HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan Addendum 2004City of Wheat Ridge 0~ W"Eq T ~
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Community Development Department ~
em~ran ~m c~~ Ao0 oR
To: Mayor
City Council
Planning Commission
FROM: Alan White, Community Development Director ~
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Addendum
DATE: August 10, 2004
Attached is a copy of the Comprehensive Plan Addendum adopted by City Council on February 23rd
of this year, The document includes the amendments adopted by Council at that hearing.
The document is an addendum to the existing Comprehensive Plan. Three chapters address the
Urban Growth Area and Chapter 7 replaces the existing Chapter 7 in its entirety.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
cc: Community Development Staff
1
City of Wheat Ridge
Comprehensive Plan Addendum
Inclusion of an Urban Growth Area
And
Amendments to Chapter 7 (Regional
Planning and Cooperation)
Adopted February 2004
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION N0.
Series of 2004
A RESOLUTION CONCERNING ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO
THE WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND FORWARDING
SAID RECOMMENDATION TO THE WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL.
WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan on October 25,
1999 and amendments were considered and adopted on January 24, 2000; and
WHEREAS, C.R.S. 31-23-206 (2j 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
limits of the City as is permitted under state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS, prior to annexation, a city must have in place a plan for the area considered
for annexation pursuant to C.R. S. 31-12-1 O5, and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan boundary
outside the corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing 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 January 8, 2004, said public hearing held on
February 5, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission
this 5th day of February, 2004:
1. The Comprehensive Plan amendments attached hereto as Exhibit A are recommended
for approval to the City Council.
2. A copy of this Resolution shall be forwarded to the City Council.
WHEAT RIDGE PLANNING COM1ViISSION
~
ATTEST: Chair
.
r.' ~t ' ~
Secretary to the Commission
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RESOLUTION N0. 04-2004
Series of 2004
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT
RIDGE, COLORADO, ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE WHEAT
RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan
on October 25,1999 and amendments were considered and adopted in January 24, 2000; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan did not include any areas outside the corporate
limits of the City as is permitted under state enabling legislation, and
WHEREAS, prior 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, it is the desire of the City to extend its Comprehensive Plan boundary
outside the corporate limits; 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, Planning Commission has held a public hearin as rovided b C.R.S. 3 l - g P Y
23-208 and Section 2-60 (b) of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof dul~~
published in the Wheat Ridge Transcript and the High Timber Times on Janu 8, 2004 with a . ~'y
wntten recommendation forwarded to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hips held a public hearing as provided by Section 2-60 (b) of
the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws; legal notice thereof being duly published in the Wheat Rid e g
Transcript and High Timber Times on February 5, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat
Ridge, Colorado, as follows:
l . That the City Council of the Cite 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 ~ ~ ~ day of ~ ~ ~ , 2004. . ,
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--~RETCHEN CERVEI~Y, MA~'O
ATTEST: _ . ~ ~ ~ ~
P ELA Y. ND RSON, CITY CLERK
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
URBAN GROWTH AREA ADDITION
INTRODUCTION
This document serves as a supplement to the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted by
City Council on October 25, 1999. Amendments were considered and adopted on
January 24, 2000.
r
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 forthe 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 ormulti-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 I-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 I-
70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek is vacant and ma rovide develo ment Yp p
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 I-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 revised urban growth area is generally bounded by I-70, West
32nd Avenue, McIntyre Street, and West 44th Avenue. The area sub'ect to this 1
addendum is illustrated on Map 1. 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.
1
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 32nd
Avenue are areas of low to medium density residential development. To the west of I-
70 is industrial development along W. 44t" Avenue and State Highway 58. A CDOT
maintenance facility is adjacent to SH58 at I-70. The area to the west of I-70 between
32nd Avenue and 44t" Avenue contains a golf course, and several old ravel pits now g
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 floodplainsgenerslly parallel SH58 in the center of the planning area. No
other natural hazards exist in the area.
I-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 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 parklrecreationlopen space areas. The area
along W. 44t" 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 I-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 as shown
in the County subarea plans. 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 as parks and open space
• Planned Business Park along W. 44t" Avenue and south of SH58 to Clear
Creek
• The large, vacant area west of I-70 between 32nd Avenue and Clear Creek as
Community Commercial
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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. 44t" Avenue at the north and W. 32nd Avenue to the
south.
I-70 and State Highway 58 provide regional, limited access highway connections in
the area. The I-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
afull-movement interchange. This entails relocating the current eastbound on-ramp at
38t" Avenue to the south and relocatin the eastbound on-off ram s at Ward Road to g p
the east. Timing of the construction of these improvements is currently uncertain.
Trails currently exist along Clear Creek from I-70 west to Golden and along 32nd
Avenue from I-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 Ma Ma 3 .
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Improvements to complete the I-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 I-70 and SH
58; however, agrade-separated crossing of SH 58 is shown at Eldridge.
Improvements to the I-70132nd Avenue interchange to increase capacity will be
needed.
I-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 44t"
Avenue. Streets providing north-south connections are Ward Road, Youngfield Street,
and McIntyre Street. Anew connection from Eldridge Street at SH58 to the I-70
Frontage Road at 32nd Avenue is proposed. A connection to this ro osed collector is pp
shown between McIntyre Street and Eldridge Street in the alignment of the current
frontage road. An additional collector is proposed to connect Youngfield to this
4
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -Urban Growth Area Addendum
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Eldridge/32nd Avenue collector with an underpass at I-70. This will provide an
additional access to the Community Commercial area.
Future Trails
The County community plans forthe area show potential trails extending along W.
32nd Avenue from Maple Grove Park to McIntyre and on Mclnt re from W. 32nd Y
Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail.
5
Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -Urban Growth Area Addendum
COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITYSERVICES
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.
d
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.
s
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 rowth area are current) ~ ac uired and g Y q
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 Mclnt re and a trail alon Mclnt re from nd y. g y
32 Avenue to the Clear Creek trail. 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:
s
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
(This Replaces the current Chapter 7 in its entirety.)
CHAPTER 7: REGIONAL PLANNING
AND COOPERATION
Many of the important issues facing communities today- air quality, water
quality, stormwater drainage, and transportation mobility, are not confined to
jurisdictional boundaries. Consequently, regional approaches to problem solving
are needed to improve the quality of life in individual communities. Several
regional plans have been adopted or are in the process of being updated. These
include Metro Vision 2020, the Countywide Transportation Plan, the North Plains
Community Plan, and the Central Plains Community Plan.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRC~G) adopted the Metro
Vision 2020 in 1995. It is currently being updated and expanded to the year
2030. The Plan emphasizes local control over growth and development
decisions, but also establishes a framework within which to make decisions that affect the entire metro area. The plan establishes six core elements:
1. Extent of Urban Development - will occur within 700 square miles by
2020, accommodating the expected population growth and adding 165
square miles to the existing area. The conversion of land should prevent
the unnecessary extension of infrastructure, reduce regional vehicle travel,
maintain air quality standards, and help preserve open space.
2. open Space - a regional open space system that shapes the region=s
form, protects environmental resources, and provides recreational
opportunities. The recreational, environmental, visual and agricultural
qualities of the region are of great value to residents and visitors. As the
region continues to develop, it will be increasingly important to identify and
protect this valuable asset.
3. Free-Standing Communities -Boulder, Brighton, Castle Rock and
Longmont to be separate from the urban area, with an adequate
employment/housing balance and internal transportation system. These
communities should retain their visual and physical separation and strive
to meet the employment, service and facility needs of their new residents.
4. Balanced, multi-modal transportation system -includes rapid transit, a
bus network, regional beltways, bike and pedestrian facilities and
improvements to the existing system. The primary goal of transportation
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development
is to provide mobility and accessibility to support the physical, social and
economic development of the region. Metro Vision promotes an efficient
transportation system by increasing capacity through public transit, system
management, and providing for alternative modes in addition to roadway
widening.
5. Urban Centers - a range of activity centers in the region that serve as
transit destinations; support retail, employment and housing; contain
higher densities than the regional average; and encourage pedestrian-
oriented travel. They will be pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use locations of
high intensity, providing a range of retail, business, civic, cultural, and
residential opportunities fortheir surrounding trade areas. Ranging from
the Denver Center Business District (CBD) to the neighborhood
supermarket, centers can serve as focal points for social, business and
community activity, while enabling transit to better serve the community.
6. Environmental Quality -acknowledges that the location and type of
growth and land development have significant effects on the region=s air
and water. Environmental issues such as air and water quality are truly
regional in nature. Water quality will be addressed through the Clean
Water Plan, an integrated watershed approach to managing regional
water quality. Air quality is linked with population growth, travel behavior
and technology improvements. Metro Vision reflects desired
development and transportation patterns recommended by the Regional
Air Quality Council (RAQC) to help curb increases in air pollution.
Metro Vision recognizes the fundamental link between land use, growth and
development patterns, transportation, and environmental quality, and that
regional issues can only be addressed by individual jurisdictions acting together.
Each core element provides a natural focus for addressing a wide variety of
issues. While they are broad in scope, each has a set of policy objectives that more fully describe how they provide for growth while striving to protect the
regional qualities residents value.
While not faced with the challenges of rapid growth, Wheat Ridge is faced with
many of the issues identified in Metro Vision 2020. Revitalizing commercial
areas, maintaining stable neighborhoods and enhancing transit service all can be
guided by the principles of Metro Vision 2020.
Establishing a good working relationship with neighboring jurisdictions also helps
Wheat Ridge to have more influence over what is developed on land adjacent to
the City and on other decisions that affect the quality of life in Wheat Ridge.
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Urban Growth Boundary
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 urban growth
area identified was generally bounded by I-70, W. 32nd Avenue, McIntyre Street,
and W. 52nd Avenue. Containing a little over twos uare miles, this area was not
q included in the 2001 Comprehensive Plan.
A reduced area has been adopted as the City's urban growth boundary for the
update and extension of Metro Vision to the year 2030. This area is bounded by
-70, W. 32nd Avenue, McIntyre and W. 44th Avenue.
r Wheat Ridge is part of the larger Denver Metropolitan Region. Growth and
development decisions of the City can affect others in the region, just as others'
growth and development decisions can affect Wheat Ridge. The City is a
member of the Denver Regional Council of Governments, a voluntary
organization of local governments. The City acknowledges that Metro Vision
2020 is the comprehensive guide for development of the region and that it
provides a regional framework for local decisions on growth and development
with the Denver metropolitan Region.
The Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan supports many of the core elements of
Metro Vision 2020, including designating a specified area for urban development;
creating a balanced multi-modal transportation system; participating in a regional
open space system; and incorporating public participation processes into all
planning efforts.
The Comprehensive Plan, and especially the maps and policies dealing with the
urban growth area, are intended to provide policy guidance in making land use
and annexation decisions. The decision to include the urban growth area in the
Comprehensive Plan does not mean the City intends to orwill annex any portion
of the urban growth area. The decision to annex should be based upon a
number of factors, including benefits to the City, costs of providing services,
quality and nature of the development, consistency with the Comprehensive
Plan, and the financial impact to the City.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development
Goals and Policies to Encourage Mutually Beneficial Regional
Cooperation
1. Goal: Participate in intergovernmental and regional organizations to accommodate and encourage planned growth and development, to
extend urban services in an orderly manner, to enhance the quality
of life, to protect the environment and to promote the economic
vitality of the communities within the Denver Metropolitan Region.
Policies:
1.1 Coordinate the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan with the
comprehensive plans of surrounding jurisdictions and
acknowledge that Metro Vision 2020 shall serve as the
comprehensive guide for the orderly growth and
development of the Denver Metropolitan Region.
1.2 Develop a tracking system to monitor the City's development
so that it is consistent with the urban area the City has
agreed upon as part of Metro Vision 2020.
1.3 Review factors related to the City's Metro Vision 2020 urban
growth area and the City's continued use of it at least once
every five years.
1.4 Pursue signing of and participation in the Mile High
Compact. k
2. Goal: Annex and grow in a manner consistent with the goals and
policies of the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan.
Policies:
2.1 Consider annexation petitions when the proposal offers
exceptional benefits to the City that are over and above
meeting minimum requirements.
2.2 Develop intergovernmental agreements with neighboring
communities to ensure that development occurring near
Wheat Ridge's boundaries does not adversely affect existing
development in the City or does not adversely impact the
City financially.
2.3 Participate in land use, open space and transportation
planning efforts at the local, county and regional level in
order to further the goals of this Comprehensive Plan.
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Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development
2.4 Continue to participate in region-wide transportation planning
that emphasizes and funds alternatives to the automobile.
3. Goal: Coordinate and cooperate with other agencies in the provision
of infrastructure and services to City residents.
Policies:
3.1 Continue to cooperate with the Jefferson County School
District in locating and developing neighborhood schools,
parks, and playgrounds.
3.2 Work with the Jefferson County Library District Board to
improve library service in the City.
3.3 Work with special districts and utility corripanies to extend
services to the growth area and upgrade infrastructure in the
City as needed.
3.4 Work with the Regional Transportation District in the
planning of additional bus service and rapid transit service in
the City.
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