HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Agenda Packet 12-16-19STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO December 16, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Call Sara Spaulding, Public Information Officer
303-235-2877 at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance.
Citizen Comment on Agenda Items
1. Loan Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority
2. Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
3. Noise Ordinance
4. Staff Report(s)
5. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
ADJOURNMENT
Memorandum
TO: Mayor Starker and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Steve Art, Renewal Wheat Ridge Executive Director
DATE: December 16, 2019
SUBJECT: Loan Agreement between the City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority
ITEM: Should the City Council consider entering into a Loan Agreement (the Agreement), in an amount
not to exceed $500,000, with Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR), to assist in funding improvements
associated with a proposed redevelopment of the Gold’s Center located at the northwest corner of 26th Avenue and Kipling Street?
PREVIOUS ACTION: On November 19, 2019, RWR approved a Redevelopment Agreement with OK26, LLC in the
amount of $1,583,547.
BACKGROUND: In June 2019, Outpost Investments, LLC a Colorado limited liability company (“Outpost”)
entered into a contract to purchase the 3.56-acre, 58,790 gross square foot Paramount Heights
Shopping Center located at 10019 West 26th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, Colorado (the “Property”). Commonly referred to as “Gold’s Grocery”, the Property is situated at the northwest corner of W. 26
th Ave. and Kipling St. and is the southernmost property within the I-70/Kipling CorridorsUrban Renewal Area. Identified as a “Primary Gateway” by the City of Wheat Ridge’s
Comprehensive Plan, Envision Wheat Ridge, Outpost believes the deteriorating Property is a
once in a generation opportunity to create transformative change that will positively impact thefabric of the surrounding community and reinvigorate the City’s “front door” under a new name:Gold’s Marketplace (the “Project”).
As a primary gateway to the City of Wheat Ridge (the “City”) this iconic Property should be an
amenity and source of pride for the surrounding community, as well as a meaningful source of sales tax revenue for the City. However, because of extraordinary costs unique to the Property, the revitalization of this asset is not feasible without the financial participation from the City and Renewal Wheat Ridge.
Item No. 1
Budget projections indicate the need for $1,583,547 to be used to fund eligible costs in order to
close the “Return Gap” that is currently prohibiting Outpost from undertaking the revitalization
of the Property in light of the Project’s complexity and risk. The Property was originally developed by Lee W. Doud as three separate sections between 1958 and 1964 and attached into one continuous building. The first structure, Paramount Medical
Building, was constructed in 1958. Then in 1960, Paramount Lanes & Super Market, designed
by Curtis E. Copeland, was constructed. The final building, a restaurant, was completed in 1964. In the late 1980s, Robert Gold Jr. opened Gold’s Corner Grocery in the space once home to Woods Supermarket and later Marv’s Finer Foods. In 2000, Bob Gold and his wife JoAnn purchased the Property from the family of the original owners. Following 26 years of operating
Gold’s Corner Grocery, Bob and JoAnn Gold sold the Property in 2015 to a local investment
group, and Gold’s Grocery closed permanently. Under current ownership, the Property’s physical appearance and occupancy have continued to deteriorate. The 12,101 square foot former Gold’s Grocery space remains vacant, and in April
2019 the operators of Paramount Bowl did not renew their lease on the 10,976 square foot
bowling alley, leaving a total of 23,080 or 38% of the Property’s overall gross square footage vacant. As of September 2019, the Property’s vacancy was 67% compared to the City’s average vacancy
rate for comparable retail properties of 18.3% according to CoStar Analytics.
The Project & Fulfillment of the Comprehensive Plan Outpost proposes the revitalization of an iconic, yet deteriorating, neighborhood center into a vibrant, walkable and diverse community focused asset that will provide the City of Wheat
Ridge with an exciting destination in its own backyard. Quality design, engaging streetscape
improvements and thoughtful architectural enhancements will ensure the retention and expansion of existing tenants as well as the introduction of new retail and restaurant concepts that will transform this dated shopping center into a place where people want to gather, shop, eat, drink, laugh and of course…bowl.
Despite a favorable real estate market and surge in private investment over the previous five years, the Property, one of only four neighborhood commercial centers designated by Envision Wheat Ridge, has languished. The Property is in severe disrepair and is an unfortunate eyesore at the gateway to the City along one of three primary transportation corridors in Wheat Ridge.
Outpost believes the successful execution of the proposed revitalization plan will only be
achieved by improving and investing in the following: 1.) Sense of Place 2.) Quality Design
3.) Tenant Retention and Focused Leasing
4.) Site and Building Upgrades The Property has no “sense of place” in part as a result of confusion over its actual name. Officially named Paramount Heights Shopping Center, neither the City nor the surrounding
community refer to the Property by this moniker. As such, Outpost proposes to rename/rebrand
the Property “Gold’s Marketplace” in an effort to retain a link to the Property’s rich history and
further the City’s Community Vision that: “Wheat Ridge will be a prominent and sustainable city, with a prosperous future built upon the
foundation of the community’s major assets (comfortable neighborhoods, unique culture and history, abundant open space, terrific views, and proximity to Denver and the Rocky Mountains).” (Source: Comprehensive Plan, Envision Wheat Ridge, 2009, p. 10) Because of its gateway designation, Outpost recognizes the importance of achieving Goal CC1
of the Comprehensive Plan that states the revitalization must “…project a positive, cohesive
community identity and clear sense of place.” This will be achieved through the development of a comprehensive landscaping and signage plan that will unify the Property, along with improved cohesive streetscape, so when combined with the rebranding efforts, all 3.56 acres and 58,790 square feet will feel like one singular destination.
New landscaping and signage will be cohesive and simple. A landscaped buffer surrounding the Property with a pedestrian sidewalk within the 26th Avenue right of way (ROW) will separate the curb from the trees, grass, landscaping and other streetscape elements that will be incorporated around the border of the Property. These upgrades will introduce a safe and walkable pathway
around and through the Property. Common sidewalk areas in front of tenant spaces will be
widened, with new landscaped planter boxes, colorful benches and a cohesive tenant signage design that will be replicated for all tenants. To create opportunities for communal gathering, an underutilized corner of the Property in front
of Cosmo’s Pet Supply will be converted into a year-round, outdoor amenity zone and gathering
area with Adirondack chairs and picnic tables. This will aid in strengthening the sense of place and will encourage visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee or a sandwich outside, while their kids play, or their dogs take a nap in the shade of an existing pine tree.
The 26th Avenue ROW work, signage, landscaping, improved site lighting and streetscape
improvements will make the Property a more inviting, pedestrian friendly retail destination where people come for a haircut but end up staying for lunch. The streetscape and landscape investments will also signal the level of commitment from the City and Outpost. This commitment will enable Outpost to continue with a focused leasing strategy, whereby the mix of
tenants will be curated to appeal to the community’s needs and wants.
In pursuit of this improved “sense of place”, it should be noted that Outpost has no plans to demolish the Property. The iconic Property is a physical reminder of the City’s rich history and of a less common form of architecture. The proposed revitalization incorporates significant
architectural and design improvements that align with Goal CC3 of the Comprehensive Plan in
that the Project will embrace the past and build upon it through thoughtfully designed architectural enhancements that will “promote preservation or incorporation of existing quality architectural structures or elements…” into the Project.
While preserving what makes the Property unique, Outpost will take on the remediation of
pervasive existing environmental conditions. Based on an Asbestos Containing Materials Survey
(“ACM Survey”) dated August 23, 2019 conducted by Landmark Environmental Group, an
expert in the field of environmental cleanup, asbestos is prevalent throughout the entire center because the Property was built in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In keeping with the “measure twice, cut once” philosophy, Outpost will implement a cleanup program to safely remove the asbestos and ensure safe conditions for employees and visitors to the Property. However,
because of the large size of the Property, the costs required to responsibly remediate the asbestos
are extraordinary given the size of the Property, and age of the environmental contaminants. Existing tenants have expressed excitement about the proposed changes to the Property and their future at the Project. In keeping with the Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan, Outpost has proactively created an Expansion and Relocation Plan (the “ERP”) designed to retain and
expand quality existing tenants while making desirable suites available for new tenant leasing.
The ERP creates a total net new increase in existing tenant space of approximately 4,300 square feet and ensures the retention of tenants, Cosmo’s Pet Supply, Little Brazil and Training For Warriors. Notably, Cosmo’s Pet Supply’s lease was set to expire in October 2019, but because of the potential for this revitalization project, not only will Cosmo’s stay at the Property, but they
will be expanding into an adjacent space that is currently vacant. The ERP and Outpost’s focus
on strong, local operators will advance Goal ELU2 of the Comprehensive Plan, “Attract quality retail development and actively retain existing retailers to locate in Wheat Ridge.” The revitalization of the Property will help catalyze positive transformative change that is
desired in the surrounding community, as well as the City of Wheat Ridge. With a vibrant new
“front door” along Kipling Street, the Project will achieve the following goals set out in the I-70/Kipling Corridor Plan:
• Eliminate and prevent blight
• Enhance Wheat Ridge’s identity
• Expand the City’s commercial activities
• Advance cultural art programs and capital investments
• Support preservation of historic (or in this case iconic) structures
• Encourage the continued presence of existing viable businesses
• Develop and enhance community Gateways
• Maintain / develop public gather spaces
(Source: I-70/Kipling Corridors Urban Renewal Plan dated May 2009) As a result of the Property’s age and years of accumulating deferred maintenance, the creation of an improved “sense of place”, commitment to quality design, retention of successful tenants and advancement of the I-70/Kipling Corridors Plan can only be achieved by Outpost’s undertaking of extraordinary costs associated with the aforementioned improvements. These improvements
are necessary to prevent the continued deterioration of the building and site in order to reinvigorate the Property, and create a vibrant, walkable and diverse community focused asset that will provide the City of Wheat Ridge with an exciting destination in its own backyard, but located at its “front door”. Eligible Costs / “But for”
Because of the extraordinary costs associated with the required building and site improvements
(the “Eligible Costs”), the revitalization of the Property is not feasible “but for” the financial
participation from and public/private partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge and Renewal
Wheat Ridge. These improvements will reduce, eliminate, and prevent the spread of blight within this area of the I-70/Kipling Corridors Urban Renewal Area, and help stimulate a vibrant and diverse future for the Property as a striking gateway for the City of Wheat Ridge.
Without public participation, Outpost’s stabilized return on cost (Net Operating Income/Project
Costs) is 6.37% which is not an appropriate return commensurate with the risk and complexity of the Project. For this reason, Outpost sought a $1,583,547 public participation partnership with RWR to close the “Return Gap”. The total Project costs without public investment are estimated to be $10,495,195. The requested $1,583,547 will be used for extraordinary Eligible Costs, an
amount that represents 17.8% of Outpost’s total private investment in the Project. With this
public/private partnership, the Project’s return on cost becomes 7.50%, which is an appropriate return commensurate with the Project’s complexity, risk and significant private investment from Outpost.
Eligible Costs:
• 26th Avenue Right of Way Improvements & Streetscape
• Environmental Remediation (asbestos abatement)
• Repaving Parking Area (3-acres)
• Wet Utilities
• General Site Improvements (required for code compliance)
• Fire Life Safety Upgrades (sprinklers & hydrants)
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Upgrades (required for code compliance)
• Façade and Signage Upgrades Project Team Outpost Investments (Outpost®) is a private real estate investment firm engaged in the redevelopment, adaptive reuse and development of retail and mixed-use properties throughout Colorado. Outpost’s mission is to create authentic, inspiring and enduring places. Outpost selectively pursues opportunities that will positively impact the fabric of the surrounding community. This is achieved by adhering to a core set of values (Prudence, Conviction,
Creativity and Integrity) that influence everything they do in business and in life. Principals of Outpost have been actively involved with the acquisition, financing, development and/or disposition of over 3.5 million square feet of commercial real estate, surpassing $1.5 billion in value.
Representative Retail Projects:
• Sportscastle Assemblage Denver, Colorado
• Margie’s Candie’s Building Chicago, Illinois
• Promenade at Denver West Lakewood, Colorado
• The Shoppes at Denver West Lakewood, Colorado
• Foothills Mall Fort Collins, Colorado
• Promenade at Castle Rock Castle Rock, Colorado
• Shoppes at Highpointe Denver, Colorado
Design Edge, P.C. is a full service architectural and interior design firm that provides
professional design, planning and construction administration services to a wide range of clients.
The success of their projects is directly measured by the client-architect relationship. They believe that the best design solutions are a result of strong communication with their clients, dialogue, planning and building knowledge. By combining the best available
technologies, a highly qualified staff of design professionals, and an unyielding desire to satisfy
their clients, Design Edge, P.C. aspires to rank among the best in Colorado design firms. Representative Retail Projects:
• A-Line Square Stapleton Denver, Colorado
• Shoppes at Highpointe Denver, Colorado
• Promenade at Castle Rock Castle Rock, Colorado
• Village Plaza Shops Greenwood Village, Colorado
• Lakewood City Commons Lakewood, Colorado
• 8th & Kalamath Denver, Colorado
White Construction Group (WCG) is an innovative, built-environment partner that strives to develop, build and deliver projects beyond client expectations. Over the last 33 years, WCG has managed some of the most prestigious construction projects in the Rocky Mountain Region with
a specialization in community-focused, commercial construction, design-build, historic
preservation and adaptive re-use projects. Representative Construction Projects:
• The Stanley Marketplace Denver, Colorado
• Steam on the Platte Denver, Colorado
• The Source Denver, Colorado
• Freight at Taxi Denver, Colorado
• Trinity Church (renovations) Denver, Colorado
• West Metro Fire Protection No. 14 Littleton, Colorado
• Colorado School of Mines Green Center Golden, Colorado
• Crown Hill Park Trailhead Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Vermilion Peak has the expertise to guide clients through the entire entitlement process from initial site layout through public hearings and permitting. They have over 20 years’ experience in support of the land development business, having worked in nearly every jurisdiction along the
Colorado Front Range.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. With 11 offices across the western U.S., plus Washington, D.C., and Atlantic City, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is where business, law and politics converge. Founded in 1968, Brownstein provides its clients a value that no other western law
firm can match—an integrated approach that combines sensible business solutions with 20 years
of Capitol Hill perspective. The firm’s 275 lawyers and policy professionals have built a reputation for providing multidisciplinary legal counsel that drives results and connects business leaders to the information they need to make decisions. The firm works in industries ranging from real estate, hospitality, private equity and telecommunications, to technology, construction,
energy, banking and finance, water and gaming.
PROJECT GAP FUNDING/REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT:
The $1,583,547 is identified in two RWR funding sources. The Kipling Ridge fund will provide approximately $1,284,000 and the General Fund approximately $300,000. While these funds are generally available to fund the pledge, this may delete the RWR fund sources. RWR is asking the City of Wheat Ridge enter into an Agreement wherein the City of Wheat Ridge would loan
$500,000 in General Fund undesignated reserves to RWR with a repayment schedule of up to
five years. RWR would annually obligate funds from its General and Kipling Ridge Funds to repay this loan to the City of Wheat Ridge beginning in 2021. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the City Council provide consensus to enter into the Agreement with RWR for
the following reasons:
• The iconic center at 26th Avenue and Kipling Street is a gateway to the community
• The site has been blighted for many years and the upgrades will remediate this condition
• The site is lacking public infrastructure such as curb, gutter and sidewalks
• The improvements include resurfacing and restriping of the parking lot creating a safer flow of traffic
• The improvements will help the owner in retaining current and attracting new tenants
• The improvements will create additional sales and property tax revenues
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Golds Center Improvements 2. RWR Resolution 19-2019 a. Exhibit 1 - Redevelopment Agreement
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") dated as ofNovember 19,
2019, is made by and between WHEAT RIDGE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY d/b/a/
RENEWAL WHEAT RIDGE, an urban renewal authority and a body corporate and politic of the
State of Colorado (the "Authority"), OK26, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("Developer"). The Authority and Developer are sometimes collectively called the "Parties," and
individually, a "Party."
RECITALS
All capitalized terms used, but not defined, in these Recitals, have the meanings ascribed
to them in this Agreement. The Recitals are incorporated to this Agreement as though fully set
forth in the body of this Agreement.
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado (the "City") is a home rule municipality
and political subdivision of the State of Colorado organized and existing under a home rule charter
pursuant to Article XX of the Constitution of the State of Colorado;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City (the "City Council") established the Authority
on October 18, 1981;
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the I-70/Kipling Corridors Urban Renewal Plan, as
amended (the "Urban Renewal Plan" or the "Plan");
WHEREAS, Developer seeks to construct Eligible Improvements (hereinafter defined)
within the Gold's Shopping Center (the "Project") upon the property more particularly described
in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the "Redevelopment Property");
WHEREAS, the Authority has determined that the redevelopment of the Project in order
to remediate blight is consistent with and in furtherance of the purposes of the Authority and the
Urban Renewal Plan;
WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the acquisition, construction and installation of the
Project, the Authority seeks to reimburse Developer for the cost of certain Eligible Improvements
up to a maximum aggregate amount of One Million, Five Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand, Five
Hundred and Forty-Seven Dollars ($1,583,547.00) (as further defined below, the "Reimbursement Amount") as set forth in this Agreement through utilization of property tax
increment and sales tax increment;
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Colorado Urban Renewal Law , C.R.S. § 31-25-101, et seq.,
and the Urban Renewal Plan, the Authority may finance undertakings pursuant to the Plan by any
method authorized under the Act or any other applicable law, including, without limitation,
issuance of notes, bonds and other obligations in an amount sufficient to finance all or part of the
Plan; borrowing of funds and creation of indebtedness; advancement of reimbursement agreements;
agreements with public or private entities; and loans, advances and grants from any other available
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EXHIBIT A
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Nguyen, Engineering Manager
Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Mark Westberg, Project Supervisor
DATE: December 6, 2019 (for December 16, 2019 Study Session)
SUBJECT: Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
ISSUE: On January 14, 2019, Council authorized staff to acquire right-of-way (ROW) for the
Wadsworth Boulevard Widening project (Project). Staff had requested the ability to use the
City’s power of eminent domain, if necessary, to accomplish the necessary ROW acquisitions. At that time, Council did not feel comfortable with authorizing staff to use eminent domain, without first coming back to Council, and so that ability was not included in the Council action.
At the beginning of December, Notice of Intent (NOI) letters for the purchase of the partial
property acquisitions were sent to 66 landowners affected by the Project. With the recent mailing
of NOIs, Councilmembers may be contacted by their constituents on this topic. The purpose of the December 16 study session is to provide an update on the ROW acquisition for the Project and also provide information on the ROW acquisition process, including eminent domain, so Councilmembers feel knowledgeable if/when approached by affected property owners. In
addition, it is critical for Council to understand the Project deadlines imposed on the City in
regard to the federal funding received for this Project.
At the study session, staff will be joined by the City’s ROW consultant for the Project to answer any questions about the ROW acquisition process and to explain what eminent domain is and isn’t, when and how it is used as a tool to keep projects moving forward to construction, who
pays for what, and what happens if eminent domain is not used.
DISCUSSION: On December 10, 2018, Council approved a contract for ROW acquisition services with HDR, Inc. to prepare ROW plans and acquire the necessary ROW to construct the project. Greg Jamieson, the project manager for HDR and previously with CDOT, has many years of
experience in acquiring ROW for federally funded projects.
In order for staff and HDR to proceed with the acquisitions that are necessary for the Project, Council approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of ROW on Council’s behalf. The
Item No. 2
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 2 resolution also authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to accept the ROW on behalf of Council. Since federal funding is involved, the ROW acquisition must follow the lengthy federal process,
known as the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act
(Uniform Act).
ROW Acquisition Process – Partial Acquisitions The vast majority of the necessary acquisitions are partial acquisitions, where the property owner will be fairly compensated for the necessary land acquisition, but the remaining property will be
functional and economically viable. The ROW acquisition process for the partial acquisitions for
the Project will follow these discrete steps:
1. Notice of Intent (NOI) – With the approval of the ROW plans by CDOT on November 22, 2019, NOI letters were submitted in early December 2019 to each of the 66 landowners that will be affected by the Project with partial acquisitions. The right to
obtain an independent appraisal was submitted as a part of the NOIs. Prior to submitting
the NOIs, real estate specialists from HDR called each of the landowners to let them know that the NOI was being sent to them.
2. Appraisal Rights – If the initial estimated value of an acquisition is $5,000 or more, state statute requires that the landowners be notified of their right to get an appraisal. The City
is required to reimburse the landowner if the appraisal is submitted to the City for review
within 90 days of the notification provided in the NOI. With the early December 2019 NOI notification, the deadline to receive an appraisal would be in early March 2020 depending upon the actual date the NOI was mailed. This type of appraisal is often known as an eminent domain appraisal and must meet certain standard appraisal practices
in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
3. Just Compensation – Just compensation is defined as the value of the ROW acquired, plus any damages to the remainder of the property, if any, due to the loss of property acquired. For higher value parcels, generally greater than $25,000, licensed appraisers are used to determine the just compensation. For lower value parcels, an experienced ROW
professional from HDR will prepare a valuation that determines the just compensation.
This work has started and is expected to take a total of 11 weeks to complete all the appraisals and valuations for the 66 properties.
4. Fair Market Value (FMV) – Since federal funds are involved, all of the appraisals and valuations will be reviewed by a second certified appraiser, typically CDOT staff, to
determine the FMV. It is expected to take a total of 6 weeks to complete all of the FMVs
after the last of the appraisals and valuations are received.
5. Initial Offer Packets – After the FMVs are determined, initial offer packets will be prepared and submitted to the landowners. Soon after the initial offer packets are submitted, real estate specialists from HDR will contact and meet with the landowners to
answer questions, provide additional information, and discuss any concerns. The initial
offers are expected to be submitted by early April 2020.
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 3 6. Initial Negotiations – Substantial energy and effort will be made during the initial negotiations with the goal of reaching a consensual agreement with the landowners. The
effort expended during the initial negotiations helps to keep the project on schedule,
reduces consultant and ROW costs, and satisfies the state statute that requires that “good faith negotiations” be done before eminent domain can be used. The initial negotiations will typically continue for 8 weeks.
7. Incentives – The City is also using an incentive program which is an increasingly
common practice by CDOT and other agencies. An incentive is money that is added to
the FMV that the landowner will receive if they accept the initial offer within 30 days. For lower cost acquisitions, the incentive will be a set amount. For higher cost acquisitions, the incentive will be a percentage of the acquisition based on a sliding scale. This program is intended to keep the project on schedule and reduces consultant costs by
reducing the amount of time spent negotiating back and forth. This program also tends to
limit the number of potential eminent domain cases.
8. Counteroffers – If the landowner presents a counteroffer with valid arguments, with or without an appraisal, that the just compensation needs to be higher, then those arguments will be considered during the ongoing negotiations.
9. Final Offer – If the initial negotiations are not successful, a final offer will be sent to the
landowner. The final offer would no longer include the incentive, but may include additional compensation as a result of the landowner’s counteroffers. The final offer advises the landowner that the negotiations will continue for two more weeks and that if no agreement is reached, the City may pursue using its power of eminent domain. Final
offers are expected to be submitted by the end of May 2020.
10. Last and Final Offer – If the final offer negotiations are not successful, a last and final offer will be made in an attempt to avoid filing an eminent domain petition. Last and final offers are expected to be submitted by mid-May 2020.
11. Council Action – If the last and final offers are not accepted within two weeks, then staff
will ask Council, likely in late June 2020, to approve a resolution for the authority to file
eminent domain on any outstanding properties. A resolution by Council is necessary because Council has not previously authorized the use of eminent domain.
12. Eminent Domain – Based on past experience with this large of a project and the large number and wide variety of landowners, it is likely that Staff will need to ask Council for
the authority to use eminent domain. A detailed description of eminent domain that is
similar to what was presented to Council on August 19, 2019 is included later in this memo.
ROW Acquisition Process – Full Acquisitions The ROW acquisition process for the two full acquisitions, Midas and Raliberto’s, began in early
April 2019 and followed the same steps outlined above. These two full acquisitions were started
early due the lengthy process to relocate the businesses. The initial offers, with incentives, were submitted in early September 2019. Because a consensual agreement was not reached with the
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 4 landowners during the initial negotiations, final offers were submitted at the end of October 2019. The status of the two full acquisitions is as follows:
Midas
The Midas property, which is owned by 5G Holdings, LLC (5G), is located at the northwest corner of the 38th/Wadsworth intersection. This property is being processed as a full acquisition because most of the parking will be removed and the proposed sidewalk will be very close to the Wadsworth facing garage doors, otherwise the building itself is not impacted.
5G and the Midas franchisee are the same entity, and they are represented by an eminent domain attorney. An agreement on the compensation for the Midas property was reached fairly quickly based on the value of the property and improvements. Midas’s appraisal was similar to the initial offer with the incentive. However, Midas was requesting additional compensation to cover its
potential losses associated with purchasing a replacement property and replacement business if
they purchased a new location with an existing business. The Uniform Relocation Act allows compensation for the property and improvements, but not for 100% of the losses associated with purchasing a replacement business. Fairly early in the negotiations, Midas’s attorney suggested that the City go ahead and file an eminent domain petition and then let that process decide the
compensation.
Recently Midas has indicated a desire to stay at the current location and work with the adjacent property owners to arrange for alternate access and replacement parking that would allow them to continue to function in spite of the impacts mentioned above. So the negotiations have been on hold until December 16, 2019, pending the outcome of that process. If Midas is successful, then
a partial acquisition will be pursued. If not, then a last and final offer letter will be prepared and
submitted on December 17, 2019. If the last and final offer is not accepted, then Council will be asked to approve a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain on January 13, 2020.
Raliberto’s The Raliberto’s property, which is owned by two individuals and two trusts, is located at 4084
Wadsworth Boulevard, on the east side of the road opposite 41st Avenue. The property is a full
acquisition because the traffic signal at 3 Acre Lane is being relocated to 41st Avenue and a new driveway/street connection is being constructed on the east side of Wadsworth to provide signalized access to the adjacent shopping center. The extension of 41st Avenue to the east impacts the existing building.
The appraisal that Raliberto’s provided was substantially higher, over 40%, than the City’s appraisal. Both parties feel that the other party’s appraisal methodology is flawed; therefore a consensual agreement has not been reached. The final offer was almost 10% higher than the initial offer.
Raliberto’s recently hired a local attorney to represent them in the negotiations. In order to provide time for her to become familiar with the case, the negotiations were put on hold. The attorney responded in early December 2019 rejecting the City’s final offer. Negotiations have restarted, but if an agreement is not reached by December 16, 2019, the City’s consultant will
submit a last and final offer letter on December 17, 2019. If the last and final offer is not
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 5 accepted, then Council will be asked to approve a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain on January 13, 2020.
Eminent Domain Below is a summary of eminent domain, presented in question and answer format that is similar to the discussion with Council on August 19, 2020.
What is it?
While eminent domain may have a negative stigma, it is simply a judicial process in which a neutral third party determines a property owner’s just compensation when the City requires ROW to benefit the general public interest. While staff acknowledges that eminent domain is a “tool of last resort”, it is a tool that is occasionally needed at times in implementing public
infrastructure projects.
What isn’t it? Eminent domain is often thought of as the City “taking” private property for a project. However, the City is prohibited by the federal and state constitutions (Amendment V of the U.S. Constitution; Article II, Section 15 of the Colorado Constitution) from “taking” property. The
City must acquire property for a project by paying just compensation.
Eminent domain does not decide whether or not the ROW in question will be acquired. That decision is made during project development, when the location and amount of needed ROW is determined. So for the Project, that need to acquire ROW started in 2009 when the Wadsworth
Subarea Plan was adopted by Council and was further established with the adoption of the
Wadsworth PEL in 2015. The location and amount of ROW has certainly changed as the design has progressed, but the only decision at hand during eminent domain is the just compensation. When is eminent domain used?
Eminent domain is most often used in the following scenarios:
1. Uncooperative Landowner – If the City and the landowner cannot agree on the just compensation amount, the eminent domain process decides that amount. If a case moves to eminent domain, the City Attorney will often contact the landowner and make one last attempt to reach a consensual agreement. Even in a case when a petition is filed, a
settlement is often reached by negotiations between the attorneys before the trial date.
In HDR staff’s experience, the majority of the acquisitions are resolved voluntarily, and eminent domain only needs to be pursued about 20% of the time. Of the cases that are pursued, virtually all are settled before trial, with less than 1% being resolved in a valuation trial.
2. Unresponsive Landowners – With large corporations, it is sometimes difficult to find the
right person within the organization who is empowered and willing to negotiate the acquisition. In these cases, filing an eminent domain petition and getting their attorneys involved is often the only way to get the correct contact to negotiate the acquisition.
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 6 3. Absentee Landowners – This scenario is rare, but there have been cases in which a landowner cannot be found by normal means or the landowner has died or may no longer
exist as an entity. Eminent domain is used to obtain the ROW through court action.
4. Other Interested Parties – Acquisition negotiations are between the City and the landowner. Once an agreement with the landowner is reached, the landowner often needs to obtain approval from any other party that has an interest in the property. If the landowner has not involved the other parties in the negotiations, occasionally an
interested party, like a major tenant at a shopping center or a mortgage holder on the
property, won’t agree with the landowner’s negotiated agreement. Eminent domain is used to obtain the ROW through court action.
How is eminent domain used? Eminent domain is used as a tool to prevent unnecessary delays in the project schedule by
resolving any outstanding necessary ROW acquisitions for a project. For the Project, the ROW
acquisitions are the critical path in moving the Project forward to construction. This is critical for the Project because of the deadlines imposed by DRCOG in relation to the federal funding. The Project has already received one “strike” from DRCOG due to the delay in starting the ROW acquisition process in 2018. The Project’s next deadline is to start construction by October 1,
2020 (advertised for bid). If that deadline is missed, that would represent “strike” two and then
the federal funding could be in jeopardy. The eminent domain process is as follows:
1. Eminent Domain Petition – The City Attorney prepares and files a petition. Any person
or entity with an interest in the property is listed as a party to the petition which is then
served on all parties and published.
2. Immediate Possession Hearing – An immediate possession (IP) hearing is then scheduled, which can be done within 30 days of the service of the petition. During the hearing, the City would then have to prove certain elements at the hearing in order to be awarded an
order of possession. One of those elements is that the City has satisfied the “good faith
negotiations” requirement.
3. Order of Possession – The City would pay an estimate of the just compensation to the landowner and would then be allowed to proceed with construction. Again, the eminent domain process determines the just compensation, not whether the acquisition moves
forward.
4. Valuation Trial – This is a court trial to determine the just compensation for the acquired ROW. The landowner has the choice of choosing either a jury trial or to have the case heard before a three person commission appointed by a judge. The process for a valuation trial typically is as follows:
a. City’s appraiser testifies to their estimate of just compensation. b. Landowner’s appraiser testifies to their estimate of just compensation. c. Jury or commission determines the final just compensation or award.
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 7 d. Court enters a rule and order conveying the parcels to the City after it pays the award to the landowner.
Who pays for what?
Eminent domain can be a costly process for the City to undertake and potentially for landowners. The costs are typically borne by the various parties as follows: 1. City pays for the ROW consultant time, City Attorney’s fees, and the preparation of any
exhibits or other costs necessary to present the City’s case.
2. City pays for all of the court costs, including the cost of a court reporter, commission’s fee, costs for copies and exhibits, etc.
3. Landowner pays for their attorney’s fees up front. State statute requires that the City reimburse the landowner’s attorney’s fees if the award from the trial is 30% higher than
the last written offer from the City.
What happens if eminent domain isn’t authorized? If using the City’s power of eminent domain is not authorized, there are three possible outcomes in order to move the project forward:
1. Overpay the landowners – This option has the following perception and budget
implications: a. Fairness to the other landowners that were cooperative with the City in acquiring the ROW.
b. Paying substantially more than the just compensation is not a good use of
taxpayer dollars. c. Unnecessarily increases the ROW costs.
2. Redesign the project around such landowners – This option has the following perception, schedule, and budget implications:
a. Avoiding one property will likely cause additional impacts to other properties. This may require renegotiation for ROW acquisitions that have already been completed. Again, this may give the impression that more cooperative landowners are being treated unfairly because of the uncooperative landowner.
b. Redesign will delay the project with having to redo work that has already been
completed, especially since the redesign will likely affect a much larger area then just the one property. This will likely delay the project by several months or more. c. For federally funded projects, a re-evaluation of the environmental impacts will
likely need to be done. This will likely delay the project by at least one year, but
potentially longer. d. Any of the above schedule delays could jeopardize the federal funding. e. Redesign will increase the consultant costs by potentially requiring additional survey, design, environmental, and acquisition work.
Wadsworth Widening ROW Acquisition Update
December 16, 2019
Page 8 f. Similar to the impact that occurred with minimizing impact to historical properties, design adjustments to avoid uncooperative landowners may result in
sub-standard features at that property as compared to the remainder of the
corridor.
3. Abandon and not build the project – This option has the following perception and budget impacts:
a. A no action alternative fails to address the necessary public purpose of the
project. b. All project expenditures, including project funding and taxpayer funds, are irrecoverable costs.
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager
DATE: December 11, 2019 (for December 16, 2019 Study Session)
SUBJECT: Noise Ordinance
ISSUE: The City occasionally receives complaints from residents concerning loud noises or sounds in the community. Most recently, the City has received complaints emanating from a manufacturing operation located in a planned industrial district and from a restaurant/bar located in a commercial
district. The current Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning unreasonable noise is qualitative in
nature and is limited in scope and difficult to prove in court because it does not set an objective level by which to measure noise. This issue was addressed with City Council at the September 23, 2019 special study session. Due to the fact that there was limited discussion at that study session and the Council now has four new councilmembers, Staff is requesting additional discussion and direction
from the current Council on this topic.
PRIOR ACTION: In 2005, City Council repealed the Disturbing the Peace Ordinance which was difficult to enforce as the only standard for noise enforcement was “sound at such a level, or at such an hour, as to disturb
the peace of any other person.” Council replaced it with the current Unnecessary Noise and
Disturbing the Peace Ordinance which subjects any noise/sound to a more objective standard, specifically that it will be deemed unreasonable any sound is audible twenty-five (25) or more feet from the noise or sound source. The ordinance also deals specifically with noise created in multi-unit dwellings and with trash truck pick-ups after 11:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. Finally, the ordinance
allows any member of the police department, who personally observes a violation, to serve as the
complaining party in the prosecution of such a violation (see Code Sec. 16-103 language below in the Background section of this memorandum).
In 2012, City Council again took up this topic after complaints of unreasonable noise emanating
from a restaurant/bar along 44th Avenue. An ordinance was drafted to amend the City’s existing
ordinance to create a special permit program for amplified sound at outdoor events on private property, set date and time limits and to provide a limited number of exemptions (see Attachment 6). There was some interest from Council at the time in applying a numeric decibel standard to enforce noise complaints. However, the final draft ordinance as presented to Council relied on a
“reasonableness” standard. The ordinance was postponed indefinitely at the public hearing on
August 27, 2012.
At the September 23, 2019 special study session, a similar version of this memorandum was presented to City Council at the request of Councilmember Dozeman and former Councilmember
Item No. 3
Mathews. Resident complaints concerning unreasonable noise emanating from a manufacturing
business in northwest Wheat Ridge prompted this request. After a brief discussion by City Council,
consensus was reached to direct Staff to draft an ordinance with a “hybrid” approach to enforce noise complaints using both qualitative and quantitative measures, depending on zoning district. BACKGROUND: The Acoustical Society of America has noted that “Cities try different tactics to regulate noise:
Survey of noise ordinances in nearly 500 of the largest communities in the U.S. shows there’s no set standard to preserving peace and quiet.” This database of noise ordinances include decibel-based standards, plainly audible standards, nuisance standards, quite zones and restrictions based on zoning, setbacks, time-of-day regulations, and outright bans on some noise sources. Many
communities rely on a combination of these regulatory approaches (see Attachments 1-5 as local
examples). However, noise ordinances across the country are typically characterized as “qualitative” or “quantitative”. Qualitative noise ordinances are based upon vague standards that proscribe noise characterized by
one or more adjectives, such as “unusual”, “unnecessary”, or “unreasonable”. This type of ordinance
may also define certain sound related activities or specific noise sources to be annoying or disturbing and thus a violation of the ordinance. The qualitative ordinance is generally subjective in nature, and is more likely to pose constitutional issues such as vagueness and is also more likely to be subject to enforcement at the discretion of local police and to non-uniform application.
Quantitative ordinances, on the other hand, proscribe noise-producing conduct by decibel levels, applying scientific standards of sound intensity and frequency. The quantitative ordinance is capable of providing non-discretionary, objective and predictable standards. Quantitative standards are more amendable to tailoring in order to meet the specific, unique needs of a local community. Following is
an illustration of common noise sources:
The current Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning unreasonable noise is qualitative in nature and is
limited in scope and difficult to prove in court because it does not set an objective level by which to measure noise. However, while decibel levels may be a more scientific measure of noise, they’re also difficult to enforce. Police Officers must be trained in the use of noise meters and they have to have their calibrated equipment with them to measure sound levels. Wheat Ridge Code of Laws Sec. 16-103. - Unreasonable noise; disturbing the peace.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or to permit or assist another
to make, continue or cause to be made, any unreasonable noise which, under all of the circumstances
presented, would annoy, injure or endanger the comfort, repose or peace of a person of ordinary sensitivities. The following noises and circumstances shall be deemed as prima facie unreasonable: (1) Any noise or sound which is audible twenty-five (25) or more feet from a mobile noise or sound source.
(2) Any noise or sound which is audible within a private residence that the person
responsible for the sound has no right to occupy, specifically including but not limited to apartments, common interest communities and other multiunit dwelling structures. (3) Any noise, sound source or any person or group of persons engaged in loud and continuing activities which are audible twenty-five (25) or more feet from the noise source or
at the property line of the property upon which the noise source is located or upon which
such activities are taking place, continuing for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes. (4) Any person performing or permitting the performance of trash pickup with a truck which has a compactor or the capacity to raise and dump dumpsters in any area zoned for residential uses between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For purposes of this paragraph, testimony
that the name of a business which holds itself out as being in the business of trash hauling
was written on the trash truck shall be prima facie evidence that the trash truck was owned by and under the control of the employer so identified. (b) Any member of the police department who personally observes a violation of this section may serve as the complaining party in the prosecution of such violation, regardless of whether the
officer's observation was initiated by the complaint of another party.
(c) Any activity or noise source conducted or caused by an activity conducted, sponsored or approved by the city shall be exempt from the requirements of this section. (Code 1977, § 14-44.2; Ord. No. 1346, § 1, 6-13-05)
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff reviewed over 50 noise ordinances from across the country. Every ordinance either uses a reasonableness standard (qualitative) or decibel standard (quantitative) but no hybrid approaches could be found. The following table is an example of sound level limits for a typical community utilizing a decibel standard.
Receiving Land Use Time Sound Level Limit (dB(A))
Residential 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. 60 50 Commercial 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. 70 60 Industrial At all times 80
Staff is requesting additional discussion and direction from City Council. ATTACHMENTS: 1. State of Colorado Noise Statute
2. Jefferson County Noise Abatement 3. City of Lakewood Noise Ordinance 4. City of Arvada Noise Ordinance 5. City of Golden Noise Ordinance
6. City of Wheat Ridge 2012 Draft Ordinance
Colorado Noise Statute
25-12-103 - Maximum permissible noise levels.
(1) Every activity to which this article is applicable shall be conducted in a manner so that any noise
produced is not objectionable due to intermittence, beat frequency, or shrillness. Sound levels of noise
radiating from a property line at a distance of twenty-five feet or more therefrom in excess of the
db(A) established for the following time periods and zones shall constitute prima facie evidence that
such noise is a public nuisance:
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to
Zone next 7:00 p.m. next 7:00 a.m.
Residential 55 db(A) 50 db(A)
Commercial 60 db(A) 55 db(A)
Light industrial 70 db(A) 65 db(A)
Industrial 80 db(A) 75 db(A)
(2) In the hours between 7:00 a.m. and the next 7:00 p.m., the noise levels permitted in subsection
(1) of this section may be increased by ten db(A) for a period of not to exceed fifteen minutes in any
one-hour period.
(3) Periodic, impulsive, or shrill noises shall be considered a public nuisance when such noises are
at a sound level of five db(A) less than those listed in subsection (1) of this section.
(4) This article is not intended to apply to the operation of aircraft or to other activities which are
subject to federal law with respect to noise control.
(5) Construction projects shall be subject to the maximum permissible noise levels specified for
industrial zones for the period within which construction is to be completed pursuant to any
applicable construction permit issued by proper authority or, if no time limitation is imposed, for a
reasonable period of time for completion of project.
(6)All railroad rights-of-way shall be considered as industrial zones for the purposes of this article,
and the operation of trains shall be subject to the maximum permissible noise levels specified for such
zone.
(7) This article is not applicable to the use of property for purposes of conducting speed or
endurance events involving motor or other vehicles, but such exception is effective only during the
ATTACHMENT 1
specific period of time within which such use of the property is authorized by the political subdivision
or governmental agency having lawful jurisdiction to authorize such use.
(8) For the purposes of this article, measurements with sound level meters shall be made when the
wind velocity at the time and place of such measurement is not more than five miles per hour.
(9) In all sound level measurements, consideration shall be given to the effect of the ambient noise
level created by the encompassing noise of the environment from all sources at the time and place of
such sound level measurement.
(10) This article is not applicable to the use of property for the purpose of manufacturing,
maintaining, or grooming machine-made snow. This subsection (10) shall not be construed to preempt
or limit the authority of any political subdivision having jurisdiction to regulate noise abatement.
(11) This article is not applicable to the use of property by this state, any political subdivision of this
state, or any other entity not organized for profit, including, but not limited to, nonprofit corporations,
or any of their lessees, licensees, or permittees, for the purpose of promoting, producing, or holding
cultural, entertainment, athletic, or patriotic events, including, but not limited to, concerts, music
festivals, and fireworks displays. This subsection (11) shall not be construed to preempt or limit the
authority of any political subdivision having jurisdiction to regulate noise abatement. Source:
L. 71: p. 648, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 66-35-3. L. 82: (10) added, p. 424, § 1, effective March 11. L. 87:
(11) added, p. 1154, § 1, effective May 20.
Am. Jur.2d. See 61A Am. Jur.2d, Pollution Control, § 267.
Residential development of property is not precluded when noise emanating onto property
exceeds limits set forth in this section. Einarsen v. City of Wheat Ridge, 43 Colo. App. 232, 604 P.2d
691 (1979).
Trier of fact to determine mode to use in measuring noise. Davis v. Izaak Walton League of
America, 717 P.2d 984 (Colo. App. 1985).
Applied in City of Lakewood v. DeRoos, 631 P.2d 1140 (Colo. App. 1981).
Policy No. Part 3, Regulations Chapter 1, Noise Section 1
Title: Regulatory Policy Noise Abatement
Effective Date April 24, 2007
Policy Custodian Sheriff’s Office Adoption/Revision Date April 24, 2007
Adopting Resolution(s): CC07-202
References (Statutes/Resos/Policies): BCC MINUTES 4/20/93; Jefferson County Zoning Resolution; §25-12-101, §16-2-201 C.R.S.; CC88-553, CC92-692, CC05-399
Purpose: To protect the peace, health, safety and welfare of Jefferson County citizens from excessive, unnecessary and unreasonable noise.
Policy: Noise Abatement
A.Definitions. As used in this Regulation, the following words shall mean:
1.“Residential Zone" means an area of single or multi-family dwellings where businesses may ormay not be conducted in such dwellings. The zone includes areas where multiple unit dwellings,high-rise apartment districts, and redevelopment districts are located. A residential zone mayinclude areas containing limited accommodations for transients such as motels and hotels andresidential areas with limited office development, but it may not include retail shopping facilities."Residential zone" includes educational facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and similarinstitutions, and parks and open space. Undeveloped areas adjacent to residential zones shall bedeemed to be residential zones for purposes of this Regulation, notwithstanding the zone districtclassification of the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution.
2."Commercial Business Zone" means an area where offices, clinics and the facilities needed toserve them are located; an area with local shopping and service establishments located withinwalking distances of the residents served; a tourist-oriented area where hotels, motels andgasoline stations are located; a large integrated regional shopping center; a business strip alonga main street containing offices, retail businesses, and commercial enterprises; a centralbusiness district; or a commercially dominated area with limited multiple unit dwellings.
3."Industrial and Manufacturing Zone" means an area where manufacturing, processing orfabrication of any commodity, storage and warehousing, wholesale sales of equipment, suppliesand materials, repair, rental and servicing of commodities, research laboratories, motor vehiclerepair and servicing, and similar activities are conducted.
4."Vehicle" means any device which is capable of moving itself, or being moved, from place toplace upon wheels or endless tracks; but such term shall not include any farm tractor or anyimplement of husbandry designed primarily or exclusively for use and used in agriculturaloperations or any device moved by muscular power, or moved exclusively over stationary rails ortracks or designed to move primarily through the air.
5."Motorcycle" means every vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contactwith the ground, but not including trail bikes, dirt bikes, minibikes, go-carts, golf carts, and similarvehicles which are not designed or approved for use on public roads and highways.
6."Muffler" means a device consisting of a series of chamber or baffle plates or other mechanicaldesign for the purpose of receiving exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and effectivein reducing noise.
7."dB(A)" means sound levels in decibels measured on the "A" scale of a standard sound levelmeter having characteristics defined by the American National Standards Institute, PublicationS1.4-1971.
ATTACHMENT 2
8. "Ambient noise level" means the lowest sound level repeating itself during a six-minute period as measured with a sound level meter. The minimum sound level shall be determined with the noise source at issue silent, and in the same location as the measurement of the noise level of the source at issue. B. Excessive Sound Levels Prohibited 1. No person shall operate any type of vehicle, machine, or device, or carry on any activity, or promote or facilitate the carrying on of any activity which makes sound in excess of the level specified in the Permissive Noise Levels Section. 2. Exceptions apply to: a. The use of property for purposes of conducting speed or endurance events involving motor or other vehicles, but such exception is effective only during the specific period of time within which such use of the property is authorized by the political subdivision or governmental agency having lawful jurisdiction to authorize such use. b. The use of property for the purpose of manufacturing, maintaining, or grooming machine-made snow. c. The use of property by this state, any political subdivision of this state, or any other entity not organized for profit, including, but not limited to, nonprofit corporations, or any of their lessees, licensees, or permittees, for the purpose of promoting, producing, or holding cultural, entertainment, athletic, or patriotic events, including, but not limited to, concerts, music festivals, and fireworks displays. d. Property used for manufacturing, industrial, or commercial business purposes. e. Public utilities regulated pursuant to title 40, C.R.S. f. Oil and gas production subject to the provisions of article 60 of title 34, C.R.S. g. Any authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency. h. The sound made within the terms of a fireworks display permit. i. The sound made by animals. j. The sound made by the sounding of the horn of any vehicle as a danger warning signal or by the sounding of any warning device as required by law. 3. This Regulation shall not be construed to conflict with the right of any person to maintain a private action in equity to abate a noise nuisance under the laws of the state. C. Measurement of Sound Levels 1. Sound from a vehicle operating on a public road or highway shall be measured at a distance of fifty feet from the center of the lane of travel. 2. Sound from a vehicle operating on private property or public property which is not a road or highway shall be measured twenty-five feet from the dwelling unit nearest the sound source at issue. 3. Sound from a non-vehicular source shall be measured twenty-five feet from a property line. 4. The noise shall be measured on the "A" weighing scale on sound level meter of standard design and quality and having characteristics established by the American National Standards Institute, Publication S1.4- 1971.
5. For purposes of this Regulation, measurements with sound level meters shall be made when the wind velocity at the time and place of such measurement is not more than five miles per hour, or twenty-five (25) miles per hour with a wind screen. 6. In all sound level measurements, consideration shall be given to the effect of the ambient noise level created by the encompassing noise of the environment from all sources at the time and place of such sound level measurement. D. Permissive Noise Levels 1. Sound from a vehicle being operated on a public road or highway with the following speed limits shall not exceed the following as measured on the "A" weighting scale dBA:
Type of vehicle Speed limit of 35 mph or less Speed limit of more than 35 mph Motorcycle manufactured before January 1, 1973 82 dBA 86 dBA Motorcycle manufactured on or after Jan. 1, 1973 80 dBA 84 dBA Vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle rating of ten thousand lbs. or more, and any combination of vehicle towed by such vehicle
86 dBA 88 dBA
All other vehicles 80 dBA 84 dBA
2. Sound from a vehicle being operated on private property or public property which is not a road or highway shall not exceed the following as measured on the "A" weighting scale dBA: All vehicles 78 dBA 3. Sound from a non-vehicular source located in a residential zone, shall not exceed the following limits:
7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. 55 dB(A)
7:00 P.M. until 7:00 A.M. of the same day of the following day
50 dB(A)
4. Periodic, impulsive, or shrill noises are hereby declared unlawful when such noises are at or above a sound level of five dB(A) less than those listed in this Section. 5. Construction projects in residential zones shall be subject to the following permissible noise levels for the period within which construction is to be completed pursuant to any applicable construction permit issued by proper authority, or if no time limitation is imposed, then for a reasonable period of time for completion of project.
7:00 A.M. until 7:00 P.M. 80 dB(A)
7:00 P.M. until 7:00 A.M. of the same day of the following day 75 dB(A)
E. Vehicle Muffler Required 1. No person shall operate any where in unincorporated Jefferson County any vehicle that is not equipped with a muffler in constant operation. 2. No person shall operate any vehicle on which a muffler is not properly maintained to prevent any noise in excess of the noise emitted when the muffler was originally installed by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
3. Muffler modification prohibited. No person shall operate any where in unincorporated Jefferson County any vehicle having a muffler that has been equipped or modified with a cutoff, bypass, or any similar device or modification. F. Violations, Penalty. 1. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Regulation commits a Class 2 Petty Offense. 2. All charges and proceeding relating to any violation of this Regulation may be cited for compliance with the penalty assessment procedures pursuant to Section 16-2-201, C.R.S., and as set forth herein. All persons who acknowledge guilt or are found guilty shall be punishable by a fine of $30.00 for each separate offense, plus customary court costs when applicable. A graduated fine schedule is to apply: a $30.00 increase for each recurring offense, beginning at $30.00 to a maximum of $300.00.
9.52.010
9-77 (Lakewood 02/24/2018)
Chapter 9.52
NOISE*
Sections: I. Short Title, Policy and General Definitions9.52.010 Short title.
9.52.020 Declaration of policy. 9.52.030 Definitions.
II. Prohibited Noise-General Prohibition9.52.040 Unlawful to make. 9.52.050 Unlawful noises generally. 9.52.060 Bells and chimes. 9.52.070 Radios, television sets, phonographs and similar devices-Use restricted. 9.52.080 Animals or birds. 9.52.090 Exhausts-Mufflers. 9.52.100 Defect in vehicle or load. 9.52.110 Quiet zone. 9.52.120 Dynamic braking devices. 9.52.130 Truck loading.
III. Prohibited Noise-Sound Level Standards9.52.140 Construction activities. 9.52.150 Power equipment. 9.52.155 Temporary exemption from ordinance.
IV. Amplified Sound9.52.160 Amplified sound. 9.52.170 Application for permit to use sound-amplifying equipment in a motor vehicle. 9.52.190 Permit issuance.
*Prior ordinance history: Ords. O-85-13.
ATTACHMENT 3
9.52.010
(Lakewood 02/24/2018) 9-78
I. Short Title, Policy and General Definitions 9.52.010 Short title. This chapter shall be known as the Lakewood noise control ordinance. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.020 Declaration of policy.
It is declared that at certain levels, noise is detrimental to public health, comfort, convenience, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city. This chapter is enacted to protect, preserve and promote the health, welfare, peace and quiet of the citizens of Lakewood through the reduction, prohibition and regulation of noise. It is the intent of this chapter to establish and provide for sound levels that will eliminate unreasonable and excessive noise, reduce community noise, promote a comfortable enjoyment of life, property and conduct of business, and prevent sound levels which are physically harmful and detrimental to individuals and the community. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.030 Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this chapter. “Commercial district” means the following: (A) an area where offices, clinics and the facilities
needed to serve them are located; (B) an area with local shopping and service establishments; (C) a tourist-oriented area where hotels, motels and gasoline stations are located; (D) a business strip along a main street containing offices, retail businesses and commercial
enterprises; (E) other commercial enterprises and activities which do not involve the manufacturing, processing or fabrication of any commodity. “Commercial district” includes, but is not limited to, any parcel of land zoned as a convenience commercial district, a neighborhood commercial district, a community commercial district, a commercial district, a large lot commercial district or an office district, under the zoning ordinance of the city. “Commercial purpose” means and includes the use, operation or maintenance of any sound or amplifying equipment, for the purpose of advertising any business, any goods or any services, or for the purpose of attracting the attention of the public to or advertising for or soliciting the patronage of customers to or for any performance, show, entertainment, exhibition or event, or for the purpose of demonstrating any such sound equipment. “Construction activities” means any and all activity incidental to the erection, demolition, assembling, altering, installing or equipping of buildings, structures, roads or appurtenances thereto, including land clearing, grading, excavating and filling. “Continuous noise” means a steady, fluctuating or impulsive noise which exists, essentially
without interruption, for a period of ten minutes or more, with an accumulation of an hour or more during a period of eight hours. “Device” means any mechanism which is intended to produce or which actually produces
sound when operated or handled. “Dynamic braking device” means a device used primarily on trucks for the conversion of the motor from an internal combustion engine to an air compressor for the purpose of braking
without the use of wheel brakes. “Emergency work” is work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity, or work required to protect persons or property from an imminent exposure to danger or potential danger.
9.52.030
9-79 (Lakewood 02/24/2018)
“Industrial district” means an area in which enterprises and activities which involve the
manufacturing, processing or fabrication of any commodity are located. “Industrial district”
includes, but is not limited to, any parcel of land zoned as an industrial district or a planned development district with uses permitted in an industrial district under the zoning ordinance of the city. “Motor vehicle” means any vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a passenger vehicle, truck, truck-trailer, trailer or semi-trailer, propelled or drawn by mechanical power, and includes motorcycles, snowmobiles, minibikes, go-carts and any other vehicle which is self-propelled. “Muffler” means any apparatus consisting of a series of chambers or baffle plates designed for the purpose of transmitting gases while reducing sound emanating from such apparatus. “Noncommercial purpose” means the use, operation or maintenance of any sound-
amplifying equipment for other than a commercial purpose. “Noncommercial purpose” means and includes, but is not limited to, philanthropic, political, patriotic and charitable purposes. “Residential district” means an area of single or multiple-family dwellings and includes areas where multiple-unit dwellings, high-rise apartments and high-density residential districts are
located. “Residential district” also includes, but is not limited to, hospitals, nursing homes,
homes for the aged, schools, courts and similar institutional facilities. “Residential district” includes, but is not limited to, land zoned as a large lot residential district, a small lot residential district, a duplex residential district, a high-density residential district, a medium-density
residential district, or a mobile home residential district under the zoning ordinance of the city. “Sound-amplifying equipment” means any machine or device for the amplification of a human voice, music or any other sound, or by which the human voice, music or any other sound
is amplified. “Unreasonable noise” means any excessive or unusually loud sound, or any sound which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or causes damage to any property or business. (Ord. O-94-33 § 32 & 33, 1994; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986).
9.52.040
(Lakewood 02/24/2018) 9-80
II. Prohibited Noise-General Prohibition 9.52.040 Unlawful to make. No person shall knowingly make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any unreasonable noise within the city. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.050 Unlawful noises generally.
The following acts, enumerated in Sections 9.52.060 through 9.52.160, are declared to cause unreasonable noises in violation of this chapter; provided, however, that the following enumeration is not in limitation of Section 9.52.040, and is not exclusive. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.060 Bells and chimes.
No person shall use, operate, cause or permit to be sounded any bell or chime, or any device for the production or reproduction of the sounds of bells or chimes, from any church, clock or school, between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and seven a.m. of the following day.
(Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.070 Radios, television sets, phonographs and similar devices-Use restricted.
It is unlawful for any person to use, operate or permit to be played any radio receiving set, musical instrument, television, phonograph, drum or other machine or device for the production or reproduction of sound in such a manner as to cause any unreasonable noise. (Ord. O-94-33
§ 34, 1994; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.080 Animals or birds. No person shall keep or maintain or permit the keeping of, on any premises owned, occupied or controlled by such person, any animal or bird otherwise permitted to be kept, which by frequent or habitual howling, barking, meowing, squawking or other noise unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or causes discomfort or annoyance to any person. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.090 Exhausts-Mufflers. No person shall discharge into the open air the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, air compressor equipment, motorboat, motor vehicle or other power device, which is not equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any unreasonable noise, and no such muffler or exhaust system shall be
modified or used with a cutoff, bypass or similar device. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.100 Defect in vehicle or load.
It is unlawful for any person to operate, or cause or permit to be operated or used, any automobile, truck, motorcycle or other motor vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such a manner as to cause any unreasonable noise. (Ord. O-94-33 § 35, 1994; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part),
1986).
9.52.110
9-81 (Lakewood 02/24/2018)
9.52.110 Quiet zone. The creation of any unreasonable noise is prohibited within the vicinity of any school,
institution of learning, church or court while the same is in use or session, which unreasonably interferes with the workings of such institution, or within the vicinity of any hospital, nursing home or home for the aged, or which disturbs or unduly annoys patients in the hospital or residents in the nursing home or home for the aged, provided conspicuous signs are displayed in adjacent, surrounding or contiguous streets indicating that the same is a school, hospital, nursing home, home for the aged, church or court. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.120 Dynamic braking devices.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle with a dynamic braking device engaged which is not properly muffled. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.130 Truck loading. No person shall load any garbage, trash or compactor truck, or any other truck, whereby the loading, unloading or handling of boxes, crates, equipment or other objects is conducted within
a residential district or within three hundred feet of any hotel, motel, or residential district between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and seven a.m. of the following day. (Ord. O-2001-34 § 5; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986).
9.52.140
(Lakewood 02/24/2018) 9-82
III. Prohibited Noise-Sound Level Standards 9.52.140 Construction activities. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall engage in, cause or permit any person to be engaged in construction activities in any residential or commercial district between the hours of nine p.m. of one day and six a.m. of the following day. Construction activities directly connected with the abatement of an emergency are excluded from the provisions of this section. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.150 Power equipment.
No person shall operate or permit to be operated on any private property, or on the public way within any residential or commercial district(s), any power equipment used for home or building repair or grounds maintenance, or any construction equipment used for construction activities, between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and seven a.m. of the next day. Such power equipment shall include, but not be limited to, lawn mowers, garden tools, snow removal equipment, electric or chain saws, pavement breakers, log chippers, riding tractors, or powered
hand tools. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.155 Temporary exemption from ordinance.
A. Applications for a temporary exemption from the provisions of Sections 9.52.140 and 9.52.150 shall be made to the City Manager or his designee. B. In approving or denying a temporary exemption, consideration shall be given to effective
dates, hours of operation, type of noise, location, loudness, equipment noise characteristics and public health, safety and welfare. C. Any temporary exemption approved hereunder may provide for, without limitation, a public information program prior to construction, restrictions on effective dates, hours of operation, type of noise, location, loudness, and equipment type relating to that particular activity giving rise to the relief requested. D. The City Manager shall promptly notify the City Council of each temporary exemption approved. (Ord. O-92-4 § 1, 1992).
9.52.160
9-83 (Lakewood 02/24/2018)
IV. Amplified Sound 9.52.160 Amplified sound. A. No person shall use or operate any loudspeaker, public address system, or other sound-amplifying equipment for the purpose of giving instructions, directions, talks, addresses or lectures, or for transmitting music or sound to any persons or assemblages of persons, between the hours of ten p.m. of one day and seven a.m. of the following day, in such a manner as to be plainly audible at the property line. The intensity and loudness of any amplified sound, which is transmitted between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. of one day, shall not be unreasonable. B. No person shall use or operate any loudspeaker, public address system, or other sound-amplifying equipment in a motor vehicle in such a manner as to be plainly audible at twenty-five feet from the motor vehicle, unless a permit has been issued by the City Clerk pursuant to Section 9.52.190 which allows such amplification. If such a permit has been issued, the intensity and loudness of any amplified sound, which is transmitted between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. of one day, shall not be unreasonable.
C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any bell or chime or any device for the production or reproduction of the sound of bells or chimes from any church, clock or school. D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to sound made on property owned by,
controlled by, or leased to the city, the federal government, or to any branch, subdivision, institution or agency of the government of this state or any political subdivision within it, and when such sound is made by an activity of the governmental body or sponsored by it or by
others pursuant to the terms of a contract, lease, or permit granted by such governmental body. (Ord. O-2002-16 § 1, 2002; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986). 9.52.170 Application for permit to use sound-amplifying equipment in a motor vehicle. Any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring to use or operate any loudspeaker, public address system, or other sound-amplifying equipment in or from a motor vehicle for either commercial or noncommercial purposes must first obtain a permit from the City Clerk. The permit may authorize the use or operation of such sound-amplifying equipment between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. of one day. The application for the permit shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall provide the following information: A. The name, address and telephone number of both the owner and the user of the sound-amplifying equipment; B. The license number of the motor vehicle which is to be used; C. The general description of the sound-amplifying equipment which is to be used;
D. Whether the sound-amplifying equipment will be used for commercial or noncommercial purposes; and E. The dates upon which and the streets over which the equipment is proposed to be
operated. (Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986).
9.52.190
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9.52.190 Permit issuance. Permits required by Sections 9.52.170 may be issued by the City Clerk if the City Clerk finds
that the conditions of motor vehicle movement or pedestrian movement are such that the use of the equipment will not constitute an unreasonable interference with traffic safety, that the applicant will not violate the hour restrictions of the permit, and that the use of the sound-amplifying equipment will not disturb the peace and quiet of any neighborhood. An applicant may appeal the denial of a permit by the City Clerk to the City Manager if such appeal is filed in writing with the City Manager within seven days of the denial of said permit by the City Clerk. The City Manager or his designee shall conduct any hearing and/or review of the denial of the permit request, and his decision shall be final. The City Manager may promulgate rules and regulations or procedures to govern any such hearing and/or review. (Ord. O-2002-16 § 3, 2002; Ord. O-86-42 § 1 (part), 1986).
DIVISION 2. - NOISES REGULATED
Sec. 38-61. - Prohibitions—General.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any excessive or unusually loud noise, or to create a noise disturbance within the limits of the city.
(Code 1981, § 19-11; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Sec. 38-62. - Same—Specific.
The following acts, among others, are declared to be in violation of this chapter and unlawful, but this enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive:
(1) Alarms and bells. Sounding, operating, or permitting the sounding or operation for more than five minutes, or between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., of any electronically amplified
signal from any bell or chime from any clock, school, church, or governmental building.
(2) Construction activities. Between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., no person shall operate,
or cause to be used or operated, any equipment used in construction activities within any residential or business district. Construction projects shall be subject to the maximum permissible noise level specified for light industrial districts for the period within which construction is to be completed pursuant to any applicable building permit.
(3) Fireworks or explosives. The using of explosives, fireworks, or other devices which create impulsive noise between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or in such manner as to cause a
noise disturbance.
(4) Horns and signaling devices.
a. Sounding of any horn or signaling device on any truck, automobile, motorcycle, emergency vehicle or other vehicle on any street or public place of the city except as a danger warning
signal or as provided in "The Model Traffic Code."
b. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the sounding of horns in the customary practice of celebrating weddings or in celebrating the victory of an Arvada sports event, such as a football game, so long as such sounding of horns is within two hours of the completion of any such event.
(5) Loading operations. Loading, unloading, opening, or otherwise handling boxes, crates,
containers, garbage containers, or other objects in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(6) Loudspeakers, exterior.
a. Using or operating a loudspeaker or sound amplifying equipment in a fixed or movable
position or mounted upon any motor vehicle upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park, place, public or private property without first obtaining a permit.
b. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to emergency vehicles when such emergency vehicles are responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual suspected violator of the law, or when responding to but not returning from a fire alarm.
c. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any bell or chime or any device for the
production of the sound of bells or chimes from any church, clock, or school so long as such sounds comply with sections 38-62(1) and 38-91.
(7) Peddlers and hawkers. Selling anything by outcry within any area of the city zoned primarily for residential uses. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed as prohibiting the
ATTACHMENT 4
selling by outcry of merchandise, food, and beverages at licensed sporting events, parades, fairs, circuses, and other similar licensed public entertainment events.
(8) Radios, television sets, and similar devices.
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, operate, or permit to be played, any radio receiving set, musical instrument, television, phonograph, drum, or other machine or device that produces or reproduces sound in such a manner as to be plainly audible at
either the property boundary of the source of sound or through a party wall, ceiling, or floor within a building or plainly audible at 25 feet from such device when operated within a
moving or parked vehicle.
b. Organized practices and performances of senior high school groups shall be exempt from this section 38-62(8).
c. Special events for which a special event permit is obtained from the city in accordance with
the provisions of section 5.17 of article 5 of the Arvada Zoning Ordinance shall be exempt from this section 38-62(8).
(9) Recreational activities, nonvehicular. The flying of model aircraft powered by internal combustion engines, whether tethered or not; or the firing or operation of model rockets or other
similar noise producing devices between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance.
(10) Vehicles, repairs or testing. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing any truck, automobile, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance or violate
the provisions of section 38-62(11).
(11) Vehicles, standing. Operating, or permitting the operation of any motor vehicle in excess of
10,000 pounds, manufacturers gross vehicle weight, or any attached auxiliary equipment, for a consecutive period longer than ten minutes while such a vehicle is standing on a public right-of-
way in a residential district or is on private property in a residential zone and is not within a completely enclosed structure.
(12) Motorcycles. No person shall, nor shall the owner allow any person to operate a motorcycle manufactured after December 31, 1982, that is not equipped with an exhaust muffler bearing
the federal Environmental Protection Agency required labeling applicable to the motorcycle's model year, as set out in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Volume 24, Part 205,
Subpart D and Subpart E, as may be from time to time amended. Said label shall be affixed to the exhaust muffler in such a manner as to be readily visible.
a. For purposes of enforcement of subsection (12), police officers may establish or determine reasonable suspicion to stop a motorcycle based on any relevant facts and circumstances
concerning the unusually loud or excessive nature of the noise created or emitted by the motorcycle. This determination may be based upon, but need not be limited to, a
consideration of the following factors:
(i) The time of day;
(ii) The proximity of the motorcycle creating or emitting the noise to any residential area, assisted living facility, nursing or care home, hospital, or public or private school;
(iii) Any unusual quality associated with the noise such as, but not limited to, a loud grating, grinding, rattling, or whining sound; or
(iv) Any other factors tending to show the magnitude or disruptive effect of the noise.
b. Notwithstanding the language of subsection (12)a., a peace officer may enforce subsection
(12) when an accident involving a motorcycle occurs, following any lawful traffic stop or contact, or during any traffic investigation.
c. Testimony of the failure by any owner or operator of a motorcycle to immediately demonstrate the presence of an EPA noise label as required in subsection (12), when
requested to do so by a peace officer, shall constitute prima facie evidence, at a trial concerning a violation charged under subsection (12), that the owner or operator of the
motorcycle violated subsection (12).
(Code 1981, § 19-12; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985; Ord. No. 3171, § 1, 3-20-1995; Ord. No. 3282, § 1, 11-25-1996; Ord. No. 3729, § 1, 12-3-2001; Ord. No. 4164, 4-20-2009 )
Sec. 38-63. - Emergencies.
Noise caused in the performance of emergency work for the immediate safety, health, or welfare of the community or individuals of the community, or to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
permit law enforcement, ambulance, fire or other emergency personnel to make excessive noise in the performance of their duties when such noise is clearly unnecessary.
(Code 1981, § 19-13; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Sec. 38-64. - Public events.
(a) An application for a permit to hold a public event which may violate the provisions of this chapter and which does not constitute a special event, as that term is defined by the provisions of the Arvada Zoning Ordinance, shall be made to the city manager or his duly authorized representative. Such permit shall be valid only at the specific times, dates, and conditions noted in the permit. An application for a permit to hold a public event which may violate the provisions of this chapter and which constitutes a special event shall be made in accordance with the provisions of section 5.17 of article 5 of the Arvada Zoning Ordinance.
(b) A permit shall be deemed granted in the case of the Arvada Harvest Festival Parade and no further application will be necessary.
(Code 1981, § 19-14; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985; Ord. No. 3282, § 2, 11-25-1996)
Sec. 38-65. - Exceptions.
Noise caused in the maintenance, construction, repair, or improvement of any public road or public facility by public employees, by any person acting pursuant to a public works contract, or by any person
acting under the direction or control of an employee of any public agency, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
(Code 1981, § 19-15; Ord. No. 3171, § 3, 3-20-1995)
Secs. 38-66—38-90. - Reserved.
DIVISION 3. - COMMUNITY NOISE LEVELS
Sec. 38-91. - Maximum permissible continuous sound pressure levels—General.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause or permit to be operated any stationary source of noise which creates a sound pressure level that exceeds the limits set forth in Table I for more than 90
percent of any measurement period. This measurement shall not be less than ten minutes when measured at the property boundary or at any point within the property affected by the noise.
TABLE I. SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL LIMIT dB(A)
Day Night
Use District 7:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m.
Residential 55 50
Commercial 60 55
Light
industrial 70 65
Heavy
industrial 75 75
Noise levels for any PUD shall conform with this table, and shall be determined by the predominant land use as set forth in the PUD plan. This section shall not apply to property zoned PUD-CC.
(Code 1981, § 19-20; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985; Ord. No. 3017, § 3, 11-15-1993)
Sec. 38-92. - Same—PUD-CC.
For property zoned PUD-CC, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause or permit to be operated any stationary source of noise which creates a sound pressure level that exceeds the limits set
forth in table II for more than 90 percent of any measurement period. This measurement shall not be less than ten minutes when measured at the property boundary or at any point within the property affected by
the noise.
TABLE II. PUD-CC SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL LIMIT dB(A)
Day Night
PUD-CC
Subdistrict
7:00 a.m.—
9:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.—
7:00 a.m.
A 75 75
B 55 50
C 60 55
D 55 50
E 60 55
(Code 1981, § 19-20.1; Ord. No. 3017, § 3, 11-15-1993)
Sec. 38-93. - District boundaries.
When a noise source can be identified and its noise is measured in more than one use district, the sound pressure level limits of the most restrictive use district shall apply at that district boundary.
(Code 1981, § 19-21; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Sec. 38-94. - Duration correction.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or permit to be operated any stationary source of noise within any land use category which creates a fluctuating noise or is intermittent and creates a tenth percentile noise level which is more than 15 dB(A) greater than the ambient noise level, measured when the source is quiet, but in no case shall the tenth percentile level exceed 70 dB(A) in residential land use categories.
(Code 1981, § 19-22; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Sec. 38-95. - Correction for character of sound.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause or permit to be operated any stationary source of noise which emits a pure tone, cyclically varying noise or repetitively impulsive noise which exceeds
five dB(A) less than the limits set in section 38-91.
(Code 1981, § 19-23; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Sec. 38-96. - Exemption for school bands.
The performance of any senior high school or junior high school band shall be exempt from the sound pressure level standards of this chapter.
(Code 1981, § 19-24; Ord. No. 2208, § 1, 9-16-1985)
Secs. 38-97—38-120. - Reserved.
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CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ___________
Council Bill No. _______
Ordinance No. _________ Series 2012
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 16-103 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE
CODE OF LAWS CONCERNING UNREASONABLE NOISE
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge, acting through its City Council, has authority under Article XX of the Colorado Constitution, its Home Rule Charter and C.R.S. 31-15-101 et seq. to adopt and enforce requirements for the protection of public health, safety
and welfare; and
WHEREAS, in the exercise of this authority, the Council has previously adopted Section 16-103 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning unreasonable noise; and
WHEREAS, the Council wishes to provide an opportunity for amplified sound on private property, subject to conditions imposed to protect the interests of the surrounding
neighborhood.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Section 16-103, entitled “Unreasonable noise; disturbing the peace” of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws is amended to read as follows:
(a) DEFINITIONS. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS INDICATED:
AMPLIFIED SOUND SHALL MEAN THE OUTDOOR USE OR OPERATION
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY OF ANY LOUDSPEAKER, PUBLIC ADDRESS
SYSTEM, OR OTHER SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF GIVING INSTRUCTIONS, DIRECTIONS, TALKS, ADDRESSES OR LECTURES, OR FOR TRANSMITTING MUSIC OR SOUND TO ANY PERSONS OR ASSEMBLAGES OF PERSONS.
AMPLIFIED SOUND SHALL NOT INCLUDE SOUND WHICH IS NOT
AUDIBLE TWENTY-FIVE (25) OR MORE FEET FROM THE PROPERTY LINE OF THE PROPERTY UPON WHICH THE SOUND SOURCE IS LOCATED.
SOUND-AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT SHALL MEAN ANY MACHINE OR
DEVICE FOR THE AMPLIFICATION OF A HUMAN VOICE, MUSIC OR ANY
OTHER SOUND, OR BY WHICH THE HUMAN VOICE, MUSIC OR ANY OTHER SOUND IS AMPLIFIED.
ATTACHMENT 6
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UNREASONABLE NOISE SHALL MEAN ANY EXCESSIVE OR UNUSUALLY LOUD SOUND, OR ANY SOUND WHICH DISTURBS THE
PEACE AND QUIET OF ANY NEIGHBORHOOD OR CAUSES DAMAGE TO
ANY PROPERTY OR BUSINESS.
AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT SHALL MEAN AN OUTDOOR EVENT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AT WHICH AMPLIFIED SOUND IS PERMITTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
EVENT LOCATION SHALL MEAN THE REAL PROPERTY AT WHICH AN
AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT IS HELD, EXTENDING TO THE EXTERIOR PROPERTY LINES THEREOF. IN THE CASE OF A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD “BLOCK PARTY” OR SIMILAR FUNCTION, THE EVENT LOCATION SHALL BE THE PUBLIC STREET USED FOR THE EVENT.
(b) UNREASONABLE NOISE: GENERALLY
It is unlawful for any person to INTENTIONALLY, KNOWINGLY, OR RECKLESSLY make, continue or cause to be made or to permit or assist another to make, continue or cause to be made, any unreasonable noise which, under all of the circumstances presented, would annoy, injure or
endanger the comfort, repose or peace of a person of ordinary sensitivities.
The following noises and circumstances shall be deemed as prima facie unreasonable IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ABOVE STANDARDS:
(1) Any noise or sound which is audible twenty-five (25) or more feet from a mobile noise or sound source or from any loudspeaker,
public address system, or other sound amplifying equipment in a
motor vehicle in such a manner as to be plainly audible at twenty-five (25) feet.
(2) Any noise or sound which is audible within a private residence that the person responsible for the sound has no right to occupy,
specifically including but not limited to apartments, common interest
communities and other multiunit dwelling structures.
(3) Any noise, sound source or any person or group of persons engaged in loud and continuing activities which are audible twenty-five (25) or more feet from the noise source IN ANY RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT, AND FIFTY (50) OR MORE FEET FROM THE NOISE
SOURCE IN ANY COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT or at the property line of the property upon which the noise source is located or upon which such activities are taking place, continuing for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes.
(4) Any person performing or permitting the performance of trash
pickup with a truck which has a compactor or the capacity to raise and dump dumpsters in any area zoned for residential uses between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For purposes of this paragraph, testimony that the name of a business which holds itself
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out as being in the business of trash hauling was written on the trash truck shall be prima facie evidence that the trash truck was
owned by and under the control of the employer so identified.
(c) AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT: PERMIT REQUIRED AN OUTDOOR AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IS PERMITTED UNDER THIS SECTION UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
(1) THE EVENT SPONSOR MUST APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE AN
ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT FOR THE EVENT, ON FORMS PROVIDED BY THE CITY CLERK.
(2) THE APPLICATION SHALL BE APPROVED, APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, OR DENIED BY THE CITY MANAGER, AFTER REVIEW
BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ANY OTHER CITY
DEPARTMENT AS APPROPRIATE.
(3) NO AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT PERMIT MAY BE ISSUED FOR AN EVENT OUTSIDE OF THE HOURS OF 9:00 AM AND 9:00 PM SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY AND 9:00 AM AND 10:00 PM FRIDAY AND
SATURDAY. WITHIN THIS TIME RANGE, AMPLIFIED SOUND
EVENTS MAY BE LIMITED IN DURATION AS DETERMINED BY THE CITY MANAGER.
(4) THE CITY MANAGER MAY LIMIT THE NUMBER OF AMPLIFIED SOUND PERMITS PER CALENDAR YEAR THAT MAY BE ISSUED
FOR ANY SINGLE LOCATION.
(5) CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED ON THE PERMIT TO ADDRESS THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF THE SPECIFIC EVENT. FAILURE OF THE PERMITTEE TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN THE PERMIT BEING REVOKED.
(6) THE EVENT SPONSOR SHALL POST, AT THE EVENT LOCATION,
AND HAND DELIVER FLYERS TO ALL RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES WITHIN A 300 FOOT RADIUS OF THE EXTERIOR PROPERTY LINE OF THE EVENT LOCATION, ADVISING THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE DATE AND PERMITTED
TIMES OF THE EVENT, NO LATER THAN FOURTEEN (14) DAYS
BEFORE THE EVENT.
(7) THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE THE PERMITTEE TO REDUCE THE SOUND VOLUME, CURTAIL THE HOURS OF THE EVENT, OR CLOSE THE EVENT ENTIRELY, IF THE
SOUND LEVEL AT THE EVENT, EVALUATED AT THE PROPERTY
LINE OF THE COMPLAINING PARTY CONSTITUTES, IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S SOUND JUDGMENT, UNREASONABLE NOISE.
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(8) AN AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENT FOR WHICH A PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF (B)(2) AND
(B)(3) OF THIS SECTION.
(d) ENFORCEMENT:
ANY MEMBER OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO PERSONALLY OBSERVES A VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION INCLUDING AMPLIFIED SOUND EVENTS UNDER SUBSECTION (C), may serve as the
complaining party in the prosecution of such violation, regardless of
whether the officer’s observation was initiated by the complaint of another party.
(e) EXEMPTIONS:
(1) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO
ANY BELL OR CHIME OR TO ANY DEVICE FOR THE
PRODUCTION OR REPRODUCTION OF THE SOUND OF BELLS OR CHIMES FROM ANY CHURCH, CLOCK, OR SCHOOL.
(2) THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION SHALL NOT APPLY TO SOUND MADE ON PROPERTY OWNED, CONTROLLED, OR
LEASED BY THE CITY, THE STATE OR THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT OR BY ANY AGENCY OR POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF, WHEN SUCH SOUND IS MADE BY AN ACTIVITY OF THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY OR SPONSORED BY IT OR OTHERS PURUSANT TO A CONTRACT, LEASE OR
PERMIT ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY.
Section 2. Severability, Conflicting Ordinances Repealed. If any section, subsection or clause of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the remaining sections, subsections and clauses shall not be affected thereby. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the
provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after final publication, as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of ___ to ___ on this 13th day of August, 2012, ordered published in full in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City of Wheat Ridge, and Public Hearing and consideration on final
passage set for August 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
READ, ADOPTED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED on second and final reading by
a vote of ___ to ___, this _____ day of ______________, 2012.
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SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ___________________, 2012.
_______________________________ Jerry DiTullio, Mayor ATTEST:
_________________________ Janelle Shaver, City Clerk Approved as to Form
_________________________ Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney First Publication:
Second Publication:
Wheat Ridge Transcript Effective Date: