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Comp Plan January 2000
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' B a:• f v ' 6'416r}~ k h ll I S. 1 r~: y' ' ~ ; ' ,fY f~%:•'f yy r 9 } f~5 'f ~~fa" + ~I ~ > , f { r 5 II{I ~IB~ is 155iiik:555 t}R4^ , 5~ i IN ~L~q B~BBB qk~ ry f~ III 5, r: ; i f Ey f,f ~ F ~ RESOLUTION N0. 6 2 Series of 1999 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO, TO ADOPT THE WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (WPA-99-O1} WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 1976 and amended the Comprehensive Plan several times through 1992; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Wheat Ridge, when necessary, to undertake review of the existing Comprehensive Plan and adopt a new Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge started a complete review of the 197b Comprehensive Plan, as amended, and established a citizen committee (Comprehensive Plan Review Committee) to assist in the preparation of a new Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) produced a draft plan which was forwarded to the Planning Commission for review; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and City staff undertook extensive ,study and review and held public meetings with respect to the creation of a new Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan at a public hearing on September 8,1999; and WHEREAS, such study and review has now been completed and a proposed new Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan has now been prepared; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 2-b0(a) of the Code of Laws of the City of Wheat Ridge, the Planning Commission has forwarded its recommendation for adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan to the City Council for approval; and WHEREAS, the City Council has 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 on October 15,1999, said public hearing held on October 25,1999. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows: A. That the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge hereby adopts the 1999 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan. B. An attested copy of this resolution shall be attached to the Plan and a copy of the Plan as attested shall be certified to Jefferson County, Colorado. I t ti DONE AND RESOLVED THIS ~~day of t a r ,1999. l 1 / ~ w TCHEN CERVENY, MAYOR ATTEST. r~ WANDA SANG, CITI~~LERK C:1BarbaraICCRPTSIRESO-ORDIwpa9901,wpd TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..............................................................iii THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE' S VISION FOR ITS FUTURE . . v CHAPTER 1: PLAN SUMMARY USING THE WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN DAY-TO-DAY DECISION-MAKING . , 1-1 PLAN DISTRIB UTION DEVELOPMENT REVIEW KEY COMPONENTS OF THE WHEAT RIDGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 1-3 ISSUES RAISED BY CITIZENS OF WHEAT RIDGE AND ADDRESSED BY THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ................................................................................1-5 CHAPTER 2: THE LAND USE PLAN LAND USE ANALYSIS . . 2-1 REGIONAL SETTING LAND USE COMPARISON -1976 VS 1996 EXISTING LAND USE THE IMPACT OF VACANT/AGRICULTURAL LAND ON WHEAT RIDGE' S FUTURE 2-4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS FUTURE LAND USE: GOALS AND POLICIES . . 2-8 THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN 2-17 INTRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK WHEAT RIDGE LAND USE PLAN LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS , 2-20 CHAPTER 3: COMMUNITY CHARACTER WHAT IS COMMUNITY CHARACTER? . 3-1 STRENGTHENING WHEAT RIDGE' S IMAGE AND IDENTITY 3 -2 COMMUNITY CHARACTER: GOALS AND POLICIES . 3-2 CHAPTER 4; COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES WHAT ARE WHEAT RIDGE' S PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS? 4-1 SERVICESAND FACILITIES CITY SERVICES COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND SERVICES.: GOALS AND POLICIES 4-5 CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORTATION WHAT ARE THE KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES FACING THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE? , 5-1 ROADWAY CLASSIFICATIONS PEDESTRIAN FRAMEWORK WADSWORTHBOULEVARD TRANSIT RELATIONSHIP TO COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK 5-6 TRANSPORTATION: GOALS AND POLICIES . . 5-7 i CHAPTER 6: SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHAT TYPE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS DESIRED BY THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE? 6-1 Introduction ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 6-2 Retail Business and Sales Tax Revenue General Fund Budget Summary: Revenues and Expenditures ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: GOALS AND POLICIES . 6-5 REVITALIZATION AND REINVESTMENT . 6-6 CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE BENEFITS ACHIEVED THROUGH REGIONAL COOPERATION? ..........7-1 ENVIRONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION: GOALS AND POLICIES 7-3 ,CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN THE ROLE OF ZONING AND RELATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS . 8-1 Zoning Regulations Subdivision regulations Site plan review Capital improvements program Coordination with other agencies ' Additional plan elements and updates CRITICAL ACTIONS TO UNDERTAKE . 8-4 UPDATING THE PLAN . 8-5 TECHNICAL APPENDICES APPENDIXA ISSUES RAISED BY CITIZENS OF WHEAT RIDGE AND ADDRESSED Bl~ THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN District 1 District 11 District Ill District 1 V APPENDIX B WHEAT RIDGE DEMOGRAPHICS APPENDIX C A PREAMBLE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO TO PERPETUATE ITS PAST AND SUSTAIN ITS FUTURE ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ELECTED OFFICIALS Moor Gretchen Cerveny, Mayor Dan Wilde, Former Mayor City Council Teri Dalbec, Former City Council Member Jerry DiTullio, City Council Member Lloyd Donnelly, Former City Council Member Don Eafanti, Former City Council Member Jean Fields, Former Ciry Council Member Ralph Mancinelli, City Council Member Janelle Shaver, City Council Member Ken Siler, City Council Member Tony Solana Former City Council Member Claudia Worth, City Council Member APPOINTED OFFICIALS Planning Commission Ann Brinkman, Former Planning Commissioner Carl Cerveny, Former Planning Commissioner Jerry Collins, Planning Commissioner Paulette Cooper, Planning Commissioner Dick Doyle, Planning Commissioner Dean Gokey, Planning Commissioner Donald MacDougall, Planning Commissioner Jay Rasplicka, Former Planning Commissioner Tom Shockley, Former Planning Commissioner Nancy Snow, Planning Commissioner Gary Theander, Former Planning Commissioner Janice Thompson, Planning Commissioner Harry Williams, Former Planning Commissioner Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Clarence Degenhart, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee William Donaldson, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Lloyd Donnelly, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Robert Eckhardt, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Jean Fields, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Bunny Gordon, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Walter. LaMendola, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Cheryl Major-Jaramillo, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Ron Patera, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Margie Plater, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Susan Seeds, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Thomas Slattery, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Nancy Snow, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee Robert Walker, Comprehensive Plan Review Committee COMMUNITY The many citizens of Wheat Ridge along with the business community for their critical contributions to the planning process through participation in the public meetings. CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE STAFF Valerie Adams, City Manager .Terry Dahl, City Attorney Alan White, Director of Planning and Development Meredith Reckert, Senior Planner Sean McCartney, Planner Jenifer Roche, Planning Intern Barbara Delgadillo, Senior Secretary Barb Fuller, Minutes Clerk Marilyn Gunn, Senior Secretary CONSULTANTS Community Matters, Inc. The ,city of Wheat Ridge's Vision for Its Future OurVision forthe Future We, the citizens of Wheat Ridge, wish to retain the community's link with its rural past by preserving the City's unique qualities: the community's diverse neighborhoods; the mix of natural areas, wildlife habitat, open space and the Clear Creek Greenbelt; as well as physical evidence of the City's agricultural heritage. Our vision of this community for its future is not as a shopping center or sea of highways, but as a human habitat-semi-rural in feel, look and use-compatible with its environment and natural surroundings yet as a distinct, separate city from those surrounding it. As citizens of Wheat Ridge, our desire is to remain a primaril y residential community, with strategically located commercial activities, public services and amenities that serve the day-to-day needs of the citizens that reside in our many neighborhoods. As citizens of Wheat Ridge, we are dedicated to instilling a renewed sense of pride in our community by setting higher standards for new development and by evaluating existing development and identifying improvement and redevelopment opportunities. We shall continue to dedicate ourselves to plan, build and maintain homes and businesses that harmonize with the environment. We recognize that in the last 20 years, we have become part of a larger community-the Denver Metropolitan area. To this end, we shall dedicate ourselves to participate in all levels of government and to direct our elected officials to carefully plan and regulate new development so as to enhance the overall quality of life within our community. GHAP'TER 1: PLAN SUIUIMAI~~( Using the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan in Day-to-Day Decision- Making The following specific City plans shall be considered attachments to this plan as specified in C.R.S. 31-23-208. ■ The Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Plan adopted by:City Council in 1981, amended December 1997. ■ The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Plan dated June 3; 1997. ■ The Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Plan adopted by City Council in June, 1991. ■ The Economic Development Strategy Plan adopted by City .Council in February, 1995. The following documents are appendices to this Plan: ■ The Wadsworth Corridor Study adopted by Council on May 10, 1999. ■ The Housing and Demographic Study completed by the City of Wheat Ridge Planning and Development Department. ■ The recorded statements from the neighborhood meetings held during the development of this Plan. PLAN DISTRIBUTION ■ The Plan shall be used by the City Council, Planning Commission, City staff and various Boards and Commissions to determine annual work programs and budgets. ■ The Plan shall be used to guide decision-making in issues. regarding community character, infrastructure improvements, land use, and environmental quality. ■ The. Plan shall be reviewed on a periodic basis by the City Council, Planning Commission and City staff. The intent of the review is to check if the action items identified have been met, met on schedule, are. no longer valid, or if new ones need to be added. Amendments can be added to the plan as a supplemental section in the beginning of the document or, alternatively, a revised plan can be printed with all revisions on a biannual basis. ■ The Plan shall be distributed to all local governmental agencies, non-profit organizations interested in the Wheat Ridge area, and businesses to aid them in their community goal setting and action plans. ■ The Plan should prove useful to Wheat Ridge residents, the real estate community, private property owners, or developers. The Plan provides 1-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development information and guidance on several community topics, including. land use, community character, transportation, and housing needs. It will help them understand what the community wants to be and how it plans to get there. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW ■ The Wheat Ridge Planning Commission, City Council, and Board of Adjustment shall consider the goals and policies and the Future Land Use Map contained within this plan in their review of any proposed development proposal, land use change, zoning request, .vacation, variance, and any other land use matter brought before the City. City staff shall make the initial determination as to whether or not the development proposal or zoning request conforms to the statements contained within this plan. It is then Planning Commission's role to review staff recommendations and determine- how the development application conforms or does not conform to the Plan. Such recommendations are then forwarded onto City Council. If the request does not conform to the Comprehensive Plan, it may be considered for denial. Changing conditions or unique circumstances, where approving the request will definitely benefit the community, may require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. This should occur o~ if community benefits are clearly identified and do not compromise any other community goals and policies. ■ If this Comprehensive Plan and map are amended, Planning Commission and City Council should ensure that the necessary zoning and related development approvals are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and adopted Future Land Use Map. AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan will be needed over time. Conditions, values, development practices, and goals of the City change. The Comprehensive Plan should reflect these changes by being amended on a periodic basis. The Wheat Ridge Code of Laws provides that the Planning Commission initiate amendments to adopted chapters or new proposed chapters to the Comprehensive Plan. City Council may refer amendments to the Commission for a recommendation. The Code. of Laws also provides that if the Planning Commission recommends a change to a zone district that differs significantly from the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission shall recommend an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Amendments are adopted by City Council at a public hearing upon a recommendation by the Planning Commission during a public hearing. 1-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Overall ~Communit Goals y . . „ • rthr ~b ~Gr~ C~~►r~r'~ ~~lit• • ~uelo ~~r~t ad r~ede~el~~`. n~ep~:~of lapaf~rr ~ e ~ of ~r / : • b~orhovd~' ~ `:f~r~s~rv~ an~l~ er~~!an+ce l~e~f:ral'~e s per f r . ~ ' ~ ~ .f~e~o~~~e~~h~f ~ar~sanda~~~~ spade in the !~~ty'of ulfl~~a~ ~~c fge ~ are va~~rable, t~m~~~d ~e ~~r~~s f~a~t~~1~'~~ pr~s~rue~l fpr~ fh~ +~r~lcryr~en# o ~ ~tbz~ns. • Ln~our~~e in~er~Qr~en~en~~l ca►~pera~~nr~ can issr~~,~ ~r~~~ re~abal i►~pac~s an~C n~r#ure rr~f~~a~~~an b~e~we~r~ aaI n~~r»~,~rs a ~ e ~cornmunr y.: . . ~~nfrnue ~o ~rov~d+e q~a~~ f~ ~~r~►~un~~y servr~es, fac~1~#res a~at amer~r~~ m : ~ W~~t>~dge~~ ; ~ ~ . ~ ~ . ~~t4 ~~~ge a~f~rn~v~ran ~.or~atidn`~ or~t~rii#~~. ~ Make ~~~ry effort f+~'~ke~p.d~s#rian~ an~1 bicyclis~sfe~~ safe a~cl corn fartable ~E~ra~• •~:f~~u# ~~e fit :~'!~/~~at~ R~~l e. Con~~nu~e fo:~pr©►r►~~ opPocrr~r#~e~ far ma~nrngfuE pub1~~ ~n~~lv~men~ ~n ~fee~~~Q~rs a~~~ #~e q~r~li f y.a~ fi~f~ ~ea~~ ~~~g~e a~ad ~~~a~►ra~ge ~r~vo~~emen#. ~ 1 / ~i ~~:.'Wrll' add:1`Q 1`~te fax Nase U~rrt ~pdrrstr~~r to fie ~'e~e~~p~en~ of ~rc~h~ rnd~r~tr,~ t ~t . , aid p~o~rde~eb~ for ~a~atr~~►af~r~fs. ; ~n~ .rove and cr rade ~~#~:e::: ~a1r~: of ~nfras~r~:cture in one: cif ~ ~ Pr~n~a►t~ and fas#+er ua~~ ::~sr~aa~l b~s~r~~e~s~s ~r~ l~ll~eaf>~d Key Components of the Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan During the first six months of this Plan's development, the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) held neighborhood district meetings as well as district meetings to: 1. Determine what elements should be included in this plan. 2. Develop goals and policies for each plan component. 3. Establish key community values. As a result of these community meetings, the CPRC developed the following six plan components. • Future Land Use ■ Land Use Plan (required by statute) ■ Commercial --how it "fits" with the rest of the community ■ Environmental Quality ■ Aesthetics-physical, design elements, landscaping, housing-density, balance . ■ Managing Change-type of growth 1-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Community Character ■ Enhancing Wheat Ridge's Distinctive Identity ■ Preserving Wheat Ridge's Cultural Legacy and Small Town Spirit ■ Maintaining Quality of Neighborhoods ■ Height LimitlPreserving Mountain Views ■ Natural Habitats and Trees ■ Community Involvement (strong, caring, compassionate) ■ Diverse Physical Character Community Amenities and Services ■ Parks, Recreation, and Open Space ■ Historic Resources (including historic ditches) ■ Arts and Culture ■ Safety of our Citizens-police, fire, etc. ■ Welfare of our Citizens-health care, medical, etc. ■ Life-Long Learning-education, library, etc. ■ Utilities-waste disposal Transportation Multiple modes of transportation for people of all ages. ■ Traffic Calming ■ Street Plan (classificationldesignation to be referenced by CDOT, RTD, DRCOG, and JeffCo). Sustainable Economic Development Environs and Regional Cooperation 1-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Issues Raised by Citizens of Wheat Ridge and Addressed by the Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan was developed under the guidance of a dedicated group of eleven citizens -the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) -selected and appointed by the City Council. The committee contained two representatives from each of Wheat Ridge's four districts, as well as representatives from Planning Commission, City Council, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. They served as conduits of information to and from the neighbors residing in their respective districts and to and from the community at-large. They met twice a month over a course of nearly two years. On October 1, 1996, the CPRC, with assistance from Community Matters, Inc. and City staff, held a "town meeting" in order to give citizens an opportunity early on to express what they wanted the future Wheat Ridge to be like. At this meeting, a few of the more salient themes were: ■ People of Wheat Ridge truly value their parks and open space system and would like even more. ■ Children's safety and overall quality of life is a primary concern. ■ Citizens strongly favor the single-family housing developments in Wheat Ridge over the multi-family developments. ■ Citizens want to maintain Wheat Ridge's identity and cultural legacy -agricultural heritage and semi-rural feel. ■ Overwhelmingly, citizens agreed that they would like to instill a renewed sense of pride in Wheat Ridge through improved maintenance of properties and by encouraging quality development. (See the results of the exercises administered at-the town meeting in Appendix A). 1-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development CHARTER 2' THE L~41~a IJ~E PL~~I LAND USE ANALYSIS REGIONAL SETTING On November 2, 1976, Wheat Ridge citizens voted to create a Home Rule Charter Commission. A Home Rule Charter was developed providing for the Council-Mayor- Administratorform of government. The City of Wheat Ridge is a unit of government within Jefferson County, which is the most populated County in the State and whose population is estimated to exceed 500,000 by the year 2000. Wheat Ridge is nearly surrounded by other municipalities on all sides, with the exception of unincorporated Jefferson County to the west and Crown Hill Cemetery and adjoining park and open space area south of West 32"d Avenue between Wadsworth and Kipling. The Clear Creek Greenbelt is a major wildlife migratory corridor along the Front Range. Consequently, Wheat Ridge has limited space for boundary expansion. For many years, the Wheat Ridge citizens have explored the possibility of annexation in five areas: Area 1 -Western Edge The unincorporated area consists of Vacant/Agricultural lands along the Clear Creek corridor and industrial and commercial uses along West 44th Avenue. The bulk of the area west to McIntyre Street, however, consists of residential, agricultural and semi-rural uses. Annexation offers the potential to increase the semi-rural atmosphere and to provide additional open space and recreational uses. The cost of servicing newly annexed land must be weighed against the potential tax revenues before any program of annexation is considered. Area 2 -Straightening Irregular Border Another annexation opportunity exists. It calls for the cities of Arvada and Wheat Ridge to cooperate for better land use and. to correct the highly irregular border that exists between them at the northern end of Wheat Ridge. Area 3 -Northeastern Edge To the northeast there is unincorporated industrial and commercial land which has been under consideration for annexation. Area 4 Applewood To the southwest, Applewood is a completely developed premium residential area. Cost of services versus revenues received would again be the governing consideration for annexation. Adjacent to this region is South Table Mountain that, along with North Table Mountain, should be preserved as a natural buffer between the developed areas to the west of the City. 2-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development rrr I i ~ , m ~ m rJ,~S it ~ i' ~ ~rrr/ ~ Wesfminster o ~iiiiiij > i fr ' r r ~ ~iii~ ~ ~ prr mii% ~^e rj rii ~ ~ LL `eat Gtae r ~ / G Oiiii ~ h N ~ / //r Arvada 'O ^ / C 77 I Denver Sri 5~ k t I r N a ree S c leer iiiia C ~ `ale 5~ , , ~i ~ Edgewater ~iiii/ , 26th Ave " f•:~"~'~' / i iiiiii~G~ ~ 6 N _ ~ / o,-Colfax Ave ~-°~°-m a~ a~ / r r ~ US 6 / / Golden r ' ;,rr% ~ Lakewood Denver ~ ~s /ir Alameda Ave r riiiiiii~ ~ /ia j ~ Map 7: ~ REGIONAL SETTING Area 5 Lakeside To the east, the land is incorporated and not eligible for annexation with the exception of Lakeside. Lakeside Shopping Center has lost many businesses in past years and is thus ripe for redevelopment to make it economically viable. Some years ago the City attempted to participate with the owner of the shopping center in the western end of Lakeside to have the shopping center de-annex from Lakeside and incorporate into Wheat Ridge. Although this effort failed after an adverse court action, the City should continue to consider this as an option to be in a stronger position to affect what direction the redevelopment may take. To the south lies Crown Hill Cemetery and Crown Hill Park. The cemetery may or may not be suitable for annexation. Crown Hill Park is a regional park underthe joint auspices of Jefferson County and the cities of Lakewood and Wheat Ridge and is, therefore, not suitable for annexation. Land Use Comparison -1976 vs. 1996 The City of Wheat Ridge is comprised of 5,751 acres of land of which 4,345 is devoted to land used for residential, commercial and industrial activities as well as parks and open space. The remaining 1,406 acres are devoted to streets and public rights-of-way. Existing land uses are shown on Map 2. Since the adoption of the City's last Comprehensive Plan in 1976, there have been a number of notable shifts in how land is used in the City. Most notably, as indicated .by the following matrix and diagram, there has been: 1. A substantial decrease in the amount of agricultural/vacant land. 2. Almost a doubling of acreage in commercial use. 3. An increase of over 225 acres of park land. 1976 Land Use Land Single- Multi- Commercial Industrial Publicl Parks Agricultural/ Use Family Family Semi Vacant . Public Acres 2133.2 386.8 245 138.5 1346 127.2 1371.8 of 37.1% 6.7% 4.3% 2.4% 23.4% 2.2% 23.9% Total Land Area 2.2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 1996 Land Use Land Single- Multi- Commercial Industrial Publicl Parks Agri- Use Family Family Semi culturall Public. Vacant Acres 2303.3 282.4 443.8 162.3 1823.85 354.8 380.6 of 40.0% 5.0% 7.7% 2.8% 31.7% 6.2% 6.6% Total Land Area Existing Land Use Single-Family The statistical table above illustrates the distribution and type of land uses within the community. The most predominant land use in the community is dedicated to residential development. Forty-five percent (45%) of existing land is utilized for housing the citizens of Wheat Ridge. The vast majority of that figure (40% of the total acreage in the City) is single- family housing. Multi-Family Of the 45% of the residential land only 5% is used for multi-family housing.' PubliclSemi-Public The second largest land use activity is public/semi-public. 1,823.8 acres, or 31.7%, of land are dedicated to public/semi-public uses. Some of the largest activities in this category include the Lutheran Medical Center Complex, all of the K-12 public schools, .and facilities operated by the City. City related uses include: Municipal building, community centers, indoor recreational centers, public works facilities, fire stations, and the library. The municipal building is located at the intersection of W. 29t" Ave. and Wadsworth Boulevard and contains the administrative offices as well as the police station. Commercial Uses 443.8 acres, or 7.7% of the City's land, are dedicated to commercial uses. Wadsworth Boulevard and the I-70 corridor serve as the primary commercial corridors. The I-70 corridor and Wadsworth Boulevard commercial outlets tend to serve the region as well as residents of Wheat Ridge. Wadsworth Boulevard, however, contains a greater mix of both large and small retail outlets, independent and chain stores, as well as a combination of retail and professional services such as auto service houses, cleaners, and financial services. The secondary commercial corridors include W. 38t" Ave., W. 44t" Ave., and Youngfield St. ' Note that the apparent decrease since 1976 in the percentage of land occupied by multi-family use is not an accurate indication that the percentage ofmulti-family units has decreased, since single-family building in this period had been at approximately 3-4 units per acre, while the multi-family development in,the same period has generally been at 21 units per acre. Other information indicates that multi-family units in the City now comprise a greater percentage of the total units than they did in 1976. 2-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ARVADA E y~ E~ a! r ~ Interstate, UNINCORPORATED JEFFERSON I' r a Y `A COUNTY y j _ {W{ 44th Ave r~ 4 x n ~ > I W 38th Ave w a"J P « . m $ L-U) ~ Y - rt - W. 32nd Ave. PIT f- LAKEWOOD NORTH SCALE n MILES This map is for planning use and not intended for legal purposes. 114 mile 1It mile mill, Low Density Residential (0.7 units/acre) Medium Density Residential (7.1 -14 units/acre) - High Density Residential (over 14 units/acre) Retail and General Commercial Office and Professional Services Industrial Public and Semi-Public Park and Open Space Vacant/Agriculture s~ e -L- t ~ a ~ t tj 9 ~ W 38th Ave ° d. & P 'WAX t ultam ~ L £ W . 32nd A ve W. 26th Ave. Map 2. GENERALIZED EXISTING LAND USE 16 ~a UNINCORPORATED ~ec4a ADAMS COUNTY i.° DENVER Interstate 70 LAKESIDE MOUNTAIN VIEW EDGEWATER LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS Park and Open Space Map 5. ~Pubuc/SemiPuhhe FUTURE LAND USE MAP ~ AER Agricultural/Estate Residential (Not to exceed one unit per acre) 1 I I SF (4) Single Family Detached Residential (Not to exceed 4 du's per acre) AER ! Sf (S Single Family Detached Residential and Existing Two Family Conform ing AER Structures and Lots (Not to exceed 6 du's per acre) I AER r ARVADA Planned Residential Development (Not to exceed12 du's per acre) ECHistoric Site _ C I-1 Planned Residential Development (Not to exceed 16 du's per acre) ® Conservation Easement 16 (I Community Commercial Center UNINCORPORATED ey Modified AER BP C r- village Center JEFFERSON COUNTY c A 00 Y dS aR U o ° G 0 ❑ o NR Neighborhood Serving Retail " t . ' ado c AER m El 0 [10 El 0 r ' OEIFO fiansitlona Residential n~ t AER ❑uU~. BP El Q mallOffice/BusmessCenter 11 , - k BP AER P 9P ~ ❑0❑❑0 Ianne Business/Industrial Parks p DENVER r n r ❑ El ❑ ~ n n n n n F BP °n - r - ❑ BP BP SF I6) , ~ Q ❑ . In terttatel IF 1 , 4f3~ € E7 C7 J ❑ 48th Ave W n 1©❑[j Tiuuu y y SF (6) Interstate 70 Parks and Open Space Parks and open space comprise nearly 355 acres of land. That is 6.2% of total land. The City currently owns and maintains 17 parks. The largest parkin Wheat Ridge is the 33 acre Prospect Park followed by the 27 acre Anderson Park and the 18 acre Johnson Park. The remaining parks vary in size, but all are less than 10 acres. Wheat Ridge also maintains nearly 300 acres of open space. Eighty-three (83) acres of open space are owned by the City. Much of the nearly 250 acres that comprise the Clear Creek Greenbelt is leased from the Coors Company. The Clear Creek Greenbelt is the City's most valued natural amenity. Although Crown Hill Park is not within the City's jurisdictional boundaries and not included in the 1996 Existing Land Use calculations, it is certainly an amenity enjoyed and valued by the citizens of Wheat Ridge. It is important to note that the parks and open space category does not include the land on which indoor recreational facilities were built.2 Vacant and Agricultural Almost 7% of the land in the City is Vacant/Agricultural. Vacant and agricultural lands include vacant lands as well as the few remaining agricultural parcels which are distributed throughout the City. However, the vacant parcels on the west side of the City tend to be larger. Industrial Industrial land use activities in the City are minimal. In fact, the smallest percentage (2.8%) of land use is industrial. The majority of the 162.3 acres dedicated to industrial use are located in the northwestern section of the City. Jolly Rancher; Volant Ski; Rocky Mountain Bottling; Starguide, Inc.; and Munchiando are some of the industries that have chosen to locate in Wheat Ridge. THE IMPACT OF VACANTIAGRICULTURAL LAND ON WHEAT RIDGE'S FUTURES Despite the low percentage of vacantlagricultural land as shown on Map 3, major changes in the character of the community are possible in the future depending on the developed uses of presently undeveloped land and the redeveloped land already in use. Approximately 93.4% of Wheat Ridge is presently developed. About one fourth of the land that is presently vacant/agricultural is zoned A-1 orA-2. These lands are a part of the agricultural heritage of Wheat Ridge and their present use classification needs to be preserved. as a distinguishing and enduring characteristic of our community character. Community character must remain a dominant consideration in land development, dictating that Wheat Ridge persist in its determination to continue to be a residential, family-centered community, characterized by a semi-rural look and feel. This may mean reconsideration of undeveloped commercially zoned property for suitability for residential use. 2 Indoor recreational facilities are considered a publiclsemi public use 3Source: City of Wheat Ridge Planning Staff assessment of each undeveloped parcel based on 1985 aerial photograph coupled with field checks. Data was compiled and analyzed by CMI. 2-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 'pMe , . ~s t cn W ~ ~ 0 W OS a' Z ~ o ~a ~ J W ~ J 0 x J W 'as Q C ~ ~ ~ qty J ~i W Z~ a~ >a •~S a~~ad u o a Q, 3 ~ ~ 1 ~ 3 3 • e w~aww a' N c 3 c~ J I~ 7 g C U a ~ ~ ~ 7S Lei C ~ ~i ~ ~ a N 3 `qw ~s • Q '~s ~s i a a o °o ~Yod C •1S ~d u g g a • ga 3 ~ ~ ' ~ C 3. a a~ ~ a~ a e • ,p 1 , a o~ 0 VWV 2~ j Slightly over 37 acres is unlikely to be developed due to such factors as lack of accessibility, location within the flood plain, or other limiting land characteristics.4 Of the remaining acreage, approximately 81 acres are likely todevelop assingle-family dwelling units given the current zoning classification and lot size. All of the undeveloped residential parcels available for single family development, except for three (3), have an R-1 series zoning designation.5 These 81 acres have the potential to yield an additional 264 -275 single-family dwelling units throughout the City of Wheat Ridge. Vacant land with an R-2 zoning designation only amounts to 22 acres. Thus, unless additional land is rezoned, there are 50-55 duplex lots which can be developed within the City of Wheat Ridge. Of the remaining undeveloped residentially zoned land, there are only 15 vacant parcels; all are zoned R-3. Two (2) of the 15 parcels are less than 12,500 square feet, thereby prohibiting multi-family development. These figures do not include zoned land developed with less than allowable zoning. Undeveloped commercially zoned property represents the second largest category of vacantlagricultural lands. However, within this category there are very few large land parcels. Of the 36 undeveloped commercial parcels,17 of the parcels are under one acre in size and seven are between two acres and 10 acres. The only site over 10 acres, is the 27 acres zoned Planned Hospital District. There are only six parcels of undeveloped industrially zoned land. These parcels are of sufficient size to meet the desired attributes of developing industrial property as a planned businesslindustrial park as set forth in this Comprehensive Plan. If all the vacant/agricultural land in the City-380 acres-were to develop, the pattern of land use that now exists in the City would not change dramatically as illustrated in the above matrix. Clearly, how land is used within the City will not have as much of an impact on community character as how existing land uses are redeveloped. Suggestions on enhancing the community's character are addressed in Chapter 3: Community Character. Strategies to encourage community enhancing reinvestment and revitalization are addressed in detail in Chapter 6: Sustainable Economic Development. In this Chapter also is a map of potential sites prime for revitalization and reinvestment. Source: January 1997 City of Wheat Ridge staff assessment of each undeveloped parcel as tabulated by Community Matters, Inc. 5 Non R-1 series parcels are either R-2 or PRD. 2-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 1997 Potential Use of AgriculturallVacantLaads Land Use Single- Duplex Multi- Commercial Industrial Zoned Low Potential Family Family Agriculture for Development Acres 81 22 23 90 24 104 37 Potential 264- 50-55 15 parcels 36 parcels 6 parcels 1041ots NIA Lots/ 2751ots duplex Land lots Parcels Dwelling 264- 100-110 180-197 NIA NIA 104 sf units NIA Units 275 units units units Percent 21.0% 6.0% 6.0% 24.0% 6.0% 27.0% 10.0% Comparison of Existing Land Use and AgriculturaUVacantLaads Land Use Single- Multi- Commercial Industrial Public/ Parks Vacant/agricultural Family Family Semi Public Acres in 2133.2 386.8 245 138.5 1346 127.2 1371.8. 1976 1976 '37..1 ~/o ' ~.~A~o 4.3~fo . 24% < 23.4% 2.2%0 X3.9%r Percent Acres in 2303.3 282.4 443.8 162.3 1823.8 354.8 380.6 1996 1 X96 40.O~1o 5:0% 7 7% 2$°~0 31.7°~0 $:2°~0 ~.6°1'0 R:ercent 2015 2406.3 305.4 533.8 186.3 1823.8 391.8 104 Acres if undevel oped land develop s as zoned 24'5 42.0% 5.0°l0 9:3% 32% ,7q/o 6.$°~0 2.0% Percent 2-6 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Affordable Housing The City currently offers a reasonable range of housing choices, including both single-family homes and multi-family units that are moderately priced in comparison to the general metro area sales and rental market. This includes a substantial number of older single-family homes on smaller lots concentrated east of Wadsworth, but also found in smaller numbers west of Wadsworth and multi-family units dispersed throughout the City. These are available both for rent and for sale. There has been a significant change in the percentage of owner-occupied and rental units shown between the 1970 and 1990 census. In 1970, 66.3% of residential units were owner occupied and 33.7% rental units. By 1990, only 53.5% of housing units were owner occupied and 46.5% rental units. Although moderate-priced housing is available, it varies in degree of age and upkeep. A large percentage of newer housing has been directed toward occupancy by seniors. It has tended to be high quality; however, it is relatively expensive. Many of the older units that are for sale or for rent to younger people and families with children show evidence of deferred maintenance. Develo ment Constraints p There are a number of conditions and features in the City that act as constraints to development. They include: 1. Flood plains 2. Steep slopes 3. Sand and gravel deposits 4. Conservation easement 5. i-70 Corridor 6. Colorado and Southern Railroad tracks The Development Constraints Map Map 4) graphically depicts these constraints. The land adjacent to Clear Creek Greenbelt is located in a flood plain, contains significant sand and gravel deposits, and has steep slopes along the creek banks. These are the largest constraints to development in Wheat Ridge. The flood plain designation simply means that the area is subject to flooding and has been designated as such on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood insurance rate map. In addition, a conservation easement exists on a tract~of land adjacent to Lena Gulch near the intersection of Parfet St. and W. 38t" Ave. This means that the land is encumbered with a conservation easement which guarantees that it will never be developed, but will remain in agricultural use and wildlife habitat. 2-7 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development t pn~g uepua4S, 2 W ~ 3 0 2W ' ~ Y Z~ a g 3 m ~ Z o 0.~ O '1S UePeH ~ \ ~ LL W ~ J r W N W d' ' ~ ~G~ ~ C aWO w V •~S es~sld •►g ao~ald m ti a a ~ S ~ M 3 3 3 'PM8 4U~sPeM 'PN9 4UoMSpe/N ~ ti +L+ Q 0 ~ ~ - 3 c~ ~ a a ~ ~ ~ ~ o o s N d 1S ue~ LL. d ~ ~ 0 (A•~ a a~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - ~ ~ W ° cn mU a ~ W ~ ~ ~ ' v~ J 3 •~S uoslue~ Q •tig BuI~dIN '1S 6uydl~ 0 Q Q r - ~ d = ~ ~a = ~ 0 '1S IaVed ~ '7S la~ 3 ~ = Y _ m ~ ~ = a ~ 3 ~ _ ~ ~ 3 A \ - Ill~lll~~dl~lll~~l~~~li ~ ~ $ ~ ~ _ ~lii ~~~ql~ ply ~ ~ m I~III4, IIIIIIII = y c E ~ _ Q N = 3 'Pa WeM - \ ~ ~ - \ Q 1S Pla~uno,~ Ol ei~~e~W ` a~2 ~ ~WJ VWV 2~ ~ ~ Future Land Use: Goals and Policies Goals and Policies to Guide How the City of Wheat Ridge Develops 1. Goal: Continue to ensure a low rate of population growth. Policies: 1.1. Adopt a series of land use and transportation mechanisms that continue the City's policy of limiting and controlling growth. These shall include revising the community's existing land use ordinances and developing a comprehensive transportation plan for all major corridors and residential areas as a means of minimizing traffic congestion and non-residential traffic in established neighborhoods. 1.2. Zoned residential density shall reflect the current built density of the neighborhood through rezoning and amendments to the zoning ordinance. 1.3. Decrease the amount of land designated for high density, multi-family use on any current or future land use plan. 1.4 All lots not meeting all development standards of the R-2 zone district for two- family structures should be considered for rezoning to R-1. Variances should not be granted to build new two-family structures on substandard lots except in cases of hardship or unusual conditions not caused by the owner or developer. 2. Goal: Promote neighborhood planning by recognizing the unique character of each neighborhood, while acknowledging their collective contribution to the community as a whole. Policies: 2.1. Revise the current definitions of residential densities to ensure that the allowable densities are in keeping with the existing character and unit density desired in each neighborhood. 2.2. The City should develop design guidelines for development that the Planning Department and Planning Commission can refer to in reviewing new development proposals. 2.3. New development or redevelopment shall not adversely impact surrounding residential areas and the City of Wheat Ridge as a whole. This shall apply to all development and be measured by proving the following: 1. The development does not substantially increase traffic generation from the site by employing community design principles to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). This includes traffic calming measures, accessible site design, development of pedestrian friendly environments, compatible 2-s Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development infill development, provision for transit or other alternative modes of transportation; 2. .The development will decrease traffic to other parts of the City; and 3. The development will provide adequate landscaped buffers between different land use categories. 2.4. Ensure that new development does not increase the number of vehicle trips or allow access so as to require a change in the streets designated road classification. 2.5. The City's sidewalk policy and expenditures should continue to recognize that residents of some neighborhoods prefer a more urban character with curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, while other residents prefer to preserve the semi-rural character of their neighborhoods without curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. 3. Goal: New development or redevelopment shall be so designed as to be a positive contribution to the entire community and compatible with surrounding uses. Policies: 3.1 New legislation should be developed to require site plan review and approval prior to building permit issuance for all land use proposals except one- and two- family residential uses. 3.2. All development shall be located in areas where there are no natural hazards. This includes, but is not limited to: flood plains, areas subject to fires, areas with unstable soils, and areas with steep slopes. 3.3. New development or redevelopment shall be designed to minimize obstruction to mountain views. 3.4. Each development shall demonstrate how it has established compatible relationships with adjacent land uses. 3.5. The compatibility and gross density of any new development or redevelopment site shall complement existing development by transitioning between different land uses through: ■ Proper site design. ■ Establishing pedestrian connections between parcels. ■ Demonstrating smooth and coherent vehicle movements and minimizing impacts of traffic on adjacent residential areas. ■ Siting buildings to maintain public view corridors to the mountains and to natural amenities and open space. ■ Providing effective buffers and landscaping between different land uses. 2-9 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 4. Goal: Provide conveniently located and attractive commercial, office and service uses that meet the needs of the City and are compatible yet well buffered from surrounding areas. Policies: 4.1. Designate underutilized commercial parcels as village centers. Village centers are characterized as a site which combines a mix of uses-commercial, office and service uses that serve adjacent neighborhoods 4.2. Provide incentives for businesses to relocate in village activity centers and upgrade existing commercial areas. 4.3. The City of Wheat Ridge shall amend its current zoning ordinance to encourage new commercial development or redevelopment to meet five basic standards. These are: ■ All retail commercial and office developments shall have an attached sidewalk. ■ An inviting street level storefront with places to gather. ■ Locating parking behind, below grade, to the side of the building, or in a .below grade parking structure while ensuring safety for users in obscured parking areas. ■ Structures which front on a major street shall provide an attached sidewalk, landscaped area and streetscape treatment. ■ Architectural details, treatment and materials shall be consistent on all four sides of the building. 4.4. In reviewing applications for commercial development or redevelopment, parking shall be so designed to minimize the visual impact. 4.5. The City shall require that any future commercial development include continuous internal drives and continuous pedestrian paths connecting to adjacent businesses and streets without directing traffic through adjacent residential neighborhoods. 2-10 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 5. Goal: Within the City of Wheat Ridge, limit the total amount of land designated for industrial uses and require industrial uses to be located in areas north of I-70 or areas that meet the criteria contained in the following policies. Policies: 5.1. Allow light industrial uses only within unified, well-planned and approved industrial parks. 5.2. All industrial uses shall be located on sites large enough to be developed as an integrated whole. 5.3. Only clean, quiet and nuisance-free light industrial uses that are self-contained with no visible outdoor storage shall be allowed within the City. 5.4. The following criteria shall be used in determining the suitability of an industrial site: ■ Access to highways and railroads with minimal traffic through less intensive and residential land uses. ■ Proximity to other industries.. ■ Ability to screen industrial land uses, business parks, and other major job creating centers so as to have no impact on adjacent residential uses. 6. Goal: Encourage the preservation of Wheat Ridge's agricultural heritage throughout the City. Policies: 6.1. Work with state and national, organizations to provide economically sound mechanisms to protect farmlands and improve land stewardship. Look to Colorado Open Lands, the American Farmland Trust, and the Mountain Plains Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for initial assistance. 6.2. Develop a system of incentives to include easements and land dedication as a means of preserving agricultural land. 2-11 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Goals and Policies to Ensure that Commercial Development Fits with the Character of the Community 7. Goal: All new commercial development or redeveloped commercial areas shall be designed to minimize effects on nearby residential areas. Policies: 7.1. New commercial development or redevelopment projects shall demonstrate measures taken to reduce likely neighborhood impacts. Such measures shall be considered in the review of any new application to the City. The Planning Department and Planning Commission shall pay particular attention to: traffic generation, ingress and egress, distribution of new trips, landscape buffering between uses, impact on view corridors, solar access, and noise impacts. 7.2. Any outdoor storage, trash receptacles, loading facilities, or associated accessory~necessities shall be screened from view from any residential use using a material that is compatible with the abutting residences. 7.3. At least 15% of the gross site area of any new commercial development or redevelopment project shall be landscaped with live plant material. Additional buffering, in the form of landscaping, may be required for sites adjacent to residential, agricultural or environmentally sensitive areas. 7.4. All development shall be designed so that for the given location, egress points, grading, and other elements of the development could not be reasonably altered to: ■ reduce the number of access points onto an arterial or collector street; ■ minimize adverse impacts on any existing or planned residential uses; ■ improve pedestrian or vehicle safety within the site and egress from it; and ■ reduce the visual intrusion of parking areas, screened storage areas, and similar accessory areas and structures. 8. Goal: Any new or redeveloped commercial site, whether public or private, shall respect or incorporate as appropriate any adjacent civic investment be it a park, recreational facility or civic amenity. Policies: 8.1. Any commercial site that is adjacent to designated parks or open space shall be required to provide a substantial buffer zone. So that adverse effects on highly . valued parks and open space are minimized, the buffer zone shall be kept free of buildings, structures, and parking areas and must be screened or~protected by natural features and landscaped to blend with adjacent park land., 2-12 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 9. -Goal: Any development or redevelopment site, whether public or private, shall be reviewed with extraordinary attention to: siting, orientation, scale, mix and compatibility of uses, and relationship to on-and off-site, community amenities and design elements to make citizens fee! more comfortable and safe in and around the development parcel. Policies: 9.1. Any new commercial development or redevelopment project shall be required to increase pedestrian activity and provide open, natural areas; sufficient landscaping; and seating and shelter for pedestrians. 9.2. The use of plazas, landscaped areas, parkways, open space, and landscaped buffer areas should be encouraged within all new or redeveloped commercial sites. 9.3. All new development or redevelopment that occurs within the City of Wheat Ridge shall be required to make both vehicular and pedestrian connections that are safe, functional, and serve to reduce the necessity to use a private automobile within aquarter-mile radius. 9.4. 'The City of Wheat Ridge shall require any new commercial development or redevelopment project to provide exemplary handicapped access, and shall make every attempt to exceed the ADA requirements, which are considered minimum standards. 9.5. While the City of Wheat Ridge requires a minimum four foot sidewalk, every developer will be encouraged to include street trees as a part of sidewalk improvements. In highly pedestrianized areas, the City shall encourage the developer to make the sidewalks wider to allow for the comfortable passage of two couples, allow for seating, handicap accessibility, and parents with children in strollers. 9.6. Building and site design shall be reviewed with attention to how well the development meets the following criteria: ■ Avoids visual, noise., or intrusion into adjacent premises. ■ Conformity with the established character of the vicinity. ■ Avoids unnecessary damage to the natural environment through design adaptations to the particular characteristic of the site, as evidenced by minimizing cut and fill and vegetation removal. ■ Preserves views and vistas from public ways and other properties. ■ .Provides community places for people to sit and visit. 2-13 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Goals and Policies to Ensure Quality Housing that is in Keeping with Citizen Desires 10. Goal: Provide quality, aesthetically-pleasing housing choices that are convenient to needed services and amenities. Policies: 10.1. Moderate density and allowable higher density residential development shall be allowed only in those areas that can be served by transit and shall be developed with adequate amounts of open space and landscape amenities. 10.2. Any new residential development shall include landscaping which shall be continually maintained. 10.3. To ensure quality new development, new residential developments on larger parcels shall incorporate open space requirements and amenities as specified in the adopted Subdivision Regulations. 10.4 Realistic code compliance standards shall be set to encourage adequate residential rehabilitation and pride of ownership. 10.5. Institute image enhancing, multi-purpose public improvement programs including street trees, pedestrian linkages, and community facilities to increase the community's attractiveness as a place to live. 10.6. Revise the current zoning ordinance to include performance standards that minimize the physical impacts of new development (such as traffic, noise, building scale, and the intensity of non-residential uses) on existing uses. 10.7. The City should adopt an ordinance and/or incorporate into its building code the construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act and of the state law governing handicap accessible housing. 10.8. Establish and implement residential design guidelines to ensure that new housing developments provide adequate transitions from adjoining properties and include site treatments that enhance the small town atmosphere that citizens wish to preserve. 10.9. New residential development shall provide linkages to existing or planned pedestrian corridors, open space networks, and community facilities. 2-14 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 11. Goal: The City of Wheat Ridge shall strive to be a community that provides a variety of residential units-both in terms of price and type of unit-allowing households with different incomes and needs to live in Wheat Ridge. Policies: 11.1. Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing housing through the implementation of targeted housing rehabilitation programs offered by the Colorado Housing Finance Authority, the Colorado Department of Housing, the Jefferson County Housing Authority, and other non-profit organizations. 11.2. Discourage the tearing down of existing moderately-priced single-family homes and replacing them with multi-family housing and instead encourage the renovation or rebuilding of existing single-family homes. 11.3. Support the building and purchase of affordable housing byways other than increased density by participating in programs such as those providing down payment assistance and lower than market interest rates. 11.4. Keep abreast of and adopt innovative building code amendments that reduce cost without sacrificing safety or compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. 11.5. Consider a more narrow road design standard for residential streets. 12. Goal: Maintain the integrity of existing neighborhoods which contributes,to the sense that Wheat Ridge has a small town atmosphere. Policies: 12.1. Preserve existing neighborhoods and encourage development of new single- family residential housing in close proximity to existing residential neighborhoods. 12.2. Encourage infill residential development at densities similar to adjacent development. 12..3. Ensure "quality" residential development through the establishment of performance standards within-the zoning ordinance that ensure that new development is in close proximity to existing residential development and is of a similar size and scale. 2-15 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Goals and Policies to Ensure New Development is Compatible with the Environment 13. Goal: Recognize the fragility of the environment by allowing only those land uses that cause minimum harm to the environment and adopt policies that protect. Wheat Ridge's dwindling supply of open space and promote its preservation. Policies: 13.1. Enact ,and enforce strict performance standards for all new development or redevelopment that limits water, air, and noise pollution. 13.2. Unique or distinctive natural features and systems, critical wildlife habitats, and unique or critical environmental resources shall be protected from adverse impacts through sound conservation practices. 13.3. All new development or redevelopment shall be planned to limit impacts on natural areas and wildlife. 13.4. Utilize flood plains, areas easily subject to fire, areas with unstable soils, wildlife areas, wetlands, and steep slopes as open space. 13.5. Promote the preservation of open space by private landowners through mechanisms such as acquisition, conservation easements, land trusts, and life estates by accessing programs and funding from non-profit organizations. 13.6. Develop a system of incentives to include conservation easements and transferable development rights as a means of preserving open space and agricultural lands. 13.7. Encourage Planned Unit Developments (PUD) without circumventing other adopted goals and policies of the City on those sites where it will result in greater open space preservation, innovative design, and land conservation. 13.8. Explain Wheat Ridge's environment and natural amenities through a creative public and private sign program. Consider placing interpretive heritage signs in public spaces and placards that identify plant and tree species along community trails and in commercial areas. 13.9. Amend zoning ordinance requirements for commercial landscaping to reflect intensity of plantings, to incorporate an innovative design, and to be integrated as part of the overall design of the development. 2-16 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The Future Land Use Plan Introduction The most important chapter of the Comprehensive Plan under Colorado State Statutes is the Future Land Use Plan. It is on the basis of this plan, as well as on the goals and policies, that new development or redevelopment is approved by the City's Planning Commission and City Council. While the plan does not represent a promise to rezone property to a new land use classification or use, it is on the basis of the plan that new zoning regulations or decisions to rezone property are made. This plan provides a framework and context by which land use decisions shall be made. Unlike a zoning ordinance, this plan describes how the community envisions certain areas developing, by first describing the desired character of the area, then how land uses within the area should perform and, finally, examples of the types of uses that may be appropriate in the area. Development Framework The update of the Comprehensive Plan for Wheat Ridge has evolved out of community discussions and debate. It represents a synthesis of current trends and conditions in the community, the goals and policies for growth, and general planning principles related to the location and compatibility of land uses. The Plan identifies general land uses, within the City and is based on an overall concept for development. Residential Neighborhoods -Neighborhoods are the cornerstone of this Plan. The Plan has been developed to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods -old and new. The Plan attempts to balance citizens' desires for less neighborhood through traffic with their desire for a more walkable community. Although It allows for a mix of housing types to be developed at appropriate locations, it envisions that existing built densities will be maintained and that additional duplex and multi-family rezonings will be minimal. Renovation of the existing housing stock is encouraged in older areas of the City as these smaller houses provide one source of affordable housing. Community Commercial Centers -These uses are located at I-70 interchanges and also along Wadsworth Boulevard and are intended for non-residential uses whose market area extends well beyond the City of Wheat Ridge. Businesses in these areas serve the traveling public and are dependent on highway access and/or visibility. These developments contain a mixture of complementary uses such as retail and office and provide pedestrian connections within the site and to adjacent properties. These activities generate a substantial amount of revenue for the City and it is important that the viability and attractiveness of these sites be maintained. Village Centers -These areas are envisioned as clusters of commercial uses in planned developments at major street intersections which serve motorists as well as the surrounding neighborhood. Village Centers contain uses such as gas stations and restaurants that serve the traveling public and convenience stores that serve. the adjacent neighborhood. Pedestrian connections within the site and to adjacent neighborhoods should be provided in the Village Centers. 2-17 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Neighborhood Retail Areas -Neighborhood retail areas consist of small-scale retail and professional services uses restricted in height and bulk along the major streets in the City at the edges of residential neighborhoods. These areas are intended to provide pedestrian amenities and include convenience retail and service uses such as coffee shops, bicycle repair shops, flower shops, and professional offices. Neighborhood retail areas are places where neighbors gather and socialize. Transitional Residential --Transitional residential occurs along major streets where older residential structures are converted to commercial uses and where small-scale retail or professional services and residential uses may exist in the same structure. Transitional residential acts as a buffer between primarily single-family neighborhoods and high traffic streets. Transitional residential uses provide a visual break from more intensive retail commercial uses and create an appearance of mixed residential and commercial uses rather than a solid commercial strip. Small Office Business Center - These centers are located adjacent to higher traffic volume streets and contain a mixture of office, research and development, laboratory, and storage uses. Storage is an ancillary and attached use and involves infrequent trips by small trucks, not semi-trucks. Amenities such as outdoor sitting and eating areas and pathways should be encouraged on-site for employees. Planned Business~lndustrial Park -These areas have access to I-70 and are generally located north and west of the Interstate. These parks are designed as an integrated planned development under unified control and development standards. These parks are designed with a campus-like setting and contain clean, light industrial uses. Amenities such as outdoor sitting and eating areas and pathways should be encouraged on-site for employees. Greenbelt--The Wheat Ridge Clear Creek Greenbelt is a major unifying element in the community that should be carefully and thoughtfully maintained. It linearly connects nearly the entire community from east to west and is a key recreational amenity. It is the most important link in the pedestrian framework plan. Therefore, pedestrian connections should be oriented and directed towards the creek. The conservation area should be treated as a separate area with less access than the rest of the greenbelt. Wheat Ridge Land Use Plan The centerpiece of the Wheat Ridge Land Use Plan is the preservation and enhancement of neighborhoods. However, other considerations were taken into account. Land use and transportation are linked. The development of the goals and policies and Future Land Use Plan recognize this critical link by assigning land use classifications tothose parcels that can best accommodate the use based on the City of Wheat Ridge's recently adopted Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and the City's adopted Street Classification Program. The Future Land Use Plan for Wheat Ridge was also developed to respect the traditional grid pattern of development. The grid serves to reduce miles traveled in an automobile by improving connections; promoting other means of travel by increasing bus accessibility (in 2-18 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development many new suburban developments bus service is impractical due to the curvilinear street pattern, cul-de- sacs, and dead end streets); as well as providing shorter, more direct routes for the pedestrian and bicyclist; thereby assisting in re-establishing more livable and sustainable communities. The fact that Wheat Ridge has the highest median age in the Denver metropolitan region was also considered. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, in 1990 the average age in Wheat Ridge was 37.3, whereas the average age of a U.S. citizen was 32.9. In light of that fact, the plan incorporates residential land uses for those who rely on travel modes other than the automobile. Additionally, an attempt was made to incorporate citizen desires to preserve the character of existing, established neighborhoods, yet at the same time accommodate affordable housing opportunities to encourage young families to settle in Wheat Ridge. For example, a new higher density single-family residential designation was incorporated to protect and utilize the current inventory of smaller homes and smaller lots. This also enabled the character of Wheat Ridge's older neighborhoods to remain intact. In developing the Future Land Use Plan, it is important to acknowledge that in addition to having limited opportunities to extend boundaries, the City is almost built out. There are a number of land uses within the City of Wheat Ridge that are unlikely to change in the next 10- 15years. This includes all single-family homes within the R-1 zoning series and large public and semi-public uses including school sites, park sites and institutional uses such as the hospital. It is also unlikely that certain industrial areas will change. The most notable example is the Coors facility north of I-70. Additionally, the pattern of sales tax producing retail activity centers locating along major arterial streets is unlikely to change. There are other non-residential uses that are unlikely to change because the property and use is not directly controlled by the City of Wheat Ridge. Notable land areas, properties, and uses that fall into this category include: 1-70, Kipling, and Wadsworth Boulevard. The City and citizens of Wheat Ridge have a say in how this land adjacent to these transportation corridors shall be used, but the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO =Denver Regional Council of Governments) ultimately determine the form of these streets. While it is likely that the City of Wheat Ridge can influence future widening and the look and width of the cross section, it is unlikely that these streets will become narrower. Consequently, a revised Comprehensive Plan for Wheat Ridge can only be visionary in the following ways: ■ How the Future Land Use Plan addresses probable or likely changes in existing land uses. ■ How the plan addresses the future use of vacant lands and underutilized parcels. Underutilized parcels include areas that the development community views as substantially underutilized because their current use could double based on its zoning classification or with activities such as storage of materials or parking. These vacant or underutilized parcels may provide the community with an opportunity to minimize conflicts between surrounding uses. 2-19 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development ■ How the plan addresses areas that are likely to be redeveloped. These may include vacant and underutilized parcels as described above as well as other redevelopment areas that may have structures that are vacant, in various states of disrepair, or have fully depreciated income producing properties. ■ How the plan addresses public rights-of-way, which currently represent between 20- 25% of the total land within the City of Wheat Ridge. ■ How much detail or direction is included in the plan regarding character and design guidelines. LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS The following land use classifications and character areas are illustrated on the Future Land Use Map (Map 5}: Parks and Open Space Publiclsemi-public Five Residential Character Areas ■ Agricultural Estate Residential (not to exceed 1 unit per acre} ■ Single-Family Detached (not to exceed 4 dwelling units per acre} ■ Single-Family Detached and Existing Two-Family Conforming Structures and Lots (not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre) ■ Planned Residential Development (not to exceed 12 units per acre) ■ Planned Residential Development (not to exceed 16 units per acre) Please note: Density in residential categories reflects a range of possible densities and not a guarantee of the maximum density shown. Permitted density is at the discretion of City Council based upon compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, site development standards, and rezoning criteria. Net density is the number of dwelling units allowed on an area of land excluding all streets and roads, whether public or private, to their full platted, dedicated, or reserved width for circulation of the traveling public within or through the development. Six Commercial Andlor Industrial Areas: ■ Community Commercial Center ■ Village Center ■ Neighborhood Retail Area ■ Transitional Residential ■ Small Office Business Center ■ Planned Business/Industrial Park ~-Zo Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development Boundaries are approximate only. Boundaries for each character area will be refined when the zoning code, including map, is updated or at the time of individual rezoning requests. In addition, if certain uses are not listed in the plan; it is only because they do not adequately demonstrate the character of the area and will be addressed through the update of the zoning ordinance. Land Use Desi nation Definitions g Parks and Open Space This category includes publicly owned and managed developed parkland, recreation facilities, and undeveloped land utilized for active, passive, and recreational purposes as well as for conservation. Park and recreation facilities are defined as areas used for outdoor recreational activities. Open space is all known open space that is owned or leased by the City and are kept stabilized with vegetative cover and are not covered by any structure nor is the open space used for drives, parking or storage. Public open space can be used for hiking, picnicking and other non-intensive outdoor recreation. PubliclSemi-Public The public and semi-public land use classification includes the following: ■ Schools defined as educational facilities that are financed by public funds and operated as part of the government function. (Note: private schools or schools which are not financed by public funds have not been included since this would include certain schools that operate in retail store fronts as well as more industrial type uses, such as the truck driving school along I-70}. ■ Government facilities defined as establishments and operations financed by public funds and operated as part of the government function. Indoor recreation centers and community centers are included in this category if the structure covers more than 30% of the lot. Other examples include: Municipal building, public works facilities, fire stations and libraries. ■ Institutional uses defined as uses which are operated by private individuals or institutions for a public purpose, but with limited public control or accessibility. Included are hospitals, nursing homes, and cemeteries. Residential Land Use Designations: Residential land uses consist of areas devoted to the housing of families and individuals on a temporary or permanent basis. Special attention has been given to this area in order to preserve the City's neighborhoods -historic, new, rural and urban - a source of tremendous pride to its citizens. The following section describes how the community envisions neighborhoods developing and/or redeveloping by describing the desired character of the area, how the land uses within the area should perform and what types of uses may be appropriate in the area. 2-21 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development CHARACTER: Describes the desired character of the area: ATTRIBUTES OF ALLOWABLE USES: Sets forth the qualities and way in which the community would like land uses to look and .perform. TYPES OF USES TO ENCOURAGE: Suggests the type of uses and activities that the community would like to encourage. Agricultural Estate Residential (not to exceed 1 dwelling unit per acre) Desired Character: Neighborhoods with very low density housing and a predominantly rural character. Desired Attributes: ■ Well maintained dwellings. ■ Lots comprised primarily of open lands. ■ Domesticated farm or ranch animals permitted. ■ Accessory structures that assist in the production of value-added agricultural products. ■ Allows private and unpaved roads. ■ Not to exceed 1 dwelling unit per acre. 2-22 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development Single-Family Detached (not to exceed 4 dwelling units per. acre) Desired Character: Stable, well-established neighborhoods consisting ofsingle-family detached houses which can be easily preserved and whose character can be reinforced through the future land use plan. Desired Attributes: ■ Well maintained dwellings. ■ Well landscaped lots. ■ Variety of housing styles. ■ The scale and siting of the residential unit should be appropriate to the lot size and configuration. ■ Off-street parking in private driveway or garage. ■ Garages should be visually subordinate to the primary structure. ■ At least 60% of land between the primary structure and the street shall be landscaped. ■ No externalities that adversely impact residents such as non-residential use that creates traffic volumes in excess of commonly generated traffic volumes in such neighborhoods. ■ Open space and parks. ■ 1-4 dwelling units per acre. ■ Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks only if the majority of owners on a particular street want them. Single-Family Detached and Existing Two Family Conforming Structures and Lots (not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre This category of land use is primarily intended for single-family land uses and existing legally conforming two-family structures. The construction of new two-family structures is not encouraged except on lots which currently meet all development standards for two-family structures. Desired Character: Stable, well-established neighborhoods made up primarily of single-family. detached houses and some existing duplexes that can be easily preserved and whose character can be reinforced through the future land use plan. Desired Attributes: ■ Well maintained dwellings. ■ Well landscaped lots. ■ Variety of housing styles. ■ The scale and siting of the residential unit should be appropriate to the lot size and configuration. ■ Off-street parking in private driveway or garage. 2-23 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ■ Garages should be visually subordinate to the primary structure. ■ At least 50% of land between the primary structure and the street shall be landscaped. ■ No externalities that adversely impact residents such as non-residential use that creates traffic volumes in excess of commonly generated traffic volumes in such neighborhoods. ■ Open space and parks. ■ 1-6 dwelling units per acre. ■ Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks only if the majority of owners on a particular street want them. Planned Residential Development (not to exceed 12 units per acre) Desired Character: A mix of well-maintained residential types including single-family, duplexes, ormulti-family units, located near shopping, recreational and transit opportunities for those who wish to decrease their dependency on the car and to provide a transition between residential neighborhoods and higher uses. Desired Attributes: ■ Well maintained dwellings/properties. ■ Well landscaped properties with landscaping along all perimeter lot lines. ■ Parking should be subordinate to the use. ■ Multi-family complexes will be required to have off-street parking in garages or in landscaped parking. Parking will be allowed along the front lot line behind an adequate landscaped buffer strip in order to allow usable amenities elsewhere on the property. ~ Waste disposal areas, maintenance equipment, and storage sheds shall be screened and located so as not to be visible from any public way. ■ Common areas with adequate amenities will be required for multi-family complexes. ■ Adequate transition between uses will be required. An adequate transition between uses will require sufficient spacing between units and screening with plant materials and/or plant materials and fencing (fencing alone is not sufficient). ■ Compatibility with adjacent use -multi-family residential (structures with three or more attached units) developments will be required to go through a planned residential development process to ensure high quality design and amenities. ■ Open space and parks nearby. ■ Owner occupancy of individual units is encouraged. ■ 8 -12 units per acre. 2-24 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development Planned Residential Development knot to exceed 16 units per acre} Well-landscaped residential units located primarily along arterials near shopping, recreational, and transit opportunities for those who wish to decrease their dependency on the automobile. Desired Attributes: ■ Well maintained dwellings/properties. ■ Well landscaped properties with landscaping along all perimeter lot lines. ■ Parking should be subordinate to the use. ■ Multi-family complexes will be required to have off-street parking in garages or in landscaped parking. Parking will be allowed along the front lot line behind an adequate landscaped buffer strip in order to allow usable amenities elsewhere on the property. ■ Waste disposal areas, maintenance equipment, and storage sheds shall be screened and located so as not to be visible from any public way. ■ Common areas with adequate amenities will be required. ■ Adequate transition between properties will be required. An adequate transition between uses will require sufficient side yard spacing between units and screening with plant materials and/or plant materials and fencing (fencing alone is not sufficient}, ■ Compatibility with adjacent properties -multi-family residential (structures with three or more attached units) developments will be required to go through a planned residential development process to ensure quality design, appropriate siting, and adequate amenities. ■ .Any increase of traffic on local streets will be discouraged. ~ Development should have only one ingresslegress point and it shall be located on an arterial or collector. ■ Nearby open space and parks. , ■ Entryway features to apartment/condominium complexes such as pedestrian scale signs and landscaping are encouraged. ■ Owner occupancy of individual units is encouraged. ■ Not to exceed 16 units per acre. Commercial andlor Industrial Land Use Classifications: Commercial activities include businesses that offer goods for sale and offices that provide services to residents of the City as well as residents of the region. A wide variety of uses can .and should continue to be found in these areas. For example, travel-related uses are located along I-70. Major arterials support offices, restaurants, and theaters. Specialty uses -such as very small scale retail -can locate on collectors. Industrial uses are activities aimed at providing employment opportunities. The location of the industrial designations were selected because~they offer regional highway access and because opportunities exist to buffer existing residential development from new industrial development. The uses in this district should be non-polluting. Desired uses include light manufacturing and assembly, research and development facilities, offices and supporting uses. 2-25 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The following land use classifications are defined by desired character and location, attributes, and uses to give those who desire to develop in Wheat Ridge a greater understanding of what the citizens would like to see developed and where. Community Commercial Center Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Non-residential uses located in close proximity to regionally significant roadways, I-70 and also Wadsworth Boulevard, that serve the community. and the traveling public. ■ Uses are served by public transit. ■ Uses have large Land area and parking demands. Desired Attributes: ■ Adequate access from regional roadways. ■ Uses that provide services for the traveling public. ■ Controlled access onto arterial and collector streets through minimal curb cuts. ■ A mixture of complementary uses such as retail and office. ■ Compact development that is well landscaped; no outdoor storage, screened trash areas. ■ Pedestrian connections within the site and from the site to adjacent uses. ■ Uses that generate sales tax revenues in support of public services and facilities. Desirable Uses: ■ Lodging and meeting facilities ■ Gas Stations ■ Restaurants ■ Destination retail (e.g. establishments selling durable goods, clothing, groceries, and speciality items) ■ Transit facilities and amenities ■ Entertainment complexes Village Center Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Well designed, landscaped, and maintained planned developments offering goods and services for the surrounding neighborhoods. ■ Located at major intersections in the City. Desired Attributes: ■ Shopping goods and services for motorists and surrounding neighborhoods. ■ Designed to provide a transition from streets with heavy traffic to residential neighborhoods, with effective buffering between the residential and commercial uses. z-zs Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ■ Goods and services can be accessed by pedestrian and cyclists as well as motorists. ■ Development contains amenities including bike racks, benches, picnic tables, public art, and pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods. ■ Well landscaped, no outdoor storage, screened trash areas. ■ Provides locally supported sales tax revenues. Desirable Uses: ■ Small scale retail ■ Professional offices ■ Professional services ■ Medical offices ■ Gas Stations ■ Restaurants ■ Automobile servicing (e.g., tire and muffler shops, car washes) ■ Convenience commercial and service establishments (e.g., dry cleaning, shoe repair, book store) .Neighborhood Retail Area Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Small scale retail and professional services located along collector and higher classification streets. ■ Retail and commercial uses are within walking distance of existing neighborhoods. ■ Parking areas are small and compact. ■ Pedestrian amenities and spaces dominate over the automobile. Desired Attributes: ■ Small independently owned retail and service establishments that are not dependent on high traffic volumes. ■ Well landscaped. no outdoor storage, screened trash areas. ■ No drive through facilities orauto-oriented commercial uses (e.g., fast food chains). ■ Development contains amenities including bike racks, benches, picnic tables, public art, and pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods. ■ Depth of use is limited to the depth of one lot- no expansion into residential neighborhoods. ■ Height and bulk are restricted and relate to scale of adjacent neighborhood. ■ Hours of operation are restricted. Desirable Uses: ■ Professional services and offices (e.g., accounting services, legal offices, medical and dental offices) 2-27 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development ■ Convenience service establishments (e.g., dry cleaners, shoe repair, barber and beauty shops) ■ Small eating establishments (bagel shops, ice cream parlors, coffee shops, small independently owned restaurants) ■ Specialty retail (bicycle shop, antique shop, flower shop) Transitional Residential Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Small retail uses and professional services with residential uses in the same structure. ■ Transitional residential is located along higher traffic volume streets and serves as a buffer between stable, primarily detached residential units and the commercial collector streets. ■ Transitional residential uses provide a visual break from the more intensive retail commercial uses and create an appearance of mixed residential and commercial uses rather than a solid commercial strip. Desired Attributes: ■ Parking areas will be well buffered and landscaped. ■ All uses have controlled access. ■ Small, independently owned businesses that serve the above ground floor residents and neighborhood residents. ■ Well designed and maintained. ■ Live/work developments; business owner may live in structure. ■ No outdoor storage; screened trash areas. ■ Development contains amenities including bike racks, benches, picnic tables, public art, and pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods. ■ Depth of use is limited to the depth of one standard residential lot- no expansion into residential neighborhoods. Desirable Uses: ■ Small convenience or speciality retail establishments (coffee shop, ice cream store, drugstore) ■ Professional and convenience services (e.g., beauty parlor, tailor, bookkeepers, dance and/or art studios) ■ Daycare ■ Residential z-Zs Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development Small OfficelBusiness Center Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Smaller businesses, office, research and development, or laboratory space that may require the distribution of goods, produced or fabricated on-site, by cargo vans and smaller trucks (UPS, Federal Express but no semi-trucks). ■ Areas are located with easy access onto collector streets. Desired Attributes: ■ Small office or incubator space which does not require high visibility from well traveled streets but may have a retail component as an accessory use.. ■ Well landscaped. ■ No visible outdoor storage; trash areas screened. ■ Vehicular circulation is handled internally on the site. ■ Amenities such as outdoor sitting and eating areas, and pathways should be encouraged on-site for employees. ■ All materials, equipment, vehicles, and activities are enclosed within the primary structure. Desirable Uses: ■ Workshops ■ Contractor/trades ■ Repair and equipment shops ■ Professional services ■ Research and development facilities and laboratories ■ Offices Planned IndustriallBusiness Park Desired Character and Locational Characteristics: ■ Land located north of Interstate 70 with easy access to the interstate or other transportation modes. ■ Well planned and landscaped business or industrial parks that include employee break areas. Desired Attributes: ■ Well buffered to minimize negative impacts to adjacent neighborhoods and residential uses. ■ Pedestrian connections within site and from site to adjacent uses. ■ Connections to local and regional bicycle path systems. ■ Businesses that require shipping or deliveries by semi-trucks. 2-29 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Desirable Uses: ■ Light manufacturing and assembly ■ Research and development facilities ■ Offices and supporting uses ■ Professional services revised :3/16/00 2-30 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development CHAPTER 3: COMMUNITY CHARACTER WHAT IS COMMUNITY CHARACTER? Generally, a community's character is what it looks like and how it's perceived by its residents and visitors. It has to do with how the community is built and how its natural environments differ from the rest of the world. Physical and cultural elements that affect a community's character include natural land forms, water courses, lakes and reservoirs, climate, indigenous building materials, natural vegetation, financial resources, design quality, views and vistas, past . cultural traditions, and design leadership. Many of the concerns expressed during the development of this Comprehensive Plan had to do with the City's community character. For example, one resident seemed to encapsulate the sentiment of many when he said at a town meeting that "the City needs aface-lift." Today, too many of our towns and cities look very much alike. The following goals and policies were developed to aid the City, its residents, and its builders in the following ways: ■ enhancing the unique character of Wheat Ridge; ■ ensuring that its older commercial and retail strips are upgraded to reflect the City's commitment to quality; ■ ensuring an adequate balance between the built and natural environment; ■ ensuring that Wheat Ridge's historic, cultural, and natural resources are respected and enhanced; and, ■ making new development and redevelopment more inviting to the pedestrian, The City of Wheat Ridge recognizes and encourages that special-bond between humans and animals., whether they are pets, livestock or wildlife. The City also.. acknowledges_that these citizens are caretakers and are responsible for the appropriate maintenance, health and safety of any animal in their care, including adequate land, food,.shelter, and water.. The citizen must also-respect thee: people, property and the environment within their neighborhoods. To that extent, the law that protects and respects .both animals and the citizens should be strictly enforced. Comprehensive Plan Review Committee December, 1997 3-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development STRENGTHENING WHEAT RIDGE'S IMAGE AND IDENTITY A distinct sense of place gives the local citizens a sense of belonging in a world becoming ever more autonomous and can do much to promote civic pride. A distinct identity also informs visitors that they have entered a special place different from surrounding communities. Distinctiveness between communities can prevent a homogenized, generic city appearance. The City of Wheat Ridge has made great efforts in recent years to preserve the quality of its neighborhoods and the environment and to encourage higher quality development and redevelopment. The City's revitalization projects, the enhancement of the Clear Creek Greenbelt, the Wheat Ridge Historical Society's preservation efforts, and an improved level of quality in many of the new developments represent some of the efforts undertaken to enhance Wheat Ridge's image. To enhance the City of Wheat Ridge's character and appearance, this plan establishes the following goals and policies: 3-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development COMMUNITY CHARACTER: GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies to Preserve and Enhance the City`s Character and Identity 1. Goal: Encourage citizens, business, property owners and government to take an . active role in providing an aesthetic and pleasant environment for all citizens. Policies: 1.1 Continue to beautify the City using methods such as development of green ways and requiring the addition of and continual maintenance of landscaping on any existing or new development. 1.2. Promote street scape enhancements on main thoroughfares in order to increase community pride and the attractiveness of streets. 1.3. Use street trees and landscaping to buffer adjoining uses from the effects of traffic. 1.4. Promote City-sponsored projects to upgrade the landscaping in existing developments. 1.5. Screen and landscape all new parking areas through the effective use of grade separations, plant materials, and attractive walls. 1.6. Promote street furniture and features, such as benches and bike racks, that provide pedestrian and bicycle comfort. 1.7. Dedicate resources .for the strict and speedy enforcement of sign, parking, junk and nuisance ordinances. 1.8 Review and revise the sign code. 1.9 Include under-grounding of overhead utilities in any public road improvement project and require under-grounding in any new development or redevelopment. 2. Goal: Identify unique historic structures and resources, develop a plan to preserve them, and make those owned by the City open to the public. Policies: 2.1. Work with organizations such as the Colorado Historical Society and the fVational Trust for Historic Preservation to identify structures and resources of historical significance, to identify the tools available to protect those not publicly owned from being destroyed or significantly altered, and to determine the funding available to preserve those that are publicly owned. 2.2 Preserve Wheat Ridge's agricultural and cultural legacy through the use of open space preservation tools such as conservation easements. 3. Goal: Maintain a balance between the natural and built environment so as to provide psychological and visual relief from the effects of urbanization. Policies: 3.1. Require parkland or open space preservation in new developments and redevelopment projects. 3.2. Adopt requirements to ensure the preservation of natural features in all new developments and redevelopments.. 3-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 3.3 Preserve and enhance the Clear Creek Greenbelt. 4. Goal: Reaffirm dedication to maintaining Wheat Ridge's `Tree City' designation. Policies: 4.1 Promote standards required of the `Tree City' program. 4.2 Limit tree cutting in new development or redevelopment. 4.3 Establish a tree ordinance that addresses reasonable requirements for maintenance and replacement of trees. 5. Goal: Complement and promote the City's image and identity through good urban design, open space buffering, City entry points and "gateway" designs, and the promotion of the visual arts. Policies: 5.1 Identify, develop, and maintain key principal entrances into Wheat Ridge to create a strong, favorable visual impression and community identity for people entering the City. This should include monument signs, directional signs, and landscaping. 5.2 Create a Civic Arts program and review board that encourages public sculptures, murals, and other works of art. 5.3 Develop public and private urban design standards. Revised; 3!16100 3-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development CHI~►PT'ER 4:; GC?MMUNTY ~#ME1~1~'IES AND ~~MII~II~N~TY SERVICES WHAT ARE WHEAT RIDGE'S PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE NEEDS? City of Wheat Ridge Mission Statement The elected and appointed officials and staff of the City of Wheat Ridge are dedicated to creating a high quality of life in partnership with participation from the community by providing comprehensive quality services. Services and Facilities Special Districts Services in the City are provided by special districts and the City. The City recognizes the benefits of consolidating the districts and will continue to work toward that end. The following is a discussion of the districts operating in Wheat Ridge. The Service District Maps (Maps 6 and 7) approximates the service areas of the each of the districts. Water Districts The three major water districts in Wheat Ridge are the Consolidated Mutual, Valley and Wheat Ridge Water companies. Smaller areas in the City are served by Denver, Edgewater and the North Table Mountain Water District. Even though these are separate providers, there is substantial dependence on the Denver Water Department. Each district must comply with the Denver Water Department's limitations on the number of new taps they can allot each year. Consolidated Mutual Water is the only water district to have its own storage or treatment facility. Nonetheless, approximately 80% of its customers receive some Denver water. Sanitation Districts Sanitation districts serving Wheat Ridge are: Wheat Ridge, Clear Creek Valley, Northwest Lakewood, Fruitdale, Westridge, Applewood, and North Table Mountain. The Applewood Sanitation District serves the fewest number of users in Wheat Ridge. All of the sanitation districts, though, rely heavily on the Metropolitan Denver Sewage Disposal District Number 1. Several sanitation districts including Fruitdale, Westridge, and Clear Creek Valley, have identified lines in their systems that are near capacity and perhaps may need expansion for large scale development to take place. In addition, although some of the districts may be at or near capacity in terms of their treatment facilities, the Metropolitan Denver Disposal District Number 1 is required to accept unlimited quantities of untreated sewage from its member districts. 4-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 2 ~'P~IB uepl~a4S o Q3 W ~W o ~ ~ s~~~ .~r ~~r. ~ V ~ w ~ c ~ D IY ~ ~Q ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ 'A~18 4~omspeNj~~ ~ c ~ ~ o ~ a~ ~ rn o ro ~ 3 H o z ~ rn ~ > ~ ~ o w z ,tirti a :tiff Q :fti ~ Q ~ c ~ .'s': :Q;, ..~u ~ ~a Q ~ N ~ !p M ~ roVt~ :.3 3 c~3r ~ N~~~ g ~~~~a fgNfp~ N ~ ~ ti Pf V4 ~ s s p~19 ~epuayS 2 o Q3 2 Y 0~ ~ g ~ ~ ~ ''4 ' C 0 ~ W 0 ~ 0 ~ > Q ~ ~ L ~ a ~ ~ ~ Q 2 ~ V o 'p~19 yUoMSp~M y ~ a Y Z ~ ~ _ ~ ~ N ~ ~ r ~ Q _ ~ ~ U Z ~ t v~'~ ro ~ ~ ~ a .~~S 6urydijj': ~~~a~a~~ ~ Q,,.,. I~~ ~ IIJJ ..d I~ ~II ~ i '~~i ..91 Q N 0 ~ 3 ~ a~ ~~~~ENiIM~ ~ v w 3 ~ ~ 3 ~~0 y V. C ~ ~ ~ m k•c4 Cb ~a ~ ~ ~ o Ol a~~~a;W ~NM#if~~~E■~~~NI~/~ 2>~ Sanitation Districts: Water Districts: Fire Protection Districts: - Wheat Ridge -Valley -Arvada - Clear Creek Valley -Consolidated Mutual -Wheat Ridge - Northwest Lakewood -Wheat Ridge -Lakewood - Fruitdale -Denver -Fairmount - Westridge -Edgewater - Applewood -North Table Mountain - North Table Mountain Fire Protection There are four districts that serve the Wheat Ridge community. The Arvada and Wheat Ridge Fire Protection Districts serve the majority of the City. The Arvada Fire Protection District serves the area north of Clear Creek and the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District serves the area south of Clear Creek. Two smaller districts -Lakewood and Fairmount -serve small portions of extreme western Wheat Ridge. Redevelopment projects that occur in Wheat Ridge will need to conform to current fire safety codes. City Services Police Protection The City of Wheat Ridge provides police protection to all residents. The City's police force is comprised of patrol, traffic and investigative officers, emergency specialists, animal/parks enforcement officers, and administrative staff. Parks and Open Space One message heard over and over again during the development of this Plan is the importance of the City's and region's parks and open space areas to Wheat Ridge citizens. Although not all of the land that comprises Crown Hill Park and the Clear Creek Greenbelt is owned by the City, these large tracts of parkland and open space are extremely valuable to City residents. The community, though, also cherishes the smaller neighborhood parks. The citizens expressed their desire that more land be acquired for both recreational purposes and open space preservation, with special attention given to the equitable distribution of parks and open space throughout the City. Map 8 shows the general locations throughout Wheat Ridge where the City would like to develop new community parks. The City also recognizes the need for additional soccer fields. 4-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The City should work with the Coors Brewing Company, from whom it leases much of the Clear Creek Greenbelt, to secure the long-term management and, ideally, ownership of the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is crucial to the development of the pedestrian framework (Map 10) as well as Wheat Ridge's most valuable natural amenity. The 1998 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update is part of this Plan. The Park and Open Space Master Plan (Map 8}also shows the Chester Portsmouth Park, which was a joint purchase of Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Jefferson County, but is maintained by the City of Lakewood. Crown Hill Park and Open Space, also shown on the Master Plan, was a joint purchase by the same three jurisdictions, but is maintained by Jefferson County. Wheat Ridge also maintains tracts of land as part of its open space system. Newgate Open Space is on the north side of Clear Creek on the west side of the City, and is 4 acres. Zarlengo Open Space is south of Clear Creek and just south of Newgate Open Space. It is comprised of 15 acres. The Clear Creek Greenbelt contributes a substantial portion to the City's open space system - 250 acres. In 1997, the City of Wheat Ridge, in response to the citizen's requests, purchased land near the intersection of 38t"and Kipling for the development of a new recreation center. The recreation center contains a swimming pool, gymnasium, weight rooms, exercise rooms, and other multi-purpose rooms. It was be completed in 2000. Libraries Library services are provided by Jefferson County. The Wheat Ridge Library is located at 32nd Avenue and Depew. Libraries are adjacent to the City in Arvada and Lakewood. Wheat Ridge Library is deemed to be inadequate for the needs of the City. The American Library Association recommends a facility of 21,000 square feet for a City the size of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Library contains 6990 square feet. 4-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The following is a list of the parks, their location, and corresponding acreage that serve the City of Wheat Ridge: Parks Location Acres Anderson Park W. 44t" Ave. and Field St. 27' Community Building & Pool Prospect Park W. 44t"Ave. and Fenton St. 33 Panorama Park 35t" Ave. and Fenton St. 9 Fruitdale Park W. 47t" Ave. and Miller St. 9 Lewis Meadows 34t" PI, and Union St. 9 Paramount Park Kipling St. and W. 29t" Ave. 9 Hayward Park W. 29t" Ave and Wadsworth Blvd. 5 Randall Park W. 43~d Ave. and Gray St. 4 Johnson Park W. 49t" Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd. 18 Stites Park W. 29t" Ave. and Newland St. 2 Apel-Bacher Park W. 45t" Ave. and Vance St. 2 Town Center Park W. 41 St Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd. .75 Wheat Ridge Historical Park W. 46t" Ave. and Robb St. 1 Boyd's Crossing W. 45t" Ave. and Everett St. 1 Louise F. Turner Park W. 38t" Ave. and Parfet St. 1 Happiness Gardens W. 42nd Ave. and Yarrow St. 1 (immediately north of Wilmore Davis Elementary School) Jaidinger W. 48t" Ave. and Ingalls St. 15 Upham Tot Lot Just south of W. 38t" Ave. on Upham St. .25 Wheat Ridge Rec. Center 39t" Ave. and Kipling 10.5 Open Space 250 Sub-Total: 407.5 -Chester Portsmouth 26t" Avenue and Ward 12.8 (Managed by Lakewood) -Crown Hill 26'" Avenue and Kipling 240 (Managed by County) Sub-Total: 252.8 TOTAL ACRES 660.3 ' Acreage figure includes the land upon which the Anderson Community Building was built. 4-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 'P~18 UePPa4S. 2 W w E~ 0 2W Q Q ~EW Y ~~0 ~ Z ~ W ~ ~ c ' UB B W Z r• ~ m c\ IS u H W a Q ~ 0 J C ~ ~ ~ w ~W ~ ~N ~ o Qa ~ a ~ ',S ~;e;d ,S ~~d ~a t ~H~ a a ~~~o~ aa~ 3 3 3 V C ~ 4 ar y 4e 4 ~ u F 4 4yo Q~ W~~ Y Ey 'PMB 41JOMSpeM 'PM8 41JOMSpeM > - N O r U c 3 W ~ L Z Z ~ Y Q ~M Y C W U 'l9 QI C IS 1J6~ 4 OJ F.. ~ 'p cepp = C N ~ ~ m U ; o ~ aci `C ~ coo v ~ ~ a ~ a ' ~ ~ ~ ~o to N ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r c ~ ~ a co c`o o a~i ~ a~ a V «m~(i '13 U09W8.~. J ~ ' mm r~rurnrwwr Q 'IS Bulld!)I 'lS 6ugdlN °a ~ ~ Q F~~ wa~a~c~ ~ ~ • 0 a ~ ~ ~ a: o ~ 0 'ls 1B1Jed ~ 3W 7S le~ed , ~ YY g vi M ~ ~ w w~ 3 I~~~IIII~II~~~IIIIIII~~~I ~ b 8 8 ~ q 8 ~ S ~~j\`q~~` I I~ l0 ~ ~ V U V 11j11~4~ IVIII I ,cq C l0(nLL S ~ ~E~~ztnc"n_~ EWmaEiy~~gvJ a ~a W ~ ~ N ~ ~ ~ ~ = t ~ ~ W c> op cWV~;~ 3 Q ~ OJOI N N~~~ N G1 C Q C C+,~+r ~ 8 ~ ~ ~ ~??L>L 'PaWgM rYalL~~N~W~ ~ a \\\\\\\\~~tQ\ 2 ~ ~ O~ ~y ` a 2 ~ uno P ' 4 ~...7S Pf ,l A~ ~ 2 > V ~ \ \ Q a ~ J►nuend PULE 2 \ ; ~ ~ ~ e(n uep(o~ ~ ` E W aenupuo~ 1(~l COMMUNITY AMENITIES AND SERVICES: GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies and to Facilitate the Development of Community Amenities and to Ensure the Citizens of Wheat Ridge are Provided with Quality Services and Facilities Cultural Opportunities 1. Goal: Develop more cultural opportunities for all citizens. Policies: 1.1. Investigate options for upgrading and expanding library services in the City. 1.2. Continue to support cultural and historical organizations such as Wheat Ridge Art League, Wheat Ridge Arts Council, and Wheat .Ridge Historical Society. 1.3. Continue to promote events such as the Clear Creek Celebration of the Arts and the Carnation Festival and support the development of other community cultural projects. Parks and Open Space 2. Goal: Ensure that the City's parks, open space and recreational facilities enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the City. Policies: 2.1. Developers shall be required to provide land or funds for new parks, open space, or other public purposes consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Standards for public land dedication or cash-in-lieu within the City's subdivision regulations should be updated to more nearly approximate the cost of purchasing land. 2.2. Involve citizens and special user groups in all aspects of parks and recreation planning and implementation. 2.3. Where feasible, new developments should be required to plan a pedestrianlbicycle trail system within the development. These trails need to logically connect to trail systems in adjacent developments, including public parks and open space. 3. Goal: Provide a geographically balanced and equitable park and recreation system with facilities that are responsive to all age and user groups. Policies: 3.1. The City of Wheat Ridge shall strive to improve or expand park facilities and services in relation to population growth, population composition, and user demand. Coordinated planning, when feasible, and joint use agreements with the school district are encouraged as conditions warrant. 3.2. Identify land that is appropriate for parks and open space and strategically acquire land to ensure all areas and residents are fairly served.. 3.3. Inventory current and desired land available for parks and open space~and determine those best suited to be developed into parks and those to be preserved as natural areas or wildlife habitat. 4-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 4. Goal: Recognize the community and regional value and significance of natural and historic resources by ensuring that park and facility planning and development is sensitive to these resources. Policies: 4.1. Designate, preserve and require restoration of important ecosystems such as riparian ecosystems, wildlife habitat and wildlife migration corridors. 4.2. Work with the Colorado Historical Society to identify and protect historic natural resources such as irrigation ditches that contribute to the desired rural character of Wheat Ridge and provide a link to the City's past. 5. Goal: Secure and maintain the long-term management of the Wheat Ridge Clear Creek Greenbelt as a significant natural resource and recreational amenity for the community. Policies: 5.1. Work with the Denver Regional Council of Governments regarding adding the Clear Creek corridor to its regional inventory of sensitive environmental areas used in local and regional planning efforts. 5.2. Close the wetlands near Bass Lake during the nesting and spawning season from March to mid-June in orderto protect the diversity of wildlife and wildlife habitat. 5.3. Encourage development and maintenance of a bikeway that links with the greater Denver Bikeway System. 6. Goal: Acquire more open space. Policies: 6.1. ..Consider targeted funding alternatives other than City general funds to fund open space acquisition. 6.2. Work with Jefferson County Open Space to identify, prioritize, and establish funding or other mechanisms to acquire desired open space parcels within Wheat Ridge. 7. Goal: Utilize parks, open space, and recreational areas as an educational opportunity for all age and user groups. Policies: 7.1. Develop educational opportunities such as interpretative displays and programs that explain and assist the community in the appreciation of the City's natural and. historic resources. 8. Goal: Adequately maintain and beautify existing parks and public land. 9. Goal: Foster and develop cooperative planning efforts within the City of Wheat Ridge government, with other municipalities, the school district and regional recreation providers in orderto provide high quality recreation resources at a reduced expense. 4-6 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive- Plan - A Guide to Development Community Services and Facilities 10. Goal: Plan and equitably provide citizens of Wheat Ridge with the highest level of public services they are willing to support. Policies: 10.1. Wheat Ridge shall strive to improve or expand general public services, public facilities and utilities in relation to population growth, population composition, and user demand. 10.2. Encourage special districts with capacity problems to develop alternatives to address these deficiencies. 10.3 New development shall not burden the ,City's existing infrastructure and public services without the developer contributing the necessary revenue or infrastructure for expanding these services. 11. Goal: Work to minimize the number of special districts that operate in the City of Wheat Ridge. Policies: 11.1. Encourage and facilitate consolidation of special districts where economically beneficial to the citizens of Wheat Ridge. 11.2. The City should take the necessary steps to put all properties south of the railroad ..tracks in the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District. 12. Goal: Provide adequate facilities and tools to maintain the efficiency of City government and quasi-public agencies. 13. Goal: Continue to promote the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of Wheat Ridge citizens. Policies: 13.1. The City shall promote a neighborhood watch program within all geographic areas of the City. 13.2. The City of Wheat Ridge shall adhere to the broad concept of a healthy community that is defined as a clean, safe, quality physical environment which provides basic needs to its residents, accessible public health, and quality educational opportunities. 4-7 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development. CHAPTER 5: TRANSPORTATION WHAT ARE THE KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES FACING THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE? Transportation issues are of primary concern as expressed by the citizens of Wheat Ridge at the town-wide meeting, the neighborhood meetings, the Wadsworth corridor meeting, and the accompanying citizen survey forms. The key themes that surfaced are as follows: • No one wants more traffic, particularly in residential areas. • Improved pedestrian and bicycle safety is desired. • Citizens want another way, besides the car, to get from place-to-place. • The character of the street is as important as its function (See Chapter 3). Roadway Classifications An important element in developing a roadway system is the definition of the functional classification of streets and highways within the system. The. purpose is to establish a hierarchy of roadways to serve various functions and level of demand. Based on this hierarchy appropriate design principles and standards can be defined. Roads primarily serve two functions: access and mobility. The degree to which a street is expected to provide one or both of these functions determines its classification. The City of Wheat Ridge established a new roadway classification (Map 9) as part of its Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) which is hereby made part of this Plan as adopted June 3, 1997, with the primary purpose being to address the traffic management problems the City's neighborhoods are experiencing. A summary of the new roadway classifications and their functions are found on the following pages. CLASS TITLE FUNCTION TYPICAL ROADWAYS MEASURE Class 1 Interstate Classified as Interstate as part Access at grade •f-70 Highway of the National Highway separated interchange System. Very restricted access only. Speed limit of 55 - control. Serves as traffic 75 mph. movement. Carries national and regional traffic and goods. Class 2 Major Regional A continuous highway that Major intersection •Wadsworth Arterial carries regional traffic; spacing of %2 mile. Few Boulevard connects front range cities and numbers of driveway major highways. Primarily for access. Median island at traffic and goods movement. majoF intersections. Provides limited property Tragic volume of 30,000 - access. 45,000 vehicles per day. Speed limit 40 - 45 mph. Public transit route. Typically classified as a state highway. 5-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Class 3 Arterial Roadway carries traffic Major intersection •Sheridan Blvd. between metro area spacing'/2 mile. Limited •Kipling Street communities and connects driveway access. Traffic •Ward Road major highways. Primarily for volume of 25,000 - trafficand goods movement 35,000 vehicles per day. Provides limited property Speed limit of 40 - 45 access. mph. Public transit route. Typically classified as a state highway. Class 4 Collector Collects and distributes traffic A. Predominance of •Youngfield St. A. Neighborhood between neighborhood streets, residential zoning and •44th Ave. B. Commercial commercial and industrial use in the corridor. Public •38th Ave. -Kipling C. Industrial areas, and arterial system. transit route. 30 - 35 St. to Sheridan Blvd. Collectors do not necessarily mph. Traffic volume of •-32nd Ave. to Wright extend into adjoining above 11,000 vehicles Ct. - W. communities. per day. •Harlan St. I-70 to B. Predominance of 44th commercial zoning and use in the corridor. Public transit route. 30 - 35 mph. Traffic volume of above 11,000 vehicles per day. C. Mixture of commercial and industrial zoning and use in the corridor.- Has more truck and commercial traffic than category A and B. Public transit route. 30 - 35 mph. Traffic volume of above 11,000 vehicles per day. Class 5 Minor Collector Collects and distributes traffic A. Predominantly •Ridge Road - A. Neighborhood between neighborhood and residential zoning and Tabor St. to Miller B. Commercial arterial streets. The segment of use in the corridor. 30 St. C. Industrial roadway ranges from a few mph. Traffic volume of •W. 50th Ave. blocks long to a couple of miles below 11,000 vehicles per •W. 29th Ave. long. Speed, volume and day. •Independence St. - length of road segment B. Predominantly I-70 Frontage Rd. N. distinguish the minor collector commercial zoning and •Miller St. - I-70 from Class 4 collector. use in the corridor. A Frontage Rd. N. mixture of passenger and •Garrison St - W. commercial traffic. 30 - 44th Ave. -North 35 mph. Traffic volume •38th Ave. - below 11,000 vehicles per Youngfield to Kipling day. •32nd Ave. -Wright C. Predominantly Ct. to Sheridan industrial zoning and use •Pierce St. - 26th to in the corridor. A majority 44th of commercial and truck •Harlan St. - 32nd to traffic in this corridor. 30 - 44th 35 mph. Traffic volume of •29th Ave. - below 11,000 vehicles per Wadsworth to day. Sheridan •48th Ave. -Harlan to I-70 •Tabor St. - 44th to 48th 5-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Class 6 Neighborhood Low volume residential street. Unlimited number of •Ward Rd. - 32nd to Thru Street Provides direct access to and residential driveways. 38tH from residences and will Traffic volume of between •Miller St. - 44tH to S. convey traffic within and 1,000 and 2,000 vehicles 1-70 Frontage Rd. between an adjoining per day or less. 25 mph. •Parfet St. - 32nd to neighborhood to a lesser 38tH degree than a Class 5 minor •Tabor St. - 48tH - N. collector. Speed, volume and •Holland St. - 32nd to length of road segment 38tH distinguish the neighborhood •41St - Dover St. to thru street from a class 5 minor Wadsworth collector. •46tn Ave. -Garrison to Carr , •Field St. - 44tH to 45tH . •Dover St. - 38tH to 44tH •Upham St. - 38tH to 44tH • Reed St. - 38tH to 44tH •Teller St. - 26tH to 38tH •Pierce St. - 44tH to 48tH •48tn -Wadsworth to Newland •47tn -Marshall St. to Harlan •41 St -Reed to Sheridan •Fenton St. - 26tH to 32nd •35tn -Pierce to Sheridan Class 7 Neighborhood Low volume residential street. Unlimited number of •All other streets in Street Provide access to and from residential driveways. the City residences only. Through Traffic volume of below traffic is not anticipated or 1,000 vehicles per day. encouraged on neighborhood 25 mph. streets. Class 8 Alley: A block length access lane A. Established ~ •All alleys in the A. Residential serving properties as a neighborhood with the City. B. Commercial secondary option. Cross carport or garage in the C. Industrial access easements. rear of the property. 15 mph. B. Commercial development with delivery access in the rear of the property, or cross access to several developments. 15 mph. C. Industrial development with delivery access in the rear of the property, or cross access to several developments. 15 mph. Source: Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, City of Wheat Ridge, June 3, 1997 5-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development C r ~ ~ me ~ ~st~ h re r ~ 11 0 0 0~ Crn Youn field St. i b yC 0 N ~ ~ y D ~ r m 0 3 ~ ~zuu 3 Ward Rd. m ~ W m ~N p ~ fl.\ - fP ~ I ~ D ~ ~ - N ~ ~ 'x► 70 N • N Z --I ~ 3 ~ N~ ~ 3 = ~ m ~ ~ fW _ m N~ ~ ~ ~ f~ . Qo ~ o , ~ D .a [ ~ ~ 3 m sv p c~ ~ ~ < s v ~ cD _ c~ ~C ~ ~ p N t~D cn fD Parfet St. Parfet St. 3 ~o v N ~ Q fD Q- O ~ 7 ~ ~ ~ O SL ~ - l~ 4 r a Ki lin St. Kiplin~c St. p C ~ 0 a Garrison St. u u O r, Z v 4,r / ~i a ~ ~ m n z ~ ~ ~ ~ sy v sv ~ sv a, N N UI N N N ~ N N N N to N ~ ~ U1 A W N - o Z ~ (7 D ~ ~ ~ ~ o co o N -i Carr St. - ~ ~ v ~ - o +7 o rt Q m 3 0 ~ ~ ~ Z o m ~ m o~ = N Q ~ N ~ ~ t3 - -I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ D su ~ m ro ~ ~ ~ m ~ ' m orth Blvd. Wadsworth Blvd. Wadsw ~t ~ , ~C ~ 'W ~ W ~ 3 N 3 D C. I ~ ~ ~C ~ D ~ ~ < 11~ D I~ ~ < 11 ~ ~ n _ ~ y0 Pierce St. ~j - d Pierce St. 'p - ~ d n d C t y ~rn r, b a m o ~ ~ c~ RI d~ . - P~ rn Harlan St. _ 3 fD r rn r ~ ~ ~ c ~ 3 m [ti 0 ~ ~ ~ C ~ a m Z < v a z Sheridan Blvd. ~ ~ ~ c • ~z rn c~ c~ ~ ~ o ~ o ~ ~ Interstate 70 ~j ~ C h1 ~ Youngfield St. ~ ~ ~ ..a y0 a a~ . ~ ~ 0 ~o a ~ b~ ~ ~ ~ a, ~ ~ m v ~ Ward Rd. m ~ w m~ N N UI ~ d ~n 0~ ~ ~ N f b~ ~ ~ ~ D 0 Z , ~ • • ~ JJ . ~ ~ I ~N N~ ~ i ~3 3 - , . • m ~ -o a (D N ~ W Q. ~ 0 41 ~ ~ ~ ~ rt ~ D ~ f~ 7 ~ ~ ID_3_ ~ ~ I'°" n o~ ~ N~ rt rn - N ~ ~ . a Parfet St , Parfet St. ~ Q J 0 0 0 ~ a ~ ~ m • ' i ~ • ~ • b t Ki lin St. Ki lin St. . <; • • • ~4., 1 Garrison St. i 1 ;;;r ~ ~ ~ rn ~ ~ o • a ~ o rr o, rn ; to ~ ~ cn z ~ o ~ Z ~`t ? m m o ~ o ~ ~ ~ a a~ Q~ o~ 0 . - rt rt c U) ~ ~ m ~ ~ v v N ~ ~ ~ ~ n ~Hro o~ T3 ~ ADO coQcom'a'<a ~ N ~ Su 3 ~ _ rororo3m5.m°_'m ~ N m ~ 5 i'o'o a~'m m3'~ ~ N ~ / ~~aa ~ ro mro c ~ Carr St. u, g ~ ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ s ~ ?~~,w G 7Ck oo~,~nwfn Q° o n o N (D ~y O 0 ~ rt ~2 _ i' ~ ~ ~ rt. s n' N ■w n C C N < ~ N • m N . ~ , i 3 ' ~ • < ~ fD • Wadsworth Blvd. Wadsworth Blvd. . n ~ C C ~ • . W€ ~ W ~ rr ~-r 3 ~ • N ~ Q. ~ , D < ~ < c~ ~ D ~ ~ ~ D 4 N • Pierce St. Fierce St, • ~'I ~ 'S rnb rn a 0 i ~ P rn rn d, ~ rn D • ~ • m _ Harlan St. ~ o Z 0 ~ ~ lD r ~ o n N . ~ ~ o ~ 3 rn C . C v, ~ m~ v ~ y y M Sheridan Blvd. . 1 ~ As part of the City's commitment to the safety and livability of residential neighborhoods, the street classifications adopted in the NTMP also establish the types of traffic. management, or "traffic calming", tools applicable to a given roadway. For example, the City anticipates that the "speed hump" will be highly desirable on many of its streets to slow traffic. However, it is best used only on class 6, 7 and 8 streets low and medium volume streets. Consequently, 38t" Avenue would not be a candidate for this particular traffic management tool, but landscaped medians would be appropriate. Pedestrian and Bike Framework Safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle movement throughout the City is an important component of swell-balanced transportation system. The pedestrian and bicycle framework (see Map 10) developed for the City of Wheat Ridge capitalizes on one of the City's greatest natural assets -Clear Creek. Not only does the creek linearly connect nearly the entire community from east to west, but also much of it is already owned and managed by the City (Map 8). Clear Creek serves as the spine of the system, and to the extent possible existing rights-of-way provide the necessary north/south links. In addition to the pathway along Clear Creek, landscaped and well-lighted walks along streets and on bicycle and pedestrian paths are essential to providing a pedestrian system that is used. The pedestrian framework is designed to link key destinations in the community and to other regional pedestrian/bicycle systems to enable citizens to use the system not only for recreational purposes but also for commuting to and from work. The framework plan envisions a dedicated path for leisure strolling, running, exercise walking, and biking, As volume increases, there may be a need to separate leisure walking and recreational use from bicycles, roller-bladers and runners in two separate paths. As new development occurs, the City should require that equal attention be given to pedestrian circulation as to automobile circulation. New development should provide pedestrian linkages within the development as well as to adjacent development. Wadsworth Boulevard Wadsworth Boulevard extends only two miles through the City, but deserves special attention because of significant access management needs; debate over whether to expand it or not; its revitalization needs and opportunities; and its regional importance. . Wadsworth Boulevard is State Highway 121 and serves as the primary north-south continuous arterial roadway in the western part of the metro area. Wadsworth Boulevard serves two primary functions for Wheat Ridge citizens: 1) regional mobility and 2) access to adjacent commercial and residential areas, Significant traffic management problems have arisen because of the competing and incompatible nature of the two functions. There is general consensus that the citizens of Wheat Ridge do not want to see Wadsworth Boulevard widened to six through lanes. This is in accordance with many planners' and engineers' recent recognition that we cannot build our way out of congestion problems. The state's mandated six-year transportation improvement plan does not include widening Wadsworth Boulevard. However, Wadsworth Boulevard has been mentioned as a candidate for expansion in the long-term future by both CDOT and DRCOG. A federal law -the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) -mandates that all transportation projects and plans that rely on federal funds have public participation. This gives greater control to local governments in determining its transportation 5-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development needs, and the plans must consider methods to reduce traffic congestion. Therefore, the City and its citizens must continue taking a role in regional transportation planning through active participation in DRCOG to ensure its desires are heard and its needs met. DRCOG distributes federal funds for transportation projects. The City applied for and received a grant from the Governor's Office of Energy Conservation to develop a plan for the Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor Plan. The plan, completed and adopted by the City in 1999, addresses the access management problems as well as solutions that increase capacity at critical locations without adding new through lanes. The Plan also looks at land use, urban design, and market opportunities. Transit The City of Wheat Ridge and its citizens seek to improve and enhance transit service for those who cannot, or chose not to, rely on the automobile. The citizens also wish to maintain good air quality. The City is well served by transit (Map 11), but improvements should be made to make transit more accessible and appealing. It is essential to work with the Regional Transportation District (RTD} to represent the citizens' needs. RTD recommends utilizing a circulator form of transit in the City of Wheat Ridge. A circulator system relies on vehicles that are smaller than buses and run more frequently. Well-planned and operated circulator systems address people's concerns of comfort, reliability, and convenience. Additionally, attention should be given to increasing bus service, improving the comfort and amenities provided at bus stops and strategically locating them near activity centers. It is important that as the pedestrian framework is further refined, it is linked to the transit system to ensure that effective connections between modes are established. The .City should also consider encouraging the development of convenience retail and services at Park-n-Ride locations. The City should implement transportation demand management ~TDM}strategies such as the promotion of ride-sharing, alternative work hours, telecommuting, parking management, bicycling and walking, and participation in transportation management associations. Transportation demand management strategies seek to decrease travel demand on roadways, thus reducing the demand for widened roadways. 5-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 'PM9 ~gPuB4S 2 W Q ti y ~W a W 0~ ~ Y N n• g ~ ~ W m 0 ~ 1.._ e 1"' ~••'IS UeABH ~ V + Z r W VV J~ m~ ~ ~ W 'IS egad 'IS a~~eld Q t ai ai w ti ii ¢ ii Q v g Q' 3 ~ $li ~ 3 3 3 is t ~ ~ \ \\1~ 'PMB 4UoMSPsM ~ PM9 4UoMSpeM ~f` Q \i N~ 3 is ~ y J 'IS ue~ 0 ~ N ~ ~ ~ cn ~ Z ~ G) ~ G? C 0 p 0 c~ > W tY J tY tl ~ ; y~~ IIi I:. 'lS uoswe~ Q ~ I : js ~iujdi~j ~~'jg fiulldij► I ~ a II a •~s ~ I a 0 'IS IeNgd ~ 'lS lel1Bd ~ c Y a is ~ g g 3' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3 ~ II~~~''IIIIIdIIIIIIIIIII ~ w ~ ICI ~gIIII III 0 a ~ Ilan I~U~IDI ~ 4, y •'il: III ~ ••I•:. ••~i. Q 3 'va wgnn W ~0 ~ _ _ 0 H ~ a W j ~ IS Pley6unoj, O W 0 OL e1~1~e~~1 wri W V ? ~ 1 2 J RELATIONSHIP TO COUNTYWIDE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK Wheat Ridge supports the following principles underlying the Needs Based Plan articulated in the Countywide Transportation Plan completed in 1998: ■ shifting away from single occupancy vehicle use; ■ supporting viable public mass transit proposals; ■ committing to consultation before implementing transportation projects; ■ incorporating bicycle and pedestrian improvements in any roadway improvement project; and, ■ completing bicycle, pedestrian and paratransit projects. Wheat Ridge will apply these principles of needs based transportation planning to the City by making decisions on transit that protect the character of the community. These may include: ■ restricting through traffic; ■ respecting neighborhood needs to limit and discourage through traffic; ■ giving first priority to pedestrian improvements that meet mobility needs of the young and old; ■ providing funding for available alternative modes of travel -such as provided by . systems of walkways, bikeways, and shelters. 5-6 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development TRANSPORTATION: GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies to ensure safe and efficient Transportation System 1. Goal: Participate in the development of awell-balanced regional transportation system to move people and goods in a safe, expeditious and economic manner. Policies: 1.1. Any development or redevelopment of land abutting a Wheat Ridge jurisdictional line shall make the appropriate vehicular and pedestrian connections to the established traffic and pedestrian circulation framework contained within this Plan. 1.2. Work with Jefferson County and all neighboring cities to encourage all thoroughfares adjacent to or within existing enclaves to follow the City of Wheat Ridge's adopted vehicular and pedestrian standards and landscaping requirements so as not to accentuate municipal boundary lines. 2. Goal: The City shall strive to minimize traffic congestion and air pollution as well as encourage and provide alternative transportation systems. Policies: 2.1. Locate mass transit lines close to employment and shopping opportunities and higher density residential uses. 2.2. Promote viable transportation alternatives to and within commercial and community activity centers to decrease dependency on the use of single occupancy vehicles. 2.3. Encourage mixed mode transportation to include abus-bicycle transfer system, park- n-ride lots, and bicycle storage to serve shopping districts. 2.4. Ensure that alternative modes of transportation are convenient by increasing both inter- and intra-City bus service, and support regional efforts to encourage car pooling. 2.5. Promote biking and walking as viable forms of transportation and recreation by developing a comprehensive path and trails system which interconnects neighborhoods with shopping, parks and recreation, work, schools, and with the systems of adjacent jurisdictions. 2.6. Investigate the opportunities for obtaining funding from state, federal or other sources that incorporate non-vehicular modes of travel. 2.7 Implement transportation demand management (TDM) strategies to decrease the demand for added capacity on roadways. 3. Goal: All development activities whether public or private shall strive to make the pedestrian feel welcome, safe and comfortable. Policies: 3.1. Improve and add, as necessary, traffic controls and synchronized signals including modifying the timing of pedestrian walk signals to ensure that people can cross streets safely. Decrease the number of curb cuts by controlling access from businesses along major streets. 3.2. Implement traffic calming measures to slow traffic and make streets less threatening to pedestrians. 3.3. Use medians where possible to provide a safe haven for pedestrians crossing the street with a break for wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers. 3.4. Streets and pedestrian paths should provide access to existing or planned thoroughfares within the City of Wheat Ridge. 3.5. Encourage the development of sidewalks within residential and office developments. These sidewalks should include shade trees to enhance the comfort of the pedestrian. 5-7 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 3.6. Parking areas must be buffered from the street with at least ten feet of landscaping and architectural features that are consistent with related streetscape elements employed by the City of Wheat Ridge. 4. Goal: Develop a transportation network that will protect the City's residential neighborhoods and serve commercial and industrial areas and other land uses. Policies: 4.1. Ensure that all new development provides internal streets, adequate circulation and pedestrian walkways that provide non-motorized connections to adjacent development and that integrate with the City's overall street and pedestrian network. 4.2. Recognize that maintaining safe, quiet neighborhoods takes priority over adding capacity to existing streets. 5. Goal: Prohibit development that would increase the number of vehicle trips or allow access on adjacent or nearby streets which would require a change in a road classification. Policies: 5.1. All new developments should be evaluated and information provided to determine whether new development will require a change in classification of neighboring streets. 6. Goal: Ensure that persons with disabilities can safely navigate the City's streets and walkways. Policies: 6.1. The City of Wheat Ridge shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and adopt a local ordinance that requires all new development and redevelopment proposals to be reviewed for handicap accessibility. 5-8 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development CHAPTER 6: SI~STAI~JABLE E~t~N~MI [~~~/EL~?RItI~EI~T WHAT TYPE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS DESIRED BY THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE? INTRODUCTION Incorporated in 1969, Wheat Ridge is a community of 30,000 people who call nine (9) square miles of property home. Over 3,200 businesses are licensed in the City. Approximately 1,600 of these businesses are locally owned and operated. Wheat Ridge promotes economic development by attracting new businesses and helping existing businesses thrive and grow. Sustainability of economic progress is a notion that positively places economic development within the context of community character and quality of life. To be sustainable, economic development must continue to contribute to the overall vision of the community as family centered, semi-rural in look and feel, and residential. With nearly half of the housing stock in Wheat Ridge renter occupied, it is important that significant economic development efforts be directed toward a reversal of this trend, encouraging the development of a homeowner consumer base. The success of increasing Wheat Ridge retail sales now needs to be balanced by equal success with economic development efforts that increase the likelihood of owner occupied residential development and redevelopment. Wheat Ridge businesses generate sales tax and use tax revenues that support community projects and provide high quality public services to the citizens of Wheat Ridge. The sales tax rate is 6.8% for general merchandise of which 3.0% goes to the State of Colorado, 2.5% goes to the City, .8% to RTD, and the remaining .5% is dedicated to the Jefferson County Open Space Fund. The City also imposes a 3% sales tax on food-2.5% City and .5% Jefferson County Open Space Fund. The City's 2.5 % use tax is due on all items where a city sales tax has not been paid. This would include, but is not limited to, all items in which the business is considered the final consumer including: office supplies, equipment and subscriptions, or items delivered to your location. Sales tax revenue alone accounts for approximately 30% of the City's annual revenue. The City of Wheat Ridge developed and adopted an Economic Development Strategic Plan in February of 1995. The plan established basic principles that remain central to economic development activities within the City of Wheat Ridge. The Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission (EDARC) oversees economic development activities within the City and ensures that the following principles are adhered to. 6-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development Principles* ■ Economic development activities are undertaken by the City to preserve and enhance the tax base needed to support a wide range of desired services and facilities for the community. ■ Economic development is a long-term program. ■ Economic development efforts must be market driven. ■ Economic development will frequently involve an effort (staff work) and/or financial investment by the City of Wheat Ridge. ■ Economic development efforts emphasize sales and use tax producing activities yet are sensitive to the new growth and diversified businesses. ■ Economic development efforts should balance redevelopment with the attraction of new businesses. ■ Economic development efforts should complement the various neighborhoods and commercial areas of Wheat Ridge, and the unique needs and opportunities of each. ■ Economic development involves broad issues beyond commercial activity. ■ Economic development efforts are viewed by the community as positive and beneficial. "Adopted February 1995 by the City of Wheat Ridge ECONOMIC CONDITIONS Retail Business and Sales Tax Revenue Retail sales are a critical component of the City's fiscal health, but for long term economic health should not be relied on solely. Attention must also be paid to the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to ensure the demand for goods and services is maintained. In addition, a recent amendment to the Colorado Constitution, known as the TABOR Amendment, provides significant constraints to revenue growth. The amendment establishes a formula to determine the percentage of increased revenue a municipality may accumulate above which any excess must be returned to the taxpayers. Nevertheless, over the last 25 years, retail sales in Wheat Ridge have not only expanded enough to keep up with inflation but the City's share of retail sales has grown by approximately 4%. 6-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Wheat Rid a Retail Sales Tax Generated b Area 1986-1996 g Y ~ ~ ~ . ~ ~ ~ Y.' i'::::.'.':::::::.'::. ~ i . ; rea.'.'::.':.'.' :':.:~ac~sv+~~h. ~ ::::::.:~~..A.~r~n.ue.........1~~ l~r~ ; lv~c~l; :~;~,.r.' :..............................................................................................P. ~ P . ~c~u:le:~r~r~d::::::;:::::::::eaa:~ f~~ rep . ;~::i~~ .i 1986 $606,780 $624,640 $23,260 $1,143,120 $279,500 $3,727,120 of 16.28% 16.76% .62% 30.67% 7.5% NIA City 1998 $2,509,373 $677,743 $472,230 $2,848,526 $1,650,068 $9,616,848 of 26.1 % 7.0% 4.9% 29.62% 17.16% NIA City Source: Community Matters, Inc., BBC 1987-88 Economic Development Project, City of Wheat Ridge data Five major retail business areas within Wheat Ridge account for over 70% of the retail sales (see Map 12j. These areas include: ■ Wadsworth Boulevard including the Town Center ■ 38t" Avenue east of Wadsworth Boulevard ■ Kipling Activity Area ■ Applewood Shopping Center ■ I-70 Corridor The relative importance of each retail area is shown above as well as the change in distribution over aten-year period. The above table clearly demonstrates how city involvement has resulted in a significant increase in sales tax revenue along Wadsworth Boulevard because of the four-phased urban renewal effort. Applewood Shopping Center also benefitted from the addition of a new Wal-Mart store, and remains as the most significant sales tax generating retail business area within the City. Sales tax growth along the I-70 corridor continues to grow due to the continued diversification of this corridor and new industrial development north of I-70. General Fund Budget Summary: Revenues and Expenditures As stated earlier, retail sales are critical to the City's overall fiscal health. One percent of the City's sales tax. revenue funds the City's General Fund, one percent is used by the City's Capital Fund and the remaining one-half percent is dedicated to the City's new recreation center. The charts on Page 6-4 illustrate the relative importance of both sales tax and use tax to the City's General Fund. 6-3 . Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guideto Development Z ~ 'A~18 ~uepl~ayg ~ 0 W ~W a ~ ~~d) 1 oioo~xq w ~ W Z s®, Q W ~ w ~ ~ r Q W W~ ~ VQ ~ M ® Q ~ : ~ W ' ~ Z 3 O 4 m ' H1dOMSQbM ~ ' ■ 'P~I9 y~oMSpeM ' ~ , Y!~ V Q yV Q 1. a ~ ~ o ~ ■ ■ ~ ■ C~ Z J Q '~S ugdlx Y 2 F- 0 Z ■ ~ a ■ ~ M 3 rx ' I~~~'~II10~, tx \ ~ ai ~I~~'~I I+'ll v Q ~~,,..Ilhi o i N 0 I ~M p f ~ ~ vw3 ~ a ~ ~fi a ' "~O oo~~ r ~ oc o N G ` !0 ~ ~ ~ ® Ets'C4 N fp fp ~ ~ F- ~ ~ 'G 7 r r._....._.., ~ ~ OOOM,~lddb ~ ~ e ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■r City of Wheat Ridge General Fund Revenue by Source -1998 Sales Tax 29.88% Use Tax 14.14% Intergovernmental 12.70% Transfers 12.06% PSC Franchise 6.09% Property Tax 4.48% Charge for Service 4..52% Lodging Tax 3.65% Municipal Court 4.74% Licenses/Permits 3.36% Other Revenue' 4.38% 100.00% City of Wheat Ridge General Fund by Source -1998 Other Revenue (4.38%) LicenseslPermits (3.36%) rt 4.74° Munici al Cou ! i iii p ( ) ~ Lod in Tax 3.65 ° ( ) 9 g I T 2 .8 Saes ax (9 8 „ Charge for Service (4.52%) ~ r~~:~~''' , » , , „ . Property Tax (4.48%) „ *i > PSC Franchise (6.09%) Transfers (12.06%) y Y~' Use Tax (14.14%) Intergovernmental (12.70%) 'Includes: Telephone Occupancy, Auto Ownership, Liquor Occupancy and Admissions/Amusements 6-4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: GOALS AND POLICIES2 1. Goal: Preserve and enhance the tax base needed to support desired government services and facilities in the community. Policies: 1.1 Encourage light industry to locate within designated areas of the City to provide employment and increase the tax base. 2. Goal: Economic development shall be considered along-term program and not a "quick fix" for sagging retail sales tax collections. 3. Goal: Continue to be a competitive destination for new business by investing dollars in such things as staff, research and planning, promotion, infrastructure, revenue sharing or other appropriate means that will continue to make Wheat Ridge a desirable place to start, maintain, or relocate a business. Policies: 3.1. Encourage development that will provide new employment opportunities for residents of Wheat Ridge. 4. Goal: Balance retail and other types of business in order to maintain the demand for the retail goods whose sales generate needed City revenue. 5. Goal: Continue to ensure that maintaining a healthy business climate forthe existing businesses is as important as attracting new firms by making revitalization a continuing priority. Policies: 5.1. Evaluate the older, established commercial nodes and strips to determine which areas are appropriate for reinvestment and revitalization. 5.2. Develop strategies and incentives to make older commercial areas more economically competitive and visually pleasing. 5.3. Develop programs to encourage the retention and expansion of existing business. Maintenance of, and service to, existing business shall remain a top priority. 6. Goal: Ensure economic development efforts that complement the various neighborhoods and commercial areas'of Wheat Ridge and acknowledge the unique needs and opportunities of each. 7. Goal: Continue to recognize that the purpose of the City's economic development effort is to improve the quality of life for residents. Key competitive advantages include the City's residential character and quality neighborhoods. 2 The economic development goals and policies were developed by the CPRC based on their review of the previously adopted priorities contained in the 1995 Economic Development Strategic Plan. 6-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 8. Goal: Ensure that economic development efforts continue to be viewed by the community as positive and beneficial by pursuing high-quality redevelopment that minimizes negative impacts to residential neighborhoods. Policies: 8.1. Develop a corridor plan for Wadsworth Boulevard (between West 32"d Avenue and -70) that improves access to existing and new businesses and prevents further traffic in nearby residential areas. REVITALIZATION AND REINVESTMENT Economic Development and Revitalization Commission Since 1981, the City of Wheat Ridge has been committed to ensuring that the City maintains a healthy level of retail activity through City efforts and the use of urban renewal areas. Economic Development Efforts for Retail Sales Tax Generation The cornerstone of the City's economic development efforts have been the strategic and timely improvement of the roadway system to alleviate traffic congestion and allow further growth. Examples include: the creation of an urban renewal area for the I-70 Frontage Road at the Kipling Interchange; and the rebuilding of 38'h Avenue between Wadsworth and Sheridan. Future roadway improvements include the improvement of the Ward Road/Colorado 58 interchanges with I-70 and Wadsworth Boulevard. In addition, through the Enhanced Sales Tax Improvement Program (ESTIP), the City has invested in quasi-public improvements that allowed for the revitalization of the major community shopping centers. This program is designed to mitigate the costs of remodeling and updating aging shopping areas. ESTIP is a program that reimburses developers for the cost of public or quasi-public improvements from the increased sales tax generated by a development. The City also adopted the Wheat Ridge Town Center Urban Renewal Area and formed an urban renewal authority -the City's Economic Development and Revitalization Commission (EDARC). Since 1981, EDARC has completed several projects in the urban renewal area. Map 13 shows the location of the urban renewal area. Economic Development Efforts for Use-tax Generation and Employment The City must be receptive to new technologies and innovative manufacturers as well as responding to the needs of the existing large employers. The City participates in the Jefferson Economic Council which administers the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone. Companies locating in the Enterprise Zone are eligible for certain tax credits. 6-6 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development •pn19 uepua4S ■ 2 W 0 ~ W Y 0 W ~ ~ ■ 0 ® ® W ■ Q ■ 3 m,~` w I- W V1 ZV~W a~N ■ _Q OJW ® ~ W Z ' ~ ~ ~ W W ; ~ ~ C ® ~Q ~ ~ 'Pnl9 4}~onnspeM Q W Q e,,..,,,,,,.a.,m.., J ~~'J I Q I~ Q I~ ~ ■ ■ ■ ■ ' ® WI ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ~ ■ ■ ■ ■ i ■ ■ ■ Q ■ ~ ■ ~ ~ ~~~IIIdI~~~lllll~~~ H ~Iglll'~~I~I IIII~II o a i~~,...~~~ z 3 t 3 Y ~ w ~ i ~ ~ tLL C ~ pN ® E~~ ca N t ~ C Dl a ` L ~ 3~ w ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ W ® ~ ■ ~0 ® , y ~ 0L8~e;spa;"~ a W ~ ® 2 > ~ ® ; i J ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ These activities have allowed the City to remain competitive within the regional market place, and have forestalled further reductions in business activity due to the aging nature of many of the retail establishments in Wheat Ridge. Sales and use tax from Wheat Ridge businesses continue to account for about 44% of the City's revenue, allowing for the sustained level of City services and facilities including police protection, recreational amenities, and capital facility improvements. Although the development of competing retail concentrations in surrounding areas could threaten Wheat Ridge's sales tax base in the future, it has not yet done so. Within the Wheat Ridge trade area, there are several new competing retail centers which developed in the last few years and one proposed that could affect the City's sales tax revenue. In such a complex, competitive environment, EDARC will .need to continue to create informed economic opportunities for Wheat Ridge that balance small and medium sized enterprise, revenue, quality of life, and community character. Investment and revitalization efforts continue in three main retail focal points within the City of Wheat Ridge; ■ The Wadsworth Boulevard Town Center ■ The Applewood Shopping Center ■ The I-70 Corridor revised: 3117100 6-7 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development I CHAPTER 7: ENVIRONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND QUALITY OF LIFE BENEFITS ACHIEVED THROUGH REGIONAL COOPERATION? Many of the most pressing issues facing communities today -air pollution, water quality, and traffic congestion - do not respect jurisdictional boundaries. Consequently, regional cooperation is needed to improve the quality of life in our own communities. Several regional plans have recently been completed or are near completion. The plans adopted discuss issues affecting the City of Wheat Ridge including Metro Vision 2020, the Jefferson Countywide Transportation Plan, and the Jefferson County Parks and Open Space Plan. The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG} recently completed Metro Vision 2020. The plan emphasizes local control over decisions regarding where growth should occur within individual municipalities, but also attempts to provide a regional 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 employmentlhousing 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, multimodal 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 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 for their surrounding trade areas. Ranging from the Denver Center Business District (CBD} to the 7-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 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. Past transportation planning efforts by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) have recommended utilizing a circulator form of transit in the City of Wheat Ridge. A circulator system relies. on vehicles that are smaller than buses and run more frequently. Well-planned and operated circulator systems address people's concerns of comfort, reliability, and convenience. Establishing a good working relationship with neighboring jurisdictions also heaps Wheat Ridge to have more control over what is developed on land adjacent to the City's jurisdictional boundaries and on other decisions that affect the quality of life in Wheat Ridge. The City should take the steps outlined in the goals and policies to ensure its interests and the interests of the region are considered. 7-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ENVIRONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION: GOALS AND POLICIES Goals and Policies to Achieve Mutually Beneficial Regional Cooperation 1. Goal: Achieve intergovernmental cooperation and coordination whenever possible. Policies: 1.1. Continue to be involved in the development of regional land use plans such as the Denver Regional Council of Governments' Metro Vision 2020 Plan recognizing that actions by other jurisdictions may have a great impact upon Wheat Ridge and that regional issues cannot be solved by one jurisdiction alone. 1.2. Promote open communication and improve relations between Wheat Ridge City Council and neighboring jurisdictions. 1.3. Any development or redevelopment project abutting the City's jurisdictional lines shall make the appropriate vehicular and pedestrian connections without adversely impacting Wheat Ridge neighborhoods. 1.4. Develop intergovernmental agreements with neighboring communities to ensure that development occurring near Wheat Ridge's boundaries is reviewed by the City. 1.5. Continue to participate in region-wide transportation planning that emphasizes and funds alternatives to the automobile. 1.6. Continue to cooperate with the Jefferson County school district in locating and developing neighborhood schools, neighborhood parks, school facilities, playgrounds, and cultural events. 1.7. Continue to work with the Jefferson County school district to ensure that school facilities are adequately funded and Wheat Ridge students are served on a neighborhood basis. 1.8. Work with the neighboring communities of Arvada, Lakeside, and Jefferson County to pursue annexations that are beneficial to the residents of the area and the City of Wheat Ridge. 1.9. Develop plans for areas west of Wheat Ridge which comply with state requirements contained within C. R.S §31-23-206 and 31-12-105, and take into consideration both the City of Wheat Ridge's long term needs, as well as the needs and desires of those citizens and jurisdictions currently occupying those areas. 1.10. Work with the Jefferson County Library District Board to improve library service in the City. 7-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTING THE P"L,~1~1 THE ROLE OF ZONING AND RELATED DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS The Comprehensive Plan provides the guidance in making the day-to-day land use and related decisions of City government. The goals, policies, recommendations, and maps provide the framework for these decisions, but other documents and actions provide the means for realizing the goals and vision of the Comprehensive Plan. These implementation mechanisms are discussed below. Zoning Regulations Zoning regulations are perhaps the most important implementation tool for the Comprehensive Plan. The regulations establish zones for different types of uses and other development standards. The zoning map should reflect the various land uses~and their locations as recommended in the Comprehensive Plan. Zoning requirements such as lot sizes, setbacks, and height limitations should reflect the density and development characteristics recommended in the Plan for various land uses. The Plan provides a consistent framework for making zoning decisions. All land use applications should be reviewed for conformance not only with specific zoning requirements, but also for consistency with the direction and guidance provided by the Comprehensive Plan: The zoning regulations should be revised based upon the recommendations contained in this Plan. The following recommendations are possible zoning strategies to implement this plan. ■ In order to preserve the low density residential character of Wheat Ridge very high density as defined in the Comprehensive Plan will be allowed only in Planned Residential Developments of high quality design and amenities. The current vague standards for approval of Planned Residential Developments should be considerably strengthened and Planned Residential Developments with this higher density should be approved only when these new standards are strictly adhered. ■ Aland use map should be created reflecting use density of all residential land in the City in order to evaluate all future rezoning as to density compatibility within neighborhoods. ■ Because pyramid zoning has led to misunderstandings about the intended density of development not compatible within or adjacent to surrounding single-family homes, the City should begin to phase out and eventually eliminate pyramid zoning, AFTER the following suggested preliminary strategies are taken: 8-1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development 1. Where R-3 zoning areas have been subdivided and developed assingle-family housing, these areas should be rezoned to R-1 B or R-1 C zoning categories. Further, the City should no longer allow combining of such single-family lots to allow building of multi-family housing. 2. Likewise, R-2 zoning areas that have been subdivided and developed as single- family homes should be considered for rezoning to R-1A zoning category. 3. Parcels zoned R-3, R-3A, or R-2A, but developed assingle-family, should be rezoned to R-1B or appropriate single-family zone category. 4. The above rezonings shall not make an existing use a nonconforming use. ■ Continue with mass rezoning initiatives begun several years ago. ■ Affordable housing for young families should be encouraged and created by the City's participation in such programs as urban homesteading, down payment assistance programs and/or other incentive programs, not by allowing higher densities. ■ In order to preserve open~lands, a new zoning category such as residential estate should be created to allow single-family housing on 112 acre sites. ■ The City will discourage gated or exclusionary developments. ■ The City will reduce developments of large homes on small lots by reducing the maximum lot coverage in single-family zone districts and developments. ■ The sections on "Planned Building Groups" and "Development on Multiple Parcels or Lots" in the zoning ordinance should be amended by adding to the ,current criteria that development may be denied if the proposal is incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood or exceeds the prevailing density in the neighborhood. ■ The percentage of landscape required in the. R-3, R-3A and .Planned Residential zoning districts for multi-family development should be increased and should include a percentage of usable open space. Usable open space should include, but not be restricted to, concepts such as continuity (connected spaces), singularity of area (space being in a single piece), buffering, and safety and convenience of residents. ■ The sign code should be updated. Subdivision Regulations Subdivision regulations establish the process and requirements for creating building lots, and the construction of public improvements such as water and sewer lines, and roads. Similar to zoning, the subdivision regulations implement the Comprehensive Plan by establishing the requirements for improvements, land dedications, and engineering. The provision of trails connecting neighborhoods, proper street alignment and grades, and proper drainage are examples of design issues addressed during the subdivision process. s-2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development The City should undertake the following: ■ The City should adopt the state definition of subdivision in lieu of the existing definition. ■ The City should revise and update its subdivision regulations, including requirements for information to be submitted. ■ The City should update its park dedication and cash in lieu of dedication standards. Site Plan Review Site plan review currently occurs only with a limited number of development proposals because of code requirements. This is the last stage of review before building plans are reviewed and building permits issued. Site plan review should be expanded to require all developments other than one- and two-family to be reviewed for conformance to landscape, parking, and design standards. This stage of the development review process would focus on details of a building and its site .including how the site functions, how the structure looks and fits in with others in the area, how landscaping effectively hides or accents aspects of the structure or site, and how the site and building do not negatively impact surrounding streets, drainage, and buildings. This stage of review would embody many of the policies of the Comprehensive Plan and would be a critical process in its implementation. Capital Improvements Program The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a schedule of major public capital improvements. The CIP organizes the capital improvement needs of the City into a plan for meeting these needs over a fixed time period, usually five or six years, and is used to identify capital construction projects for each budget year. Projects usually included in a CIP are roads, bridges, parks, government buildings and facilities, and may be new construction, repairs, or upgrades. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the location, size, and in some instances, timing of needed capital improvements. Through the CIP, public improvements are constructed where and when they are needed, and serve future growth or redevelopment as identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Coordination with Other Agencies The Comprehensive Plan should serve as the basis for planning in the regional context. Regional transportation and wastewater facility planning is required to be consistent with local plans. Plans of the water and sanitation districts, fire districts, and school district should be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan so that adequate facilities and services are provided in a timely and effective manner. Special districts and regional agencies should participate in the implementation of the Plan and be included in the zoning and subdivision processes. This coordination is essential to providing a complete range of facilities to meet the needs of City residents. 8-3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Additional Plan Elements and Updates Additional studies and plans are recommended throughout the Comprehensive Plan. These studies or plans are beyond the generalized nature and scope of this Comprehensive Plan, but all are important in addressing issues affecting the future of Wheat Ridge. As these plans or studies are prepared, they should be adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Additional plans, studies, or updates recommended to be prepared are as follows: ■ Design Standards for Commercial and Residential Development ■ Historic Preservation Plan ■ Neighborhood and/or District Plans ■ Corridor Plans CRITICAL ACTIONS TO UNDERTAKE Action 1: ~ Institute changes to residential zone districts. Many recommendations contained in this Plan deal with changes to existing zoning and subdivision regulations. Density, landscaping, lot coverage, screening, and other development standards in the current code need to be amended to be consistent with the recommendations and vision set out in the Plan. Now that some of the reduction in density recommendations have become ordinances, it is important to amend the requirements for lot coverage and landscaping as soon as possible. This will carry out the intentions that changes in the density requirements do not lead to larger units but will lead to larger areas for open space, recreational amenities, and landscaping on-site. Action 2: ~ Landscaping requirements -Increase for commercial sites. The current requirement of 10% should be increased and a standard for parking lots should be considered. Landscape buffering of parking lots from the street, buffering between commercial uses and neighborhood uses, and addition of trees in the interior parking lots would help enhance the City's commercial areas. A visually appealing business attracts customers. Action 3: ~ Develop commercial and residential design guidelines. Goals and policies of this Plan address establishing and enhancing image and character. Part of this issue can be addressed in physical development. Design guidelines can provide guidance in establishing desired attributes of future development or redevelopment. s-a Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Action 4: ~ Enact additional legislation. Additional legislation, such as site plan review and a tree preservation ordinance, may be required to implement the goals and policies established in the Plan. Action 5: ~ Adopt a plan to encourage increased ownership of residential properties Action fi: ~ Increase EDARC capacity and efforts to monitor trends and suggest actions related to sustainability and diversification of economic development efforts. UPDATING THE PLAN The planning process is ongoing and does not stop when the Comprehensive Plan is completed. Additional elements or studies may be identified as the need or a particular issue arises. Any element of the Plan should be updated and revised as new information becomes available or as other conditions change. The Comprehensive Plan should be evaluated every five years to assess changes in economic conditions, development trends, and citizen attitudes. Periodic updates ensure that the Comprehensive Plan reflects the goals and desires -the vision - of the community. revised: 3117100 8-5 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ~ ~ The City of Wheat Ridge's Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CPRC) held neighborhood/district meetings in order to determine: ■ If the CPRC is .headed in the right direction. ■ To discover what needs to be added to the draft vision statement, goals, and policies in order to respond to neighborhood concerns. The following is a summary of what was learned at each of the neighborhoodldistrict meetings. The comments heard at each of the meetings demonstrate that there are many common concerns applicable to the community as a whole. The results have been reported by district (see Map A-1). District The primary concerns of the residents in District I centered around the following: ■ open space ■ parks and recreational facilities ■ community character ■ transportation related issues Many people discussed their desire to see the City acquire more open space. Representative comments include "preserve open lands -once it's built upon it's gone forever," "any new development should provide a high percentage of open space," and "purchase more open space." In terms of parks and recreational facilities, several people requested that a recreation center be built (suggestions were made as to where this should or should not occur) and others mentioned that District I,. "needs more parks" and "wants more neighborhood parks." Community character issues were also a major concern to those residing in District I. Code enforcement was a recurring theme. Sample comments include: "trash cans on sidewalks (is there a code?)," "junk in front yards," and "code enforcement for businesses in residential areas (e.g. junk, unmaintained landscaping, improper screening, too many signs)." Another character related concern was maintaining the City's rural feel - "rural feeling desired - no curbs, gutters where neighborhoods do not have them" and "maintain rural image." Additionally, transportation issues were of primary concern to District 1 residents. The concerns range from better control of traffic, particularly through neighborhoods, to whether or not more sidewalks are needed. Comments regarding traffic control include: "excessive speeding and running of stop signs and lights on residential and through streets," "better stoplight timing - computerized, `smart' signals - no long waits at night," "direct traffic from higher density areas directly to major streets and not through adjacent neighborhoods," and "no through truck traffic on residential streets -need more enforcement." Appendix A -1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development ` ~•PMg uepua4S 2 W 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ V ° I' liL. ~ W r •Y.Y„IY,+, Q W m~ m IYIYYYIW Q l~j YYYYYY, YYO O \ IIYI YIII~t , YMIIY a~ W J V Z a ~ ~0 Q V ~ ~ ' 'P~I9 4~onnspeM ~ m E~ m r ~ ~ ~ \ \J i;% 0 $ ~ C ~ Z o ~ ° c Q U ~ ~ ■ Q ~ _c ; 1 YIYIYIIMIYIW W i { i, IYIYrr 1 11 i ~ 1 4 Q i ~r III~~~„t = ~ ~ i II ,,all~~~~~~lll i ~ (qqi II~~II z ~ 141.. III I 1' N ~ 0 y C EMI 0 ~~ra~ y~~i0 ~ t~icc ~ ~ y ~ a c • y c E •ca i y y ~ y L :p C ~ H ~ ~ ~ Q ~ 0 un~ 8 818 U awa ono v, ~ i> In terms of sidewalks, most of the comments supported the notion that more sidewalks are needed, at least, in certain locations. Some of the comments in support of more sidewalks were "sidewalks on main thoroughfares," "more sidewalks -hard for the elderly and handicapped to get around," and "sidewalks throughout City." Others disagreed or at least did not want sidewalks everywhere in the City - "sidewalk treatments should be the same within aneighborhood -many people (neighborhoods} do not want sidewalks" and "like rural feel, no .sidewalks..." District II The central items discussed by the residents of District II were: ■ children ■ multi-family residential ■ community character ■ transportation The most often cited comments regarding children had to do with their safety and well-being, particularly as it relates to their transportation. Comments recorded include "sidewalks leading to Stevens Elementary, Martenson Elementary, and Wheat Ridge Middle School -should be identified as a walking space. Children walking in street is very dangerous," "need more sidewalks! (curbs and walks) -forced to walk in street (e.g. Holland to 38t" -Wheat Ridge High School)," and "need a crossing light where children cross the street." Some of the other non- transportation related concerns mentioned were "keep D.A.R.E. program -expand to middle school (6t" - 8t"grade)," "curfew for youth established and enforced," and "more programs for children (not just at recreation center sites -spread throughout community)." One person simply stated "more kids in Wheat Ridge." There were some differing opinions regarding multi-family residential among the residents of District II. Some stated "we have too much R-3 zoning.o."and another commented "would like to retain R-3 zoning where it already exists -neighborhood already went through mass rezoning in the 1970's and many decided to retain R-3." Others seemed to feel that it wasn't the higher density residential that was necessarily the issue, but rather whether or not it was a rental versus owner-occupied issue; "need policy to convert apartments to condominiums with resulting pride of ownership," and "would like to see less rentals in Wheat Ridge or at least improved maintenance of rental housing." Code enforcement and volunteers were.discussed by District II residents as a way to improve the appearance and character of the community. Some representative comments were: "maintain strong code enforcement programs (Lakeside lack of enforcement, i.e., un-maintained median reflects negatively on Wheat Ridge}," and "need to enforce ordinances against junk cars." Advocates of volunteers stated "get volunteers to clean up junky areas," and in keeping with their focus on the child "enlist kids to help keep community clean." Sidewalks and bus service were the transportation issues most often commented on by the residents in District II. In addition to the sidewalk/child safety concerns cited above, other sidewalk related comments .recorded included "need sidewalks in many areas," and "need more sidewalks". District II residents would also like to see improved RTD service: "regular schedule at RTD stops -speed them up," and "RTD pick-up points need to be well-lighted." Appendix A -2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development District III - The residents of District III were particularly concerned about the following: ■ open space and the greenbelt ■ wildlife and habitat preservation ■ ball fields and recreation center ■ a balanced transportation system ■ to a lesser degree affordable housing There were some differing opinions regarding the use of open space. Many expressed that they would like to see much of the existing open space kept in its natural state. Comments recorded include: "keep Greenbelt [as] natural as possible..,," "keep, all of Greenbelt free from more recreation development," "leave Zarlengo Park as open space," and "Crown Hill should remain natural open space." Others thought that "open space should be balanced with recreational facilities." Wildlife and habitat preservation and enhancement was important to many attending the District III meeting. Some of the comments recorded were "the Greenbelt is a refuge for all humans and animals," "put habitat enhancement in Zarlengo Park," "make Zarlengo Park a Continuing migration corridor," and "...enhance wildlife habitat." More than any other district, District III mentioned the need for more ball fields and a recreation center. People stated why they were needed and had suggestions for where they should be located and even how they should be financed: "Existing fields are mud fields due to over use," "not enough fields for all the kids' (young and old) activities," "south of cemetery, west of Youngfield for coordination .of sports fields," "annex property west of I-70, south of 44t" to 32nd, to McIntyre -for sports fields and City utility buildings," "need recreation center at 44t"and Wadsworth Boulevard," "new recreation center in District I,"and "use open space money for sports field program." The residents of District III also would like to see Wheat Ridge "think about transportation modes other than the car." Many people saw a need for bike paths - "better bike paths to offer more opportunity to commute," "bike paths connected so people could commute -continuous -Federal Center connection," and "all collector streets should have bike lanes." Many also discussed the need for more sidewalks. Some of the comments were "busy streets and intersections need sidewalks -make safer for pedestrians." and "sidewalks on Parfet between 35t" and 38t"for kids (Prospect Valley School)." A few individuals mentioned that Wheat Ridge should "implement a mini-bus program (e.g. Golden,)" and "[I'd] like to see use of electric vehicles for neighborhood use. The need for affordable housing was mentioned at least three times at the meeting - "what do we do so the teacher, policeman, firefighter can live here? - we must have affordable housing for young people." Appendix A -3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development District IV District's IV's concerns centered around maintaining the rural atmosphere. The topics that rose to the surface, therefore, primarily dealt with that issue, though not exclusively. The themes discussed in District IV were as follows: ■ agricultural zoning ■ lower density housing ■ open space (to a lesser degree) ■ development of a recreation center ■ traffic control ■ truck related concerns It is clear that the residents of this district want to "keep [the] rural atmosphere." The theme came up again and again. To ensure this, they wanted to "preserve agricultural uses," "keep A-1 [zoning]," and "keep horses in Wheat Ridge." Many also discussed the need to decrease densities allowed in the zoning ordinance and keep the district primarily single-family. Supporting comments included "reduce density for R-1," "reduce density for all zonings," reduce density for Al and A2," "eliminated high density, only low to medium density," "stop multi-family zoning (rentals)," and "preserve low density in the City." .There were some differing views regarding open space. Some individuals said "acquire as much open space as we can, while we can," while a few others said "open space pays no tax," and "we have enough parks and open space for the amount of money allotted to maintain it." The residents of this district would also like to see the development of a recreation center - "want recreation center wherever" and "want recreation center with multi-purpose indoor pool.'° Many of the residents would also like to see better traffic controls of automobiles, pedestrians and trucks. Some specific traffic control suggestions were: "more traffic `calming' - 41 St and Dover (e.g. roundabouts, speed bumps)," "improve 46t" and Tabor intersection - 3-way stop," and many mentioned the need for "sound barriers along I-70." People also mentioned that pedestrian travel in Wheat Ridge was not always safe. Some of the recorded statements were "more pedestrian cross-walks on 44t" to get to Greenbelt," and "better pedestrian ways -particularly around schools." Some of the residents had specific concerns regarding trucks, including "keep semis from parking in residential neighborhoods," "tighten up truck idling and air pollution regulations," lights at truck driver school shine into residential areas." revised; 3/17/00 Appendix A -4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development ~ ~ ~ , ■ Wheat Rid a Demo raphics g g Population For over 25 years, Wheat Ridge has maintained a steady population of around 30,000. In comparison, the Denver Metropolitan area has grown by 15% since 1990. Jefferson County has also grown by 14% during the same period. In 1990, Wheat Ridge accounted for 6.7% of Jefferson County's population. In 1997, Wheat Ridge accounted for only 5.8% of the Jefferson County population. This change is due to the stability of Wheat Ridge's population base and the rapid growth the rest of the county is experiencing. Jefferson County became the state's most populous .county in 1995, passed the half-million mark during 1996, moving up to 510,600 people as of January of 1997. POPULATION 1970-1997 1970 1980 1990 1997 Wheat Ridge 29,795 30,293 29,419 29,909 Jefferson 233,031 371,753. 438,430 510,600 County Denver Metro 1,237,208 1,618,461 1,859,008 2,186,675 Area Source: Community. Matters, lnc., DRCOG Regional Data Base Age While Wheat Ridge's population has remained stable, it is also getting older. According the 1990 Census, Wheat Ridge had the highest median age, 37.3, in the region. Edgewater ranked second in oldest median age (34.8). ~ In general, the population east of Wadsworth tends to be older than for those neighborhoods west of Wadsworth. Appendix B -1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Median Age 1970-1997 1970 1980 1990 .1997 Wheat Ridge 30.6 33.7 37.3 39.9 Jefferson County 26.6 29.1 33.3 35.3 Denver Metro 26.4 28.9 32.5 34.7 Area Source: Community Matters, Inc., DRCOG Regional Data Base Household Ownership and Size Home Ownership Rates for the Denver Metropolitan Area ~ Edgewater 44.1 Denver 49.2% Wheat Ridge 53.5% Aurora 58.7% Lakewood 60.5% Denver Metro Area 61.6% State of Colorado 62.2% Westminster 65.2% Jefferson County 70. I Source: Community Matters, Inc., Prior and Associates Home ownership has been an increasing concern among Wheat Ridge citizens. The CPRC and citizens that attended neighborhood district meeting stressed the importance of affordable housing for younger families as well as for the senior citizens within Wheat Ridge. For the last 40 years home ownership has fallen between 64% and 68% nationally, with urban centers tending to have an equal amount of owner occupied units and rental units.2 Since the 1970's, the percent of owner occupied units within the Denver Metropolitan area has continued to decline as home prices rise and single family residential units built prior to 1965 become functionally obsolete. ' Prior and Associates,1990 Census z CMI interview with John Prior, president of Prior and Associates, Housing Market Research Specialists Appendix 6.2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan -A Guide to Development Households -Owner versus Rental . ~ . ~ 8 . Wheat 6,463 3,280 7,161 5,466 7,024 6,106 Available Ridge only from Total metro home owners Wheat 66.3% 33.7% 56.7% 43.3% 53.5% 46.5% Ridge Percent Jefferson 50,767 17,555 93,633 36,145 116,830 49,715 County Total Jefferson 74.3% 25.7% 72.1 % 27.9% 70.1 % 29.9% County Percent Denver 241,010 151,050 383,687 225,673 339,963 249,441 Metro Area Total Denver 61.5% 38.5% 63.0% 37.0% 57.7% 42.3% Metro Area Percent Appendix B -3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development I The prevoius table reflects the significant change since 1976 in the percentage of Wheat Ridge residents who own their own homes versus those who rent. Two-thirds of Wheat Ridge residents were homeowners in 1970 and only one third were renters. There was a significant decline in home ownership reflected both in the 1980 and 1990 census figures, so that now only slightly more than half (53.5%) of Wheat Ridge residents are homeowners. Meanwhile, neighboring Jefferson County has had only a very slight decline in home ownership, from 74.3% to 70.1 % in the same period. Today, Wheat Ridge has a higher percentage of renters, 46.5%, than either Jefferson County at 29.9% or even the City and County of Denver at 42.3%. Comments at the neighborhood meetings reflected that Wheat Ridge residents are unhappy with this trend. Most would prefer new construction to besingle-family and owner occupied, rather than multi-family and designed for rentals. Household Size Jurisdiction 1970 1980 1986 1990 1.996 1997 Wheat Ridge 3.0 2.36 2.35 2.35 2.15 2.13 Jefferson County 3.38 2.82 2.73 2.6 2.55 2.53 Denver Metro Area 3.05 2.61 2.55 2.5 2.5 2.45 Source: Community Matters, Inc., DRCOG Regional Data Base The aging of Wheat Ridge's population coupled with the fact that it provides its fair share of rental housing in the region results in a household size that is lower than Jefferson County and the region as a whole. Median Household Income Jurisdiction 1G=G980 1986 1990._ 1997 Wheat Ridge $18,729 $26,263 $36,251 $35,496 Jefferson $24,010 . $34,967 $49,878 $49,714 County Denver Metro $20,094 $29,234 $42,346 $43,040 Area Source: Community Matters, Inc., DRCOG Regional Data Base Income As shown in the table above, Wheat Ridge has a lower median income than that of Jefferson County and the Denver Metro area.. This again could be related to the fact that Wheat Ridge has the highest average age in the metro area and a higher number of renters. Many senior citizens live on fixed incomes and renters tend to have lower incomes than homeowners. revised: 3117100 Appendix B -4 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development A PREAMBLE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO TO PERPETUATE ITS PAST AND SUSTAIN ITS FUTURE We the residents of Wheat Ridge shall dedicate ourselves to preserve the historical geographical nature of our environment located at the base of the Rocky Mountains along the banks of Clear Creek in Jefferson County. We proclaim the family and its home is the central human institution in our city and tMe basic reason for the creation of towns and cities; and that all other social, economic and political activities are mere supporting implements which should assist, sustain, and protect the general well-being of the family unit. in the local society. We shall dedicated ourselves to plan, build and maintain homes that harmonize with the setting; and within them nurture a family who will appreciate and enjoy living in the community. We shall dedicate ourselves to participate in our local governments and to direct our elected officials to carefully plan city zoning regulations, local and major traffic routes, and general welfare regulations in accordance with this Comprehensive Plan in order to enhance the quality of our family life and the security of the home. --Preamble from adopted 1976 Comprehensive Plan I. Our Local Heritage Much has transpired in our community on the banks of Clear Creek (Vasquez Creek) since the primitive Indians struck down their teepees over a century ago and trailed off northward, leaving behind their cherished valley...never to return again. Those who worshiped the sun and the land were quickly supplanted by explorers, trappers, enthusiastic miners, and sedentary farmers. History records their appreciation of the beauty and productivity of this restful land. Rufus B. Sage, an early western explorer and newspaper correspondent from Connecticut, (1836-1847), wrote these heart-felt words of praise about our. locality while camping on Vasquez Creek below Lookout Mountain. "There are few localities in the vicinity of the Rocky Mountains better suited for a small settlement or possessed of greater agricultural advantages than this valley. AlI the different varieties of wild fruits and game indigenous to the mountains are found here in great abundance along the Creek bottoms. The scenery in the vicinity of my camp is romantic, wild, and beautiful. " Appendix C -1 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Farmers quickly took the initiative in cultivating the land through homesteading and diverting irrigation water to the farms; planting wheat, fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and berries; and constructing homes, schools, churches, and roads. They created a community pride and spirit which has prevailed to this day. Since the end of World War II in 1945, our locality has been a focal point of suburban housing and commercial development. People, while visiting us, appreciated what they perceived and decided to reside here. They appreciated the many positive advantages of living in the area. Along with the advantages, however, growth-related problems began to develop. The City of Wheat Ridge was incorporated in 1969. II. Desired Character To determine the character of Wheat Ridge, opinions were surveyed and questionnaires tabulated and analyzed. The results tend to substantiate that the philosophy and aspirations common to the community since its early years continue to endure. Consensus studies portray people as desiring to retain physical evidence of agricultural uses: as seeking for open space, parks and vistas of the mountains and countryside, and for low density family homes with a place to play at or near home amidst natural surroundings reached safely be walkways or special paths. Outstanding aspects of this community are its desirable size and ideal location. Its size facilitates a close relationship between store, office, and home. Its geographic location facilitates access to the benefits of the metropolitan area and mountains. Even though Wheat Ridge is a part of the metropolitan area, it is removed from it by its character. Some areas take on the character of a friendly small town with greenery, quietness, openness, friendly neighbors, and lack of congestion. In other areas, nooks of the rural provide the opportunity to have or see animals, farms, gardens,~and roadside stands. Wheat Ridge, historically known as "The Carnation City" and renowned as a city of beautiful trees, is predominantly residential with a mixture of low rise architecture and a variety of independent life styles ranging from agricultural to cosmopolitan. The people desire city streets adequate for local needs and well maintained and regulated against danger and excessive noise. Local concern is expressed that state and federal highways meet the local residents' needs and provide safeguards to keep people from being imprisoned within their homes by swiftly moving walls of automobile traffic.. They also desire opportunities to use public transportation, bikeways, and walkways to local trade and service centers, public facilities, and employment localities when more advantageous than by personal automobile. Localized commercial and light industry are desired and needed to provide services, reasonable employment, and economic base; but need strict zoning to provide adequate safeguards against loss of value to adjoining residential property, and to the established quality of life in the community. During the past few years, many new residents from large core cities provide examples of the mobility of people and of industry to the suburbs, caused by poor and excessive government regulations without proper concern for the people.. Appendix C - 2 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development Quality of life in Wheat Ridge comes from the people themselves and has the beauty and serenity of the country flavor as well as the excitement and convenience of the city. Wheat Ridge does and will attract the kind of people who are drawn here by its character and should resist the temptation to become just like another city or suburb. Efforts should be made to recognize and focus on the good points of our community so that the best of the past can be blended with the ever-changing present and the unknown future. Thus, the community shall be guided through time with the knowledge that there is a common feeling about what the community is and where it is going. III. Implementation Our local people have a feeling of belonging, and will support cooperative effort and community spirit in preserving and fostering moral and spiritual values of past pioneers, and will assist in preserving the physical structures and existing environments which those early residents so courageously built and tenderly preserved. All of us should be obligated to the past, dedicated to the present, and planning for the future if Wheat Ridge is to be as we desire. Each of us must dedicate our sincere and courageous efforts to promote and initiate into practice the present expressed desires and plans. Also, each person must contribute creative ideas and support for projecting our growth into the future. The vitality of Wheat Ridge must be sustained and not be allowed to decay because of changing times; but it must continue to live and mature in all those values, which we so strongly desire. Appendix C - 3 Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan - A Guide to Development