HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-23- 6A�
City of
WheatRidge
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
July 20, 2023
Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission on July 20, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting and in person at 7500 W. 29' Avenue,
Municipal Building. The public may participate in these ways:
1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on July 19)
2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
• Click hereto join and provide public comment (create a Zoom account to join)
• Or call 1-669-900-6833 with Meeting ID 896 0418 2868 and Passcode: 562117
3. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at
https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view
4. Attend in person.
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 18, 2023
6. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda. Public comments may be limited to 3 minutes.)
(continued on neat page)
Planning Commission Agenda — July 20, 2023
PUBLIC HEARING *
Page 2
A. Case No. WZ-23-05: An application filed by Ville 4735, LLC for approval of a
zone change from Commercial -One (C-1) to Mixed Use -Commercial Interstate
(MU-C Interstate) on property located at 4735 Kipling Street.
B. Case No. ZOA-23-08: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 and Chapter 26 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning the City's subdivision review
requirements. This item was published but is not ready and will be rescheduled
to a future date.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Upcoming Dates
B. Project and Development Updates
9. OLD BUSINESS
10. ADJOURNMENT
* Public comment is welcome during any public hearing item. The standard procedure for a
public hearing is as follows:
a. Staff presentation
b. Applicant presentation — if applicable
c. Public comment —time may be limited at the discretion of the Chair, often to 3 minutes
d. Staff/applicant response
e. Close public hearing
f. Commission discussion and decision
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by
the City of Wheat Ridge. Call Amanda Harrison, Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877
at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need
inclusion assistance.
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I��/ City of
WheatMidge
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
May 18, 2023
CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair DITULLIO at 6:31 p.m. This meeting was held
in person and virtually, using Zoom video -teleconferencing technology.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commission Members Present:
Commission Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Kristine Disney
Jerry DiTullio
Daniel Larson
Janet Leo
Patrick Quinn
Jonathan Schelke
Julianne Stern
Will Kerns
Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director
Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda as written.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES —April 20, 2023
It was moved by it was moved by consensus to approve the minutes of April 20,
2023, as written.
PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing
on the agenda.)
No one wished to speak at this time.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Commission Minutes
May 18, 2023
-I—
A. Case No. ZOA-23-05: An ordinance amending Article XI of Chapter 26 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning requirements for mixed use zone districts.
Ms. Mikulak gave a short presentation regarding the ordinance.
In response to multiple questions from Commissioner LARSON, Ms. Mikulak
confirmed the height and density will not change because there is a cap in the City
Charter; the build -to standards will not change; and the quality of material used on
buildings will have elevated standards.
Commissioner SCHELKE inquired about bicycle parking requirements.
Ms. Mikulak mentioned the City does not require much for bicycle parking and the
goal is to make some quick amendments to existing code and then study the topic
later more in-depth.
Commissioner SCHELKE asked for the walking path language to be explained.
Ms. Mikulak explained that the Mixed -Use code requires that a certain amount of
open space be usable and functional, and staff has historically interpreted that to
require sidewalks at least 5 feet wide.
Commissioner DITULLIO inquired if drive-thru structures will be more or less
restrictive.
Ms. Mikulak said that the more restrictive component is that a drive-thru will not
be allowed in the City's MU-C TOD zone district, to make sure it is pedestrian
oriented.
Public Comment
No one wished to speak at this time.
It was moved by Commissioner STERN and seconded by Commissioner LEO
to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Article XI of
Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning requirements for
mixed use zone districts.
Motion carried 7-0.
B. Case No. ZOA-23-06: An ordinance amending Articles V and XI of Chapter 26
of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning parking requirements for deed -
restricted affordable housing and making conforming amendments therewith.
Ms. Mikulak gave a short presentation regarding the ordinance.
Planning Commission Minutes - 2 —
May 18, 2023
Commissioner DITULLIO read an email he sent to Ms. Mikulak giving his opinion
about lowering the parking standard for deed -restricted properties. He
acknowledged a comment submitted by Foothills Regional Housing, and noted the
problem he has with lowering the parking standard is that we would be telling
people living in deed -restricted housing that they need to use mass transit which is
not reliable or safe right now, and they really cannot own a vehicle. For those who
own cars, parking would be limited, and they would have to use the street. He
commented that this doesn't seem to be about parking but appears to be bypassing
the zoning and allowing an increase in density, rather than focusing on quality of
life. He expressed that he does not support the ordinance as written.
Commissioner QUINN shared his concern that lowering parking in affordable
housing sites will hurt those with trade jobs that have tools. He expressed concerns
about construction jobs having to rely on mass transit because of tools, shift
schedules, job site locations, and the unreliability of transit. He expressed
hesitation in supporting the ordinance.
Commissioner LARSON asked if this ordinance will apply to R-3 and Mixed -Use
zone districts.
Ms. Mikulak confirmed the changes would apply in those districts only for deed -
restricted affordable projects that serve income -qualified residents.
Commissioner DISNEY said she has concerns about reducing the parking because
overflow parking will go into streets and neighborhoods. She inquired if there will
be a lot of deed -restricted apartments in the future and mentioned she would like to
maintain the character of the community with less street parking.
Ms. Mikulak clarified there is not a lot of deed -restricted affordable properties in
the City, and it is not going to increase a lot. To the extent the City desires more
deed -restricted affordable housing, staff is analyzing what the City can do to
increase that supply of housing for people like nurses and teachers. Deed -
restricted affordable units are unlikely to proliferate in established neighborhoods
because of density limitations, lot size, and economy of scale. There are limits on
what the City can do in the code to make it easier to build affordable units, but
modifying parking requirements is one way to provide flexibility. Ms. Mikulak
explained how developers establish parking supply for both market -rate and
affordable projects.
Commissioner STERN mentioned she is a developer in her professional life and
primarily works on deed -restricted affordable housing projects. She shared that
Denver has changed their parking requirements for affordable housing to zero, but
this does not mean projects are built without parking. She explained the process of
review for affordable projects and the many agencies involved in setting parking
requirements. She explained the requirements of the Colorado Housing Finance
Planning Commission Minutes - 3 —
May 18, 2023
Authority (CHFA) who is involved in most affordable projects and for whom
parking studies are required to justify parking ratios below 0.8. She responded to
earlier comments noting that it a 0.25 ratio in Wheat Ridge would be unlikely to
happen on most if any projects, and further that it would be unlikely that this single
code amendment results in an influx of affordable projects to Wheat Ridge. She
expressed support for the code amendment because it removes a small but real
barrier. She added, that as a community the City has a responsibility to provide
housing to all different kinds of people and parking can make a project very
expensive to develop deed -restricted affordable housing.
Commissioner LEO commented that she believes a person with 60-80% AMI will
most likely own a car even if they don't use it all the time and does not understand
why the City will not provide parking.
Ms. Mikulak said the proposed change removes the assumption that every
household owns a car, relies on data related to deed -restrictive housing, and
provides flexibility to a parking lot can be right -sized for a project. The City is not
the expert on parking supply and is trying to provide flexibility.
There was some discussion from Commissioners DITULLIO and STERN about
whether or not affordability will proliferate because of this code amendment.
Commissioner LARSON asked if the minimums can be eliminated and go with the
maximums.
44,
Ms. Mikulak mentioned that will be tricky because the whole point of this
ordinance is to change the minimum.
Commissioner DISNEY expressed that she is inclined to support the ordinance
because she recognizes this ordinance is a tool for negotiation and will give the
City flexibility to work with a developer to bring a project to fruition.
Ms. Mikulak explained procedural options including motions for approval, denial,
or amendments to the motion.
It was moved by Commissioner DITULLIO and seconded by Commissioner
QUINN to recommend denial of the proposed ordinance amending Articles V
and XI of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning parking
requirements for deed -restricted affordable housing, and making conforming
amendments therewith and would like City Council to reevaluate minimums
and maximums for deed -restricted housing parking requirements.
Motion carried 4-3 with Commissioners DISNEY, SCHELKE and STERN
voting against.
Commissioner QUINN agrees that this ordinance needs another look.
Planning Commission Minutes - 4 —
May 18, 2023
Commissioner SCHELKE thinks that the City needs to look forward and
encourage affordable housing even if it means taking away some parking spaces.
C. Case No. ZOA-23-07: An ordinance amending Articles I and II of Chapter 26 of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning definitions and regulations for
childcare facilities and making confirming amendments therewith.
Ms. Mikulak gave a short presentation regarding the ordinance.
Commissioner LARSON recognizes the need for childcare and inquired if a
legislative rezone of NC and RC could be done.
Ms. Mikulak said that it had been considered in the past but did not move forward
because MU-N is not an appropriate zone in all of those instances, but that a more
comprehensive review of the use charts for NC and RC could be a valuable future
proj ect. �qL 1*
Commissioner QUINN thinks this is a good idea and necessary for the community
Commissioner SCHELKE shared that the lack of daycares is a huge problem as is
affordability of daycare and the City should do anything to help.
Commissioner DITULLIO inquired why there is low number of daycares in Metro
Denver area, and Ms. Mikulak speculated as to why.
It was moved by Commissioner DISNEY and seconded by Commissioner
SCHELKE to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending
Articles 1 and II of Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
definitions and regulations for childcare facilities and making conforming
amendments therewith.
Motion carried 7-0.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ms. Mikulak introduced Commissioner QUINN and mentioned a new Planning
Manager, Jana Easley, has been hired and will be introduced at the neat meeting.
B. Upcoming Dates
No Planning Commission meetings in June.
Ms. Mikulak announced that on June 3 Gold's Marketplace will have a block party
to introduce their tenants and on June 24 RidgeFest will be held.
Planning Commission Minutes - 5—
May 18, 2023
C. Project and Development Updates
Ms. Mikulak mentioned a few new tenants in the City: Yawp! Cyclery, Get Right
Bakery which she also mentioned there were a few challenges getting their permit,
but they are now open for business.
Commissioner DISNEY inquired about a number of dead trees in Wheat Ridge and
what the City plans to do.
Ms. Mikulak mentioned that the City now has a program and a full-time staff
person to look into all landscaping in the City to meet code requirements. She also
mentioned the Hazardous Tree Program and to reach out to Parks and Rec for more
information. lie
9. OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner STERN asked if at the neat meeting there can be an update on the
Wadsworth Widening Project.
Commissioner LARSON asked about the new residential apartments by Safeway. He
thought it was going to be market rate, but now hears Foothill Regional Housing now
owns it.
Ms. Mikulak confirmed that upon completion the apartments went on the market and
FRH was an interested buyer. She clarified that there is no differentiation in the City's
zoning code of whether a residential project is market -rate, senior, or affordable so such a
sale is permitted.
Commissioner QUINN says he is happy to be a part of the Planning Commission and for
the opportunity.
10. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner LEO to
adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. Motion carried 6-0.
Jerry DiTullio, Chair Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes
May 18, 2023
6—
♦�441
City of
Wheat
��e
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
PLANNING DIVISION STAFF REPORT
REVIEW DATES: July 20, 2023 (Planning Commission) / September 11, 2023 (City Council)
CASE MANAGER: Alayna Olivas-Loera, Planner I
CASE NO. & NAME: WZ-23-05 / Best Interstate Inn Rezone
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval of a zone change from Commercial -One (C-1) to Mixed Use -
Commercial Interstate (MU-C Interstate)
LOCATION OF REQUEST: 4735 Kipling Street
APPLICANT / OWNER: Ville 4735, LLC (Applicant) / Keith Warburton (Owner)
APPROXIMATE AREA: 133,729 square feet (3.07 acres)
PRESENT ZONING: Commercial -One (C-1)
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Mixed -Use Commercial
ENTER INTO RECORD:
(X) CASE FILE & PACKET MATERIALS (X) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
(X) ZONING ORDINANCE (X) DIGITAL PRESENTATION
Location Map
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Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
All notification and posting requirements have been met; therefore, there is jurisdiction to hear this
case.
I. REQUEST
The applicant is requesting approval of a zone change from Commercial -One (C-1) to Mixed Use -
Commercial Interstate (MU-C Interstate) for the property at 4735 Kipling Street. The applicant is the
current owner of the property. The zone change will result in a zoning that encourages revitalization of
the site and allows reuse of the existing buildings. The applicant intends to make improvements to the
site and to convert the two existing motel buildings into multi -unit apartments.
IL EXISTING CONDITIONS
The property is located on the on the west side of Kipling Street, south of I-70 (Exhibit 1, Aerial).
There are currently two access points onto the site from the I-70 Frontage Road and Kipling Street.
The site is currently zoned Commercial -One (C-1) and is approximately 133,729 square feet (3.07
acres) in size. It currently contains the Best Interstate Inn, which is comprised of one 22,668-square
foot building and one 18,260-square foot building, both built in 1971. The hotel is considered legally
nonconforming because hotels are now considered Special Uses in the code in the C-1 zone, but the
property was developed before that requirement was in place. The adjacent properties to the west and
south are zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD). Adjacent properties to the east and north are
zoned C-1. The area is predominantly commercial and residential in nature with a majority of the
City's hotels concentrated in the vicinity. (Exhibit 2, Zoning Map).
III. PROPOSED ZONING
The applicant is requesting the property be rezoned to MU-C Interstate, a zone district established to
accommodate a wide range of uses from residential to commercial, including hotels. This sub -district
is intended for properties that are generally within five hundred (500) feet of I-70 and that are located
on a commercial corridor with direct access to I-70. It follows the MU-C framework but is intended for
highway -adjacent sites that may require variation in design or land use due to direct proximity to the
interstate. The highway -adjacency allows for more auto -oriented uses than compared to other mixed
use districts.
The applicant has proposed to rezone the property to allow for a greater variety of uses that would
encourage revitalization of the site and provide greater benefit to the neighborhood (Exhibit 3,
Applicant Letter). The applicant has stated they believe the zone change will provide a renewal of the
property, which was constructed in the 1970s, is aging, and has been identified as a property with
disproportionately high calls for service to the Police Department. The City adopted extended stay
lodging licenses in late 2021. The previous owner obtained a Special Use Permit to allow for extended
stays but did not complete the required improvements of the extended stay addendum with the
Licensing Division and instead put the property on the market. The proposed use of the site residential
apartments would not be permitted in C-1 which limits potential options to revitalize the site. The MU-
C Interstate district would provide more flexibility should the applicant choose to continue to operate
the hotel or convert it for residential uses.
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
The current C-1 zoning is reflective of long-standing commercial uses in the City. The C-1 zoning
dates back to the City's original 1972 zoning map. The MU-C Interstate and C-1 districts have some
similar development standards with permitted uses being the most notably different with MU-C
Interstate allowing a wider range of uses. The C-1 zone district allows a wide range of commercial
land uses which include office, general business, and retail sales and service establishments. In the C-1
district hotels are a special use and residential uses are prohibited. By contrast, MU-C Interstate zoning
allows residential uses, commercial uses, or a mix of the two, and the permitted retail uses are greater
in number. The MU-C Interstate zone district was created in 2010 as part of four mixed use districts,
and it is specifically intended for sites like the subject property which are highway -oriented.
The property is currently one of many C-1 zoned parcels in the area, located near various commercial
and residential uses, and just south of I-70. The MU-C Interstate zone district would allow for
continuity of these uses, allow for more auto -oriented uses catering to any highway traffic, and allow
for additional uses, such as residential. The proposed zone district would allow the existing hotel as a
permitted use if the applicant decided to maintain it. The subject property is part of the I-70/Kipling
Urban Renewal Area and part of the voter -approved area exempted from the charter's height and
density limits. The proposed zoning would enable reinvestment by allowing a wide range of uses,
encouraging a better utilization of land, and ensuring high quality urban design.
A summary of the MU-C Interstate zone district is provided below.
PROPOSED ZONING
CURRENT ZONING
Mixed Use -Commercial Interstate (MU-
Commercial -One (C-1)
C Interstate)
Allows residential, commercial, or mixed use —
Allows commercial uses — includes office,
Uses
includes multi -unit and live/work facilities
general business, retail sales, and service
establishments
Architectural
Mixed -Use standards apply, including high
Architectural and Site Design Manual
Standards
quality architecture, standards related to
standards apply
articulation, variation, and materials
Max. Building
6 stories (90') if the building is single use
50'
Height
8 stories 118' if the building is mixed use
Max. Lot coverage
90°% for mixed use
80%
85% for single use
Min. Landscaping
10°% for mixed use
20%
15% for single use
Build -to Area
0-20' along primary and secondary frontages
n/a
Setbacks
South (front): 50'
East (side): 0'
East (side): 30'
West (side): 0'
West (side): 30'
North (rear): 15'
Residential DensityExempt
from densitylimitations
n/a
IV. ZONE CHANGE CRITERIA
Staff has provided an analysis of the zone change criteria outlined in Section 26-112.E. The Planning
Commission and City Council shall base their decisions in consideration of the extent to which the
following criteria have been met:
1. The change of zone promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and
will not result in a significant adverse effect on the surrounding area.
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
Based on the existing character and land use patterns in the area, the MU-C Interstate zone district
is appropriate in terms of allowed land uses and intensity. With surrounding properties including
commercial and residential uses, and based on proximity to the interstate, the zone change should
not have an adverse effect on the surrounding area. Instead, the MU-C Interstate zoning is expected
to add value to the subject property. The mixed -use development standards will support high
quality design and compatibility between any future redevelopment and existing land uses. The age
and disinvestment of the subject property have contributed to a perception that it is blighted and
associated with disproportionately high calls for service from the Police Department. The zone
change would allow the applicant to make the desired investment and contribute to the welfare of
the community.
Staff concludes that this criterion has been met.
2. Adequate infrastructure/facilities are available to serve the types of uses allowed by the
change of zone, or the applicant will upgrade and provide such where they do not exist or are
under capacity.
Adequate infrastructure currently serves the property. All responding agencies have indicated they
can serve the property. In the event that the current utility capacity is not adequate for a future use,
the property owner/developer would be responsible for utility upgrades. A site plan review and
building permit review will be required for any future major change of use or redevelopment, and
will ensure compliance with current Building Codes, as well as the Fire Code.
Staff concludes that this criterion has been met.
3. The Planning Commission shall also find that at least one 1 of the following conditions
exists:
a. The change of zone is in conformance, or will bring the property into conformance, with
the City of Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan goals, objectives and policies, and other
related policies or plans for the area.
A stated goal in the comprehensive plan is to promote reinvestment in property, particularly in
high priority areas. This zone change request supports the comprehensive plan by enabling
investment in the property, by expanding the permitted uses on the property, and by aligning
the zoning with the City's mixed -use goals for this area. In the Comprehensive Plan, the
Structure Plan designates the property as Mixed -Use Commercial (Exhibit 5, Comprehensive
Plan). The designation is used for existing commercial areas mixed with office and
employment. Focus in these areas is on long-term infill and redevelopment, reinvestment, and
high -quality urban design and landscaping for vacant or underutilized properties, with "centers"
being the primary emphasis. Goals for this designation include making Wheat Ridge a
"community of choice" in which to live, work, shop, and recreate, attracting quality retail
development and actively retaining existing retailers to locate in Wheat Ridge, increasing the
diversity of land uses, revitalizing key redevelopment areas, increasing housing options, and
establishing and maintaining a resilient and sustainable tax base. The area surrounding the I-70
and Kipling interchange, including the subject site, is specifically noted as a priority area for
infill and redevelopment (Economic and Land Use Policy 5.1). Policy 5.2 calls for high quality
redevelopment, and the proposed rezoning fulfills these policy goals by delivering the most
appropriate zoning designation for the site. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes the need for
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
more housing options (Neighborhood and Housing Goal 2). Given the sensitivity of the
community to density and the classification of the surrounding roadways, the subject site is
ideally situated to meet the community's need for multiunit options.
The subject site is also part of the I-70/Kipling Urban Renewal Area (URA). The urban renewal
plan for that URA was adopted in the same year as the Comprehensive Plan and calls for high
quality architecture and design, the incorporation of new and existing uses into a mixed -use
format, stabilization of existing neighborhoods, and improved connections for vehicles,
pedestrians, bicycles, and other modes of transportation. This zone change request would
support and would enable any redevelopment to meet these goals.
Staff concludes that this criterion has been met.
b. The existing zone classification currently recorded on the official zoning maps of the City
of Wheat Ridge is in error.
Staff has not found any evidence of an error with the current C-1 zoning designation as it
appears on the City zoning maps.
Staff concludes that this criterion is not applicable.
c. A change of character in the area has occurred or is occurring to such a degree that it is
in the public interest to encourage redevelopment of the area or to recognize the changing
character of the area.
The proposed rezoning does not relate to a change of character in the area.
Staff concludes that this criterion is not applicable.
d. The proposed rezoning is necessary in order to provide for a community need that was
not anticipated at the time of the adoption of the City of Wheat Ridge comprehensive
plan.
The proposed rezoning does not relate to an unanticipated need.
Staff concludes that this criterion is not applicable.
Staff concludes that the criteria used to evaluate zone change support this request.
V. PUBLIC NOTICING
Prior to submittal of an application for a zone change, the applicant is required to hold a neighborhood
input meeting in accordance with the requirements of Section 26-109.
A meeting for neighborhood input was held on April 4, 2023. This meeting was advertised and
conducted as a virtual meeting on Zoom. Six individuals from the public attended the virtual meeting
in addition to the applicant and staff (see Exhibit 4, Neighborhood Meeting Summary).
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
As of the date of distribution of this staff report, the City has not received additional comments or
inquiries from surrounding property owners.
VI. AGENCY REFERRAL
All affected service agencies were contacted for comment on the zone change request and regarding
the ability to serve the property. Agencies are advised that no comments received shall be inferred to
mean there are no concerns. Specific referral responses follow:
Wheat Ridge Engineering Division: No comments received.
Wheat Ridge Economic Development: No comments received.
CDOT: No comments received.
Arvada Fire Protection District: No concerns. Any future development would be referred to
the district for review and approval.
Xcel Energy: No concerns. Any future development would be referred to the district for
review and approval.
Century Link / Lumen: No comments received.
Comcast Cable: No comments received.
Valley Water District: No concerns. Any future development would be referred to the district
for review and approval.
Clear Creek Valley Sanitation District: No concerns. Any future development would be
referred to the district for review and approval.
VIL STAFF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Staff concludes that the proposed zone change promotes the health, safety and general welfare of the
community and will not result in a significant adverse effect on the surrounding area. Staff further
concludes that utility infrastructure adequately serves the property, and the applicant will be
responsible for upgrades, if needed in the future. Finally, staff concludes that the zone change is
consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The Mixed Use -Commercial
Interstate zoning designation is appropriate for the subject property allowing the existing land to
become conforming and enabling the possibility of future redevelopment which aligns with the City's
adopted goals and policies.
Because the zone change evaluation criteria supportthe zone change request, staff recommends
approval of Case No. WZ-23-05.
VIII. SUGGESTED MOTIONS
Option A:
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
"I move to recommend APPROVAL of Case No. WZ-23-05, a request for approval of a zone change
from Commercial -One (C-1) to Mixed -Use Commercial Interstate (MU-C Interstate) for property
located at 4735 Kipling Street, for the following reasons:
1. The proposed zone change will promote the public health, safety, or welfare of the community
and does not result in an adverse effect on the surrounding area.
2. Utility infrastructure adequately services the property.
3. The proposed zone change is consistent with the goals and objectives of the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
4. The zone change will provide additional opportunity for reinvestment in the area.
5. The criteria used to evaluate a zone change supports the request."
Option B:
"I move to recommend DENIAL of Case No. WZ-23-05, a request for approval of a zone change from
Commercial -One (C-1) to Mixed -Use Commercial Interstate (MU-C Interstate) for property located at
4735 Kipling Street, for the following reasons:
1.
2. ...
Planning Commission
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
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EXHIBIT 2: ZONING MAP
Planning Commission
Case WZ23-05/Best lnlvnme Inn Pseone
EXHIBIT 3: APPLICANT LETTER
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of the communityby earful the demmi(m multi- family housing near Del themve
chmge all ivoeasa the saRry aver corrosion, of me wmm/mity by dmeaavg the mal of
transients and mQe crow the number of hour tam residMs to the area
2. Adequate iMra9mclutelfanliires are moulaMe to more the hypes N uses allmV by to
Range of zone, or the applicant will upgrade and pul such where Meyro not exist
or and under edpaRy; and
-Yes, adalwte wfiashncMe/GCJins are avaJffile to save the one charge, and we win
upo rwo, ma Vmmde such xhae modest
At least one (1) of the fo crossi g condlcons extsts:
a. Jul Rage Ronne is in conformance, or will bnrg the property into conformance
won, the City of Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan goes, objecorms and policies, and
other city -approved policies or plans for Me area.
b. Toe existing zone classification cumenn recadea on Me official zoning maps of the
CIIy N Wheat Ridge is in error
c A change of clommal in the area has oonnmn! or is ocmnmrlgW such a degree Nat it
is In the public Interest to encourage redevelopment dive area or to recognize Me
Ranging character of Me area.
-force commarm8 the average who in Me area to the modern local income in wheat same
w zozl, mrccm see Watr®ts havesmlcssal WerecommmharaHo-ivcme rzrm. Reverse
publicwreres[bmm Remeho home(her
or growthiofcomul olhelps
choose to Wlwhe nage hmeOmpmnst a¢amges tlrogowWofcmmmmiry mahelps
ng
dTioffepropisgrmtof4rwgsnecesamavafmrto providccable e
fixed
a.Thepropaedmrzonhg b necuasary, c account
to Me
foramt Ridge
nech Nail
was ro[ enswe plan
al Me 4me of the aOoplon of the CM1y of Wheat Rtlge
canprehewve Plan.
Incurred aryslNcanon awhy the zone change is Monogram addrel them issues:
-Tie deed for the zone change.
-Ashoe change to outcome Ninxed UseCommercial world allow us to comren m wsrng hotel
into long-tm hard family mat fh would be ralarelopung a cornea 1progeny atreMy
servM by existing mGutrusNre he a home arch;o of way
Prgdnh and NWre Wed on the morning zone Monson, ee.2kpmenl and
physical tlwter mine area.
e/wm/+scow„emo.,
C .. Na WZ-23 051Berthf ..f fee, Reeore
-The physical chamfer ofthe area would be unpmv d, since me eai mung motel would be
hay.Rmmalwro avibrzW co®uviN oflmgfamvaghtors. Vk imNelom pmpertxx to be
c®&mpamy and metheacally pleasing
- Fccxs to the area, nation patterns and Impact of the requeshV zme on these
latlors.
-Ibe, as Meosee areatraffic tuna good
loan oflherequeshtl amewJlamaivreUtiwly
- Ast ar as the use uill Change from a m W el to Img-lam hwsivg.
- girllattNly leganl¢.
-oVafa,heat.eged;arand wleameads ®dy paovideablhernshvgmolel avdrm c®livue
lapmseae the needs lm We apmimmh.
-Pc¢entarMn, effect on Wbfctaocks, and servlc¢, such afire, pMlre,
walec, talttlm, maslogan pats, is men,&c
sircc2gesthe aswIDho Men apartments be simoNywebed an®Ufind b[etantan xt by
Me
only l-z wNtimuk. so Waeww not be a n vall be impart ®schmis.lffi instant an Me eggs
uni¢wallikelYa� .aslhecomm®ry wiplemme9ablewiW Img4®®�sewo
wdckang mkgmuvd chicks and m apmmM appas the v Wocas. ldPe daudan luxre agendmas
as
oggytrungManty Walau¢e wi111talyiva wareaseazlbessedim fillpal mine actieitiaof
a ouncivmglhmmoometer s.@ewJl hkelYbe inaeasN nseofWercaby Pate aesultivgw
bmtc®wry
aaalamssun mtlle reiatimslllp between the goposal and aMptea and anNor
as lss of Nonly Tb
-Iltis pojMu tlinewith aTeat MW&weicies�vahvs,anonthe Voting
¢Pmuafop�orc
aaivaaf Nhouangtlock.pes esptidgeS«msaestaresgul Me¢Ns ®maned to support
for nNvaaty sa housing types eae eme since mine Musing optimsaremcessmy to svlym!a
atrwganhe hugh m«on®y_wemeeeaNAb help pr®orc WhatlUdge'stisiw and
allesvre Wehigh demand be affloodable hamems; opMvs{
Plom,gComrmsrton
C..X,W 2305BertlMvfat, Lw Reeore
EXHIBIT 4: NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING SUMMARY
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING NOTES
Meeting Date: April 4, 2023
Attending Staff: Alayna Olivas-Loera, Planner I
Location of Meeting: Virtual
Property Address: 4735 Kipling Street
Property Owner(s): Armies Place Motel 1 LLC
Property Owner(s) No
Present?
Applicant: Keith Warburton
Applicant Present? Yes
Existing Zoning: Commercial -One (C-1)
Existing Comp. Plan: Neighborhood Buffer Area, Primary Commercial Corridor,
near Primary Gateway
Existing Site Conditions: The property is located on the on the west side of Kipling Street, south of I-
70. This property is zoned Commercial -One (C-1) and currently contains the Best Interstate Inn. The
adjacent properties to the west and south are zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD). Adjacent
properties to the east and north are zoned C-1. The area is predominantly commercial and residential in
nature.
According to the Jefferson County Assessor, the site is approximately 133,729 square feet (3.07 acres).
The property currently has one 22,668-square foot motel building and one 18,260-square foot motel
building on the site, both built in 1971. A surface parking lot is located on the northern portion of the
site with additional parking located at the perimeter of each building.
Applicant/Owner Preliminary Proposal: The applicant is proposing to rezone the site to Mixed Use -
Commercial Interstate in order to convert the existing motel to 100 rental apartment units. No major
changes to the site are proposed apart from fagade improvements and general site cleanup.
The following is a summary of the neighborhood meeting:
Planning Commission 12
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
• In addition to the applicant and staff, six members of the public attended the neighborhood
meeting. The participant list is attached from Zoom, which serves as the virtual sign -in sheet.
• Two members of the public spoke at the meeting.
• Staff discussed the site, its zoning and future land use.
• The applicant and members of the public were informed of the process for the Zone Change.
• The members of the public were informed of their opportunity to make comments during the
process and at the public hearing, if required.
The following issues were discussed regarding the Zone Change request and proposed
development:
• General concerns about CDOT interchange project and how it will impact the site.
City staff are working closely with CDOT to obtain updates on this ongoing proposal. Because
there has not been a definitive answer or timeline given by CDOT on the riming of the potential
improvements, nor a funding source secured, the City cannot preclude anyone from developing or
improving their private property. Until CDOT presents to the City a solid plan, we will proceed
with this process as we would any other site.
• What other projects has the applicant completed? What are some examples?
Projects primarily in Utah but of similar scope and concept. One notable one is located in Salt
Lake City and also involved the conversion of a motel into apartment units. The applicant directed
people to their website to check out their portfolio in more detail.
• Is another building on the site proposed?
Not at this time. Right now, we are focusing on the conversion of the existing hotel into studio
apartments. Whether or not another building could be built would depend on riming, financials,
and the CDOT project. An additional building would be years down the line, if even possible.
• What type of kitchens would be included in the units?
A kitchenette with a cooktop and microwave. The building would include a full community kitchen
which can be reserved by residents for more substantial cooking. Staff reminded participants that
these types of details would be reviewed much further on in the process and that the focus of the
meeting was for the zone change.
• What will the traffic impacts be?
Staff discussed the potential need for a traffic impact study during the site planning phase which
would enable staff to assess the potential impacts on internal site circulation, as well as on local
roadways such as the Frontage Road and Kipling Street, and major nearby intersections. Staff
reminded participants that these types of details would be reviewed much further on in the process
and that the focus of the meeting was for the zone change.
• Is there sufficient parking on the site to accommodate residents?
Staff discussed that mixed use zoning requires one parking space per unit but that a parking
analysis would be required during the site planning phase to ensure adequate parking is provided.
Staff reminded participants that these types of details would be reviewed much further on in the
process and that the focus of the meeting was for the zone change.
• Would the applicant be willing to meet with adjacent property owners to answer further questions
or be open to general communication?
Yes. The applicant shared his email in the chat.
Planning Commission 13
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone
EXHIBIT 5: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
TM 6Wwiug m m emeiea Pmm file SMeNm np¢aiFvtllm CompmMiism Plmc Ilw mbjetl pmSe*is
e,agmmamled Use amm,rial.
EXHIBIT 6: SITE PHOTOS
—71
View of the subject property looking south from the I-70 Frontage Road.
(Source: Google Maps, August 2022)
View of the subject property looking west from Kipling Street.
(Source: Google Maps, August 2022)
Planning Commission 15
Case No. WZ-23-05 /Best Interstate Inn Rezone