all applicable reviewing agency staff for consideration
and comment.
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PLANNING COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
REZONING, FISH HATCHERY PROJECT SITE
PAGE 6 OF 6
5. The Zoning Map Amendment application complies with applicable standards set forth in the
EPDC.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed Zoning Map Amendment.
SAMPLE MOTIONS FOR THE ZONING MAP AMENDMENT:
1. I move to forward a recommendation of approval to the Town Board of Trustees of the
Zoning Map Amendment application, to rezone 21.8 acres from A-1 to RM, according to
findings of fact recommended by Staff.
2. I move to continue the Zoning Map Amendment application to the next regularly
scheduled meeting, finding that … [state reasons for continuing].
3. I move to forward a recommendation of denial to the Town Board of Trustees of the
Zoning Map Amendment application, finding that … [state findings for denial].
Attachments:
1. Application
2. Statement of Intent
3. Map of Property, Area to be Rezoned
4. Applicant’s Zoning Map
5. Legal Description of Area to be Rezoned
6. Fish Hatchery Project FAQ
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JUL /ufi
Submittal Date:7/20/2022
ESTES PARK PLANNING DEPARTMENT
APPLICATION
Pre -App
Development Plan
Special Review
Preliminary Subdivision Plat
Final Subdivision Plat
Minor Subdivision Plat
Amended Plat
o Boundary Line Adjustment
Q ROW or Easement VacationoStreetNameChangeTime
€Rezoning PetitionoAnnexationRequest
S Extension
Other Please snecifv
Condominium Map
o Preliminary MapoFinal MapoSupplemental Map
Project Name
Project Description
Project Address
Legal Description
Parcel ID #
Homes at Fish Hatchery
Proposed rezoning of the northeast 21.8 acres from A-i Accommodations to RM Multi-family
1754 FIsh Hatchery Road
N 1/2 SW 114 16-5-73;EP,DC RD AS PER 539-575;LESS 87000339,89003857,91004492,92080005,94099702,96086646
35160-00-938
Lot Size 21.8 acres (for rezone)
Existing Land Use Residential
Proposed Land Use Multi-f amity Residential
Existing Water Service ØTown
Proposed Water Service 0 Town
Existing Sanitary Sewer Service
Proposed Sanitary Sewer Service
Is a sewer lift station required?
Existing Gas Service Cl Xcel
Existing Zoning A-I Accommodation
o Other (specify)
Cl Other (specify)
0 UTSD
B IJTSD
ONo
0 None
Proposed Zoning RM Multi-Family
Q Septic C None
C Septic
Site Access (if not on public street)
_________
Are there wetlands on the site?0 Yes
Site stakin9 must be completed at the time application is submitted.Complete?B Yes Ci No
flnns&wu,nmat.,
Name of Primary Contact Person Keith Meier
-______
Complete Mailing Address
Primary Contact Person is C Owner 0 Applicant C Consultant/Engineer
Application fee
Statement of intent
2 copies (folded)of p1st or plan
11 X 17 reduced copy of plat or plan
0
8
0
0
8
Area of Disturbance in Acres 21.8 acres
Q Well Q None
C Well Q None
Q EPSD
D EPSD
C Yes
Q Other
CN0
P.0.Box 9024,Woodland Park,Colorado 80866
C Sign Purchase ($10)
C IE Digital Copies of plats!plans in TIFF or PDF format emailedto
planningestes.org
B
B
Please review the Estes Park Development Code Appendix B for additIonal submittal requirements,which
may Include ISO calculations,draInage report,traffic Impact analysis,geologic hazard mitigation report,
wIldfire hazard mitigation report,wetlands report,and/or other additional Information.
Town of Estes Pork -e.P.O.Box 1200 -170 MacGregor Avenue -Estes Pork.CO 80517
Community Development Deportment Phone:(970)577-372!-th rox:(970)586-0249 .e.www.estes.org/CommunityDeveloprnent
Revised 2020.0423 ks
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Cell Phone
APPLICATION FEES
For development within the Estes Park Town limits See the fee schedule included in
your application packet or view the fee schedule online at
www.estes.org/planningforrns
—jqyts for refunds must be made in writing.All fees are due at the time of submIttaL
MINERAL RIGHT CERTIFICATION
Article 65.5 of Tide 24 of the Colorado Revised Statutes requires applicants for Development Plans,Special Reviews,
Rezoning,Preliminary and Final Subdivision Plats,Minor Subdivision Plats if creating a new lot,and Preliminary and Final
Condominium Maps to provide notice of the application and initial public hearing to aLl mineral estate owners where the surface
estate and the mineral estate have been severed.This notice must be given 30 days prior to the first hearing on an application
for development and meet the statutory requirements.
I hereby certify that the provisions of Section 24-65.5-103 CR5 have been met,
Names:
Signatures:
Record Owner PLEASE PRINT:
Applicant
Record Owner /
Applicant t:;::;.*
______
Date
______
Date
Fax
Record Owner(s)Town of Estes Park -Jason Damweber,Assistant Town Administrator
Mailing Address PC Box 1200
________________________________________
Phone 970.577.3707
____________________________
Cell Phone
Email jdamweber@estes.org
Applicant Keith Meter,America West
Mailing Address P.O.8ox 9024,WoodLand Park,Colorado 80866
Phone 719.641.0871
Fax
Email kmeier@amedcawest.org
1nsultant!Englneer Emily Fetton,KimLey-liom
Mailing Address 3801 Automation Way,Suite 210,Fort ColLins,CO 80525
_____________________________
Phone 720.636,8273
_______
Cell Phone
_____________________________________________________________
Fax
___________________________________________________________________________________
Email_emily.fetton@kimtey.horn.com
_________________________________
Revserj 2020.04 2.3
15
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the information and exhibits herewith submitted are true and correct to the best of my knowledge
and that in fifing the application lam acting with the knowledge and consent of the owners of the property.
I’In submitting the application materials and signing this application agreement.I acknowledge and agree that the
application is subject to the applicable processing and public hearing requirements set forth in the Estes Park
Development Code (EPDC).
0’I acknowledge that I have obtained or have access to the EPDC,and that, prior to filing this application,I have had the
opportunity to consult the relevant provisions governing the processing of and decision on the application.
The Estes Park Development Code is available online at:
httni/www.estes,oraloevcode
0 I understand that acceptance of this application by the Town of Estes Park for filing and receipt of the application fee by
the Town does not necessarily mean that the apflcation Is complete under the applicable requirements of the EPOC.
0 I understand that this proposal may be delayed in processing by a month or more If the information provided is
Incomplete,inaccurate,or submitted after the deadline date.
0 I understand that a resubmittal fee will be charged if my application is incomplete.
0’The Community Development Department will notify the applicant in writing of the date on which the application is
determined to be complete.
0 I grant permission for Town of Estes Park Employees and Planning Commissioners with proper identification access to
my property during the review of this application.
0’I acknowledge that I have received the Estes Park Development Review Application Schedule and that failure to meet
the deadlines shown on said schedule may result in my application or the approval of my application becoming null and
void.I understand that full fees will be charged for the resubmittal of an application that has become null and void.
Names:
Record Owner PLEASE PRWT.345t),nd D4,-ItJtBe’4-...
Applicant PLEASE PRINT:Vtct4k
SIgnatures:
Record Date
__________
Date MtflJln—7..Applicant
Revised 2020.04.23 ks
16
Date: July 20, 2022
Mr. Jeff Woeber
170 MacGregor Avenue
Estes Park, CO 80517
RE: Homes at Fish Hatchery Rezoning Application Narrative
Introduction, Site History and Statement of Need
The Fish Hatchery property is a 68-acre lot located on the west edge of Estes Park at the base
of the Rocky Mountains. The property is currently in the town limits of Estes Park and is zoned
A-1 Accommodations. This application includes a proposed rezoning of the northeast 21.8
acres of this property to RM Multi-Family Residential to allow for a workforce housing
community. This narrative is a component of the Rezone Application, outlining the review
criteria for a rezone, and how this proposal aligns with these criteria.
The Estes Park Fish Hatchery is a historic site containing the original fish hatchery and
hydroelectric plant. The fish hatchery was built and opened in 1907, and the hydroelectric plant
was built in 1909. Both were in operation until 1982.
The Town of Estes Park understands that workforce housing is necessary to sustain a stable,
year-round local economy. At the same time, the gap between income levels for local workers
and free market home prices and rents in the Estes Valley continues to widen. The situation
makes it increasingly difficult for many local workers to afford to live in the Estes Valley. The
Town believes that planning for the development of workforce housing is necessary to divert the
loss of such housing in the free market, as well as the loss of local workers who are unable to
afford housing in the Estes Valley. For these reasons, the Town and America West Housing
Solutions are partnering to construct workforce housing on the Fish Hatchery Property.
Standards for Review
The Estes Park Development Code outlines the process and standards for review of all rezone
applications. All applications for Official Zoning Map amendments are reviewed by the Estes
Valley Planning Commission (EVPC) and Board(s) for compliance with the relevant standards
and criteria set forth below and with other applicable provisions of the Development Code.
1. The amendment is necessary to address changes in conditions in the areas affected.
Response: The Estes Park Housing Needs Assessment has identified workforce
housing as a priority for the town due to several factors that are making housing
unattainable to families and young/middle aged households that are the primary
workforce households (source: EPHA). The Town has identified this site as a viable
location for workforce housing and does not anticipate that accommodation uses are
likely to occur, therefore a rezone to RM Multi-Family Residential is necessary.
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2. The development plan, which the proposed amendment to this Code would allow, is
compatible and consistent with the policies and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and
with existing growth and development patterns in the Estes Valley;
Response: The 1996 Comprehensive Plan discusses affordable housing and housing
diversity as important elements of the Town’s growth future. Chapter 2, Planning the
Valley’s Future, lists “Encouraging a range of housing opportunities” as one of the
primary broad goals of the Town’s plan. Chapter 6 also lists the need to encourage a
variety of housing opportunities as a community-wide policy for retaining permanent
residents from all sectors of the community. This chapter also discusses the need for
obtaining public and private funding for affordable housing opportunities. Therefore,
the proposed rezone to allow multi-family workforce housing on this property is
compatible and consistent with the policies and intent of the Estes Park
Comprehensive Plan.
3. The Town, County or other relevant service providers shall have the ability to provide
adequate services and facilities that might be required if the application were
approved.
Response: The Fish Hatchery property is currently within the Town Limits of Estes
Park, and services are available to serve the site if it is approved to be rezoned to RM
Multi-Family Residential.
Next Steps
Following public hearings and approval of this rezoning request, a subdivision application will
be submitted to finalize the property boundary. Preliminary designs will continue to be
developed and shared with the community for feedback. Based on comments received, the
design team will refine and present alternatives in order to reach a preferred design. The
preferred design will then be shared at a community open house and go through the approval
process, including a public hearing. Once approved, construction associated with the 21.8-
acre parcel is anticipated to begin spring of 2024.
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