HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.18 - Agenda Packet
PLANNING COMMISSION
A G E N D A
January 18, 2024
Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Planning
Commission on January 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting and in person at 7500 W. 29th Avenue,
Municipal Building. The public may participate in these ways:
1. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on January 17)
2. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone:
• Click here to join and provide public comment (create a Zoom account to join)
• Or call 1-669-900-6833 with Meeting ID 864 4733 7560 and Passcode: 898728
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 – December 7, 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 next page)
Planning Commission Agenda – January 18, 2024 Page 2
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.
7. PUBLIC HEARING *
A. Case No. ZOA-24-01: An ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge
Code of Laws, concerning Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and parking
requirements, and making conforming amendments therewith.
B. Case No. ZOA-24-02: An ordinance amending Articles V and XI of Chapter 26
of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning bicycle parking and storage
requirements, and making conforming amendments therewith.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Upcoming Dates
B. Project and Development Updates
C. Commissioner Updates
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
Planning Commission Minutes - 1 –
December 7, 2023
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
December 7, 2023
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair DITULLIO at 6:30 p.m. This meeting was held
in person and virtually, using Zoom video-teleconferencing technology.
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commission Members Present: Kristine Disney
Jerry DiTullio
Daniel Graeve
Janet Leo
Patrick Quinn
Commission Members Absent: Will Kerns
Jonathan Schelke
Staff Members Present: Jana Easley, Planning Manager
Ella Stueve, Senior Neighborhood Planner
Alayna Olivas-Loera, Planner II
Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 2, 2023
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner DISNEY to
approve the minutes of November 2, 2023, as written. Motion carried 4-0-1 with
Commissioner LEO abstaining.
6. 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.
Planning Commission Minutes - 2 –
December 7, 2023
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. WZ-23-10: an application filed by Elham Nekouie for approval of a
zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed Use-Neighborhood (MU-N) on
a property located at 10390 West 38th Avenue.
Chair DITULLIO opened the public hearing.
Ms. Olivas-Loera gave a short presentation regarding the zone change and the
application. She entered into the record the contents of the case file, packet
materials, the zoning ordinance, and the contents of the digital presentation. She
stated the public notice and posting requirements have been met, therefore the
Planning Commission has jurisdiction to hear this case.
Public Input
Tom Brickey, resident
4 Rangeview Drive
Mr. Brickey stated he takes exception with the idea that there is overwhelming
support from the neighborhood for this development and believes townhomes are
inconsistent with the single-family homes in the area. He also mentioned he is
concerned about parking and increased traffic.
Richard Cauchi, resident
3651 Miller Court
Mr. Cauchi mentioned he neither opposes nor supports this zone change but agrees
residential is the way to go. His only concern for residential is the possible density
with townhomes.
Patrick Berrend, applicant
Summit Design & Engineering
Mr. Berrend addressed some of the concerns and mentioned that the zone change
will lower the possible density and the future design concepts would be 10-12 high
quality town home as opposed to apartments. He also stated that they will try to
avoid on street parking by adding structured parking on site.
Issues with public input for those on Zoom, to be continued later in meeting.
Commissioner DISNEY does not believe townhomes are out of character for the
area because there are planned developments along 38th Avenue with a mix of
multi-unit housing, but mentioned her concern is high density and would like the
developer to keep the number of units to 10 instead of more. She also mentioned
she understands the construction cost due to the developer.
Planning Commission Minutes - 3 –
December 7, 2023
Mr. Berrend agreed there will be construction costs for this site and mentioned that
Lena gulch is one of the driving forces because the entire property is not
developable.
In response to a question from Commissioner LEO, Ms. Olivas-Loera explained
that the zone change is for this property only not all the others that are also C-1
because the other property owners have not applied for a zone change.
Commissioner QUINN asked to have the build to area explained.
Ms. Olivas-Loera clarified that a setback is certain distance that a building can be
from the property line and the build to is the opposite and the building must be a
certain distance up to the property line. She added the build to in this instance is 0-
12 feet.
Commissioner QUINN’s only concern is with the shading on 38th Avenue from the
building during the wintertime and the creation of ice on the roadway.
Ms. Oliva-Loera and Ms. Easley explained there will be bulk plane requirements in
place and the easement in the front will help with the setback of the buildings.
In response to a question from Commissioner LEO, Ms. Olivas-Loera explained
that the property lines, in the pictures of the staff report, are not survey accurate
and there is a bit of distortion.
Commissioner GRAEVE asked if there is a requirement for sidewalks to be built
around this development.
Ms. Olivas-Loera said that typically with a site plan review there are public
improvement requirements, and the engineering department will address this
during the review process.
Continuation of Public Input
There were technical issues with trying to get Fran Langdon to connect so
Commissioner DITULLIO asked her to attend the City Council Meeting.
Scott Sicard, resident
3685 Miller Court
Mr. Sicard mentioned he has concerns with parking on to the street and said there
are already issues with apartments in the neighborhood.
Planning Commission Minutes - 4 –
December 7, 2023
Mr. Berrend said it is unknown yet how many parking spaces will be on site per
unit, but it is a requirement to have 1-2 spaces per unit and there will most likely be
garages in each townhome.
Chair DITULLION closed the public input and public hearing.
Commissioner DISNEY mentioned she is going to vote to approve this zone
change because housing is needed in the city and feels this development is
appropriate for this area.
Commissioner QUINN agreed with Commissioner DISNEY and believes there is a
need to have more than single-family homes in this area and 10 townhomes seems
fair to support.
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner LEO
to recommend APPROVAL of Case No. WZ-23-10, a request for approval of
a zone change from Commercial-One (C-1) to Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MU-
N) for property located at 10390 West 38th Avenue 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.
Motion carried 5-0.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Upcoming Dates
Ms. Easley mentioned there will not be a Planning Commission meeting on
December 21 and there is a possibility there could be a meeting held on January 4
or January 18 and will keep everyone posted.
Ms. Easley introduced the City’s newest Senior Neighborhood Planner Ella Stueve
Ms. Stueve mentioned she is happy to have joined the City 2 months ago and has
been a planner for 11 years most recently in Denver. She has moved to the Wheat
Planning Commission Minutes - 5 –
December 7, 2023
Ridge area and will be leading the update to the City Plan. She looks forward to
working with the Commissioners.
B. Project and Development Updates
Ms. Easley mentioned CO’s have been issued for Chick-fil-a and First Watch, and
Tabor Lake apartments and the Commons on 38th are close to getting their COs.
She also let the Commissioner know that the Property and Project Map is up and
working on the website. Ms. Easley also mentioned the City Plan contract award
will be heard at City Council on Monday, December 11.
C. Commissioner Updates
Commissioner QUINN thanked staff for the Property and Project Map and thought
it is very useful.
Commissioner DITULLIO mentioned that after the Special Session to the
legislature the County Assessor will be revamping the tax rate and wanted to alert
the community to the changes.
10. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner QUINN and seconded by Commissioner GRAEVE
to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
__________________________ _______________________________
Jerry DiTullio, Chair Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary
MEETING DATE: January 18, 2024
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26 OF THE WHEAT
RIDGE CODE OF LAWS, CONCERING ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(EV) CHARGING AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS, AND
MAKING CONFORMING AMENDMENTS THEREWITH
CASE NO. ZOA-24-01
PUBLIC HEARING CODE CHANGE ORDINANCE
Case Manager: Scott Cutler
Date of Preparation: January 10, 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY:
The proposed ordinance creates regulations for electric vehicle (EV) parking and charging
facilities within the zoning code, defines terms related to EVs, allows for EV charging facilities of
various types throughout the City, and establishes minimum EV parking space requirements.
Notice for this public hearing was provided by the Code of Laws.
BACKGROUND:
The current zoning code does not have any requirements related to EV parking and charging.
Likewise, the City’s current adopted building codes and local amendments (2018 International
Building Codes or IBC and 2020 National Electric Code or NEC) allow for EV charging, but do
not mandate placement, design, or minimum quantities or percentages.
The Sustainability Action Plan, which was presented to Council in 2018, has transportation as one
of six focus areas, including goals to install electric vehicle charging stations strategically
throughout the community, to promote the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles in local
government and the City as a whole, and to reduce vehicle parking requirements and incentivize
bicycle/EV/shared mobility parking.
House Bill 23-1233 (Statewide EV Charging and Parking Requirements)
The Colorado State Legislature approved HB23-1233 in June 2023 which requires the state
electrical board to adopt rules facilitating electric vehicle charging at multi-unit buildings and
creates regulations and requirements regarding EV parking. The purpose of the state legislation is
to further the State’s goals related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and to expand the
charging infrastructure necessary to support a growing EV market share.
PLANNING COMMISSION
LEGISLATIVE ITEM STAFF REPORT
ZOA-24-01 / EV Parking 2
To that end, the bill also mandates that municipalities comply with the EV power transfer
infrastructure requirements in the statewide Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code. Staff
will discuss with Council how these changes relate to building code updates at a later date as part
of the building code adoption process. In the meantime and to comply with the new state law, the
City must update the zoning code and update the approach to EV charging and parking as a whole.
The portions of HB23-1233 most relevant to Wheat Ridge when discussing EV parking and
charging are:
• Requires compliance with all the EV requirements in the Model Electric Ready and Solar
Ready Code by March 1, 2024, including minimum parking requirements.
• Prohibits unreasonable restrictions on EV installations for both tenants and owners.
• Prohibits local governments from banning EV parking or charging.
Current and Future Market
The City is not seeing the private market deliver EV spaces in new developments, beyond a couple
of spaces here and there, despite a nationwide increase in the prevalence of EVs. The City has also
seen limited interest in building freestanding EV charging facilities despite the City’s proximity to
Interstate 70 and Highway 58. However, HB23-1233 encourages the department of transportation
to collaborate with public or private entities to develop projects for the construction of electric
vehicle charging systems along state and interstate highway systems which could increase the
level of interest.
City Council Consensus
EV parking and charging was discussed with City Council at its August 7, 2023 study session.
Staff had previously recommended in April 2023 that Council adopt EV regulations given
increasing adoption of EVs by the general public and the need for some regulations and
requirements. Staff’s recommendation at the August 2023 study session was revised to include
components of HB23-1233. Council’s consensus was to draft an ordinance to comply with the
minimum requirements of HB23-1233 and to create some additional regulations and definitions
for EV parking. The attached ordinance is a result of Council’s consensus and is described below.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE:
The proposed ordinance consists of several components, described below. The EV Informational
Guide attachment includes additional details on EVs since staff recognizes that EVs are an
unfamiliar subject to some.
The ordinance accomplishes the following:
• Creates definitions related to EVs, including defining Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
(EVCS), Retail EVCS, and EV parking spaces.
• Creates standards within the City’s parking requirements related to EVCS, including
establishing minimum parking requirements to comply with HB23-1233.
• Allows EVCS as an accessory use in all zone districts (for example, allows an EVCS in a
home garage, in a parking lot, or at a gas station).
• Allows Retail EVCS in all commercial, mixed-use, and industrial zone districts. A Retail
EVCS is a grouping of multiple EVCS as a primary use of the property. For example, a
Tesla Supercharger could be considered a Retail EVCS. This could also be a stand-alone
ZOA-24-01 / EV Parking 3
style grouping of EVCS which functions like a gas station and could have a retail store
component included.
• Updates Planned Development requirements to ensure compliance for new developments
in PDs with all applicable EV regulations.
• Allows EV parking to be shared if other conditions of shared parking agreements are met.
• Makes various other minor updates to comply with HB23-1233 related to accessible
parking, when the ordinance becomes applicable, signage, and sites exceeding minimum
requirements.
EV Charging Facilities
There are three tiers of EV charging facilities that are based on the amount of charging
infrastructure installed. These are the different types of facilities that will be required at different
percentages depending on the building code classification of the building.
• EV Capable: This refers to a facility for which infrastructure is available for future
installation of an EV charging station (i.e. conduit, breaker space, and junction box), but no
wiring or charging equipment is installed. EV Capable allows for easier future installation
when ready, since most of the pre-work is done including electrical panel capacity.
o EV Capable Light: The State of Colorado created this term to refer to EV Capable
infrastructure that only includes the conduit, not any of the other breaker
space/electrical panel capacity required to be EV Capable. This is a lower-cost
install that simply places the conduit for future EV Capable/Ready/Installed, and is
less of a cost/install burden than EV Capable since it does not include upsizing
capacity.
• EV Ready: This refers to a facility for which the necessary infrastructure and wiring is
installed, but no additional charging unit or adapter is installed. This usually means wires
terminate in a junction box, or in the case of a home garage a 240-volt wired outlet is
provided. EV Ready installations are typical for residential parking spaces especially
single-unit, duplex, townhome and condos where dwelling units are owned individually.
These are often found in garages, which would allow a resident to plug directly into the
240v outlet or have one easily installed from the junction box.
• EV Installed: This refers to a complete charging facility that includes all infrastructure,
outlet, and charging station. This infrastructure is typical for commercial and some multi-
unit residential properties, as well as standalone charging facilities (like Tesla
Supercharger stations). Examples of EV Installed facilities are at City Hall, the Recreation
Center, and Fruitdale School Lofts.
Additionally, there are different tiers of ready and installed EV infrastructure based on how
powerful the charging infrastructure is, resulting in different charging times. The EV
Informational Guide describes these tiers (Levels 1, 2, and 3) in more detail, but they are not
components of the House Bill and do not need to be included in the zoning code.
Minimum Parking Requirements
The proposed ordinance complies with the minimum parking requirements included in HB23-
1233 by way of the Model Electric and Solar Ready Code. The minimum parking requirements in
HB23-1233 specifically pertain to multi-unit residential development. However, when the City
adopts the statewide building code requirements which is a requirement of the House Bill,
ZOA-24-01 / EV Parking 4
minimum parking requirements for commercial buildings will also apply. The reason for adopting
all of the parking requirements into the zoning code is to allow Planning staff to easily locate the
requirements and request the parking spaces be included during the zoning review of any future
project, making it more user friendly and to prevent surprises late in permit review. Section 15 of
the attached ordinance includes the minimum parking requirements, which are based on the
building code classification of the building. These minimum requirements will apply to any new
development in Wheat Ridge. The required percentages vary with multi-unit residential
development being higher than commercial and institutional, which is higher than industrial.
Requirements for redevelopment or changes of use were not included in HB-23-1233, except for
some provisions related to apartment building parking lot remodels. Council’s consensus was to
include some minimal requirements to upgrade sites when there were major additions (60%
increase or more in floor area) or major changes of use, but to not impose burdensome
requirements to add charging facilities which would potentially disincentivize redevelopment.
Staff is already required to assess parking increases on a proportional basis based on the amount of
added square footage (for additions) or floor area of a more intensive use (e.g. office to
restaurant), so these proportional increases would also apply to increasing EV parking. In this
case, only EV Capable Light spaces would need to be added on a proportional basis, so no
additional chargers or wiring would need to be installed, but conduit would be laid to allow for
future installations. Limited exceptions to this requirement could potentially be allowed based on
existing site conditions.
Next Steps
A public hearing before City Council is scheduled for February 26, 2023. The effective date of
March 1, 2023 puts the City in full compliance with the State of Colorado regulations. Staff will
continue to explore what building code amendments or adoption is required, particularly with new
state mandates regarding electrical codes.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat
Ridge Code of Laws concerning electric vehicle (EV) charging and parking requirements and
making conforming amendments therewith.”
Exhibits:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. EV Information Guide (From Sustainable Wheat Ridge, edited by Sustainability
Coordinator Mary Hester)
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ___________
COUNCIL BILL NO. _______
ORDINANCE NO. _________
Series 2024
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 26 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE
OF LAWS, CONCERNING ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING AND
PARKING REQUIREMENTS, AND MAKING CONFORMING
AMENDMENTS THEREWITH
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality having all powers
conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and C.R.S. § 31-23-101, the City,
acting through its City Council (the “Council”), is authorized to adopt ordinances for the
protection of the public health, safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City does not currently have any regulations related to EV
charging infrastructure or parking requirements; and
WHEREAS, with the increased adoption of EVs across Colorado and the nation,
the need for charging infrastructure and regulations has become more apparent; and
WHEREAS, the legislature of the State of Colorado passed House Bill 23-1233
which includes various mandates for local governments in regards to regulating EV
charging and parking, and recognizes as a matter of statewide concern the need to adopt
EV charging requirements; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that EV charging and parking requirements need to
be added to Chapter 26 and to define terms related to EV charging infrastructure.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Section 26-111.D of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
application requirements for site plans, is hereby amended as follows:
D.Site plan application requirements. All applications shall include at a minimum
the following information. Additional information may be requested by the
planning and/or engineering divisions at the preapplication conference.
1.Site plan.
…
j. Location of all existing and proposed:
…
DR
A
F
T
(5) Parking and loading areas, handicapaccessible parking
areas, and Electric Vehicle (EV) parking spaces;
…
…
…
Section 2. Section 26-123 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, defining certain
terms applicable to the zoning code, is hereby amended by the revision of certain
definitions and the addition of the following new definitions in the appropriate
alphabetical location, as follows:
Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS). A public or private parking space
served by battery charging station equipment which has as its primary purpose
the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive means) to a battery or
other energy storage device in an electric vehicle (EV), also referred to as an
EVCS Installed space.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS), Retail. A grouping of multiple
EVCSs accessible to the public as a primary use of a property, and which may
provide electricity to customers for a fee. The property may also contain another
primary use such as a convenience store.
Electric Vehicle (EV) parking space. Any marked parking space that
identifies the use to be exclusively for the parking of an electric vehicle.
Section 3. The “Table of Uses – Residential” set forth in Section 26-204 of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning uses in residential zone districts, is hereby
amended as follows:
Accessory Uses For Residential Districts Notes
Electric vehicle charging station
(EVCS)
Section 4. The “Table of Uses – Agricultural and Public Facilities” set forth in
Section 26-204 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning uses in agricultural and
public facility zone districts, is hereby amended as follows:
Agricultural and Public Facilities Districts
Accessory Uses
Notes
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(EVCS)
Section 5. The “Table of Uses – Commercial and Industrial Districts” set forth in
Section 26-204 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning uses in commercial and
industrial zone districts, is hereby amended as follows:
DR
A
F
T
Uses Notes NC RC C-1 C-2 I-E
Electric Vehicle
Charging Station
(EVCS), Retail
Site design
standards for motor
fueling stations
shall apply,
including required
landscaped buffers
and screening
P P P P P
Commercial and Industrial District
Accessory Uses
Notes
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(EVCS)
Section 6. Section 26-306.B.2 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning the
site plan requirements for specific development plans, is hereby amended as follows:
2. Site plan. The drawings shall be to-scale and shall include the locations
of the following:
…
b. Proposed locations for landscaping, parking, and loading
(including accessible and Electric Vehicle (EV) parking
spaces), building locations, and buffering.
…
Section 7. Section 26-312.E of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking requirements for planned residential development (PRD) districts, is hereby
amended as follows.
E. Parking. In accordance with section 26-501, otherwise as established by the
outline development plan and as specifically detailed on an approved specific
development plan. New development within an existing planned
development shall comply with current requirements for minimum EV
parking requirements. To the extent the requirements of a planned
development conflict with EV requirements, the EV requirements shall
control.
Section 8. Section 26-313.D of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking requirements for planned commercial development (PCD) districts, is hereby
amended as follows.
D. Parking. In accordance with section 26-501, otherwise as established by the
outline development plan and as specifically detailed on an approved specific
development plan. New development within an existing planned
DR
A
F
T
development shall comply with current requirements for minimum EV
parking requirements. To the extent the requirements of a planned
development conflict with EV requirements, the EV requirements shall
control.
Section 9. Section 26-314.D of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking requirements for planned industrial development (PID) districts, is hereby
amended as follows.
D. Parking. In accordance with section 26-501, otherwise as established by the
outline development plan and as specifically detailed on an approved specific
development plan. New development within an existing planned
development shall comply with current requirements for minimum EV
parking requirements. To the extent the requirements of a planned
development conflict with EV requirements, the EV requirements shall
control.
Section 10. Section 26-315.H of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking requirements for planned hospital development (PHD) districts, is hereby
amended as follows.
H. Parking. In accordance with section 26-501, otherwise as established by the
outline development plan and as specifically detailed on an approved specific
development plan. New development within an existing planned
development shall comply with current requirements for minimum EV
parking requirements. To the extent the requirements of a planned
development conflict with EV requirements, the EV requirements shall
control.
Section 11. Section 26-316.G of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking requirements for planned mixed use development (PMUD) districts, is hereby
amended as follows.
G. Parking. In accordance with section 26-1109 or 26-501, otherwise as
established by the outline development plan and as specifically detailed on an
approved specific development plan or site plan. Allowances may be made for
shared parking spaces if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the person
or approval body designated as having final approval authority that parking
demand for different uses occurs at different times. New development within an
existing planned development shall comply with current requirements for
minimum EV parking requirements. To the extent the requirements of a
planned development conflict with EV requirements, the EV requirements
shall control.
DR
A
F
T
Section 12. Section 26-501.B of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
applicability of off-street parking requirements, is hereby amended as follows:
B. Applicability. This section shall apply only to new development, major change
of uses (e.g., single detached dwelling to office; office to restaurant) or
substantial extension of expansion of uses for which a building permit or site use
approval is required, established subsequent to the adoption of this provision,
provided, however, in residential districts on and after August 31, 2009, it shall be
unlawful to park motor vehicles in areas meeting the definition of landscaping as
defined in section 26-502, or on uncontrolled weeds, or on compacted dirt
surfaces, unless such surfaces constitute a residential driveway or hard surfaced
auxiliary storage area and said driveways or storage areas existed prior to
August 31, 2009.
1. Applicability to existing uses.
a. No existing use or structure shall be deemed nonconforming
solely because of the lack of off-street parking (including bicycle
parking or EV parking) or loading requirements prescribed in this
section.
….
…
7. Parking plan required. All plans for the construction of any parking
facility, excluding those for single- and two-unit dwellings, must be
approved by the director of community development director or his their
designee, either through the site plan or specific development plan
review process or as part of a building or site work permit
application for the site. and a miscellaneous building permit issued
before construction is started. No such land shall be used for parking until
approved by the director and a permit is issued. The plan must contain
the following minimum information:
a. Number, location and size of parking stalls. including
accessible, EVCS, and bicycle parking.
b. Widths of aisles and islands.
…
Section 13. Section 26-501.C.2.b of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
applicability of shared parking procedures, is hereby amended as follows
C. Shared parking.
...
2. Shared parking standards.
…
b. Shared parking procedure.
DR
A
F
T
…
ii. Off lot shared parking.
…
d) Miscellaneous shared parking provisions. The total
requirements for off-street parking facilities may be
utilized as the sum of the requirements for each of the
various uses computed separately.
…
ii) In no instance may required handicapped
accessible parking spaces be provided off lot
as part of a shared parking agreement, unless
no parking can be provided on site.
…
iv) EV parking may be provided off site as
part of a shared parking agreement.
Section 14. Section 26-501.E.9 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, regarding
accessible parking requirements, is hereby amended as follows:
9. Handicapped Accessible parking. For all uses other than single- and two-unit
dwellings, ADA-compliant accessible parking shall be provided for the
handicapped at the minimum rate consistent with the following table. The
minimum width of an accessible parking space shall be eight and one-half (8 ½)
feet with an adjacent accessible aisle with a minimum width of five (5) feet. Two
(2) accessible parking spaces may share a common aisle. Said spaces shall
have a minimum access aisle length of twenty (20) feet.
Table 8: Handicapped Accessible Parking
Total Number of Off-Street Spaces
Required
Number of Handicapped Accessible
Spaces
[Message to codifier: No modifications to the remainder of the table.]
One (1) in every six (6) accessible spaces, but not less than one (1), shall be
designated as van accessible and shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in width and shall
be served by an access aisle a minimum of eight (8) feet in width. “Van accessible”
spaces may also be a minimum of eleven (11) feet in width with a minimum access aisle
width of five (5) feet in accordance with ANSI 117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings
and Facilities.
a. Signage; location; etc. Each handicapped accessible space shall be
marked with a freestanding sign containing the International Symbol of
Accessibility and shall be a minimum of sixty (60) inches above the
DR
A
F
T
floor of the parking space, measured to the bottom of the sign. Signage
for van accessible spaces shall contain the designation “van
accessible”. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall also be
painted on the pavement. Said parking space shall be located as near
to the entrance of the use as practically possible and shall not involve
crossing any area used for vehicular circulation. The total number of
accessible spaces provided for the handicapped shall be included in
the total number of parking spaces otherwise required by this section.
b. Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS). Any van accessible
parking space that is served by an EVCS and is not designated as
reserved for a person with a disability must be counted as at least
two (2) standard vehicle parking spaces.
Section 15. Section 26-501.E of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning off-
street parking and loading standards, shall be amended with the addition of a new
subsection 13, regarding Electric Vehicles (EVs):
13. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS).
a. General standards. All parking spaces that are required to be
EVCS must meet the EVCS specifications pursuant to current
building codes. All terms used within this section not defined in
Chapter 26 of the Code of Laws shall use the definitions pursuant to
current building codes, including EV Capable, EV Capable Light, EV
Ready, and EVCS Installed.
b. Applicability. The requirements of this subsection shall apply as
follows:
i. For site plan and specific development plan applications
approved on and after March 1, 2024, all requirements of this
subsection shall apply.
ii. For site plan and specific development plan applications
approved prior to March 1, 2024 but for which no building or
site work permits have been obtained by March 1, 2026, all
requirements of this subsection shall apply. A site plan or
specific development plan amendment may be required to
memorialize the required addition of EVCS or other EV
facilities.
iii. For new construction not subject to the development
review processes of section 26-106, but which does require a
building or site work permit and must provide parking, all
applicable requirements of this subsection shall apply if a
permit is not obtained prior to March 1, 2024.
c. Parking requirements. The following Table 12 sets forth the
number of required EVCS Installed spaces, EV Ready spaces, and
both types of EV Capable spaces. These requirements apply to all
DR
A
F
T
new developments for which parking is required. This list is not
intended to be exhaustive of each use category; the community
development director shall determine the appropriate requirements if
the use is not identified in the table below.
i. New developments shall meet all requirements in Table 12.
ii. Additions for any use other than a single-unit dwelling,
duplex, or single-attached dwelling (townhome) that increase
existing floor area by sixty (60) percent or more shall be
required to provide EV Capable Light spaces at a rate based
on the required proportionate increase in spaces from Table 1
and the EV Capable Light percentages in Table 12.
iii. For major changes of use that require additional parking
spaces, EV Capable Light spaces shall be provided at a rate
based on the required proportionate increase in Table 2 and
the EV Capable Light percentages in Table 12.
iv. For existing multi-unit residential properties undergoing
renovations or expansions which disturb a minimum of fifty
(50) percent or more of the parking area, all minimum parking
requirements of Table 12 shall apply.
v. The community development director may waive the
requirements of ii and iii above in whole or in part based upon
existing conditions that may make it impossible to install the
necessary conduit.
TABLE 12: EVCS Requirements
Building Code
Category
EV Capable EV Ready EVCS
Installed EV Capable EV Capable
Light
Single-unit, duplex,
and single-unit
attached (townhome)
None None 1 per unit1 None
Multi-unit residential 10% 30% 15% 5%
Multi-unit residential,
10 or fewer total
parking spaces
required
10% 10% 15% None
Commercial and
institutional
10% 10% 8% 2%
Commercial and
institutional with 10 or
None None 2 spaces None
DR
A
F
T
fewer total parking
spaces required
Industrial2 None 5% None 2%
Footnotes:
1. For any dwelling unit with a dedicated attached or detached garage or other on-site
designated parking provided for the dwelling unit.
2. Exclusive of warehouse and distribution space for which there is no requirement.
d. Any EV parking space provided shall be counted towards the
overall number of required parking spaces.
e. Sites exceeding minimum requirements. EVCS Installed spaces
that exceed the minimum requirements of this section are permitted
to be used to meet the minimum requirements for all space types. EV
Ready spaces that exceed the minimum requirements of this section
are permitted to be used to meet the minimum requirements of EV
Capable and EV Capable Light spaces. EV Capable spaces that
exceed the minimum requirements of this section are permitted to be
used to meet the minimum requirements of EV Capable Light spaces.
f. Signage. All EVCS Installed spaces shall include signage
identifying them as restricted parking for EVs. If time limits or vehicle
removal provisions are to be enforced, regulatory signage including
parking restrictions shall be installed immediately adjacent to, and
visible from, the EVCS.
g. Accessible spaces. An EVCS shall be considered accessible if it is
located adjacent to, and can serve, an accessible parking space as
defined and required by this code and the ADA.
Section 16. Section 26-1105.E.4 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, regarding
build-to requirements for gas stations in mixed use zones, is hereby amended as
follows:
E. Build-to areas. Build-to areas are intended to bring multiple façades toward
the street…
…
4. Gas stations and Retail EVCSs may meet build-to requirements
through one (1) or any combination of the following two (2) elements: (1)
Structure within the build-to area; (2) Canopy within the build-to area
(Figures 4 and 5). Gas stations and Retail EVCS facilities must also
provide a screen wall, thirty (30) to forty-two (42) inches in height, for one
hundred (100) percent of the primary and secondary street frontage,
excluding access points and where portions of the building are within the
build-to area. The screen wall shall be a continuous masonry wall
DR
A
F
T
constructed of stone, brick, or split-face concrete block, or a combination
masonry pier and decorative iron railing. There shall be a minimum four-
foot-wide landscape buffer between the screen wall and the property line.
…
Section 17. Section 26-1109 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, the table
regulating parking requirements for mixed use zone districts, is hereby amended as
follows by adding a new subsection L:
L. Electric vehicle (EV) parking shall be provided in accordance with
section 26-501.E.13.
Section 18. Section 26-1111.B of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, which
contains the permitted use table for mixed use zones, is hereby revised as follows:
Permitted Uses
Use Group MU-C MU-C
Interstate
MU-C
TOD
MU-N
…
Commercial Services and Retail
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(EVCS), Retail
P P P P
Ancillary Uses
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
(EVCS)
P P P P
Section 19. Section 26-1111.D of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, which
regulates separation requirements for motor fueling stations, is hereby revised as
follows:
D. Separation requirements for motor fueling stations. Where motor fueling
stations are permitted in the permitted use table (section 26-1111.B.), the following
separation requirements shall apply. These separation requirements shall not apply in
the MU-C interstate sub-district, and shall not apply to any mixed-use development that
has an approved concept plan (per section 26-1116)., and shall not apply to Retail
EVCS facilities.
Section 20. 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.
DR
A
F
T
Section 21. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on March 1, 2024,
as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of ___ to ___
on this __ day of ____ 2024, 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 ____ ____, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and 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 _____, 2024.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2024.
_______________________________
Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Stephen Kirkpatrick, City Clerk
Approved as to Form
_________________________
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication:
Second Publication:
Wheat Ridge Transcript
Effective Date:
Published:
Wheat Ridge Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us
DR
A
F
T
General Information About EV Charging
What are the different levels of EV chargers, and how much to they typically cost to install?
Type1 Description Typical cost*
Level 1
Level 1 equipment provides charging through a common
residential 120-volt (120V) AC outlet. Level 1 chargers
can take 40-50+ hours to charge a BEV (Battery Electric
Vehicle) to 80 percent from empty and 5-6 hours for a
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Best used for
home or workplace charging.
No cost to use the
convenience cord
provided with most EVs
that plugs into a regular
outlet.
Level 2
Level 2 equipment offers higher-rate AC charging through
240V (in residential applications - like a dryer plug) or
208V (in commercial applications) electrical service.
Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV to 80 percent from
empty in 4-10 hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours. Best used
for home, workplace, and some public charging (e.g. at
hotels).
Home charger: $500-
$2,000 (charger plus
wiring, installation - low
end is if a 240V outlet is
already available.)
Public charger: $3,000-
$10,000
Level 3 (DC
Fast)
Direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment offers
rapid charging along heavy-traffic corridors at installed
stations. DCFC equipment can charge a BEV to 80 percent
in just 20 minutes to 1 hour. Best used for road trips,
charging for Uber/Lyft drivers, etc.
$40,000-$100,000
What is the cost difference in upfront installation vs. retrofitting?
Installing an EV charger or EV-ready infrastructure during initial construction is siginificantly more cost-
effective than retrofitting. Retrofitting can requrie the demolition and repair of existing structures,
longer conduit runs, and upgrading electric panels, which may add considerable costs. A case study by
the Pacific Northwest Laboratory found that the cost of retrofitting EV-ready spaces was around four
times higher than installing during initial construction.
1 Images from Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging: The Basics | US EPA
What level of chargers are required to meet state requirements?
The state code requires electrical capacity be installed for Level 2 chargers, though allows some spaces
to be substituted by DC fast charging if the property owner wishes. More details can be found here:
Energy Code Board.
Are there accessibility requirements that must be met when installing EV charging stations?
There are currently no state or federal requirements, though some programs like the state Charge
Ahead program require that 5% of all grant funded charging ports, but no less than one parking space,
incorporate accessible design features in order to receive funding. Such stations should be designed for
accessibility but reserved for “EV Parking Only.” Requirements for accessible design features are
established by the U.S. Access Board.
Are there regulations about parking in an EV spot and not charging?
Local governments or other parking lot owners are allowed to sign and enforce rules about parking in EV
spaces, which can include limiting use of a parking space to EVs that are actively charging.2 This is
considered a best practice to ensure that chargers are available to EV drivers who need them, and to
incentivize EV drivers who have finished charging to move their vehicles.
How will the grid handle everyone charging at their house?
The EV transition will happen over several years, and Xcel is planning for EV adoption through their
regular resource planning, which is carefully regulated by the state Public Utilities Commission. The state
recently extended its Colorado Clean Cars Standard, which means that manufacturers will be required to
ramp up EV sales to 82% by 2032. This rule will help provide clarity to utilities around the state planning
for the EV transition.
Because charging at home can be done anytime the vehicle is at home, in the future, expect to see
various programs that will encourage charging during times that are best for the grid. Xcel is running
pilot programs to determine customer interest and grid impacts when charging is shifted to off-peak
use, and already offers customers a $50 bill credit who shift their charging to off-peak times.
What are the economic benefits of having public chargers in your city?
Xcel Energy collects a 3% franchise fee for the City of Wheat Ridge for all energy used behind a meter,
and this would include EV charging.
In addition to the benefits of additional franchise fee revenue, drivers typically have about a 30-minute
wait or more while they charge, providing them time to get a meal or shop locally. Locating public
chargers within Wheat Ridge’s commercial areas should be an important strategy for boosting foot
traffic for local restaurants and other businesses. In recent years, the Target on Kipling EV chargers have
been some of the busiest in the state’s network – imagine if some of those waiting drivers were instead
on 38th Ave or 44th Ave corridors patronizing restaurants and small businesses.
2 Electric Motor Vehicle Charging Station Parking | Colorado General Assembly
How Does Commercial and Multi-Unit EV Charging Work?
Commercial EV Charging
What are the various business models?
There are different ways that public EV charging can earn revenue to cover their costs, for example
through charging fees or advertising on the chargers. Since it is still early in the EV market transition
(currently at about 17% market share), chargers often don’t generate enough income to cover their
costs so the state, utilities, and federal government are offering incentives to support the installation of
EV chargers. However, countries with higher EV adoption rates have seen EV charging become a viable
commercial business over time, and some companies are already voluntarily installing EV chargers (e.g.
the 7-Eleven on Wadsworth). Private businesses often see other benefits to offering charging as drivers
often spend money at nearby establishments while charging.
How are customers charged?
Customers typically pay with a credit card, either directly at the charger or a phone app linked to the
charging company. Commercial DC fast chargers often charge by kWh, though some charge by the
minute, and Level 2 chargers may offer a fixed rate. Home charging is typically cheapest unless charging
is subsidized elsewhere. Businesses or governments may choose to provide free or discounted rates to
attract visitors. This winter, home charging costs about $0.12 per kWh off-peak (7pm – 1pm) and $0.19
during peak hours (3pm – 7pm). The DC fast charger at the Target on Kipling charges $0.45 per kWh. The
City Hall and Rec Center level 2 chargers cost $1.00 per hour, roughly $0.16 per kWh.
Who owns the chargers?
It varies. Public Level 2 chargers are typically owned by local governments (like the Rec Center and City
Hall chargers), private businesses, or an EV charging company. Public DC fast chargers (Level 3) are
typically owned by the EV charging company; since these stations are more costly and complex to
operate, it is often better for the charging companies to operate them to ensure reliability.
How are EV chargers metered by the utility?
It varies. Some EV chargers may be on the same meter as the existing site, and sometimes the utility will
install a separate meter or submeter.
Multi-Unit Residential EV Charging
Most (80% or more) of EV charging occurs at home, and it is very important to ensure access to EV
charging for all residents whether they live single-unit or multi-unit housing. A 2022 survey from the
National Multifamily Housing Council found that renters see chargers as an important amenity and are
sometimes willing to pay more for them.
How does on-site charging work?
This depends on whether parking is assigned or shared. Chargers in assigned parking can provide
exclusive access to a resident who needs a charger and can result in simpler billing. However, with
longer range EVs becoming the norm, most people only need to charge about once per week, so sharing
chargers where feasible can be cost effective. Shared charging requires landlords to establish policies for
use, pricing, and billing. More information about EV charging for multi-unit residents can be found here.
What are the costs to residents for charging?
Landlords can take a variety of approaches to charging for EV charging. The simplest, which may make
sense for some smaller buildings, is to use non-networked chargers (which are cheaper but do not
provide real-time usage data), and to either charge a flat fee to residents who wish to use the chargers,
or just include it as an amenity. Otherwise, landlords will want to invest in networked chargers that can
handle payments and monitor usage.
Can the landlord profit from having a charger?
It would be up to the landlord or HOA to determine the charging rate structure and they would program
those rates in coordination with the charging station vendor.
What if a landlord doesn’t want to install a charger for their residents?
For residents of buildings whose landlords haven’t or don’t want to install charging, they may be able to
charge using regular 120 outlets (Level 1) available near parking if possible. Additionally, according to
state law, a tenant may install Level 1 or Level 2 EV charging station at their own expense on or in leased
premises, with applicable building permit(s) obtained from the city. Common interest communities must
also provide residents with an opportunity to charge EVs and may not create restrictions around EV
charging stations. (Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12-601 and 38-33.3-106.8)
How are EV chargers metered?
Similar to public commercial charging, it varies. Some EV chargers may be on the same meter as the
existing site, or the utility may install a separate meter or submeter.
EV Charger Installation Incentives Available for Individuals, Businesses, and
Multi-Unit Housing
There are several incentives available the residents and businesses that may help offset the cost of EV
charger installation.
State Incentives:
• Charge Ahead Colorado: This program funds community Level 2 and DC fast charging stations.
The program offers additional funding for local government and other community applicants in
locations considered disproportionately impacted, as well as for affordable housing properties.
• DCFC Plazas: This program is designed to fund larger banks of DC fast chargers, and the primary
applicants are typically EV charging providers. These stations are more complex to develop,
operate and maintain, and so it usually makes sense for an EV charging company to apply.
However, the city can actively seek to partner with providers to provide land to site chargers, or
work to find local private site hosts: DCFC Plazas Program Partnering List.
• Fleet Zero-Emission Resource Opportunity (Fleet-ZERO): This program is designed to fund
charging for EV fleet vehicles, from light-duty passenger vehicles to medium- and heavy-duty
trucks.
Xcel Energy Incentives:
• Income-qualified residential customers are eligible for rebates of $3,000 - $5,500 towards the
lease or purchase of pre-owned and new EVs.
• Residential customers may be eligible for a rebate for between $500-$2500 on home wiring
costs related to installing a Level 2 charger.
• For community charging hubs, up to $8,800 for four Level 2 chargers, and up to $31,200 per DC
fast charger.
• For multi-unit charging, up to $8,500 per port for Level 2 chargers installed.
• For fleet charging, up to $2,200 per port for Level 2 chargers and up to $45,000 for DCFC. (see
more for other business and multi-unit details here).
• For small businesses, up to $2500 per port for infrastructure required for charger installation for
up to three ports.
• Updates to programs and incentives can be expected when Xcel Energy’s new Transportation
Electrification Plan is approved.
Federal Tax Credit:
• For individual/residential uses, the tax credit covers 30% (up to $1,000 per unit) of the cost of
the equipment. For commercial uses, the tax credit covers 6% (up to $100,000 per unit) of the
cost of the equipment. More information: 2022 EV Tax Credits from Inflation Reduction Act -
Plug In America.
• Additional rebates through Xcel and the federal government are available for areas designated
Income-qualified and higher emissions. Wheat Ridge has locations that meet these criteria.
EV Adoption Trends
EV adoption has grown rapidly over the past few years, nearly tripling between 2019 and 2022 (CO EV
Plan). In the 3rd quarter of 2023, EV sales in Colorado reached over 17% of new vehicles, making
Colorado 5th in the nation. In 2023, Colorado was also named 3rd in the nation for most supportive
policy environment for EVs by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
The state’s EV Plan outlines the holistic approach to supporting this transition to EVs, which combines
incentives, charging investments, workforce development initiatives, as well as regulations and policy. In
October of 2023, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission adopted an extension of the state’s Clean
Car Standard, which will require auto manufacturers to increase EV sales to 82% of new vehicles by
2032. Thus far, EV adoption in the state has been above the regulatory backstop established by the
AQCC in 2019 when the first Clean Car Standard was adopted, and the state intends to continue a
holistic approach to support a successful EV transition. Part of this includes supporting local jurisdictions
to adopt the new minimum state codes; as EV sales increase over the next few years, minimum charging
infrastructure may need to be revisited.
Nationally, there are over 4 million EVs registered, and EV adoption continues to increase. In 2023, over
1.4 million EVs were sold, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. EV adoption rates are
projected to continue increasing, in large part due to declining costs for EV parts, and federal and state
policy to incentivize adoption and the installation of EV charging infrastructure. The U.S. Energy
Information Administration predicts that EVs could account for up to 29% of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales
by 2050, and estimates that between 11% and 26% of on-road light-duty vehicles will be electric by
2050.
MEETING DATE: January 18, 2024
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLES V AND XI OF
CHAPTER 26 OF THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE OF LAWS,
CONCERNING BICYCLE PARKING AND STORAGE
REQUIREMENTS, AND MAKING CONFORMING
AMENDMENTS THEREWITH
CASE NO. ZOA-24-02
PUBLIC HEARING CODE CHANGE ORDINANCE
Case Manager: Scott Cutler
Date of Preparation: January 10, 2023
______________________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY:
The proposed ordinance creates long-term bicycle storage requirements for large multi-unit
residential developments, updates and clarifies vehicle parking reduction allowances when
additional bicycle parking is required, and decouples bicycle parking requirements from vehicle
parking requirements.
Notice for this public hearing was provided by the Code of Laws.
BACKGROUND:
The current zoning code has limited requirements for bicycle parking and storage. The
Sustainability Action Plan, which was presented to Council in 2018, has transportation as one of
six focus areas which includes providing for secure bicycle storage in new developments. In April
2023, City Council gave staff direction to begin research on bicycle parking requirements
including the potential for e-bike charging, based on best practices and zoning codes from
surrounding communities. At the City Council study session on August 7, 2023, City Council gave
staff direction to proceed with a bicycle parking and storage ordinance generally taking the form
of the ordinance as attached.
Current Code
Developments in all zone districts, except mixed-use zones, must comply with the bicycle parking
requirements in Section 26-501, which was adopted in 2001 and contains minimal bicycle parking
requirements.
PLANNING COMMISSION
LEGISLATIVE ITEM STAFF REPORT
ZOA-24-02 / Bicycle Parking and Storage 2
Ordinance No. 1766, passed on June 26, 2023, increased minimum bicycle parking requirements
in mixed use zone districts to 1 space for every 4 dwelling units for multi-unit residential
developments, and 1 space for every 10 vehicle parking spaces for commercial developments.
These requirements were essentially doubled from the previous version of the mixed-use code.
That ordinance also encourages secured indoor bicycle parking for multi-unit residential
development, but it did not go as far as establishing requirements or standards because at the time
staff anticipated more research being needed to pass a more comprehensive bicycle parking and
storage ordinance.
The sections of the code pertaining to bicycle parking (26-501.E.4 and 26-1109.J) do not
contemplate requirements for indoor bicycle storage. The code provides some incentives to reduce
overall vehicle parking if additional bicycle parking beyond the minimum is provided, up to a
maximum of 10 percent. Additionally, the requirements for the number of bicycle parking spaces
are tied to the number of vehicle parking spaces, which is challenging as vehicle parking
requirements and reductions can vary so widely.
Bicycle Storage
When considering bike parking, there is a notable difference between a typical outdoor “u-rack”
bicycle parking space and a secured indoor facility. While u-racks are reasonable for temporary
bicycle parking, especially when placed near areas of congregation or building entrances, they are
often not a secure solution for long-term bicycle storage due to theft risk and weather. Long-term
bicycle parking can come in the form of a covered and gated exterior storage, bicycle lockers, or
bicycle storage rooms within buildings or parking garages. Some new apartment developments in
Wheat Ridge are voluntarily providing small bicycle storage rooms either within the building or
parking garage. Others have not elected to do so unless required by code. The image below is from
the Parallel Apartments bicycle storage room which includes a couple of electrical outlets to
charge e-bikes.
ZOA-24-02 / Bicycle Parking and Storage 3
PROPOSED ORDINANCE:
The proposed ordinance is based on the consensus of Council and also includes the
recommendation to “decouple” bicycle parking from vehicle parking as recommended by the
Sustainability Committee and additional public comment.
The ordinance accomplishes several main goals and will provide for long-term bicycle storage
options for large multi-unit residential developments:
• Clarifies vehicle parking reductions for providing additional bicycle parking beyond the
minimum.
• Provides additional incentives to offices and institutional uses if long-term bicycle storage
and/or shower and changing facilities are provided.
• Adds standards for long-term bicycle parking including security and weather protection.
• Updates minimum bicycle parking requirements for all uses to better align with the mixed-
use code updates.
• Decouples bicycle parking from vehicle parking, instead assessing it against the floor area
of the use. This means bicycle parking is no longer assessed as a ratio of required vehicle
parking, which is more typical of bicycle parking requirements and more aligned with best
practice.
• Adds minimum long-term bicycle parking requirements for multi-unit apartment and
condominium developments over 50 dwelling units. This will allow for secure long-term
bicycle parking for denser residential developments where unit sizes tend to be smaller and
are more likely to be located in areas with better access to bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure.
The attached ordinance was drafted by the Planning Division. A public hearing before City
Council is scheduled for February 26, 2023.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Articles V and XI of the
Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning bicycle parking and storage requirements and making
conforming amendments therewith.”
Exhibits:
1. Proposed Ordinance
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ___________
COUNCIL BILL NO. _______
ORDINANCE NO. _________
Series 2024
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLES V AND XI OF CHAPTER 26 OF
THE WHEAT RIDGE CODE OF LAWS, CONCERNING BICYCLE PARKING
AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS, AND MAKING CONFORMING
AMENDMENTS THEREWITH
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge is a home rule municipality having all powers
conferred by Article XX of the Colorado Constitution; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule authority and C.R.S. § 31-23-101, the City,
acting through its City Council (the “Council”), is authorized to adopt ordinances for the
protection of the public health, safety or welfare; and
WHEREAS, in the exercise of this authority, the Council has previously adopted
regulations in the Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws (the “Code” pertaining to
bicycle parking and storage; and
WHEREAS, the Council recognizes that these regulations are outdated and do not
align with best practice, and that there are multiple parallel requirements which are
challenging to administer; and
WHEREAS, the City is receiving an increasing number of development
applications for multi-unit residential developments, some of which provide limited bicycle
parking and no opportunities for long-term secured storage; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that bicycle parking and storage requirements in
Articles V and XI of Chapter 26 of the Code require revision.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO:
Section 1. Section 26-501.D.1 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
parking reductions by right and the associated Table 5: Parking Reductions, is hereby
amended as follows:
D. Parking reductions.
1. Parking reductions by right. The community development director may
grant a parking reduction not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the
required number of vehicular parking spaces as set forth below without a
variance process. Only one (1) of the following options may be applied to
any one (1) development, unless otherwise noted in the table:
TABLE 5: PARKING REDUCTIONS
Only one of the following may be utilized per development unless otherwise noted.
Standard Reduction Allowed
Bicycle parking 1 vehicular space for every 2 bicycle parking
spaces beyond what is mandatory per Section
26-501.E.4. up to a maximum of a 10% total
reduction in vehicular parking spaces.
If long-term bicycle storage and/or shower
and changing facilities are provided for
office and institutional uses, the following
additional reductions may be combined
with the 10% bicycle parking reduction
above for a total reduction up to a
maximum of 20%.
• 5% if long-term bicycle storage is
provided,
• 5% if shower and changing facilities
are provided that are accessible to
employees nearby the bicycle
storage area.
Property located within 1/4 mile of a
transit station
25%
Property located within 500 feet of a
transit bus stop with 20 minute peak
service
10%
No parking areas located between
any part of the building and the
public right-of-way
10%
Surfacing 10% when an existing parking area with an
unimproved surface is improved to comply
with Section 26-501.E.125.
Structured Parking 10%
Motorcycle and Scooter Parking 1 vehicular space for every 2 motorcycle
and/or scooter spaces up to a maximum 25%
reduction.
…
Section 2. Section 26-501.E.4 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
bicycle parking requirements, is hereby amended as follows:
…
4. Bicycle parking.
a. Applicability. Bicycle parking as set forth in Table 7 in subsection
E.4.b below shall be required for all nonresidential and multi-unit
dwelling uses.
i. Bicycle parking required. Bicycle parking as set forth in subsection
E.4.b below (bicycle parking standards) shall be required for all
nonresidential and multi-unit dwelling uses as follows:
a) All properties located within five hundred (500) feet of
the right-of-way boundary or trail centerline of an
existing or proposed bicycle route from the adopted City
of Wheat Ridge Bike and Pedestrian Route Master Plan.
b) All properties located within one-quarter-mile of a transit
station or transit bus stop that provides twenty-minute
peak hour service.
c) All applicable properties set forth in Table 7 (Schedule
of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces) below.
ii. Bicycle parking optional. For all other properties that do not fall
under the geographic conditions in subsection i above, bicycle
parking is optional, and may be used to reduce the required
number of vehicular parking spaces set forth in subsection E.4.b.iii
below.
b. Standards.
i. Bicycle parking design standards.
a) The required bicycle rack is the "inverted U" type, or
other type approved by the community development
director. Each inverted U bicycle rack shall count as two
(2) bicycle parking spaces.
b) Bicycle parking facilities shall include provisions for
storage and locking of bicycles in secure racks, or
equivalent installation, in which the user may lock both
the bicycle frame and wheels to the rack.
c) Parking for bicycles shall be provided on site, and
bicycle parking areas shall be well-lighted and located
as near to the building or facility entrance as possible
but not more than fifty (50) feet away, and shall not
interfere with pedestrian traffic.
d) If possible, bicycle parking areas should utilize already
existing weather protected areas such as building
overhangs.
e) If bicycle and automobile parking areas or accessways
abut each other, a physical barrier between the bicycle
parking area and the automobile parking or drive areas
shall be provided to prevent the possibility of bicycle-
motor vehicle collisions.
fe) Bicycle facilities required by this section shall be
maintained for the duration of the use requiring such
facilities, and shall not be used for other purposes.
ii. Long-term bicycle parking.
a) Intended to provide users of a site a secure and
weather-protected place to park and store bicycles
and to charge electric bicycles.
b) Shall take the form of an enclosed bicycle storage
room within the primary building, enclosed bicycle
lockers, a separate bicycle storage shed, an
enclosure within a parking garage, or in another form
within 100 feet of the primary entrance as deemed
appropriate by the community development director.
c) All types of long-term bicycle parking shall be easily
accessible to all building occupants, secure, lighted,
and weather resistant.
iii. Number of required bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle parking
spaces shall be provided at a rate of five (5) percent of the required
vehicular parking spaces, but not less than two (2) spaces, unless
otherwise specified below in Table 7. No development shall
provide fewer than two (2) bicycle parking spaces, unless
otherwise noted in Table 7.
Table 7: Schedule of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces [1]
Use Number of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces
Funeral homes or mortuaries
Motor fueling stations, repair
garages, tire stores, car wash, etc.
Drive-up windows providing services
to occupants in vehicles
None.
Educational institutions (public or
private)
One (1) bicycle parking space for each twenty
(20) students
Amusement/recreational enterprises
such as swimming pools, skating
rinks, health clubs, spas, etc.
One (1) bicycle parking space for each twelve
(12) persons capacity
Transit bus stop with 20 minute peak
service
Two (2) bicycle parking spaces for each transit
bus stop.
Public Transit Station One (1) bicycle parking space per each ten
(10) parking spaces required for motor
vehicles, but not less than twenty (20) spaces.
All other nonresidential and multi-
unit dwelling uses
Five (5) percent of the required vehicular
parking spaces, but not less than two (2)
spaces
Retail, personal services 1 space per 2,000 square feet of floor area
Eating or drinking establishment,
including drive-throughs
1 space per 2,000 square feet of floor area
Office 1 space per 5,000 square feet of floor area
Community building or place of
worship
1 space per 5,000 square feet of floor area
Hotel 1 space per 10,000 square feet of floor area
Warehouse or distribution 1 space per 10,000 square feet of floor area
All other nonresidential uses 1 space per 5,000 square feet of floor area
Multi-unit and single attached
residential
One (1) bicycle parking space for every
four (4) dwelling units
For multi-unit apartment or condominium
developments over 50 dwelling units, at
least 50% of required bicycle parking shall
be long-term; if a parking garage is being
provided, at least 75% of required bicycle
parking shall be long-term.
Long-term parking is encouraged for multi-
unit developments under 50 dwelling units
but is not required.
In all instances where long-term bicycle
parking is being provided, in addition to
that required within the building or
accessory structure, a minimum of four (4)
standard bicycle parking spaces shall also
be provided outside of the building.
[1] The number of required bicycle parking spaces in this table shall not be
considered to be in addition to any other required numbers of bicycle parking spaces.
Uses not specified: In the case of a use not specifically mentioned, the
requirements shall be determined by the community development director
based on comparison to similar uses.
iiiiv. Vehicular parking space reductions for bicycle parking spaces. The
number of required motor vehicle parking spaces may be reduced at
the ratio of one (1) motor vehicle parking space for each two (2) bicycle
parking spaces, up to a maximum reduction of ten (10) percent of the
required motor vehicle parking spaces in accordance with Table 7
above. Table 5 in section 26-501.D provides options to reduce the
number of required motor vehicle parking spaces if additional
bicycle-related facilities are provided beyond the minimum
requirements.
…
Section 3. Section 26-1109.J of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, concerning
bicycle parking requirements in mixed use zone districts, is hereby amended as follows:
J. Bicycle parking. Bicycle parking shall be provided in accordance with
section 26-501.E.4.
1. For nonresidential development, or portion thereof, bicycle parking
spaces shall be required at a rate of one (1) bicycle parking space for
every ten (10) automobile parking spaces. No nonresidential development
shall provide less than four (4) bicycle parking spaces. One (1) standard
“Inverted U” bicycle rack shall be considered two (2) bicycle parking
spaces.
2. For multi-unit and single attached residential development, or portion
thereof, bicycle parking spaces shall be required at a rate of one (1)
bicycle parking space for every four (4) units. No multi-unit residential
development shall provide less than four (4) bicycle parking spaces. One
(1) standard “Inverted U” bicycle rack shall be considered two (2) bicycle
parking spaces.
3. Parking for bicycles shall be provided on site, in addition to any bicycle
parking required in the right-of-way by the streetscape design manual.
Bicycle parking areas shall be well-lighted and located not more than fifty
(50) feet from the primary building entrance. Bicycle parking for residential
uses is encouraged to be sheltered and secured.
4. Secured, indoor bicycle parking and storage is encouraged in multi-unit
residential development and shall count towards the total number of
spaces required, although a minimum of four (4) bicycle parking spaces
shall be provided outside the building. Indoor bicycle parking shall take the
form of a secured bicycle storage room.
Section 4. 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 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect on March 1, 2024,
as provided by Section 5.11 of the Charter provided, however, the minimum long-term
bicycle parking requirements in Section 2 of this Ordinance shall not apply to multi-unit
development projects which are under site plan or specific development plan review by
the Community Development Department as of the effective date of this Ordinance and
for which the first round of review comments have already been provided to the applicant
from the City.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED on first reading by a vote of ___ to ___
on this __ day of ____ 2024, 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 ____ ____, 2024 at 6:30 p.m., as a virtual meeting and 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 _____, 2024.
SIGNED by the Mayor on this _____ day of ____________, 2024.
_______________________________
Bud Starker, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Stephen Kirkpatrick, City Clerk
Approved as to Form
_________________________
Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney
First Publication:
Second Publication:
Wheat Ridge Transcript
Effective Date:
Published:
Wheat Ridge Transcript and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us