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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.19 Agenda PacketAGENDA PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO Thursday, March 19, 2026, 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. Planning Commissioners 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 March 18, 2026) 3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: a) Click here to join and provide public comment (create a Zoom account to join) b) Or call 1-669-900-6833 with Meeting ID 837 7786 8790 and Passcode: 576236 4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view CALL TO ORDER SWEARING IN OF NEW MEMBERS ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 19, 2026 PUBLIC FORUM This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the Public Hearing agenda. Public comments may be limited to 3 minutes. PUBLIC HEARING* 1. WZ-26-1 – an application filed by Betsy Lawton for approval of a rezone from Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-Once C (R-1C) to match the surrounding properties and to reduce front and rear setbacks for a new detached single dwelling located at 3338 Depew Street. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair 2. Upcoming Dates 3. Project and Development Updates 4. Commissioner Updates *Public comment is welcome during any public hearing item. The standard procedure for a public hearing is as follows: a. Staff presentation b. Applicant presentation – if applicable c. Public comment – time may be limited at the discretion of the Chair, often to 3 minutes d. Staff/applicant response e. Close public hearing f. Commission discussion and decision Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. 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@wheatridge.gov or 303-235-2885) as soon as possible, preferably 7 days before the activity or event. 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. Planning Commission Minutes - 1 – February 19, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION Draft Minutes of Meeting February 19, 2026 CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair DISNEY at 6:30 p.m. This meeting was held in person and virtually, using Zoom video-teleconferencing technology. 1. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Kristine Disney Daniel Graeve Michael Moore Syrma Quinones Anna Sparks Commission Members Absent: Krista Holub Staff Members Present: Marianne Schilling, Deputy City Manager Jana Easley, Planning Manager Stephanie Stevens, Senior Planner (via Zoom) Scott Cutler, Senior Planner Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by consensus to approve the order of the agenda. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 18, 2025 It was moved by Commissioner SPARKS and seconded by Commissioner MOORE to approve the minutes of December 18, 2025, as written. Motion approved 5-0. 5. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) No one wished to speak at this time. 6. PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes - 2 – February 19, 2026 A. Case No. SDP-25-2: An application filed by Dave & Buster’s for approval of a Specific Development Plan (SDP) for a Dave & Buster’s entertainment use on a property zoned Planned Mixed-Use Development (PMUD) located at 3800 Clear Creek Drive. Vice Chair DISNEY opened the public hearing. Ms. Easley gave a short presentation regarding the zone change and the application. She entered into the record the contents of the case file, packet materials, the zoning ordinance, and the contents of the digital presentation. She stated the public notice and posting requirements have been met, therefore the Planning Commission has jurisdiction to hear this case. Public Comment No one wished to speak at this time. Commissioner SPARKS asked about the different levels of EV parking spaces delineated on the plans. Cody Offchiss, Kimley-Horn Engineering, applicant 645 Old Mitten Spur, Glenwood Springs Mr. Offchiss explained that different levels of EV parking refer to different levels of infrastructure, with six spaces installed immediately and future groundwork laid for additional parking, consistent with Wheat Ridge code. This includes space on the electrical panel, so future conduit installations can be made easier. Commissioner GRAEVE noted concerns about how the development fits with the character of Clear Creek Crossing, particularly the first SDP criteria. He acknowledged reading public comments expressing concerns about how Dave and Buster's might not fit with the types of businesses moving into the area, while understanding that other criteria seem to have been met and acknowledging the applicant's flexibility in accommodating design requirements. Commissioner DISNEY asked about a reference in the landscaping section stating that due to utility conflicts along major roadways, limited areas prevented tree planting. Ms. Easley clarified that this refers to underground utilities, such as water or sewer lines, over which trees cannot be planted. Vice Chair DISNEY closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes - 3 – February 19, 2026 It was moved by Commissioner SPARKS and seconded by Commissioner MOORE to APPROVE Case No. SDP-25-2, a request for approval of a Specific Development Plan for a Dave & Buster’s entertainment use on property zoned Planned Mixed-Use Development and located at 3800 Clear Creek Drive, for the following reasons: 1. The specific development plan is consistent with the purpose of a planned development, as stated in Section 26-301 of the Code of Laws. 2. The specific development plan is consistent with the intent and purpose of the outline development plan. 3. The proposed uses are consistent with those approve by the outline development plan. 4. All responding agencies have indicated they can serve the property with improvements installed at the developer’s expense. 5. The specific development plan is in substantial compliance with the applicable standards set forth in the outline development plan and with the City’s adopted design manuals. With the following conditions: 1. Minor site adjustments may be required to the civil construction plans to coordinate this development with surrounding infrastructure improvements and to match the approved SDP. 2. The associated subdivision plat (Case No. SUB-25-13) shall be recorded prior to recording of the subject SDP. 3. The developer shall enter into a development agreement with the City to be recorded with the County Clerk & Recorder prior to issuance of building permits. 4. Building permit submittals shall be consistent with the SDP. Commissioner GRAEVE reiterated his concerns about the extent to which the development meets the first SDP criterion regarding the character of Clear Creek Crossing, noting that restaurants and businesses approved thus far seem to have a different character than Dave and Buster's. He sympathized with community concerns but acknowledged that the applicant has been flexible and accommodated the city's insistence on pedestrian, bicycle, and infrastructure requirements. He did not believe his concerns were enough to oppose the development but wanted them stated on the record. Commissioner SPARKS stated she was looking forward to Dave and Buster's, having been to the hospital frequently and thinking there should be a place where people can wait, have fun, and not dwell on difficult circumstances. Vice Chair DISNEY had no additional comments. Planning Commission Minutes - 4 – February 19, 2026 Motion approved 5-0. B. Case No. ZOA-26-2: An Ordinance supporting compliance with state legislation regarding housing-supportive code amendments to remain eligible for state funding opportunities. Vice Chair DISNEY opened the public hearing. Mr. Cutler gave a short presentation and background regarding the ordinance. He added that the city recently received a $4.5 million Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure (TOCI) grant from the Colorado Energy Office because of compliance. To remain competitive, the city recognizes two changes need to be made in the zoning code: one related to ADUs and one related to expedited review for affordable housing. Public Comment No one wished to speak at this time. Commissioner QUINONES stated she did not understand what opposition there could be to the administrative site plan review, as it appears the review process will be expedited, and she does not see the risk. Mr. Cutler responded that there could be a situation where the Planning Commission wants to retain their right to vote on something. However, if a project meets zoning requirements, staff will recommend approval. Removing that risk and length of time from the process is why staff recommend this. In response to a question from Commissioner GRAEVE about the TOCI grant, Ms. Easley explained that the city applied for the TOCI grant on behalf of Foothills Regional Housing for their Ridge Road project at the old Ridge Home site. Project costs have significantly increased, first with unexpected remediation that exceeded expectations cost-wise. The TOCI grant will help with public infrastructure around the perimeter of the site, including sidewalks, main lines for utilities, and most everything going into the right-of-way. It will also help cover the cost of the intersection at Miller and Ridge Road, where the signal will have to move slightly, which will drive up costs significantly. The city is fortunate to have been awarded this grant to ensure the project does not fall apart due to financial infeasibility and to ensure the success of this affordable housing project. Commissioner GRAEVE acknowledged that the city has been quite proactive in anticipating and responding to state-level changes regarding housing and transit, which have been disruptive for many communities. He Planning Commission Minutes - 5 – February 19, 2026 found Wheat Ridge's can-do and proactive attitude refreshing, making the city appear forward-looking, and he appreciated it. Commissioner SPARKS stated she would not want the city to miss out on millions of dollars from state grants in the future. If this is what the state wishes, even though it takes away some authority from the commission, and if it makes sense to the state, it makes sense to her. Vice Chair DISNEY close the public hearing. It was moved by Commissioner MOORE and seconded by Commissioner QUINONES to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws supporting compliance with state legislation regarding housing supportive code amendments to remain eligible for state funding opportunities. Commissioner MOORE stated he wanted to thank staff for the presentation and work. He was excited about what's happening at Ridge Road. Motion carried 5-0. C. Case No. ZOA-26-3: An Ordinance amending the Wheat Ridge Municipal Code to impose zoning limitations on the keeping of small animals. Vice Chair DISNEY opened the public hearing. Ms. Schilling gave a short presentation regarding the ordinance. Public Comment No one wished to speak at this time. Commissioner SPARKS asked about the system to help with roosters, similar to the system for barking dogs. Ms. Schilling explained that they are called "crow collars" and help with noise mitigation as best they can. Community service officers treat roosters similarly to barking dogs, where it's not necessarily always a noise violation but rather an expectation of reasonability regarding what you can expect from crowing or barking. Commissioner QUINONES asked if there are individuals in residential areas on less than one acre with more than one rooster. Planning Commission Minutes - 6 – February 19, 2026 Ms. Schilling responded that the city doesn't currently track this since no permit is required, so they don't have any numbers. Commissioner QUINONES asked what happens once this ordinance passes. Ms. Schilling explained that if a property had more than one rooster, it would likely be able to maintain their roosters, but as the roosters pass, they wouldn't be able to replace those roosters. Vice Chair DISNEY asked how many properties in Wheat Ridge are larger than an acre that would have roosters, noting there can't be many left. Ms. Easley, referring to a table from the previous agenda item, stated that there is very little agricultural or larger-than-one-acre residential property within the city, so it would be a very small percentage. Vice Chair DISNEY asked how animal control polices work—whether it's one strike, two strikes, three strikes. Ms. Schilling explained it's similar to how they police dogs. It would be a longer-term issue that wasn't being mitigated. Sometimes they request folks to bring their roosters indoors for a certain amount of time or wear crow collars, and they ask for support from owners. It depends on how often they're crowing, how loud, and how disruptive. There's no one-size- fits-all solution. Crow collars have proven helpful. Vice Chair DISNEY asked why roosters are necessary, noting they help breed chickens but questioning why someone would need a rooster. Commissioner SPARKS offered to answer, having grown up on a chicken farm. She explained that roosters have a large spur on the back of their leg and aggressively protect hens under their control. Many predators want to eat hens and eggs, and they're very clever. Sometimes roosters lead hens up into trees to protect them from ground-dwelling predators. Commissioner GRAEVE then noted finding one of the more interesting points in the materials: that all surrounding neighboring communities don't allow roosters. He asked what about the city's decision made City Council go a different direction than neighboring communities and actually permit them. Ms. Schilling clarified that the city has always implicitly allowed roosters through allowing poultry, so that hasn't changed. Now they would be Planning Commission Minutes - 7 – February 19, 2026 explicitly allowing roosters for lots of a certain size. She stated that City Council was trying to maintain its urban agricultural roots and felt areas and lots of that size make sense. For City Council, there wasn't any perspective during the conversation where they felt it was worth abandoning roosters completely. Commissioner MOORE asked whether the city currently has a swine problem or if this is more battening down the hatches. Ms. Schilling stated she's not aware of an existing swine problem. Ms. Easley added that the city does get inquiries, and the code is somewhat unclear. Vice Chair DISNEY closed the public hearing. It was moved by Commissioner GRAEVE and seconded by Commissioner QUINONES to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 26 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws concerning the keeping of small animals and making conforming amendments therewith. Commissioner GRAEVE offered a quick comment, noting that he's known people who have gotten chicks and don't know when they arrive if it will be a hen or a rooster. What if one turns out to be a rooster? Urban folks with chickens then have to do something with the rooster. As someone who embraced the city's urban agriculture reputation many years ago, it's comforting to see this carried forward and the city being bold enough to allow folks to have something on their property that is an element of sustainability and can be beneficial in many ways. He commended this decision by council and the city. Motion carried 5-0. 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Upcoming Dates Ms. Easley confirmed there is no meeting on March 5 but possibly on March 19. B. Project and Development Updates Ms. Easley provided several updates including that former City Councilor Janeece Hoppe has been newly elected as city clerk, and the city is Planning Commission Minutes - 8 – February 19, 2026 fortunate to have her in that role. Also, the deconstruction of the American Motel and portions of the main hospital buildings on the former Lutheran site will begin over the next month or so. Ms. Easley also informed the commissioners that Planning Commission appointments are being held on Monday evening and, at the next meeting, there will be Chair and Vice Chair appointments. Ms. Easley shared that Parks and Community Development have a joint grant application through Jefferson County Open Space to acquire the remnant RTD parcel. She loosely called it a remnant leftover for possible future parking by the Wheat Ridge Ward station. It is a long, skinny parcel that has never had anything done with it. It was set aside years ago when RTD acquired land for future additional parking, but that doesn't appear to be needed. The city is seeking a grant to purchase that land so it could be turned into green space with a trail connection from one end to the other, for instance from the Parallel Apartments over to the Ridge at Ward station. That would be an improvement in the area, and she will try to keep commissioners posted. She also mentioned that 7 Brews have opened both on Wadsworth and Kipling, so people should grab a coffee, and Primrose daycare in Clear Creek Crossing also received its certificate of occupancy, so everything is moving along swiftly. C. Commissioner Updates Commissioner SPARKS noted that, as an engineer, Engineers Week is currently being celebrated until February 28. This is a time to spotlight the impact of the profession, inspire the next generation of innovators, and celebrate how engineering shapes the world. Vice Chair DISNEY thanked her, calling it exciting. 10. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner MOORE and seconded by Commissioner GRAEVE to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. __________________________ _______________________________ Kristine Disney, Vice Chair Tammy Odean, Recording Secretary CASE NUMBER: WZ-26-01 DATE: March 19, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3338 DEPEW STREET FROM RESIDENTIAL-THREE (R-3) TO RESIDENTIAL-ONE C (R-1C) (CASE NO. WZ-25-02) ☒PUBLIC HEARING ☒QUASI-JUDICIAL ☐LEGISLATIVE ☒RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ☐FINAL ACTION BY PLANNING COMMISSION ENTER INTO RECORD: ☒CASE FILE AND PACKET MATERIALS ☒ZONING ORDINANCE ☒COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ☒DIGITAL PRESENTATION JURISDICTION: All notification and posting requirements have been met; therefore, there is jurisdiction to hear this case. ACTION REQUESTED: A request by Betsy Lawton for approval of a zone change from Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-One C (R-1C) for a single-unit dwelling at 3338 Depew Street. BACKGROUND: Existing Conditions The property is located on the east side of Depew Street between W. 33rd Avenue and W. 35th Avenue (Exhibit 1, Location Map). The site is legally described as Lots 19 and 20, Block 8, Columbia Heights, and contains approximately 5,892 square feet (0.135 acres). It is currently developed with a single-unit dwelling and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), both of which are proposed to be demolished to accommodate construction of a new single-unit home. Surrounding zoning includes Residential-One C (R-1C) to the north, south, and east, and Residential-One (R-1) to the west (Exhibit 2, Zoning Map). Adjacent properties to the north, south, and east are residential in character, while the property to the west is Panorama Park. Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 2 Although the existing R-3 zoning permits single-unit detached dwellings, the subject property does not meet the district’s minimum lot standards, and the required setbacks are not consistent with those of the surrounding residential properties. Rezoning is therefore necessary to bring the site into conformance and facilitate redevelopment that is compatible with the established neighborhood pattern. The existing zoning on the subject property and in the neighborhood relate to a legislative zone change from 30 years ago. In September 1996, City Council approved a city-initiated rezoning of properties generally located between W 32nd Avenue and W 38th Avenue, and Sheridan Boulevard and Pierce Street (Exhibit 7, City Council Minutes 9/9/1996). The ordinance specifically exempted existing two-family dwellings from the zone change to avoid creating nonconforming situations. Because 3338 Depew Street has two units (a single-unit dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit), it was identified as an exempt property in the Council’s motion. Now that ADUs are permitted in Wheat Ridge as an accessory use to a single-unit home, the property is more conforming under R-1C than R-3 in regards to its dimensions and land use. Process Rezonings require public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. The Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council, and the City Council will render a final decision. ANALYSIS OF REQUEST: Proposed Zoning The applicant is requesting a zone change from R-3 to R-1C. The Residential-One C (R- 1C) zone district is intended to provide high-quality, safe, quiet, and stable medium- density single-unit residential neighborhoods, while prohibiting uses that are incompatible with the established residential character. Permitted uses in the R-1C district are limited primarily to single detached dwellings and customary residential accessory uses, including ADUs. The requested rezoning to R-1C would align the subject property with the zoning pattern of the surrounding properties to the north, south, and east, all of which are currently zoned R-1C. The applicant is seeking this change to facilitate the redevelopment of the site with a single detached dwelling that can meet the dimensional standards and setbacks consistent with adjacent properties, thereby ensuring compatibility with the existing neighborhood context and development pattern. The following table compares the existing and proposed zoning for the property, with standards for new development or major additions. Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 3 Developmental Standards Current Zoning Residential-Three (R-3) Proposed Zoning Residential-One C (R-1C) Maximum Building Height 35' 35' Maximum Building Coverage 40% 40% Minimum Lot Area 7,500 Square Feet 5,000 Square Feet Minimum lot width 60 Feet 50 Feet SETBACKS Front Side Rear 25 Feet 5 Feet 10 Feet 20 Feet 5 Feet 5 Feet ZONE CHANGE CRITERIA Staff have provided an analysis of the zone change criteria outlined in Section 26-112.E. The applicant also provided a response to the criteria (Exhibit 5, Applicant Letter of Request). The Planning Commission shall base its recommendation on consideration of the extent to which the following criteria have been met: 1. The change of zone promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the community and will not result in a significant adverse effect on the surrounding area. The proposed change of zoning is consistent with the character of the surrounding area and is designed to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. It will not result in any significant adverse effects on adjacent properties or the surrounding neighborhood. The redevelopment under the proposed zoning aligns with the patterns of nearby properties, ensuring compatibility and consistent zoning. Staff conclude that this criterion has been met. 2. Adequate infrastructure/facilities are available to serve the types of uses allowed by the change of zone, or the applicant will upgrade and provide such where they do not exist or are under capacity. The site is currently developed with a single-unit detached dwelling and an accessory dwelling unit, both of which are served by existing utility connections. As a result, the proposed redevelopment would not require any additional public infrastructure beyond what is already in place. Staff conclude that this criterion has been met. Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 4 3. The Planning Commission shall also find that at least one (1) of the following conditions exists: a. The change of zone is in conformance, or will bring the property into conformance, with the City of Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan goals, objectives and policies, and other related policies or plans for the area. The proposed rezoning would bring the subject site into better alignment with the goals of the City Plan. Specifically, Action Item H2.4 calls for assessing the zoning map to determine whether updates are needed. The subject property is smaller than typically envisioned for the R-3 district and does not match the zoning designation of the surrounding properties. In addition, the site does not meet several of the dimensional standards of the existing R-3 zone district, including minimum lot size and minimum lot width requirements. Application of the R-3 front and rear setback standards would also result in a building placement that is inconsistent with the established pattern of development on adjacent properties. As a result, redevelopment under the current zoning would likely create a legal nonconforming situation and a project that does not fit the surrounding context. Rezoning to a more compatible district would correct these inconsistencies and better reflect the character of the neighborhood. As noted above, because the municipal code now allows ADUs, the property would be more conforming under R-1C than R-3 in regards to both dimensions and its current land use. Staff conclude that this criterion has been met. b. The existing zone classification currently recorded on the official zoning maps of the City of Wheat Ridge is in error. Staff is unable to find evidence that the zoning of this property is an error in the zoning map. Staff conclude that this criterion is not applicable. c. A change of character in the area has occurred or is occurring to such a degree that it is in the public interest to encourage redevelopment of the area or to recognize the changing character of the area. The intent statement of the R-3 zone district is: “This district is established to provide high quality, safe, quiet and stable medium- to high-density residential neighborhoods, and to prohibit activities of any nature which are incompatible with the medium- to high-density residential character.” The subject property and the Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 5 surrounding area are developed with single-unit detached dwellings on relatively small lots, reflecting a low- to medium-density residential pattern rather than the medium- to high-density character contemplated by the R-3 district. In practice, the size and configuration of the subject site would not support development at a higher density, and it could not reasonably be developed with more than one detached dwelling and customary accessory structures, which are permitted under the proposed R-1C zoning. As such, the existing R-3 designation does not align with the established neighborhood character or the realistic development potential of the property, whereas the proposed R-1C zoning more accurately reflects the current and intended use of the site. Staff conclude that this criterion has been met. d. The proposed rezoning is necessary to provide for a community need that was not anticipated at the time of the adoption of the City of Wheat Ridge comprehensive plan. The rezoning aligns with the recently adopted City Plan. Staff conclude that this criterion is not applicable. Staff conclude that the criteria used to evaluate zone change support this request. NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING & PUBLIC INPUT: Pursuant to Section 26-109 of the Code of Laws, the applicant notified all property owners and residents within 1,000 feet of the site of the neighborhood meeting. Neighborhood meetings are required prior to the submission of an application for a zone change. The neighborhood input meeting was held on December 30, 2026. Four members of the public attended the meeting in addition to the applicant and staff. A full summary of the meeting is attached in Exhibit 6. Public notice is required prior to public hearings. If any comments are provided prior to the Planning Commission public hearing on March 19, they will be entered into the record and distributed to Commissioners at the public hearing. Comments collected on Wheat Ridge Speaks will also be reviewed by Planning Commissioners and entered into the public record. Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 6 REFERRAL: There were no concerns expressed by internal departments including the City of Wheat Ridge Engineering Division, Public Works, Building Division. All affected service agencies were contacted for comment on the rezoning and concept plan, specifically regarding the ability to serve the property. Referral responses from service districts follow: Wheat Ridge Water District: Can serve subject to district requirements. Coordination will continue through development. Wheat Ridge Sanitation District: Can serve subject to district requirements. Coordination will continue through development. West Metro Fire Protection District: No objections. Coordination will continue through development. Xcel Energy: Can serve subject to district requirements. Coordination will continue through development. Comcast Cable/Xfinity: No comments provided. Coordination will continue through development. Century Link/Lumen: No objections. Coordination will continue through development. STAFF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: Staff have concluded that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the zone change criteria and recommend approval of the application. RECOMMENDED MOTION: “I move to recommend APPROVAL of Case No. WZ-26-01, a request for approval of a zone change from Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-One C (R-1C) at 3338 Depew Street for the following reasons: 1. The proposed zone change will promote the public health, safety, or welfare of the community and does not result in an adverse effect on the surrounding area. 2. Utility infrastructure adequately services the property. 3. The proposed zone change is consistent with the goals and objectives of the City’s adopted plans and policies. Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 7 4. The R-1C zoning is more appropriate than R-3 given the size of the subject property, the land use on the subject property, and the predominant land use in the surrounding area. 5. The criteria used to evaluate a zone change supports the request. Or, “I move to recommend DENIAL of Case No. WZ-26-01, a request for approval of a zone change from Residential-Three (R-3) to Residential-One C (R-1C) at 3338 Depew Street for the following reasons: 1. 2. 3. …” REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY: Chris Masar, Planner II Jana Easley, Planning Manager Lauren Mikulak, Community Development Director EXHIBITS: 1. Location map as aerial photograph of site 2. Zoning map 3. Comprehensive plan excerpts 4. Survey 5. Applicant letter of request and response to rezoning criteria 6. Neighborhood meeting summary 7. City Council Minutes 9/9/1996 Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 8 EXHIBIT 1: LOCATION MAP AS AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF SITE Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 9 EXHIBIT 2: ZONING MAP R-1 R-1C R-3 Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 10 EXHIBIT 3: CITY PLAN EXCERPTS SITE Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 11 EXHIBIT 4: SURVEY Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 12 EXHIBIT 5: APPLICANT LETTER OF REQUEST AND RESPONSE TO REZONING CRITERIA Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 13 EXHIBIT 6: NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING SUMMARY Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 14 Planning Commission Staff Report – 3338 Depew Street Rezoning March 19, 2026 Page 15 EXHIBIT 7: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 1996 PLANNING COMMISSION MEMORANDUM DATE: March 19, 2026 TOPIC: Election of Officers FROM: Jana Easley, Planning Manager The bylaws of the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission describe the roles of the Chair and Vice Chair. The primary role of the Chair is to preside over the meetings of the Planning Commission. The primary role of the Vice Chair is to preside over meetings in the absence of the Chair. In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the most senior member of the remaining members shall act as Temporary Chair. The bylaws dictate that the Chair and Vice Chair positions shall be elected annually. Section 7 of the bylaws state the following: Election of Officers. A majority vote of all members present of the Commission shall be required to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The Chair shall be elected on an annual basis at the next regular meeting following appointments in March of each year. This shall be the first order of business after public hearings at that meeting, and it shall be held by secret ballot without nomination. Until one person has received votes of a majority of all members present of the Commission, successive ballots will be taken. After selection of the Chair, the Commission shall choose one of its members as Vice Chair. The Vice Chair shall be selected in the same manner as the Chair. The same member may not serve in the same role in successive years. For the past year, Commissioner Patrick Quinn, who is now on City Council, served as the Chair. The Vice Chair position was filled by Commissioner Kristine Disney. Pursuant to the bylaws, election of a Chair and Vice Chair will occur at the end of the March 19 meeting.