HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution-2005-0013
RESOLUTION NO.~
Series of 2005
A RESOLUTION B\ THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF '" HEAT
RIDGE, COLORADO, ADOPTIl\G AMENDMENTS TO THE \\HEAT
RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHLRL 1\ ,>, the City <- 'ouncIl of the City of Wheat Ridge adopted amendments to the
C()mprehenslve Plan on February 23,2004, and
\\ IILRI. \:-" the ComprehenSive Plan amendments ll1c1uded areas outside the LlJrporate
11l11lts or the City as IS penl1ltted under state enab11l1g legislation, and
\\ II LRI ,\:-, prmr to anne>-atlOn, a City must have Il1 plai.-e a plan Itlr the area ull1sldered
lor ,U1l1e,atlon pursuant to C R.~ 31-12-105, and
\\ III:Rl'AS, "lid plan fllr areas outside the City boundary must be adopted annually, and
WllLRLAS, It IS the deSire or the City to extend ItS Comprehensl\e Plan houndary ()utslde
the corporate 11l11lts, and
WHrRL\S, C R.S 31-23-206 (2) proVides that the Comprehensl\ e Plan ma) be amended
h\ the <- lty rrom lime to lime, amI
\\ III RI. \" Plann1I1g Commlsslun has held a public hearll1g as pru\ lded by C R.S 31-23-
2llg and ,>eellon 2-(,0 (b) or the Wheat RIdge Code of Laws, legal nulice thereor duly puhlIshed In
the Wheat Ridge I ranscrIpt and the High Timber Times on l'Chruary 10,2005 \\ lth a \\I"ltten
recummendatlon t()J"\\ arded to the City CounCIL and
\\ I I I RI ,\ ,>, the Clt) CouncIl has held a publiC heanng as pru\ lded hy '>eCliun 2-()() I h I oi"
the Wheat Ridge Cude or Laws, legal nutiee thereor hemg duly published Il1 the Wheat Ridge
I ranscnpt and 1I1gh rimber Times on rebruary 24, 2005
J\()W, 1'1 IUZI:FORE, BE IT RESOLVED hy the CIty Cuunc" or the CIty or Wheat
Rldse, Colorado as lullu\\ S
That the City CuuncIl urthe City or Wheat Ridge hereby adupts the amendments t(l
the \\"heat Ridge Cumprehensl\'e Plan attached as Exhibit A
,
\n attested LlJpy or thiS resululion shall be attached tu the Plan amendment and cl
e(lpy urthe Plan as attested shall be certIfied tu JelTersun Cuunty, Culurad()
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City of Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan Addendum
Annual Update to the
Urban Growth Area Plan
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-HIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
,;OPY (EXACT) OF THE ORIGINAL
;:)OCUME.~'T!N MY CUSTODY
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Adopted February 2005
RESOLUTION NO. 13
Series of 2005
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT
RIDGE, COLORADO, ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHEAT r:J
RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the CIty CounCIl of the CIty of Wheat RIdge adopted amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan on February 23, 2004, and
WHEREAS, the ComprehensIve Plan amendments mcluded areas outSIde the corporate
hmlts of the City as IS permItted under state enabhng ]eglslatlOn, and
WI IEREAS, pnor to annexatIOn, a cIty must have III place a plan for the area conSidered
for annexatIOn pursuant to C R.S 31-12-]05, and
WHEREAS, saId plan for areas outSIde the cIty boundary must be adopted annually; and
\VI-IEREAS. It IS the cleslre of the CIty to extend ItS ComprehensIve Plan boundary outSide
the corporate llll1ltS. and
WHEREAS. C R.S 31-23-206 (2) prOVIdes that the ComprehensIve Plan may be amended
by the CIty from time to tIme, and
WHEREAS, Planmng CommiSSIOn has held a pubhc hearIng as provldecl by C R.S 3] -23-
20g and SectIon 2-60 (b) of the Wheat RIdge Code of Laws, legal notIce thereof duly pubhshed 111
the Wheat Ridge 1 ransenpt and the High Timber Times on February 10,2005, WIth a wntten
recommendatIon forwarded to the CIty CouncIl, and
WHtREAS, the CIty CouncIl has held a pubhc heanng as proVIded by SectIOn 2-60 (b) of
the Wheat RIdge Code of Laws, legal notIce thereof be1l1g duly publIshed III the Wheat RIdge
hanscrIpt and HIgh Timber Times on February 24,2005
NOW. THERGORE. BE IT RESOLVED by the CIty CouncIl of the CIty of Wheat
Ridge. Colorado, as follows
That the CIty CounCIl of the CIty of Wheat RIdge hereby adopts the amendments to
the Wheat RIdge ComprehenSIve Plan attached as ExhibIt A
2 An attested copy of thIs resolutIOn shall be attached to the Plan amendment and a
COpy of the Plan as attested shall be certIfied to Jefferson County, Colorado
DONE AND RESOLVED THIS
-
ATTEST
~.~~~C1TY CLERK
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OFFICE OF THE Ci T\ GU:Rk.
WHEAT RIDGE, CO 80033
THIS IS A TRUE AND CORRECT
COPY (EXACT) OF THE ORIGINAL
DOCUMENT IN MY CUSTODY
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CITY OF WHEA T RIDGE PLANNINJ COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO.
Series of 2005
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING ADOPTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE
WHEA T RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND FORWARDING SAID
RECOMMENDA TION TO THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat RIdge adopted a ComprehensIve Plan on October 25, I
1999 and amendments were conSIdered and adopted on January 24, 2000; and
WHEREAS, c.R.S 31-23-206 (2) prOVIdes that the Comprehensive Plan may be
amended by the City from time to time, and
WHEREAS, the ComprehensIve Plan dId not Include any areas outSIde the corporate
hmlts of the City as IS permItted under state enabhng legIslatIon, and
WHEREAS, pnor to annexation, a city must have In place a plan for the area conSIdered
for annexation pursuant to C.R.S 31-12-105, and
WHEREAS, an addendum to the ComprehensIve Plan was adopted by City CouncIl on
February 23, 2004 adopting a growth area outSIde the city hmltS of the CIty; and
WHEREAS, It is the deSIre of the City to extend Its ComprehensIve Plan boundary
outSIde the corporate lImIts, and
WHEREAS, the Planmng CommIsSIon held a publIc heanng as proVIded by SectIOn 2-
60(b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, legal notIce thereof being duly publIshed In the Wheat
RIdge Transcript and High Timber Times on February It) ,2005, saId pubhc heanng held on
February 17, 2005
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Wheat RIdge Planning CommiSSIOn
this 17th day of February, 2005:
1 The ComprehenSIve Plan amendment attached hereto as Exhibit A is recommended
for approval to the CIty Council.
2. A copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the City CouncIl
tL~
Secretary to the Com sSlon
G COMMISSION
ATIEST:
IIsrv-ci-<:ng-OOIIus=\awnit.e\AlI FileslCOMP PLAN\uga amendmen. pc res 05.doc
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN GROWTH AREA ADDITION
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INTRODUCTION
This document serves as an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted by
City Council on October 25, 1999, Amendments were considered and adopted on
January 24, 2000,
The adopted Comprehensive Plan does not identify areas of potential development
outside the City's boundaries, The Plan contains a general discussion of areas of
potential annexation, but does not illustrate the areas on any maps or recommend any
future uses in these general areas. Prior to any annexation, C.R.S. 31-12-105
requires that a municipality have in place a plan for the area, including proposed land
uses Such plan may extend up to three miles from the municipality's boundary.
There are unincorporated areas to the northeast, north, west and southwest of the
current City boundaries. Areas to the northeast and north are primarily unincorporated
industrial or multi-family enclaves which, although eligible for annexation, present
questionable benefit to the City versus the costs of providing services. A majority of
the area to the west of Ward Road north of 1-70 consists of established residential
neighborhoods, public uses (schools), and a cemetery. These uses provide little
benefit to the City compared to the costs of providing services. A large area west of 1-
70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek is vacant and may provide development
opportunities of benefit to the City. Southwest of the City are commercial areas along
Youngfield and the established residential area of Applewood.
In the mid-1990's the City submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments
(DRCOG) its proposed urban growth boundary as part of the preparation of the
regional plan known as Metro Vision 2020. The identified urban growth area was
generally bounded by 1-70, W. 32nd Avenue, Mcintyre Street, and W 52nd Avenue.
Containing a little over two square miles, this area was not incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan.
This Comprehensive Plan addendum addresses the potential urban growth area to the
west of the City The planning/urban growth area is generally bounded by 1-70, West
32nd Avenue, Mcintyre Street, and West 44th Avenue. The area subject to this
addendum is illustrated on Map 1. This area was submitted to DRCOG as the City's
urban growth boundary for the 2030 Metro Vision update. The addendum meets the
requirements of C R.S 31-12-105 of having a plan in place should the City consider
any annexations in this area.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
LAND USE
Existing Land Use
Existing land uses in the urban growth area are varied. Along the north side of 32nd
Avenue are areas of low to medium density residential development. To the west of 1-
70 is industrial development along W 44th Avenue and State Highway 58. A CDOT
maintenance facility is adjacent to SH58 at 1-70. The area to the west of 1-70 between
32nd Avenue and 44th Avenue contains a golf course, and several old gravel pits now
used for water storage. A majority of this land is vacant and undeveloped
Development Constraints
Few natural hazard areas are present in the planning area. The Clear Creek 100- and
500-year floodplains generally parallel SH58 in the center of the planning area. No
other natural hazards exist in the area.
1-70, SH 58, and Clear Creek present constraints to development by acting as barriers
to providing road, utility and other infrastructure improvements to the central portion of
the planning area. State and federal rules mandate where access can occur and the
manner in which rights-of-way may be crossed for installing utilities Responding to
calls for service in the planning area is made more challenging by the restricted
access these barriers present.
County Plans
Because the urban growth area is currently unincorporated, Jefferson County has
jurisdiction over planning and zoning matters. The urban growth area lies within two
subareas the County has identified for planning purposes The North Plains Plan
covers that portion of the urban growth area north of Clear Creek and the Central
Plains Plan covers the area to the south of Clear Creek.
Originally prepared in the late 1990's, the Central Plains Community Plan has recently
been updated. The process of updating this plan included extensive public meetings.
These subarea plans show recommended land uses in the urban growth area as
residential in existing established residential neighborhoods Applewood Golf Course
and Clear Creek are shown as major park/recreation/open space areas. The area
along W. 44th Avenue south to Clear Creek is recommended as mixed use areas
containing office, light industrial, retail, and residential (up to 15 du/ac) uses. The bulk
of the large, undeveloped area to the west of 1-70 is shown as industrial.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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Future Land Use Map
The Future Land Use map reflects the recommended land uses for the area. The
recommended land uses were matched as closely as possible to the land use
categories contained in the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
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The Future Land Use Map (Map 2) illustrates recommended land uses for the urban
growth area. The categories used and the definitions, desired character, and
attributes of the various land use categories shown are the same as defined in
Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan and are hereby incorporated as a part of this
Addendum.
Future land uses for the planning area are shown on the Future Land Use Map on the
following page. The Plan establishes the following recommended land uses:
. Existing residential neighborhoods at the approximate density shown in the
County subarea plan, SF (4)
. Existing golf course parks, and the Clear Creek floodplain as parks and open
space
. Planned Business Park along W. 44th Avenue and south of SH58 to Clear
Creek
. The large, vacant area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek as
Community Commercial
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
TRANSPORTATION
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The existing street network consists of the major north-south connectors of Youngfield
on the eastern border of the planning area and Mcintyre Street on the western border.
East-west connectors are W 44th Avenue at the north and W. 32nd Avenue to the
south.
1-70 and State Highway 58 provide regional, limited access highway connections in
the area. The 1-70/SH58 interchange is currently a partial interchange with only
limited movements provided. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
has prepared plans for the completion of the movements at this interchange, making it
a full-movement interchange. This entails relocating the current eastbound on-ramp at
38th Avenue to the south and relocating the eastbound on-off ramps at Ward Road to
the east. Timing of the construction of these improvements is currently uncertain.
Trails currently exist along Clear Creek from 1-70 west to Golden and along 32nd
Avenue from 1-70 west to Maple Grove Park.
Future Street Network
The future street network in the area will build upon the existing grid system of north-
south and east-west streets. The roadway classifications in this plan are based upon
the recommendations of the Countywide Transportation Plan. The proposed street
network for the area is shown on the Roadway Classification Map (Map 3).
Improvements to complete the 1-70/SH58 interchange movements are needed to
improve not only access to the area, but to increase mobility for the region. Because
of minimum spacing requirements, no new interchanges are proposed for 1-70 and SH
58. Improvements to the 1-70/32nd Avenue interchange to increase capacity will be
needed.
1-70 and SH58 will continue to serve the dual roles of providing access to the area and
carrying regional traffic.
Major east-west streets included in the future street network 32nd Avenue and 44th
Avenue. Streets providing north-south connections are Ward Road, Youngfield Street,
and Mcintyre Street. A new connection from Mcintyre Street south of SH58 to the
Youngfield Service Road at 32nd Avenue is proposed An additional collector is
proposed to connect Youngfield to this Mclntyre/32nd Avenue collector with an
underpass at 1-70. This will provide an additional access to the Community
Commercial area.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
Future Trails
The County community plans for the area show potential trails extending along W
32nd Avenue from Maple Grove Park to Mcintyre and on Mcintyre from W 32nd
Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail. A trail connection is proposed from 32nd Avenue to
the Clear Creek Trail in an alignment to be determined at the time of development of
the area.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services
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Services in the planning area are currently provided by Jefferson County and several
special districts. Jefferson County currently provides general governmental services
and law enforcement. Portions of the area are included in the Urban Drainage and
Flood Control District.
Special districts serving the area are listed below.
Fire Protection Districts
. Fairmount
. West Metro
Water and Sanitation Districts
. North Table Mountain W& S
. Consolidated Mutual Water
Park and Recreation Districts
. Prospect
A large area in the central portion of the planning area is not currently served by a
sanitation provider. A small parcel of land is not provided with fire protection
Future Service Provision
The City will provide general governmental services and police protection for any
areas annexed by the City.
Fire protection will continue to be provided by existing districts currently providing
services.
Water and sanitation services will continue to be provided by districts currently
providing services within their respective boundaries. Within the area currently not
served by water or sanitation districts, there are three options to consider:
. Inclusion into existing water or sanitation districts.
. Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by the new district.
6
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
. Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by another district or districts by contract with the new
district.
Provision of services by an existing or new district will depend upon the capacity of
that district to provide treated water or sewage plant capacity and the financial ability
to construct improvements. It is likely a developer will need to pay for any
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or expansions Any new sewage treatment
plants or expansions must be included in the Regional Clean Water Plan and be
approved by the State Department of Public Health and Environment.
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Parks and Open Space
Park and open space areas in the urban growth area are currently acquired and
managed by Jefferson County and the Prospect Park and Recreation District. Two
parks located just outside the growth area, Maple Grove Park and Arapahoe Park, are
provided by the Prospect Park and Recreation District.
Policies:
1 At the time of rezoning, the following items should be requested of a
developer, if applicable.
a. Access easements across private property to public land,
b. Dedication of private land,
c. Open space required with the development if located adjacent to public
land,
2. Open space purchases should be based on regional demand for recreation
in the area and on the goal of preserving an open character and significant
natural features
3. The growth area is currently served by the Prospect Recreation and Park
District and the Jefferson County Open Space Department. There should
be improved communication among the district, governmental agencies,
and private organizations responsible for buying and managing public land
in the area. Improved communication among these groups could result in
more efficient management of public lands and a higher level of use.
Coordination among these public entities and the planning departments of
the City and the county should facilitate more effective siting of private open
space to:
a. secure access easements across private property to public land;
b. encourage dedication of private land by providing information about
open space incentive programs, and
7
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
c. suggest, where appropriate, that the open space required in a
development be located to augment adjacent public land.
4.
The acquisition of undeveloped land should be related to the following
planning objectives.
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a. Maintenance of important visual resources;
b. Maintenance of open spaces between developments;
c. Provision of needed recreational opportunities,
d. Protection of significant wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors;
e Protection of areas subject to significant natural hazards, (e.g.
floodplains);
f. Protection of areas having cultural and historical significance;
g Provision of connecting trail systems,
h. Retention of unique or relict flora, (i e., tall-grass prairie, sites with rare
and endangered plants, and sites with high quality riparian vegetation);
I. Protection of ecologically sensitive areas;
J. Prevention of soil erosion; and
k. Protection and conservation of vegetation.
While these areas are desirable as open space, development should not be
precluded if sensitive site planning accommodates these concerns.
5. Public acquisition, management agreements between owners, and private
dedication of land to public entities, i.e , conservation easements, are only
three of the methods that could be used to increase the amount of land
which remains undeveloped.
6. Plantings in open space areas should be native or naturalized species and
should be varieties that require minimal maintenance, are drought tolerant,
and benefit desirable wildlife needs
Trails
Existing trails have been constructed along W. 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek by
Jefferson County. Future trails planned for the area include the extension of the W.
32nd Avenue trail from Maple Grove Park to Mcintyre and a trail along Mcintyre from
32nd Avenue to the Clear Creek trail. A connection between 32nd Avenue and the
Clear Creek trail is proposed. These trail alignments are shown on Map 4. The
provision of trails in the urban growth area should be based on the following policies:
Policies:
1. An expanded trails network should be developed that provides additional
trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, and that precludes motorized
vehicles. These trails should'
8
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
A. vary in length, ascent and nature experience,
B. traverse diverse landscape;
C. access views and vistas;
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intersect to allow the traveler a choice of paths to a destination;
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avoid damaging or impairing areas containing endangered species,
fragile environments, or high hazard areas; and
F. Link communities and other Plan areas, and link these areas to
adjacent cities and open space lands along the foothills to the west.
2 Accessible trails should be provided for all citizens, including barrier-free
trails where possible, recognizing that trail users have different levels of
ability and seek different levels of challenge.
3. New trail systems in critical wildlife habitat areas, i.e. nesting and calving
areas, and wintering grounds, should be routed in a sensitive fashion,
and/or have seasonal closures to minimize stress to the wildlife.
4 Trail corridors should be negotiated which utilize floodplains, public rights-
of-way, leased private property, parks, and public open space.
5. Liability releases should be used to remove this obstacle to the creation of
trails across private land.
6. Areas of development should have trail connections to areas of natural open
space
7. Trails should be separated and buffered with landscaping from the streets
and roads when possible.
8. Roadway projects should provide equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle
crossings; (e.g., equestrian tunnels and grade separated bike crossings at
railroads).
9. The Jefferson County Open Space Department should be requested to
assist in funding the Clear Creek regional trail corridor.
10. Local trails could be jointly funded through the Jefferson County Open
Space Joint Venture Grants Program This is a joint venture program with
adjacent cities and park and recreation districts
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
11 Equestrian and jogging trails should be unpaved and marked.
12 Parking areas should be provided at trailheads to facilitate trail usage by
equestrians, hikers, bicyclists, etc.
13. Public facilities, e.g. restrooms and telephones, should be provided at major
trail intersections and significant open space sites where feasible.
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14. The local park and recreation agencies should be consulted to determine
potential trail connections.
15. Developers should coordinate with public entities to provide trails and public
access along flood plains and/or easements such as ditches, roads, power
lines, etc., whenever possible
16. Developers should provide trail connections to adjacent open space areas,
trails, schools, bus stations, Regional Transportation District park-n-rides,
and light rail stations. This includes providing a safe crossing at roads
whenever possible
Trail Design Criteria
1 A variety of trail systems should be provided with appropriate fencing and
signage to minimize trespassing
2. Trails should connect with others in the City and surrounding jurisdictions to
provide opportunities for commuting to other jurisdictions and to provide
multiple recreational alternatives
3. The trails should intersect at strategic points to allow travelers a number of
choices to reach a desired location.
4 Areas containing endangered species or fragile environments should be
avoided.
5. Intersections between paths should be defined with a good visual warning of
an intersection as it is approached
6 Trails should take advantage of the diversity of the landscape through which
trails pass. As the landscape changes, its dominant features should be
clearly seen from the paths, i e., good observation points for views and
vistas that feature landmarks.
7. Bicycle paths should be designed for safety and be clearly marked. Safe
bicycle paths can be provided in the following ways:
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
A. Providing wider roadways with paved shoulders
B Providing off-road paths for multiple users.
C Utilizing road, rail, ditch or power line rights-of-way or easements.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN GROWTH AREA ADDITION
INTRODUCTION
This document serves as an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted by
City Council on October 25, 1999. Amendments were considered and adopted on
January 24, 2000.
The adopted Comprehensive Plan does not identify areas of potential development
outside the City's boundaries. The Plan contains a general discussion of areas of
potential annexation, but does not illustrate the areas on any maps or recommend any
future uses in these general areas. Prior to any annexation, C.R S. 31-12-105
requires that a municipality have in place a plan for the area, including proposed land
uses. Such plan may extend up to three miles from the municipality's boundary
There are unincorporated areas to the northeast, north, west and southwest of the
current City boundaries. Areas to the northeast and north are primarily unincorporated
industrial or multi-family enclaves which, although eligible for annexation, present
questionable benefit to the City versus the costs of providing services. A majority of
the area to the west of Ward Road north of 1-70 consists of established residential
neighborhoods, public uses (schools), and a cemetery These uses provide little
benefit to the City compared to the costs of providing services. A large area west of 1-
70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek is vacant and may provide development
opportunities of benefit to the City. Southwest of the City are commercial areas along
Youngfield and the established residential area of Applewood
In the mid-1990's the City submitted to the Denver Regional Council of Governments
(DRCOG) its proposed urban growth boundary as part of the preparation of the
regional plan known as Metro Vision 2020. The identified urban growth area was
generally bounded by 1-70, W 32nd Avenue, Mcintyre Street, and W. 52nd Avenue.
Containing a little over two square miles, this area was not incorporated into the
Comprehensive Plan
This Comprehensive Plan addendum addresses the potential urban growth area to the
west of the City. The planning/urban growth area is generally bounded by 1-70, West
32nd Avenue, Mcintyre Street, and West 44th Avenue The area subject to this
addendum is illustrated on Map 1 This area was submitted to DRCOG as the City's
urban growth boundary for the 2030 Metro Vision update. The addendum meets the
requirements of C.R.S 31-12-105 of having a plan in place should the City consider
any annexations in this area.
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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LAND USE
Existing Land Use
Existing land uses in the urban growth area are varied. Along the north side of 320d
Avenue are areas of low to medium density residential development. To the west of 1-
70 is industrial development along W. 44th Avenue and State Highway 58. A CDOT
maintenance facility is adjacent to SH58 at 1-70. The area to the west of 1-70 between
320d Avenue and 44th Avenue contains a golf course, and several old gravel pits now
used for water storage. A majority of this land is vacant and undeveloped
Development Constraints
Few natural hazard areas are present in the planning area. The Clear Creek 100- and
500-year floodplains generally parallel SH58 in the center of the planning area. No
other natural hazards exist in the area.
1-70, SH 58, and Clear Creek present constraints to development by acting as barriers
to providing road, utility and other infrastructure improvements to the central portion of
the planning area. State and federal rules mandate where access can occur and the
manner in which rights-of-way may be crossed for installing utilities. Responding to
calls for service in the planning area is made more challenging by the restricted
access these barriers present.
County Plans
Because the urban growth area is currently unincorporated, Jefferson County has
jurisdiction over planning and zoning matters. The urban growth area lies within two
subareas the County has identified for planning purposes. The North Plains Plan
covers that portion of the urban growth area north of Clear Creek and the Central
Plains Plan covers the area to the south of Clear Creek.
Originally prepared in the late 1990's, the Central Plains Community Plan has recently
been updated The process of updating this plan included extensive public meetings.
These subarea plans show recommended land uses in the urban growth area as
residential in existing established residential neighborhoods. Applewood Golf Course
and Clear Creek are shown as major park/recreation/open space areas. The area
along W. 44th Avenue south to Clear Creek is recommended as mixed use areas
containing office, light industrial, retail, and residential (up to 15 du/ac) uses. The bulk
of the large, undeveloped area to the west of 1-70 is shown as industrial.
2
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
Future Land Use Map
The Future Land Use map reflects the recommended land uses for the area. The
recommended land uses were matched as closely as possible to the land use
categories contained in the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
The Future Land Use Map (Map 2) illustrates recommended land uses for the urban
growth area. The categories used and the definitions, desired character, and
attributes of the various land use categories shown are the same as defined in
Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Plan and are hereby incorporated as a part of this
Addendum,
Future land uses for the planning area are shown on the Future Land Use Map on the
following page The Plan establishes the following recommended land uses:
. Existing residential neighborhoods at the approximate density shown in the
County subarea plan, SF (4)
. Existing golf course parks, and the Clear Creek floodplain as parks and open
space
. Planned Business Park along W. 44th Avenue and south of SH58 to Clear
Creek
. The large, vacant area west of 1-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek as
Community Commercial
3
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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TRANSPORTATION
The existing street network consists of the major north-south connectors of Youngfield
on the eastern border of the planning area and Mcintyre Street on the western border.
East-west connectors are W. 44th Avenue at the north and W 32nd Avenue to the
south.
1-70 and State Highway 58 provide regional, limited access highway connections in
the area. The 1-70/SH58 interchange is currently a partial interchange with only
limited movements provided The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
has prepared plans for the completion of the movements at this interchange, making it
a full-movement interchange. This entails relocating the current eastbound on-ramp at
38th Avenue to the south and relocating the eastbound on-off ramps at Ward Road to
the east. Timing of the construction of these improvements is currently uncertain
Trails currently exist along Clear Creek from 1-70 west to Golden and along 32nd
Avenue from 1-70 west to Maple Grove Park.
Future Street Network
The future street network in the area will build upon the existing grid system of north-
south and east-west streets. The roadway classifications in this plan are based upon
the recommendations of the Countywide Transportation Plan The proposed street
network for the area is shown on the Roadway Classification Map (Map 3).
Improvements to complete the 1-70/SH58 interchange movements are needed to
improve not only access to the area, but to increase mobility for the region. Because
of minimum spacing requirements, no new interchanges are proposed for 1-70 and SH
58 Improvements to the 1-70/32nd Avenue interchange to increase capacity will be
needed.
1-70 and SH58 will continue to serve the dual roles of providing access to the area and
carrying regional traffic.
Major east-west streets included in the future street network 32nd Avenue and 44th
Avenue. Streets providing north-south connections are Ward Road, Youngfield Street,
and Mcintyre Street. A new connection from McIntyre Street south of SH58 to the
Youngfield Service Road at 32nd Avenue is proposed An additional collector is
proposed to connect Youngfield to this Mclntyre/32nd Avenue collector with an
underpass at 1-70. This will provide an additional access to the Community
Commercial area.
4
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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Future Trails
The County community plans for the area show potential trails extending along W.
32nd Avenue from Maple Grove Park to Mcintyre and on Mcintyre from W. 32nd
Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail. A trail connection is proposed from 32nd Avenue to
the Clear Creek Trail in an alignment to be determined at the time of development of
the area.
5
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services
Services in the planning area are currently provided by Jefferson County and several
special districts Jefferson County currently provides general governmental services
and law enforcement. Portions of the area are included in the Urban Drainage and
Flood Control District.
Special districts serving the area are listed below.
Fire Protection Districts
. Fairmount
. West Metro
Water and Sanitation Districts
. North Table Mountain W& S
. Consolidated Mutual Water
Park and Recreation Districts
. Prospect
A large area in the central portion of the planning area is not currently served by a
sanitation provider. A small parcel of land is not provided with fire protection.
Future Service Provision
The City will provide general governmental services and police protection for any
areas annexed by the City.
Fire protection will continue to be provided by existing districts currently providing
services.
Water and sanitation services will continue to be provided by districts currently
providing services within their respective boundaries. Within the area currently not
served by water or sanitation districts, there are three options to consider:
. Inclusion into existing water or sanitation districts.
· Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by the new district.
6
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
. Formation of a new water and sanitation district, or metropolitan district, with
provision of services by another district or districts by contract with the new
district.
Provision of services by an existing or new district will depend upon the capacity of
that district to provide treated water or sewage plant capacity and the financial ability
to construct improvements. It is likely a developer will need to pay for any
infrastructure improvements, upgrades, or expansions. Any new sewage treatment
plants or expansions must be included in the Regional Clean Water Plan and be
approved by the State Department of Public Health and Environment.
Parks and Open Space
Park and open space areas in the urban growth area are currently acquired and
managed by Jefferson County and the Prospect Park and Recreation District. Two
parks located just outside the growth area, Maple Grove Park and Arapahoe Park, are
provided by the Prospect Park and Recreation District.
Policies:
1. At the time of rezoning, the following items should be requested of a
developer, if applicable:
a. Access easements across private property to public land;
b. Dedication of private land;
c Open space required with the development if located adjacent to public
land;
2. Open space purchases should be based on regional demand for recreation
in the area and on the goal of preserving an open character and significant
natural features.
3 The growth area is currently served by the Prospect Recreation and Park
District and the Jefferson County Open Space Department. There should
be improved communication among the district, governmental agencies,
and private organizations responsible for buying and managing public land
in the area. Improved communication among these groups could result in
more efficient management of public lands and a higher level of use.
Coordination among these public entities and the planning departments of
the City and the county should facilitate more effective siting of private open
space to.
a. secure access easements across private property to public land,
b encourage dedication of private land by providing information about
open space incentive programs, and
7
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
c. suggest, where appropriate, that the open space required in a
development be located to augment adjacent public land.
4. The acquisition of undeveloped land should be related to the following
planning objectives:
a. Maintenance of important visual resources;
b. Maintenance of open spaces between developments;
c. Provision of needed recreational opportunities;
d. Protection of significant wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors;
e. Protection of areas subject to significant natural hazards, (e.g
floodplains);
f. Protection of areas having cultural and historical significance,
g. Provision of connecting trail systems;
h. Retention of unique or relict flora, (i.e., tall-grass prairie, sites with rare
and endangered plants, and sites with high quality riparian vegetation);
I. Protection of ecologically sensitive areas,
J. Prevention of soil erosion; and
k. Protection and conservation of vegetation.
While these areas are desirable as open space, development should not be
precluded if sensitive site planning accommodates these concerns.
5. Public acquisition, management agreements between owners, and private
dedication of land to public entities, i.e., conservation easements, are only
three of the methods that could be used to increase the amount of land
which remains undeveloped
6. Plantings in open space areas should be native or naturalized species and
should be varieties that require minimal maintenance, are drought tolerant,
and benefit desirable wildlife needs.
Trails
Existing trails have been constructed along W. 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek by
Jefferson County. Future trails planned for the area include the extension of the W.
32nd Avenue trail from Maple Grove Park to Mcintyre and a trail along Mcintyre from
32nd Avenue to the Clear Creek trail A connection between 32nd Avenue and the
Clear Creek trail is proposed. These trail alignments are shown on Map 4. The
provision of trails in the urban growth area should be based on the following policies'
Policies:
1 , An expanded trails network should be developed that provides additional
trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, and that precludes motorized
vehicles. These trails should'
8
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
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A. vary in length, ascent and nature experience,
B. traverse diverse landscape,
C. access views and vistas,
D. intersect to allow the traveler a choice of paths to a destination,
E. avoid damaging or impairing areas containing endangered species,
fragile environments, or high hazard areas; and
F. Link communities and other Plan areas, and link these areas to
adjacent cities and open space lands along the foothills to the west.
2. Accessible trails should be provided for all citizens, including barrier-free
trails where possible, recognizing that trail users have different levels of
ability and seek different levels of challenge.
3 New trail systems in critical wildlife habitat areas, i.e. nesting and calving
areas, and wintering grounds, should be routed in a sensitive fashion,
and/or have seasonal closures to minimize stress to the wildlife.
4. Trail corridors should be negotiated which utilize floodplains, public rights-
of-way, leased private property, parks, and public open space.
5. Liability releases should be used to remove this obstacle to the creation of
trails across private land
6. Areas of development should have trail connections to areas of natural open
space.
7. Trails should be separated and buffered with landscaping from the streets
and roads when possible.
8. Roadway projects should provide equestrian, pedestrian and bicycle
crossings, (e.g., equestrian tunnels and grade separated bike crossings at
railroads).
9. The Jefferson County Open Space Department should be requested to
assist in funding the Clear Creek regional trail corridor
10. Local trails could be jointly funded through the Jefferson County Open
Space Joint Venture Grants Program. This is a joint venture program with
adjacent cities and park and recreation districts
9
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
11. Equestrian and jogging trails should be unpaved and marked.
12. Parking areas should be provided at trailheads to facilitate trail usage by
equestrians, hikers, bicyclists, etc.
13. Public facilities, e.g. restrooms and telephones, should be provided at major
trail intersections and significant open space sites where feasible.
14. The local park and recreation agencies should be consulted to determine
potential trail connections.
15. Developers should coordinate with public entities to provide trails and public
access along flood plains and/or easements such as ditches, roads, power
lines, etc., whenever possible.
16. Developers should provide trail connections to adjacent open space areas,
trails, schools, bus stations, Regional Transportation District park-n-rides,
and light rail stations. This includes providing a safe crossing at roads
whenever possible.
Trail Design Criteria
1. A variety of trail systems should be provided with appropriate fencing and
signage to minimize trespassing
2. Trails should connect with others in the City and surrounding jurisdictions to
provide opportunities for commuting to other jurisdictions and to provide
multiple recreational alternatives.
3. The trails should intersect at strategic points to allow travelers a number of
choices to reach a desired location.
4 Areas containing endangered species or fragile environments should be
avoided.
5. Intersections between paths should be defined with a good visual warning of
an intersection as it is approached.
6. Trails should take advantage of the diversity of the landscape through which
trails pass As the landscape changes, its dominant features should be
clearly seen from the paths, i e., good observation points for views and
vistas that feature landmarks.
7. Bicycle paths should be designed for safety and be clearly marked. Safe
bicycle paths can be provided in the following ways:
10
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum
A. Providing wider roadways with paved shoulders.
B Providing off-road paths for multiple users.
C Utilizing road, rail, ditch or power line rights-of-way or easements.
11
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - Urban Growth Area Addendum