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CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
July 15, 2004
ORIGINAL
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission was called to order by Chair
PLUMMER at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers ofthe Municipal Building, 7500 West
29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL
Commission Members Present:
Jim Chilvers
J 000 McMillin
Phil Plunnner
Jerry Scezney
Kim Stewart
Scott Wesley
Commission Members Absent:
Marian McNamee
Kevin Witt
Staff Members Present:
Alan White, Community Development Director
Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Following is the official set of Planning Commission minutes for the public hearing of July 15, 2004.
A set of these minutes is retained both in the office of the City Clerk and in the Community
Development Department ofthe City of Wheat Ridge.
4. APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner STEWART
to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
5. APPROVE MINUTES - June 17, 2004
It was moved by Commissioner McMILLIN and seconded by Commissioner WESLEY to
approve the minutes of June 17,2004 as presented. The motion passed 6-0 with
Commissioners McNAMEE and WITT absent.
6. PUBLIC FORUM
There was no one present to speak to the Commission.
Planning Commission
July 15, 2004
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7. STUDY SESSION
A. Case No. ZOA-04-04: An ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code
of Laws regarding lighting standards.
This case was presented by Alan White. He reviewed the staffreport. Staff was directed by the
Planning Commission to develop new lighting standards based upon a presentation of the
objectives ofthe International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). An ordinance has not been
prepared at this time. This study session was held to discuss some issues prior to preparing an
ordinance.
The following points were discussed:
. The ordinance should be specific, simple and enforceable,
. Light spillage onto adjacent properties is important to control regardless of the zone district.
. Regulation for lights to be turned on and off should be addressed.
. Important to inform citizens about pending changes and ask for their input. Since there are
many absentee owners in Wheat Ridge, attempts should be made to contact them.
. Amortization for compliance with lighting standards on nonconforming properties is
important.
. Enforcement could be done on a complaint basis.
. While lighting can be a serious trespass in certain situations, it is important that the
ordinance not put undue pressure on residential or commercial property owners.
. Height limitations were discussed, but spillage onto adjacent properties is the most
important factor.
. Measurement versus performance of lighting was discussed.
. The Dark Skies regulations seem to be too ambitious to implement at this time.
. New development is easier to regulate than existing situations.
. Perhaps limitations on wattage for outdoor residential lighting should be considered
Taking the study sessions discussions into consideration, staff will draft an ordinance to bring
back for the Commission's consideration.
9. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business to come before the Commission.
10. COMMISSION REPORTS
There were no Commission reports.
11. COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There were no committee and department reports.
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July 15, 2004
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12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner CHIL VERS and seconded by Commissioner WESLEY to
adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
Planning Commission
July 15, 2004
Page 3