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Home My WebLink About07-21-2025 - Study Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Monday, July 21, 2025 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at: 7500 West 29th Avenue, Municipal Building, Council Chambers. City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign up to speak upon arrival. 2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on July 21, 2025) 3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: Click here to pre-register and provide public comment by Zoom (You must preregister before 6:00 p.m. on July 21, 2025) 4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. The City will upon request, provide auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for people with disabilities, including qualified sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, documents in Braille, and other ways of making communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments. To request auxiliary aid, service for effective communication, or document in a different format, please use this form or contact ADA Coordinator, (Kelly McLaughlin at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885) as soon as possible, preferably 7 days before the activity or event. Public Comment on Agenda Items 1. City Plan Status Update 2. Draft Ballot Language – Charter Amendment – Clerk and Treasurer 3. Staff Report(s) 4. Elected Officials’ Report(s) ITEM NO. 1 Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: Ella Stueve, Senior Neighborhood Planner DATE: July 11, 2025 (for July 21 study session) SUBJECT: City Plan Status Update PURPOSE: The purpose of this study session is to provide City Council with an update on the City Plan process and review the public draft of the plan. Much of the plan reflects the content from the previous four phases of engagement. This draft is an opportunity to review all the content in the context of a complete plan. This study session is an opportunity to evaluate the plan draft and provide a final round of feedback to refine the draft for clarity and correctness before the plan adoption. Attachment 1 is the Executive Summary of the City Plan. Attachment 2 is the complete City Plan public review draft. The next scheduled discussion with City Council is for the plan’s adoption later this summer. BACKGROUND: The City Plan is the next iteration of the Comprehensive Plan and will supersede Envision Wheat Ridge, which was adopted in 2009. The City Plan articulates a community vision for Wheat Ridge through 2040. A specific focus has been to ensure robust community input and to create a plan that balances different values and tradeoffs that emerge from community conversations. A successful City Plan process results in an adopted document that reflects community values and acts as a foundation for future decision-making on all topics related to the physical development of the city for years to come. PROJECT STATUS: Timeline This process formally began in late January 2024 with a project team kick-off and the first phase of engagement from mid-April to early May 2024. The second phase of engagement took place from early June to mid-July 2024. The third phase was in Study Session Memo – City Plan Status Update July 11, 2025 Page 2 September and October 2024. The fourth phase was from mid-February to early March 2025. The public review of the draft plan includes the following: • A steering committee meeting on Tuesday, July 15 • A Planning Commission discussion on Thursday, July 17 • City Council Study Session on Monday, July 21 • The draft plan is available for review by the public on the project website through Tuesday, July 22. The final plan will be brought to Planning Commission and City Council for final adoption later this summer. Public Process Since December 2023, the City Plan project page on What’s Up Wheat Ridge has been live: https://whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan. Since then, the project team has encouraged community members to subscribe to project updates and become neighborhood champions. Neighborhood champions are community members who want to stay up to speed on the City Plan and help promote participation. As of June 11, the City Plan has 771 subscribers and 100 neighborhood champions. An outreach summary for the entire project up to this point is included as Attachment 3. Next Steps The project team integrated content from the four engagement phases into a draft City Plan document. After incorporating input from the draft review, the formal adoption process will begin. CITY COUNCIL FEEDBACK REQUESTED: This study session is intended to provide a forum for council members to learn about and share input on the draft City Plan. As demonstrated in Attachment 4, the City Plan project team will present an overview of the plan and describe how the plan will be used to inform future rezoning and code amendment discussions. There will also be a presentation and discussion on mobility and infrastructure. As part of the study session discussion, council will be asked these three questions: 1. What’s working well? 2. Are there any missed opportunities? 3. What needs adjustment? Study Session Memo – City Plan Status Update July 11, 2025 Page 3 No formal consensus or direction will be required from Council to move the project forward. This study session is an opportunity to evaluate the plan draft and provide a final round of feedback before the plan adoption. ATTACHMENTS: 1. City Plan Draft Executive Summary 2. City Plan Draft 3. City Plan Outreach Summary, June 2025 4. City Plan Update Presentation, July 2025 #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir Next ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 City Plan A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge 2025 SummaryExecutive DRAFTDRAFT ATTACHMENT 1 The City of Wheat Ridge (City) is committed to providing accessible facilities, services, and communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the City aims to provide an accessible website compatible with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) that is in compliance with Colorado HB 21-1110, allowing individuals with a disability to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without a disability. As the City works toward this goal, you may have a need to access documents in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio, etc.). In that event, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelly McLaughlin, at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885 who will make every effort to respond to your inquiry and provide an alternative solution. When the final version of the City Plan is adopted (estimated September 2025), an ADA compliant version will be available for the public at whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan. ADA Accessibility Statement The City of Wheat Ridge (City) is committed to providing accessible facilities, services, and communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the City aims to provide an accessible website compatible with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) that is in compliance with Colorado HB 21-1110, allowing individuals with a disability to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without a disability. As the City works toward this goal, you may have a need to access documents in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio, etc.). In that event, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelly McLaughlin, at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885 who will make every effort to respond to your inquiry and provide an alternative solution. When the final version of the City Plan is adopted (estimated September 2025), an ADA compliant version will be available for the public at whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan. ADA Accessibility Statement Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT What is the City Plan? A City Plan, the blueprint for a community’s future, should provide guidance on where and how the community will invest and change over the next 15 years. To do this effectively, it must accomplish the following three things: 01 It plans for what is known. A great plan identifies trends and issues allowing a community to make well- informed choices that are likely to achieve desired outcomes. 02 It gets the “Big Things” right. A great plan identifies a few issues that are so important to a community’s future that they require focused attention and resources to ensure they are handled correctly. 03 It creates a decision-making framework for what is unknown. A great plan even provides direction for the unknown by creating a decision- making framework for circumstances that cannot be predicted. What was the process to develop the City Plan? The content and direction of this plan was guided by the community through open houses and online surveys, a steering committee of community members, neighborhood champions, youth engagement through Wheat Ridge High School, and conversations with City Council and Planning Commission. In four engagement phases, approximately 515 individuals attended open houses, and over 1,000 submissions were received through online activities. ONLINE SURVEYS STEERING COMMITTEE NEIGHBORHOOD CHAMPIONS OPEN HOUSES PART ONEWelcome to the City Plan The City Plan will shape the future of Wheat Ridge over the next 15 years. It articulates a path forward based on what the city looks like today and what it wants to become in the future. Executive Summary 1 DRAFT Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / czbLLC Where are we today? Wheat Ridge is a Colorado city with a unique character influenced by both its location as an inner-ring suburb in a dynamic metropolitan area as well as its agricultural history. The population of Wheat Ridge, now just over 32,000, has grown in recent years as younger families have moved into the city, lowering the average age and increasing the median household income. At the same time, the city’s housing stock has been impacted by rising values experienced across the greater metropolitan housing market. Historic affordability has been eroding as the cost of both buying and renting a home has increased faster than incomes. Wheat Ridge has also seen an increase in the number of jobs in the city, though most people who work in Wheat Ridge live elsewhere, and most Wheat Ridge residents commute out of the city for work. This growth has also increased the city’s sales tax revenue, which provides a substantial portion of the city government’s budget. More businesses have been opening, and more people are spending money in Wheat Ridge, increasing the city’s budget and providing desired amenities for residents. Meanwhile, the city has been working to modernize in numerous ways, including through community engagement. It has worked to both gauge resident sentiment as well as respond to that sentiment, improving services and gaining trust in the community. In listening to residents, city government has come to understand some changing desires in the community. Specifically, Wheat Ridge is ready to evolve and to invest in our future. Where do we want to go? Overall, people like living in Wheat Ridge, and they want the city to continue to look and feel like the community-oriented place that makes it feel like home. Wheat Ridge also faces some challenges. There has been a consistent and growing desire for improvement, growth, and modernization in a few key areas. For example, the need for improved infrastructure, including our streets and sidewalks and how we get around the city, has been an ongoing conversation for several years. Additionally, while the community wants Wheat Ridge to feel like Wheat Ridge, there is growing consensus around the desire to elevate some of our public spaces through thoughtful investments and improvements. And finally, the community wants to see both its businesses and its neighborhoods thrive. This includes support for businesses as well as a variety of housing options that are attainable. Over the next 15 years, Wheat Ridge wants to become the best version of itself, and that is what this City Plan aims to do. How does the plan get us there? The City Plan creates a policy framework to help Wheat Ridge become the best version of itself. These policies are then reflected in updates to regulations, allocation of resources, and budget decisions. The foundation of the plan is built on: PART ONE Core Values Planning Principles Planning Priorities 2 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT Core Values Strengthen the City’s fiscal positionWe will make decisions about public investments with an eye on the future. Planning PrinciplesIndependent MindedWe go our own way. The Core Values, or the deeply-held, widely shared beliefs in Wheat Ridge that serve as building blocks for our vision of the future, are: The Planning Principles, or criteria for public decision-making that ensure adherence to the community’s core values, are: Inclusive Our community is welcoming to all and is a good home for different kinds of people. Forward-lookingWe are responsible to the future. Serve a mix of incomesWe will avoid the likelihood that new investment is only for those with high incomes. Preserve our “patchwork quilt”We will celebrate and enhance the unique character of areas within Wheat Ridge. Focus on sustainabilityWe will act as good stewards of the environment. PART ONE Our Core Values Our Planning Principles Executive Summary 3 DRAFT PART ONE The four Planning Priorities, or the important long-term projects that we must get right, are: Improved Retail and Business Environment 38th Avenue Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Proactive Infrastructure Management We will support the business community and cultivate the kinds of places where residents want to shop, dine, and visit. We will continue shaping a portion of 38th Avenue into Wheat Ridge’s Main Street corridor.We will provide a system for pedestrians and cyclists to move between important locations more easily. We will catch up on deferred infrastructure maintenance and keep pace into the future. Our Planning Priorities Planning Priorities 4 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT A cornerstone of the community’s vision is that Wheat Ridge become the best possible version of itself while maintaining the character that makes it feel like Wheat Ridge. While the community expressed ways in which they want the city to grow and evolve, there is not a strong desire for dramatic physical change to transform the city. At the same time, growth and development are both inevitable and necessary. The role of the City Plan is to balance these dynamics to help Wheat Ridge become the best version of itself. When it comes to character, the City Plan aims to achieve these four outcomes: Evolution of Our Places We want to see incremental change that is carefully curated so we can evolve while maintaining our character of distinct areas with their own look and feel. Peaceful Coexistence We want to ensure that new development peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods. Improved Connectivity and Access We want future investments and improvements to help people move around town more easily, especially on foot or by bicycle. Making Great Places We want to see improvements to the space between buildings and the curb that enhance the experience of spending time in our public spaces. What do we know about character in Wheat Ridge? What are we trying to achieve? PART TWOOur Character and Development Vision Executive Summary 5 DRAFT USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE The city already uses many of these tools today. For example, the zoning code already regulates what uses are allowed, how tall buildings can be, and how far a building is from the street. However, in some instances current regulations are not yielding the outcomes that the community wants to see. Becoming our best selves means refining these tools to achieve the outcomes we desire. Those tools are organized into the following four categories: There are several ways that a city can work toward those four outcomes. Based on input shared by residents, the City Plan focuses on tools that city staff can hone and develop. Use tools, or uses, guide the types of activities and functions allowed on a site. Typical uses include residential, commercial, mixed-use, civic/institutional, parks/recreational, agricultural, industrial, and temporary uses/activation. What properties and buildings are used for is regulated by the zoning code. Different uses are appropriate in different parts of the city. Form tools are a series of regulations that dictate the size, shape, placement, and nature of buildings, parking, and landscaping. They focus on the physical shape and arrangement of buildings and spaces, addressing things like height, setbacks, massing, and orientation. Form tools include lot dimensions, setbacks and build-to, height limits, landscaping, and parking requirements. Going Places tools specify the infrastructure and treatments on our streets and sidewalks that allow people to safely and comfortably travel around the city. Going Places tools include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared lanes, multi-use path/trail, different lane configurations, bus facilities, and enhanced crossings. Staying Places tools specify the infrastructure and treatments on our streets and sidewalks that make a specific location into a place where people will stop and spend time. Staying Places tools include lighting, street furniture, street trees, enhanced sidewalks, on-street parking, and frontage improvements. PART TWO What tools shape community character? 6 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT The City Plan articulates how to apply these four sets of tools in Wheat Ridge based on context. This plan helps determine context by defining Place Types and Street Types. Place Types describe the look and feel of various areas as defined by land use, building form, and surrounding context. Street types create categories of streets as defined by conditions like width, pavement markings, presence of curbs and sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, adjacent land use, and vehicle speeds and volumes. Considered together, Place Type and Street Type inform the appropriate application of Use, Form, Staying Places, and Going Places tools. The City Plan uses five specific locations in the city, called Focus Areas, to imagine how tools could be used to shape character in ways that meet community goals. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE How we apply our tools Clear Creek 70 70 Context Place Types Street Types Informs PART TWO How do we apply tools in Wheat Ridge? Executive Summary 7 DRAFT These values, principles, priorities, and the character and development vision paint a vivid picture of where the community wants to go. That vision can be summarized in three goals that articulate what Wheat Ridge wants. Each of these goals include strategies to help us work towards those goals: The summary timeline on the next page illustrates the timing of selected implementation items. Modern Infrastructure Thoughtful Placemaking Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. A Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. B Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues.C Implement our character and development vision.D Invest in placemaking.E Protect and improve our parks, open space, and tree canopy.F Modernize parking approach.G Support existing and new businesses.H I Support housing development to meet community goals. How do we implement the City Plan? PART THREECreating Our Future We know that a great City Plan needs to plan for what is known, get the big things right, and create a decision-making framework for what is unknown. 8 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT NEAR TERM:0-3 YEARS2025-2027 MID-TERM: 4-8 YEARS2028-2032 LONG-TERM: 9-15 YEARS2033-2040 Develop long-term CIP prioritization and funding strategy Execute easement agreement on the Kullerstrand campus Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods Design and construct planned multimodal improvement projects Ongoing: Engage the public in CIP efforts Ongoing: Invest in incremental bike/ped network improvements Modern Infrastructure Update regulations: Analyze codes and complete quick wins Update regulations: Complete full code update Complete 38th Avenue refresh study and construction Coordinate with JeffCo Schools for redevelopment of closed campuses Ongoing: Apply Staying Places tools in city investment and private development Thoughtful Placemaking Initiate a pilot program for frontage improvements Update Regulations: Allow appropriate temporary and short-term commercial development Update housing regulations Implement a Business Improvement District on 38th Avenue Ongoing: Implement the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Leverage investments in infrastructure to improve bike/ped facilities Ongoing: Evaluate new development to implement vision Ongoing: Protect and improve natural resources Complete emergency stormwater repairs Partner with local utility districts for forward planning Create a Mobility Plan Ongoing: Continue planning and capital efforts Establish incentives to support affordable housing Monitor housing development over time and adjust regulations as needed Ongoing: Support housing development Modernize parking approach PART THREE Implementing what we know Executive Summary 9 DRAFT Over the 15-year lifespan of this plan, unexpected changes and unanticipated events are very likely to occur. As conditions change, however, our values and principles endure. Therefore, we can turn to the core values and planning principles established by the community as part of this plan. These values and principles provide a framework for evaluating decisions and analyzing tradeoffs. Over time, we want our decisions to reflect our values and principles. The City Plan provides a list of questions to help us evaluate whether potential outcomes align with our core values and planning principles. By planning for what is known, getting the big things right, and following a decision-making framework for what is unknown, Wheat Ridge can bring the community’s vision to life, working over the next 15 years to become the best version of itself. The decision we’re trying to make: __________________________ Core Values Values Questions Responses Independent Minded Does this help us become the best version of ourselves? Is this potential outcome an authentic reflection of who we are as a community? Inclusive Does this potential outcome help make Wheat Ridge a more welcome and respectful place for everyone? Will this support a diverse range of people? Forward-looking What are the long-term impacts of this potential outcome? Does this prevent future problems and create lasting opportunities? Planning Principles Values Questions Responses Serve a mix of incomes Does this potential outcome help Wheat Ridge serve community members across all income levels? Preserve our “patchwork quilt” Does this potential outcome reinforce and enhance the unique character of Wheat Ridge? Does it respond to the surrounding context? Focus on sustainability Does this potential outcome support a more sustainable future? Does it promote responsible growth, support multi-modal transportation, and/or reduce environmental harm? Strengthen the city’s fiscal position Does this potential outcome contribute to Wheat Ridge’s long-term financial health and allow us to invest in our future as a community? As we make policy decisions about our future, this worksheet will help ensure alignment with the values and principles established in the City Plan. PART THREE Planning for the unknown 10 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT Executive Summary 11 DRAFT #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir NextABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 City Plan A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge 2025 Planning Consultants Executive Summary #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir Next ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 City Plan A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge 2025 DRAFT ATTACHMENT 2 ADA Accessibility Statement The City of Wheat Ridge (City) is committed to providing accessible facilities, services, and communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the City aims to provide an accessible website compatible with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) that is in compliance with Colorado HB 21-1110, allowing individuals with a disability to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without a disability. As the City works toward this goal, you may have a need to access documents in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio, etc.). In that event, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelly McLaughlin, at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303- 235-2885 who will make every effort to respond to your inquiry and provide an alternative solution. When the final version of the City Plan is adopted (estimated September 2025), an ADA compliant version will be available for the public at whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan. The City of Wheat Ridge (City) is committed to providing accessible facilities, services, and communication to all members of the public. As part of this commitment, the City aims to provide an accessible website compatible with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) that is in compliance with Colorado HB 21-1110, allowing individuals with a disability to understand and use the website to the same degree as someone without a disability. As the City works toward this goal, you may have a need to access documents in an accessible format (e.g., Braille, large print, audio, etc.). In that event, please contact the ADA Coordinator, Kelly McLaughlin, at ada@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2885 who will make every effort to respond to your inquiry and provide an alternative solution. When the final version of the City Plan is adopted (estimated September 2025), an ADA compliant version will be available for the public at whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan. ADA Accessibility Statement DRAFT Acknowledgements City Council Bud Starker, Mayor Jenny Snell and Janeece Hoppe, District I Rachel Hultin and Scott Ohm, District II Amanda Weaver and Korey Stites, District III Dan Larson and Leah Dozeman, District IV Planning Commission Kristine Disney Daniel Graeve Krista Holub Michal Moore Patrick Quinn Syrma Quinones Susan Wood Former Members: Cody Hedges, Will Kerns, and Jonathan Schelke City Staff Patrick Goff, City Manager Project Team Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director Jana Easley, Planning Manager Ella Stueve, Senior Planner/Project Manager Ashley Holland, Neighborhood Engagement Specialist Community Development Stephanie Stevens, Scott Cutler, Shannon Terrell, Chris Masar, Janet Gassman, Tammy Odean, Rocky Macsalka, Alayna Olivas-Loera, Alan Sielaff Economic Development Steve Art Public Works Kent Kisselman, Maria D’Andrea Communications Amanda Harrison Parks and Recreation Karen O’Donnell, Brandon Altenburg, Benny Piaz, James Roemmelt Administrative Services Allison Scheck, Whitney Mugford-Smith City Manager’s Office Marianne Schilling, Mary Hester Steering Committee Bob Brazell Clint Carlson Cody Hedges Dan Williams David Netz Diana Lopez Jen Shaver John Marriott Julie Stern Kat White Kathleen Martell Lisa Rucker Melinda Valentini Ronald Abo Ross Carpenter Sandra Davis Stacey Rohrer Susan Wood Consultants czb With support from: MIG Thank you to the community members — neighborhood champions, residents, business owners, employees, property owners, visitors, and more — who participated in the development of the City Plan. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT Focus Areas Table of Contents #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir NextABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 PART ONE Welcome to the City Plan Establishes the plan’s context and background, explains the plan’s purpose, and describes the process of creating it. Core Values Planning Principles Planning Priorities CHAPTER 1: Introduction Provides background and explains the planning process and how it relates to other plans. CHAPTER 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities Provides the basis for planning and decision-making that underlies the substance of the City Plan. Page 1 Page 3 Page 25 PART TWO Our Character and Development Vision Explains how the community would like to shape and reinforce the city’s character in the future. CHAPTER 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character Defines what the City Plan means by character, what the community shared about its current and desired character, and how tools available to the city can shape character based on the context found in different locations. CHAPTER 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge Illustrates what these tools might look like if they were implemented in five locations in Wheat Ridge. These five locations are called Focus Areas. Page 57 Page 59 Page 109 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFT Actions Some comprehensive plans are organized by topics. The City Plan does not use this approach, but all of the standard topics are addressed in this plan. See Appendix A for where to find information about Mobility, Infrastructure, Land Use and Zoning, Parks, Open Space, and Tree Canopy, Economic Development, and Housing in this plan. PART THREE Creating Our Future Explains how to bring the City Plan’s vision to life. CHAPTER 5: Implementing What We Know Distills the City Plan’s direction into three general goals and describes the strategies and actions needed to implement this plan. CHAPTER 6: Planning for the Unknown Describes a decision-making framework to respond to changing conditions in ways that are consistent with this plan and what we know of our community. Page 133 Page 135 Page 155 Appendix A: Locating Content by Topic Appendix B: Community Profile Appendix C: Tools Appendix D: Public Engagement Detail Appendix E: Decision-Making Framework Worksheet Appendix F: Compliance with State Requirements Appendix G: Implementation Matrix APPENDICES DRAFT Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Welcome to the City Plan PART ONE DRAFT 1 PART ONE: Welcome to the City Plan PART ONE: Welcome to the City Plan establishes the plan’s context and background, explains the plan’s purpose, and describes the process of creating it. It includes two chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction provides background and explains the planning process and how it relates to other plans. Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities provides the basis for planning and decision-making that underlies the substance of the City Plan. DRAFT 2 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / czbLLC IntroductionCHAPTER 1 DRAFT 3 PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction DRAFT 4 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC PG 3 Chapter 1: Introduction PG 5 Welcome to Wheat Ridge PG 11 What is a Comprehensive Plan? PG 13 City Plan Process PG 23 Related Planning Efforts 5 DRAFTPART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Welcome to Wheat Ridge, a Colorado city with a unique character influenced by both its location as an inner-ring suburb in a dynamic metropolitan area as well as its agricultural history. Originally the traditional territory of the Tsistsistas, the Hinono’ei, and the Nuu-ciu, commonly named the Cheyenne, the Arapaho, and the Ute, the area became a popular rest stop for travelers during the Gold Rush in the late 1850s. It then grew to a thriving agricultural and suburban community known as the “Carnation City” in the mid-1900s. In 1969, Wheat Ridge incorporated into a city that is approximately 9.5 square miles and located along key regional travel routes. 5 Welcome to Wheat Ridge For a deeper dive into the data, see Appendix B 6 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT What does Wheat Ridge Look Like Today? Our People As of 2020, Wheat Ridge was home to 32,389 people. Of this population, about three quarters are white, and 22% are of Hispanic origin. The city has been known for having a slightly older population—in 2000 and 2010, the median age in Wheat Ridge was over three years older than the median age of Jefferson County as a whole. By 2020, however, this disparity had begun to close as younger families moved into Wheat Ridge. In fact, the population growth between 2010 and 2020 can largely be attributed to people born between 1981 and 1995, or Millennials. The population of Millennials in Wheat Ridge increased by over 3,000 people in that period of time. By 2020, 80% of the population was under 65. At the same time, both educational attainment and incomes increased. Between 2015 and 2022, the proportion of college graduates in the population increased more in Wheat Ridge than it did in Jefferson County. Over that same period, household income increased by over $30,000 per year. In households with at least two related people, which the Census defines as Family Households, incomes increased by over 80%. 22.3%Source: U.S. Census Source: U.S. Census 18-64 64% Selected Generations in Wheat Ridge, 2000-2020 Source: U.S. Census Median Income for Households and Families, 2013-2022 2000 2010 2020 Millennials 9,866 6,229 5,596 8,270 8,042 5,669 1,912 Boomers Gen X Silent 2,947 2,021 Gen Z5,665 20 1 3 20 1 4 20 1 5 20 1 6 20 1 7 20 2 2 20 1 8 20 1 9 20 2 0 20 2 1 $116,040 $79,567 $57,659$47,841 $75,782 $61,725 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 Median Family Income Median Household Income Source: American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates 65+ 20% UNDER 18 16% 2020 Population of Hispanic Origin 2022 Population by Age For a deeper dive into the data, see Appendix B 7 DRAFTPART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Our Homes Wheat Ridge has a mix of housing types. Just over half of the housing stock is single-unit detached houses, while just over a quarter are in small apartment buildings. Single-unit attached homes (townhomes), duplexes, and larger apartment buildings make up most of the rest. Home ownership rates have remained relatively stable, with just over half of households in homes that they own. The housing stock in Wheat Ridge is generally older than surrounding areas. The majority of homes were built before 1980, with 30% built in the 1950s alone. In the past, older homes have helped keep Wheat Ridge more affordable. Since 2010, Wheat Ridge experienced the same stronger housing market with rising values experienced across the greater metropolitan housing market. While this increased the value of many people’s homes, it also caused the same affordability challenges facing the rest of the region. Source: American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates Renter Affordability, 2013-2022 Owner Affordability, 2013-2022 Source: American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates 20 1 3 20 1 4 20 1 5 20 1 6 20 1 7 20 2 2 20 1 8 20 1 9 20 2 0 20 2 1 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 Income needed formedian valuedowner-occupied unit Median owner income $140,000 $160,000 $153,800 $114,356 Income needed to afford the median gross rentt Median renter income $57,160 $52,025 $0 $10,000 $40,000 20 1 3 20 1 4 20 1 5 20 1 6 20 1 7 20 2 2 20 1 8 20 1 9 20 2 0 20 2 1 $20,000 $30,000 $60,000 $50,000 Median Single-Unit Home Sale Price 80033 ZIP Code Source: Black Knight via Policy Map $2 8 5 , 0 0 0 20 1 4 20 2 3 20 1 9 $4 4 9 , 5 0 0 $6 1 7 , 0 0 0 For those looking to buy a home in Wheat Ridge, this market shift has meant that the city’s historic affordability has eroded. By 2020, it was difficult to find a house that cost less than $500,000. This means that the incomes necessary to buy a house in Wheat Ridge have also increased. As of 2022, purchasing a house at the median price would require an annual income of over $150,000. Renters face similar affordability challenges. The city has over 5,000 apartment units for rent, and the majority of those were built before 1980. In fact, no new market-rate apartment rental units were added to the city’s housing supply between 1980 and 2019. As a result of both the growth of the larger housing market and redevelopment incentives, over 1,200 new apartment rental units have been added since 2019. Similar to for-sale units, rental prices have increased in recent years. For many renters, incomes have not quite kept up with rising rents. For a deeper dive into the data, see Appendix B 8 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT Our Economy City operations are closely tied to the city’s economy. Wheat Ridge’s city budget, and therefore the city’s government operations, and the services it can provide, are dependent on sales tax revenue. As businesses grow and succeed, the city’s operating budget also grows. Between 2018 and 2022, the city’s sales tax revenue steadily grew, with a very slight decrease in 2023. Much of this revenue comes from businesses located on the city’s commercial corridors. Wheat Ridge had just under 20,000 jobs in 2021 after a steady increase from over 16,000 jobs in 2011 and over 18,000 in 2016. The largest number of jobs in the city are in the health care industry, with about half as many jobs in retail. However, most of the people in these jobs do not live in Wheat Ridge, and most Wheat Ridge residents don’t work in the city. Only about one out of every 20 employees in Wheat Ridge are also residents. Instead, more than 14,000 residents commute out of the city to work and more than 18,000 employees commute into the city from other areas to get to work. Sales Tax Revenues by Year, 2018-2023 Source: City of Wheat Ridge via 2024 Prosperity Plan Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, Accessed via OnTheMap Retail Trade Construction All Other Industries Health Care and Social Assistance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Accommodation and Food Services Educational Services 2,519 2,214 5,258 5,785 1,940 1,209 1,490 1,064 6,682 2,003 1,737 1,116 Retail Trade Construction All Other Industries Health Care and Social Assistance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Accommodation and Food Services 1,145 Top Industries for Jobs Located in Wheat Ridge, 2021 18,436 961Wheat Ridge workers commute from another municipality 14,276 Wheat Ridge residents commute to another municipalitypeople both live AND work in Wheat Ridge Commuting Into and Out of Wheat Ridge, 2021 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, Accessed via OnTheMap %& $0 $5,000,000 $22,471,963 $29,031,506 20 2 2 20 1 8 20 1 9 20 2 0 20 2 1 20 2 3 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000 $30,000,000 9 DRAFTPART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Our Assets Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational Amenities: The Wheat Ridge community deeply values the city’s park system, the extensive trail network, and the recreation facilities and programs. The almost 550 acres of parks, open space, and trails make up nearly 10 percent of the city’s area. As a result, Wheat Ridge residents enjoy over 17 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which is well over the national average of 10.6 acres per 1,000 residents. Over three quarters of residents live within a 10-minute walk of outdoor recreation. About half of residents are within a half mile of the Clear Creek Trail, which is a popular regional trail that connects Denver to Golden with seven miles of paved trail that runs through Wheat Ridge. Not included in the acreage above is Crown Hill Park, which is a 242-acre park heavily used by residents that is just outside Wheat Ridge. In addition to the city parks and open space areas, Wheat Ridge also operates the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, the Anderson Building and Outdoor Pool, the Active Adult Center, the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, and the Richards-Hart Estate. All of these parks, open space, and recreational amenities enhance the city’s natural beauty and promote physical and mental well-being by supporting active lifestyles and fostering a sense of community. Community members consistently report that these amenities are well-liked and important to the community. Tree Canopy: Another asset in the city is the extensive tree canopy. In addition to contributing to the character of Wheat Ridge, the city’s trees create shade, help mitigate the tendency for the hard surfaces found in urban settings to increase the temperature, and provide numerous environmental benefits, including helping clean our air and water and providing animal habitat. They also have been shown to improve mental and physical health. Wheat Ridge has committed to the maintenance and care of its tree canopy. Forestry staff maintain over 8,000 trees in parks, open space, and along some of the city’s streets. This includes tracking all trees on public property, maintaining and growing the canopy by planting new trees every year, and hosting an annual tree sale where residents and businesses can purchase trees at a steep discount compared to retail prices. Additionally, the city employs a landscape professional who reviews development site plans on private property and inspects project sites. That review includes evaluating sites for appropriate species selection and irrigation, and it results in a greater number of trees surviving and maturing into the city’s tree canopy. Wheat Ridge has also been a Tree City USA for the past 45 years. Cities receive this annual recognition by meeting specific criteria. Wheat Ridge is one of approximately 3,500 cities across the nation with this distinction. For a deeper dive into the data, see Appendix B 10 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT What does this mean for the City Plan? What Wheat Ridge looks like today informs where the city wants to go in the next 15 years. Overall, people like living in Wheat Ridge, and they want the city to continue to look and feel like the community-oriented place that makes it feel like home. Wheat Ridge also faces some challenges. There has been a consistent and growing desire for improvement, growth, and modernization in a few key areas. For example, the need for improved infrastructure, including our streets and sidewalks and how we get around the city, has been an ongoing conversation for several years. Additionally, while the community wants Wheat Ridge to feel like Wheat Ridge, there is growing consensus around the desire to elevate some of our public spaces through thoughtful investments and improvements. And finally, the community wants to see both its businesses and its neighborhoods thrive. This includes support for businesses as well as a variety of housing options that are attainable. Over the next 15 years, Wheat Ridge wants to become the best version of itself, and that is what this City Plan aims to do. #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir Next ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 What is a Comprehensive Plan? Comprehensive Plan Adopted October 2009 A comprehensive plan is a city’s long-range planning document that establishes the overarching direction for policymaking and investment over the next ten to twenty years. Rooted in the community’s shared values, the plan reflects a collective vision and identifies key priorities for the future. Comprehensive plans offer strategic guidance on a variety of issues important to the community. This plan defines priorities and outlines a framework to guide decision-making and manage growth in alignment with the community’s vision. This comprehensive plan, known as the City Plan, updates the City’s previous plan, Envision Wheat Ridge, adopted in 2009. Having achieved many of the goals outlined in Envision Wheat Ridge, the City is ready to move forward with a new plan to address future opportunities and challenges. The City Plan can be updated as needed, and a new comprehensive plan will be appropriate towards the end of this plan’s 15-year horizon. #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir NextABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 City Plan A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge 2025 DRAFTPART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction 11 PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction What’s behind a great City Plan? A City Plan, the blueprint for a community’s future, should provide guidance on where and how the community will invest and change over the next 20 years. To do this effectively, it must accomplish the following three things: 01 It plans for what is known. A great plan identifies trends and issues allowing a community to make well- informed choices that are likely to achieve desired outcomes. 02 It gets the “Big Things” right. A great plan identifies a few issues that are so important to a community’s future that they require focused attention and resources to ensure they are handled correctly. 03 It creates a decision-making framework for what is unknown. A great plan even provides direction for the unknown by creating a decision- making framework for circumstances that cannot be predicted. How does a plan become reality? A comprehensive plan provides policy guidance; its adoption does not inherently update regulations. Therefore, the analysis, strategic thinking, vision, and guidance in the City Plan are only truly meaningful if the plan is implemented. The City Plan is a long-range planning document that is implemented gradually but consistently. Its direction shows up in a number of ways as the City Council, Planning Commission, and city staff undertake their regular responsibilities during the life of the plan. For example, the City Plan informs the following: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Housing and Neighborhood Policy Parks and Recreation Transportation and Infrastructure Land Use and Design Regulations Economic Development Policy Small Area Plans 12 DRAFT Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Plan Adoption September 2025 City Plan Process The Wheat Ridge City Plan process was informed and guided by the Wheat Ridge community through several methods across four phases of engagement, a public review of the draft plan, and plan adoption. Engagement Phase 1:Our Vision April and May 2024 Engagement Phase 2: Confirm Our Vision May and June 2024 Engagement Phase 3:Our DevelopmentFramework September and October 2024 Engagement Phase 4:Our Way Forward February and March 2025 Draft Review July 2025 Housing and Neighborhood Policy Economic Development PolicyTransportation and Infrastructure DRAFT 13 PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Steering Committee An 18-member steering committee of local stakeholders worked closely with city staff and project consultants throughout the process. The committee convened at project kick-off, during each phase of engagement, and during draft plan review. Over the course of six meetings, the steering committee verified public feedback, engaged in detailed discussions on specific City Plan topics, and offered valuable insights to refine the process. City Council and Planning Commission Each engagement phase and the draft plan review included touchpoints with city council and planning commission, who also adopt the plan. During the project touchpoints, staff presented new content and received input from councilmembers and commissioners. Open Houses and Online Surveys Each phase offered both in-person and online opportunities for community input, inviting all Wheat Ridge community members to participate. A total of approximately 515 attendees provided input at four in-person open house events. Over 1,000 submissions were received through online surveys and the interactive map exercise, contributed by 616 unique participants. Neighborhood Champions The City Plan Neighborhood Champions are individuals who live, work, or have a vested interest in Wheat Ridge and played a key role in promoting participation in the City Plan. Staff provided them with giveaways, yard signs, paper surveys, email and social media content, and flyers to help spread the word within their networks. Additionally, Neighborhood Champions were invited to host small-group discussions during phase three of the engagement process. A total of 99 individuals registered as Neighborhood Champions throughout the City Plan process. City Plan in the Community City staff attended several existing community gatherings in 2024 to engage with community members who may not have otherwise participated in the process. These events included: • Performance in the Park • Ridgefest • Lutheran Hospital Open House • Carnation Festival At these events, staff encouraged residents to subscribe for project updates, take surveys, attend future open houses, and ask questions about the City Plan. Youth Engagement While Wheat Ridge residents of all ages were encouraged to participate in each phase of engagement, city staff made a concerted effort to specifically gather the youth perspective by spending a day at Wheat Ridge High School, engaging with over 100 students in six classes. The key themes that emerged from these discussions closely aligned with feedback from adults, providing valuable confirmation of the plan’s future direction. Gathering Feedback DRAFT 14 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCWheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT 15 Our Vision PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Phase 1 gathered input on Wheat Ridge’s community values, current identity, future aspirations, and key priorities for the City Plan. Specifically, it sought to: • Understand perceptions of the past and assess the present community character in order to capture its current identity and values. • Envision the future by identifying key characteristics that should define the community moving forward. • Evaluate successes and areas for improvement by asking what is going well in Wheat Ridge and what needs improvement, highlighting current strengths and challenges. • Identify iconic locations, helping to define the city’s unique character. • Prioritize key issues or “Big Things” that should be addressed in the City Plan, allowing participants to prioritize issues and suggest additional topics. Phase 1: Our Vision DRAFT 16 The input was used to... form the draft Core Values, Planning Principles, and Planning Priorities that set the foundation for everything else in this plan. Core Values Planning Principles Planning Priorities 1. Wheat Ridge knows what is working, and what is worth celebrating today. • Residents have strong positive feelings about the city’s parks, trails, open space, and recreational amenities.• Residents value the small town feel and sense of community in Wheat Ridge.• The character of Wheat Ridge is shaped by its current and future special places, such as the Greenbelt and Clear Creek, Prospect Park, Anderson Park, Lutheran Legacy Campus, the Recreation Center, and 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth. 2. Wheat Ridge knows what it wants for a stronger future. • To maintain the community’s small town-feel and responsibly plan for and manage new development.• For Wheat Ridge to feel safe and to be safe, and that it is inclusive and welcoming to a wide variety of people and families.• More public spaces, including neighborhood destinations, in which it is enjoyable to spend time.• Improved business environment with more shopping and dining options, as well as enhanced infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.• To catch up on, and stay ahead of, basic infrastructure maintenance without giving up on desires for new investment where necessary. Feedback was clear about two things... DRAFT Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Phase 1 DRAFT 17 Engagement Phase 2 sought input on Wheat Ridge’s core values, planning principles, and planning priorities, aiming to gather feedback on how the community views its future direction. The specific information being gathered includes: • Core Values: Staff asked respondents to evaluate whether three proposed core values reflect the community’s vision for the future. This was aimed at confirming shared beliefs that would guide Wheat Ridge’s decisions over the long term. • Planning Principles: Participants were asked for their agreement with four draft planning principles, which will serve as criteria for public decisions related to planning and development. • Planning Priorities: Staff presented four key planning priorities, or “Big Things,” that are critical for the city’s success. For each of the four priorities, respondents were asked to express their agreement with the priority’s importance and choose the most important potential outcomes for success. For more on which outcomes resonated with the community, see Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities . PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Phase 2: Confirm our Vision DRAFT 18 The input was used to... confirm the Core Values, Planning Principles, and Planning Priorities with high levels of support for each. With these elements solidified, the City Plan team proceeded to more in-depth discussions on emerging themes for Phase 3. Core Values Planning Principles Planning Priorities The community AGREED OR MOSTLY AGREED... CORE VALUES: As a community we are: 72% Agreement • Independent Minded 82% Agreement • Inclusive 87% Agreement • Forward Looking PLANNING PRINCIPLES: In everything we do, we must: 77% Agreement • Serve a Mix of Incomes 89% Agreement • Preserve Our ”Patchwork Quilt” 86% Agreement • Focus on Sustainability 88% Agreement • Strengthen the City’s Fiscal Position PLANNING PRIORITIES: The “Big Things” we must get right are: 78% Agreement • Improved Retail and Business Environment 78% Agreement • 38th Avenue 86% Agreement • Network of Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Across the City 95% Agreement • Proactive Infrastructure Management Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Phase 2 DRAFT 19 Mobility Map Exercise The hand drawn maps created by the community paired with the destinations marked in the online exercise create a picture of where and how people in the community like to travel. Engagement Phase 3 gathered input on managing new development in Wheat Ridge, especially in areas adjacent to established residential neighborhoods, and tested out the City Plan’s mobility framework. Mobility Exercise A map exercise tested the City Plan’s proposed mobility framework. Participants were asked to choose a mode of travel (walking, biking, or other) and a destination in Wheat Ridge, and then determine whether the proposed mobility network would effectively get them where they want to go. The exercise helped assess the practicality of the proposed transportation infrastructure and allowed residents to provide direct feedback on how well the City Plan’s mobility framework meets their needs. Peaceful CoexistenceCommunity members were asked about how future development in Wheat Ridge should peacefully coexist with existing residential areas. Participants were asked to consider two scenarios - when new residential development is proposed in or near established neighborhoods and when commercial developments, like shops or restaurants, are proposed near residential areas. For each, participants identified the most critical factors the city should consider for new development. The following mobility related themes also emerged: • Safety concerns, including unsafe crossings and speeding • Better infrastructure, including adding sidewalks where they are missing, or wider sidewalks where they are too narrow • Improved connectivity, including connections to the Clear Creek Trail and Crown Hill, among other locations PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Phase 3: Our Development Framework Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT 20 The input was used to... start building a list of tools the city can use to curate community character and make minor updates to ensure that the mobility framework responds to community needs. Peaceful Coexistence Exercise Because Wheat Ridge is largely built out, most new development takes place in or near established residential neighborhoods. This new development should peacefully coexist with existing neighborhoods. The community gave input about which considerations for future development matter most to them. DRAFT Peaceful Coexistence USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE • Parking and Traffic: Participants expressed the desire for adequate parking and reduced traffic impacts, with improved pedestrian and bike access to promote a walkable, bike-friendly environment. • Building Height: Phase 4 participants noted a preference for building heights that are compatible with neighborhood character and preserve privacy. • Landscape and Streetscape: Feedback emphasized preserving green spaces and trees, using sustainable landscaping, and adding outdoor amenities that encourage interaction. • Physical and Visual Separation: Phase 4 participants expressed their preference for comfortable setbacks and natural screening like trees and shrubs. • Noise, Architecture, Lighting, and Other: Common themes included the desire for noise limits at night, architecture that fits the neighborhood, and lighting that avoids spillover into residential areas. Most Important Items to Regulate in New Development BuildingHeight Landscape /Streetscape Physical / Visual Separation Noise Lighting Other Parking / Traffic Building Architecture 10 0 0 20 0 30 0 Phase 3 DRAFT 21 Using City Tools to Shape Community Character Gathering Locations There are some places in the city where the primary goal is for people to stay and spend time. These might be commercial destinations, a key gateway, or a community gathering location. In Phase 4, over 80% of participants agreed that the six locations staff identified should prioritize placemaking, and two additional locations were added to the list based on public feedback. During the final phase of engagement, participants explored the city’s goals for community character, with a focus on maintaining Wheat Ridge’s unique identity while accommodating growth and change. The survey asked community members to consider how different tools—such as land use regulations, development standards, and public space enhancements—could help shape the city’s character over time. Participants were asked to reflect on specific locations where balancing placemaking tools with mobility tools will be especially crucial. The community also reviewed and provided feedback on how tools might be applied to various locations across Wheat Ridge, including key areas like 44th Avenue near Anderson Park, 38th Avenue from Upham Street to Harlan Street, and the Ward Road Station. Additionally, Phase 4 offered a preview of what the City Plan’s implementation could look like, addressing both near-term actions and long-term strategies for guiding development and infrastructure investments in the city over the next 15 years. Updated Gathering Locations Map 70 Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave CLEAR CREEK Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave CLEAR CREEK W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge RdRidge Rd Pie r c e S t Pie r c e S t Clea r C r e e k D r Clea r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Wa r d R d 70 Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations PART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction Phase 4: Our Way Forward DRAFT Using City Tools to Shape Community Character 22 The input was used to... refine the City Plan’s description and guidance for use of tools that shape community character. These tools fall into four categories: Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places. Focus AreasAfter an introduction to use, form, going places, and staying places tools, participants reviewed what these tools might look like applied in real locations around Wheat Ridge, called Focus Areas. Over 80% of Phase 4 participants agreed that the City Plan was on the right track with the way it envisions using these tools to shape community character in the future. For more on community’s reaction to each Focus Area, see Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge. Draft Review Plan Adoption The community had an opportunity to review and provide comment on the draft plan from July 3 to July 22, 2025. Planning Commission will vote whether to recommend adoption of the City Plan at a public hearing. City Council will then consider recommendation from Planning Commission and public comment at a public hearing before voting on whether to adopt the plan. The combined input across all engagement activities was used to... create the draft City Plan. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Phase 4 Using City Tools to Shape Community Character Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Related Planning Efforts While the City Plan is comprehensive and addresses many topics and issues, other planning efforts in Wheat Ridge have focused on various aspects of the city’s growth, sustainability, and community development. The City Plan is intended to reinforce the priorities from these other planning efforts. The plans themselves, especially those that are recent, remain relevant and will continue to help shape the city’s future by providing in-depth analysis and direction on each specific topic. Additionally, it is likely that there will be new plans created and adopted after the City Plan as the city continues to plan in response to emerging trends and challenges. For ongoing and future planning efforts visit: www.whatsupwheatridge.com WHEAT RIDGE PROSPERITY PLAN: AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY NOVEMBER 2024 Parks & Recreation Master Plan april 2015 OCTOBER 2021 Plans that informed the City Plan include: 38th Avenue Corridor Plan 44th Avenue Subarea Plan 2024 Sustainability Action Plan Update Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Update Northwest Subarea Plan Open Space Master Plan Parks & Recreation Pathway Stormwater Master Plan Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Parks and Recreation Pathway 23 DRAFTPART ONE / Chapter 1: Introduction PART 1: Background and Process NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGY UPDATE 2019 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC REVIEW - MAY 2019 Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian MasteR Plan UPdate June 2017 3 8 t h Avenue Corridor Plan Adopted October 2011 City of Wheat Ridge Open Space Management Plan May 2023Prepared by czbLLC NOVEMBER 2022 Adopted by City Council January 9, 2023 24 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT 25 CHAPTER 2 Our Values, Principles, and Priorities PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities DRAFT 25 26 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC PG 25 Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities PG 27 Values and Principles PG 29 Planning Priorities PG 31 Improved Retail and Business Environment PG 35 38th Avenue PG 41 Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City PG 49 Proactive Infrastructure Management DRAFT 26 Core Values We are committed to being... DRAFT 27 Values and Principles Independent Minded Inclusive Forward-looking Core values are deeply-held, widely-shared beliefs in Wheat Ridge that serve as building blocks for our vision of the future. They reflect what we are willing to defend and fight for as well as what we aspire to be. We’re at our best when we act in ways that are consistent with these values. We go our own way. We do what’s right for Wheat Ridge, regardless of what other communities are doing, because we don’t want to be just like other communities. Instead, we aspire to be the best version of ourselves. We do what works for us, we avoid what doesn’t, and we don’t mind if that’s different from our neighbors. Our community is welcoming to all and is a good home for different kinds of people, including those who cannot seem to find the right fit in other communities. We are relaxed, we treat each other with dignity and respect, and we appreciate our differences. We resist uniformity and conformity, celebrating the wide variety of offerings in our community where all kinds of individuals and families can find their niche. We are responsible to the future. We protect the environment, for today and tomorrow, and we make wise fiscal decisions by investing in preventative maintenance and economic opportunity. What are values and principles? The City Plan is built upon a set of core values (who we are as a community) and planning principles (what we care about most) that were determined by the community in the City Plan process. • Core Values are shared beliefs that define Wheat Ridge. • Planning Principles are criteria to evaluate decisions and ensure that those decisions reinforce our values. • These values and principles set the direction for the rest of the content in this plan. A decision-making framework These values and principles guided the development of the City Plan, but they will also provide a decision-making framework for the future. A key part of the implementation process will be to evaluate a broad range of both short- and long-term decisions according by these values and principles to bring the City Plan to life. Additionally, over the 15-year horizon of this plan, unexpected changes and unanticipated events are likely to occur. In those cases, the core values and planning principles can provide a way to evaluate changing conditions against the known values and principles of the community. This decision-making framework is detailed in Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown. PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities During the first and second phase of engagement, the public provided critical input that was distilled into proposed Core Values and Planning Principles, which the community confirmed with strong levels of agreement. See Chapter 1: Introduction for more detailed information about the engagement process. Engagement Phase 1, Phase 2 Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this value. 87% Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this value. 82% Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this value. 72% In everything we do, we must... Serve a mix of incomes Preserve our “patchwork quilt” Focus on sustainability Strengthen the city’s fiscal position Planning Principles DRAFT Planning principles are criteria for public decision-making that ensure adherence to the community’s core values. Our planning principles are rules that govern what we do and help us translate our values into actions. They are tangible and can be thought of as “boxes to check” for City policy-making and decisions. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Through requirements and incentives, we will avoid the likelihood that new investment is only for those with high incomes. We want to ensure that we continue to be a place of places, or neighborhoods with their own character and feel, even as areas experience development or redevelopment. We will celebrate and enhance the unique character of areas within Wheat Ridge and encourage the reuse of existing buildings and infrastructure when feasible. Public endeavors and new development will strive to minimize greenhouse gas emissions wherever and whenever possible. New development will be high quality and built to last, we will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists to the greatest extent possible, and we will take steps to protect the air and water. Decisions about public investments should always keep an eye on the future. Private development will be a long-term asset that adds value over time, and we anticipate and address future liabilities.Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this principle. 77% Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this principle. 89%Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this principle. 86% Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this principle. 88% 28 DRAFT 29 What are planning priorities? Planning priorities are important, long-term projects that must be successfully implemented for the community to become the best version of itself. Each priority is broad in scope, touches numerous other issues directly or indirectly, and has a central role in quality of life and community vitality. They need particular attention and have an outsized impact on the future of the city. They are important steps to implementing the core values and planning principles. Planning Priorities The community shared what they felt is working well in the community, what could be improved, and what the big things are that Wheat Ridge needs to get right in the future. These responses informed the planning priorities, which the community confirmed with strong levels of agreement. See Chapter 1: Introduction for more detailed information about the engagement process. The Priorities are discussed in the rest of this chapter. Engagement Phase 1, Phase 2 How were the Planning Priorities determined? PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities What is the purpose of planning priorities? Over the next 15 years, there will be many demands on the city’s limited resources. The priorities are intended to help make decisions around allocating those resources based on what the community said was important during the City Plan process. Planning Priorities memorialize the long-term commitments that are critical to becoming the best version of ourselves, and they are intended to inform the hard policy decisions and identifying what can be included in each year’s budget in the future. The planning priorities we must get right are... Planning Priorities The following pages discuss the Planning Priorities in greater detail. DRAFT 30 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this priority. 78%Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this priority. 78%Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this priority. 86%Agreed or Mostly Agreed with this priority. 95% Improved Retail and Business Environment 38th Avenue Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Proactive Infrastructure Management We will support the business community and cultivate the kinds of places where residents want to shop, dine, and visit. We will continue shaping a portion of 38th Avenue into Wheat Ridge’s Main Street corridor. We will provide a system for pedestrians and cyclists to move between important locations more easily. We will catch up on deferred infrastructure maintenance and keep pace into the future. Improved Retail and Business Environment Planning Priorities Wheat Ridge residents want access to an array of retail and restaurant offerings. In recent years, Wheat Ridge has been able to continue to cultivate the kinds of establishments that residents seek. These types of new businesses have appeared across the city, and 38th Avenue and the newly redeveloped Gold’s Marketplace are two examples of areas where these businesses have been particularly active. Continuing to build on these successes across the city is a critical priority for the community. • Small, local businesses are growing in number and contributing to an increasingly vibrant local economy. • A mix of national and local businesses are located in both existing buildings and new buildings. • More residents are able to easily walk or bike to a few local businesses in their neighborhood. During the second phase of engagement, 78% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that an improved retail and business environment is a priority. The public also provided feedback on possible outcomes that would represent success for this Planning Priority. Desired outcomes are listed in order by the amount of public support received. Engagement Phase 2 This desire emerged as early as 2012 in Wheat Ridge Resident Survey responses, and it was reinforced in the 2019 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Update. These desired options generally fall into two categories: Where We’ve Been in the Past Places to gather, drink, and dine such as coffee shops and restaurants that are not national or regional chains. 1 Frequently needed goods that residents can only find outside of Wheat Ridge (e.g. home goods, apparel, hardware store, etc). 2 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy SURVEY (2019) How would more local restaurants or small retail establishments within a 15 minute walk from where you live impact your quality of life? (Choose one.) From the 2019 Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Update Expanded shopping and dining options is a longtime community desire. I would meet my neighbors there and hang out. Other 27% It would enhance my neighborhood’s identity.33% I would walk or ride my bike there. 33% 6% PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 31 DRAFT For many years, the market was unable to deliver these options. These kinds of new businesses did not materialize due to several factors: Wheat Ridge saw slow growth in both the number of households as well as the incomes of those household for many years. Retail demand is largely driven by how much money is available to spend in a community, summarized in the adage that “retail follows rooftops.” This played out in Wheat Ridge as static household and income growth resulted in insufficient spending capacity to create demand for new businesses. There are regional serving retail centers in close proximity to Wheat Ridge. Shoppers take their retail demand to these centers, and there is little demand left for new businesses to serve. Wheat Ridge has a commercial corridor dynamic in which: Not enough growth... 70 70 The city’s heavily trafficked north/south corridors served regional markets and not just the local Wheat Ridge market, limiting the possibility of smaller, independent businesses. The city’s east/west less-trafficked corridors primarily served the local Wheat Ridge market but local demand alone was not sufficient to support much additional spending. ...of households ...and their incomes Retail Positioning Analysis 2019 As recently as 2019, Wheat Ridge continued to have below-average spending potential. These unfavorable market conditions were documented in the Wheat Ridge Retail Positioning Analysis. This Analysis, completed in 2019, noted that compared to the nation, the Wheat Ridge trade area had below-average spending potential for nearly all retail categories. 32 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT In the past decade, two key dynamics have changed. Critically, these dynamics are directly linked to the factors that had been challenging market conditions: Median household income has grown significantly in the past decade compared to the Denver metro area. Median household income, 2017 and 2024 (estimated) Wheat Ridge $87,700 Denver $85,200 Source: ESRI $52,800 2017 2024 (est.) 2017 2024 (est.) $70,100 Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan 2024 Dining and Drinking Source: Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan (ESRI, Census of Retail Trade for CO, ULI, ArLand) Potential Additional Square Footage in Wheat Ridge Today 25,500 square feet Specialty Retail16,000 square feet First, enabled by more housing units being built, more people were able to move to Wheat Ridge, and the number of households in Wheat Ridge increased. Specifically, Wheat Ridge grew by over 1,000 new households between 2010 and 2023. Second, the median household income was not only growing, but it was growing faster than the surrounding region, impacting the relative attractiveness of the Wheat Ridge retail environment. This combined growth translated into a higher level of spending capacity to support new businesses in the community. The new businesses that have been established in recent years is evidence of this increased spending capacity, and it was also evident in the 2024 Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan. According to that plan, Wheat Ridge measured higher than average for all retail categories, including Apparel & Services, Groceries, Dining, and Furniture/Equipment. Based on local household spending potential and market dynamics as of 2024, food services & drinking places is the retail category with the most potential. The Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan concluded that Wheat Ridge could support additional retail and dining businesses. Specifically, it estimated that approximately 40,000 square feet of new commercial/ retail space could be supported by current demand, with the largest potential demand for restaurants. Wheat Ridge Households,1990-2022 Source: U.S. Decennial Census and 2019-2023 ACS Five Year Estimates 1990 2000 2010 2020 2023ESTIMATED 13,138 14,559 13,976 14,663 15,40115,000 14,500 14,000 13,500 13,000 12,500 12,000 Over 1,000 new householdsestimated 2010-2023 Where We Are in 2025 PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 33 DRAFT The current number of households and their associated spending potential is still lower than is ideal for the volume and variety of businesses that Wheat Ridge desires. The 2019 Retail Positioning Analysis and the 2025 Prosperity Plan both called attention to the fact that Wheat Ridge as a whole faces trade area limitations, and each business district faces its own as well. More purchasing power within a short distance of the city’s commercial districts will support local businesses. Purchasing power increases with population, and population increases as the number of housing units increases. This is why more housing near the city’s commercial districts is important. For more detail on these action items, see Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Support housing development to meet community goals. The number and type of businesses have grown, and most businesses report that they are stable. However, few businesses are truly thriving. To support businesses and commercial districts to meet community desires, the following will be important: Existing and new businesses still faces challenges, but opportunities exist to strengthen the retail and business environment. It is a clear goal of this City Plan to improve the bicycle and pedestrian network within the city, including connecting residential neighborhoods to our commercial districts. This both enhances quality of life for residents and benefits the districts by improving access for customers. The city’s commercial districts should become more vibrant, attractive, and walkable with street life as a major attribute. Customers should want to stop and spend time, both indoors and out. This will require enhancements of space in the public right-of-way, and flexibility in the use of private property so that properties with some limitations can still contribute to vibrancy. For example, new approaches to lower cost business opportunities such as temporary and short-term commercial development (examples include food tucks or business pop-ups) could enable lower-risk options for business incubation and innovation in the city’s commercial districts. Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. Invest in placemaking. Parking requirements routinely challenge site designs, redevelopment, and other investments. At the same time, parking is often located in front of buildings, detracting from the pedestrian experience. A holistic, creative approach to parking is needed in many of the city’s commercial areas. Modernize parking approach. Where We Want to Go in the Future 34 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future 38th Avenue Planning Priorities In the heart of Wheat Ridge, 38th Avenue is both an important place in the city as well as a main corridor that people use to get around. Much of the community has coalesced around the vision of the segment between Wadsworth Boulevard and Harlan St becoming the city’s Main Street. This portion of the corridor has been evolving along those lines for many years through various public and private investments. However, that Main Street vision has not yet been fully achieved. At the same time, redevelopment of the Lutheran Legacy Campus has the potential to bolster this area by connecting it to new households and existing neighborhoods west of Wadsworth Boulevard. The City Plan process has confirmed that there are still important changes needed along the corridor, and that implementing them is a critical priority for the community. • A redeveloped Lutheran Legacy Campus meets the community’s desired outcomes as expressed in the Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan and is well connected to 38th Avenue’s main street district. • Along 38th Avenue, new development and redevelopment brings life to vacant and underutilized properties, with support from public/private partnerships. • Residents can easily access amenities on the corridor and in the surrounding neighborhoods without a car. 38th Ave has been a focus for reinvestment for many years. In 2001, the 38th Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Plan established an Urban Renewal Area over a majority of the historic corridor and sparked reinvestment in this area. A decade later, the similarly named 38th Avenue Corridor Plan reiterated that 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth is a priority redevelopment area and established vision and policies to transform the corridor into the community’s Main Street. 38th Avenue has experienced both public and private investment. The city has made several key investments and updates along the corridor since the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan was adopted in 2011, including: • Re-striping the street to three lanes to make the district more walkable, improve safety, and address speeding; • Adding on-street parking, planters, and pop-up cafes in some locations to improve the streetscape; • Rezoning most of the corridor to Mixed Use – Neighborhood; • Reconstructing the 38th Avenue/Wadsworth Boulevard intersection to improve access and safety; • Constructing the Green at 38th, a new public gathering space along the corridor; and • Initiating the 38th East Refresh project in 2024, a process to improve the sidewalks and related amenities like landscaping, benches, public art, and lighting. At the same time, funds established by the 2001 Urban Renewal Area were invested in the corridor, providing pivotal support for businesses and public improvements in this area. Private investment included the addition of unique restaurants and businesses that creatively reused existing buildings. Where We’ve Been in the Past PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 35 DRAFT During the second phase of engagement, 78% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that 38th Avenue evolving into the community’s Main Street is a priority. The public also provided feedback on possible outcomes that would represent success for this Planning Priority. Desired outcomes are listed in order by the amount of public support received. Engagement Phase 2 Part 3: Creating Our Future The Lutheran Hospital moved from 38th Avenue to Clear Creek crossing in 2024. When the campus is redeveloped according to the community-led Master Plan, a significant portion of the development will be new housing units. As described in the previous Planning Priority, increasing the number of households in an area is critical for supporting a growing business district. Given the close proximity between the Lutheran Legacy Campus and the Main Street segment of 38th Avenue, these new households are an important opportunity to bolster the kinds of businesses the community has been asking for—they have the potential to create the demand that these businesses need to establish and survive. As described in the Master Plan and reinforced by the new mixed-use zoning, the campus itself is also expected to be a location for limited retail or restaurant uses that complement 38th Avenue and increase the vibrancy of the larger corridor. These new residents, employees, and visitors will be able to support our Main Street businesses if they have easy, comfortable, and safe ways to walk and bike there. OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2021 87 Aerial of the existing Lutheran Legacy Campus IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND NEXT STEPS 34 LUTHERAN LEGACY CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PLANNING PROCESS AND THE COMMUNITY’S VISION SITE CONSTRAINTS AND CONSIDERATIONS Existing facilities and uses likely to remain on the Campus include the Foothills Medical Office Building (2.5 acres) located along 38th Avenue, as well as Collier Hospice (5.0 acres) located along 32nd Avenue. These two uses account for approximately 7.5 of the 100 acres that make up the Lutheran Campus. At the time of adoption, it is unknown whether West Pines Behavioral Health will continue to operate in their current location. The future of the three central medical office buildings, under Ventas’ purview, will be determined following an analysis of current and future operations in light of the hospital leaving this location as the demand for Medical Office Building space will significantly decline. Those uses aside, there are other physical constraints and considerations that either prohibit redevelopment or are not considered due to their ongoing functions. That full list includes: • Approximately 6.0 acres for the Rocky Mountain Ditch will likely remain in place;• Approximately 7.5 acres of major roadways will likely remain in place;• The North Tower and associated parking (3 acres) have the best adaptive reuse potential; SITE CONSTRAINTS DIAGRAMSITE CONSTRAINTS DIAGRAM 36 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future 38th Avenue is growing but not yet mature. An analysis from the firm that authored the 2024 Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan (Progressive Urban Management Associates, or PUMA) identifies a typology of business district lifecycle stages with three categories: stagnant, growing, and mature. According to this typology, 38th Avenue has been developing in a positive direction and is somewhere between “growing” and “mature.” This assessment reflects the recent growth along the corridor as well as the community’s continuing request for something more. Challenges continue to persist along the corridor. While both new businesses and long-time community establishments are located in this section of 38th Avenue, the area still lacks the kind of business density that allows visitors to easily walk from one store front to the next, visiting multiple businesses without having to get back in their car. Walkability is further challenged by legacy design elements such as parking lots that are between the sidewalk and commercial buildings. Parking itself is a greater challenge, particularly for small lots or establishments trying to reuse existing buildings. 70 70 38th Avenue38th Avenue Source: Progressive Urban Management Associates Stagnant Business District Lifecycle Stages Growing A challenged business district with high vacancies, underutilized properties, uninviting public realm and poor regional image. An up-and-coming business district with a sprinkling of new businesses, pioneering new investments and an image of a district in transition. Mature An established business district with a strong mix of retail, restaurants and jobs, inviting public realm and strong regional image. 38th Avenue Business District is here Where We Are in 2025 PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 37 DRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future The Lutheran Legacy Campus presents an opportunity for 38th Avenue. When the campus is redeveloped according to the community-led Master Plan, a significant portion of the development will be new housing units. As described in the previous Planning Priority, increasing the number of households in an area is critical for supporting a growing business district. Given the close proximity between the Lutheran Legacy Campus and the Main Street segment of 38th Avenue, these new households are an important opportunity to bolster the kinds of businesses the community has been asking for—they have the potential to create the demand that these businesses need to establish and survive. As described in the Master Plan and reinforced by the new mixed-use zoning, the campus itself is also expected to be a location for limited retail or restaurant uses that complement 38th Avenue and increase the vibrancy of the larger corridor. These new residents, employees, and visitors will be able to support our Main Street businesses if they have easy, comfortable, and safe ways to walk and bike there. 28 LUTHERAN LEGACY CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PLANNING PROCESS AND THE COMMUNITY’S VISION OUTREACH METHODS This planning effort began in early 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and employed a combination of diverse outreach strategies and traditional engagement methods with safety, comfort and flexibility being priorities throughout the process. When formulating the outreach methods with a presumption that most events and activities would be virtual, it was important to allow for flexibility so that interactive online facilitation could transition to in-person events (such as with a walking tour) should the pandemic come under control. The focus of the robust engagement strategy was gathering input and feedback from stakeholders and the broader community at key milestones and touchpoints from start to finish. Lastly, these methods aimed to leverage existing City assets, such as with ongoing programming, in-person notifications at City facilities (such as the Rec Center and Active Adult Center), the What’s Up Wheat Ridge (WUWR) platform, and the recent addition of a Community Engagement Specialist on staff. A summary of those various outreach methods follows. Self-Guided Campus Tour At the beginning of the project, the community was invited to participate in a self-guided walking tour of the Lutheran Campus. The event served as the first community meeting and included over 75 community members that devoted a portion of a Saturday in early May to learn about the planning effort and to provide input. Several interactive stations were set up around the Campus for visitors to learn about the Campus’ unique history and current operations, traffic and transportation, and open space and redevelopment. It also provided the team preliminary insight on how residents engage with the site and what initial ideas they had for its future. A virtual interactive tour was also provided on WUWR. Activty station during the Self- Guilded Tour 38 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT In addition to the redevelopment at Lutheran Legacy Campus detailed above, there is opportunity for new housing in other locations nearby that can support a thriving district while peacefully coexisting with existing neighborhoods. (See Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character) To support these businesses, the city needs to make it safe and easy for pedestrians and cyclists to get to and move throughout the corridor. These connections should extend west to the Lutheran Legacy Campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. (Mobility-related tools, and how they can be applied in different kinds of locations around the city, are discussed in more detail in Part Two.) Support housing development to meet community goals. The previous Planning Priority detailed general recommendations to support businesses citywide, which are also relevant on this important corridor. As detailed in Part Two of this plan, sweeping changes to the land uses across the corridor and major changes of the lanes or other elements of the street itself are not anticipated. Instead, targeted, specific actions are critical to create a successful Main Street: The evolution of 38th Avenue into our Main Street is feasible but will require targeted actions. Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. Where We Want to Go in the Future PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 39 DRAFT For more detail on these action items, See Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Parking routinely challenges site designs, redevelopment, and other investments. 38th Avenue is one of several locations in the city where a holistic, creative approach to parking is needed. Particularly in the Main Street section from Wadsworth Boulevard to Harlan Street, more investments in creating a place where visitors want to stop and spend time is needed. Implementation of the 38th East Refresh is a critical next step. Other needed investment includes elements like outdoor seating and plantings. Incentivizing property owners to take these actions will require generous funding, plans and agreements for management of enhanced frontage zones. Invest in placemaking. Modernize parking approach. 40 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Planning Priorities The Wheat Ridge community has made it clear that walking and biking safely around the city is a top priority. Input has also confirmed that the current streets and sidewalks don’t sufficiently support this need. Refining our mobility network to reflect how people want to use it is a tremendous undertaking. A targeted and incremental approach will help us address this problem efficiently. This approach includes leveraging assets like the Clear Creek trail, city parks, and the sidewalk and bike lane network that already exists as key building blocks. Targeted investments focused on key connections and expansions of our existing system is our best option for becoming a truly walkable and bikeable city. The City Plan process has confirmed that investments towards this goal is a critical priority for the community. • Parks, trails, and other recreational opportunities are accessible from each neighborhood. Walking, biking, and driving are all viable options. • Pedestrians feel safe and comfortable walking along major corridors (e.g., 38th Ave, 44th Ave, Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street). • It is easy and safe for cyclists of all skill levels and ages to bike on many streets, especially near schools, and there’s a connected network of bike lanes, paths, and trails. Wheat Ridge developed as a rural, car-oriented community. Like most communities in the area, Wheat Ridge’s mobility network was built primarily to accommodate cars, with some sidewalks in parts of the city and few bicycle facilities. Many of the residential neighborhoods developed deliberately excluding sidewalks, and until recently, many residents hoped to maintain this rural character on the city’s streets. Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Where We’ve Been in the Past PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 41 DRAFT During the second phase of engagement, 86% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that a network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the city is a priority. The public also provided feedback on possible outcomes that would represent success for this Planning Priority. Desired outcomes are listed in order by the amount of public support received. Engagement Phase 2 Wheat Ridge voted to pay for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Recognizing the infrastructure issues facing the community, Wheat Ridge overwhelmingly voted in 2023 to extend a temporary half-cent sales and use tax to fund a variety of capital projects. The ballot measure and associated funds were referred to as 2J. A portion of project funding was to focus on sidewalk, bike lane, and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 32nd Avenue, 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, and Youngfield Street. The funds were also intended for sidewalk repair/replacement on major pedestrian corridors and improved school access routes. Percentage of Residents Who Used a Bike or Pedestrian Path at Least Once in Previous 12 Months 2004 202380%71% Wheat Ridge’s demands for bicycle and pedestrian facilities are growing. In a more recent chapter of the city’s history, there has been a significant shift in public sentiment. The desire for improved walking and biking options in Wheat Ridge became evident and then consistently grew until it was a prominent topic in the years leading up to this City Plan. Envision Wheat Ridge, the 2009 comprehensive plan, identified the desire for improved options for all modes, which led to the first Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan. An update to that plan in 2017 defined a future bicycle and pedestrian network to implement across the city. While the plan is still adopted, the full network envisioned in the plan has not yet been built. The City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey asks community members how they travel around the city. The proportion of residents who reported regularly using a bike or pedestrian path was increasing between 2004 and 2023. Four out of every five respondents in the 2023 Resident Survey reported using a bike or pedestrian path at least once in the preceding twelve-month period, and 40% of all respondents reported using a path more than once a month on average. At the same time, 66% of residents rated the condition of the city’s sidewalks as fair or poor, indicating a desire for improved sidewalks. As the use of these facilities increased, the desire for bike and pedestrian improvements continued to grow through various initiatives, such as the Let’s Talk Resident Engagement Program, the 2023 Open Space Management Plan, and the 38th Avenue West End Improvement Project, among others. Wheat Ridge invested in several important improvements. At the time of this City Plan, several important multimodal projects were in progress, some of which received funding from 2J. These included, but were not limited to, the reconstruction of Wadsworth Boulevard, the 38th Avenue improvement project west of Kipling, significant bike and pedestrian upgrades for 35th Avenue east of Wadsworth, and a 38th Avenue refresh project east of Wadsworth. All of these projects would enhance critical infrastructure assets in the city and improve the mobility network for pedestrians and cyclists. Sidewalk and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, and Youngfield Street Filling sidewalk gaps throughout the city with an emphasis on major pedestrian corridors 2J Approval70%to fund: 42 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future The City Plan confirms and updates the complete network we want to achieve. Building on previous planning and engagement efforts, the City Plan incorporates the community’s desire for a complete bicycle and pedestrian network into a Mobility Framework. The Mobility Framework, shown on the following page, illustrates the complete bicycle and pedestrian network that we want to eventually achieve. It includes a complete sidewalk network that mainly centers around busy corridors as well as important destinations such as parks, schools, trailheads, and Gathering Locations. It also includes Enhanced Intersection Crossings for better pedestrian and bicycle safety, as well as neighborhood bike connector streets, described on the next page. (Mobility-related tools, and how they can be applied in different kinds of locations around the city, are discussed in more detail in Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character.) The city’s mobility network has improved but still needs work. The city has gradually improved the mobility network for pedestrians and cyclists over time, but gaps remain. Outside of the Clear Creek trail and certain secondary corridors such as Pierce St, 32nd Ave, and 26th Ave, dedicated bike lanes are not common, though more are being added regularly. New sidewalks have been built, but many are still either missing or inadequate, and the network is not fully complete around key destinations like schools, parks, and community Gathering Locations such as 38th Avenue and the Rec Center. (Read more about Gathering Locations in Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character) As Wheat Ridge sees more development and new destinations on corridors, the community expects to be able to comfortably visit them without a car. Where We Are in 2025 PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 43 DRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future Connections to Lakewood Connections to Arvada Connections to Denver Connections to Adams County Connections to Golden and the Foothills OtisTrailhead MillerTrailhead KiplingTrailhead AndersonTrailhead Youngfield Trailhead Johnson ParkTrailhead Kipling WestTrailhead Prospect ParkTrailhead Creekside ParkTrailhead Crown Hill Park Trailhead Crown HillEquestrianTrailhead 70 70 Yo u n g f i e l d S t W 35th Ave Wa r d R d Pa r f e t S t W 35th Ave Ho l l a n d S t W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Du d l e y S t Te l l e r S t Up h a m S t W 32nd Ave W 30th Ave W 35th Ave W 29th Ave Fe n t o n S t Am e s S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d Pi e r c e S t Ha r l a n S t W 41st Ave W 47th Ave W 48th Ave W 41st Ave Ba l s a m S t Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 44th Ave W 47th Ave Ho l l a n d S t Ga r r i s o n S t Mil l e r S t Pa r f e t S t Ta b o r S t Ridge Rd Cle a r C r e e k D r W 26th Ave C L E A R C R E EK Yo u n g f i e l d S t W 35th Ave Wa r d R d Pa r f e t S t W 35th Ave Ho l l a n d S t W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Du d l e y S t Te l l e r S t Up h a m S t W 32nd Ave W 30th Ave W 35th Ave W 29th Ave Fe n t o n S t Am e s S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d Pi e r c e S t Ha r l a n S t W 41st Ave W 47th Ave W 48th Ave W 41st Ave Ba l s a m S t Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 44th Ave W 47th Ave Ho l l a n d S t Ga r r i s o n S t Mil l e r S t Pa r f e t S t Ta b o r S t Ridge Rd Cle a r C r e e k D r W 26th Ave C L E A R C R E EKWa r d R d Wa r d R d Mobility Framework Legend Corridors Neighborhood Street Park/Community Open Space Clear Creek School City Boundary Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Bike Connectors Gathering Locations Enhanced Crossings Bus Stop Trailheads Mobility Framework Mobility Framework Legend Regional Corridor Community Corridor District Corridor Neighborhood Street Park/Community Open Space Clear Creek School City Boundary Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Bike Connectors Focused Corridor Enhancements - Bike/Pedestrian Focused Intersection Crossings - Bike/Pedestrian Bus Stop Trailheads Mobility Framework Legend Corridors Neighborhood Street Park/Community Open Space Clear Creek School City Boundary Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Bike Connectors Gathering Locations Enhanced Crossings Bus Stop Trailheads 44 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Networks don’t get built quickly, but targeted investments make a big difference. Unfortunately, implementing this complete network cannot happen quickly. The cost, planning, and construction require far more resources than any municipal government has access to. Additionally, other challenges include limited right-of-way, private property considerations, and the unpredictability of private development. Instead, working towards this complete Mobility Framework requires incremental improvements over time. There are slightly different approaches for different conditions: Incremental approach – Neighborhood bike connector streets Clear Creek Trail, Pierce St, and 32nd Ave offer low-stress bike routes for getting around the city, but currently they do not clearly or directly connect to many locations. An incremental approach to address this connectivity gap is neighborhood bike connector streets. Neighborhood bike connectors are designated neighborhood streets that are comfortable for bicyclists of all skill levels. This level of comfort is due to a variety of factors such as street width, traffic volume, and how fast cars tend to drive. Connectors could be enhanced with bike lanes and traffic calming measures where appropriate, but more often only shared lane markings and signage are required. (See Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character for more information about tools applicable to neighborhood bike connector streets.) Incremental approach – Sidewalks The city’s incomplete sidewalk network will be improved with 2J funds, especially on main corridors, but slow and steady improvement is still needed beyond the resources provided by 2J. As the city continues to refine its approach to capital planning, it should be sure to include resources annually for sidewalks so that incremental progress can continue. Many sidewalks are added incrementally to the network by private development. Sidewalk and street improvements are required by most new commercial and multi-unit development. In some instances, a fee-in-lieu option exists in which the builder or developer pays a fee instead of builds a sidewalk. This approach should be modified to allow city discretion (instead of developer choice) to ensure sidewalks are constructed as much as possible. Incremental approach – Other opportunities Opportunities for targeted improvements and investments can arise in many other ways. A few examples include: • Streets are periodically repaved as part of a citywide maintenance program. Routine repaving schedules are an opportunity to repaint streets to align with our Mobility Framework in locations where striping is the main implementation needed. • The Kullerstrand Elementary School is adjacent to the Clear Creek Trail, and it has long been identified as a location for a connection to the trail from 38th Avenue. The recent closure of the school presents an opportunity to pursue the trail connection in the future redevelopment of the site. • 44th Avenue has been identified as a key gap in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Potential solutions have been particularly constrained by the bridge over the Clear Creek. That bridge has been identified as one that will need to be replaced in the future due to flooding patterns. This major investment provides a key opportunity to build a replacement that provides safe, comfortable pedestrian and bicycle access across the bridge. • The Clear Creek Trail is a critical piece of the network. However, pedestrians and cyclists must divert half a mile to the south to cross Kipling at the Recreation Center underpass. Alternatives such as an underpass, an overpass, or an at-grade street crossing closer to the creek, require further study. PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 45 DRAFT There is an important opportunity to rethink the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process. To continue building on the momentum built by 2J, a sustainable Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) revenue source will be needed to build and maintain a complete network. This will require a conversation with elected officials, city leaders, and the broader community. The success of 2J was rooted the fact that the funding list was shaped by previous public input—an approach that fostered trust and broad support. Sustaining that trust will be critical for any future, larger-scale funding effort. Therefore, any future revenue source should be grounded in a process that engages the public in two key ways: Current funding falls short of what is needed. Sidewalk and bike facilities are expensive. The $75 million generated by the 2J half-cent sales and use tax that voters approved in 2023 was an important and significant step towards building the network that residents want. However, that number is a small fraction of the total cost of improvements needed. In many cases, the gaps that remain are the hardest and most expensive to fill. It incorporates public input and the direction from past planning processes (including the City Plan) into prioritization of projects. It includes a mechanism to report back to the public how funds are being spent, what improvements have been made, and how the city is progressing towards its complete bicycle and pedestrian network. 1 2 46 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT For more detail on these action items, see Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. Building a better mobility network is not a short-term endeavor. The number of individual projects necessary to upgrade streets, sidewalks, trails, and connections is challenging to calculate as conditions on the ground change, and as resident needs evolve. However, forward-looking actions and policy adjustments can create conditions for success to be achieved over time. In addition to the efforts already underway, the scale of investments needed will require establishing a long-term, ongoing funding stream. It will also require an approach to consistently and strategically invest in the network, one project at a time. Creating a network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities across the city will require funding, planning, and dedication over time. Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. The existing CIP at the time of this City Plan responds to changing infrastructure conditions, but also to intentional planning efforts and general community input. Prioritizing projects and funding the CIP is a non-stop effort for city government, but focused planning and community engagement resulted in approval of significant funding for capital projects to be completed from approximately 2025 to 2030. A number of projects are planned that will make important contributions to the incremental improvement of the bicycle and pedestrian network, and those should be executed as envisioned. Establish a long-term CIP funding and prioritization strategy. A long-term CIP strategy will be needed to consistently and proactively upgrade and maintain the mobility network for all users. Where We Want to Go in the Future PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 47 DRAFT THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 48 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future Planning Priorities Basic infrastructure—streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, storm drainage, water and sewer pipes—are critical to the smooth functioning of any city. Infrastructure can also be public facilities like city hall or the police station, or other publicly owned assets like parks and recreational amenities. Nearly all cities engage in constant repairs and maintenance to keep these systems running, yet most people don’t think about them or notice them unless they’re not functioning properly. This planning priority is focused on the infrastructure that must be repaired or replaced to improve quality of life in Wheat Ridge. The City Plan process confirmed that investing in our infrastructure to proactively maintain and improve these key assets is a critical priority. • Infrastructure is maintained and updated based on an evaluation of current and future needs, and updates are spread throughout the city. • Streets are funded to be well maintained and in generally good condition. • The city is utilizing a variety of stormwater management strategies (such as retention/detention ponds and ‘green’ infrastructure) to mitigate flooding issues. Wheat Ridge was largely built as a rural place. Much of the city was built out in the 1950s and 1960s, which was before Wheat Ridge incorporated in 1969. A uniform standard of infrastructure development was not implemented across the city. For example, many parts of Wheat Ridge lack curbs, sidewalks, and adequate storm drainage. Wheat Ridge’s historic approach to development, governance, taxing, and spending have not set the city up to proactively manage existing infrastructure and prepare for future needs of an evolving metropolitan area. By the early 2020s, years of disinvestment was resulting in frequent storm sewer failures and other issues. Proactive Infrastructure Management Wheat Ridge is not a full-service city, meaning that water, fire, sanitation, trash, and utilities are not provided by the city. Instead, these key services are provided by multiple different entities. For example, while many cities have municipally owned and operated water and sewer systems, Wheat Ridge is served by seven sanitation districts and six water districts, each of which has different management, goals, and resources. Where We’ve Been in the Past Water Districts, 2025 Source: City of Wheat Ridge Sewer Districts, 2025 PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 49 DRAFT During the second phase of engagement, 95% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that proactive infrastructure management is a priority. The public also provided feedback on possible outcomes that would represent success for this Planning Priority. Desired outcomes are listed in order by the amount of public support received. Engagement Phase 2 Part 3: Creating Our Future StreetsResidents value street repair and maintenance, with over 90% reporting that it is essential or very important in 2023. This rate has remained consistently high since as early as 2012. In contrast, 31% of residents felt that street repair and maintenance services were good or excellent in 2023, which marked a steady decline from 64% in 2012. This decrease in satisfaction wasn’t replicated in other Front Range communities and comparable benchmark communities elsewhere. Wheat Ridge cares about infrastructure. Wheat Ridge residents have consistently reported that infrastructure is important. Over time, however, ratings for the quality of infrastructure have been decreasing. Source: City of Wheat Ridge Resident Survey, 2023 Resident Perceptions of Infrastructure and Related City Services in 2023 Condition of streets are excellent or goodCondition of sidewalks are excellent or good ...as provided by the City of Wheat Ridge are excellent or good. ...are essential or very important.91%31% Street repair and maintenance services... ...as provided by the City of Wheat Ridge are excellent or good. ...are essential or very important.79%59% Stormwater drainage services... Percentage of residents who say: Percentage of residents who say: 34%38% SidewalksIn the 2023 Resident Survey, a small portion of the community felt that sidewalks were adequate; 34% reported that sidewalks were in “good” or “excellent” condition. StormwaterResidents value stormwater drainage, with nearly 80% reporting that it was “essential” or “very important.” However, the reported quality of the service was lower, with 59% reporting that stormwater services are “excellent” or “good.” Wheat Ridge voted to pay for infrastructure improvements Recognizing the infrastructure issues facing the community, Wheat Ridge overwhelmingly voted in 2023 to extend a temporary half-cent sales and use tax to fund a variety of capital projects. The ballot measure and associated funds were referred to as 2J, as discussed in the previous priority. The project funding included the following projects: Drainage and floodplain infrastructure improvements at priority locations in the city. Sidewalk, bike lane and street improvements on primary street corridors such as 32nd Avenue, 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, and Youngfield Street; Filling sidewalk gaps and other sidewalk repair and replacement with an emphasis on major pedestrian corridors and routes to schools; and This is evident in several key areas included in the Wheat Ridge Resident Survey: 50 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Wheat Ridge is working to be intentional and systematic in understanding conditions and prioritizing limited funds for critical projects. The city is working to improve the quality and reliability of its infrastructure by leveraging available funding. For example, the 2J sales tax revenue allowed the city to bond for up to $75M for projects that would help catch up on infrastructure maintenance as well as construct new assets to improve resident quality of life. Additionally, the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority issued bonds that provided about $35M to upgrade infrastructure in the I-70/Kipling Corridors Urban Renewal Plan Area. Using these funding sources, among others, several key projects and processes are underway: Stormwater management Much of the city’s stormwater system was likely installed at approximately the same time. Since its installation, minimal maintenance has occurred, resulting in the need for a significant investment in the system. In 2023, a series of storm sewer pipe failures occurred, leading to costly and reactive repairs. Realizing that more failures were likely, Wheat Ridge commissioned a Stormwater Master Plan to understand flooding risks, potential mitigation measures, and cost implications. The 2025 Stormwater Master Plan modeled various scenarios to understand flooding risk based on storm severity and associated rainfall amounts. The analysis found that storm events that are typical about every five years could have flood impacts across many parts of the city. More severe storms, which happen less frequently but do occur, would have much greater impacts. The primary means to address these flooding and drainage issues is to install larger pipes underground with outlets to the city’s major drainageways. This kind of work is costly—the Stormwater Master Plan estimated that the city would need to invest about $50 million in capital expenditures as well as about $12 million in operations over a ten-year period to prepare for reasonably likely flooding risk. The Stormwater Master Plan recommended establishment of a stormwater utility with associated fee to fund needed improvements. As Wheat Ridge pursues a stormwater utility and updates its development regulations, it could also consider implementing creative green infrastructure solutions on both private and public property that slow the movement of stormwater into the larger drainage system, thus reducing the need for ever-larger conveyance pipes. Where We Are in 2025 PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 51 DRAFT Street and sidewalk repair and maintenance Wheat Ridge developed and is implementing a new maintenance program for streets and sidewalks. This strategic, data-driven program ensures the efficient use of public funds while maintaining the city’s streets in reliable condition. This program designated six maintenance zones across the city to organize and prioritize improvements, and maintenance schedules are based on these zones. A key principle of the street management program is “the right repair on the right road at the right time.” Within the Improvement Zone system, the street repair program evaluates the quality of every road segment in Wheat Ridge based on a standardized system called the Pavement Condition Index. This pavement condition score enables the city to invest in streets before they deteriorate to the point of need expensive major repair. This approach helps the city work towards higher quality roadways while also ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to improve our street network. Similarly, a sidewalk maintenance program operates within the Improvement Zones to evaluate, prioritize, and repair damaged or unsafe sidewalks. Sidewalks are rated based on their condition, with improvements prioritized for the sidewalks with the worst score. 2 3 4 1 56 Improvement Zones 52 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future Key connections and improvements Additional projects to address key connections or known issues are underway. A few of these projects include a traffic study to evaluate critical traffic flow and safety needs at two intersections on 44th Avenue (at Tabor St and Eldridge St), an evaluation of the Clear Creek Trail crossing at Kipling, and other improvements described in the Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Priority. Anderson Outdoor Pool The Anderson Outdoor Pool, located in Anderson Park, opened in 1979 and has been open to the community each summer since then. As a public outdoor pool, it provides local families and swimmers access to an important amenity. Despite some surface-level improvements in 2008, the foundation the pool is built on is largely original and is nearing the end of its functional life. The pool will need to be replaced or closed indefinitely by 2030. While the Anderson Outdoor Pool project has its own community engagement process, it is an example of a key piece of infrastructure that will need substantial investment to continue to be a beloved community asset in the future. 44th Avenue at Tabor Street Kipling Street at Clear Creek PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 53 DRAFT Part 3: Creating Our Future Current funding falls short of what is needed. Updating infrastructure, including catching up on deferred maintenance, is expensive. The $75 million generated by the 2J half-cent sales and use tax that voters approved in 2023 was an important and significant step towards building the network that residents want. However, that number is a small fraction of the total cost of improvements needed. For example, the city was able to allocate $5.4 million to emergency drainage repairs, but the Stormwater Master Plan identified a need for $50 million in capital expenditures as well as about $12 million in operations over a ten-year period. Similarly, approximately $3 million was allocated to fund the pavement repair program for six years, but a long-term funding stream has not been identified. With community support at the ballot, Wheat Ridge has taken remarkable steps to continue catching up on its infrastructure maintenance responsibilities. The challenge remains for identifying how the city can be proactive in keeping up with those responsibilities each year. For stormwater costs, many cities have successfully implemented a stormwater utility and associated fee to address operational and capital investment needs. There is an important opportunity around the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process. To continue building on the momentum built by 2J, a sustainable Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) revenue source will be needed to fully catch up on deferred infrastructure maintenance and to proactively manage the city’s systems into the future. This will require a conversation with elected officials, city leaders, and the broader community. This is a key opportunity for this priority as well as the Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities priority. WHAT WE HAVE WHAT WE WILL NEED STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS STREETS AND SIDEWALKS UNFORESEEN OTHER FUTURE CAPITAL NEEDS ? 54 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT There are significant challenges in the provision of certain utilities that Wheat Ridge does not control. Although the city does not own or operate its own water and sanitary sewer systems, these services are essential to both current Wheat Ridge community members-- residents, businesses, and institutions—as well as new development. In 2025, the water and sanitary sewer systems in Wheat Ridge are facing capacity constraints in many parts of the city. Specifically, there are capacity issues in the underground pipes that service the city. Multiple utility districts operate independently and have different management, goals, and resources. As a result, coordinating district utility planning with city land use planning is challenging. Additionally, none of these districts currently have the financial resources to upsize their infrastructure where there are capacity issues or aging facilities. 70 70 W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave CLEAR CREEK W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave CLEAR CREEK W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge RdRidge Rd Pie r c e S t Pie r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Wa r d R d Source: MIG for Wheat Ridge City Plan Wet Utility Constraint Map Areas adjacent to known or likely water and/or sanitary sewer capacity constraints There is an opportunity for coordination and planning to mitigate these challenges. As the city continues to grow and evolve, so will the need for coordination and planning for the various utility districts. Wheat Ridge can partner with local utility districts to assess capacity constraints, proactively plan for future development, and coordinate capital planning and maintenance efforts. Given the regional nature of this challenge, and the importance of tackling it to deliver on state level housing requirements, this could include requests for state support. These conditions pose some difficult challenges, including: Unpredictability in Development When these capacity or maintenance limitations exist, any new development project may trigger the need for additional capacity to be added to the system. Water and sewer districts are prohibited by state law from using rate-payer funds to increase capacity for future development. As a result, the developer or builder of a project is liable for the entire cost of an upgrade, which can be quite costly. Some arrangements allow the developer to eventually recover some of those costs if other development takes place as a result of the increased capacity that they funded. However, having to pay the large sum up front is often infeasible for a builder or business owner and unaffordable for a future resident. Additionally, projects have faced challenges getting electricity, at times even well into construction. The provider, Xcel, has also stated that it expects future capacity challenges but has not agreed to coordinate with the city to plan for future development. This unpredictability threatens the kind of development that is critical for providing new housing, some of which is mandated by state policies. Inefficient Maintenance and Repair Because the various infrastructure assets — streets and sidewalks, water lines, sewer lines — are separately owned and maintained, repairs can cause inefficiencies. For example, if the city makes improvements to the surface of a street one year, and an underground sewer line replacement happens the next year, the street work must be redone to complete the sewer work, and public use of the street is affected twice instead of once. Extensive planning and coordination between multiple entities is required to establish and follow efficient processes for maintenance and repair. PART ONE / Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities 55 DRAFT For more detail on these action items, see Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know City government in Wheat Ridge is evolving quickly, catching up to the needs of a 21st Century Denver suburb. Its capacity to tackle difficult municipal management issues is growing, and this increasing sophistication will be needed to effectively coordinate with outside utility providers, a state government focused on housing production goals, and taxpayers responsible for paying the bill for capital investments and maintenance. Managing infrastructure will always be a challenge, but Wheat Ridge has opportunities for continuous improvement. Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. The existing CIP at the time of this City Plan responds to changing infrastructure conditions, but also to intentional planning efforts and general community input. Prioritizing projects and funding the CIP is a non-stop effort for city government, but focused planning and community engagement resulted in approval of significant funding for capital projects to be completed from approximately 2025 to 2030. A number of projects are planned that will make important contributions to infrastructure systems across the city, and those should be executed as envisioned. Wheat Ridge should pursue a stormwater utility and the reliable funding stream that comes with it for critical stormwater infrastructure investments, maintenance, and operations. In addition, as the city continues to grow and evolve, so will the need for coordination and planning for the various utility districts. For example, Wheat Ridge can partner with local utility districts to assess capacity constraints, proactively plan for future development, and coordinate capital planning and maintenance efforts. Given the regional nature of this challenge, and the importance of tackling it to deliver on state level housing requirements, this could include requests for state support. Establish a long-term CIP funding and prioritization strategy. A long-term CIP strategy will likely be needed to move beyond the limitations of voter approvals of specific project slates. Where We Want to Go in the Future 56 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT PART TWO Character and Development Vision PART TWO: Character and Development Vision 57 DRAFT PART TWO: Our Character and Development Vision explains how the community would like to shape and reinforce the city’s character in the future. It includes two chapters: Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character defines what the City Plan means by character, what the community shared about its current and desired character, and how tools available to the city can shape character based on the context found in different locations. Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge illustrates what these tools might look like if they were implemented in five locations in Wheat Ridge. These five locations are called Focus Areas. 58 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 59 CHAPTER 3 Applying Tools to Shape Community Character DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 59 60 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC PG 59 Chapter 3: Tools to Shape Community Character PG 61 What is Character? PG 63 What are we trying to achieve? PG 64 What tools do we have to achieve these outcomes? PG 65 How do we apply these tools in Wheat Ridge? PG 72 How does context inform tool selection? PG 73 Tools Application Guide for Place Types, Street Types, and Special Cases PG 107 How do we implement these tools in Wheat Ridge? DRAFT 60 What is Character? These physical attributes are more objective—they can be evaluated and designed with agreed-upon measurements and regulations. The character of a place is the features and traits that define it. For a city, character is shaped by the look and feel of the location, the history of a place, the people who live there, or the memories formed there. These elements, and many others, all contribute to the character of a place, and each individual in that place would define its character a little differently. When it comes to character, the City Plan is focused on the physical attributes of a place. These could include the height, shape, style, use, and placement of buildings, the types of streets, sidewalks, and bike facilities available, and the trees and open spaces. The City Plan is focused on the physical attributes of character for two reasons: Unlike history, memories, culture, or other subjective elements of character, city government can influence these physical attributes to allow cities to become the best version of themselves. 1 2 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 61 What do we know and value about our character? Early in the public engagement process for the City Plan, the community shared that there is a lot about Wheat Ridge that people really like. For example, the city’s parks, trails, open space, and recreational amenities are greatly valued. Additionally, Wheat Ridge has a sense of community and a small town feel that sets it apart from neighboring cities. People who live in Wheat Ridge largely are happy to be living here. Within the commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods, different parts of the city have their own look and feel, a unique identity within the larger city. This is partially a relic of developing as a patchwork of different places that eventually incorporated into Wheat Ridge. While the city has continued to develop and change since incorporating, the diversity of development styles has remained apparent in different parts of the city. The result is a place of places, or a patchwork quilt of neighborhoods with their own look and feel within the larger city. The community embraces and seeks to promote this aspect of Wheat Ridge’s character, summarized by the planning principle: Preserve our “patchwork quilt.” This principle calls us to celebrate and enhance the unique character of areas within Wheat Ridge. DRAFT 62 The role of the City Plan is to balance these dynamics to help Wheat Ridge become the best version of itself. When it comes to character, the City Plan is trying to achieve these four outcomes: What We Heard: Peaceful Coexistence In the third phase of engagement, we asked the community weigh in on what elements are most important to them to achieving peaceful coexistence. The tools in this chapter reflect the input we received, prioritizing public input to provide guidance for future updates to the city’s development regulations. For a more detailed look at what the community said in Phase 3 of engagement, see page 19. Engagement Phase 3 What are we trying to achieve? A cornerstone of the community’s vision is that Wheat Ridge become the best possible version of itself while maintaining the character that makes it feel like Wheat Ridge. While the community expressed ways in which they want the city to grow and evolve, there is not a strong desire for dramatic physical change to transform the city. At the same time, growth and development are both inevitable and necessary. Wheat Ridge, like most areas in the state, needs more housing—and specifically a variety of housing types. The community has also asked for more services and amenities, many of which require growth to deliver. The city’s prime location within a dynamic metro region, located between Denver and the mountains, makes it highly desirable for investment. This means that Wheat Ridge is in a position to set the terms of development and achieve development outcomes that are best for the community. Evolution of Our Places We want to see incremental change that is carefully curated so we can evolve while maintaining our character of distinct areas with their own look and feel. Peaceful Coexistence We want to ensure that new development peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods. Improved Connectivity and Access We want future investments and improvements to help people move around town more easily, especially on foot or by bicycle. Making Great Places We want to see improvements to the space between buildings and the curb that enhance the experience of spending time in our public spaces. DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 63 Use tools, or uses, guide the types of activities and functions allowed on a site. Typical uses include residential, commercial, mixed-use, civic/institutional, parks/recreational, agricultural, industrial, and temporary uses/activation. What properties and buildings are used for is regulated by the zoning code. Different uses are appropriate in different parts of the city. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Form tools are a series of regulations that dictate the size, shape, placement, and nature of buildings, parking, and landscaping. They focus on the physical shape and arrangement of buildings and spaces, addressing things like height, setbacks, massing, and orientation. Form tools include lot dimensions, setbacks and build-to, height limits, landscaping, and parking requirements. Going Places tools specify the infrastructure and treatments on our streets and sidewalks that allow people to safely and comfortably travel around the city. Going Places tools include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared lanes, multi-use path/trail, different lane configurations, bus facilities, and enhanced crossings. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Staying Places tools specify the infrastructure and treatments on our streets and sidewalks that make a specific location into a place where people will stop and spend time. Staying Places tools include lighting, street furniture, street trees, enhanced sidewalks, on-street parking, and frontage improvements. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Those tools are organized into the following four categories: A more comprehensive list of tools with illustrations and definitions can be found in Appendix C. What tools do we have to achieve these outcomes? Based on input shared by residents, the City Plan focuses on tools that city staff can hone and develop to work towards an evolution of our places, peaceful coexistence, improved connectivity and access, and making great places. DRAFT 64 How do we apply these tools in Wheat Ridge? This plan specifies how these Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools are relevant depending on where you are in the city. For example, in commercial areas on a busy road, the recommendations for appropriate uses, height and setback, landscaping, and street treatments will be different from the recommendations for a residential area on a neighborhood street. How tools are applied in different locations is dependent on context. For this purpose, the City Plan defines two different kinds of important and relevant context: place type and street type. Place Type Place Types are character areas in Wheat Ridge defined by land use, building form, and other elements like parks. Read about Place Types starting on page 66. Street Type Street Type is defined by characteristics such as width, traffic speeds, and presence or absence of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Read about Street Types starting on page 69. 70 70 Clear Creek70 70 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 65 Place Types describe the look and feel of various areas throughout Wheat Ridge. They help shape the patchwork quilt of the community, which residents have expressed a desire to retain. This Place Type structure is intended to celebrate and reinforce the unique character of Wheat Ridge and its many places, even as the city grows and experiences development and redevelopment. Place Types are defined by three components: 1. Land use: What uses currently exist in that area and which future uses are appropriate? 2. Building form: What shape and size are the buildings today, and what should new buildings look like? 3. Surrounding context: What exists in that place today? What elements (like streets, sidewalks, transit, parks, or trails) are nearby, and what’s missing? The Place Types were created based on the past and the present, and they are intended to inform the future. The Place Type descriptions likely already sound a lot like the places that you know today-- rather than wholesale transformation of these areas, this plan is focused on enhancing the existing Place Types to make Wheat Ridge the best version of itself. Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Clear Creek 70 70 W 38th Ave Kip l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pie r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Kip l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pie r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Wheat Ridge has two general categories of Place Types Mixed-Use and Commercial Place Types are the other places that define Wheat Ridge where we shop, eat, visit the doctor, go to work, recreate, or meet up with friends. Residential Place Types are primarily residential, or where we live. They are categorized by the variety of housing found in parts of the city. Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Neighborhood Mixed-Use Community Mixed-Use Regional Mixed-Use General Production Clear Creek 70 70 W 38th Ave Kip l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pie r c e S t Clea r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Kip l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pie r c e S t Clea r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Place Types as Context Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 66 Cle ar Creek 70 70 I70 EB HWY I70 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KIP L I N G S T PIE R C E S T QU A Y S T DEP E W S T AM E S S T FEN T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BEN T O N S T PA R F E T S T OTI S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SIM M S S T UP H A M S T MIL L E R S T HILLS I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SKY L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NEW L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OA K S T EV E R E T T S T EAT O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LEE S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SIM M S C T RO B B S T FIE L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH DR YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YAR R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SIM M S P L W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VIV I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MIL L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OTI S S T W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PA R F E T S T TA B O R S T EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 W B H W Y HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OTI S S T HO Y T C T XEN O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVE W 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PIE R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PL OA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QU A I L S T QU A I L S T CA R R S T OA K S T NEL S O N S T JA Y S T HA R L A N S T RO B B S T PA R F E T S T WA R D R D IN G A L L S S T W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Low er Variety Neighborhood Mode rate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Place Types Main Street Mixed Use District Neighborhood Mixed Use District Community Mixed Use District Regional Mixed Use District General Production Center Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Hig her Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Note: The areas of overlap between Place Types are transitional zones, and the overlapping area may appear as a color not associated with any single Place Type. Lower Variety Neighborhood Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village Neighborhood Mixed-Use Community Mixed-Use Regional Mixed-Use General Production Wheat Ridge Place Types, 2025 Park / Community Open Space Clear Creek DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 67 Lower Variety Neighborhood A residential neighborhood that is predominantly made up of a single housing type—often single-unit detached homes, but it can also be other housing types—organized in either a traditional grid or a suburban pattern with uniform lots. These neighborhoods are typically defined by cohesive streetscapes, consistent setbacks, and homes constructed within the same era, resulting in a strong visual identity and sense of continuity across blocks or clusters of blocks. The intent is to accommodate thoughtful, context-appropriate change that reinforces the neighborhood’s character while expanding housing opportunities. A residential neighborhood with the highest degree of housing diversity, characterized by a broad mix of housing types and a varied architectural landscape. These areas typically follow a traditional gridded street pattern and include a substantial presence of 20th-century multi-unit buildings alongside homes built across different eras. The intent is to enhance this diversity, supporting vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that offer housing choices for a wide range of household types and income levels. A residential neighborhood that offers a moderate level of housing diversity, where no single housing type overwhelmingly defines the area. While single-unit homes remain a significant component, it is less so than in lower variety neighborhoods. These neighborhoods also include a mix of other housing forms that contribute to greater choice and inclusivity. The physical layout is typically a blend of traditional grid patterns and more curvilinear street designs, such as winding roads and cul-de-sacs, reflecting incremental development over time. The intent is to maintain moderate variety in housing choices, reflecting the surrounding context while providing different kinds of places to live. Moderate Variety Neighborhood Higher Variety Neighborhood Transit Village A compact, walkable district centered around a rail station that supports higher-density residential development and convenient access to neighborhood-serving commercial amenities. The Transit Village is intended to promote transit use, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and foster a vibrant, mixed-use environment where daily needs can be met within walking distance. Community Mixed-Use Regional Mixed-Use General Production Areas with a flexible, mixed-use development pattern that accommodates a range of building types and uses—including commercial spaces, offices, flex space, and multi-unit residential development. Walkability and pedestrian-oriented design are encouraged. Community mixed-use districts are areas intended to promote activity throughout the day and evening, allowing for a balance of living, working, and retail uses. Commercial uses serve both local residents as well as a slightly broader market than those in neighborhood mixed-use. Areas with a concentration of regionally significant uses—such as large-format commercial development, major educational institutions, and medical centers—often organized in a campus-style layout. Development in this area is intended to serve a broad market geography, acknowledging the need for accessibility, visibility, and convenience for motorists, commuters, and travelers. While designed for auto access, these areas may also evolve to support multimodal connections and integrated site design over time. Active industrial districts that accommodate a broad range of fabrication, processing, production, warehousing, and manufacturing uses. These areas are intended to serve as key employment hubs and play a vital role in the city’s economic base, providing space for high-intensity operations and logistical activities that require access to major transportation routes and adequate buffers from residential areas. Neighborhood Mixed-Use Areas with smaller-scale, mixed-use development that serves the immediate neighborhood with a blend of commercial, residential, and office uses. Buildings are designed to be pedestrian-oriented, with parking typically located behind structures to support walkability and an inviting streetscape. Neighborhood Mixed-Use areas are intended to foster commercial uses that meet local, day-to-day needs rather than draw from a regional market, reinforcing the neighborhood’s scale and character. DRAFT 68 The vast majority of the city’s streets are neighborhood streets in residential neighborhoods. The kind of character one experiences at home on a residential block varies depending on where one lives. Wheat Ridge has different kinds of neighborhoods with different kinds of streets. The street influences character so that it might feel like a rural place, a suburban place, or an urban place. Wheat Ridge is a city of corridors. Meeting daily needs and getting around town, or out of town, means regularly traversing main thoroughfares such as 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street and others. The physical design of corridor streets influences perceptions of character. Many of these conditions inform how streets are categorized. Wheat Ridge has two main categories of streets: NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS CORRIDORS Corridors come in three types: Regional, Community, and District. City streets and rights-of-way represent the vast majority of public space, and they are regularly used by everyone. Given the frequency of use, and the amount of space they take up in the city, streets offer a critical opportunity to shape community character. The design features of streets influence how we experience them, and they can also impact the feeling and use of adjacent land. Width, speed, condition of pavement, presence of curbs and sidewalks, and more, shape our experiences and impressions of the community, its neighborhoods, and its commercial areas. This is true whether we are pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists. Street Types as Context DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 69 Street Types in Wheat Ridge, 2025 70 70 W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave C L E A R C R EE K Ha r l a n S t W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave C L E A R C R EE K W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge RdRidge Rd Pi e r c e S t Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Wa r d R d Ha r l a n S t Yo u n g f i e l d S t Yo u n g f i e l d S t Sh e r i d a n B l v d Sh e r i d a n B l v d DRAFT 70 Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Regional Corridors feature the highest traffic volumes and speeds. Pedestrians and cyclists are usually served by dedicated infrastructure that separates them from vehicular traffic. Kipling Street, Wadsworth Boulevard, Youngfield Street, and Ward Road are regional corridors. Community Corridors feature lower traffic volumes and speeds than regional corridors and have no more than four lanes. Sidewalks are typical, and bike lanes should be present where the right-of-way is of sufficient size. W. 38th Avenue, W. 44th Avenue, Clear Creek Drive, and Sheridan Boulevard are community corridors. District Corridors carry the lowest corridor traffic volumes and speeds. Sidewalks should be typical, and while bike lanes may be a feature, low traffic volumes and speeds often mean that cyclists can share the roadway. W. 26th Avenue, W. 29th Avenue, W. 32nd Avenue, Pierce Street, Ridge Road, part of Harlan Street are district corridors. Neighborhood Streets carry the lowest traffic volumes and speeds. Sidewalks should be typical, though this has historically not been the case in Wheat Ridge as described in Chapter 2. While bike lanes may be a feature, low traffic volumes and speeds often mean that cyclists can share the roadway. Different street types have different characteristics. DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 71 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE How we apply our tools • What Use Tools are appropriate and how Form Tools are best applied are largely driven by Place Types, but they are also informed by the adjacent Street Type. • What Going Places Tools are appropriate is determined by Street Type. • Many Staying Places Tools are appropriate in any Place Type or Street Type. Clear Creek 70 70 Place Type and Street Type define the context that determines how we apply the Use, Form, Staying Places, and Going Places tools: Context There are a handful of special cases that require more nuance than the Place Type and Street Type frameworks can provide on their own. These special cases and how to apply tools within them are described later in this chapter. How does context inform tool selection? USETOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Use Tools: What are Primary and Secondary Uses? Primary uses are those most commonly found within a given place type. These uses are typically dispersed throughout the area and may be located along all street types. PRIMARY USES Place Types Street Types Informs Secondary uses are those less prevalent within a place type. In some cases, secondary uses are only appropriate in specific locations situated along corridors or they may be uses that require additional review and/or special approvals. SECONDARY USES Because each site, project, and location within the city is unique, this plan cannot determine exactly how these tools should be deployed. Instead, the following pages provide an array of options to consider depending on context. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 72 Tools Application Guide for Place Types, Street Types, and Special Cases The following pages are a guide to the use of our tools by Place Type, by Street Type, and by Special Case. Information can be found as follows: Use and Form Tools in Place Types 74 Lower Variety Residential Neighborhood 74 Moderate Variety Residential Neighborhood 75 Higher Variety Residential Neighborhood 76 Transit Village 77 Neighborhood and Community Mixed-Use 79 Regional Mixed-Use 83 General Production 85 Going Places Tools in Street Types 87 Regional Corridor 87 Community and District Corridors 89 Neighborhood Streets 91 Staying Places Tools 93 Special Cases 95 #1: Large-Site Civic, Institutional, or Agricultural Re-Use in a Residential Area 96 #2: Gathering Locations 99 #3: Transitional Areas 103 #4: Waterfront- and Trail-Oriented Development 105 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 73 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE PRIMARY USES A lower variety of housing types that reflects what exists in the neighborhood; in many parts of the city, this would be single-unit detached housing, but neighborhoods may have different prevailing housing types SECONDARY USES Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, small-scale community-serving uses such as places of worship, schools, and day care centers, as well as home-based occupations and low-impact agricultural activities; along corridors, townhomes may be appropriate Note:This list of secondary uses is not exhaustive. Other uses that are consistent with the desired outcomes of an Evolution of Places and Peaceful Coexistence may be appropriate, including pre-existing uses that are not listed here. Additionally, certain uses may be appropriate when adjacent to a corridor. A residential neighborhood that is predominantly made up of a single housing type—often single-unit detached homes, but it can also be other housing types—organized in either a traditional grid or a suburban pattern with uniform lots. These neighborhoods are typically defined by cohesive streetscapes, consistent setbacks, and homes constructed within the same era, resulting in a strong visual identity and sense of continuity across blocks or clusters of blocks. The intent is to accommodate thoughtful, context-appropriate change that reinforces the neighborhood’s character while expanding housing opportunities. Clear Creek70 70 Lower Variety Neighborhood Place Type LOT DIMENSIONS Lots may vary somewhat, but consistency of width, depth, and size is common. Flexibility for lot width and size is appropriate to accommodate compatible development. Exceptions may exist in Special Cases (see page 95). SETBACKS Setbacks may vary somewhat, but consistency on the same block is recommended. Ideally, new development will match the average setbacks of nearby properties. BULK PLANE Bulk plane regulations should manage the way that building height impacts adjacent properties. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLSUSE TOOLS Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 74 LOT DIMENSIONS Lot dimensions may vary more widely with increased residential variety. For new development, the surrounding context, including the street type, will help determine whether proposed lot size is appropriate. SETBACKS Setbacks may vary somewhat, but consistency on the same block is recommended. Ideally, new development will match the average setbacks of like uses on nearby properties. There may be exceptions for new development when the surrounding context, including the street type, suggests varying setbacks are appropriate. BULK PLANE Bulk plane regulations should manage the way that building height impacts adjacent properties. A residential neighborhood that offers a moderate level of housing diversity, where no single housing type overwhelmingly defines the area. While single-unit homes remain a significant component, it is less so than in lower variety neighborhoods. These neighborhoods also include a mix of other housing forms that contribute to greater choice and inclusivity. The physical layout is typically a blend of traditional grid patterns and more curvilinear street designs, such as winding roads and cul-de-sacs, reflecting incremental development over time. The intent is to maintain moderate variety in housing choices, reflecting the surrounding context while providing different kinds of places to live. Moderate Variety Neighborhood Place Types Clear Creek70 70 PRIMARY USES A moderate variety of housing types that reflects what exists in a neighborhood, including single-unit detached housing, duplex units, and townhomes SECONDARY USES Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and small-scale community-serving uses such as places of worship, schools, and day care centers, as well as home-based occupations and low-impact agricultural activities; multi-unit residential may be appropriate in certain locations Note:This list of secondary uses is not exhaustive. Other uses that are consistent with the desired outcomes of an evolution of places and peaceful coexistence may be appropriate, including pre-existing uses that are not listed here. Additionally, certain uses may be appropriate when adjacent to a corridor. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLSUSE TOOLS DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 75 PRIMARY USES A higher variety of housing types, including single-unit detached housing, cottage courts, duplexes, townhomes, and multi-unit residential SECONDARY USES Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), alternative housing formats such as co-ops, and small-scale community-serving uses such as places of worship, schools, day care centers, home-based occupations and low-impact agricultural activities Note:This list of secondary uses is not exhaustive. Other uses that are consistent with the desired outcomes of an evolution of places and peaceful coexistence may be appropriate, including pre-existing uses that are not listed here. Additionally, certain uses may be appropriate when adjacent to a corridor. A residential neighborhood with the highest degree of housing diversity, characterized by a broad mix of housing types and a varied architectural landscape. These areas typically follow a traditional gridded street pattern and include a substantial presence of 20th-century multi-unit buildings alongside homes built across different eras. The intent is to enhance this diversity, supporting vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that offer housing choices for a wide range of household types and income levels. Higher Variety Neighborhood Place Types Clear Creek70 70 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLSUSE TOOLS LOT DIMENSIONS Dimensions can vary widely to accommodate a wide range of housing types. SETBACKS Setbacks may vary somewhat, but consistency on the same block is recommended. Ideally, new development will match the average setbacks of like uses on nearby properties. There may be exceptions for new development when the surrounding context, including the street type, suggests varying setbacks are appropriate. BULK PLANE Bulk plane regulations should manage the way that building height impacts adjacent properties. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 76 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS PARKING LOCATIONParking is ideally behind or, if necessary, on the side of a building. Placing parking between the building and the street is not recommended. In some cases, such as multi-unit residential buildings, structured parking may be appropriate. SHARED/REGIONAL PARKINGCentrally located parking lots may be shared by adjacent uses and in multi-building developments. Connecting building entrances to parking areas with sidewalks and plazas is recommended, as is connecting building entrances to the street. BICYCLE PARKING For all uses, bicycle parking should be provided USE TOOLS A mix of multi-unit residential uses, including apartments, townhomes, vertical mixed-use, live-work spaces and home-based occupations USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE PRIMARY USES SECONDARY USES Neighborhood-scale commercial, office, personal services, and compatible temporary/activation uses Bicycle Parking Shared/Regional Parking A compact, walkable district centered around a rail station that supports higher-density residential development and convenient access to neighborhood-serving commercial amenities. The Transit Village is intended to promote transit use, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and foster a vibrant, mixed-use environment where daily needs can be met within walking distance. Transit Village Place Type Clear Creek70 70 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 77 SETBACKS AND BUILD-TO To the greatest extent possible, minimize front setbacks for new development; avoid siting new buildings behind large parking lots. FAÇADE ARTICULATIONAvoid long blank walls; instead, vertical and horizontal articulation as well as transparency on first floor uses are recommended. XTR A N S I T VI L L A G E Fo r m T o o l s Façade ArticulationSet Backs and Build To Bulk Plane/Building Envelope: XHEIGHT LIMITSThese are among the few locations in the city where significant departures from the City Charter height limits are generally allowed to encourage housing near transit. Maximizing height is preferred; however, lower heights are appropriate on portions of a site directly adjacent to lower-intensity residential uses. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 78 USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Neighborhood Mixed-Use Place Type PRIMARY USES Neighborhood-scale commercial that serves a local market, including retail shops, restaurants, bars, personal services, and office uses SECONDARY USES Multi-unit residential (including vertical mixed-use), townhomes, duplexes, and other walkable residential forms such as cottage courts; compatible temporary/activation uses Areas with smaller-scale, mixed-use development that serves the immediate neighborhood with a blend of commercial, residential, and office uses. Buildings are designed to be pedestrian-oriented, with parking typically located behind structures to support walkability and an inviting streetscape. Commercial uses are intended to meet local, day-to-day needs rather than draw from a regional market, reinforcing the neighborhood’s scale and character. Clear Creek70 70 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 79 USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Community Mixed-Use Place Type PRIMARY USES A mix of commercial, office, and personal service uses, including retail establishments and flex buildings that can adapt to a variety of business types; multi-unit residential (including vertical mixed-use) SECONDARY USES Townhomes and compatible temporary/activation uses Areas with a flexible, mixed-use development pattern that accommodates a range of building types and uses—including commercial spaces, offices, flex space, and multi-unit residential development. This place type promotes activity throughout the day and evening, allowing for a balance of living, working, and retail uses. While walkability and pedestrian-oriented design are encouraged, some auto-oriented development may be present or appropriate, depending on context and site conditions. Clear Creek70 70 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 80 Neighborhood and Community Mixed-Use Place Types USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS FAÇADE ARTICULATIONAvoid long blank walls; instead, vertical and horizontal articulation as well as transparency on first floor uses are recommended. SHARED/REGIONAL PARKINGCentrally located parking lots may be shared by adjacent uses and in multi-building developments. Connecting building entrances to parking areas with sidewalks and plazas is recommended, as is connecting building. BUFFERS AND SCREENINGTo achieve peaceful coexistence, visually screening non-residential development from adjacent residential uses is recommended. BICYCLE PARKINGFor all uses, bicycle parking should be provided Bicycle Parking Shared Parking DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 81 CO M M U N I T Y MI X E D U S E Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Shared/Regional Parking Bicycle Parking Height Limits X STEPBACKSTo achieve Peaceful Coexistence, multi-story buildings should have upper floor stepbacks when and where the property faces a residential property. Exterior upper-floor decks should be thoughtfully placed so as not to infringe on neighboring properties’ privacy. SETBACKS AND BUILD-TO To the greatest extent possible, new development should have little if any front setback. It should be placed at the front of a property, not set back behind large parking lots. For larger sites, increased setbacks adjacent to residential uses should be considered. HEIGHT LIMITSThese locations are generally subject to the City Charter height limits of 50’ for commercial buildings and 35’ for residential or mixed-use buildings. This keeps commercial buildings at or below four stories and buildings with a residential use at or below three stories. US E T O O L FO R M T O O L STEPBACKSMixed-Use PARKING LOCATION FAÇADE ARTICULATION TRAIL ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT Stepbacks Required Build-To Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 82 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS PARKING LOCATIONParking is ideally behind or, if necessary, on the side of a building. Placing parking between the building and the street is not recommended. In some cases, such as multi-unit residential buildings, structured parking may be appropriate. SHARED/REGIONAL PARKINGCentrally located parking lots may be shared by adjacent uses and in multi-building developments. Connecting building entrances to parking areas with sidewalks and plazas is recommended, as is connecting building entrances to the street. BICYCLE PARKING For all uses, bicycle parking should be provided PRIMARY USES SECONDARY USES RE G I O N A L MI X E D U S E Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Shared/Regional Parking Bicycle Parking Height Limits Large-scale development that serves a regional market, including major commercial businesses, office complexes, educational institutions; multi-unit residential Townhomes, medical facilities, and other uses that are compatible with the regional role of these centers Bicycle Parking Shared Parking Areas with a concentration of regionally significant uses—such as large-format commercial development, major educational institutions, and medical centers—often organized in a campus-style layout. Development in this area is intended to serve a broad market geography, prioritizing accessibility, visibility, and convenience for motorists, commuters, and travelers. While designed for auto access, these areas may also evolve to support multimodal connections and integrated site design over time. Regional Mixed-Use Place Type Clear Creek70 70 USE TOOLSUSE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 83 FAÇADE ARTICULATIONAvoid long blank walls; instead, vertical and horizontal articulation as well as transparency on first floor uses are recommended. SETBACK AND BUILD-TOTo the greatest extent possible, new development should be situated closer to the street with improvements such as landscaping or seating areas incorporated within the area. BUFFERS AND SCREENINGTo achieve peaceful coexistence, visually screening non-residential development from adjacent residential uses is recommended. LANDSCAPINGLandscaping is recommended whenever feasible, and particularly landscape design that mitigates stormwater runoff. RE G I O N A L MI X E D U S E Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Shared/Regional Parking Bicycle Parking Height Limits HEIGHT LIMITSThese are among the few locations in the city where significant departures from the City Charter height limits are generally allowed. Maximizing height is preferred; however, lower heights are appropriate on portions of a site directly adjacent to lower-intensity residential uses. Fo r m T o o l s Façade ArticulationSet Backs and Build To Bulk Plane/Building Envelope: RE G I O N A L MI X E D U S E St a y i n g P l a c e s T o o l s Buffers and Screening Trees and Landscaping RE G I O N A L MI X E D U S E US E T O O L FO R M T O O L STEPBACKSMixed-Use PARKING LOCATION FAÇADE ARTICULATION TRAIL ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT Stepbacks Setbacks Buffers and Screening Landscaping RE G I O N A L MI X E D U S E Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Shared/Regional Parking Bicycle Parking Height Limits STEPBACKS To achieve Peaceful Coexistence, upper-floor stepbacks are recommended on multi-story buildings that face a lower-intensity residential property. Thoughtfully place exterior upper floor decks to protect on neighboring properties’ privacy. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 84 PARKING LOCATIONParking either needs to be screened or located to side or rear of buildings. Loading docks and similar uses should be placed away from primary street and screened by building when possible SETBACKS AND BUILD-TOFront setbacks will vary depending on site context. If development occurs near residential areas, generous rear and/or side setbacks are recommended. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLSUSE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Support a mix of light and general industrial activities, including manufacturing and production; flex warehouse space and makerspaces that accommodate innovation GE N E R A L PR O D U C T I O N Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Set Backs and Build To Buffers and Screening PRIMARY USES SECONDARY USES Commercial businesses that directly support or complement industrial activities, including equipment suppliers, logistics providers, or trade-related services Setbacks Active industrial districts that accommodate a broad range of fabrication, processing, production, warehousing, and manufacturing uses. These areas are intended to serve as key employment hubs and play a vital role in the city’s economic base, providing space for high-intensity operations and logistical activities that require access to major transportation routes and adequate buffers from residential areas. General Production Place Type Clear Creek70 70 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 85 BUFFERS AND SCREENINGTo achieve Peaceful Coexistence, screening development from adjacent residential uses is critical. Additionally, screening is recommended for parking areas that are near residential uses. HEIGHT LIMITSBuildings that are solely commercial and/or industrial, without any residential component, have a maximum height limit of 50’. GE N E R A L PR O D U C T I O N Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Set Backs and Build To Buffers and Screening GE N E R A L PR O D U C T I O N Fo r m T o o l s Parking Location Set Backs and Build To Buffers and Screening Fo r m T o o l s Height Limits GE N E R A L PR O D U C T I O N L X Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 86 Regional Corridor Street Type GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Detached SidewalkAttached SidewalkMulit-Use Path Si d e w a l k s GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S St r e e t s / S t r e e t T y p e 2 lane - marked street2 lane - marked street2 lane - center turn lane 4 lanes + 2 lane - residential street Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Residential Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS FOR MOTORISTS Multi-Use Path 4+ Lanes with no on-street parking Regional Corridors feature the highest traffic volumes and speeds. Going Places tools should be aimed at efficient and safe movement of all modes of travel, supporting quality of place as much as possible. Gathering Locations on Regional Corridors may create exceptions as Staying Places tools are prioritized. See Special Case #2 on page 99. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be separated from vehicular traffic on a multi-use path that is usually a minimum of 8’ wide. A width of 10’ to 14’ is preferred. At least four lanes of traffic efficiently moves large volumes of vehicles, especially at peak times. On-street parking should not be a feature. GOING PLACESTOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 87 GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bu s F a c i l i t i e s Shared curbside lane Dedicated curbside lane BUS ONLY BUS ONLY FOR TRANSIT GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bu s F a c i l i t i e s Shared curbside lane Dedicated curbside lane BUS ONLY BUS ONLY Bus Shared Lane Bus Dedicated Lane Depending on circumstances, such as right-of-way width, shared or dedicated lanes could be typical. Consolidating Curb Cuts Curb cuts should be limited to manage access, improve traffic flow, and support safety for users of all travel modes. GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S CONSOLIDATING CURB CUTS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S STREET TREES Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 88 Community and District Corridors feature lower traffic volumes and speeds than Regional Corridors, and generally use the same Going Places tools, with a few exceptions. Tools should be aimed at efficient and safe movement but also sensitivity to a diverse range of place type contexts. Gathering Locations on Community or District Corridors may create exceptions as Staying Places tools are prioritized. See Special Case #2 on page 99. ENHANCED CROSSING Flashing Beacon with pedestrian refuge Can be considered for mid-block crossings in areas with high pedestrian activity. ENHANCED CROSSING Pavement Markings and Treatments Can be considered for intersections with high pedestrian and cyclist activity. Community and District Corridor Street Types GOING PLACESTOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Detached Sidewalk GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Detached Sidewalk Attached Sidewalk Mulit-Use Path Si d e w a l k s Community Corridor District Corridor FOR PEDESTRIANS Detached sidewalks are preferred and should be the priority when feasible. DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 89 Unmarked LanesBike Lane Buffered Lane Protected LaneGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bi k e L a n e s Residential Sharrow Bike BlvdGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Sh a r e d L a n e s BLVD Buffered Bike Lane GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S CONSOLIDATING CURB CUTS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S STREET TREES GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S St r e e t s / S t r e e t T y p e 2 lane - marked street 2 lane - marked street 2 lane - center turn lane 4 lanes + 2 lane - residential street Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Residential Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors FOR BICYCLISTS 2 Lanes FOR MOTORISTS 2 lanes with center turn lane typical on Community Corridors and 2 lanes on District Corridors. Curb cuts should be limited to manage access, improve traffic flow, and support safety for all users. GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bu s F a c i l i t i e s Shared curbside lane Dedicated curbside lane BUS ONLY BUS ONLY FOR TRANSIT Shared lane Unmarked Lanes Bike Lane Buffered Lane Protected LaneGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bi k e L a n e s Residential Sharrow Bike BlvdGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Sh a r e d L a n e s BLVD Standard Bike Lane GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S St r e e t s / S t r e e t T y p e 2 lane - marked street2 lane - marked street 2 lane - center turn lane 4 lanes + 2 lane - residential street Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Residential Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors 2 Lanes with turn lane Bus Shared Lane Community Corridor District Corridor Community Corridor District Corridor Community Corridor District Corridor Consolidated Curb Cuts Standard bike lanes will be typical on District Corridors and buffered lanes on Community Corridors, but either could be options depending on prevailing speeds and right-of-way width. District Corridors with bike lanes are Low-Stress Bike Corridors as described in Chapter 2. For areas designated as Low-Stress Bike Corridors, the it is appropriate to prioritize the best feasible bicycle facility. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 90 GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Detached Sidewalk Attached Sidewalk Mulit-Use Path Si d e w a l k s Detached Sidewalk GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Detached Sidewalk Attached Sidewalk Mulit-Use Path Si d e w a l k s Attached Sidewalk FOR PEDESTRIANS Sidewalks should be typical, with attached most likely. Detached sidewalks should be considered where feasible and context-appropriate. Neighborhood Streets carry the lowest traffic volumes and speeds and most of the time are found in a residential neighborhood context. Going Places tools should be aimed at residential context sensitivity and shared use of the street between vehicles and bicyclists. Neighborhood Street Type GOING PLACESTOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 91 FOR BICYCLISTS Bicyclists generally share unmarked lanes, but Neighborhood Bike Connectors, as described in Chapter 2, should have lane markings in the form of shared lane markings (“sharrows”) or as bike boulevards. FOR MOTORISTSUnmarked LanesBike LaneBuffered LaneProtected LaneGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bi k e L a n e s Residential Sharrow Bike BlvdGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Sh a r e d L a n e s BLVD Unmarked Lanes Bike Lane Buffered Lane Protected LaneGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bi k e L a n e s Residential Sharrow Bike BlvdGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Sh a r e d L a n e s BLVD UnmarkedLane Unmarked LanesBike LaneBuffered LaneProtected LaneGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Bi k e L a n e s Residential Sharrow Bike BlvdGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Sh a r e d L a n e s BLVD GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S St r e e t s / S t r e e t T y p e 2 lane - marked street 2 lane - marked street 2 lane - center turn lane 4 lanes + 2 lane - residential street Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Residential Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors 2 lanes, usually unmarked, with sufficient width for on-street parking. 2 Lanes, unmarked Neighborhood Bike Connector: Bike Boulevard Neighborhood Bike Connector: Shared Lane Markings Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 92 Staying Places Tools can be appropriate in any Place Type or Street Type. In most places in the city, Staying Places tools can be selected to complement the identified Going Places tools, and as budget and space allow. While many of them impact the public right-of-way, they can also be beneficial to incorporate on private property. Special Case #2, found on page 99 describes locations where Staying Places are the priority. ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Lighting Street Furniature Street Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide LIGHTING STREET FURNITURE ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Lighting Street Furniature Street Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S CONSOLIDATING CURB CUTS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S STREET TREES STREET TREES ON-STREET PARKING ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S LightingStreet FurniatureStreet Trees + LandscapingOn-Street ParkingEnhanced Sidewalks NarrowWide ENHANCED SIDEWALKS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S LightingStreet FurniatureStreet Trees + LandscapingOn-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S LightingStreet FurniatureStreet Trees + LandscapingOn-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide Narrow Wide Staying Places Tools STAYING PLACESTOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 93 Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood ConnectionsPedestrian Plaza Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS PEDESTRIAN PLAZA Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian PlazaGO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Ot h e r s Consolidating Curb Cuts Shared Street / WoonerfParking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood ConnectionsPedestrian Plaza FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS PARKING SCREENING SHARED STREET / WOONERF Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 94 These special cases include: USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE 70 Special Case #1 Special Case #2 Special Case #3 Special Case #4 There are a handful of special cases that require more nuance than the Place Type and Street Type frameworks can provide on their own. The direction for these cases is detailed in the following pages. Where these cases occur, the guidance here should supersede the guidance above related only to Place Type. Transitional Areas Large Site Civic, Institutional, or Agricultural Re-Use in a Residential Area Gathering Locations Waterfront- and Trail-Oriented Development Special Cases Applying Tools in Special Cases DRAFT 95 PART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character Intent: To allow investment in large embedded sites in such a way that the sites achieve the desired outcomes of an evolution of places and peaceful coexistence. Wheat Ridge has a number of relatively large properties that may be appropriate for a change of use in the future. These include schools or places of worship that close, out-of-service civic buildings, or agricultural properties of varying sizes that the proprietors no longer wish to operate, among others. This kind of site is often in or adjacent to residential areas. The most typically proposed new uses for sites like these are residential. Sometimes the proposed residential use is somewhat different from the surrounding residential uses, perhaps because the market demands something different, and/or because building more of the same type of housing is not economically feasible. More diverse housing products are in alignment with the city’s adopted housing policy and the Planning Principle: Serve a Mix of Incomes. This City Plan is clear that gradual redevelopment is both inevitable and welcome, but that it must peacefully coexist with existing residential areas. These twin realities guide the application of character-shaping tools. Large Site Civic, Institutional, or Agricultural Re-Use in a Residential Area Could vary widely from low variety residential uses to high variety residential uses, depending on the place type, street type, and surrounding context. PRIMARY USES SECONDARY USES Public open space, institutional uses that are appropriate to the place type, neighborhood-scale daycares, and housing types other than the dominant type in the surrounding area including ADUs. Note: This list of secondary uses is not exhaustive. Other uses that are consistent with the desired outcomes of an Evolution of Places and Peaceful Coexistence may be appropriate, including pre-existing uses that are not listed here. Additionally, certain uses may be appropriate when adjacent to a corridor. Special Case #1 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 96 Large Site Civic, Institutional, or Agricultural Re-Use in a Residential Area USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS PARKINGTo achieve Peaceful Coexistence, new development should meet its parking needs on-site, or ensure through shared parking arrangements that parking needs are met. Buffers and Screening Trees and Landscaping BUFFERS AND SCREENINGDepending on context, such as intensity of development or difference in use, buffers and screening may be appropriate. SETBACKSGenerally, front setbacks from the street and side and rear setbacks from existing residential properties should be consistent with those in the surrounding residential area. However, the context, such as the intensity of development, the difference in use, or the street type, may suggest that deviations are appropriate. Special Case #1 FO R M T O O L S Lot DimensionsSetbacks and Build-to LinesStepbacksHeight LimitsBulk Plane/Building Envelope/MassingLandscaping Buffers/Screening Parking Requirements X X DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 97 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONSRe-use sites offer opportunities to enhance the mobility network through street, sidewalk, and trail connections. Re-use sites should not be walled off from the surrounding neighborhood, but integrated and connected wherever possible. GOING PLACES TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Going Places Tools should be applied according to the Street Type context. Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza Neighborhood Connections is the most important Staying Places tool for this special case, but other Staying Places tools are likely also appropriate. STEPBACKS To achieve Peaceful Coexistence, multi-story buildings should have upper floor stepbacks when and where the property faces a low-intensity residential property. Exterior upper-floor decks should be thoughtfully placed so as not to infringe on neighboring properties’ privacy. STAYING PLACES TOOLS Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 98 Intent: To identify and plan for locations where pedestrian-oriented activity will be especially important and placemaking features will play a larger-than-usual role in shaping physical character and the way public spaces are used. In most areas of Wheat Ridge, Going Places tools will be prioritized because walking and biking access is a clear priority in the City Plan, and Staying Places tools will be used as appropriate. However, in specific locations, Going Places and Staying Places tools will apply differently. There are some places in the city where the goal is for people to stay and spend time. These might be commercial destinations, a key gateway, or other important community destinations, many of which have limited right of way on the streets and sidewalks. The City Plan calls these kinds of areas Gathering Locations. In these locations, most of which do not have the right-of-way width to accommodate all the features we might like, it is important to prioritize Staying Places tools to make that location more of a destination and then select the best complementary Going Places tools to match. Gathering Locations Balancing Going Places and Staying Places Tools The cross-sections on the following page illustrate examples of the tradeoff that must take place when right of-way width is fixed. Prioritizing Going Places Tools (most of the city) The example image on the next page features travel lanes, bike lanes in either direction, and sidewalks for pedestrians. Trees are present, but on private property. Lighting is also present, but scaled to light the roadway and sidewalks for safety. All of these features are aimed at efficiently moving people. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Prioritizing Staying Places Tools (Gathering Locations) This example features travel lanes but no bike lanes. Instead, additional space between the curbs is used for on-street parking to serve businesses and calm traffic, and a parklet for outdoor dining. In addition, street trees are present in the right-of-way as is pedestrian scaled lighting. While these features accommodate travel to and through the location, they are primarily aimed at creating a strong sense of place where visitors, shoppers, and diners want to linger. Special Case #2 DRAFT 99 PART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character Parklet/DiningOn-streetParking Center Turn Lane Travel Lane 66’ Example Right-of-way Private Property Travel LaneLandscaped Amenity Zone Sidewalk & Tree Pits P Sidewalk Private Property Center Turn Lane Travel Lane 66’ Example Right-of-way Private Property Travel Lane SidewalkBuffered Bike Lane Sidewalk Private Property On-street Parking P Buffered Bike Lane Parklet/DiningOn-streetParking Center Turn Lane Travel Lane 66’ Example Right-of-way Private Property Travel LaneLandscaped Amenity Zone Sidewalk & Tree Pits P Sidewalk Private Property Center Turn Lane Travel Lane 66’ Example Right-of-way Private Property Travel Lane SidewalkBuffered Bike Lane Sidewalk Private Property On-street Parking P Buffered Bike Lane GOING PLACESTOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE STAYING PLACESTOOLS Example of Prioritizing Staying Places Tools Example of Prioritizing Going Places Tools Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 100 70 Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave C LEA R CREEK Sh e r i d a n B l v d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave C LEA R CREEK W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge RdRidge Rd Pi e r c e S t Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Wa r d R d 70 Gathering Locations within Future Mobility Framework Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Neighborhood Bike Connectors Low Stress Bike Corridors Neighborhood Streets Regional Corridors Community Corridors District Corridors Gathering Locations Gathering Locations Where are the Gathering Locations that should prioritize the Staying Places tools? The community identified eight Gathering Locations, illustrated on the map at right. This map illustrates these Gathering Locations and places them within the context of the desired mobility network envisioned by the City Plan. More Gathering Locations may emerge through the lifespan of this plan. These locations will be priority areas for various Staying Places tools, as depicted on the following page. For additional detail on these tools, see Appendix C. Special Case #2 DRAFT 101 PART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Lighting Street Furniature Street Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide LIGHTING STREET FURNITURE ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Lighting Street Furniature Street Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S CONSOLIDATING CURB CUTS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S STREET TREES STREET TREES ON-STREET PARKING ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Lighting Street Furniature Street Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS PEDESTRIAN PLAZA Parking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza SHARED STREET / WOONERF GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Ot h e r s Consolidating Curb Cuts Shared Street / WoonerfParking Screening Frontage ImprovementsST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Neighborhood Connections Pedestrian Plaza FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTS PARKING SCREENING ENHANCED SIDEWALKS ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S LightingStreet FurniatureStreet Trees + Landscaping On-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide ST A Y I N G P L A C E S TO O L S LightingStreet FurniatureStreet Trees + LandscapingOn-Street Parking Enhanced Sidewalks Narrow Wide Narrow Wide USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 102 Staying Places Tools should be applied as appropriate. Going Places Tools should be applied according to the Street Type context. Uses should be determined based on the Place Types.Intent: To ensure investment in properties achieves peaceful coexistence, particularly in these transitional locations: 1) on or near the border of two different Place Types or 2) where adjacent land uses are different. The place type framework acknowledges some key realities about our community. • Boundaries between different places can be fuzzy, meaning the seams and edges between places often are not clearly defined. This is part of Wheat Ridge’s patchwork quilt, but one challenge is that it is not always clear where one type of place ends and another begins. • Very different places with very different uses and form share borders, such as a residential neighborhood and a commercial corridor. In these cases, the challenge is compatibility between uses and forms where the two place types meet. • Even within a single place type, land uses can be different and result in the same challenge of compatibility between uses and forms. Any of these circumstances can require more nuance in the appropriate application of use and form tools. Because Wheat Ridge is largely built out, most development takes place in or near established residential neighborhoods. When not managed thoughtfully, this can cause conflict, especially in transitional areas. Therefore, an important goal is to manage new development so it peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods. When transitional areas present possible confusion, aiming for Peaceful Coexistence should guide application of tools. This is true whether new development is residential or commercial. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE GOING PLACES TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE STAYING PLACES TOOLS USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Transitional Areas Special Case #3 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 103 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS SP E C I A L U S E CA S E # 3 Tr a n s i t i o n a l A r e a s Be t w e e n P l a c e Ty p e s Fo r m T o o l s Parking Buffers and Screening Set Backs and Build To Bulk Plane/Building Envelope Residential Commercial BUFFERS AND SCREENING To achieve Peaceful Coexistence, development should be visually screened from adjacent residential uses. SETBACKSSetbacks and should generally be applied according to place type. Generous side and rear setbacks are ideal, but may not always be possible. A combination of setbacks, buffers, screening, and other form tools should be the norm when new development is of a different use or type than existing nearby residential properties. PARKINGTo achieve Peaceful Coexistence, new development will ideally either meet its parking needs on-site, or ensure through shared parking arrangements that parking needs are met. BULK PLANEProposed development seeks to maximize height within legal limits, so to achieve Peaceful Coexistence, bulk plane regulations should augment setbacks to avoid imposition of additional height on adjoining properties. STEPBACKS To achieve Peaceful Coexistence, upper floor stepbacks are appropriate on multi-story buildings when and where the property faces a residential property. Exterior upper-floor decks should be thoughtfully placed so as not to infringe on neighboring properties’ privacy. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 104 Intent: To take advantage of unique opportunities on sites with access to the Clear Creek trail, other waterfront locations, or parks to celebrate and provide access to these amenities through deliberate redevelopment. Wheat Ridge is fortunate to have one of the best natural recreational amenities in the Denver region in the Clear Creek Trail. The creek and trail traverse the city from end to end, providing both recreational and transportation opportunities for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. The trail also links a chain of parks and open spaces, connecting residents to the outdoors. Waterfront- or trail-oriented development opportunities on private property near the trail could take full advantage of the setting and provide amenities for trail users. These opportunities could create walkable and bike-friendly development centered around or near trails, particularly multi-use trails and greenways. To see an example of what this might look like, see Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge. Uses that complement and enhance access to the trail, including neighborhood-scale commercial/retail, restaurants/bars, services, offices PRIMARY USES SECONDARY USES GO I N G P L A C E S TO O L S Detached Sidewalk Attached Sidewalk Mulit-Use Path Si d e w a l k s FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS Multi-Use Path STREETSIDE, OFF-TRAILGoing Places Tools should be applied according to the Place Type and Street Type context. Clear Creek trail’s paved portions should be designed and function as a multi-use path. PEDESTRIAN LIGHTINGDevelopment should feature character-enhancing lighting, especially where it meets the trail. STREET FURNITURE Street furniture such as benches and trash cans should be available to serve trail users and customers/residents of the development. Townhomes and multi-unit residential USE TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS Development should provide a public connection between the trail and the sidewalk network. Waterfront- and Trail-Oriented Development Special Case #4 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 105 USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE FORM TOOLS LANDSCAPING Trees planted along trails provide shade and enhance user comfort. Landscaping can be used to connect new waterfront development to the trail in manner that maintains the natural character. BICYCLE PARKINGBike parking should be typical, clearly defined, and accessible.SETBACKS AND BUILD-TO Setbacks and build-to requirements are usually based on a building’s relationship to the adjacent street. For properties with trail or waterfront adjacency, allow flexibility in building orientation, setbacks, and build-to such that a site can engage trail or water amenities. FACADE ARTICULATION Vertical and horizontal shifts in the facade, as well as facade transparency, should be reflected on both the front-facing facade as well as the trail-facing facade. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 106 DRAFTPART TWO / Chapter 3: Applying Tools to Shape Community Character 107 How do we implement these tools in Wheat Ridge? The city already uses many of these tools today. For example, the zoning code already regulates what uses are allowed, how tall buildings can be, and how far a building is from the street. However, in some instances current regulations are not always yielding the outcomes that the community wants to see. Becoming our best selves means refining these tools to achieve the outcomes we desire. All of these tools work together to shape how communities grow, impacting not only what goes where, but also how the city looks, feels, and functions. They help align future development and investments with the community’s goals in a few different ways. Guiding updates to regulations Many of the tools described in this chapter are dictated by regulations such as the zoning code, design guidelines, city policy, and other elements of the development review process. Defining what tools are important to the community and how those tools should be applied will inform updates to these regulations and processes. The goal is to have regulations that provide the flexibility to accommodate growth while requiring that new development peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods and preserves the community’s patchwork quilt of unique places. Guiding new development When developers or property owners propose new projects, designs will be assessed according to the regulations listed above. Additionally, some processes for how to evaluate proposals for private property involve consideration of the adopted comprehensive plan. For example, both zone changes and special use permits have review processes that include evaluating how the proposal supports the goals and priorities outlined in this plan. Additionally, there may be cases where even more flexibility and/or additional review are needed to achieve an evolution of places and peaceful coexistence as described on page 63. Some examples of these instances include the special cases described earlier in this chapter or developments that would otherwise become Planned Unit Development. In cases like these, additional steps such as a Concept Plan may be needed. Future code updates and administrative adjustments may need to address these cases. Guiding city investment Some of these tools impact the public right-of-way, including our streets and sidewalks. As described in Chapter 2, there is a lag between the bicycle and pedestrian facilities that the community has come to desire and our current infrastructure. These tools inform the design of public projects and investments. As we incrementally invest in our streets and sidewalks, consistent application of these tools can help us work towards a complete multi-modal network. For more detail on how these three areas of work interact with our tools, see pages 140-144 in Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know. Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 108 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 109 Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools inWheat Ridge CHAPTER 4 DRAFT 110 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC PG 109 Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge PG 111 Focus Areas PG 113 Wadsworth Shopping Center PG 117 44th Avenue at Anderson Park PG 121 38th Avenue East of Wadsworth Boulevard PG 125 29th Avenue from Fenton Street to Chase Street PG 129 Ward Station DRAFT Chapter 2 identified Planning Principles and Priorities for Wheat Ridge in the next 15 years, and Chapter 3 detailed a set of tools that can help reinforce the city’s character even as it grows and evolves. This chapter illustrates what those Principles, Priorities, and tools might look like if they were implemented in five locations in Wheat Ridge. These five locations, called Focus Areas, are: 70 70 1 2 3 4 5 Wadsworth Shopping Center Ward Station The five Focus Areas detailed in the following pages illustrate the tools described in this plan, and also serve as prototypes for other places within the city that could benefit from implementation of these same tools. Implementation of the tools is not limited to the Focus Areas, and it does not even have to prioritize them. Rather, these areas were selected to illustrate this plan in action for several reasons: • As a group, they have several conditions related to the tools detailed in this chapter that are commonly found across the city. • The solutions illustrated in the Focus Areas are exportable to other locations in the city with similar conditions. • The Focus Area locations themselves are important within the community. While each focus area is a specific location in Wheat Ridge, the illustrations on the following pages are intentionally ambiguous about exactly which parcels are shown. Rather than prescribing exact solutions for specific properties, they are intended to illustrate the kinds of outcomes that could occur anywhere in these areas or in similar areas across the city. 44th Avenue at Anderson Park 29th Avenue from Fenton St to Chase St 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth Focus Areas PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 111 DRAFT 4321 Form Tools Parking Location and Setbacks and Build-To, are used to facilitate redevelopment and create the kind of place that shoppers want to visit, as well as improving the experience of cyclists and pedestrians moving north and south on Wadsworth Boulevard. Sites like this exist at other locations on Wadsworth Boulevard, as well as on Youngfield Street, Kipling Street, and 44th Avenue. Exporting Focus Area Lessons Across the City Each Focus Area delves into issues that exist in multiple locations and Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools could be used in similar ways in other locations across the city. For example: Going Places Tools The illustration of a Multi-Use Path envisions a safe, pleasant, and comfortable way for pedestrians and cyclists to move along a busy regional corridor which otherwise mostly serves motorists. Kipling Street and Youngfield Street both features stretches that could be improved with such an approach. Use Tools Horizontal mixed-use (residential and commercial developed next to each other) could be appropriate for 38th Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, and other locations on 44th Avenue. Going Places Tools The illustration of a revised lane configuration and bike lanes could be a prototype for community corridor cross sections on 38th Avenue and other sections of 44th Avenue. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Use Tools The illustration of temporary uses and activation of a parking lot could be a beneficial solution for many properties on 38th Avenue and 44th Avenue. Staying Places Tools Frontage Improvements address a common issue found on 38th Avenue, 44th Avenue, and other corridors in which parking lots front directly onto the sidewalk. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Form Tools The illustration of upper floor Stepbacks and Buffers and Screening show how new development can be sensitive to the surrounding residential context. This applies on any city corridor where development backs up to residential areas. Staying Places Tools On-street parking is envisioned as a way to calm traffic and illustrates the tradeoff between Going Places and Staying Places tools when right-of-way width is not big enough for both. This situation may apply on portions of 38th Avenue and 44th Avenue. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Use Tools Another form of temporary use is illustrated to show how a developing area without a nearby third place can accomplish part-time vibrancy. Emerging neighborhoods like Clear Creek Crossing and Lutheran Legacy Campus may have similar opportunities. Staying Places Tools A Pedestrian Plaza is used to bring outdoor public or semi-public space to a developing neighborhood. Emerging neighborhoods like Clear Creek Crossing and Lutheran Legacy Campus may have similar opportunities. USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 5Wadsworth Shopping Center 44th Avenue at Anderson Park 38th Avenue, east of Wadsworth Boulevard 29th Avenue from Fenton Street to Chase Street Ward Station USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE 112 DRAFT Focus AreaWadsworth Shopping Center Wadsworth Boulevard from 38th Avenue to 44th Avenue 1 Planning Priorities Planning Principles The City Plan anticipates that new private investment in the Wadsworth corridor is likely to follow the 2026 conclusion of a major public investment to modernize and improve the roadway from 35th Avenue to I-70. Many of the commercial centers along this stretch of Wadsworth are characterized by older suburban commercial buildings, including multi-tenant shopping plazas. Many of these feature large parking lots along the street lacking landscaping and pedestrian or bicycle amenities. While these have been appropriate uses in the city’s history, this area is a location where city officials have long planned for additional mixed-use development. Future redevelopment could create opportunities to strengthen the city’s tax base while connecting new development, existing residential neighborhoods, important civic spaces on W. 38th Ave, and the improved Wadsworth Boulevard corridor. 70 70 1 5The general absence of landscaping in large parking lots, such as park strips, buffer zones, or tree islands, results in uncontrolled traffic flow that creates unsafe conditions for pedestrians. What defines the character of the area in 2025? 5The mid-2020s reconstruction of Wadsworth Boulevard has implemented Going Places tools to improve pedestrian and bicycle options with a multi-use trail. Private investment on adjacent properties that includes landscaping, Staying Places tools, and pedestrian-scaled frontages will improve the pedestrian experience even further. Improved Retail and Business Environment Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Strengthen the City’s Fiscal Position 113 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge DRAFT C le a r C ree k 70 70 I70 EB HWY I7 0 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KI P L I N G S T PI E R C E S T QU A Y S T DE P E W S T AM E S S T FE N T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BE N T O N S T PA R F E T S T OT I S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SI M M S S T UP H A M S T MIL L E R S T HILL S I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SK Y L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NE W L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OA K S T EV E R E T T S T EA T O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LE E S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SI M M S C T RO B B S T FI E L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH D R YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YA R R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SI M M S P L W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VI V I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MI L L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OT I S S T W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PA R F E T S T TA B O R S T EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 W B H W Y HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OT I S S T HO Y T C T XE N O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVE W 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PI E R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PLOA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QU A I L S T QU A I L S T CA R R S T OA K S T NE L S O N S T JA Y S T HA R L A N S T RO B B S T PA R F E T S T WA R D R D IN G A L L S S T W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cl e a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cl e a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Place Types Lower Variety Residential Neighborhood Moderate Variety Residential Neighborhood Higher Variety Residential Neighborhood Community Mixed-Use Regional Mixed-Use What are the Place Type and Street Type contexts? Regional Corridor Street Type The images on the following pages show how some of these tools should be used. During the fourth phase of engagement, the public was asked whether they agreed with outcomes depicted and the way in which Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools were applied. of respondents agreed or mostly agreed that the tools are properly applied to achieve desired outcomes in this focus area. 90% Engagement Phase 4 #3: Transitional Areas Special cases that could apply: Parks/Open space Community Corridor 114 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT Uses: Commercial and Residential Due to large setbacks and large parking lots, this retail center is well-suited for infill development or redevelopment opportunities. This creates new commercial and retail opportunities to serve the community and increase the city’s tax base. Multi-unit residential development could also be included. 1 Going Places Tools: Lane ConfigurationsWadsworth Boulevard is a high-volume roadway that was recently reconstructed and includes two lanes in each direction, dedicated turn lanes, and restricted turning movements in some locations. Form Tools: Setbacks and Build-ToShallower setbacks from Wadsworth Boulevard create a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly streetscape. This can be achieved by building new structures through redevelopment or infilling the front of large parking lots. Form Tools: LandscapingTree islands and other site landscaping helps soften parking lots and adds life to the site. 2 3 54 1 2 3 4 5 Form Tools: Parking LocationParking is located behind potential new retail buildings and includes landscaping and other shade elements. Parking remains close to the businesses it serves, but visitors don’t have to walk through vast lots to visit businesses. How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? 115 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge DRAFT 116 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 12 3 4 Going Places Tools: Pedestrians and Bicyclists A wide trail with an expanded planter strip creates a safe and pleasant walking and biking experience. 1 2 Staying Places Tools: Street TreesStreet trees along a regional corridor like Wadsworth Boulevard help soften the visual impact of buildings and asphalt. They also provide shade, improve air and water quality, and create a sense of enclosure that may contribute to reduced traffic speeds. 3 Staying Places Tools: LightingPedestrian-scale lighting along the sidewalks improves safety and fosters a sense of place within an otherwise busy regional corridor. 4 Staying Places Tools: Frontage Improvements A sidewalk connection along with landscaping between the multi-use path and the building creates an inviting interface between the public and private realms. How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 2 Planning Priorities Planning Principles Home to Anderson Park, the Clear Creek Makerspace, and some of Wheat Ridge’s few commercial properties along Clear Creek, this area has unrealized potential. Much of the commercial history of 44th Avenue has had a strong presence of auto-serving uses, adaptive reuse of some buildings has shifted to community commercial uses. Additionally, the intersection of 44th Avenue and Clear Creek is an important location for connecting a large portion of the city’s households to Anderson Park and the Clear Creek Trail. However, insufficient bike and pedestrian infrastructure hinders its effectiveness. Issues include large curb cuts along the corridor, narrow sidewalks, and a lack of bike facilities along the street. Future public and private investments in this area could create opportunities to implement community priorities by enhancing connections to Clear Creek and bringing in more neighborhood-serving retail. What defines the character of the area in 2025? Focus Area44th Avenueat Anderson Park 70 70 2 Improved Retail and Business Environment Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Proactive Infrastructure Management Preserve Our Patchwork Quilt 117 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 5Aging auto-centric commercial properties occupy locations directly adjacent to the Clear Creek Trail, serving as a physical barrier between the residential neighborhood to the north and the Clear Creek Trail and Anderson Park to the south. 5Many buildings along 44th Avenue are set back from the street, with large parking lots dominating the frontages and lacking street trees or planter strips. This layout compromises the pedestrian experience, with sidewalks positioned directly adjacent to the street curb, offering minimal separation from vehicle traffic. The lack of proper Going Places or Staying Places tools means the corridor does not function as a place for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely travel through, nor does it invite people to stay and spend time. DRAFT What are the Place Type and Street Type contexts? The images on the following pages show how some of these tools should be used. During the fourth phase of engagement, the public was asked whether they agreed with outcomes depicted and the way in which Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools were applied. of respondents agreed or mostly agreed that the tools are properly applied to achieve desired outcomes in this focus area. 87% Engagement Phase 4 #2: Gathering Locations#3: Transitional Areas#4: Waterfront- and Trail-Oriented Development Street Type Community Corridor Special Cases that could apply: C le a r C ree k 70 70 I70 EB HWY I7 0 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KIP L I N G S T PI E R C E S T QU A Y S T DE P E W S T AM E S S T FE N T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BE N T O N S T PA R F E T S T OT I S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SI M M S S T UP H A M S T MIL L E R S T HILL S I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SK Y L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NE W L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OA K S T EV E R E T T S T EA T O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LE E S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SIM M S C T RO B B S T FI E L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH D R YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YA R R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SI M M S P L W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VI V I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MIL L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OT I S S T W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PA R F E T S T TA B O R S T EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 W B H W Y HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OT I S S T HO Y T C T XE N O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVE W 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PI E R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PLOA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QU A I L S T QU A I L S T CA R R S T OA K S T NE L S O N S T JA Y S T HA R L A N S T RO B B S T PA R F E T S T WA R D R D IN G A L L S S T W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d Parks/Open space Place Types Lower Variety Residential Neighborhood Moderate Variety Residential Neighborhood Higher Variety Residential Neighborhood Neighborhood Mixed-Use Community Mixed-Use 118 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 119 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 Uses: Commercial and Residential The 44th Avenue Corridor features a diverse mix of commercial uses, many of which are likely to evolve over time. Additional housing units help support more retail demand. Uses: Temporary Uses/Activation Oversized parking lots offer opportunities for creative temporary uses like outdoor dining or pop-up markets. 1 Going Places Tools: MotoristsMultimodal improvements could be facilitated by a different striping treatment to create two travel lanes with a center turn lane. A critical first step to any updates to the lane configuration would be a traffic study to determine feasibility. Form Tools: Setbacks and Build-ToAs new uses develop, buildings should be positioned closer to the street whenever possible to enhance the streetscape and pedestrian experience. Form Tools: Parking Location44th Avenue reflects typical suburban corridor development, with parking lots fronting the street. As the corridor redevelops, parking should be relocated behind buildings and thoughtfully designed. 3 4 6Going Places Tools: Pedestrians and Bicyclists44th Avenue has been identified as a key gap in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The Focus Area could be appropriate for enhanced sidewalks and/or bike lanes. 5 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 120 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 2 3 1 Going Places Tools: Pedestrians and BicyclistsDue to flooding patterns, the 44th Avenue bridge over Clear Creek has been identified as one that will need to be replaced in the future. This provides a key opportunity to build a replacement that provides safe, comfortable access for bicyclists and pedestrians across this bridge and to both Anderson Park and the Clear Creek Trail. Staying Places Tools: Neighborhood ConnectionsThe Clear Creek Trail system is the city’s most heavily used network. Expanding and improving access through additional connections should be prioritized, particularly at key community gathering destinations. Form Tools: Trail Oriented DevelopmentIf properties adjacent to the Clear Creek Trail or city parks ever redevelop, new development should prioritize publicly-accessible, trail-oriented design. Buildings that face the trail and landscape designs that allow people to recreate and gather can enhance the community’s access to these key amenities. 1 2 3 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 3 Planning Priorities Planning Principles The stretch of 38th Avenue from Upham Street to Harlan Street is considered by many to be the Main Street of Wheat Ridge. The corridor generally has smaller local commercial establishments and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. While the corridor has seen improvements over the years through multiple planning processes, the community desires more neighborhood-serving commercial and a walkable main street. At the same time, the public also wants to keep the variety the corridor is known for and buildings as much as possible. The overwhelming passage of the 2J sales tax extension in 2023, which focuses on funding critical public infrastructure projects, allows the city to re-evaluate this critical corridor for enhancements to the public space. Additionally, 38th Avenue is part of an urban renewal plan area with access to tax increment financing for eligible improvements through 2040. Historical investments, current conditions, and the desire to improve the experience of spending time on Wheat Ridge’s main street yield an opportunity to find ways to encourage private investment while prioritizing reuse and activating street life. What defines the character of the area in 2025? 538th Avenue is home to many vibrant local businesses that attract visitors to the area. However, these destinations are often too spread out for people to park at one location and easily or safely walk to others. This is primarily due to scattered parking lots that disrupt the pedestrian experience, a lack of residential density, and too few destination establishments. Focus Area38th AvenueEast of Wadsworth Boulevard 70 70 3 Improved Retail and Business Environment 38th Avenue Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Preserve Our Patchwork Quilt Strengthen the City’s Fiscal Position 121 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 5The area’s diverse architecture and building styles are essential to its unique character. However, the existing setbacks and front-facing parking lots often undermine efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Image capture: Nov 2022 © 2024 Google 6150 W 38th Ave Cancel Print You can enter notes here. DRAFT Place Types Moderate Variety Residential Neighborhood Higher Variety Residential Neighborhood Community Mixed-Use Regional Mixed-Use What are the Place Type and Street Type contexts? The images on the following pages show how some of these tools should be used. During the fourth phase of engagement, the public was asked whether they agreed with outcomes depicted and the way in which Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools were applied. of respondents agreed or mostly agreed that the tools are properly applied to achieve desired outcomes in this focus area. 90% Engagement Phase 4 Street Type Community CorridorClear Creek 70 70 I70 EB HWY I7 0 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KI P L I N G S T PI E R C E S T QU A Y S T DE P E W S T AM E S S T FE N T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BE N T O N S T PA R F E T S T OT I S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SI M M S S T UP H A M S T MIL L E R S T HILL S I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SK Y L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NE W L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OA K S T EV E R E T T S T EA T O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LE E S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SI M M S C T RO B B S T FI E L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH D R YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YA R R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SI M M S P L W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VI V I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MIL L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OT I S S T W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PA R F E T S T TA B O R S T EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 W B H W Y HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OT I S S T HO Y T C T XE N O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVE W 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PI E R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PLOA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QU A I L S T QU A I L S T CA R R S T OA K S T NE L S O N S T JA Y S T HA R L A N S T RO B B S T PA R F E T S T WA R D R D IN G A L L S S T W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d #2: Gathering Locations#3: Transitional Areas#4: Waterfront- and Trail-Oriented Development Special Cases that could apply: 38th Avenue38th Avenue Parks/Open space 122 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC District Corridor DRAFT 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 123 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 2 Uses: Mixed Use38th Avenue is zoned Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MU-N), permitting both commercial and residential uses. This corridor should continue to emphasize both uses, as additional housing units accommodate households who support neighborhood-serving retail. Mixed-use could be either vertical or horizontal. Uses: Temporary Uses/Activation Oversized parking lots offer opportunities for creative temporary uses like outdoor dining or pop-up markets. 1 Going Places Tools: Consolidating Curb CutsStreets with numerous or oversized curb cuts pose a safety risk to pedestrians. Consolidating these curb cuts creates a safer, more consistent pedestrian experience. Form Tools: Setbacks and Build-ToInfill development should position new buildings or additions closer to the street, allowing façades—or landscaped outdoor dining patios—to front the sidewalk and contribute to an active, pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Form Tools: Parking LocationAs the corridor redevelops, parking should be relocated behind buildings and thoughtfully designed. 3 4 6Form Tools: Buffers/ScreeningThe lots fronting 38th Avenue are relatively shallow and require effective screening from adjacent residential properties. In limited space, a combination of a decorative fence or wall with dense vegetation can provide the necessary separation. 5 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 124 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 1 2 3 4 5 Going Places Tools: Bicycle LaneA painted bike lane designates a dedicated portion of the right-of-way for cyclists. Clearly defining this space reinforces cyclists’ right to use the roadway safely Staying Places Tools: Street TreesStreet trees soften the visual impact of buildings and asphalt, improving the pedestrian experience. They also provide shade, improve air and water quality, and create a sense of enclosure that may contribute to reduced traffic speeds. Staying Places Tools: LightingPedestrian-scale lighting along the sidewalks improves safety and fosters a sense of place within an otherwise busy regional corridor. 1 2 3 Staying Places Tools: Parking ScreeningParking areas that abut sidewalks should be screened from view using a decorative wall or fence, complemented by landscaping where space allows, to enhance the streetscape and improve the pedestrian experience. Staying Places Tools: Frontage ImprovementsUsing decorative fencing and landscaping to dress up the area directly abutting the sidewalk creates an inviting interface between the public and private realms. 4 5 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 4 Planning Priorities Planning Principles This section of 29th Avenue is an example of a commercial center that is tucked into a neighborhood. The community has expressed a desire to have walkable and bikeable businesses easily accessible within their neighborhood, and this is one of the places that could continue to fulfill that desire for nearby residents. However, neighbors would like to have these opportunities while still maintaining privacy and other qualities of their neighborhoods. This location provides an opportunity to explore tools that nurture a growing business mix, create a sense of place, and improve mobility. 3Two one-story buildings located between Depew and Chase are currently underutilized, presenting opportunities for adaptive reuse or potential redevelopment. 5This neighborhood center on West 29th Avenue is found in an otherwise residential context in the blocks around Depew and 29th. What defines the character of the area in 2025? 3This image showcases the West 29th Marketplace set back from the street with ample parking in front. Street trees, a brick wall separating the parking area from the sidewalk, and a stamped paving pattern contribute to a high-quality walking environment. Focus AreaW 29th AvenueFenton Street to Chase Street 70 70 4 Image capture: Apr 2022 © 2024 Google Wheat Ridge, Colorado Google Street View Apr 2022 See more dates 2900 N Depew St Cancel Print You can enter notes here. Improved Retail and Business Environment Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City Preserve Our Patchwork Quilt 125 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge Image capture: Nov 2022 © 2024 Google Wheat Ridge, Colorado Google Street View Nov 2022 See more dates 5551 W 29th Ave Cancel Print You can enter notes here. DRAFT Place Types Neighborhood Mixed-Use Higher Variety Residential Neighborhood What are the Place Type and Street Type contexts? The images on the following pages show how some of these tools should be used. During the fourth phase of engagement, the public was asked whether they agreed with outcomes depicted and the way in which Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools were applied. of respondents agreed or mostly agreed that the tools are properly applied to achieve desired outcomes in this focus area. 79% Engagement Phase 4 Street Type District Corridor Clear Creek70 70 I70 EB HWY I7 0 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KI P L I N G S T PI E R C E S T QU A Y S T DE P E W S T AM E S S T FE N T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BE N T O N S T PA R F E T S T OT I S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SI M M S S T UP H A M S T MILLER ST HILL S I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SK Y L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NE W L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OAK ST EV E R E T T S T EA T O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LE E S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SI M M S C T RO B B S T FI E L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH D R YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YA R R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SIMMS PL W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VI V I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MI L L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OTIS ST W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PARFET STTABOR ST EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 WB HWY HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OT I S S T HO Y T C T XE N O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVEW 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PI E R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PLOA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QUAIL ST QU A I L S T CARR ST OA K S T NE L S O N S T JA Y S T HARLAN ST RO B B S T PARFET ST WA R D R D INGALLS ST W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Ward Rd W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cle a r C r e e k D r Ward Rd 38th Avenue38th Avenue #2: Gathering Locations#3: Transitional Areas Special Cases that could apply: 126 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 1 2 3 4 5 127 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 2 Uses: Commercial UseThe 29th Avenue neighborhood center features a distinctive mix of small-scale, single-story commercial buildings, including several vacant structures that present valuable opportunities for adaptive reuse and reinvestment. Uses: Mixed UseAlthough the existing commercial buildings are single-story and do not currently offer housing options, future infill or redevelopment could incorporate second-story residential uses to support a more vibrant, mixed-use environment. 1 Form Tools: Height LimitsThe height of neighborhood commercial buildings should be guided by the surrounding context and the established scale and character of nearby development. Form Tools: StepbacksPositioning buildings toward the front of the lot and then stepping them down as they get closer to adjacent residential fosters a more pedestrian friendly streetscape while also minimizing impacts on adjacent residential properties. Exterior upper-floor decks should be thoughtfully placed so as not to infringe on neighboring properties’ privacy. 3 5Form Tools: Buffers/ScreeningThe shallow depth of lots along 29th Avenue will require rear buffering and screening solutions, such as decorative walls or fences combined with landscaping, to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses. 4 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 128 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 1 2 3 Going Places Tools: Shared Use Lane for BicyclesAs a Gathering Location on a 2-lane District Corridor, opportunities for dedicated bike lanes are limited. Low traffic volumes and speeds suggest a shared lane approach, where pavement markings and signage are appropriate. Staying Places Tools: On-street ParkingCommercial sites on 29th Avenue are often small with limited on-site parking opportunities. Designating street parking lanes helps serve these desired businesses while slowing traffic by visually narrowing the travel lanes. 1 2 Staying Places Tools: Enhanced SidewalksPedestrian-scale lighting, along with street furniture such as benches, bike racks, and public art installations, enhances the public realm and helps activate key blocks along 29th Avenue by encouraging gathering, lingering, and multimodal use. 3 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 5 Planning Priorities Planning Principles Home to Wheat Ridge’s only rail stop, the Ward Station transit village is an emerging neighborhood in the northwest portion of the city, north of I-70. There is a mix of new apartments and townhomes, existing single-unit homes, warehousing, and light industrial uses, and the area also has significant redevelopment opportunities. As in many areas of the city, residents have expressed a desire for commercial activity in this area, particularly since it is somewhat isolated from other parts of the city. As residential growth continues and the area becomes more commercially viable, the city should focus on incentivizing and attracting these much-needed commercial uses, while retaining light industrial activity which plays an important role in the city’s jobs and economic development. Focus AreaWard Station 70 70 5 5A view from the rail station highlights the five-story Parallel Apartments bordering the parking lot. This area is undergoing rapid residential development and presents an ideal opportunity for higher-density housing compared to the typical patterns in Wheat Ridge. What defines the character of the area in 2025? 5The entrance to the parking lot for the rail station is well lighted, easily accessible, and functional for its purpose. As development pressures continue in this area, it is not hard to imagine the surface parking being replaced with a parking deck. Improved Retail and Business Environment Preserve Our Patchwork Quilt Serve a Mix of Incomes 129 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge Image capture: May 2023 © 2024 Google Wheat Ridge, Colorado Google Street View May 2023 See more dates 12016 W 50th Pl Cancel Print You can enter notes here. Image capture: May 2023 © 2024 Google Wheat Ridge, Colorado Google Street View May 2023 See more dates 12042 W 50th Pl Cancel Print You can enter notes here. DRAFT Place Types Transit Village General Production What are the Place Type and Street Type contexts? District CorridorStreet Type The image on the following page shows how some of these tools should be used. During the fourth phase of engagement, the public was asked whether they agreed with outcomes depicted and the way in which Use, Form, Going Places, and Staying Places tools were applied. of respondents agreed or mostly agreed that the tools are properly applied to achieve desired outcomes in this focus area. 82% Engagement Phase 4 C l e a r C ree k 70 70 I70 EB HWY I7 0 W B H W Y W 32ND AVE KI P L I N G S T PI E R C E S T QU A Y S T DE P E W S T AM E S S T FE N T O N S T W 29TH AVE YO U N G F I E L D S T BE N T O N S T PA R F E T S T OT I S S T W 49TH AVE W 43RD DR CA R R S T SI M M S S T UP H A M S T MIL L E R S T HILL S I D E D R CO58 WB HWY W 41ST AVE DU D L E Y S T W 50TH AVE W 38TH PL SK Y L I N E D R HO L L A N D S T W 45TH AVE NE W L A N D S T JA Y S T W 26TH AVE W 35TH AVE YA R R O W S T AL L I S O N S T SA U L S B U R Y S T W GREENBELT PKWY TA B O R C T W 46TH PL W 43RD AVE W 48TH AVE CO D Y S T BA L S A M S T OA K S T EV E R E T T S T EA T O N S T W 49TH PL LA M A R S T W 52ND AVE XE N O N S T UN I O N C T W 47TH AVE LE E S T I7 0 O N E B R A M P IN D E P E N D E N C E S T HO Y T C T JO H N S O N S T SI M M S C T RO B B S T FI E L D S T FIEL D D R AL L I S O N C T MO O R E S T W 38TH D R YU K O N C T LE W I S S T YA R R O W C T GA R R I S O N S T W 27TH AVE IN D E P E N D E N C E C T W 36TH AVE W 37TH AVE JE L L I S O N S T QU A I L S T W 33RD A V E GR A Y S T W 29TH PL IR I S C T SI M M S P L W 41ST PL OW E N S S T W 31ST AVE W 30TH AVE VA N C E S T W 42ND AVE SW A D L E Y S T W 28TH AVE CO D Y C T VI V I A N C T 39TH AVE W 33RD AVE MI L L E R S T W 35TH AVE GA R R I S O N S T OT I S S T W 45TH AVE W 32ND AVE W 34TH AVE PA R F E T S T TA B O R S T EA T O N S T GA R R I S O N S T DO V E R S T VA N C E S T BA L S A M S T I70 W B H W Y HO L L A N D S T GA R L A N D S T GR A Y S T OT I S S T HO Y T C T XE N O N S T AM E S S T RIDGE RD W 48TH AVE W 47TH AVE OW E N S S T W 26TH AVE RO U T T S T W 35TH AVE W 27TH AVE LA M A R S T PI E R S O N S T W 47TH AVE W 32ND PL OA K S T UP H A M S T W 35TH AVE QU A I L S T QU A I L S T CA R R S T OA K S T NE L S O N S T JA Y S T HA R L A N S T RO B B S T PA R F E T S T WA R D R D IN G A L L S S T W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cl e a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d W 38th Ave Ki p l i n g S t Wa d s w o r t h B l v d W 44th Ave W 32nd Ave W 29th Ave W 26th Ave Ridge Rd Pi e r c e S t Cl e a r C r e e k D r Wa r d R d #2: Gathering Locations#3: Transitional Areas Special Cases that could apply: 130 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 131 PART TWO / Chapter 4: Imagining Our Future: Applying Tools in Wheat Ridge 5 1 2 3 4 6 2 Uses: Commercial and ResidentialThe residential component of the Ward Station transit village has expanded significantly over the past decade, while commercial development has remained largely absent. The city should prioritize and incentivize commercial growth to create a more balanced and vibrant mixed-use district. Uses: Temporary Uses/ActivationWard Station is easily accessible to all residents within the transit village and should be enhanced with amenities such as food carts, seating areas, and other features. These improvements will not only enhance the commuter experience but also serve as a prototype for future development in the area. 1 Staying Places Tools: Shared Street / WoonerfA shared street integrates the building with the pedestrian plaza. Using bollards or other design features, the street can be closed off to through traffic for special events and temporary uses. Staying Places Tools: Pedestrian PlazaPedestrian improvements should extend beyond sidewalks to include plazas, outdoor gathering spaces, and other amenities, all of which contribute to a vibrant environment. Form Tools: StepbacksStepping the building back after the second or third story helps to create a more comfortable human scale for pedestrians at the ground level. Form Tools: Façade ArticulationThe vertical and horizontal bands created by windows, material changes, and other architectural features makes a large building feel less overwhelming and more approachable.compatibility with adjacent uses. 3 5 4 6 How might our Tools be implemented in this Focus Area? DRAFT 132 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK DRAFT Creating Our Future PART THREE PART THREE: Creating Our Future 133 DRAFT PART THREE: Creating Our Future explains how to bring the City Plan’s vision to life. It includes two chapters: Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know distills the City Plan’s direction into three general goals—Modern Infrastructure, Placemaking, and Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods—and describes the strategies and actions needed to implement this plan. Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown describes a decision-making framework to respond to changing conditions in ways that are consistent with this plan and what we know of our community. 134 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCDRAFT 135 Implementing What We Know CHAPTER 5 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know DRAFT PG 135 Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know PG 137 Bringing the Plan to Life PG 139 Modern Infrastructure PG 143 Thoughtful Placemaking PG 148 Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods PG 151 Implementation Timeline Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLCWheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC 136 DRAFT 137 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Modern Infrastructure The community’s demands for basic infrastructure functionality and quality-of-life capital investments are growing. These are standard expectations for a 21st Century suburban Denver-area community. The community understands that there is substantial catch-up work to be done on infrastructure from years past, and more keep-up work to be done in the future. The successful partnership between the community and city government is growing Wheat Ridge’s capacity to plan for, invest in, and sustain the quality and diversity of infrastructure the city needs. #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir NextABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 Part One and Part Two articulated what the community wants in the future. This chapter details how we work towards that vision. It is organized by three overarching goals that articulate what Wheat Ridge wants. Each of these goals is supported by a set of strategies. Each strategy includes several actions that detail incremental steps to bring this plan to life. GOALS Modern Infrastructure Thoughtful Placemaking Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects.A Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments.B Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues.C Strategies Bringing the Plan to Life DRAFT 138 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods The community wants to have vibrant business and residential environments that complement each other. Local businesses need customers, and neighborhoods are more livable when they offer access to amenities that residents want and need, including attractive retail options and “third places” like local drinking and dining establishments. New housing accommodates additional residents who can become the new customers that local businesses need in order to thrive. At the same time, Wheat Ridge has been clear that new housing should be diverse in type and price point so the community can continue to appeal to a variety of different households. Thoughtful Placemaking Wheat Ridge is a place of places. Some of its places are considered important and special today, while others hold promise that they could evolve in that direction. Among our places are residential neighborhoods, corridor business districts, and parks and open space. Celebrating and positively shaping Wheat Ridge’s places means curating physical character through the proper application of tools that city government has at its disposal, in both private development projects and city investments in the public right-of-way. Implement our character and development vision.D Invest in placemaking.E Protect and improve our parks, open space, and tree canopy.F Modernize parking approach.G Support existing and new businesses.H I Support housing development to meet community goals. Strategies Strategies DRAFT 139 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Modern Infrastructure Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. Effective management of a city’s infrastructure systems is a never-ending process. The combination of needs and wants will always exceed the available resources. Planning, prioritization, and financial strategy—in collaboration with, and supported by, the public—are therefore necessary to make and maintain critical capital investments. A Actions A1 Develop and implement a long-term Capital Improvement Program (CIP) approach that includes a prioritization process and funding strategy. 1.1 Incorporate direction from the call out, “How should the City Plan inform prioritization in mobility-related processes?” into the CIP approach. A2 Ensure that the process engages the public in two key ways: 2.1 It incorporates public input and the direction from past planning processes into prioritization of projects. 2.2 It includes a mechanism to report back to the public how funds are being spent, what improvements have been made, and how the city is progressing towards its proactive infrastructure priorities. How should the City Plan inform prioritization in mobility-related processes? Several elements of the City Plan are relevant to helping prioritize projects within processes related to our streets and sidewalks. These include: • Reviewing the Mobility Framework in Chapter 2 (page 44) and compare it to what currently exists to identify gaps in the network • Prioritize areas that fill these gaps with a particular focus on building out the network around key destinations shown on that framework: ◽Schools ◽Parks and trailheads (see F2) ◽Commercial districts and other areas identified as Gathering Locations In these prioritization conversations, the City Plan should be considered along with other adopted plans that provide relevant content, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.Priorities Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Infrastructure DRAFT 140 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. Building a better mobility network is a long-term endeavor. The number of individual projects necessary to upgrade streets, sidewalks, trails, and connections is forever in flux as conditions on the ground change, and as resident desires evolve. However, forward looking actions and policy adjustments can create conditions for success to be achieved over time. B Modern Infrastructure Priorities Mix of Incomes Patchwork Quilt Sustainability Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Select relevant Going Places Tools from Chapter 3 FOR LOW STRESS BIKE CORRIDOR: Best feasible Bicycle Lane option from pages 90 FOR NEIGHBORHOOD BIKE CONNECTOR: Best feasible Shared Lane option from page 92 FOR ENHANCED CROSSING: Best feasible Enhanced Crossing option Is project location a Gathering Location? NO Prioritize best feasible Going Places tools for the Street Type Context and incorporate Staying Places tools as possible. Combine in a way that works best for location. YES Then, consult the Mobility Framework (page 44) and determine if the location is identified as a Low Stress Bike Corridor, a Neighborhood Bike Connector, or an Enhanced Intersection Crossing. Does project location involve: First, determine Street Type Context from the Street Type Map (see page 70) and Going Places Tools identified as appropriate for that specific context (see pages 87-92) STREET TYPE GOING PLACES TOOLS LOCATIONS GATHERING LOW STRESS BIKE CORRIDOR ENHANCED CROSSINGNEIGHBORHOOD BIKE CONNECTOR NO Include both Public Works and Community Development in the design process. Prioritize best feasible Staying Places tools and incorporate context-appropriate Going Places tools as possible. Combine in a way that works best for location. YES 1 2 (See page 99.) B1 Ensure that planning and construction of projects impacting the public right-of-way implement the City Plan (See diagram at right.) 1.1 First, determine Street Type Context from the Street Type Map (see p. 70) and Going Places Tools identified as appropriate for that specific context (see p. 87-92) 1.2 Then, consult the Mobility Framework (p. 44) and determine if the location is identified as a Low Stress Bike Corridor, a Neighborhood Bike Connector, or an Enhanced Intersection Crossing. Projects that are identified as one of these types of facilities should prioritize the best feasible tools:a For Low Stress Bike Corridor: best feasible Bicycle Lane option from p. 90 b For Neighborhood Bike Connector: best feasible Shared Lane option from p. 92 c For Enhanced Crossing: best feasible Enhanced Crossing option 1.3 Determine the appropriate tools for this location. For most of the city, the design of projects should prioritize the best feasible Going Places tools identified for that specific context, and Staying Places tools should be added and budgeted for as possible. 1.4 In parts of the city that are designated as Gathering Locations (see p. 99), there are a few key changes to the process: a The design process should include both Public Works and Community Development. b In the project design, the best feasible Staying Places tools should be prioritized and budgeted first. Then, the best feasible Going Places tools should be selected to complement the Staying Places tools. Actions DRAFT 141 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know B2 Incrementally build out the pedestrian and bicycle mobility network with targeted investments: 2.1 Implement 2J programming as planned for sidewalks and bicycle facilities. 2.2 As part of a long-term CIP strategy, ensure the CIP includes network connection projects each year and establish annual sidewalk funding aimed at completing and strengthening the pedestrian network. (See A1) 2.3 In instances when fee-in-lieu is an option, revise requirements to allow city discretion instead of developer choice to determine when sidewalks must be built to ensure sidewalks are constructed as much as possible. 2.4 Identify key corridor crossings and/or intersections for enhanced pedestrian crossings. 2.5 Focus on lower-cost bike route options like neighborhood bike connectors that feature shared-lane markings and signage. 2.6 Identify key intersections along well-used bike routes, especially district corridors like Pierce Street, Harlan Street, and 29th Avenue where painting treatments and/or signage could support traffic-calming and all attention to cyclist priority. B3 Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian improvements into routine maintenance: 3.1 Implement bicycle lane and pedestrian crossing painting and restriping improvements by referring to past planning efforts (including the City Plan and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan) in the design process for milling and paving projects on city streets. B4 Execute an easement agreement to ensure a future trail connection through the closed Kullerstrand Elementary school campus, providing a needed connection between 38th Avenue and the Clear Creek trail east of Youngfield Street and west of Kipling Street. B5 Design and construct ongoing multimodal improvement projects such as those planned for 38th Avenue West, 35th Avenue, Tabor bridge over I-70, and Clear Creek trail crossing at Kipling Street. Persistently seek construction funding for those projects which only have design funds allocated. Actions B6 When infrastructure needs to be replaced, leverage investments to improve pedestrian infrastructure. 6.1 If infrastructure impacting streets and sidewalks, such as a bridge, needs to be replaced, prioritize conducting a transportation analysis to study possibilities for changes to lane configurations and the need for improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 6.2 Ensure that design of the new infrastructure provides safe, comfortable access for bicyclists and pedestrians. 6.3 One example of this condition is the 44th Avenue bridge, which may need to be replaced to accommodate anticipated creek flooding. Investment in a new bridge should address the needed improvements in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure at this location. B7 Update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan or create a Mobility Plan by 2035. DRAFT 142 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. At the time of this City Plan, recent focused planning and community engagement had resulted in approval of significant funding for capital projects to be completed in the approximate period 2025-2030. Those projects should be executed as planned. In addition, planning, policy, and implementation efforts related to water, wastewater, and stormwater issues should continue and be expanded. C Actions C1 Implement the Stormwater Master Plan, including establishment of a Stormwater Utility and associated fee, to address operational and capital investment needs. C2 Continue to implement existing and ongoing proactive infrastructure efforts, including the pavement and sidewalk maintenance program and the Anderson Park pool replacement. C3 Complete emergency stormwater repairs as anticipated through 2J funding. C4 Regularly review and update the street classification system(s), both for traffic engineering purposes and to emphasize alignment with DRCOG’s Regional Street Typology. Modern Infrastructure Priorities Mix of Incomes Fiscal Position Principles Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Infrastructure C5 Partner with local utility districts to coordinate forward planning to better assess capacity constraints, proactively plan for future development, coordinate capital planning and maintenance efforts, and consider possible future requests for state support of local utilities if appropriate. One potential outcome of this coordination could be a Water and Sewer Master Plan. DRAFT 143 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Thoughtful Placemaking Implement our character and development vision. Part Two: Our Character and Development Vision articulates the outcomes that the community desires to become the best version of itself. Turning this vision into a reality will largely result from private development. The city’s role in implementation is to ensure that the rules and requirements that regulate this private development will result in the outcomes illustrated in this plan. This includes: 1. Updating our regulations to align with plan recommendations: Many of the tools described in Part Two are already in the zoning code. However, legislative code updates are needed to fully align our regulations with this plan. All development is reviewed based on the zoning code. Therefore, new development implements the plan when our zoning is also aligned with plan direction. 2. Evaluating new development against this plan: Some processes for how to evaluate proposals for private property involve evaluation against the adopted comprehensive plan, including zone changes and special use permits. In both cases, the City’s quasi-judicial review process includes evaluating how the proposal supports the goals and priorities outlined in the City Plan. D What is Zoning? The zoning code is part of the municipal code, or the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws. The zoning code is a set of regulations that dictates the use and development of private property. Zoning rules essentially answer one of two questions: 1. What can I do with my property? 2. And what can it look like? USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE The zoning code is how we regulate the application of Use Tools and Form Tools on private property. Priorities Patchwork Quilt Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment Pedestrian/Bicycle Network DRAFT 144 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Actions D1 Update regulations to implement our character and development vision. 1.1 Audit the zoning code to evaluate needed updates and create a plan for updating it to align with City Plan direction. 1.2 Ensure that revisions to the zoning code align with this plan by considering the following City Plan content: a Review the checklist at far right. b Review Actions in this chapter that are related to the zoning code: 1.3 Complete quick win updates to the zoning code. 1.4 Complete longer-term revision to fully align the code with plan direction. These longer-term revisions include three likely steps:a Refine existing zoning regulations b Create new regulations or zone districts as needed c Evaluate the need for any changes to the zoning map D2 Evaluate new development to implement our character and development vision. 2.1 Ensure that development proposals or requests that involve evaluation against the City Plan, including zone changes and special use permits, align with this plan by considering the checklist provided in checklist on at right. Core Values See page 27 PrinciplesSee page 28 What are we trying to achieveSee page 63 Place Type MapSee page 67 Street Type MapSee page 70 Relevance of Special CasesSee page 95 Use and Form tools based on Place TypeSee pages 73-86 Goals, Strategies, and Actions See pages 139-150 70 70 70 70 Special Cases USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE USE TOOLS FORM TOOLS GOING PLACES TOOLS PLACES TOOLSSTAYING LOCATIONS GATHERING SPECIAL CASE Processes detailed in D1 and D2 could consider the following content from this plan: Aligning development with the City Plan Additionally, Focus Areas (pages 111-131) can help illustrate application of these tools and may provide helpful options for potential outcomes to consider. 1.5 Identify situations where additional review, including but not limited to Concept Plans, may be necessary. Candidate situations include Special Cases as described in Chapter 3, but others may exist. In particular, when there is a potential for nuisances to disrupt Peaceful Coexistence, Concept Plans may be necessary. Potential nuisances may include:a Odors b Noise c Lighting Spillover d Trash e Parking Management i Temporary and short-term commercial development opportunities (see H2) ii Residential development to support commercial areas (see I1) iii Diversity of housing (see I2) iv Housing affordability, including expedited review and inclusionary housing (see I3) v Staying Places tools (see E2) DRAFT 145 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Invest in placemaking. Wheat Ridge’s “place of places” includes a collection of areas that should receive public space enhancements. As described in Chapter 3, the City Plan calls these Gathering Locations. Gathering Locations in the city’s commercial districts benefit from feeling vibrant, attractive, and walkable with street life as a major attribute. Customers and patrons should want to stop and spend time, both indoors and out. E Actions E1 Complete 38th Avenue refresh study, final design, and construction emphasizing the appropriate application of Staying Places tools. E2 Plan for proper application of Staying Places tools. 2.1 For city investment in the public right-of-way, Public Works and Community Development staff should work together to determine Gathering Location status and the best mix of Going Places and Staying Places tools. (See B1) 2.2 For regulation of development on private property, incorporate placemaking and requirements for Staying Places tools into regulatory codes audit and updates, as well as development review processes. (See D1 and D2) 2.3 For incentive programs for properties on commercial corridors, initiate a pilot program for frontage improvements so that the corridors can become more attractive and functional for businesses and their customers. (See H1) Thoughtful Placemaking Priorities Mix of Incomes Patchwork Quilt Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment DRAFT 146 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Priorities Protect and improve our parks, open space, and tree canopy. This City Plan recognizes that the Wheat Ridge community cherishes its parks, open space, and tree canopy. These features of the physical landscape play an important role in the city’s sense of place. They should be celebrated and preserved, but also protected and nurtured over time with care and new investment. F Patchwork Quilt Sustainability Mix of Incomes Principles Actions F1 Leverage opportunities to create or preserve park and recreation space, particularly in underserved areas. 1.1 Coordinate with Jefferson County School District to pursue a partnership that allows private redevelopment and public parks on closed campuses in Wheat Ridge. F2 Implement the Parks and Recreation Pathway, including recommendations that support thoughtful placemaking. 2.1 Improve connections and wayfinding to parks. (See A1) 2.2 Upgrade comfort and convenience elements in our parks, including bicycle parking to support accessing parks by bicycle. F3 Support and grow the urban tree canopy. 3.1 Plant trees in areas of need by seeking funding to continue the city’s planting program in neighborhoods with fewer trees. 3.2 Protect mature trees a Explore incentives to developers/property owners who preserve mature trees during redevelopment. b Consider more nuanced tree requirement calculations for mature trees that are meant to be preserved at site planning but are damaged or killed in construction. c Establish best practices and requirements to protect trees—both those located on public land/in the right-of-way and those designated for preservation in the site plan—during construction. 3.3 Expand the annual tree sale a Expand marketing of the annual tree sale to include local businesses. b Seek additional funding to expand the annual tree sale. Thoughtful Placemaking Pedestrian/Bicycle Network Parks and Recreation Pathway The Parks and Recreation Pathway is the plan for park and recreation capital improvement and programming over the next decade. It defines and describes areas in the city that are underserved by parks, and it recommends prioritizing investments in those areas for new parks space. The two closed elementary school campuses offer a unique opportunity to implement this recommendation. The closed Wilmore-Davis campus is just outside of Priority Area 3, and the closed Kullerstrand campus is within Priority Area 1. DRAFT 147 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Modernize parking approach. Parking requirements routinely challenge site designs, redevelopment, and other investments. At the same time, parking is often located in front of buildings, detracting from the pedestrian experience. A holistic, creative approach to parking is needed in many of the city’s commercial areas. G Actions G1 Evaluate parking requirements to determine if flexibility can be offered, particularly to allow redevelopment and investment on small or otherwise constrained sites. G2 Examine the need for parking minimums for typical uses in commercial districts and explore opportunities for shared or district/regional parking arrangements. Thoughtful Placemaking Priorities Patchwork Quilt Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment DRAFT 148 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC Support existing and new businesses. Wheat Ridge businesses represent employment opportunities, and many are critical contributors to sales and use tax revenues that pay for public services. In addition, local retail and restaurant establishments offer “third places” that residents desire. Supporting businesses in Wheat Ridge is necessary for the city’s fiscal health and to meet resident expectations for goods and services. H Actions H1 Initiate a pilot program for frontage improvements on commercial corridors, so that the corridors can become more attractive and functional for businesses and their customers. 1.1 Focus on Frontage Improvements and Parking Screening as described in Staying Places tools. H2 Review and revise the zoning code to allow appropriate temporary and short-term commercial development, such as food truck parks or business pop-ups. (See D1) 2.1 Analyze the zoning code to identify barriers to flexible use of such sites, and develop standards for temporary and non-traditional, or repurposed, structures such as shipping containers or others. 2.2 Update the zoning code to address identified barriers H3 Implement a Business Improvement District on 38th Avenue. H4 Implement the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan. Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods Priorities Patchwork Quilt Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment DRAFT 149 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Support housing development to meet community goals. New housing plays a critical role in meeting community goals in Wheat Ridge. Meeting resident desires for better shopping and dining options requires adding more households near city business districts like those on 26th Avenue, 29th Avenue, 38th Avenue, and 44th Avenue. In addition, Wheat Ridge has adopted an affordable housing strategy that calls for more housing diversity in terms of type and price points, making new housing development an indispensable tool in achieving affordability goals. I Actions I1 Review and revise the zoning code to allow housing production to support businesses. (See D1) 1.1 Analyze the zoning code to identify barriers to housing in the vicinity of commercial areas such as 26th Avenue, 29th Avenue, 38th Avenue, and 44th Avenue. Update the zoning code to address identified barriers. 1.2 Review and update zoning map and tools to allow residential uses appropriate to the Place Types near commercial areas. I2 Review and revise zoning code to allow production of a diversity of housing types and price points. (See D1) 2.1 Create a new R-4 district that allows townhomes while including appropriate limitations to ensure that future development peacefully coexists with existing neighborhoods. 2.2 Evaluate lot size and width requirements and update to allow appropriate development. 2.3 Explore an approach to allow one-for-one replacement of residential units when redeveloping a site, called a “no net loss” approach. 2.4 Assess zoning map to determine if zoning map updates are needed. Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods I3 Support, incentivize, and invest in housing when the market cannot deliver what is needed. 3.1 Explore an approach to require expedited review for projects with an affordable component. (See D1) 3.2 Continue to study inclusionary housing options for Wheat Ridge. (See D1) 3.3 Deploy Wheat Ridge Housing Fund to support qualifying projects in need of subsidy. I4 Support development to provide housing in key locations. 4.1 As opportunities arise, coordinate with property owners and developers to proactively support housing development in Urban Renewal areas where exceptions to Charter limits on height and density exist. 4.2 Leverage key sites such as Lutheran Legacy Campus and the Wheat Ridge/Ward Road Station to deliver needed housing units. Priorities Mix of Incomes Patchwork Quilt Fiscal Position Principles 38th Avenue Retail Environment DRAFT 150 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC I5 Track and monitor housing development over time. 5.1 As implementation of the City Plan progresses, including zoning code updates to allow Wheat Ridge to peacefully grow and evolve, evaluate if the production of new housing is meeting community needs. This would include both the number of new units as well as the diversity of types and price points. 5.2 If housing production continues to lag behind housing goals and needs, consider a discussion of the City Charter height and density limits. Discussions could include:a Evaluating market conditions, political will, and public interest, and b Considering scenarios such as density and height bonuses for provision of voluntary affordable housing. Wheat Ridge City Charter Height and Density Limits Most communities regulate height and density through the zoning code. Wheat Ridge is a unique community in that it also limits height and density in the City Charter. In most places in the city, heights are limited to 35 feet for residential uses, and 50 feet for non-residential uses. Density is limited to 21 dwelling units per acre. The community has voted to remove or amend these limits in a few specific places. These include portions of Wadsworth Boulevard, Lutheran Legacy Campus, Wheat Ridge/Ward Road Station, the area around the Kipling/I-70 interchange, and Clear Creek Crossing. DRAFT 151 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know Implementation Timeline The implementation actions detailed in the preceding pages represent a substantial amount of work befitting a 15-year plan. The City of Wheat Ridge will need to establish a long-term workplan to implement the City Plan, and incorporate its actions into annual City Council and staff work planning. The City Plan’s promise is that Wheat Ridge can become the best version of itself if the hard work, financial investment, and discipline envisioned by the plan are brought to bear over more than a decade. But while the community should understand that making progress on the plan’s vision is a long-term endeavor, it is also the case that Wheat Ridge in 2025 already has many contributing efforts underway or nearing their start. Initiatives already in advanced stages of planning will combine with newly proposed undertakings to create the community’s future. The following pages illustrate when the actions in support of Modern Infrastructure, Thoughtful Placemaking, and Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods are anticipated to occur. This timeline should form the basis of the city’s long-term management of City Plan implementation. DRAFT 152 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC NEAR TERM0-3 YEARS2025-2027 MID-TERM4-8 YEARS2028-2032 LONG-TERM9-15 YEARS2033-2040 Develop long-term CIP prioritization and funding strategy Execute easement agreement on the Kullerstrand campus Design and construct planned multimodal improvement projects Complete emergency stormwater repairs Leverage investments in infrastructure to improve bike/ped facilities Modern Infrastructure Implementation Timeline Partner with local utility districts for forward planning Create a Mobility Plan A1 B4 B5 B6 C3 C5 B7 DRAFT Engage the public in CIP efforts Invest in incremental bike/ped network improvements through 1. Capital projects; 2, Targeted investment; 3. Routine maintenance Continue planning and capital efforts, including 1. Stormwater Master Plan implementation; 2. Proactive maintenance and replacement efforts; 4. Street classification system updates Ongoing: A2 Ongoing: B Ongoing: C 153 PART THREE / Chapter 5: Implementing What We Know NEAR TERM0-3 YEARS2025-2027 MID-TERM4-8 YEARS2028-2032 LONG-TERM9-15 YEARS2033-2040 Update regulations: Analyze codes and complete quick wins Thoughtful Placemaking Implementation Timeline Update regulations: Complete full code update Apply Staying Places tools in city investment and private development Complete 38th Avenue refresh study and construction Coordinate with JeffCo Schools for redevelopment of closed campuses Modernize parking approach through 1. Evaluation of parking requirements; 2. Shared parking Evaluate new development to implement vision Protect and improve natural resources through 2. Parks and Recreation Pathway implementation; 3. Support of the urban tree canopy D1 D1 E1 F1 G Ongoing: D2 Ongoing: F DRAFT Ongoing: E2 154 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC NEAR TERM0-3 YEARS2025-2027 MID-TERM4-8 YEARS2028-2032 LONG-TERM9-15 YEARS2033-2040 Initiate a pilot program for frontage improvements Update housing regulations to support 1. Businesses; 2. Diversity of housing types and prices Implement the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods Implementation Timeline Implement a Business Improvement District on 38th Avenue Establish incentives to support affordable housing Update Regulations: Allow appropriate temporary and short-term commercial development Monitor housing development over time and adjust regulations as needed Support housing development through 3. The Wheat Ridge housing fund; 4. Support of housing in key locations H1 H2 H3 I I3 I5 DRAFT Ongoing: H4 Ongoing: I Planning for the Unknown CHAPTER 6 DRAFT 155 PART THREE / Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown DRAFT 156 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC PG 155 Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown PG 157 A Decision-Making Framework PG 159 Our Decision-Making Framework in Action • Does this help us become the best version of ourselves? • Is this potential outcome an authentic reflection of who we are as a community? Over the 15-year lifespan of this plan, unexpected changes and unanticipated events are very likely to occur. As conditions change, however, our values and principles endure. Therefore, we can turn to the core values and planning principles established by the community as part of this plan (see Chapter 2: Our Values, Principles, and Priorities). These values and principles provide a framework for evaluating decisions and analyzing tradeoffs. We make decisions in a variety of contexts—among staff as well as with the community, Planning Commission, City Council, and other decision-making bodies. These decisions inform our budgets, the projects we approve, and the work that we do every day. As we make decisions in the future, we can evaluate these decisions and their potential outcomes through the lens of our core values and our planning principles. Using our values and principles to inform decisions is not always straightforward, and it requires that we interpret and discuss these values and principles openly and thoughtfully. These discussions can take place across all decision-making in Wheat Ridge. Over time, we want our decisions to reflect our values and principles. Not every decision will align with all of them, and some may support certain values and principles more than others. But overall, our choices should strike a balance and keep us moving in a direction that supports all of our values and principles. Aligning with our Core Values Independent Minded Inclusive Forward-looking A Decision-Making Framework We are at our best when we act in ways that are consistent with our core values. Asking the following questions will help us evaluate whether potential outcomes align with our core values. • Does this potential outcome help make Wheat Ridge a more welcome and respectful place for everyone? • Will this support a diverse range of people? • What are the long-term impacts of this potential outcome? • Does this prevent future problems and create lasting opportunities? 157 DRAFTPART THREE / Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown Our planning principles translate values into action and guide how we work. Serve a mix of incomes Preserve our “patchwork quilt” Focus on sustainability Strengthen the city’s fiscal position Aligning with our Planning Principles Planning principles articulate what we care about most. Asking the following questions will help us evaluate whether potential outcomes align with our principles. • Does this potential outcome help Wheat Ridge serve community members across all income levels? • Does this potential outcome reinforce and enhance the unique character of Wheat Ridge? • Does it respond to the surrounding context? • Does this potential outcome support a more sustainable future? • Does it promote responsible growth, support multi-modal transportation, and/or reduce environmental harm? • Does this potential outcome contribute to Wheat Ridge’s long-term financial health and allow us to invest in our future as a community? 158 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT The goals, strategies, and actions in Chapter 5 were informed by the core values and planning principles. Each strategy lists which principles are particularly aligned and how. To illustrate how to apply the values and principles in a decision, one of those actions is illustrated here as a case study. Strategy F on page 146 states, “Protect and improve our parks, open space, and tree canopy.” Action 3 specifies, “Support and grow the urban tree canopy,” with specific details that explain how to do that. The decision-making framework described above can be utilized to evaluate these actions. Core Values Values Questions Responses Independent Minded Does this help us become the best version of ourselves? Is this potential outcome an authentic reflection of who we are as a community? Yes - Wheat Ridge is a tree city. Having a robust tree canopy is authentic to who we are as a community. Inclusive Does this potential outcome help make Wheat Ridge a more welcome and respectful place for everyone? Will this support a diverse range of people? Yes – trees provide shade and mitigate increased temperatures in urban areas, which can make outdoor spaces more comfortable for everyone. The tree planting program also prioritizes neighborhoods with fewer trees, which are often lower-income areas. Forward-looking What are the long-term impacts of this potential outcome? Does this prevent future problems and create lasting opportunities? Yes – planting and protecting trees is an investment in the future. It provides shade, helps clean our air, contributes to a widely-appreciated community amenity. CASE STUDYStrategy F | Action 3: Support and grow the urban tree canopy Our Decision-Making Framework in Action 159 DRAFTPART THREE / Chapter 6: Planning for the Unknown *As this example illustrates, some of the principles more obviously align with the actions listed in F3 than others. Not every decision has to yield results that meet every core value and principle. A worksheet to help evaluate decisions based on this structure is included in Appendix E. Planning Principles Values Questions Responses Serve a mix of incomes Does this potential outcome help Wheat Ridge serve community members across all income levels? Yes – the annual tree sale makes trees available to community members far below retail cost, which allows many community members to purchase and plant trees that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Preserve our “patchwork quilt” Does this potential outcome reinforce and enhance the unique character of Wheat Ridge? Does it respond to the surrounding context? Yes – trees are part of the character of Wheat Ridge, and they have been identified as a key amenity that the community would like to protect. Focus on sustainability Does this potential outcome support a more sustainable future? Does it promote responsible growth, support multi-modal transportation, and/or reduce environmental harm? Yes – trees provide several environmental benefits, including cleaning our air and water, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and providing animal habitat. They also provide shade, which makes multi-modal transportation more comfortable. Strengthen the city’s fiscal position Does this potential outcome contribute to Wheat Ridge’s long-term financial health and allow us to invest in our future as a community? This impact isn’t generally measured, but trees have been shown to increase property values.* By planning for what is known, getting the big things right, and following a decision-making framework for what is unknown, Wheat Ridge can work over the next 15 years to become the best version of itself. ConclusionCASE STUDYStrategy F | Action 3: Support and grow the urban tree canopy 160 Wheat Ridge City Plan / 2025 / © czbLLC DRAFT #156E7C #C5E8E5 Dark Teal Light Teal Title Font: Alexandria Text Font: Avenir NextABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz1234567890 City Plan A Comprehensive Plan for the City of Wheat Ridge Wheat Ridge 2025 Planning Consultants DRAFT 1 Attachment 3: Planning Process Outreach Summary As of June 2025 Meetings and Online Engagement: The project included a total of four engagement phases. Each include a public open house, an online survey or activities that reflect the content in the open houses, a City Council study session, a presentation and discussion at Planning Commission, and a steering committee meeting. The events and online engagement for these four phases include: •Phase 1: o A steering committee meeting on March 14, 2024 – 14 attendees o A City Council study session on April 15th o A public open house on April 16 – approximately 120 attendees o Online activities from April 12 to May 3 – 267 respondents o A steering committee meeting on April 17th –17 attendees o A Planning Commission meeting on May 2nd •Phase 2: o City Council discussions on June 4 and June 6, 2024 o Online activities from May 25 to June 28 – 395 respondents o A public open house on June 6 – approximately 140 attendees o A steering committee meeting on June 4 – 16 attendees o A Planning Commission discussion on July 18 •Phase 3: o City Council Study Session on September 16, 2024 o Online activities from September 6 to October 11 – 155 survey respondents and 36 mobility map contributors o A public open house on September 17–approximately 170 attendees o A steering committee meeting on September 18 – 14 attendees o A Planning Commission discussion on October 3 •Phase 4: o City Council Study Session on March 3, 2025 o Online activities from February 14 to March 21 – 141 respondents o A public open house on February 20– over 85 attendees o A steering committee meeting on February 19 – 17 attendees o A Planning Commission discussion on March 6 The public review of the draft plan also included the following: •A steering committee meeting on July 15, 2025 – attendees TBD •Planning Commission Study Session on July 17, 2025 ATTACHMENT 3 2 • City Council Study Session on July 21, 2025 • Online review of the draft plan from June 30 to July 22, 2025 – respondents TBD Additionally, the project team attended several community events in 2024 to provide information and activities related to the City Plan, including: • Performance in the Park on June 26 • Ridgefest on June 29 • New Lutheran Hospital Open House on July 20 • Carnation Festival on August 9-11 • Wheat Ridge High School: staff led discussions in six classes at the Wheat Ridge High School on October 25, 2024, hearing from over 100 students about what they hope to see in Wheat Ridge in the future Direct Mail: Staff sent every residence in Wheat Ridge two postcards notifying residents of the open house and directing them to the project website to complete online surveys/activities in both phase two and phase three of the engagement. The first postcard was sent in May 2024, and the second postcard was sent in August 2024. The City’s Connections newsletter is mailed to every household and business in Wheat Ridge and is the primary source of direct mail for citywide projects such as this one. The project appeared in eight editions of Connections: • November 2023 – The City Plan was featured as the City Manager letter on page 3, introducing the plan effort and directing the community to the webpage to subscribe to project updates • March 2024 – City Plan and the upcoming April meeting date were featured on the cover • May 2024 – Public launch of the City Plan and the upcoming June meeting were featured on page 5 • July 2024 – City Plan and the upcoming September meeting were featured on page 5 • November 2024 – City Plan and the February 20 meeting were features on page 7 • March 2025 – City Plan and the final weeks of online activities were featured on page 7 • May 2025 – City Plan and the upcoming public review of the draft were featured on page 5 • July 2025 – City Plan and the upcoming plan adoption will be featured The Parks and Recreation quarterly newsletter, Rooted in Fun, included a quarter page ad in the 2024 Summer, 2024 Fall/Winter, and 2024/2025 Winter/Spring issues advertising the open houses for phases one, three, and four. Email: Several different distribution lists were utilized to send email updates directly to stakeholders: • Mayor’s Matters is a monthly e-newsletter containing updates on the City’s latest news, current projects, and upcoming events. It is emailed on or just before the 1st of each month. The City Plan project has been featured in eight editions so far: March 2024, April 2024, May 2024, June 2024, September 2024, October 2024, January 2025, February 2025, and March 2025 3 • In each engagement phase, an email was sent to all active board and commission members informing recipients of upcoming open houses and directing them to the What’s Up Wheat Ridge page to register and subscribe for updates. • What’s Up Wheat Ridge allows users to register on the site and subscribe to various projects. The City can send newsletters through the site to all registrants or to the subscribers of specific projects. On January 4, 2024, an announcement of the City Plan and an invitation to subscribe to project updates was sent to all site registrants (2977 recipients with a 73% open rate). Since that initial newsletter, the following newsletters have been sent to project subscribers only: March 28, 2024 email to 237 recipients with a 102%1 open rate April 17 email to 270 recipients with a 93% open rate April 30 email to 390 recipients with a 78% open rate May 23 email to 435 recipients with an 84% open rate May 28 email to 448 recipients with an 88% open rate June 11 email to 557 recipients with a 79% open rate June 25 email to 647 recipients with a 73% open rate September 3 email to 699 recipients with an 87% open rate September 10 email to 705 recipients with an 86% open rate September 24 email to 719 recipients with an 86% open rate October 8 email to 735 recipients with a 77% open rate January 23, 2025 email to 745 recipients with an 86% open rate February 6 email to 742 recipients with a 79% open rate February 18 email to 743 recipients with an 80% open rate March 6 email to 752 recipients with a 76% open rate March 13 email to 759 recipients with a 71% open rate (industry standard is a 21.06% open rate) Neighborhood Champions: The City Plan website invited community members to become Neighborhood Champions throughout the planning process. Neighborhood champions are a group of people who want to stay up to speed on the City Plan and help promote participation. As of June 11, 2025, 99 people have signed up to be Neighborhood Champions. During each phase of engagement, Neighborhood Champions have received between three and four emails describing how to get involved and reminding them to spread the word. During phase three, Neighborhood Champions were also invited to pick up a meeting in a box, or a take- home version of the phase three open house round table discussions. Traditional Media: • CBS ran a story on the City Plan, “Wheat Ridge asking for community feedback on future city plan north of Denver” on June 19 • The Neighborhood Gazette prints 16,000 copies and has included the following story related to the City Plan: May 2024 “City Begins Year-Long Update Process for Guiding Plan” July 2024 “The City of Wheat Ridge Brings the City Plan to Carnation Festival” September 2024 “Wheat Ridge City Plan Engagement Continues” • Staff created a promotional video discussing the City Plan and advertising upcoming open houses and opportunities to get involved. The video was promoted on social media, sent to local 1 The email was sent to 237 people and 243 opened it, meaning it was forwarded and opened by others outside the original list. 4 reporters, and airs in rotation on Wheat Ridge TV 8. The video is available at https://whatsupwheatridge.com/city-plan/widgets/84432/videos/5488 Social Media: The City’s social media channels were used to advertise project-specific events including upcoming public meetings and active surveys, including on Next Door, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Social media posts also include notice of Connections, Mayor’s Matters, and City Council meetings/study sessions. Miscellaneous: • Approximately 90 yard signs were distributed to steering committee members, neighborhood champions, and other community members or installed on city property • Flyers were distributed to neighborhood champions, at other city events, to large apartment complexes, and upon request • The front page of the City’s website included several newsflashes for the project • Public meetings were included on the City’s website calendar • Coasters with the City Plan logo and a QR code leading to the project website were distributed at local restaurants in the weeks leading up to each public open house What’s Up Wheat Ridge: In addition to emails sent to registrants and subscribers (see page 2), the What’s Up Wheat Ridge platform allows staff to see how many people interact with the site. • The project site launched on November 6, 2023. • As of June 11, 2025, there were 6,098 unique visitors to the project page. Of these, 2,152 individuals interacted with the project in some way (downloaded documents, viewed key date details, visited multiple pages, or engaged in an activity). • The chart below shows the volume of pageviews and visitors for thus far. Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Presentation of Draft Wheat Ridge City Plan July 2025 ATTACHMENT 4 Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 1.Project Overview 2.City Plan Draft Overview 3.Implementing the Plan •Rezonings and Code Amendments •Mobility and Infrastructure 4.Next steps Agenda 2 Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 3 Project Overview Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Project Overview 5 Process WE ARE HERE Public review on What’s Up Wheat Ridge through July 22 Sept. 2025 Adoption July 2025 Draft Review Feb./Mar. 2025 Phase 4: Our Way Forward Sept./Oct. 2024 Phase 3: Our Dev. Framework May/June 2024 Phase 2: Confirm Our Vision Apr./May 2024 Phase 1: Our Vision OPEN HOUSES STEERING COMMITTEE NEIGHBORHOOD CHAMPIONS ONLINE SURVEYS Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 6 City Plan Draft Overview Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 7 Gets the big things right Plans for what is known Creates a decision- making framework for what is unknown PART ONE: Welcome to the City Plan The City Plan will shape the future of Wheat Ridge over the next 15 years. It articulates a path forward based on what the city looks like today and what it wants to become in the future. A great plan…. City Plan Draft Overview Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 8 Where are we today? •Younger population •Higher incomes •Decreased housing affordability •Rising sales tax revenue •Modernizing city government •Ready to invest in our future Core Values Planning Priorities Planning Principles Where do we want to go? •Modern Infrastructure •Thoughtful Placemaking •Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods •Become the best version of ourselves How does the plan get us there? Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 9 Core Values •Shared beliefs •Building blocks for visionCore Values Planning PrioritiesPlanning Principles Planning Principles •Decision-making criteria •Translate values to actions Planning Priorities •Critical next steps •Long-term projects Independent Minded Inclusive Forward-looking Serve a Mix of Incomes Preserve Our Patchwork Quilt Focus on Sustainability Strengthen the City’s Fiscal Position Improved Retail and Business Environment Network of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Across the City 38th Avenue Proactive Infrastructure Management Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 10 What are we trying to achieve? PART TWO: Our Character and Development Vision The plan explains how the community would like to shape and reinforce the city’s character in the future Evolution of Our Places Peaceful Coexistence Improved Connectivity and Access Making Great Places Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 11 What tools shape community character? Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 12 How do we apply tools in Wheat Ridge? Place Type Context Street Type Context Informs+ Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 13 Modern Infrastructure Thoughtful Placemaking Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods A Strategy for infrastructure projects. B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network. C Continue efforts for known infrastructure issues. D Implement character and development vision. E Invest in placemaking. F Parks, open space, and tree canopy. G Modernize parking approach. H Support businesses. I Support housing development. PART THREE: Creating Our Future A great City Plan needs to plan for what is known, get the big things right, and create a decision-making framework for what is unknown. Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 City Plan Draft Overview 14 Planning for the unknown •Unexpected changes and unanticipated events are likely to occur •Our Core Values and Planning Principles provide a framework for evaluating decisions and analyzing tradeoffs Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 15 Implementing the City Plan Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 16 How will the City Plan guide future discussions? •Rezonings •Code Amendments •Mobility and Infrastructure Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 17 City Plan and Rezonings Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 20 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Character: What are we trying to achieve? Evolution of Our Places Peaceful Coexistence Inclusive Core Values Planning Principles Serve a Mix of IncomesWelcoming to all and a good home for different kinds of people. Avoid investment only for those with high incomes. Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 21 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Place Types Moderate Variety Neighborhood Community Mixed-Use Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 22 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Street Types Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 23 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Special Case #1 Large Site Civic, Institutional, or Agricultural Re-Use in a Residential Area Intent: To allow investment in large embedded sites in such a way that the sites achieve the desired outcomes of an evolution of places and peaceful coexistence. Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 24 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Uses can vary widely: •Low variety residential •High variety residential Depends on: •Place Type •Street Type •Surrounding Context SETBACKS BUFFERS & SCREENING STEPBACKS Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 25 City Plan and Rezonings Blue Columbine Core Values Planning Principles What are we trying to achieve Place Type Map Street Type Map Relevance of Special Cases Use and Form tools based on Place Type Implementation City Plan Check List Thriving Businesses and Neighborhoods H Support existing and new businesses. I Support housing development to meet community goals. Analyze the zoning code to identify barriers to housing in the vicinity of commercial areas such as 26th Avenue, 29th Avenue, 38th Avenue, and 44th Avenue. Update the zoning code to address identified barriers. Review and revise the zoning code to allow housing production to support businesses. 1.1 Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 26 •What’s working well? •Are there any missed opportunities? •Does anything need adjustment? Rezonings: Comments and Questions Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 27 City Plan and Code Amendments Thoughtful Placemaking D Implement character and development vision. E Invest in placemaking. F Parks, open space, and tree canopy. G Modernize parking approach. Update regulations to implement our character and development vision. Possible necessary changes: •Updating tools per plan direction •Temporary uses/activation •Residential to support commercial •Housing diversity and affordability •Situations for additional review Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 28 City Plan and Code Amendments Thoughtful Placemaking D Implement character and development vision. E Invest in placemaking. F Parks, open space, and tree canopy. G Modernize parking approach. Update regulations to implement our character and development vision. Phase 2: Full Update •Refine existing •Create new •Evaluate zoning map Phase 1: Quick Wins •Less time needed •Easier process Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 29 •What’s working well? •Are there any missed opportunities? •Does anything need adjustment? Code Amendments: Comments and Questions Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 30 Modern Infrastructure A Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. C Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. Planning Priorities Mobility and infrastructure Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 34 Modern Infrastructure A Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. C Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. Mobility and infrastructure Develop and implement a long-term CIP approach that includes a prioritization process and funding strategy. Ensure the process engages the public in two key ways:Ensure the process engages the public in two key ways: Incorporate public input and past planning Mechanism to report back out 1 2 Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 35 Modern Infrastructure A Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. C Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. Mobility and infrastructure What will that look like? •Incorporate improvements into routine maintenance •Example: Mill and overlay •Incremental, proactive projects •Examples: 2J, establishing annual sidewalk funding Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 36 B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. Mobility and infrastructure What will that look like? •Prioritizing incremental improvements in key locations: •Gathering Locations •Schools •Trailheads •Parks/Open Space Gathering Locations Trailheads Parks/Open Space Schools Future Mobility Framework Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 37 Modern Infrastructure A Establish a long-term funding and prioritization strategy for public infrastructure projects. B Improve the bicycle and pedestrian network through incremental, targeted investments. C Continue planning and capital efforts for known infrastructure issues. Mobility and infrastructure What will that look like? •Reiterating importance of ongoing projects: •Stormwater Master Plan •Pavement and sidewalk maintenance •38th West •38th refresh •35th, Tabor, etc. Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 39 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 40 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 41 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 42 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 43 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 44 City Plan and our right-of-way: Pierce St. Example Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 45 Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize STAYING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES City Plan and our right-of-way: 38th Ave. Example Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 46 Street Type Mobility Framework YES Low Stress Bike Corridor N’hood Bike Connector Enhanced Crossing NO Gathering Location? NO Prioritize GOING PLACES TOOLS GOING PLACES City Plan and our right-of-way: 38th Ave. Example STAYING PLACES TOOLS YES Pub. Works + Comm. Dev. Prioritize Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 47 City Plan and our right-of-way: 38th Ave. Example STAYING PLACES TOOLS ON-STREET PARKINGSTREET FURNITURE LIGHTING STREET TREES SHARED STREET / WOONERF PARKING SCREENING ENHANCED SIDEWALKS NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIONS PEDESTRIAN PLAZA FRONTAGE IMPROVEMENTSNarrowWide Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 48 •What’s working well? •Are there any missed opportunities? •Does anything need adjustment? Mobility and Infrastructure: Comments and Questions Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Implementing the City Plan 49 General Comments and Questions Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 50 Next Steps Wheat Ridge City Plan | City Council | July 2025 Next Steps 51 Update plan Reflect input ImplementationAdoption Aug-Sept Public review of Draft Plan •Online feedback: July 3 – July 22 •IDEA Committee: July 8 •Steering Committee: July 15 •Planning Commission: July 17 •City Council: July 21 1 2 3 4 Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: Allison Scheck, Deputy City Manager Gerald Dahl, City Attorney DATE: July 21, 2025 SUBJECT: Draft Ballot Language - Charter Amendment – Clerk and Treasurer ISSUE: Chapter III of the City’s Charter establishes that there shall be an elected City Clerk (sec. 3.7-3.8) and an elected City Treasurer (sec 3.9-3.10). Qualifications for each role match that of the members of Mayor and Council: •Registered voter •18 years of age •Resident of the City of Wheat Ridge for at least one-year preceding election day •Maintain residency throughout the term of office •May not be a candidate for more than one office at the same election or hold two municipal offices simultaneously In recent years, Council has shown interest in proposing a charter amendment to the Wheat Ridge electorate that would eliminate the elected roles of Clerk and Treasurer. On May 5, 2025, Council provided direction to the City Attorney to draft ballot language so that this issue could be considered for the 2025 municipal election. A draft ordinance including proposed ballot language is attached for consideration and the City Attorney and staff request feedback on the proposed language. PRIOR ACTION: Clerk Steve Kirkpatrick was first elected on November 5, 2019, and reelected on November 7, 2023. Treasurer Chris Miller was first appointed on February 11, 2019, to fill outgoing Treasurer Jerry DiTullio’s vacancy, elected on November 5, 2019 and reelected on November 7, 2023. Treasurer Miller’s second term ends on November 2, 2027. Council discussed this issue at the May 5, 2025, Study Session and provided consensus to the City Attorney to return with proposed ballot language to eliminate both elected roles effective the term ending date of November 2, 2027 unless earlier vacancies occur. ITEM NO. 2 Study Session Memo – Draft Ballot Language – Clerk and Treasurer July 21, 2025 Page 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: Elected officials receive compensation as Council prescribes by ordinance (sec. 3.12). The current compensation for the Clerk and Treasurer is $29,000 for each position, per year, plus benefits. BACKGROUND: The duties of the City Clerk are described formally in Charter Sec. 3.8 and Code 2.22. The duties of the Treasurer are described formally in Charter Sec. 3.10 and Code 2.23. Council provided consensus to prepare draft ballot language to eliminate both elected positions effective the term ending date of November 2, 2027, or when an earlier vacancy occurs. In practice, and should the Wheat Ridge electorate approve the question as drafted, this means that the City Clerk position will remain vacant and duties will continue to be covered by staff. Treasurer Chris Miller will continue to serve the remainder of his term which ends on November 2, 2027. Should Treasurer Miller’s seat become vacant, the role will not be filled. The draft language, included on the attached ordinance, reads as follows: SHALL THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE COLORADO BE AMENDED TO ELIMINATE THE ELECTED POSITIONS OF CITY CLERK AND CITY TREASURER, EFFECTIVE UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN SAID OFFICES OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS, AND TO MAKE NECESSARY CONFORMING CHANGES WITHIN THE CHARTER? The full text of the proposed Charter amendment, included on the attached ordinance, reads as follows: • Amend section 3.7 (Election of city clerk) to add a new subsection (b) to read: “(b) THIS SECTION 3.7 IS REPEALED UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS.” • Amend section 3.9 (Election of treasurer) to add a new subsection (b) to read: “(b) THIS SECTION 3.9 IS REPEALED UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS.” Study Session Memo – Draft Ballot Language – Clerk and Treasurer July 21, 2025 Page 3 • Delete subsection 3.11(c) of the Charter (vacancies in offices of elected City Clerk and elected City Treasurer) in its entirety: (c) If a vacancy occurs in the office of the city clerk or city treasurer, no special election shall be called but such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the council for the remainder of the term. NEXT STEPS: The City Attorney and staff request feedback from Council on the proposed ballot language and direction to bring the final ordinance before Council at a regular business meeting. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft ordinance CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO INTRODUCED BY COUNCIL MEMBER _______ Council Bill No. ________ Ordinance No. ____ Series of 2025 TITLE: AN ORDINANCE SUBMITTING A BALLOT QUESTION TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY AT THE NOVEMBER 4, 2025 REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION, TO AMEND THE WHEAT RIDGE HOME RULE CHARTER TO ELIMINATE OFFICES OF ELECTED CITY CLERK AND CITY TREASURER WHEREAS, pursuant to Charter Section 16.8 and C.R.S. 31-2-210, the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado has the authority to refer ballot questions amending the City’s Home Rule Charter to the electorate; and WHEREAS, the Council wishes to refer a ballot question amending the Charter to eliminate the offices of elected city clerk and city treasurer; and WHEREAS, the Council wishes to set a ballot title for the same. NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO: Section 1. Ballot question referred and ballot title set. The following ballot question is hereby referred to the electorate of the City at the November 4, 2025 municipal election: Ballot Question and Title: SHALL THE HOME RULE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE COLORADO BE AMENDED TO ELIMINATE THE ELECTED POSITIONS OF CITY CLERK AND CITY TREASURER, EFFECTIVE UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN SAID OFFICES OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS, AND TO MAKE NECESSARY CONFORMING CHANGES WITHIN THE CHARTER? Yes: _________ No: __________ Full Text of proposed Charter Amendment: • Amend section 3.7 (Election of city clerk) to add a new subsection (b) to read: “(b) THIS SECTION 3.7 IS REPEALED UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS.” ATTACHMENT 1 2 • Amend section 3.9 (Election of treasurer) to add a new subsection (b) to read: “(b) THIS SECTION 3.9 IS REPEALED UPON A VACANCY OCCURRING IN THE OFFICE OF CITY TREASURER OR NOVEMBER 2, 2027, WHICHEVER FIRST OCCURS.” • Delete subsection 3.11(c) of the Charter (vacancies in offices of elected City Clerk and elected City Treasurer) in its entirety: (c) If a vacancy occurs in the office of the city clerk or city treasurer, no special election shall be called but such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the council for the remainder of the term. Section 2. Safety Clause. The Council hereby finds, determines, and declares that this Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the City of Wheat Ridge, that it is promulgated for the health, safety, and welfare of the public and that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The City Council further determines that the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative objective sought to be attained. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption at second reading and signature by the Mayor as permitted by Section 5.11 of the Charter. INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED by a vote of __ to __ on this __ day of _____ 2025 and ordered published in full in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Wheat Ridge. SIGNED by the Mayor on this ______ day of __________ 2025. Bud Starker, Mayor ATTEST: Margy Greer, Senior Deputy City Clerk Approved as to Form: Gerald E. Dahl, City Attorney First Publication: 3 Wheat Ridge Transcript Effective Date: