HomeMy WebLinkAboutWPA-08-02CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 59-2009
Series of 2009
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE,
COLORADO, ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October
12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. 31-23-206 (2) provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be
amended by the City from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan did not include any areas outside the
corporate limits of the City as is permitted under state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS, prior to annexation, a city must have in place a plan for the area
considered for annexation pursuant to C.R.S. 31-12-105, and
WHEREAS, addenda to the Comprehensive Plan were adopted by City Council
on February 23, 2004 February 28, 2005, May 22, 2006 and June 25, 2007 adopting a
growth area outside the city limits of the City; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan
boundary outside the corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing as provided by
Section 2 -60(b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof being duly
published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript on November 12, 2009, said public hearing
held on November 19, 2009.
WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing as provided by Section 2 -
60 (b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof duty published in the
Wheat Ridge Transcript on November 12, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat
Ridge this 14th day of December, 2009:
That the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge hereby adopts the
amendments to the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan attached as Exhibit A.
An attested copy of this resolution shall be attached to the Plan amendment
and copy of the Plan as attested shall be certified to Jefferson County,
Colorado.
J:\Council Action FonnS2009 Council Action Forrn091214 R. Three Mlle Plan amendment.doc
DONE AND RESOLVED THIS
ATTEST:
N~ day of ✓ 2009.
n
I ~ M
JERRY DI LL , MAYOR
MICHAEL SNOW. CITY CLERK
7:\Council Action Form92009 Council Action F..091214 Res Three We Plan amendment.doc
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: December 14, 2009
Page -3-
5. Resolution 61-2009 - amending the fiscal year 2009 general fund budget to reflect the
approval of a supplemental budget appropriation for additional Contract Building
Inspections related to damage from the July 20, 2009 storm to Code Consultants
International in the amount of $56,550.
Resolution 61-2009 was introduced by Council Member Sang.
Motion by Mrs. Sang to approve Resolution 61-2009; seconded by Mrs. Langworthy;
carried 8-0.
6. Award of ITB-09-34 38th Avenue and Kipling Street Park to Golden Triangle
Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,513,888 for the purpose of Park Construction.
Motion by Mr. Stites to award ITB-09-34, 38th Avenue and Kipling Park, to Golden Triangle
Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,513,888, with $690,000 to be charged to Acct. No. 54-
601-800-862 and $823,888 charged to Acct. No. 32-601-800-862;
I further move to award a contingency amount of $100,000 to be charged to Acct. No. 32-601-
800-862; seconded by Mrs. Sang.
Mrs. Marchese feels the property has been neglected for a long time and needs work. She
commended the City for finding ways to creatively fund the park's construction without taking
from the City's short revenues through the use of Open Space funds.
Susie Seeds, Parks Commissioner for District 1, recommends approval of the contract award
for construction of this park since residents do not have access to a neighborhood park in this
area.
Motion carried 7-1 with Council Member Berry voting No.
7. Approval of Contract Award to Design Concepts in the amount of $30,245 for the
purpose of Park Construction, Observation and As-Built Services.
Motion by Mr. Stites to approve the award of a contract to Design Concepts in the amount of
$30,245 for the purpose of park construction, observation and as-built services, to be charged
to Acct. No. 54-601-800-862; seconded by Mr. DeMott; carried 8-0.
8. Resolution 59-2009 - adopting amendments to the City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive
Plan concerning the Three-Mile Plan.
OY (Case No. WPA-08-02)
Resolution 59-2009 was introduced by Council Member Berry.
Motion by Ms. Berry to approve Resolution 59-2009; seconded by Mrs. Langworthy;
carried 8-0.
City of
yy h6atP 1
ITEM NO: _ i t
DATE: December 14, 2009
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
(02(v
TITLE: RESOLUTION NO. 59-.2009 - A RESOLUTION ADOPTING
AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF }WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CONCERNING THE THREE-
MILE PLAN (CASE NO. WPA 08-02).
® PUBLIC HEARING ❑ ORDINANCES FOR Or READING (mm/dd/yyyy)
❑ BIDS/MOTIONS ❑ ORDINANCES FOR 2ND READING (mm/dd/yyyy)
0 RESOLUTIONS
QUASI- UDICIIAJ,: YES
J
Community De elopme irector
M NO
City Manag
ISSUE:
Colorado state statutes require municipalities to adopt a "Three-Mile Plan" for their
communities. The purpose of this plan is to indicate in ageneral way how a City
envisions areas outside their boundaries developing in the future if they were to be
annexed. This plan is required prior to a municipality annexing any land. Such plan may
extend up to three miles from the municipality's boundary. State statutes indicate that the
plan shall generally describe the location, character, extent of streets, parks, open space,
public utilities and proposed land uses. The Plan is generally adopted as an addendum to
the City's Comprehensive Plan.
PRIOR ACTION:
The current Three-Mile Plan was presented to Planning Commission at a November 14,
2009 public hearing. The Commission recommended adoption of the Plan with
amendments. The following amendments were recommended and have been
incorporated into the Plan:
1. Include the date of the current Plan in the header or footer of the document.
Council Action Form
December 14, 2009
Page 2
2. Revise the second sentence in paragraph 3 on page 1 1 to read that there should
be continued communication rather than improved communication among
district, governmental agencies
It was also suggested by Planning Commission that Clear Creek itself, not just its
associated trails, be included in the Plan as a recreational amenity. After discussions with
Joyce Manwaring, Parks and Recreation Director, it is recommended that this suggested
amendment not be incorporated into the Plan. While rafting and kayaking are done on
sections of Clear Creek west of this area, Coors Brewing Company owns the water in this
section of the Creek downstream of their facility. For this reason and public safety
concerns, if recreational uses were to be considered, water quality testing and other due
diligence would need to be undertaken. In addition, there could be restrictions to access
of the Creek in this area due to casements currently in place.
FINANCIAL, IMPACT:
There is no direct financial impact by adopting this amendment.
BACKGROUND:
City Council last adopted an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan for the Three-Mile
Plan in 2007. This was before the annexation of land along Highway 58 related to the
proposed Cabeta's development. Land has been annexed south of tlighway 58 and west
of 1-70 to accommodate Cabela's and related development, and to bring land for the
proposed Cabela's Drive interchange on highway 58 into the City's jurisdiction. In
addition, the City adopted the Envision; Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan in October of
this year. The Three-Mile Plan should generally be consistent with the municipality's
comprehensive plan. With adoption of the new comprehensive plan, some revisions were
needed to the language of the Three-Mile Plan to make it consistent with the Envision
Wheat Ridge document. Revisions have been made to the current document to reflect
these changes.
RE COMMENDATiONS
Staff recommends adopting a resolution adopting amendments to the Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan concerning the Three-Mile Plan.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
"1 move to adopt Resolution No. 59-2009, Case WPA 08-02, a resolution adopting
amendments to the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan."
Or,
"1 move to adopt Resolution 59-2009, a resolution adopting amendments to the Wheat
Ridge Comprehensive Plan with the following amendments:
Council Action Form
December 14, 2009
Page 3
REPORT PREPARED AND REVIEWED BY;
Sally Payne, Senior Planner
Kenneth Johnstone, Community Development Director
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Planning Commission Resolution
2. Proposed Comprehensive Plan addendum - Three-Mile Plan
3. Resolution No. 59-2009
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 4-2009
Series of 2009
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE WHEAT
RIDGE. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND FORWARDING SAID RECOMMENDATION
TO THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, CR.S. 31-23-206 (2) provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be amended by the
City from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan did not include any areas outsid the corporate limits of the
City as is permitted under state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS; prior to annexation, a city must have in place a plan for the area considered for
annexation pursuant to CKS, 31-12-105, and
WHEREAS, addenda to the Comprehensive Plan were adopted by City Council on February 23,
2004 February 28, 2005, May 22, 2006 and June 25, 2007 adopting a growth area outside the city limits of
the City; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan boudary outside the
corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing as provided by Section 260(b) of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof being duly published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript on
November 12, 2009, said public hearing held onNoventber 19, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission this] 9th
day of November, 2009:
1. The Comprehensive Plan amendment attached hereto as Exhibit Ais recommended for
approval to the City Coutcil.
2. A copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the City Council.
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTEST: Chair
Secretary to the Commission
ATTACHMENT 1
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City of Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan Addendum
Plan for the
Urban Growth Area
And the
Recently Annexed Areas
December 2009
ATTACHMENT 2
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN GROWTH AREA ADDITION
INTRODUCTION
This document serves as an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted by
City Council on October 12, 2009.
The adopted Comprehensive Plan identifies the area of potential development outside
the City's boundaries. The Plan does not recommend any future uses in the general
areas. Prior to any annexation, C.R.S. 31-12-105 requires that a municipality have in
place a plan for the area, including proposed land uses. Such plan may extend up to
three miles from the municipality's boundary.
There are unincorporated areas to the northeast, north, west and southwest of the
current City boundaries. Areas to the northeast and north are primarily unincorporated
industrial or multi-family enclaves which, although eligible for annexation, present
questionable economic benefit to the City versus the costs of providing services
A majority of the area to the west of Ward Road north of 1-70 consists of established
residential neighborhoods, public uses (schools), and a cemetery. These uses
provide little benefit to the City compared to the costs of providing services. A large
area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek is vacant and may provide
development opportunities of benefit to the City. Southwest of the City are
commercial areas along Youngfield and the established residential area of
Applewood.
In the mid-1990's the City submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments
(DRCOG) its proposed urban growth boundary as part of the preparation of the
regional plan known as Metro Vision 2030, The identified urban growth area was
generally bounded by 1-70, W. 32nd Avenue, McIntyre Street, and W. 52"d Avenue.
Containing a little over two square mites, this area was not incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan.
This Comprehensive Plan addendum addresses the potential urban growth area to the
west of the City. The areas subject to this addendum is illustrated on Map 1. The West
Area was submitted to DRCOG as the City's urban growth boundary for the 2030
Metro Vision update.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -Urban Growth Area Addendum
Decembec.2009
This addendum meets the requirement of G.R.S. 31-12-105 of having a plan in place
should the City consider any annexations in these areas.
The following sections of this addendum address the following growth area as
identified below:
West Area (that area generally west of the City bounded by 1-70, W.
32"d Avenue, McIntyre Street, and W. 441h Avenue). A portion of this
area has been annexed by the City.
The portion of the West Area of the Urban Growth Area that has been annexed by the
City is included in the 2006 and 2007 addendums and now retains the "Regional
Commercial" or "Employment" land use designations for the annexed property.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
LAND USE
Existing Land Use
West Area
Existing land uses in the urban growth area are varied. Along the north side of 32"d
Avenue are areas of low to medium density residential development. To the west of I-
70 is industrial development along W. 44th Avenue and State Highway 58. A CDOT
maintenance facility is adjacent to SH58 at I-70. The area to the west of 1-70 between
32"d Avenue and 40 Avenue contains a golf course, and several old gravel pits now
used for water storage. A majority of this land is vacant and undeveloped.
Development Constraints
West Area
Few natural hazard areas are present in the planning area. The Clear Creek 100- and
500-year floodplains generally parallel SH58 in the center of the planning area. No
other natural hazards exist in the area.
1-70, SH 58, and Clear Creek present constraints to development by acting as barriers
to providing road, utility and other infgastructure improvements to the central portion of
the planning area. State and federal rules mandate where access can occur and the
manner in which rights-of-way may be crossed for installing utilities. Responding to
calls for service in the planning area is made more challenging by the restricted
access these barriers present.
County Plans
West Area
Because the urban growth area is currently unincorporated, Jefferson County has
jurisdiction over planning and zoning matters. The urban growth area lies within two
subareas the County has identified for planning purposes. The North Plains Plan
covers that portion of the urban growth area north of Clear Creek and the Central
Plains Plan covers the area to the south of Clear Creek.
Originally prepared in the late 1990's, the Central Plains Community Plan has recently
been updated. The process of updating this plan included extensive public meetings.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
These subarea plans show recommended land uses in the urban growth area as
residential in existing established residential neighborhoods. Applewood Golf Course
and Clear Creek are shown as major park/recreation/open space areas. The area
along W. 44th Avenue south to Clear Creek is recommended as mixed use areas
containing office, light industrial, retail, and residential (up to 15 dufac) uses. The bulk
of the large, undeveloped area to the west of 1-70 is shown as industrial.
Future Land Use Map
West Area
The Future Land Use map reflects the recommended land uses for the area. The
recommended land uses were matched as closely as possible to the land use
categories contained in the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan. '
The Future Land Use Map (Map 2) illustrates recommended land uses for the urban
growth area. The categories used and the definitions, desired character, and
attributes of the various land use categories shown are the same as defined on the
Structure Plan of the Comprehensive Plan and are hereby incorporated as a part of
this Addendum.
Future land uses for the planning area are shown on the Structure Plan on the
following page. The Plan establishes the following recommended land uses:
• Existing residential neighborhoods at the approximate density shown in the
County subarea plan, SF (4)
• Existing golf course parks, and the Clear Creek floodplain as parks and open
space
• Employment along W. 44th Avenue and south of SH58 to Clear Creek to include
light industrial, storage, warehouse
• The large, vacant area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek as
Regional Commercial to include retail, employment, restaurants, hotel
The designation of "open space" is a designation to indicate the land should not be
developed. This designation does not mean that the property so depicted necessarily
will be owned by a public entity.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
4eoember 2009
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
TRANSPORTATION
The existing street network consists of the major north-south connectors of Youngfield
on the eastern border of the planning area and McIntyre Street on the western border.
East-west connectors are W. 44th Avenue at the north and W. 32nd Avenue to the
south.
1-70 and State Highway 58 provide regional, limited access highway connections in
the area. The 1-70/SH58 interchange was recently updated with additional ramps to
create a full-movement interchange. This work entailed relocating the current
eastbound on-ramp at 38th Avenue to the south. ,
Trails currently exist along Clear Creek from 1-70 west to Golden and along 32°d
Avenue from 1-70 west to Maple Grove Park.
Future Street Network
West Area
The future street network in the area will build upon the existing grid system of north-
south and east-west streets. 1-70 and SH58 will continue to serve the dual roles of
providing access to the area and carrying regional traffic. The roadway classifications
in this plan are based upon the recommendations of the Countywide Transportation
Plan. The proposed street network for the area is shown on the Roadway
Classification Map (Map 3).
The recent completion of the 1-701SH58 interchange movements will improve access
to the area and increase mobility for the region. A new interchange on SH58 at
Cabela Drive has been approved to provide additional access to the area as well as a
pair of "hook ramps" that will connect 1-70 to the collector which provides access to
individual development parcels. Improvements to the 1-70132"d Avenue interchange to
increase capacity have also been approved.
Major east-west streets included in the future street network are 32nd Avenue and 44th
Avenue. Streets providing north-south connections are Ward Road, Youngfield Street,
and McIntyre Street. The new SH58/Cabela Drive interchange has been approved
approximately one mile west of the SH58/1-70 interchange and to the east of the
existing McIntyre interchange. Cabela Drive will connect 32nd Ave. to 44th Ave. with
an interchange at SH58. Cabela Drive will also connect to the new 40th Ave.
underpass of 1-70 which provides access to Youngfield St. The new 40th Ave.
underpass will provide an additional access to the Regional Commercial area.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2409
Future Trails
West Area
The County community plans for the area show potential trails extending along W.
32nd Avenue from Maple Grove Park to McIntyre and on McIntyre from W. 32 Id
Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail. A portion of the Clear Creek Trail has been re-
located west of approximately Eldridge Street extended. A trail connection is
proposed from 32nd Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail along Cabela Drive.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services
West Area
Services in the unincorporated portions of the planning area are currently provided by
Jefferson County and several special districts. Jefferson County currently provides
general governmental services and law enforcement. Portions of the area are
included in the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD).
A large area in the central portion of the planning area is not currently served by a
sanitation provider. A small parcel of land is not provided with fire protection.
Special districts serving the West Area are listed below.
Fire Protection Districts
• Fairmount
• West Metro
Water and Sanitation Districts
• North Table Mountain W& S
• Consolidated Mutual Water
Park and Recreation Districts
• Prospect
The City, Prospect Recreation and Park District, and the Long's Peak Metropolitan
District have entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The IGA provides
that the boundaries of the Prospect Recreation and Parts District will not be affected by
the formation of the Long's Peak Metropolitan District, any future inclusions into the
metro district, and any future annexations by the City. Coordination will be needed
among these entities to provide park and recreation services and facilities in the
growth area.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
Future Service Provision
The City will provide general governmental services and police protection for any
areas annexed by the City. Because the City is not a full service City, water,
sanitation, and fire services will need to be provided by special districts in the future if
any areas are annexed. The Long's Peak Metropolitan District has been formed to
provide financing, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure within a portion of
the growth area. The Service Plan for the District sets out the services to be provided,
which include streets, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, parks and recreation,
parking, and TV and fiber optic. The District is required to include within its
boundaries any areas within its service area that are annexed by the City.
Fire protection will continue to be provided by existing districts currently providing
services.
Water and sanitation services will continue to be provided by districts currently
providing services within their respective boundaries. Within the area currently not
served by water or sanitation districts, there are three options to consider:
v Inclusion into existing water or sanitation districts.
• Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by the new district.
• Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by another district or districts by contract with the new
district.
Provision of services by an existing or new district will depend upon the capacity of
that district to provide treated water or sewage plant capacity and the financial ability
to construct improvements. It is likely a developer will need to pay for any
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or expansions. Any new sewage treatment
plants or expansions must be included in the Regional Clean Water Plan and be
approved by the State Department of Public Health and Environment.
Stormwater facilities will need to be provided by developers as required by City and
UDFCD standards. Facilities will need to conform to any drainage basin master plans
prepared and adopted by UDFCD.
Parks and Open Space
Park and open space areas in the urban growth area are currently acquired and
managed by Jefferson County and the Prospect Recreation and Park District. Two
parks located just outside the growth area, Maple Grove Park and Arapahoe Park, are
provided by the Prospect Recreation and Park District.
10
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December.2000
Policies:
At the time of rezoning, the following items should be requested of a
developer, if applicable:
a. Access easements across private property to public land;
b. Dedication of private land;
c. Open space required with the development if located adjacent to public
land,
2. Open space purchases should be based on regional demand for recreation
in the area and on the goal of preserving an open character and significant
naturalfeatures.
3. The growth area is currently served by the Prospect Recreation and Park
District and the Jefferson County Open Space Department. There should
be improved communication among the district, governmental agencies,
and private organizations responsible for buying and managing public land
in the area. Continuing communication among these groups to achieve
more efficient management of public lands and a higher level of use.
Coordination among these public entities and the planning departments of
the City and the county should facilitate more effective siting of private open
space to:
a. secure access easements across private property to public land;
b, encourage dedication of private land by providing information about
open space incentive ptograms, and
c. suggest, where appropriate, that the open space required in a
development be located to augment adjacent public land.
4. The acquisition of undeveloped land should be related to the following
planning objectives:
a. Maintenance of important visual resources;
b. Maintenance of open spaces between developments;
c. Provision of needed recreational opportunities;
d. Protection of significant wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors;
e. Protection of areas subject to significant natural hazards, (e.g.
floodplains);
11
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
12
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
f. Protection of areas having cultural and historical significance;
g. Provision of connecting trail systems;
h. Retention of unique or relict flora, (i.e., tall-grass prairie, sites with rare
and endangered plants, and sites with high quality riparian vegetation);
L Protection of ecologically sensitive areas;
j. Prevention of soil erosion; and
k. Protection and conservation of vegetation.
While these areas are desirable as open space, development should not be
precluded if sensitive site planning accommodates these concerns.
5. Public acquisition, management agreements between owners, and private
dedication of land to public entities, i.e., conservation easements, are only
three of the methods that could be used to increase the amount of land
which remains undeveloped.
6. Plantings in open space areas should be native or naturalized species and
should be varieties that require minimal maintenance, are drought tolerant,
and benefit desirable wildlife needs.
Trails
Existing trails have been constructed along W. 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek by
Jefferson County. Future trails planned for the area include the extension of the W.
32nd Avenue trail from Maple Grove Park to McIntyre and a trail along McIntyre from
32"d Avenue to the Clear Creek trail. A connection between 32n" Avenue and the
Clear Creek trail is proposed. These trail alignments are shown on Map 4.
The provision of trails in the urban growth area should be based on the following
policies:
Policies;
An expanded trails network should be developed that provides additional
trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, and that precludes motorized
vehicles. These trails should:
A. vary in length, ascent and nature experience;
R. traverse diverse landscape;
C. access views and vistas;
13
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
D. intersect to allow the traveler a choice of paths to a destination;
E. avoid damaging or impairing areas containing endangered species,
fragile environments, or high hazard areas; and
F. Link communities and other Plan areas, and link these areas to
adjacent cities and open space lands along the foothills to the west.
2. Accessible trails should be provided for all citizens, including barrier-free
trails where possible, recognizing that trail users have different levels of
ability and seek different levels of challenge.
3. New trail systems in critical wildlife habitat areas, i.e. nesting and calving
areas, and wintering grounds, should be routed in a sensitive fashion,
and/or have seasonal closures to minimize impacts to the wildlife.
4. Trail corridors should be negotiated' which utilize floodplains, public rights-
of-way, leased private property, parks, and public open space.
5. Liability releases should be used to remove this obstacle to the creation of
trails across private land.
6. Areas of development should have trail connections to areas of natural open
space.
7. Trails should be separated'and buffered with landscaping from streets,
roads, and parking lots when possible. Landscaped buffers should be
established between the Clear Creek trail and adjacent land uses.
8. Roadway projects should provide equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle
crossings; (e.g„ equestrian tunnels and grade separated bike crossings at
railroads).
9. The Clear Creek regional trail is outlined in the Jefferson County Trails
Master Plan and is complete to Golden.
10. Local trails could be jointly funded through the Jefferson County Open
Space Joint Venture Grants Program. This is a joint venture program with
adjacent cities and park and recreation districts per the City's request
depending on priorities.
11, Equestrian and jogging trails should be unpaved and marked.
14
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
12. Parking areas should be provided at trailheads to facilitate trail usage by
equestrians, hikers, bicyclists, etc.
13. Public facilities, e.g. restrooms and telephones, should be provided at major
trail intersections and significant open space sites where feasible.
14, The local park and recreation agencies should be consulted to determine
potential trail connections.
15. Developers should coordinate with public entities to provide trails and public
access along flood plains and/or easements such as ditches, roads, power
lines, etc., whenever possible.
16. Developers should provide trail connections to adjacent open space areas,
trails, schools, bus stations, Regional Transportation District park-n-rides,
and light rail stations. This includes providing a safe crossing at roads
whenever possible.
Trail Design Criteria
A variety of trail systems should be provided with appropriate fencing and
signage to minimize trespassing.
2. Trails should connect with others in the City and surrounding jurisdictions to
provide opportunities for commuting to other jurisdictions and to provide
multiple recreational alternatives.
3. The trails should intersect at strategic points to allow travelers a number of
choices to reach a desired location.
4. Areas containing endangered species or fragile environments should be
avoided.
5. Intersections between paths should be defined with a good visual warning of
an intersection as it is approached.
6. Trails should take advantage of the diversity of the landscape through which
trails pass. As the landscape changes, its dominant features should be
clearly seen from the paths, i.e., good observation points for views and
vistas that feature landmarks.
7. Bicycle paths should be designed for safety and be clearly marked. Safe
bicycle paths can be provided in the following ways:
A. Providing wider roadways with paved shoulders,
is
Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
13. Providing off-road paths for multiple users.
C. Utilizing road, rail, ditch or power line rights-of-way or easements.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
December 2009
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 59-2009
Series of 2009
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE,
COLORADO, ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHEAT RIDGE
COMPRHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October
12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. 31-23-206 (2) provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be
amended by the City from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan did not include any areas outside the
corporate limits of the City as is permitted under state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS, prior to annexation, a city must have in place a plan for the area
considered for annexation pursuant to C.R.S. 31-12-105, and
WHEREAS, addenda to the Comprehensive Plan were adopted by City Council
on February 23, 2004 February 28, 2005, May 22, 2006 and June 25, 2007 adopting a
growth area outside the city limits of the City; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan boundary
outside the corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing as provided by
Section 2 -60(b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof being duly
published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript on November 12, 2009, said public hearing held
on November 19, 2009.
WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing as provided by Section 2 -
60 (b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof duty published in the
Wheat Ridge Transcript on November 12, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat
Ridge this 14th day of December, 2009:
1. That the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge hereby adopts the
amendments to the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan attached as Exhibit A.
2. An attested copy of this resolution shall be attached to the Plan amendment
and copy of the Plan as attested shall be certified to Jefferson County,
Colorado.
ATTACHMENT 3
1"C0uncl1 Action Norm~009 Council Actionkonn,4091214 Res-rhrec MIA,P1m=cndto.tdoc
DONE AND RESOLVED THIS day of , 2009.
JERRY DETULLIO, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MICHAEL SNOW, CITY CLERK
d To..n .7 Aetlbn Found2009 CoumlAuion Fm.iO91214 k, 11,w Mile Plot, mw darutA.
presented. The motion carried 5-0 with Commissioner DIETRICK
abstaining and Commissioner CHILVERS absent.
6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda.)
There was no one present to address the Commission.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. WPA-08-02 - A resolution adopting an addendum "3-Mile
V Plan" to the City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
The case was presented by Sally Payne. This addendum will reflect the recently
adopted comprehensive plan.
In response to a question from Commissioner TIMMS, Ms. Payne stated that it
would be necessary to consider a new 3-Mile Plan if new properties are annexed
into the City.
In response to a question from Commissioner TIMMS regarding the following
sentence on page I I under Parks and Open Space, Ms. Payne agreed that the
second sentence of paragraph 3 should be changed to read: "There should be
continued (rather than improved) communication among the............"
Ms. Payne agreed with Commissioner BRINKMAN's suggestion that the title and
footer of the documents include the date of the document.
Commissioner HOLLENDER suggested that the document should address the
water recreational attributes of Clear Creek.
There were no members of the public present to address the case.
It was moved by Commissioner DWYER and seconded by Commissioner
BRINKMAN to recommend adoption by City Council of the 3-Mile Plan as
an addendum to the City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner HOLLENDER offered an amendment that City Council
consider incorporation of Clear Creek as a recreational source.
Commissioner TIMMS offered an amendment that the date of the document
be included in the title and the footers.
Commissioner TIMMS offered an amendment that the second sentence of
paragraph 3 on page 11 be changed to read: "There should be continued
Planning Commission Minutes 2 November 19, 2009
(rather than improved) communication among the district, governmental
agencies, and private organizations responsible for buying and managing
public land in the area."
The three amendments were considered under one vote and passed
unanimously.
The amended motion passed unanimously.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner BRINKMAN referred to the DRCOG Planning workshop that
she and Commissioner HOLLENDER attended in August. She attended an
excellent workshop on public health and planning with the concept of
"community health as a goal of good design." The workshop may be
presented in "road shows." She suggested that staff look into having the
presentation be given in a joint Planning Commission/City Council session
and then throughout the community.
Due to Davis Reinhart's election to City Council, an election was held to
select a new chair for the Planning Commission.
Secret ballots were cast and Commissioner DWYER was elected to serve as
chair.
9. OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items to come before the Commission.
10. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner HOLLENDER and seconded by
Commissioner DWYER to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Dick Matthews, Vice Chair
Planning Commission Minutes
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
November 19, 2009
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 4-2009
Series of 2009
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE WHEAT
RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND FORWARDING SAID RECOMMENDATION
TO THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October 12, 2009; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. 31-23-206 (2) provides that the Comprehensive Plan may be amended by the
City from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan did not include any areas outside the corporate limits of the
City as is permitted wider state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS, prior to annexation, a city must have in place a plan for the area considered for
annexation pursuant to C.R.S. 31-12-105, and
WHEREAS, addenda to the Comprehensive Plan were adopted by City Council on February 23,
2004 February 28, 2005, May 22, 2006 and Julie 25, 2007 adopting a growth area outside the city limits
of the City; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan boundary outside the
corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commmission held a public hearing as provided by Section 2-60(b) of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof being duly published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript
on November 12, 2009, said public hearing held on November 19, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Wheat Ridge Plarming Commission this 19th
day of November, 2009:
1. The Comprehensive Plan amendment attached hereto as Exhibit A is recommended for
approval to the City Council.
2. A copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the City Council.
ATTEST:
l~Cuic~
Secretary to the Commis o
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
/~/1/
JiAo a L
Chair
I:\ComdevComp Plan\uga amendinem pc res 09.doe
City of
W heat fd~e
COMMUNITY Dr-vFL0PMENT
Memorandum
TO: Planning Commission
THROUGH: Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director
FROM: Sally Payne, Senior Planner
DATE: November 12, 2009
SUBJECT: Three-Mile Plan
State statutes require municipalities to adopt a "Three-Mile Plan' for their communities.
This plan is to indicate in a general way how a City envisions areas outside of their
boundaries developing in the future. Such a plan is required prior to a municipality
annexing any land. State statues indicate that prior to any annexation within the three-
mile area, the municipality shall have in place a plan for that area that generally describes
the location, character, extent of streets, other public ways, parks, open spaces, public
utilities and the proposed land uses.
The last update to this addendum to the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. This
was before the annexation of land along Highway 58 related to the proposed Cabela's
development. Land was annexed south of Highway 58 and west of 1-70 to accommodate
Cabela's and related development, and to bring land for the proposed Cabela"s Drive
interchange on Highway 58 into the City's Jurisdiction. In addition, the City adopted the
Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan last month. The Three-Mile Plan should
generally be consistent with a municipality's comprehensive plan. With adoption of the
new comprehensive plan, some revisions needed to be made to language in the Three-
Mile Plan to make it consistent with the Envision Wheat Ridge Plan.
A copy of the addendum to the City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan of the Three-
Mile Plan is included in your packet. At the November 19, 2009 public hearing, Planning
Commission will be asked to recommend adoption of the Three-Mile Plan to City
Council. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Johnstone, Community
Development Director at 303-235-2844 or kjohnstone(ici.wheatridge.co.us. or Sally
Payne, Senior Planner at 303-235-2852 or s)aiviie((i ci.wheatridge_co.us.
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN GROWTH AREA ADDITION
INTRODUCTION
This document serves as an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted by
City Council on October 12, 2009.
The adopted Comprehensive Plan identifies the area of potential development outside
the City's boundaries. The Plan does not recommend any future uses in the general
areas. Prior to any annexation, C.R.S. 31-12-105 requires that a municipality have in
place a plan for the area, including proposed land uses. Such plan may extend up to
three miles from the municipality's boundary.
There are unincorporated areas to the northeast, north, west and southwest of the
current City boundaries. Areas to the northeast and north are primarily unincorporated
industrial or multi-family enclaves which, although eligible for annexation, present
questionable economic benefit to the City versus the costs of providing services
A majority of the area to the west of Ward Road north of 1-70 consists of established
residential neighborhoods, public uses (schools), and a cemetery. These uses
provide little benefit to the City compared to the costs of providing services. A large
area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek is vacant and may provide
development opportunities of benefit to the City. Southwest of the City are
commercial areas along Youngfield and the established residential area of
Applewood.
In the mid-1990's the City submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments
(DRCOG) its proposed urban growth boundary as part of the preparation of the
regional plan known as Metro Vision 2030. The identified urban growth area was
generally bounded by 1-70, W. 32nd Avenue, McIntyre Street, and W. 52nd Avenue.
Containing a little over two square miles, this area was not incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan.
This Comprehensive Plan addendum addresses the potential urban growth area to the
west of the City. The areas subject to this addendum is illustrated on Map 1. The West
Area was submitted to DRCOG as the City's urban growth boundary for the 2030
Metro Vision update.
This addendum meets the requirement of C.R.S. 31-12-105 of having a plan in place
should the City consider any annexations in these areas.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
The following sections of this addendum address the following growth area as
identified below:
• West Area (that area generally west of the City bounded by 1-70, W.
32"d Avenue, McIntyre Street, and W. 44th Avenue). A portion of this
area has been annexed by the City.
The portion of the West Area of the Urban Growth Area that has been annexed by the
City is included in the 2006 and 2007 addendums and now retains the "Regional
Commercial" or "Employment" land use designations for the annexed property.
2
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
LAND USE
Existing Land Use
West Area
Existing land uses in the urban growth area are varied. Along the north side of 32nd
Avenue are areas of low to medium density residential development. To the west of I-
70 is industrial development along W. 44th Avenue and State Highway 58. A CDOT
maintenance facility is adjacent to SH58 at 1-70. The area to the west of 1-70 between
32nd Avenue and 44th Avenue contains a golf course, and several old gravel pits now
used for water storage. A majority of this land is vacant and undeveloped.
Development Constraints
West Area
Few natural hazard areas are present in the planning area. The Clear Creek 100- and
500-year floodplains generally parallel SH58 in the center of the planning area. No
other natural hazards exist in the area.
1-70, SH 58, and Clear Creek present constraints to development by acting as barriers
to providing road, utility and other infrastructure improvements to the central portion of
the planning area. State and federal rules mandate where access can occur and the
manner in which rights-of-way may be crossed for installing utilities. Responding to
calls for service in the planning area is made more challenging by the restricted
access these barriers present.
County Plans
West Area
Because the urban growth area is currently unincorporated, Jefferson County has
jurisdiction over planning and zoning matters. The urban growth area lies within two
subareas the County has identified for planning purposes. The North Plains Plan
covers that portion of the urban growth area north of Clear Creek and the Central
Plains Plan covers the area to the south of Clear Creek.
Originally prepared in the late 1990's, the Central Plains Community Plan has recently
been updated. The process of updating this plan included extensive public meetings.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
These subarea plans show recommended land uses in the urban growth area as
residential in existing established residential neighborhoods. Applewood Golf Course
and Clear Creek are shown as major park/recreation/open space areas. The area
along W. 44th Avenue south to Clear Creek is recommended as mixed use areas
containing office, light industrial, retail, and residential (up to 15 du/ac) uses. The bulk
of the large, undeveloped area to the west of 1-70 is shown as industrial.
Future Land Use Map
West Area
The Future Land Use map reflects the recommended land uses for the area. The
recommended land uses were matched as closely as possible to the land use
categories contained in the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
The Future Land Use Map (Map 2) illustrates recommended land uses for the urban
growth area. The categories used and the definitions, desired character, and
attributes of the various land use categories shown are the same as defined on the
Structure Plan of the Comprehensive Plan and are hereby incorporated as a part of
this Addendum.
Future land uses for the planning area are shown on the Structure Plan on the
following page. The Plan establishes the following recommended land uses:
• Existing residential neighborhoods at the approximate density shown in the
County subarea plan, SF (4)
• Existing golf course parks, and the Clear Creek floodplain as parks and open
space
• Employment along W. 44th Avenue and south of SH58 to Clear Creek to include
light industrial, storage, warehouse
• The large, vacant area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek as
Regional Commercial to include retail, employment, restaurants, hotel
The designation of "open space" is a designation to indicate the land should not be
developed. This designation does not mean that the property so depicted necessarily
will be owned by a public entity.
4
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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TRANSPORTATION
The existing street network consists of the major north-south connectors of Youngfield
on the eastern border of the planning area and McIntyre Street on the western border.
East-west connectors are W. 44th Avenue at the north and W. 32nd Avenue to the
south.
1-70 and State Highway 58 provide regional, limited access highway connections in
the area. The 1-70/SH58 interchange was recently updated with additional ramps to
create a full-movement interchange. This work entailed relocating the current
eastbound on-ramp at 38th Avenue to the south.
Trails currently exist along Clear Creek from 1-70 west to Golden and along 32nd
Avenue from 1-70 west to Maple Grove Park.
Future Street Network
West Area
The future street network in the area will build upon the existing grid system of north-
south and east-west streets. 1-70 and SH58 will continue to serve the dual roles of
providing access to the area and carrying regional traffic. The roadway classifications
in this plan are based upon the recommendations of the Countywide Transportation
Plan. The proposed street network for the area is shown on the Roadway
Classification Map (Map 3).
The recent completion of the 1-70/SH58 interchange movements will improve access
to the area and increase mobility for the region. A new interchange on SH58 at
Cabela Drive has been approved to provide additional access to the area as well as a
pair of "hook ramps" that will connect 1-70 to the collector which provides access to
individual development parcels. Improvements to the 1-70/32nd Avenue interchange to
increase capacity have also been approved.
Major east-west streets included in the future street network are 32nd Avenue and 44th
Avenue. Streets providing north-south connections are Ward Road, Youngfield Street,
and McIntyre Street. The new SH58/Cabela Drive interchange has been approved
approximately one mile west of the SH58/1-70 interchange and to the east of the
existing McIntyre interchange. Cabela Drive will connect 32nd Ave. to 44th Ave. with
an interchange at SH58. Cabela Drive will also connect to the new 40th Ave.
underpass of 1-70 which provides access to Youngfield St. The new 40th Ave.
underpass will provide an additional access to the Regional Commercial area.
6
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
7
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
Future Trails
West Area
The County community plans for the area show potential trails extending along W.
32nd Avenue from Maple Grove Park to McIntyre and on McIntyre from W. 32nd
Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail. A portion of the Clear Creek Trail has been re-
located west of approximately Eldridge Street extended. A trail connection is
proposed from 32nd Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail along Cabela Drive.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services
West Area
Services in the unincorporated portions of the planning area are currently provided by
Jefferson County and several special districts. Jefferson County currently provides
general governmental services and law enforcement. Portions of the area are
included in the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD).
A large area in the central portion of the planning area is not currently served by a
sanitation provider. A small parcel of land is not provided with fire protection.
Special districts serving the West Area are listed below.
Fire Protection Districts
• Fairmount
• West Metro
Water and Sanitation Districts
• North Table Mountain W& S
• Consolidated Mutual Water
Park and Recreation Districts
• Prospect
The City, Prospect Recreation and Park District, and the Long's Peak Metropolitan
District have entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The IGA provides
that the boundaries of the Prospect Recreation and Park District will not be affected by
the formation of the Long's Peak Metropolitan District, any future inclusions into the
metro district, and any future annexations by the City. Coordination will be needed
among these entities to provide park and recreation services and facilities in the
growth area.
Future Service Provision
The City will provide general governmental services and police protection for any
areas annexed by the City. Because the City is not a full service City, water,
sanitation, and fire services will need to be provided by special districts in the future if
9
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
any areas are annexed. The Long's Peak Metropolitan District has been formed to
provide financing, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure within a portion of
the growth area. The Service Plan for the District sets out the services to be provided,
which include streets, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, parks and recreation,
parking, and TV and fiber optic. The District is required to include within its
boundaries any areas within its service area that are annexed by the City.
Fire protection will continue to be provided by existing districts currently providing
services.
Water and sanitation services will continue to be provided by districts currently
providing services within their respective boundaries. Within the area currently not
served by water or sanitation districts, there are three options to consider:
• Inclusion into existing water or sanitation districts.
• Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by the new district.
• Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by another district or districts by contract with the new
district.
Provision of services by an existing or new district will depend upon the capacity of
that district to provide treated water or sewage plant capacity and the financial ability
to construct improvements. It is likely a developer will need to pay for any
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or expansions. Any new sewage treatment
plants or expansions must be included in the Regional Clean Water Plan and be
approved by the State Department of Public Health and Environment.
Stormwater facilities will need to be provided by developers as required by City and
UDFCD standards. Facilities will need to conform to any drainage basin master plans
prepared and adopted by UDFCD.
Parks and Open Space
Park and open space areas in the urban growth area are currently acquired and
managed by Jefferson County and the Prospect Recreation and Park District. Two
parks located just outside the growth area, Maple Grove Park and Arapahoe Park, are
provided by the Prospect Recreation and Park District.
Policies:
At the time of rezoning, the following items should be requested of a
developer, if applicable:
a. Access easements across private property to public land;
b. Dedication of private land;
10
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
c. Open space required with the development if located adjacent to public
land;
2. Open space purchases should be based on regional demand for recreation
in the area and on the goal of preserving an open character and significant
natural features.
3. The growth area is currently served by the Prospect Recreation and Park
District and the Jefferson County Open Space Department. There should
be improved communication among the district, governmental agencies,
and private organizations responsible for buying and managing public land
in the area. Improved communication among these groups could result in
more efficient management of public lands and a higher level of use.
Coordination among these public entities and the planning departments of
the City and the county should facilitate more effective siting of private open
space to:
a. secure access easements across private property to public land;
b. encourage dedication of private land by providing information about
open space incentive programs, and
c. suggest, where appropriate, that the open space required in a
development be located to augment adjacent public land.
4. The acquisition of undeveloped land should be related to the following
planning objectives:
a. Maintenance of important visual resources;
b. Maintenance of open spaces between developments;
c. Provision of needed recreational opportunities;
d. Protection of significant wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors;
e. Protection of areas subject to significant natural hazards, (e.g.
floodplains);
11
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
f. Protection of areas having cultural and historical significance;
g. Provision of connecting trail systems;
h. Retention of unique or relict flora, (i.e., tall-grass prairie, sites with rare
and endangered plants, and sites with high quality riparian vegetation);
i. Protection of ecologically sensitive areas;
j. Prevention of soil erosion, and
k. Protection and conservation of vegetation.
While these areas are desirable as open space, development should not be
precluded if sensitive site planning accommodates these concerns.
5. Public acquisition, management agreements between owners, and private
dedication of land to public entities, i.e., conservation easements, are only
three of the methods that could be used to increase the amount of land
which remains undeveloped.
6. Plantings in open space areas should be native or naturalized species and
should be varieties that require minimal maintenance, are drought tolerant,
and benefit desirable wildlife needs.
Trails
Existing trails have been constructed along W. 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek by
Jefferson County. Future trails planned for the area include the extension of the W.
32nd Avenue trail from Maple Grove Park to McIntyre and a trail along McIntyre from
32nd Avenue to the Clear Creek trail. A connection between 32nd Avenue and the
Clear Creek trail is proposed. These trail alignments are shown on Map 4.
The provision of trails in the urban growth area should be based on the following
policies:
Policies:
An expanded trails network should be developed that provides additional
trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, and that precludes motorized
vehicles. These trails should:
A. vary in length, ascent and nature experience;
B. traverse diverse landscape;
C. access views and vistas;
D. intersect to allow the traveler a choice of paths to a destination;
13
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
E. avoid damaging or impairing areas containing endangered species,
fragile environments, or high hazard areas; and
F. Link communities and other Plan areas, and link these areas to
adjacent cities and open space lands along the foothills to the west.
2. Accessible trails should be provided for all citizens, including barrier-free
trails where possible, recognizing that trail users have different levels of
ability and seek different levels of challenge.
3. New trail systems in critical wildlife habitat areas, i.e. nesting and calving
areas, and wintering grounds, should be routed in a sensitive fashion,
and/or have seasonal closures to minimize impacts to the wildlife.
4. Trail corridors should be negotiated which utilize floodplains, public rights-
of-way, leased private property, parks, and public open space.
5. Liability releases should be used to remove this obstacle to the creation of
trails across private land.
6. Areas of development should have trail connections to areas of natural open
space.
7. Trails should be separated and buffered with landscaping from streets,
roads, and parking lots when possible. Landscaped buffers should be
established between the Clear Creek trail and adjacent land uses.
8. Roadway projects should provide equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle
crossings; (e.g., equestrian tunnels and grade separated bike crossings at
railroads).
9. The Clear Creek regional trail is outlined in the Jefferson County Trails
Master Plan and is complete to Golden.
10. Local trails could be jointly funded through the Jefferson County Open
Space Joint Venture Grants Program. This is a joint venture program with
adjacent cities and park and recreation districts per the City's request
depending on priorities.
11. Equestrian and jogging trails should be unpaved and marked.
12. Parking areas should be provided at trailheads to facilitate trail usage by
equestrians, hikers, bicyclists, etc.
13. Public facilities, e.g. restrooms and telephones, should be provided at major
trail intersections and significant open space sites where feasible.
14
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
14. The local park and recreation agencies should be consulted to determine
potential trail connections.
15. Developers should coordinate with public entities to provide trails and public
access along flood plains and/or easements such as ditches, roads, power
lines, etc., whenever possible.
16. Developers should provide trail connections to adjacent open space areas,
trails, schools, bus stations, Regional Transportation District park-n-rides,
and light rail stations. This includes providing a safe crossing at roads
whenever possible.
Trail Design Criteria
A variety of trail systems should be provided with appropriate fencing and
signage to minimize trespassing.
2. Trails should connect with others in the City and surrounding jurisdictions to
provide opportunities for commuting to other jurisdictions and to provide
multiple recreational alternatives.
3. The trails should intersect at strategic points to allow travelers a number of
choices to reach a desired location.
4. Areas containing endangered species or fragile environments should be
avoided.
5. Intersections between paths should be defined with a good visual warning of
an intersection as it is approached.
6. Trails should take advantage of the diversity of the landscape through which
trails pass. As the landscape changes, its dominant features should be
clearly seen from the paths, i.e., good observation points for views and
vistas that feature landmarks.
7. Bicycle paths should be designed for safety and be clearly marked. Safe
bicycle paths can be provided in the following ways:
A. Providing wider roadways with paved shoulders.
B. Providing off-road paths for multiple users.
C. Utilizing road, rail, ditch or power line rights-of-way or easements.
15
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing is to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge
PLANNING COMMISSION on November 19, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. with the CITY
COUNCIL public hearing to be held on December 14, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. Public
hearings are held in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 7500 West
29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. All interested citizens are invited to speak at the
Public Hearings or submit written comments. Individuals with disabilities are
encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge.
Call Heather Geyer, Public Information Officer at 303-235-2826 at least one week in
advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance.
The following case shall be heard:
Case No. WPA-08-02: A resolution adopting an addendum, "3-Mile Plan", to
the City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
Kathy Field, Administrative Assistant
ATTEST:
Michael Snow, City Clerk
To Be Published: Wheat Ridge Transcript
Date: November 12, 2009
Case No.: PA0802
App: Last Name: i ide
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Quarter Section Map No
Related Cases: PA0701
Case History: Resolution concerning
doption of an amendment
o the WR Comp Plan f
Review Body:
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Case Disposition:
J
Project Planner: ohnstone_ ___j
File Location: ctive ___J
Notes:
Follow-Up:
PC: 1/18109 I
CC: 219/09 __j
CC:2/9/09 _ 7
Conditions of Approval:
District:
Date Received: 1212312008.
Pre-App Date: __11