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Contract Title/Type Boulder Valley Comprehensive Development Plan Intergovernmental Agreement
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Description Agreement between the City of Boulder and the County of Boulder regarding cooperative planning
through an updated comprehensive development plan and IGA,
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BOULDER VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
INTERGOVERNMENTALAGREEMENT
THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ("IGA") between the City of
Boulder,a Colorado home-rule city('Boulder"or"City"), and the County of Boulder, a body
politic and corporate of the State of Colorado ("County" or 'Boulder County") shall become
effective as of the `Effective Date" listed below. The City and the County are together
referred to as the"Parties."
RECITALS
A. The Parties have a shared history of cooperative planning beginning in 1977, and
previously entered into intergovernmental agreements on June 21, 1978, December 13, 1990 and
most recently on July 15, 2002. The Parties desire to extend this relationship through an updated
comprehensive development plan and intergovernmental agreement.
B. The most recent intergovernmental agreement, effective as of July 15, 2002, (the
"Previous IGA") expires, by its terms, on December 31, 2017. The Parties desire to adopt this
IGA to supersede and replace the Previous IGA in order to adopt the most recent updates to the
plan.
C. C.R.S. § 29-20-101 et seq., as amended, authorizes the Parties to enter
intergovernmental agreements to plan for and regulate land uses in order to minimize the
negative impacts on the surrounding areas and protect the environment, and specifically
authorizes local (i.e., municipal and county) governments to cooperate and contract with
each other for the purposes of planning and regulating the development of land by means of a
"comprehensive development plan."
D. The County is the ultimate governmental authority regarding land use control
and development in the unincorporated areas of the County, which areas include the Boulder
Valley, as defined in the plan attached as Exhibit A (the "Plan" or the `BVCP").
E. The City is the only significant potential source of adequate urban facilities and
services required for the orderly urban development of the Boulder Valley, where desired.
F. Under C.R.S. §§ 30-28-106,.-108 and -110, as amended, the County Planning
Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have made and adopted a master plan
for the physical development of the unincorporated area of the County, the Boulder County
Comprehensive Plan.
G. Under C.R.S. § 31-23-202, as amended, the Boulder Planning Board and the
Boulder City Council have adopted the goals, policies, programs and supportive data of the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
1
H. Under C.R.S. § 30-28-106(2)(a), as amended, the master plan shall not be
effective inside the boundaries of any incorporated municipality within the region unless such
plan is adopted by the governing body of the municipality.
I. To ensure that the unique and individual character of Boulder and of the rural
area within Boulder County outside Areas I and II of the BVCP are preserved, the Parties
believe that a comprehensive development plan that recognizes the area of potential
urbanization within the BVCP that would not be interrupted by Boulder County open space,
accompanied by a commitment by Boulder for the preservation of the rural character of
lands surrounding Areas I and II within the Boulder Valley and Boulder County, is in the
best interest of the residents of each of the Parties.
J. The Parties acknowledge that this IGA may control or limit the County's
authority over some properties within the County's jurisdiction but that such control or
limitation is justified due to the fact that such properties are currently served by City owned
municipal utilities, are bound by service agreements between the property owners and the
City, and/or such properties are located within areas specially affecting the City's interests,
including but not limited to entry corridors and areas of special impact upon City resources.
K. The Parties find that providing for the area outside Areas I and II of the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan within Boulder County to remain as rural in character
through the term of this IGA for the purpose of preserving a community buffer through the
limitation of annexation by Boulder serves the economic and civic interest of their residents
and meets the goals of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.
L. Consistent with the municipal annexation, utility services, and land use laws
of the State of Colorado, this IGA including, specifically, the annexation and open space
portions hereof, is intended to encourage the natural and well-ordered future development of
each Party; to promote planned and orderly growth in the affected areas; to distribute fairly
and equitably- the costs of government services among those persons who benefit therefrom,
to extend government services and facilities to the affected areas in a logical fashion; to
simplify providing utility services to the affected areas, to simplify the governmental
structure of the affected areas; to reduce and avoid, where possible, friction between the
Parties; and to promote the economic viability of the Parties.
M. The functions described in this IGA are lawfully authorized to each of the
Parties, which perform such functions hereunder, as provided in Article XX, § 6 of the
Colorado Constitution, and C.R.S. §§ 29-20-101, et seq; 30-28-101, et seq; 31-12-101, et
seq; and 31-23-201 and-301, et seq., as amended.
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N. C.R.S. § 29-1-201, et seq., as amended, authorizes the Parties to cooperate and
contract with one another with respect to functions lawfully authorized to each of the
Parties, and the people of the State of Colorado have encouraged such cooperation and
contracting through the adoption of Colorado Constitution, Article XIV, § 18(2).
O. The Parties have each held hearings after proper public notice for the
consideration of entering into this IGA and the adoption of a comprehensive development plan
for the Boulder Valley.
P. The Parties desire to enter into this IGA in order to plan for the use of the lands
within the Boulder Valley through joint adoption of a mutually binding and enforceable
comprehensive development plan.
AGREEMENT
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above and the mutual covenants and
commitments made herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Boulder Valley Comprehensive Development Plan. This IGA, including the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan text and Map attached to this IGA as Exhibit A, is hereby
adopted by the Parties as a comprehensive development plan as provided in C.R.S.§ 29-
20-105, to be known as the 'Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan" (hereinafter "the
Plan"). The Plan shall govern and control the Plan Area as shown on Exhibit A, or as
subsequently amended in accordance with Section 6, below.
2. Consistency with BVCP in Planning, Zoning, and Other Land Use Regulations and
Actions Required. The City and the County, respectively, within their constitutional
and statutory geographic jurisdictions,shall exercisetheirplanning,zoning,subdivision,
building and related land use regulatory functions consistent with the plans and policies
ofthe Plan,to the end of attaining the goals and objectives of the Plan.
3. Compliance with BVCP for Annexations Required. The City shall exercise its annexation
policies and capital improvements plan consistent with the plans and policies of the Plan,
to the end of attaining the goals and objectives of the Plan.
4. Term.
4.1 Term. This IGA shall extend through December 31, 2037.
4.2 Schedule for Plan Reviews. The City and the County agree that the Plan
will be reviewed at least every five years for possible amendments to
reflect changes in circumstances and community desires. This
Agreement shall extend to all revisions and amendments of the Plan that
are jointly approved from time to time by the City and the County. As
3
part of the mid-term and major updates, each Party agrees to hold a duly
noticed public hearing to determine, among other things, if the term of this
Agreement should be extended an additional five years from the date of
termination.
5. Amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement, This IGA may be amended from
time to time upon a majority vote of the Boulder City Council and the Board of
County Commissioners. This Intergovernmental Agreement will be reviewed by the
Parties during the periodic plan reviews.
6. Amendments to the Plan. Referral Process. Notices. and Errors. The procedures for Plan
amendments, referrals, notices, and errors are incorporated into the Intergovernmental
Agreement and are attached hereto as Exhibit B.
7. Preservation of Legislative Discretion. It is recognized that all provisions ofthe Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan that require appropriation of public funds are qualified by
the availability of appropriations for those purposes, and the legislative discretion
inherent in the appropriation process is not limited by the adoption of the Plan.
8. Severability, If any portion of this Plan is held by a court in a final, non-appealable
decision to be per se invalid or unenforceable as to any Party, the entire Agreement
and the Plan shall be terminated, it being the understanding and intent of the Parties
that every portion of the Agreement and Plan is essential to and not severable from the
remainder.
9. Beneficiaries. The Parties. in their corporate and representative governmental
capacities, are the only entities intended to be the beneficiaries of the Agreement and
the Plan,and no other person or entity is so intended or may bring any action, including a
derivative action,to enforce the Agreement orthe Plan.
10. Enforcement. Either of the Parties may enforce this Agreement by any legal or equitable
means including specific performance, declaratory and injunctive relief. No other person
or entity shall have any right to enforce the provisions of this Agreement or the Plan.
11. Defense of Claims. If any person allegedly aggrieved by any provision of the Plan and
who is not a Party to the Plan should sue any Party concerning such Plan provision, all
Parties shall be notified promptly by any party served: any Party served shall, and any
other Party may, defend such claim. Defense costs shall be paid by the Party providing
such defense.
12. Governing LaNv and Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of Colorado, and venue shall lie in the County of Boulder.
4
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into to be effective on the later of the dates of
approval by the City of Boulder or Boulder County (the "Effective Date").
Dated: ��2b�2i 1 CITY OF BOULDER
Suzanne Jon
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City C City Attorney's Office
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF BOULDER COUNTY:
Deb Gardner, Ch
Cindy Do e co, Vice Chair
t q 4A {YM
Elise Jones, Commissioner
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
C�st C, P,
., R-�
Clerk of the B64d V County Attorney's 0 ice
5
8
OUR LEGACY,
OUR FUTURE .
BOULDER VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2015 BVCP Update
August 10, 2017
Approved by:
City Council (July 11); Planning Board (July 13);
County Planning Commission* (July 19); and
the Board of County Commissioners (July 26)
*The County Planning Commission conditioned their approval on a change to the amendment procedures
tied to the Intergovernmental Agreement. The BOCC subsequently voted in support of these conditions.
City Council will take action on August 22. Further information is available at:
www.BoulderVallevCompPlan.net.
This version includes all the approved changes but is not
the final desktop published version.
This is the version with changes accepted.
A separate version is available
that includes insertions and d^'a^�,;.
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP)
TABLE OF CONTENTS-Sequential numbers robe revised in final desktop published version
Vision and Core Values
I—Introduction.................................................................................................... 1-1
Introduttion....................................................... ................. .............................................................................
Interpreting Core Values and Policies of this Plan.............................................................................................
BoulderPlanning History...................................................................................................................................
Boulder Today and Tomorrow...................................................... ...............................
Sustainability and Resilience Framework..........................................................................................................
The 2015 Major Update–Areas of Focus.........................................................................................................
II—Plan Organization and Implementation ......................................................... II-1
PlanOrganization..............................................................................................................................................
PlanImplementation..........................................................................................................
ActionPlan.........................................................................................................................................................
PlanTime Frame and Updates ..........................................................................................................................
III—Policies
Sec. 1—Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Management............................................1.1
Intergovernmental Cooperation........................................................................................................................
GrowthManagement........................................................................................................................................
Framework for Annexation and Urban Service Provision .. ..............................................................................
Utilities..............................................................................................................................................................
Sec.2—Built Environment..........................................................................................................2-1
Background............................................................................................ ...........................................................
Sustainable Urban Form Definition...................................................................................................................
Community Identity/Land Use Pattern .............................................................................................................
Rural Lands Preservation...................................................................................................................................
Neighborhoods..................................................................................................................................................
MixedUse Places and Centers...........................................................................................................................
Public Realm, Urban Design and Linkages.........................................................................................................
Community Conservation and Preservation......................................................................................................
DesignQuality ............................................................................. .....................................................................
Sec. 3—Natural Environment......................................................................................................3.1
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................
Protecting Native Ecosystems and Biodiversity................................................................................................
EnhancingUrban Environmental Quality..........................................................................................................
Protecting Geologic Resources and Reducing Risks from Natural Hazards.......................................................
Sustaining and Improving Water and Air Quality............................................................................ .................
Sec.4—Energy,Climate and Waste.............................................................................................4-1
Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions................................................................................................
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy....................................................................................................
Energy-Efficient Land Use and Building Design.................................................................................................
Waste Minimization, Recycling and Sustainable Purchasing...................................................................... ......
1
Sec.S—Economy ........................................................................................................................S-1
Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment....................................................................I.............
DiverseEconomic Base......................................................................................................................................
Qualityof Life....................................................................................................................................................
Sustainable and Resilient Business Practices....................................................................................................
Job Opportunities, Education,and Training......................................................................................................
Sec. 6—Transportation ..........................................................................................„,..................6.1
CompleteTransportation System......................................................................................................................
RegionalTravel..................................................................................................................................................
Fundingand Investment....................................................................................................................................
Integration of Land Use and Transportation with Sustainability Initiatives......................................................
Other Transportation Policies(Air Quality,Airport)..........................................................................................
Sec.7--Housing..........................................................................................................................7-1
Support Community Housing Needs.................................................................................................................
Preserve and Enhance Housing Choices............................................................................................................
Advance and Sustain Housing Diversity............................................................................................................
Integrate Growth and Community Housing Goals............................................................................................
Sec.8—Community Well-Being and Safety.................................................................................8.1
Human Services..... ........................ ......
SocialEquity......................................................................................................................................................
Safetyand Community Health...........................................................................................................................
Community Infrastructure and Facilities(Schools,Community Facilities,Parks,Trails and Recreation),.........
Artsand Culture................................................................................................................................................
Sec.9—Agriculture and Food......................................................................................................9.1
Sec. 10—Local Governance and Community Engagement ........................................................ 10-1
IV—Land Use Map Descriptions......................................................................... IV-1
V—Subcommunity and Area Planning.................................................................V-1
VI—Master Plan Summaries and Trails Map.......................................................VI-1
MasterPlans.............................................................................................................................................................
TrailsMap.................................................................................................................................................................
VII-Urban Services Criteria and Standards.........................................................VII-1
Maps
Map 1: Areal, ll, III
Map 2: Land Use Designations
Map 3: Natural Ecosystems
Map 4: Trails
Map V-1: Adopted Subcommunity and Area Plans
Map V-2: Central Area map
Map VI-1: Historic Districts
2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Vision and Core Values
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Vision and Core Values
The Boulder Valley community honors its history and legacy of planning
for a livable community surrounded by open space and rural lands while
striving together to create and preserve a truly special place that is
sustainable, resilient, equitable and inclusive - now and for future
generations.
Core Values
Many of the key policies in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan stem from long-standing
community values and represent a clear vision of our community and our commitment to:
• ,4maikua!ilw% a, a unifying framework t,, environmental, economic and social
goals,;
• A welcoming. 'inclusive and diverse rctm:r unit;';
• Culture of creativity and innovation;
• Strong city and county cooperation;
• Our unique ccmrnunitq identity and sense of place,
• Cottspa�t, eftMiguouN div !,Ip;,n:nt and infill drat supports evolution to a movt;
sustainable urban form;
• Open space preservation;
• !',neat nei.fjhhoa hoods grid�±uhii,c spaces
• f,nvironmentai stewardship and climate action;
• A vibrant,economy based on Boulder's quality of life and economic strengths;
• A diversity of housing types and price ranges;
• An all-mode transportation system to =brake getting arcuii,: unti'iout n car easy and
acoc>slble to evcrycnne; and
• P7ysicai health,safety aad well-being.
Vision and Core Values—Pase I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. 1: Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Chapter I—Introduction
Since 1970, the City of Boulder and Boulder County have jointly adopted a comprehensive plan
that guides land use decisions in the Boulder Valley, The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
seeks to protect the natural environment of the Boulder Valley while fostering a livable, vibrant
and sustainable community. The plan was first adopted in 1977. Since then, seven major updates
have been completed: 1982, 1990, 1995,2000,2005, 2010 and 2015.
The comprehensive plan provides a general statement of the community's desires for future
development and preservation of the Boulder Valley. The principles of sustainability and
resilience are part of the framework of the comprehensive plan.Its core components are:
• The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan policies guide decisions about growth,
development, preservation, environmental protection, economic development,affordable
housing, culture and arts, urban design,neighborhood character and transportation. The
policies alsc,inform.decisions about the manner in which urban services are provided,
such as police,fire, emergency medical services, water utilities,flood control and human
services.
• The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Area 1, II,III Maps define the
desired land use pattern for the Boulder Valley regarding location,type and intensity of
development.
The planning area encompasses the Boulder Valley, which is generally defined as those areas
bounded by the mountain backdrop on the west, 95`x' Street on the east, Davidson Mesa and the
Coal Creek drainage on the southeast, the south county line on the south, Mineral Road on the
northeast and Neva Road and Niwot Road on the north, as delineated on the approved Area 1, II,
III Maps.
Interpreting Core Values and Policies of the Plan
The city and county strive to balance the values noted in the previous section, recognizing that
achieving all the values may not be possible under any particular circumstance. Moreover, the
policies of the comprehensive plan contained in the subsequent sections define and expand upon
the vision and values and provide guidance and direction for achieving the plan's vision.
The policies are not prioritized and no one policy or set of policies must be satisfied by any
action, ordinance, regulation, development review or program. Careful consideration of
tradeoffs among the plan's policies is necessary when implementing the plan.
Boulder Planning History
(Note: Graphics and photos will be added.)
Native Americans occupied the Boulder Valley long before Boulder became a city. The Arapaho
Indians lived on the plains of Colorado beginning in the 1790's. Chief Niwot and his people spent
the winters in the Boulder Valley up until the Boulder City Town Company was established on
February 10, 1859. Since that time, Boulder has enjoyed a long history of community planning.
Some key planning milestones include:
• In 1910, Frederick Law Olmsted,Jr. developed plans for parks and street improvements.
Ch.I—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.1: Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug. 10,2017
• ..: ifS9,Bourder voters approved a 'blue hrie'char!',er amendment that limited water
extensions above an elevation of 5,750 feet to preserve the mountain backdrop.
• in 1967. Boulder was the first city in the nation to institute a dedicated sales tax to
purchase open space lands.
• In 1971,voters approved a 55-foot building height limit.
• In 1974,the city adopted the. Historic fres lvadon Ordin__, � which has been
instrumental in preservira>, and encouraging rehabilitation of luetoric buildines and
districts.
• in 1<'''o. cit, voters instituted one of the nation's more restrictive residential growth-
;na,tc•�em:.nt crii;;c;tcss.
• t, 1 n7%,dfie cYty;and ecur�.y a.p,*.mved.zn agreenFa lit zllzQC
MBi dSy U1P7p9tn�lYb:✓
p1pa 7o Concentrate urW..n develop".Hent,In S11P,cirZnJ 1,1p�5f„CVC
The ruv1i el ar'dctle7 ti`',e^,ds at: :r,!["the Ceti Ser'iee ares-
• In 1982, the city 'adopted the Solar Access Ordinance to ensure residential buildings Ila,,-
access to sunlight.
• In 1986,the Downtown Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines were adopted.
• In 1942,rhe Wetlands P otert;ot1 l i rc4�•^vas adopted, 1vj.;ulatitag, ?Vhhii't
rn, uffer a'fwl ofslrr itrmi and w:::illtklds in titc clly+.
• in 199_,,with the atrtount of vaC<lnt land in the city diminishing, a cornmuni'n visioning
exercise called the Ntegraied Planning Project focused on "%%hat's ne',st for what's left"
and resulted in a sell Ot goals and action items that included reducing the r'ion-residential
development potential within the city
• Also in 1993,after an analysis of the development potential of Area III,the Planning
Ate-a��31p14714FO,i3mwvol miiereu orlt Area 111 fry iuni n- Reso^i've ut 675uit�3T3?4'Ya"4
1.'iMatGil.
• fn-14'9:,,the city adopted its first subcommunity plan,the Notch Boulder Subcommunity
Plan.
• In 1997,the city redwic d projected job growth through a combination of land purchases,
rezoning and floor area limitations in industrial zones.
• In 1999, an inclusionary zoning ordinance was adopted requiring 20 percent ofnew
i'esidcntiai deveiopltient in the city to be permanently affordable for low• and moderatr,-
income. hO USeh01d9.
• In 2000,the 1404 pian update resulted in policy and land use changes to promote
additional rcwsing and mixed-ose development in appropri'at�e locations, Also^ the size of
r Planning Reserae was reduced toy 200 acres and some propetlies on the eastern edge
l etc n?t)vt;d`:em A oa IT to ",'rr:^a 1.11-Rural Nesa:YYttine 1.Area..
• t; , ie t n.a i,4 u the 2100 nt�jor plait wpdatn and The.-cir t haus: Pausialg,
i 1. Ecitd Y^ e t—';uiatit;n=;hanLes to allow residel-Itlal uses til uldu5'ui 11 znnes.
lt01 Q('ff. !' :cs acOai z0 is f.Fil,Y�t al I1�.^:eyon mg ccilxr1 .:es: ',o higbtr
;!d2r,i;.11 cicrsirics arA i Rev ilSc.
• In t.+f';,th ;'!y ,.dopy zd' nc 7ra.n a Y iliog-, , w%-. Plarh au 160-acre cat wiser lZd as a
Jar 4:f w:c iwm� A4 sl).th'a uo{r n.:ii cc^Jpprurtxi tiie
F'iart ICkPl tax--Tiiz tax--Tinaik,,n's dist vote; ,Jvprol cd rax dedicated,to
• In },'j_ DtvCl Ialerr Oreli-sloe^r-vietd raz:,ulutjowr l Iuiuse fonti and
t . prciec'tkte character of established single-family home rlc'i„til _, kril',r S.
Ch.I—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.1:Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
• In 2010, the major plan update resulted in new policies and sections related to sustainable
urban form and community design,as well as sustainability policies encompassing social
equity, environmental health and economic vitality.New sections were added for energy
and climate, local food and agriculture and community well-being.
• In 2013,Boulder was one of the first 32 cities chosen to participate in the 100 Resilient
Cities initiative.
• In 2016,the city adopted a resilience strategy and Climate Commitment goal of achieving
80 percent community greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions reduction by 2050(below a
2005 baseline)and an 80 percent emissions reduction goal for the city organization by
2030.Council also adopted the goal of achieving a 100 percent renewable electricity
supply for the community by 2030.
Boulder Today and Tomorrow
As of January 2015, the City of Boulder (Area I) had approximately 44,725 housing units,
104,800 residents and 98,500 jobs. The remainder of the Service Area (Area II) had
approximately 5,700 housing units, 12,000 residents and 3,000 jobs. About 30,000 students
attend the University of Colorado.
Over the next 25 years,Area I is projected to add about 6,500 housing units, 19,000 residents and
19,000 jobs. CU student enrollment could increase by a range of 5,000 to 15,000 additional
students by 2030. Most of the growth that will occur in Area II will be preceded by annexation to
the city; therefore, it is included in the projection numbers for Area I. Since there is little vacant
land left in the city's service area, most of this growth will occur through redevelopment.
Sustainability and Resilience Framework
Sustainability and resilience are complementary concepts, and in fact, use many of the same basic
frameworks for implementing policies and programs. Applying a sustainability framework to
decision-making in the Boulder Valley means considering the issues of environment, economy
and social equity together.An action or decision in any one of these areas will have consequences
on the others. The policies in the plan outline the future vision of the community, focusing on the
built environment and its relationship to environmental, economic, social well-being and overall
community livability. At the intersection of all these areas is the community's ability to
sustainably meet its needs now and in the future.
Resilience seeks to assess and address current and future risks toward achieving the same ends as
sustainability. The notion of resilience, or being ready to bounce back in times of emergency or
disruption and to adapt over time to chronic stresses, has increasingly become important in the
community, Principles and policies are intended to help mitigate factors that put our community
at risk, and prepare for both chronic stresses and disruptive events or periods in ways that enable
the community to more rapidly recover, learn, adapt and hopefully evolve in ways that better
position the community to regain stability and thrive under future conditions.
The city and county are committed to institutionalizing resilience alongside sustainability and
striving to create a culture of vigilance and preparedness within the community as policies
throughout the plan convey.
Sustainability Principles
The city and county recognize that:
Ch. I—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. I: Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
a) There are critical interrelationships among economic, social and environmental health;
b) The way we produce, trade and consume impacts our ability to sustain natural resources;
c) Social, cultural, racial and ethnic equity and diversity creates valuable human capital that
contributes to economic and environmental sustainability;
d) The built environment has an impact on social, economic and environmental conditions; and
e) The quality of our environmental, economic and social health is built upon the full
engagement and involvement of our community.
Therefore, the city and county seek to maintain and enhance the livability, health and vitality of
the Boulder Valley and the natural systems of which it is a part, without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs, anticipating and adapting to changes in community
needs and external influences.
The city and county will act as leaders and role models for others in striving to create a
sustainable community and consider social, economic and environmental impacts in decision-
making for all city services, processes and facilities and in development review. Through their
master plans. regulations.. policies and programs. the city and county will strive to create a
healthy, vibrant and sustainable community for future generations.
Principles of Environmental Sustainability
The city and county will strive to preserve and protect the natural resource base and
environmental quality on which life depends by:
a) Maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity and productivity of ecological systems;
b) Ensuring the efficient use of natural resources in a manner that does not deplete them over
time; and
c) Reducing and minimizing the use of non-renewable resources.
Principles of Economic Sustainability
The city and county will strive to develop and maintain a healthy, adaptable economy that is vital
to the community's quality of life and high level of services and amenities by:
a) Promoting a diverse economy that supports the needs of all community members;
b) Promoting a qualified and diversified work force that meets employers' needs and supports a
range ofjobs; and
c) Providing for and investing in a quality of life.. unique amenities and infrastructure that
attracts. sustains and retains businesses and entrepreneurs.
Principles of Social Sustainability
The city and county will strive to promote a healthy community and address social, cultural,
racial and ethnic inequities by:
a) Respecting and valuing cultural, social. racial and ethnic diversity;
b) Ensuring the basic health and safety needs of all residents are met; and
c) Providing infrastructure and services that will encourage all diverse communities to both
prosper within and connect to the larger community.
Ch, I—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. I: Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Comprehensive Plan Indicators
The city and county will use indicators specific to the Boulder Valley to measure overall health
and well-being of the community, environment and economy in addition to progress relative to
the vision and values of the plan and community sustainability and resilience.
Relationship of the Plan to Sustainability and Resilience
The sustainability framework helps provide a common language for the Boulder Valley,
community and City Council goals and priorities. It assists in the alignment of the comprehensive
plan, master plans, decision-making and budgeting process. The sections within the policy
chapter of the comprehensive plan generally coincide with the seven broad categories and
outcomes of the sustainability framework, as noted below. The thread Resilience is now woven
throughout the plan, including in newer policies relating to "safety and preparedness" and a new
section for"governance and engagement,"as noted in the focus areas of the major update below.
Policy Section Relationship to Boulder's
Sustainability Framework
Sec. I —Intergovernmental Cooperation and Livable Community,Good Governance
Growth Management
Sec. 2 -Built Environment Livable Community, Environmentally Sustainable
Community
See. 3 -Natural Environment Environmentally Sustainable Community
Sec.4—Energy, Climate and Waste Environmentally Sustainable Community
Sec. 5-Economy Economically Vital Community
Sec.6-Transportation Accessible and Connected Community
Sec. 7-Housing Livable Community
Sec. 8-Community Well-being Healthy, and Socially Thriving Community
Safe Community
Sec. 9-Agriculture and Food Environmentally Sustainable Community
Sec.10- Governance,Community Good Governance
Engagement
The 2015 Major Update -Focus Areas
Each major update to the comprehensive plan identifies current trends and issues that need to be
addressed. Since the last update, the following key trends and changing conditions in the
community have provided the context for this major update. The focus areas include:
1. Housing Affordability and Diversity, Boulder's increasing housing affordability
challenge, particularly for middle income households as well as for low and moderate
incomes, made housing a major focus of this update. Additionally, the plan's guidance
about housing and neighborhoods defines the kind of community Boulder is and will
become. The plan includes several land use related policies to support additional housing
and new types of housing (e.g., townhomes, live-work) in certain locations such as the
Boulder Valley Regional Center and light industrial areas. The Housing section also
contains new policies addressing affordability. A new enhanced community benefit
Ch.i—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.I: Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft–Aug. 10,2017
sLcy' is also located in Sec. 1. the accompanying Action Plan identifies regulatory
changes and programmatic next steps to accomplish these housing aims.
(Policy Sec. I describes community benefit. Secs. 2 and 7 and the Land Use Map
Descriptions address housing affordability and diversity.)
... Growth—Balance of Future Jobs and Housing. For severaldecades, the plan has
recognized Boulder's role as a regional iab center and includes polteies repcding, Jobs.
u5'6d,lTiQtdS.tt,'g.b$I37YM: BIIitl.'ier"4';p�'' !iti81 tdr ili7nrP. ICRen?IBi Pr?4rCh comik:L'es to ournveigh
houTrqrl_ and °xuld^ieeti fin higher rates a` T'herePore, land us:e rented
f (i)ks pl,.l, aril .e;..u.r' tl6e,. ,.,.rh..tt -t', by reJOttiu etiQll" day.i'!�n'a;
,cr'i;inE and hYdti51riai 'areas (And eorre',pondillg!
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.I:Introduction
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Area Corridor (including the Alpine-Balsam site of the former Boulder Community
Hospital). Moreover, online subcommunity fact sheets and mapping present information
about local qualities and needs of individual subcommunities and will identify future
needs from surveys and community engagement.
(Chapter V includes the new criteria for subcommunity and area planning, and the
Action Plan identifies future area plans.)
6, Arts and Culture. The city has a new Community Cultural Plan and a growing interest
in arts and culture. The plan addresses the arts in a more robust way by including them as
part of the community beneft policy, recognizing arts within public spaces in the built
environment chapter, noting their contribution to economic and environmental vibrancy,
and supporting arts and cultural experiences as essential to community well-being.
(Policy Secs. 1, 2, 5, and 8 now address Arts and Culture.)
7. Small Local Business. Boulder aims to be proactive in supporting and retaining its small
local businesses. The plan ramps up and includes new policies to support local businesses
and to conduct analysis of market trends and policies about affordable business space and
diverse employment base.
(Policy Secs. 2 and 5 and the Land Use Descriptions address small businesses, retail,
and service industrial.)
Ch.I—Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. II:Plan Organization and Implementation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Chapter II—Plan Organization and Implementation
Plan Organization
After this chapter.. the plan is organized as follows:
Chapter TTT - Policies: The policies chapter includes ten sections that guides decisions about:
1)Growth management and intergovernmental cooperation;
2)The quality of the built environment and neighborhood character;
3)The natural environment;
4)Energy, climate action and waste minimization;
5)Economic vitality;
6)Transportation;
7)Housing;
8)Community well-being including culture and the arts;
9)Agriculture and food; and
10)Governance and community engagement.
The policies also inform decisions about the manner in which urban services are provided, such
as police, fire, emergency medical services, water utilities,flood control and human services.
Chapter IV—Land Use Map Descriptions: The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Map depicts a plan of the desired land use pattern in the Boulder Valley, and this chapter includes
the land use designations that describe the characteristics, locations and uses for each category on
the map.
Chapter V - Subcommunity and Area Planning: Subcommunity and area planning bridges the
gap between the broad policies of the comprehensive plan and site specific project review
(development applications or city capital projects). This chapter describes the purpose, approach
and criteria for subcommunity and area planning and summarizes the plans to date.
Chapter VI - ?Master Plan Summaries and Trails Map: City departments prepare master plans
to provide a common framework for planning the delivery and funding of city services, facilities
and programs. These, in turn, provide the basis for capital improvement programming and
operational budgeting. This chapter summarizes the current master plans for the city and includes
the trails map.
Chapter VII — Urban Service Criteria & Standards: A basic premise of the comprehensive
plan is that"adequate urban facilities and services" are a prerequisite for new urban development
and that; within the Boulder Valley, the City of Boulder is the provider of choice for urban
services. This chapter describes the criteria and standards of urban services provided by the city.
Maps: The comprehensive plan includes the following maps: Land Use; Area I, II, TIT; Natural
Ecosystems; and Trails, found at the end of the plan. Maps of Adoption Subcommunity and Area
Plans as well as the Central Area are found in Chapter V. The Historic Districts map is found in
Chapter VT.
Intergovernmental Agreement and Amendment Procedures: The comprehensive plan is a
jointly adopted plan, created through the "Boulder Valley Comprehensive Development Plan"
Ch.TI—Page I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.II:Plan Organization and Implementation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
intergovernmental agreement (IGA). The IGA sets the foundation for cooperative planning
between the city and county for the Boulder Valley, and includes the procedures to amend the
comprehensive plan over time. The amendment procedures outline the types, timing, and process
for changes to the plan.
Plan Implementation
The adoption of the comprehensive plan sets the stage for more detailed planning for parts of the
Boulder Valley and for implementation, as described in this chapter. More detailed planning puts
the vision of this plan into practice through subsequent steps as shown in the diagram below. The
city and county have had success in working together and wish to continue to implement the
vision set forth in the 1977 Comprehensive Plan, most notably in channeling growth to the city's
service area, preserving lands outside the urban growth boundary, through zoning and open space
acquisitions, keeping the community compact, intensifying the core area, protecting
neighborhood character, providing for affordable housing and improving alternative
transportation modes.
.000 ompre AM*
� eti
-- �7
Priority Department 3ubcommunity
Based [".Strategic! and
Budgeting FAaster Plan i Area Plans
�-v i r
Operating ( Capital Improvements development
Budget V Program Standards
t � and Zoning
The following implementation tools translate the Comprehensive Plan into action:
Subcommunity and Area Plans
Subcommunity plans and area plans provide direction for specific geographic areas. They provide
a link between the broad policies of the Comprehensive Plan and more detailed zoning,
development review and capital improvement programming decisions. Chapter V, Subcommunity
and Area Planning, describes the criteria and approach to local area planning and includes a map
of the adopted area plans and description for each one. As area plans are approved they may
automatically trigger amendments to relevant sections of this plan including the land use map.
Master Plans
City departmental master plans are developed to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
They establish detailed policies, priorities, service standards,facility and system needs and capital
budgeting for the delivery of specific services and facilities provided by each city department.
Ch.Il—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.II:Plan Organization and Implementation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
The plans identify three levels of funding or investment strategies: fiscally constrained, action and
vision. As master plans are approved, Chapter VI, Master Plan Summaries, is updated to include
a current summary of each master plan. It also includes a trails map and description.
Land Use Code and Zoning Regulations
Whereas the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map provides a generalized picture of desired future
uses in the Boulder Valley, the city zoning map assigns every parcel of land in the city a zoning
district and standards. The Boulder Land Use Code regulates allowable uses. density, setbacks,
height, affordable housing requirements, solar access protection and more. The county's zoning
code regulates parcels within the Boulder Valley not annexed to the city.
Development Review for Projects
All new development or redevelopment projects must conform to land use and zoning regulations
which are developed and amended to be consistent with the goals and policies of this
Comprehensive Plan.
Programs and Services
Many of the Comprehensive Plan policies are implemented through city programs and services.
Funding is allocated annually through the city budget, using a model of priority-based budgeting,
which reflects the core mission of the city and individual departments.
Capital Improvements
Capital improvements carry out the Comprehensive Plan's policies of orderly and efficient
provision of urban facilities and services. Funding for capital improvements are planned on a six-
year timeframe through the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Departmental master plans,
subcommunity and area plans help guide prioritization of improvement projects.
Action Plan
The Comprehensive Action Plan outlines the actions needed to implement Comprehensive Plan
policies that are not currently addressed through other plans or programs. The action plan
establishes the timing and priorities for new program initiatives, planning projects and regulatory
changes; ongoing programs or projects are not included. The plan is developed to be flexible and
responsive to city goals and resources.
The action plan is adopted by City Council after each major update to the Comprehensive Plan
and revisited alongside the City Council work plan. The county is sent a referral and invited to
identify those actions, projects or other activities in the action plan in which they wish to
participate. The county may also propose new or additional collaborative actions to the city for its
consideration as part of the major update.
Plan Time Frame and Updates
Planning Time Frame
The time horizon for the plan is approximately 15 years. This has been determined to be a
reasonable length of time for which to plan and was arrived at after weighing a combination of
facts and policy considerations: land use and land use projections. Service Area projections, the
Ch. 11—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.II:Plan Organization and Implementation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
capacity of the city to fund capital improvements, the growth rate and the desires of the
community in regard to accommodating growth.
The city and county recognize that some issues require consideration of impacts over a longer
time period. and when appropriate, the plan may analyze trends and impacts over longer time
periods.
Plan Update
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed at least every five years for possible
amendments to reflect changes in circumstances and community desires, with major updates
happening every ten years.
Ch, 11—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Chapter III—Policies
Sec. 1. Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth
Management
The City of Boulder and Boulder County are both integral to the thoughtfully managed growth
and appropriate urban development and conservation in the Boulder Valley. Successful planning
must look to a joint effort and close cooperation on the part of these two governing bodies. All
citizens are affected regardless of which jurisdiction makes decisions. Therefore, mutual concern
and interdependence are vital to successful planning and meaningful implementation.
This interdependence is a legacy of the comprehensive plan which has resulted in the urban form
that all enjoy today. The keystone to this physical form is the Boulder Valley Comprehensive
Plan Planning Areas 1, 11, III Map which defines the city's service area for future growth, guiding
annexation and urban service provision. This section addresses:
• ;rlargover;iir;en4�l coopr;;ati,nt;
• GfrCL`:th i9?Isr;at L'?hent;
• hralneaork for annexation and ujbar service provision; and
Intergovernmental Cooperation
1.01 Regional and Statewide Cooperation
Many of the problems and opportunities faced by Boulder and other jurisdictions, particularly
providing affordable housing, addressing the jobs-housing imbalance, creating a healthy
economy, improving regional transportation, protecting the environment, managing open space,
delivering human services and managing growth, can only be dealt with effectively through
regional or statewide cooperation and solutions.
Therefore, the city and county will actively pursue cooperative planning opportunities,
intergovernmental agreements, broader information exchange and communication, collaborative
initiatives and closer cooperation with each other and with other entities in the region and state.
This may include other cities, counties, unincorporated communities, the University of Colorado,,
the school districts, regional organizations and other policy-making bodies. These entities will be
encouraged to identify and address issues of shared concern for which a multi-jurisdictional
perspective can best achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
1.02 Policy Assessment
The city and county will assess and be responsive to the external effects of their policies on other
entities and jurisdictions. Consequences and tradeoffs will be considered before making decisions
on them.
Ch. II I Sec. 1—Page l
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
1.03 Collaboration in Service Delivery
The city and county will support consolidation and collaboration among service providers to
reduce duplication of efforts, maximize economic and resource efficiencies and provide the
public with reliable and equitable levels of service.
1.04 Compliance with Land Use Regulations
With regard to public facilities owned and operated in the other's jurisdiction, the city and county
will respect and abide by existing land use regulations insofar as being reasonably practicable.
1.05 Coordination with University of Colorado
With three campus locations in Boulder and serving over 30,000 students, the university is
integrated into the city's fabric and benefits the community socially, economically and culturally.
The city will aim to coordinate with the university and engage with the community to exchange
information and plan for future uses and activities on the Main campus, East Campus, CU South,
and Williams Village area, especially where changes may affect surrounding areas or have
regional implications. The city will address regional implications by seeking input; advice or
partnerships from other governmental entities including RTD, CDOT and Boulder County. The
city aims to work with CU cooperatively to address critical needs of flood safety, student and
workforce housing.. and transportation and other infrastructure. Intergovernmental agreements
between the agencies can provide clarity about roles and responsibilities on such issues of mutual
concern building on collaborative planning process and guiding principles. In its negotiations of
an annexation agreement for CU South,the city will use the guiding principles as shown in Ch V.
Subcommunity and Area Planning, CU South Boulder Campus.
Growth Management
1.06 City's Role in Managing Growth and Development
In order to achieve community goals and policies, the city will develop and implement urban
design and growth management tools that control the scale, location, type, intensity and timing of
new development and redevelopment, Where appropriate, the county will work with the city in
developing and implementing growth management tools.
1.07 Adapting to Limits on Physical Expansion
As the community expands to its planned physical boundaries, the city and county will
increasingly emphasize preservation and enhancement of the physical, social and economic assets
of the community. Cooperative efforts and resources will be focused on maintaining and
improving the quality of life within defined physical boundaries, with only limited expansion of
the city.
1.08 Growth Projections
In order to ensure that past and projected growth impacts can be better mitigated or avoided, the
city will develop projections for population and employment for twenty-five years into the future.
Projections will be used to evaluate long-term trends, analyze problems and opportunities that
could occur during this period, project long-term infrastructure needs and coordinate Boulder
Valley growth projections with regional and county-wide projections.
Ch.III Sec. 1 —Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec. 1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
1.09 Growth Requirements
The overall effect of urban growth must add significant value to the community.. improving
quality of life. The city will require development and redevelopment to provide significant
community benefits, achieve sustainability goals for urban form and to maintain or improve
environmental quality as a precondition for further housing and community growth.
1.10 Jobs: Housing Balance
Boulder is a major employment center, with more jobs than housing for people who work here.
This has resulted in both positive and negative impacts including economic prosperity, significant
in-commuting and high demand on existing housing, The city will continue to be a major
employment center and will seek opportunities to improve the balance ofjobs and housing while
maintaining a healthy economy. This will be accomplished by encouraging new housing and
mixed-use neighborhoods in areas close to where people work, encouraging transit-oriented
development in appropriate locations, preserving service commercial uses, converting
commercial and industrial uses to residential uses in appropriate locations, improving regional
transportation alternatives and mitigating the impacts of traffic congestion.
1.11 Enhanced Community Benefit
For land use or zoning district changes that result in increases in the density or intensity of
development beyond what is permitted by the underlying zoning or for added height that
increases intensity, the city will develop regulations and incentives so that the new development
provides benefits to the community beyond those otherwise required by the underlying zoning.
Any incentives are intended to address the community economic, social and environmental
objectives of the comprehensive plan. Community objectives include without limitation
affordable housing, affordable commercial space, spaces for the arts, community gathering space,
public art, land for parks, open space, environmental protection or restoration, outdoor spaces and
other identified social needs and services. Community objectives also may be identified through
other planning or policymaking efforts of the city.
Framework forAnnexation and Urban Service Provision
1.12 Definition of Comprehensive Planning Areas I, 11 and III
The Boulder Valley Planning Area is divided into three major areas:
• Area I u; the area witb.i the City .of Boulder that has adequate url7ar+ faciliur;+: and
delvic'35 and is expected W contirwr to 4rba17 oe cicpmura.
• Area 11 is the. =.trea novo midvr courity3uxisdietvn twhare annexation to the city can be
considered consistent with policies - 1.07 Adapting to Limits on Physical Expansion,
1.09 Grovtth Requir«:Alert: and 1.16 Ame•mt oor ?lrew urban slevelocmtnt may only
occur coincident with the availability of zdrmluaie tasalties and strv�"C.q. [aster },tar's
project the provision of scrviees to tins area tt fi:n tiw.-{Ji tuns.{ pcilod
• Area 111 is the remainsJ.g nrea hi eke �3otrlde 1 a leap, ua .,;tl;, u!ui:, ct tint;Jusn!ctirnt.
lira? III i div;ded Itno the Aira M-Ru,,'4 Preser4aadion Area, wh re the pity and Ctrmn.y
intend ;.n prrc�aerve existing rvial iond a ass arid charaere'r and Je Area i1r f"i11!.;lirSY
F-Ilvrve Arca, whets Ehe city and county intens w muanfzia"he opfl , o' f`u.a e Service
Area expaiion. (set Area I, 117 111 Map and Policy 2.07 Dcfl;;eiition Or Rarai Lands.)
Ch. III Sec. I —?age 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
1.13 Preclusion of New Incorporated Places
The city and county will oppose the establishment of new incorporated communities within the
Boulder Valley.
1.14 Definition of New Urban Development
It is intended that 'new urban development,' including development within the city, not occur
until and unless adequate urban facilities and services are available to serve the development as
set out in Chapter VII Urban Service Criteria and Standards. 'New urban development' is defined
to include:
a) All new residential, commercial and industrial development and redevelopment within the
city; or
b) Any proposed development within Area II (subject to a county discretionary review process
before the Board of County Commissioners) that the county determines exceeds the land use
projections and/or is inconsistent with maps or policies of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive
Plan in effect at that time.
1.15 Over-Intensive Rural Development
The Area III-Rural Preservation Area is that portion of Area III where rural land uses and
character are to be maintained and preserved. A variety of land use activities are permitted by
county zoning pursuant to examination through one or more of the review processes enumerated
in the Boulder County Land Use Code. A preliminary analysis may conclude that an otherwise
permitted land use proposal would have an impact of urban intensity and thus be considered an
over-intensive rural development.
Criteria to be examined in making an over-intensive determination may include, but are not
limited to traffic, structure size,number of users,hours of operation, outside lighting, water needs
and wastewater flows, impacts extending outside of the property boundaries, compatibility with
surrounding land uses and the availability or lack of other more appropriate sites for the proposed
activity. Any application for a land use that triggers an over-intensive rural development analysis
will be referred to the City of Boulder for comment.
1.16 Annexation
The policies in regard to annexation to be pursued by the city are:
a) Annexation will be required before adequate facilities and services are furnished.
b) The city will actively pursue annexation of county enclaves, substantially developed
properties along the western boundary below the Blue Line and other substantially developed
Area II properties. County enclave means an unincorporated area of land entirely contained
within the outer boundary of the city. Terms of annexation will be based on the amount of
development potential as described in(c), (d)and(e) of this policy. Applications made to the
county for development of enclaves and Area Ii lands in lieu of annexation will be referred to
the city for review and comment. The county will attach great weight to the city's response
and may require that the landowner conform to one or more of the city's development
standards so that any future annexation into the city will be consistent and compatible with
the city's requirements.
Ch.III Sec. 1—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
c) Annexation of existing substantially developed areas will be offered in a manner and on
terms and conditions that respect existing lifestyles and densities. The city will expect these
areas to be brought to city standards only where necessary to protect the health and safety of
the residents of the subject area or of the city. The city, in developing annexation plans of
reasonable cost, may phase new facilities and services. The county, which now has
jurisdiction over these areas, will be a supportive partner with the city in annexation efforts to
the extent the county supports the terms and conditions being proposed.
d) In order to reduce the negative impacts of new development in the Boulder Valley, the city
will annex Area II land with significant development or redevelopment potential only if the
annexation provides a special opportunity or benefit to the city. For annexation consideration,
emphasis will be given to the benefits achieved from the creation of permanently affordable
housing. Provision of the following may also be considered a special opportunity or benefit:
receiving sites for transferable development rights (TDRs), reduction of future employment
projections, land andor facilities for public purposes over and above that required by the
city's land use regulations, environmental preservation or other amenities determined by the
city to be a special opportunity or benefit. Parcels that are proposed for annexation that are
already developed and which are seeking no greater density or building size would not be
required to assume and provide that same level of community benefit as vacant parcels unless
and until such time as an application for greater development is submitted.
e) Annexation of substantially developed properties that allow for some additional residential
units or commercial square footage will be required to demonstrate community benefit
commensurate with their impacts. Further. annexations that resolve an issue of public health
without creating additional development impacts should be encouraged
f) There will be no annexation of areas outside the boundaries of the Boulder Valley Planning
Area. with the possible exception of annexation of acquired open space.
g) Publicly owned property located in Area III, and intended to remain in Area III. may be
annexed to the city if the property requires less than a full range of urban services or requires
inclusion under city jurisdiction for health,welfare and safety reasons.
h) The Gunbarrel Subcommunity is unique because the majority of residents live in the
unincorporated area and because of the shared jurisdiction for planning and service provision
among the county, city. Gunbarrei Public Improvement District and other special districts.
Although interest in voluntary annexation has been limited, the city and county continue to
support the eventual annexation of Gunbatrel. If resident interest in annexation does occur in
the future, the city, and county will negotiate new terms of annexation with the residents.
1.17 Assimilation of Special District Facilities and Services
Where the previder(s) of the facilities and services is (are) other than the city; the county and the
city will take all reasonable and legal steps to facilitate assimilation of facilities and services by
the city upon annexation.
1.18 Provision of Urban Services in the Boulder Valley
The city is an adequate provider of facilities and services. These facilities and services will
continue to be supplied to Area I. The city will make them available to Area Ii within the
planning period pursuant to the city's annexation policies and Capital Improvements Program.
Ch.III Sec. I—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1:Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
The city and county intend that new urban development not occur until adequate urban facilities
and services are available to serve the development. The county's experience indicates that the
provision of the full range of urban facilities and services by a municipality is preferable to
provision of urban facilities and services by special districts and private groups in part because
municipalities have politically accountable leadership, general police power and the ability to
coordinate provision of adequate urban facilities and services. Therefore, it is hereby presumed
that adequate facilities and services can be provided only by the City of Boulder. The city will
extend, furnish or provide such services at such time as it can provide them all as provided under
paragraph 1.19(a) below and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
However, it is not the intent to preclude the development and use of alternative facilities and
service systems for new urban development so long as they are adequate as provided under
paragraph 1.19(b)and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
1.19 Definition of Adequate Urban Facilities and Services
a) The city provides adequate facilities and services for new urban residential, commercial and
industrial development within the planning area. Adequate facilities and services for:
L All developments include: public water, public sewer. stormwater and flood management,
urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police protection and urban
transportation(e.g., streets, sidewalks,multiuse paths); and
ii. Residential development also includes developed urban parks and schools.
b) The availability and adequacy of urban facilities and services as set forth in subparagraph a)
above will be determined based upon the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this
plan.
c) In order to make efficient use of existing infrastructure and investment, new development and
redevelopment will be located in areas where adequate public services and facilities presently
exist or are planned to be provided under the city's Capital Improvements Program.
d) Due to size, location and other unique requirements, some city facilities that do not require
the full range of urban services will be located in Areas Ii and III. Extending a limited range
of urban services to such city facilities is appropriate when extension is consistent with the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan or otherwise necessary for the city to provide another
urban faciliq and service to Area I.
1.20 Phased Extension of Urban Services/Capital Improvements
Program
a) The city and county agree that extensions, furnishing, or provision of less than adequate
facilities and services for new urban development would be injurious to public health, safety
and welfare because it would seriously impair the county's efforts to implement the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan through reasonable land use and development regulations in the
unincorporated areas of the county.
b) The county requests that the city accompany any extension of facilities and services to urban
development outside the boundaries of the city with concurrent annexation to the city of the
land served. The city agrees not to extend or furnish facilities and services to new urban
development outside the boundaries of the city without annexing to the city the land to be
served, except as indicated in Policy 1.28 Out-of-City Utility Service.
Ch.III Sec. 1—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec. 1: Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
c) The city and county recognize that certain properties within the Boulder Valley have filed for
subdivision approval with Boulder County prior to June 13, 1977, the date on which the
county approved amendments to its subdivision regulations that require compatibility of
applicants for subdivision approval with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and have
previously been granted water and sewer by the city. The development of these particular
properties may be permitted to occur without a full range of urban facilities and services
provided that such development is otherwise in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and
existing Boulder County land use regulations at the time of submission of the application.
d) The city will use the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, within the framework of
a responsible budget of balanced revenues and expenditures, to plan for the funding of an
adequate range of urban services and facilities within Area I and Area II as annexation occurs
during the planning period. The CIP is a tool to direct the location and timing of growth by
coordinating and targeting public capital expenditures.
1.21 Channeling Development to Areas with Adequate Infrastructure
In order to protect and use past investments in capital improvements, new development and
redevelopment will be located in areas where adequate public services and facilities presently
exist or are planned to be provided under the city's CIP.
1.22 Growth to Pay Fair Share of New Facility Costs
Since the public cost of annexation and developing several areas concurrently could prove
excessive,the city will limit said cost to those which can reasonably be accommodated within the
CIP and are compatible with anticipated revenue. When permitting additional development or
redevelopment, the city will consider whether public facilities and services are adequate to
reasonably maintain current levels of service or service standards given the impacts of such
additional development or committed funding sources, for such adequate facilities, are sufficient
to ensure their provision in a timely fashion. Growth will be expected to pay its own way with the
requirement that new development pay the cost of providing needed facilities and an equitable
share of services, including affordable housing, and to mitigate negative impacts such as those to
the transportation system.
1.23 Adjacency of Open Space/Utility Impacts
The city and county will consider the impacts of open space management and utility installation
on abutting property.
1.24 Multi-Purpose Use of Public Lands
Multi-purpose use of public lands, facilities and personnel services will be emphasized. However,
in consideration of potential use of parks and open space lands, only activities consistent with the
original intent of acquisition will be considered.
Utilities
1.25 Consistency of Utility Extensions with Comprehensive Plan
The installation and extension of all utilities will be consistent with the provisions of the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan and with the responsibilities of the respective utility providers.
Ch.III Sec. 1 —Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch III Sec.1: Intergovernmental Cooperation and Growth Mgmt.
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
1.26 Efficient Extension of Utilities
Nothing within the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan will prohibit the city from denying the
provision of utility services to any property within the Boulder Valley for utility-related reasons.
1.27 Utility Provision to Implement Community Goals
The city will consider the importance of the other objectives of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan in the planning and operation of the water, wastewater, stormwater and
flood management utilities. These other objectives include resilience, in-stream flow
maintenance, floodplain preservation and flood management, enhancement of recreational
opportunities, water quality management,.preservation of natural ecosystems, open space and
irrigated agricultural land and implementation of desired timing and location of growth patterns.
1.28 Out-of-City Utility Service
In furtherance of policies 2.01, 2.02. 2.03, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27 and not withstanding Policy 1.20, the
city and county agree that it is appropriate for the city to:
a) Decline support for utility provision in Area III and Area II when its provision would defeat
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan goals;
b) Extend limited utility service in Area III and Area II in circumstances that further Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan goals; and
c) Evaluate opportunities for cooperation with other utility service providers, in concert with the
county,to further Comprehensive Plan goals.
Ch.III Sec. I—Page 8
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
Sec. 2. Built Environment
Boulder's compact.. interconnected urban form helps ensure the community's environmental
health, social equity and economic vitality. It also supports cost-effective infrastructure and
facility investments, a high level of multimodal mobility and easy access to employment,
recreation, shopping and other amenities. as well as a strong image of Boulder as a distinct
community. The Built Environment policies help shape the form and quality of future growth in
addition to protecting historic and environmental resources and preserving established
neighborhood character. This chapter includes:
• Elements That Define Boulder's City Structure;
• Sustainable Urban Form Definition;
• Community Identity;
• Rural Lands Preservation;
• Neighborhoods;
• Mixed-Use Places and Centers:
• Urban Design Linkages;
• Community Conservation and Historic Preservation: and
• Design Quality.
Background
Elements That Define Boulder's City Structure
Boulder's distinctive `sense of place' and compact size did not happen by accident. It has taken
creative public policies and pragmatic planning decisions over many }cars to produce and
preserve Boulder's unique character and physical beauty. Elements that define Boulder's city
structure and support its continuing evolution to a more sustainable urban form are described
below.
Ch.III Sec. 2=Page I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
1,Natural Setting
Boulder's natural setting defines its size and shape.
The two most important factors that shape the City of Boulder are its mountain backdrop and
surrounding open space and rural lands. These natural features form a clearly-defined edge that
separates the urban area from the open countryside. Creeks and constructed irrigation ditches
have also shaped the layout of the city. Irrigation ditches are an important link between natural
features and Boulder's rural and agricultural areas.
rUnt�: of
✓`��{J^lt'! 111 { �
SouN eouF9ar Rwn�
�r,bnozad ar - �
Rural afM G(aen 90ave(gnUB ��
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Figure 2-1: Boulder's Natural Setting
Ch.III Sec. 2—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec. 2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
2. The Public Realm
The public realm provides key functions and strongly influences character and aesthetics.
It includes the city`s streets.. greenways, sidewalks and paths, parks, plazas and other urban
outdoor spaces that comprise a large portion of Boulder's land and represents a substantial public
investment. The design of the public realm plays a major role in defining the character, identity
and aesthetic quality of the city overall and individual neighborhoods. It also serves a variety of
important functions contributing to transportation mobility, passive and active recreation.
community resilience, gathering places, opportunities to connect to nature and each other,
opportunity to express culture, creativity and arts, enhancement of air and water quality and
mitigation of urban heat island effects.
"W rtaa 4 ,
_ CAiukti�
° tom
s,1
Figure 2-2: Public Realm
Ch. III Sec. 2—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
3.Individual Character Areas
Different parts of Boulder are distinguished by their individual character.
Boulder's city structure is also defined by the individual character and distinctive qualities of its
built environment in different areas, drawing on each area's unique history, development pattern,
land uses, amenities and other factors. Some of the more distinctive character areas within the
city are: the downtown historic core and surrounding pre-World War 11 residential
neighborhoods, the 28h/30"' Street regional retail corridor, the University and federal lab
campuses, the industrial areas in East Boulder and Gunbarrel, the post-World War IT residential
neighborhoods and the North Boulder neo-traditional-New-Urbanist neighborhoods.
4. Centers
Centers are places where a mix of land use and commercial activities are concentrated.
They are generally places with potential for infill and redevelopment and are higher intensity
compared to established residential neighborhoods. Boulder's commercial, entertainment,
educational, civic, neighborhood, and regional centers are distributed throughout the community
as shown on the City Structure Map,
Regional Centers
The city's three regional centers constitute the highest level of intensity. They form a triangle at
Boulder's geographic center: Historic Downtown, Boulder Valley Regional Center (BVRC) and
the University of Colorado(CU), with the University Hill business district, which also serves as a
neighborhood center for the surrounding area. Each regional center provides a distinct function
and character, provides a wide range of activities and draws from the entire city as well as the
region.
Neighborhood Centers
The next tier of intensity is neighborhood centers. In addition to serving as neighborhood
gathering places,these centers also provide goods and services for the day-to-day needs of nearby
residents, workers and students and are easily accessible from surrounding areas by foot,bike and
transit.Neighborhood centers contribute to a sense of place and the achievement of walkable(15-
minute) places with a mix of uses and range of services.5. Mobility and Multimodal
Transportation Network
Boulder's `mobility network' interconnects the city.
Boulder's multimodal network of major corridors, streets, alleys, its community transit network
and multi-use and greenway paths serve to overlay the city and interconnect movement within
and between regional centers, neighborhood centers and residential and employment areas, as
shown on the City Structure Map. In general,the western historic neighborhoods of the city offer
a fine-grained, walkable and bikeable street grid, whereas other parts of the city (e.g., East
Boulder) feature larger blocks and a more auto-oriented system. Over time, the city seeks to
extend complete and connected streets to all parts of the community.
Ch.III Sec. 2—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec. 2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
�L-2
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Q
� 8 7
or
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aar
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51 North ctT 3
teal Merkex&Communlry?laze
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�../ Blanal Cenlar —CommunlN Tranell N,M,*Individual Ch....ter 4reea F,CVr¢du'uVaa:yc: en,
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Cly se,H: Induahlal Areae 64ya4 KctW r%°,
I9a1-ac o T devr Urbain ,,1,,- f .c l'e _.,..
Figure 2-3: City Structure Map (character areas, centers,and multimodal corridors
Ch. III Sec.2-Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec. 2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sustainable Urban Form Definition
The city's urban form is shaped by the location and design of streets, paths and open spaces, the
mix of uses and intensity of development that are allowed in each area of the city and the design
of privately owned buildings and public improvements. The city's goal is to evolve toward an
urban form that supports sustainability.This "sustainable urban form" is defined by the following
characteristics:
Compact, Connected, Coherent and Complete:
• A compact development pattern with density in locations guided by the structure map
and diagrams and Land Use Map to create and support a variety of housing types, viable
commercial opportunities and high frequency public transit
• A coherent and recognizable structure of paths, edges, landmarks, nodes and centers
• An integrated multimodal transportation system with affordable, accessible and pleasant
ways to get around on foot, by bike and by local and regional transit service
• Opportunities for people to connect to nature and each other
• Daily needs met within easy access from home, work, school, services or recreation
without driving a car
• A quality of life that attracts, sustains and retains diverse businesses, creative
entrepreneurs and investment in the local economy
Green,Attractive and Distinct.
• Comfortable, safe and attractive places to live, work, learn and recreate that have a
distinct, memorable character and high-quality design and that promote healthy, active
living
• Human-scaled building and spaces and street-level design oriented toward the
pedestrian
• A public realm that is beautiful, inviting and enriched with art, trees and landscaping
• Buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure that protect natural systems,
minimize environmental impacts, and support clean energy generation
• Preservation of agriculturally significant lands, environmentally sensitive areas and
historic resources that are integrated into the urban fabric
Diverse and Inclusive:
• Buildings that express design excellence in form and visual character for places of
employment, housing, educational and cultural institutions, and other uses to meet the
needs of a diverse community
• Welcoming, accessible public gathering spaces for interaction among people of all ages,
walks of life and levels of ability
Community Identity/Land Use Pattern
2.01 Unique Community Identity
The unique community identity and sense of place that is enjoyed by residents of the Boulder
Valley and characterized by the community's setting and history will be respected by policy
decision makers.
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.2:Built Environment
2D15 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
2.02 Physical Separation of Communities
The city and county will strive to maintain and enhance an open land buffer that separates
development in the Boulder Valley from surrounding communities and contributes to distinct
community identities.
2.03 Compact Development Pattern
The city and county will. by implementing the comprehensive plan (as guided by the Land Use
Designation Map and Planning Areas Map), ensure that development will take place in an orderly
fashion, take advantage of existing urban services, and avoid, insofar as possible, patterns of
leapfrog, noncontiguous, scattered development Neithin the Boulder Valley. The city prefers
redevelopment and infill as compared to development in an expanded Service Area to prevent
urban sprawl and create a compact community.
2.04 Open Space Preservation
The city and county will permanently preserve lands with open space values by purchasing or
accepting donations of fee simple interests, conservation easements or development rights and
other measures as appropriate and financially feasible. Open space values include use of land for
urban shaping and preservation of natural areas, environmental and cultural resources, critical
ecosystems, water resources. agricultural land, scenic vistas and land for passive recreational use.
2.05 Design of Community Edges and Entnivays
Nell-defined edges and entryways for the city are important because they support an
understanding and appreciation of the city's image, emphasize and preserve its natural setting and
create a clear sense of arrival and departure. Natural features are most effective as edges, but
public open land, major roadways. gathering spaces, public air, or heavy tree planting can also
function as community edges. As neve areas are developed a defined community edge will be a
design priorit). Major entryways into the Boulder Valley will be identified, protected and
enhanced.
Rural Lands Preservation
2.06 Preservation of Rural Areas and Amenities
The city and county will attempt to preserve existing rural land use and character in and adjacent
to the Boulder Valley where environmentally sensitive areas. hazard areas, agriculturally
significant lands, vistas, significant historic resources and established rural residential areas exist.
A clear boundary between urban and rural areas at the periphery of the city will be maintained,
where possible. Existing tools and programs for rural preservation will be strengthened and new
tools and programs will be put in place.
2.07 Delineation of Rural Lands
Area Ill consists of the rural lands in the Boulder Valley, outside of the Boulder Service Area.
The Boulder Service Area includes urban lands in the city and lands planned for future
annexation and urban service provision. Within .Area III, land is placed within one of two
classifications: the Area III-Rural Preservation Area or the Area 111-Planning Reserve Area. The
boundaries of these two areas are shown on the Area III-Rural Preservation Area and Area 1, ll,
III Map. The more specific Area III land use designations on the Boulder Valley Comprehensive
Plan map indicate the type of non-urban land use that is desired as well as recognize those county
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
developments that have or can still develop at other than rural densities and uses. The Area III-
Rural Preservation Area is intended to show the desired long-term rural land use. The Area III-
Planning Reserve Area is an interim classification until it is decided whether or not this land
should be placed in the Area III-Rural Preservation Area or in the Service Area.
a)Area III-Rural Preservation Area
The Area III-Rural Preservation Area is that portion of Area III where rural land uses and
character will be preserved through existing and new rural land use preservation techniques and
no new urban development will be allowed during the planning period. Rural land uses to be
preserved to the greatest possible extent include: [ural town sites(Eldorado Springs,Marshall and
Valmont); existing county rural residential subdivisions (primarily along Eldorado Springs Drive,
on Davidson Mesa west of Louisville, adjacent to Gunbarrel, and in proximity to Boulder
Reservoir); city and county acquired open space and parkland; sensitive environmental areas and
hazard areas that are unsuitable for urban development; significant agricultural lands; and lands
that are unsuitable for urban development because of a high cost of extending urban services or
scattered locations, which are not conducive to maintaining a compact community.
b)Area III-Planning Reserve Area
The Area II1-Planning Reserve Area is that portion of Area III with rural land uses where the city
intends to maintain the option of limited Service Area expansion. The location and characteristics
of this land make it potentially suitable for new urban development based on the apparent lack of
sensitive environmental areas, hazard areas, significant agricultural lands, the feasibility of
efficient urban service extension and contiguity to the existing Service Area which maintains a
compact community.
2.08 Rural Density Transfer
The city and county will jointly determine criteria and areas for Transfer of Development Rights
(TDRs)within or in proximity to the Boulder Valley, in order to secure conservation easements
on valuable rural lands from which density may be transferred and shift those rural residential
densities to appropriate urban settings where the negative impacts of growth can be better
mitigated or avoided.
Neighborhoods
2.09 Neighborhoods as Building Blocks
The city and county will foster the role of neighborhoods to establish community character,
provide services needed on a day-to-day basis, foster community interaction and plan for urban
design and amenities. All neighborhoods in the city, whether residential areas, business districts,
or mixed land use areas, should offer unique physical elements of neighborhood character and
identity such as distinctive development patterns or architecture; historic or cultural resources;
amenities such as views, open space. creeks, irrigation ditches and varied topography; and
distinctive community facilities and commercial centers that have a range of services and that are
nearby and walkable.
2.10 Preservation and Support for Residential Neighborhoods
The city will work with neighborhoods to protect and enhance neighborhood character and
livability and preserve the relative affordability of existing housing stock. The city will also work
with neighborhoods to identify areas for additional housing, libraries, recreation centers, parks,
Ch. III Sec.2—Page 8
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
open space or small retail uses that could be integrated into and supportive of neighborhoods. The
city will seek appropriate building scale and compatible character in new development or
redevelopment, appropriately sized and sensitively designed streets and desired public facilities
and mixed commercial uses. The city will also encourage neighborhood schools and safe routes
to school.
2.1.1 Accessory Units
Consistent with existing neighborhood character, accessory units (e.g., granny flats, alley houses,
accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and owner's accessory units (OAUs))will be encouraged by the
city to increase workforce and long term rental 'housing options in single-family residential
neighborhoods. Regulations developed to implement this policy will address potential cumulative
negative impacts on the neighborhood. Accessory units will be reviewed based on the
characteristics of the lot, including size, configuration, parking availability, privacy and alley
access.
2.12 Preservation of Existing Residential Uses
The city will encourage the preservation or replacement in-kind of existing.. legally established
residential uses in non-residential zones. ;Jon-residential conversions in residential zoning
districts will be discouraged, except where there is a clear benefit or service to the neighborhood.
2.13 Protection of Residential Neighborhoods Adjacent to Non-residential
Zones
The city and county will take appropriate actions to ensure that the character and livability of
established residential neighborhoods will not be undermined by spill-over impacts from adjacent
regional or community business zones or by incremental expansion of business activities into
residential areas. The city and county will protect residential neighborhoods from intrusion of
non-residential uses by protecting edges and regulating the impacts of these uses on
neighborhoods.
2.14 Mix of Complementary Land Uses
The city and county will strongly encourage, consistent with other land use policies.. a variety of
land uses in new developments. In existing neighborhoods, a mix of land use types, housing sizes
and lot sizes may be possible if properly mitigated and respectful of neighborhood character.
Wherever land uses are mixed, careful design will be required to ensure compatibility,
accessibility and appropriate transitions between land uses that vary in intensity and scale.
2.15 Compatibility of Adjacent Land Uses
To avoid or minimize noise and visual conflicts between adjacent land uses that vary widely in
use, intensity or other characteristics, the city will use tools such as interface zones, transitional
areas, site and building design and cascading gradients of density in the design of subareas and
zoning districts. With redevelopment, the transitional area should be within the zone of more
intense use.
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 9
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec. 2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Locations for Mixed Use
2.16 Mixed Use and Higher Density Development
The city will encourage well-designed mixed-use and higher density development that
incorporates a substantial amount of affordable housing in appropriate locations, including in
some commercial centers and industrial areas, and in proximity to multimodal corridors and
transit centers. The city will provide incentives and remove regulatory barriers to encourage
mixed-use development where and when appropriate. This could include public-private
partnerships for planning, design or development, new zoning districts, and the review and
revision of floor area ratio, open space and parking requirements.
2.17 Variety of Centers
The city and county support a variety of regional and neighborhood centers where people
congregate for a variety of activities such as working, shopping, going to school or day care,
accessing human services and recreating. Some centers should be located within walking distance
of neighborhoods and business areas and designed to be compatible with surrounding land uses
and intensity and the context and character of neighborhoods and business areas. Regional centers
should serve a larger role and be located near transit. Good multimodal connections to and from
centers and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities will be encouraged.
Ch. III Sec.2—Page 10
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
i ia.nx Ar InaPdenre Rd
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i 291h Slreel Rrri
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Figure 1-4: BVRC and 28'Street Corridor
Illustrating the areas referred to in Policy 2.18
Ch.III Sec. 2—Page I I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec. 2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
2.18 Boulder Valley Regional Center and BVRC Guiding Principles
28th Street 1. Encourage Mixed Use
The city will preserve and enhance the BVRC as a Buildings should co-locate residential and
high intensity regional commercial center while commercial uses. New construction and
encouraging the addition of a variety of housing redevelopment of parcels in this area should
es. With its co-location of retail, daily include both vertical and horizontal mixed-use.
types. Y amenities, including first floor retail with residential above
transportation amenities and housing, the BVRC as flats and live-work units.
should provide the opportunity for exemplary
walkable neighborhoods. Mixed-use development 2. Ensure appropriate scale and transitions to
should exemplify the components of the sustainable neighboring residential uses
urban form definition and include a mix of amenities The BVRC should become aplace of mixed-use
villages. The intensity and heights may be
and activities, including cultural and recreational. higher than neighborhood centers with buildings
The city will pursue regulatory changes to increase potentially up to four or five stories, provided
housing capacity and reduce the current non- that housing and usable public spaces are
residential capacity in the BVRC while maintaining included. 28th Street from Spruce Street to tris
Avenue is intended as a more modest intensity
retail potential. This will be accomplished through area than the BVRC with buildings up to three
analysis to balance the needs of redevelopment in or four stories unless additional area or corridor
certain areas with strategies that minimize business planning takes place.Building footprints should
displacement and with ongoing community outreach. allow for a fine-grained connected street
The guiding principles noted to the right will apply patterer not superblocks. Transition zones from
the higher-density BVRC to medium density
to development in the BVRC and along 28th Street neighboring uses should encourage residential
north of BVRC (from Spruce Street to Iris Avenue) uses that appropriately transition between
on properties with a Regional or General Business differing densities.such as townhomes.
land use designation. The city will study adjacent
areas during the Land Use Code update. 9. Encourage infill inappropriate places.
Note: Refer to Regional Business (RB) and General (GB) where possible, infill should be encouraged.
such as on underutilized surface parking lots.
land use categories(IV-Land Use Map Descriptions).
± 4. Function as a regional multimodal hub.
Capitalize on the existing and planned
'a transportation connections.Address ways to get
* around for users of all transportation modes by
1.+., including sheltered seating. shared bicycles.
I bike cages and repair stations-Access improved
l• j• ' connections to and from the regional mobility
hub.
5. Encourage parking management
strategies.
Conceptual illustration of a mixed-use Encourage parking management strategies,such
as shared parking,in neighborhood centers.
corner along 28th Street
6. Ensure comfort and safety.
i Include human-scaled lighting, furnishings,
signs and way-tindmg that feel welcoming, safe
i and comfortable for users of all ages and
{ t.� abilities.Provide unimpeded connections within
i the center between parking, transit, retail and
t� s I r residential uses.
.ra
';tri, ke sr. See also Enhanced Design policy 2.41 and the
f-*-�— a rtr''- �.. Sustainable Urban Form Definition.
Conceptual illustration of a
potential"mixed use village"in the BVRC
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 12
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
2.19 Neighborhood Centers
Neighborhood centers often contain the economic, social; Neighborhood Centers Guiding
and cultural opportunities that allow neighborhoods to Principles
thrive and for people to come together. The city will
encourage neighborhood centers to provide pedestrian- 1. Meer every day needs of neighboring
friendiy and welcoming environments with a mix of land communities
uses. The city acknowledges and respects the diversity of
Include a anchors
rs luch as groceryserving retail
(e.g:.,retail anchors such as grocery motes
character and needs of its neighborhood centers and will and personal services suuh as hair salons
pursue area planning efforts to support evolution of these or small local markets) and other
centers to become mixed-use places and strive to activities such as smaller-scale office
accomplish the guiding principles noted to the right. uses to meet every day needs
More: Refer to Community Business (CB) land use category
fIV--Land Use:,lap Descriptions). 2. Ensure appropriate scale transitions
to neighboring residential uses-
Be at a scale and intensity lower than
downtown and the regional centers,
enuring compatibility of buildings with
_ adjacent residential uses decreasing
intcnity of activity around edges or
.transition zones near neighborhoods
These transition zones should encourage
--r I a dive soy o[ low- and medium-density
residential uses such as attached single-
- family housing, row homes and a variety
1 of flats.
3. Encourage a richness of
transportation amenities.
Neighborhood centers should include
- ----- -- --_ attractive pedesniatt routes and
conveniences such as sheltered seating.
-shared bicycles. bike cages and repair
stations, among others, and have access
to greenways,when practical.
4. Encourage parking management
- les.
.��., strateg
+#i H Encourage parking management
.! FJh Or1 strategics, such as shared parking, in
_ r r neighborhood centers.
5. Ensure comfort and safety.
-L P _ Include human-scaled lighting.
....1 q fttmishings, signs and way-finding that
fuel welcoming. safe unit comfortable for
users of all ages and abilities Provide
unimpeded connection; within
Conceptual illustrations of a neighborhood neighborhood centers between parking,
center near a major corridor transit,retail and residential uses.
See also Enhanced Design policy 2.41
and the Sustainable urban Form
Definition.
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 13
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec. 2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug.10,2017
2.20 Role of the Central Area
Boulder's Central Area will continue as `"e d
the regional service center of the Boulder "
Valley for office, retail, financial, as- N
Uwee"q pvnxB
governmental, civic, cultural and
BwWy.'+bFmt
university activities. As such, it will
remain the primary activity center and v� WAD*
focal point of the Boulder Valley. The g% ,,,y,,,,,,„„„
Central Area includes distinct,
interrelated centers such as the ;
Downtown Business District, Civic Area
�4 nn4htleaW1(prylMh
University Hill and Boulder Valley .,,, E"•M,T„,
Regional Center. It also includes the .. hW M ypp,.g G.11
University of Colorado Main Campus
and Canyon Boulevard Cultural Corridor.
A variety of land uses surround the -
centers and complete streets and
multimodal transportation alternatives
provide direct connections between them.
The Central Broadway Corridor Design " f
Framework ("Framework") focuses on �F s
the five key activity centers along the _'(annt
central stretch of Broadway (University
Hill/CU, the Civic Area, Downtown, the -
Alpine-Balsam site and Boulder County's _ v 04R,5+c�
Broadway and Iris site). With a focus on -
physical form and character, systems, �r ,
community experiences and services and �^ -
some housing, the Framework identifies ,
opportunities to strengthen existing assets
and opportunities to fill gaps and address
challenges along the corridor and in the
centers.
¢C
Z
1J ?
J1 r ....•_ ..h
li—
e
Figure 2-5:Central Boulder Corridor Design
Framework Draft Diagram
Ch.III Sec.2-Page 14
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug.10,2017
2.21 Light Industrial Areas
The city supports its light industrial areas, which contain a Light Industrial Area Guiding
variety of uses including technical offices, research and Principles
light manufacturing. The city will preserve existing
industrial areas as places for indus[ry and innovation and 1.Preserve established businesses
will pursue regulatory changes to better allow for housing and the opportunidy,(orindustrial
and retail infill. The city will encourage redevelopment businesses
and infill to contribute to placemaking and better achieve The primary role Of the industrial
areas for research and light
sustainable urban form as defined in this chapter. Housing manufacuring should be maintained
should occur in a logical pattern and in proximity to
through cdsting standard,. Housing
existing and planned amenities, including retail services infill should play a suburdimne tole
and transit. Analysis will guide appropriate places for and not displace established
housing infill within areas zoned Industrial General (IG) businesses or the opportunity tar
(not those zoned for manufacturing or service uses) that industrial businesses.
minimize the potential mutual impacts of residential and 2. Encourage housing infill m
industrial uses in proximity to one another. appropriate places.
.Vote: Refer to Light Industrial(LI) land use category (1VLandFlousiug infill should be encouraged
Llse Map Descriptions). in appropriate places (e.g., of the
huersecimu of coll"iWarietial
_ streets, near uansit and on
underutilized surface parking lots)
- and 'along open .,pace andcor
flrecmerly or trail conucetions.
Housing should be located near other
. - residential use:;of entail.Sete1,eS
{ �' ,�',• °f•�1t+ $� 3. Offer a mix of uses
Encourage the development of a mix
of ices (hat is cnmpahblc With
housing (e. . eofreo shops.
Conceptual illustration o m ill housin on an restuurantsj ro serve the daily need,
P f� f� 9 nl cugtktyccs and rosid€nts. in
underutilized surface parking lot with an existing particular at the imerwetion of
industrial use collectori&aerial streets.
_ - -- - - - - 4. Encourage a richness of
- transportation amenities
"rhe multimodal system in industrial
- areas should be improved with
r� - - A►rM{, H.,43` - ' ' convenient and pleasant ways to get.
around on toot by bike and with
- local conucetion•to regional hansil.
- -- - S. Pursue parking management
strategies.
Encourage parking management
suategies, such us shared parking.
Conceptual illustration of live/work and retail at See alio Enhanced Design policy
the intersection of a collector/arterial with an 2.41 and the Sustainable Urban
existing industrial use Form Definition
Ch, III Sec.2—Page 15
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
Public Realm, Urban Design and Linkages
2.22 Urban Open Lands
Open lands within the fabric of the city are an important part of Boulder's public realm and
provide recreational opportunities, transportation linkages, gathering places and density relief
from the confines of the city, as well as protection of the environmental quality of the urban
environment. The city will promote and maintain an urban open lands system to serve the
following functions: active and passive recreation, environmental protection, flood management,
multimodal transportation, enhancement of community character and aesthetics.
2.23 Boulder Creek, Tributaries and Ditches as Important Urban Design
Features
Boulder Creek, its tributaries and irrigation ditches will serve as unifying urban design features
for the community with multiple co-benefits for a resilient community. The city and county will
support the preservation or reclamation of the creek corridors for natural ecosystems, wildlife
habitat and cultural resources; for recreation and bicycle and pedestrian transportation; to provide
flood management; to improve air and water quality; and to provide a relief from urban
development. Path and trail design and development in these greenways will be sensitive to the
ecology, terrain, existing easements, privacy of adjacent residents and surroundings. The city and
county will support agriculture by recognizing and accommodating irrigation ditch maintenance
practices and operations.
2.24 Commitment to a Walkable and Accessible City
The city will promote the development of a walkable
and accessible city by designing neighborhoods and
mixed-use business areas to provide easy and safe ---
access by foot, bike and transit to places such as i
neighborhood centers, community facilities, transit ,-
stops or centers and shared public spaces and \\
amenities (i.e., 15-minute neighborhoods). The city \ /77
will consider additional neighborhood centers or
small mixed-use retail areas where appropriate and
supported by the neighbors they would serve. In )'
some cases the definition of mixed use and scale and
character will be achieved through area planning. !
fr.WA M°CIIMy Ork
2.25 Improve Mobility Grid and )
Connections
The walkability, bike-ability and transit access
should be improved in parts of the city that need �✓'
better connectivity and mobility, for example, in
East Boulder. This should be achieved by
coordinating and integrating land use and 44
transportation planning and will occur through both yTr 11:.___._..=_=
public investment and private development. ; )1114
Ch.III Sec.2—Page 16
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
2.26 Trail Corridors/Linkages
In the process of considering development proposals, the cin' and county will encourage the
development of paths and trails where appropriate for recreation and transportation, such as
walking, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding. Implementation will be achieved through the
coordinated efforts of the private and public sectors.
Community Conservation and Preservation
2.27 Preservation of Historic and Cultural Resources
The city and county will identify, evaluate and protect buildings, structures, objects, districts,
sites and natural features of historic, architectural, archaeological or cultural significance with
input from the community. The city and county will seek protection of significant historic and
cultural resources through local designation when a proposal by the private sector is subject to
discretionary development review.
2.28 Leadership in Preservation: City- and County-Owned Resources
The city and county will evaluate their publicly owned properties to determine their historic,
architectural, archaeological or cultural significance. Eligible resources will be protected through
local designation including secondary buildings or elements that are part of and convey the
cultural significance of a site, such as a farm complex and alley buildings.
2.29 Historic and Cultural Preservation Plan
The oily and county will develop and regularly update a Boulder Valley-wide preservation plan to
integrate historic preservation issues into the comprehensive plan: ensure coordination between
preservation goals and zoning, land use, growth management, transportation and housing goals;
and ensure consistency among governmental policies that affect the community's historic,
archeological and cultural resources. Preservation plans will be developed with public and
landowner participation. The city will continue to implement and update the Plan for Boulder's
Historic Preservation Program.
2.30 Eligible Historic Districts and Landmarks
The city has identified areas that may have the potential to be designated as historic districts. The
Designated and Eligible Historic Districts map (see vlap VI-1: Designated and Potential Historic
Districts) shows areas with designation potential, as well as areas that are already designated as
historic districts, These potential historic areas and historic survey information will continue to be
assessed and updated. There are also many individual resources of landmark quality both within
and outside of these eligible areas. Additional historic district and landmark designations will be
encouraged in accordance with the Plan for Boulder's Historic Preservation Program. Such
resources may contribute to cultural and heritage tourism values.
2.31 Historic Preservation/Conservation Tools
As guided by the Plan for Boulder's Historic Preservation Program, the city will develop a variety
of tools that address preservation and conservation objectives within the community. Specific
tools that address historic preservation and conservation objectives will be matched to the unique
needs of specific areas. Preservation tools may include financial and other incentives for owners
Ch. Iif Sec.2—Page 17
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec. 2: Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
of designated landmark properties and properties located in designated districts. Conservation
districts, easements and other tools may be applied in areas that do not qualify as local historic
districts but contain features that contribute to the quality of the neighborhood or community.
These could include historic resources that have lost integrity, neighborhoods with significant
character but that are not historically significant and scattered sites that share a common historic
or architectural theme.
2.32 Preservation of Archaeological Sites and Cultural Landscapes
The city will develop a plan and processes for identification, designation and protection of
archaeological and cultural landscape resources, such as open ditches (where practicable and in
coordination with the irrigation ditch company). street and alley-scapes, railroad rights-of-way
and designed landscapes.
Design Quality
2.33 Sensitive Infill and Redevelopment
With little vacant land remaining in the city, most new development will occur through
redevelopment in mixed-use centers that tend to be the areas of greatest change. The city will
gear subcommunity and area planning and other efforts toward defining the acceptable amount of
infill and redevelopment and standards and performance measures for design quality to avoid or
adequately mitigate negative impacts and enhance the benefits of infill and redevelopment to the
community and individual neighborhoods. The city will also develop tools, such as neighborhood
design guidelines,to promote sensitive infill and redevelopment.
2.34 Design of Newly-Developing Areas
The city will encourage a neighborhood concept for new development that includes a variety of
residential densities, housing types, sizes and prices, opportunities for shopping, nearby support
services and conveniently sited public facilities, including roads and pedestrian connections,
parks, libraries and schools.
2.35 Building Height
The city will review and update site review regulations to provide clear guidance on height and
intensity of land uses and to address relationship of building height to aesthetics and view
protection. The city will consider additional height(up to the City Charter 55-foot height limit) as
an incentive in exchange for community benefits that further other community objectives such as
the provision of permanently affordable housing(as described in Policy 1.11).
2.36 Physical Design for People
The city and county will take all reasonable steps to ensure that public and private development
and redevelopment be designed in a manner that is sensitive to social, health and psychological
needs. Broadly defined, this will include factors such as accessibility to those with limited
mobility; provision of coordinated facilities for pedestrians,bicyclists and bus-riders;provision of
functional landscaping and open space; and the appropriate scale and massing of buildings related
to neighborhood context.
Cli.III Sec. 2—Page 18
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2D15 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
2.37 Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
For capital improvements and private development.. the city and county will strive to ensure that
buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure are located and designed to protect natural
systems, minimize energy use, reduce urban heat island effects and air and water pollution and
support clean energy generation.
2.38 Importance of Urban Canopy, Street Trees and Streetscapes
The city and county will develop regulations and programs to encourage the planting and
maintenance of attractive, healthy street trees and Streetscapes, which act as the primary°
connection between the private and public realm arid provide aesthetics. comfort, cleaner air and
other environmental benefits for the public realm.
2.39 Outdoor Lighting/Light Pollution
The city and county will encourage the efficient use of outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution
and conserve energy while providing for public safety. The city will seek to provide a nighttime
environment that includes the ability to view the stars against a dark sky so that people can see
the Milky Way Galaxy from residential and other appropriate viewing areas. Measures such as
using more energy-efficient lights, ensuring that the level of outdoor lighting is appropriate to the
application, minimizing glare and using shielding techniques to direct light downward will be
required.
2.40 Design Excellence for Public Projects
Public projects bear a special responsibility to exhibit design excellence. The city and county will
work to ensure that new capital projects and transportation facilities are visually attractive and
contribute positively to the desired community character.
2.41 Enhanced Design for All Projects
Through its policies and programs, the city will encourage or require quality architecture and
urban design in all development that encourages alternative modes of transportation, provides a
livable environment and addresses the elements listed below.
a) Area planning. Where there is a desire to improve the character of the surroundings, a new
character and positive identity as established through area planning or a community
involvement process should be created for the area as the city work plan and resources
allow.
b) The context. Projects should become a coherent part of the neighborhood in which they are
placed. Special attention will be given to protecting and enhancing the quality of established
residential areas that are adjacent to business areas.
c) Relationship to the public realm. Projects should relate positively to public streets, plazas,
sidewalks, paths and natural features. Buildings and landscaped areas—not parking lots—
should present a well-designed face to the public realm, should not block access to sunlight
and should be sensitive to important public view corridors. Future strip commercial
development will be discouraged.
Ch. III Sec. 2—Page 19
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.2:Built Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
d) Ditches. Project sponsors should collaborate with irrigation ditch companies on design and
construction. Where possible, project elements should educate and inform about the
connection between irrigation ditches and agricultural lands.
e) Transportation connections. Projects should provide a complete network of vehicular,
bicycle and pedestrian connections both internal to the project and connecting to adjacent
properties, streets and paths; including dedication of public rights-of-way and easements
where required.
f) Parking. The primary focus of any site should be quality site design. Parking should play a
subordinate role to site and building design and not jeopardize open space or other
opportunities on the property. Parking should be integrated between or within buildings and
be compact and dense. The placement of parking should be behind and to the sides of
buildings or in structures rather than in large street-facing lots. Surface parking will be
discouraged and versatile parking structures that are designed with the flexibility to allow
for different uses in the future will be encouraged.
g) Human scale and art in public spaces. Projects should provide pedestrian interest along
streets, paths and thoughtfully designed public spaces that support a mix of events,
destinations and art. Projects should model investment in public art in the city, and the city
should encourage individuals, businesses, organizations, and developers to invest in
improvements to public spaces through the addition of meaningful, innovative and quality
works of art.
h) Permeability. Create permeability in centers with a mix of semi-public and public spaces
that are connected visually for intuitive navigation. Include civic and cultural uses as well as
outdoor seating, shade trees and green spaces in the public spaces to create a unique identity
and sense of place. Projects should provide multiple opportunities to walk from the street
into projects, thus presenting a street face that is permeable. Where appropriate, they should
provide opportunities for visual permeability into a site to create pedestrian interest.
i) On-site open spaces. Projects should incorporate well-designed functional open spaces with
quality landscaping, access to sunlight and places to sit comfortably. Where public parks or
open spaces are not within close proximity, shared open spaces for a variety of activities
should also be provided within developments.
j) Buildings. Buildings should be designed with a cohesive design that enhances the
streetscape and is comfortable to the pedestrian. Buildings should demonstrate
approachability and a relationship to the street, with inviting entries that are visible from
public rights of way, multiple entrances and four-sided design. Foster appeal of buildings
through attractive, well-designed architecture made of high-quality, long-lasting materials
and innovative approaches to design.
Ch.III sec. 2—Pape 20
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
Sec. 3. Natural Environment
In thio section,the "natural environment'includes the city and county owned open space lands as
Nvell as environmental components (like air, water, geological features) and remnants of the
natural environment within the urban area. Preservation and protection of the natural environment
that characterizes the Boulder Valley is a core community value that has defined Boulder since
the end of 19`h century. Within the Boulder Valley's complex ecological system, there are
inextricable links among the natural environment, the built environment, economy and
community livability. Changes to the natural ecosystems within the Boulder Valley can have a
profound effect on ecosystem viability and the quality of life desired by Boulder Valley residents.
A mixture of wildlands and urban lands exist throughout the Boulder ;'alley, often referred to as the
wildland-urban interface and itithin a continuum or gradient High quality ecosystems containing
primarily,native plants and animals occupy one end of the natural environment gradient. Land that is not
dominated by native species but that is in a natural condition itithour buildings or development is found
further along the gradient. On the other end of the gradient are lands that contain mosey-non-native plants
and animals and are usedprimarily for developed recreation, transportation or other purposes (eg.,parks,
greenwgvs) in an urban environment, These lands are managed differentlyfor different purposes.
Over many decades, with the initiative and financial support of local citizens, the city and county
have actively protected and managed open space around the urban area, Existing city and county
open space plans and policies apply to those public lands acquired and managed as habitat
conservation areas.. natural areas, recreational areas and agricultural areas.
As in the rest of the world, the Boulder Valley climate is experiencing local and regional climate
change witbin the larger global climate regimes. Anticipated further changes and intensified
weather events and warming heighten the need for the city and county, to proactively reduce risk
and protect resources.
Boulder has been a leader in environmental protection and preservation for many years. Sixty-
three percent of the Boulder Valley has been protected by the city and county as open space for
habitat for native plants and animals and agricultural productivity. This open space contributes to
the high quality of life for residents for recreation, relaxation and connection with nature. The
community's historic and on-going emphasis on clean air and water and preservation of natural
habitats has resulted in significant progress toward a sustainable, resilient and healthy urban
environment.
The city and county will continue to identit and implement state-of-the-art environmental
policies community wide to further natural environment sustainability goals.
The policies in this section support the following city and county goals related to the conservation
and preservation of land, water, air resources and pollution prevention and climate change and
resilience,
• Protecting Native Ecosystems and Biodiversity;
• Enhancing Urban Environmental Quality;
• Protecting Geologic Resources and Reducing Risks from Natural Hazards:. and
• Sustaining and Improving Water and Air Quality.
Ch.III Sec. 3—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
Reaching these goals requires an overall planning and management strategy that incorporates an
understanding of ecological systems and implements adaptive management principles. Plans
listed at the end of this section provide important guidance and strategies for ecosystem
protection and restoration and dealing with potential impacts of climate change.
3.01 Incorporating Ecological Systems into Planning
The city and county will approach planning and policy decisions in the Boulder Valley through
an ecosystem framework in which natural regions like bioregions, airsheds and watersheds are
considered and incorporated into planning.
3.02 Adaptive Management Approach
The city and county will employ an adaptive management approach to resource protection and
enhancement. An adaptive management approach involves establishing objectives, conducting
ongoing monitoring of resource conditions, assessing the effectiveness of management actions,
revising management actions based on new information from research, and teaming from
experience what works and what does not.
Protecting Native Ecosystems and Biodiversity
3.03 Native Ecosystems
The city and county will protect and restore significant native ecosystems on public and private
lands through land use planning, development review, conservation easements, acquisitions and
public land management practices. The protection and enhancement of biological diversity and
habitat for state and federal endangered and threatened species, as well as critical wildlife
habitats, migration corridors, environmental conservation areas, high biodiversity areas, rare plant
areas, significant natural communities and county and local species of concern (i.e., resources
identified in the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan)will be emphasized. Degraded habitat may
be restored and selected extirpated species may be reintroduced as a means of enhancing native
flora and fauna in the Boulder Valley.
3.04 Ecosystem Connections and Buffers
The city and county recognize the importance of preserving large habitat areas, especially of
unfragmented habitat, in support of the biodiversity of their natural lands and viable habitat for
native species. The city and county will work together to preserve, enhance, restore and maintain
land identified as critical and having significant ecological value for providing ecosystem
connections (e.g., wildlife corridors) and buffers to support the natural movement of native
organisms between ecosystems. Connected corridors of habitat may extend through or along the
edges of the urban environment and often serve as vital links between natural areas for both
wildlife and humans. Connected corridors are often at the greatest risk of degradation and
development, and those deemed to have high ecological value should be identified for planning
and, where appropriate, for acquisition, preservation, restoration and/or management while
balancing existing land uses and other needs of the community.
Ch.IIT Sec.3—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch, III Sec.3: Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
3.05 Maintain and Restore Natural Ecological Processes and Natural
Disturbances
Recognizing that natural ecological processes, such as wildfire and flooding, are integral to the
productivity and health of natural ecosystems, the city and county will work to ensure that, when
appropriate precautions have been taken for human safety and welfare, ecological processes are
maintained or replicated in the management of natural lands.
3.06 Wetland and Riparian Protection
Natural and human-made wetlands and riparian areas are valuable for their ecological and, where
appropriate, recreational functions, including their ability to enhance water and air quality and
reduce the impacts of flooding. Wetlands and riparian areas also function as important wildlife
habitat, especially for rare, threatened and endangered plants, fish and wildlife. Because they
have historically been so scarce in the Front Range and because of continued degradation, the city
and county will continue to develop and support programs to protect, enhance and educate the
public about the value of wetlands and riparian areas in the Boulder Valley. The city, will strive
for no net loss of wetlands and riparian areas by discouraging their destruction, or requiring the
creation and restoration of wetland and riparian areas in the rare cases when development is
permitted and the filling of wetlands or destruction of riparian areas cannot be avoided.
Management of wetland and riparian areas on city open space lands is described in the OSMP
Grasslands Ecosystem Management Plan.
3,07 Invasive Species Management
The city and county will cooperate and promote efforts, both public and private, to prevent the
introduction and spread of invasive and non-native plant and animal species. High priority will be
given to managing invasive species that have, or potentially could have, a substantial impact on
city and county resources or ecosystem function. City and county resource management plans
will provide direction and guidance for identifying priorities for management and control of
invasive non-native species.
3.08 Public Access to Public Lands
Certain city and county owned or managed lands provide a means for educating users on the
importance of the natural environment. These public lands may include areas for recreation and
preservation of agricultural use, unique natural features and wildlife and plant habitat. Public
access to natural lands will be provided for, except where closure is necessary to protect areas
from unacceptable degradation or impacts to agriculture, habitat or wildlife, for public safety or
limits on access necessary to preserve the quality of the visitor experience.
3.09 Integrated Pest Management
The approaches by the city and county to this policy differ in their management strategies. The
city aims to reduce and eliminate, where possible, the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
on public properties and provide outreach and education to encourage the public to use a similar
approach on private property. The city's practices carefully consider when pest management
actions are necessary and focus on creating healthy and thriving ecosystems to lower pest
pressure by natural processes. When pest management is necessary, the city commits to the use of
ecologically based integrated pest management principles, which emphasize the selection of the
most environmentally sound approach to pest management and the overall goal of using non-
chemical pest-control strategies. The county's approach stresses control of invasive species and
pests using the full-suite of tools available in integrated pest management including chemical
Ch. III Sec. 3—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
methods when necessary.,When public or environmental health risks are identified, the city and
county will balance the impacts and risks to the residents and the environment when choosing
management measures. The county will strive to reduce the use of pesticides and synthetic,
inorganic fertilizers where use does occur.
3.10 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation and Resilience
The city and county are working to help mitigate climate change globally and recognize that
climate change adaptation is an important area for consideration. Preserving large ecological
reserves enhances the resilience of native ecosystems and reduces the loss of native biodiversity,
ecological processes and ecosystems as the climate changes. Additionally, the city and county
will use an adaptive management approach to assess potential impacts from changes in the local
climate. Open space management plans guide other strategies related to climate change, such as
changes to visitation rates or visitor experiences (e.g., heat exposure or scenic quality) on open
space. Overall strategies may include:
I. Actively improve our understanding of the effect of climate change on local ecosystems
and of actions that may help maintain or restore the ecological functions of natural
systems under a changing climate;
2. Actively identify and monitor ecosystems most vulnerable to climate change using
biological indicators of sensitivity and response;
3. Protect large reserves of open space land to support the long-term viability of native
plants and animals;
4. Conduct restoration of degraded environments and management of natural ecosystems to
enhance their resilience in the presence of climate change, using existing management
plans and the best available science. In some cases,this may involve ecosystem transition
to alternate states or novel ecosystems (e.g., to ecosystems now found at different
elevations,to variations of current ecosystems, or ecosystems changing in other ways that
cannot be forecast with certainty today);
5. On-going attention to the wildland-urban interface environments to improve management
of both natural resources and human-wildlife conflicts and to reduce the potential for
catastrophic wildfire;and
6. Including specific management guidance and direction regarding climate change
mitigation,adaptation and resilience when city and county agencies prepare master plans.
Enhancing Urban Environmental Quality
3.11 Urban Environmental Quality
To the extent possible, the city and county will seek to protect the environmental quality of areas
under significant human and urban influence and will balance human needs and public safety
with environmental protection. The city will develop and apply community-wide programs and
standards for new development and redevelopment so that negative environmental impacts will
be mitigated and overall environmental quality of the urban environment will be maintained and
improved.
3.12 Urban Forests
The city will support, promote and, in some cases, regulate the protection of healthy existing trees
and the long-term health and vitality of the urban forest in the planning and design of public
improvements and private development. Urban canopy plays an important role in ameliorating
Ch.III Sec. 3—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
the effects of climate change: therefore, the city will guide short- and long-term urban forest
management that encourages overall species diversity and low water demand tree species.
3.13 Water Conservation
The city and county will promote the conservation of water resources through water quality protection.
public education, monitoring and policies that promote efficient water usage such as water-conserving
landscaping. The city will endeavor to minimize water waste and reduce water use during peak demand
periods.New development and redevelopment designs to conserve water will be encouraged.
3.14 Management of Wildlife-Human Conflicts
The Boulder Valley sits within a wildland-urban interface and the city and county recognize the
intrinsic value of wildlife in both their urban and rural areas. The city and county will promote
wildlife and land use management practices to minimize conflicts with residents and urban land
uses while identifying, preserving and restoring appropriate habitat for wildlife species in the
urban area. When a wildlife species is determined to be a nuisance or a public health hazard, a
fall range of alternative wildlife and land use management techniques will be considered by the
city and county to mitigate the problem in a manner that is humane, effective, economical and
ecologicatly responsible.
3.15 Soil Carbon Sequestration
The city and county recognize that soil carbon sequestration may have a range of potential
benefits, including water retention, climate change mitigation, soil health and soil stabilization.
Soil health is especiatly important for both the natural environment and agricultural lands. Section
9 (Food and Agriculture) includes a description of soil carbon sequestration policy for tilled
agricultural lands. For the natural environment, the capacity of native grasslands and forests to
sequester carbon will be important in city and county soil carbon sequestration efforts. Native
grasslands and forests will be maintained and protected following resource management plans.
Opportunities to manage soil carbon levels in such areas, when appropriate. need to be consistent
with adopted plans and policies.
Protecting Geologic Resources and Reducing Risks from Natural
Hazards
3.16 Unique Geological Features
Due to its location at the interface of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the Boulder
Valley has a number of significant or unique geological and paleontological features. The city and
county will attempt to protect these features from alteration or destruction through a variety of
means, such as public acquisition, public land management, land use planning and regulation and
density transfer within a particular site.
Ch. III Sec. 3—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3: Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
3.17 Mineral Deposits
Deposits of sand, gravel, coal and similar finite resource areas will be delineated and managed
according to state and federal laws and local government regulations. The impacts of extraction
or uses of such resources will be balanced against other community values and priorities,
including environmental and cultural resource protection, health concerns and carbon emission
reduction. The city and county will work together to acquire mineral rights as appropriate.
3.18 Hazardous Areas
Hazardous areas that present a danger to life and property from flood, forest fire, steep slopes,
erosion, unstable soil, subsidence or similar geological development constraints will be
delineated, and development in such areas will be carefully controlled or prohibited.
3.19 Erosive Slopes and Hillside Protection
Hillside and ridge-line development will be carried out in a manner that, to the extent possible,
avoids both negative environmental consequences to the immediate and surrounding area and the
degradation of views and vistas from and of public areas. Regulations should address the risk of
earth movement andlor mud slides to guide planning; design and construction of any development
on, adjacent to or at the base of hillsides.
3.20 Wildfire Protection and Management
As Boulder County's climate changes, the intensity and frequency of wildfires is likely to
increase. The city and county will require on-site and off-site measures to guard against the
danger of fire in developments adjacent to natural lands and consistent with forest and grassland
ecosystem management principles and practices. Recognizing that fire is a widely accepted means
of managing ecosystems and wildfire risk, the city and county will integrate ecosystem
management principles with wildfire hazard mitigation planning and urban design.
3.21 Preservation of Floodplains
Undeveloped floodplains will be preserved or restored where possible through public land
acquisition of high hazard properties, private land dedication and multiple program coordination.
Comprehensive planning and management of floodplain lands will promote the preservation of
natural and beneficial functions of floodplains whenever possible.
3.22 Floodplain Management
The city and county will protect the public and property from the impacts of flooding in a timely
and cost-effective manner while balancing community interests with public safety needs.
Recognizing that the impact of climate change on the magnitude and frequency of significant
flood events is not yet known, the city and county will continue to monitor the effects of climate
change on floodplain delineation and management and amend regulation and management
practices as needed for the purpose of protecting life and property.
The city and county will manage the potential for floods by implementing the following guiding
principles:
a) Preserve floodplains;
b) Preparation for floods;
c) Help people protect themselves from flood hazards;
d) Prevent unwise uses and adverse impacts in the floodplain; and
Ch.III Sec.3—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug. 10,2017
e) Seek to accommodate floods,not control them.
In addition, the city and county will prepare for, respond to and manage flood recovery by
implementing multi-hazard mitigation programs and projects, preparing flood response and
recovery plans and regulating the siting and protection of critical facilities in floodplains.
The city seeks to manage flood recovery by protecting critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain
and implementing multi-hazard mitigation and flood response and recovery plans. The county's
approach to flood management also includes:
a) Efforts to preserve currently undeveloped areas in existing floodplains; and
b) Developing public awareness of flood risks and encouraging the public to proactively
implement protective measures that reduce the risk to themselves and their property.
3.23 Non-Structural Approach to Flood Management
The city and county will seek to preserve the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains by
emphasizing and balancing the use of non-structural measures with structural mitigation. Where
drainage way improvements are proposed, a non-structural approach should be applied wherever
possible to preserve the natural values of local waterways while balancing private property
interests and associated cost to the city.
3.24 Protection of High Hazard Areas
High hazard areas are the areas of the floodplain with the greatest risk to loss of life due to
floodwater velocity. The city will prevent redevelopment of significantly flood-damaged
properties in high hazard areas. The city will prepare a plan for property acquisition and other
forms of mitigation for flood-damaged and undeveloped land in high-hazard flood areas.
Undeveloped high hazard flood areas will be retained in their natural state whenever possible. To
reduce risk and loss, riparian corridors, natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat and wetlands will be
protected in these areas. Trails or other open recreational facilities may be feasible in certain
areas.
3.25 Larger Flooding Events
The city and county recognize that floods larger than the 100-year event will occur resulting in
greater risks and flood damage that will affect even improvements beyond those constructed to
current flood protection standards. The city and county will seek to better understand the impact
of larger flood events and evaluate context-appropriate, cost-effective policies and floodplain
management strategies to address these risks.
Sustaining and Improving Water and Air Quality
3.26 Protection of Water Quality
Water quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county have been
protecting, maintaining and improving water quality and overall health within the Boulder Valley
watersheds as a necessary component of existing ecosystems and as a critical resource for the
human community. The city and county will continue to reduce point and nonpoint sources of
pollutants, protect and restore natural water systems and conserve water resources. Special
emphasis will be placed on regional efforts, such as watershed planning, and priority will be
placed on pollution prevention over treatment,
Ch,III Sec, 3-Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.111 Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
3.27 Water Resource Planning and Acquisition
Water resource planning efforts will be regional in nature, consider climate change and
incorporate the goals of water quality protection as well as surface and groundwater conservation.
The city will use a variety of strategies, such as water conservation, demand management, reuse
and acquisition of additional water supplies to meet the adopted municipal water supply
reliability goals while balancing in-stream flow maintenance and preservation of sustainable
agriculture. The city will seek to minimize or mitigate the environmental, agricultural and
economic impacts to other jurisdictions and seek to prevent the permanent removal of land from
agricultural production elsewhere in the state in its acquisition of additional municipal water
rights. The city and county may continue to acquire water rights for Open Space purposes.
3.28 Drinking Water
The city and county will continually seek to improve the quality of drinking water and work with
other water and land use interests as needed to assure the integrity and quality of its drinking
water supplies. The city and county will employ a system-wide approach to protect drinking
water quality from source waters to the water treatment plant and throughout the water
distribution system.
3.29 In-stream Flow Program
The city will pursue expansion of the existing in-stream flow program consistent with applicable
law and manage stream flows to protect riparian and aquatic ecosystems within the Boulder Creek
watershed.
3.30 Surface and Groundwater
Surface and groundwater are part of an integrated environmental system that will be protected as
a resource and managed to prevent their degradation and to protect and enhance aquatic, wetland
and riparian ecosystems. Land use and development planning and public land management
practices will consider the interdependency of surface and groundwater and potential impacts to
these resources from pollutant sources, changes in hydrology, drilling, mining and dewatering
activities. The city will consider additional regulation of activities impacting groundwater that
may create nuisances to other properties. Such regulations should be balanced with other
comprehensive plan policies and address how to minimize subsurface construction requiring
ongoing dewatering to limit environmental impacts and mitigate impacts of dewatering on surface
water quantity and quality, groundwater recharge, wells, ecosystems and associated energy use,
Dewatering systems should be designed to protect life, safety, property and the environment.
3.31 Wastewater
The city will pursue sustainable wastewater treatment processes to achieve water quality
improvements with greater energy efficiency and minimal chemical use. Pollution prevention and
proactive maintenance strategies will be incorporated in wastewater collection system
management. The county will discourage the installation of private on-site wastewater systems
where municipal collection systems are available or where a potential pollution or health hazard
would be created.
3.32 Protection of Air Quality
Air quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county will seek to
reduce stationary and mobile source emissions of pollutants. Special emphasis will be placed on
Ch.III Sec.3—Page 8
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.3:Natural Environment
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
local and regional efforts to reduce pollutants, which cause adverse health effects, impair
visibility and contribute to climate change.
Relevant Plans and Policies
• Grasslands Ecosystem tNianagement Plan (Open Space and Mountain Parks, City of Boulder)
9 Forest Ecosystem Management Plan (Open Space and Mountain Parks, City of Boulder)
Environmental Resources Element(Boulder County Comprehensive Plan)
Visitor Master Plan (or new name of Master Plan once approved) (Open Space and Mountain Parks,
City of Boulder)
Water Utility Master Plan(City of Boulder)
• Water Efficiency Plan(City of Boulder)
• City of Boulder Resilience Strategy
• Greenways Master Plan(City of Boulder)
• Integrated Pest Management Policy(City of Boulder)
Ch. ITI Sec.3—Page 9
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.4:Energy,Climate and Waste
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 4. Energy, Climate and Waste
Boulder's efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy are essential to reducing
GHG emissions and helping to reduce the severity of future climate change. Promoting
transportation options and a compact city form also support climate stabilization. The objective is
to help address energy and climate goals and integrate them with other planning activities, such as
decisions regarding development patterns, infrastructure, transportation, economic development,
building and site design and natural resources. The city and county will continue to prioritize
emissions reduction programs that address climate stabilization, create local economic
opportunities, enhance community well-being and resilience and inspire other communities.
Changes in the dynamics of energy markets as well as the threat of climate change may
profoundly affect our community both economically and physically. A number of factors are
increasing uncertainty about future energy issues, but rapidly evolving technology and the
economic benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy are providing the city and county
with new opportunities to take charge of our energy future and make greater use of local and
regional energy resources. Changes and solutions related to energy and climate are occurring at a
rapid rate and necessitate an agile, predictive and responsive approach. Recognizing the need for
a comprehensive strategy, Boulder's Climate Commitment focuses on the areas of energy,
resources and ecosystems. Energy use (in buildings, for mobility, clean energy sources and
energy resilience) is the primary near-term area of focus due to the critical importance of
reducing fossil fuel use. Simultaneously, the city and county continue to explore ways to use
natural resources more wisely to reduce waste and to understand how ecosystem management can
help sustain our community and play a key role in climate stability. This section addresses:
• Climate Action and GHG Emissions;
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy;
• Energy-Efficient Land Use and Building Design;and
• Waste Minimization. Recycling and Sustainable Purchasing.
Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4.01 Climate Action: Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
To mitigate climate change. the city and county will continue to take action to reduce the burning
of fossil fuels for energy and encourage such change throughout the Boulder Valley. The city and
county will identify and implement innovative as well as cost-effective actions to dramatically
reduce the entire community's (e.g., government, private business, individual residents) and
visitor's contributions to total global GHG emissions and power a vibrant future. The city's goals
are to reduce its energy-related emissions 80 percent or more below 2005 levels by 2050 through
a rapid transition to a renewable energy based economy and achieve 100 percent renewable
electricity by 2030. The county has strategies in place aimed at reducing emissions 40 percent
below 2005 levels by the year 2020, and is working to achieve carbon neutrality and become
more resilient to the effects of climate change.
4.02 Climate Adaptation Planning
The city and county will cooperatively develop and implement a climate change adaptation plan
to identify current vulnerabilities, address economics of recovery and determine strategies to
protect the community against the potential negative impacts associated with climate change.
Ch. III Sec. 4—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.4: Energy,Climate and Waste
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
These challenges include droughts, flash flooding, communicable diseases, heat waves, wildfires
and increased road maintenance, among others. The city and county seek to improve the
community's ability to effectively and quickly respond to and recover from adversity, disruptions
and climate change related shocks and stresses.
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
4.03 Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
Boulder's transition to clean energy through innovative strategies, products and services aims to
dramatically reduce GHG emissions, enhance community resilience, enhance local environmental
health and diversity, promote creative solutions to energy conservation and support a vital acid
equitable economy. The city and county will plan for and implement innovative programs and
opportunities for individuals, businesses and organizations to maximize the efficient use of
energy and reduce the carbon footprint from development. The city and county will set goals to
ensure that the community has access to reliable, competitively-priced and increasingly clean
energy. The city and county will support both public and private adoption and use of renewable
energy and preserve options for developing renewable energy in the future.
4.04 Local Energy Generation Opportunities
The city and county support programs and opportunities for individuals, businesses and
organizations to develop, use and share local energy generation. The city will review and consider
revisions to regulations to support on-site energy generation, including solar and wind.
4.05 Clean Mobility
To reduce GHG emissions, the city and county will support the retirement of fossil-fuel based
transportation. The city and county will continue to develop policies, incentives and programs
that reduce vehicle miles traveled, replace fossil fuel-based transportation with clean energy-
fueled transportation (e.g., with electric vehicles) and continue to plan a built environment and
mix of land uses that reduce the need for people to drive.
4.06 Energy System Resilience
The city and county recognize that energy resilience is necessary for properly functioning
emergency infrastructure and community resilience. The city supports a communitywide
electricity network that can deliver basic services in case of a grid disruption. The city will pursue
energy resilience strategies such as grid modernization, micro grid development, active islanding,
on-site generation, storage technologies and reduced demand to reduce emissions and reliance on
Fossil fuels.
Energy-Efficient Land Use and Building Design
4.07 Energy-Efficient Land Use
The city and county will encourage energy efficiency and conservation through land use policies
and regulations governing placement and orientation of land uses to minimize energy use,
including an increase in mixed-use development and compact, contiguous development
surrounded by open space.
4.08 Energy-Efficient Building Design
The city and county will pursue efforts to improve the energy and resource efficiency of new and
Ch. III Sec. 4—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.4:Energy,Climate and Waste
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
existing buildings. The city and county will consider the energy consumption associated with the
building process (i.e., from the raw materials through construction), improve regulations ensuring
energy and resource efficiency in new construction, remodels and renovation projects and will
establish energy efficiency requirements for existing buildings. Energy conservation programs
will be sensitive to the unique situations that involve historic preservation and low-income
homeowners and renters and will ensure that programs assisting these groups continue.
Waste Minimization, Recycling, and Sustainable Purchasing
4.09 Building Construction Waste Minimization
To minimize construction waste, the city and county will encourage renovation of existing
buildings over demolition. The city and county will adopt policies and programs that promote the
reuse of materials salvaged after deconstruction as a resource.
4.10 Waste Minimization and Recycling
The city and county will pursue and support programs, partnerships and activities that promote a
reduction in consumer consumption of products and materials, encourage local reuse markets,
reduce the amount of waste that must be landfilled and pursue Zero Waste with the intent to get as
close to zero as possible as a long-term goal. Policies, programs and regulations will emphasize
waste prevention, reuse,composting, recycling and the use of materials with recycled content.
4.11 Environmental Purchasing Policy
The city and county will maintain robust Environmental Purchasing Policies for the city and
county organizations. The policies will promote the purchase of local, recycled and compostable
products and encourage consideration of materials, length of use, re-use and disposal options, as
well as cost when procuring materials, products or services.
Relevant Plans and Policies:
• All-Hazards Recovery Plan(Office of Emergency Management)
• Climate Commitment(City of Boulder)
• Disaster Debris Management Plan (State of Colorado)
Emergency Operations Plan (Office of Emergency Management)
• Environmental Sustainability Plan(Boulder County)
Solid Waste Element(Boulder County Comprehensive Plan)
i • Sustainable Materials Management Element(Boulder County Comprehensive Plan)
i . Zero Waste Strategic Plan (City of Boulder)
• Zero Waste Action Plan (Boulder County) I
Ch. III Sec. 4—Page.3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.5:Economy
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 5. Economy
Boulder's highly-educated and diverse workforce. quality or life, natural environment.. synergies
with the University of Colorado and federally-funded research labs and diverse mix of businesses,
including a high concentration of companies in advanced industries and rich base of small, local
and independent businesses are the foundation of its economic vitality. The city fosters and
retains high-caliber employees and visionary entrepreneurs focused on innovation and has earned
recognition as one of the nation's best places for startups.
A balanced approach to a healthy economy maintains the outstanding.quality of life enjoyed by
existing residents and businesses while supporting Boulder's diverse mix of small and mid-sized
businesses, non-profits, and several large employers. Boulder recognizes that economic strength
can bring many benefits to the community. including greater tae revenues, local job opportunities,
increased diversity and a variety of services and business types.
While the city enjoys economic success, Boulder also faces challenges. Cyclical global economic
downturns and potential disruptions can affect the local economic climate and the livelihood of
the community. The rising costs of commercial space and housing can affect businesses and their
ability to recruit and retain new employees. Additionally, redevelopment or growth may lead to
displacement of existing businesses, increased demands for services and infrastructure and put a
strain on regional transportation systems and local housing affordability throughout the Boulder
Valles.
Through its Resilience Strategy, the city is adopting strategies to foster preparedness for
uncertainties and potential disruptions to economic prosperity. Boulder is also following a
sustainable path to economic development through the implementation of an Economic
Sustainability Strategy that focuses on business formation, retention and growth. The policies in
this section support the following goals related to maintaining a sustainable and resilient
economy,
• Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment;
• Diverse Economic Base;
• Quality of Life:
• Sustainable and Resilient Business Practices; and
• Job Opportunities, Education and Training.
Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment
5.01 Revitalizing Commercial and Industrial Areas
The city supports strategies unique to specific places for the redevelopment of commercial and
industrial areas. Revitalization should support and enhance these areas, conserve their strengths,
minimize displacement of users and reflect their unique characteristics and amenities and those of
nearby neighborhoods. Examples of commercial and industrial areas for revitalization identified
in precious planning efforts are Diagonal Plaza, University Hill commercial district. Gunbarrel
and the East Boulder industrial area.
The city will use a variety of tools and strategies in area planning and in the creation of
public private partnerships that lead to successful redevelopment and minimize displacement and
loss of service and retail uses. These tools may include, but are not limited to, area planning with
Ch. III Sec. 5—Page l
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.5:Economy
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
community input, infrastructure improvements, shared parking strategies,transit options and hubs
and changes to zoning or development standards and incentives (e.g., financial incentives,
development potential or urban renewal authority).
5.02 Regional Job Center
The city supports strategies that recognize Boulder's continued role as a regional job center,
consistent with economic sustainability goals and projected employment growth. The city and
county recognize the importance of regional planning and partnerships for housing and
transportation and will continue to address impacts on housing affordability and transportation
related to their role as a regional job center.
Diverse Economic Base
5.03 Diverse Mix of Uses and Business Types
The city and county will support a diversified employment base within the Boulder Valley,
reflecting labor force capabilities and recognizing the community's quality of life and strengths in
a number of industries. The city values its industrial, service and office uses and will continue to
identify and protect them. The city will evaluate areas with non-residential zoning to ensure the
existing and future economic vitality- of Boulder while responding to the needs of regional trends
and a changing global economy.
5.04 Vital and Productive Retail Base
The city recognizes the importance of its retail base, including restaurants, and maintaining
affordable retail space. The city will develop and implement a retail strategy that takes into
account emerging trends, such as shifting demographics and changing consumer behavior,
addresses the market opportunities and shopping needs of the community, ensures an appropriate
mix of retail and identifies opportunities to improve the retail base and the city's sales tax
revenues.
5.05 Support for Local Business and Business Retention
The city and county value the diverse mix of existing businesses, including primary and
secondary employers of different sizes, in the local economy. Nurturing, supporting and
maintaining a positive climate for the retention of existing businesses and jobs is a priority. The
city recognizes the vital role of small, local and independent businesses and non-profits that serve
the community and will balance needs of redevelopment in certain areas with strategies that
minimize displacement of existing businesses and create opportunities for startups and growing
businesses. The city will continue to proactively analyze trends in market forces to shape its
activities, plans and policies regarding local business and business retention. The city and county
will consider the projected needs of businesses and their respective employees, such as
commercial and office space, when planning for transportation infrastructure, programs and
housing.
5.06 Affordable Business Space and Diverse Employment Base
The city and county will further explore and identify methods to better support businesses and
non-profits that provide direct services to residents and local businesses by addressing rising costs
of doing business in the city, including the cost of commercial space. The city will consider
strategies, regulations, policies or new programs to maintain a range of options to support a
Ch.III Sea 5—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.S:Economy
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
diverse workforce and employment base and take into account innovations and the changing
nature of the workplace.
5.07 Industry Clusters
The city will support an industry cluster approach to business development. This approach
involves a focus on supporting multiple businesses in an industry and considering special
financial and technical assistance programs and other tools to retain, expand and attract
businesses in those clusters. Boulder's key, industry clusters include aerospace, bioscience, clean
tech, data storage, digital media, natural and organic products, recreation, software, tourism and
the creative sector. The city acknowledges that these clusters, and their needs, will evolve and
change over time.
Quality of Life
5.08 Funding City Services and Urban Infrastructure
The city will encourage a strong sustainable economy to generate revenue to fund quality city
services and recognizes that urban infrastructure, facilities, services and amenities are important
to the quality of life of residents, employees and visitors to the community. a strong and
complete local and regional multimodal transportation system and transportation demand
management programs are essential to a thriving economy, as they offer options for commuters,
help attract and retain key businesses. employers and visitors and provide regional access to
global markets. The city will continue to plan for and invest in urban amenities and infrastructure
(e.g., bike paths, parks.. shared and managed parking, public spaces, quality gathering places,
cultural destinations and public art) as well as community services (e.g., open space and mountain
parks, high speed internet, fire-rescue, public safety and senior services).
5.09 Role of Tourism in the Economy
The city, recognizes the importance of tourism (e g., heritage, cultural, sports and open space) to
the Boulder economy and will continue to work with various partners including the Boulder
Convention and Visitors Bureau to study the existing and future role of different types of tourism
in the community, track the benefits and impact of tourism on the economy and invest in
opportunities to support and enhance the sector.
5.10 Role of Arts, Cultural, Historic and Parks and Recreation Amenities
The city and county recognize arts and culture, historic and parks and recreation amenities as
important contributors to the city's economic vitality and quality of life. The city and county will
work to support and, as appropriate, enhance the resiliency.. sustainability and innovation of arts,
cultural, historic and parks and recreation amenities so they continue to contribute to the
economic vitality of the community, provide unique offerings and foster meaningful connections
to Boulder among its residents, workforce and visitors.
5.11 Communications Infrastructure
The city will promote opportunities to enable Boulder residents, businesses, visitors and public or
private institutions to connect affordably, easily and securely. The city and county will support
and facilitate the development of technologically advanced communications infrastructure (e.g.,
broadband) and other improvements that serve the community, help businesses thrive and grow,
foster the growth of emerging telecommunications industries and support emergency systems.
Ch.I I I Sec. 5—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.5: Economy
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sustainable and Resilient Business Practices
5.12 Sustainable Business Practices
The city and county will support sustainable and energy efficient business practices and establish
and maintain programs to assist businesses in exploring solutions to sustainable practices.
Potential solutions for exploration include reducing waste and GHG emissions, increasing
building energy efficiency (in existing or renovated structures), conserving water, reducing
transportation impacts, and procuring local, recycled, and compostable materials, products and
services.
5.13 Home Occupations
The city and county will evaluate regulations for home-based occupations to balance potential
impacts to residential neighborhoods and reflect the goal of allowing more flexibility to have
home-based businesses, neighborhood services and employment opportunities. The city and
county support the innovative, creative and entrepreneurial activities of residents, including those
who are in the very early stages of creating startup companies or providing neighborhood
services. The city and county will continue to develop policies that result in reducing the number
and length of trips through working from home and revise regulations to be responsive to new
uses and types of businesses and neighborhood services that may be compatible with residential
areas.
5.14 Responsive to Changes in the Marketplace
The city recognizes that development regulations and processes have an impact on the ability of
businesses to respond to changes in the marketplace. The city will work with the local business
community and residents to make sure the city's regulations and development review processes
provide a level of flexibility to allow for creative solutions while meeting broader community
goals. This could involve modifying regulations to address specific issues and make them more
responsive to emerging technologies and evolving industry sectors.
5.15 Economic Resilience
To better buffer against disruptions, the city and county will identify potential threats through an
economic resilience assessment and continue fiscally conservative accounting policies that reduce
the exposure of the community to unexpected economic downturns. The city and county will
work to restore operations as quickly as possible following local and regional disasters and other
disruptive events. Additionally, the city and county will work with local businesses to assist them
in the plans for preparedness and continuity of operations and—post disaster, in the facilitation of
rapid damage assessments,return to operations and access to recovery funds.
Job Opportunities, Education and Training
5.16 Employment Opportunities
The city and county will encourage local employers to provide employment opportunities for all
persons, including the local unemployed and underemployed work force, and to implement equal
opportunity and workplace inclusivity and diversity programs. The city and county will engage in
these efforts in cooperation with various agencies providing employment assistance programs.
Ch,III Sec.5—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.5:Economy
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
5.17 Partnerships to Support Economic Vitality Goals
The efforts of the city, county and the private sector to enhance the economic prosperity of the
communit} are directly and indirectly supported by many organizations and entities. The city and
county work in partnership with a number of organizations, including, but not limited to, the
Boulder Chamber, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder Economic Council, the
Boulder Independent Business Alliance, Boulder Small Business Development Center, Boulder
Valley School District, CO-LABS, Downtown Boulder Partnership, Innosphere, Latino Chamber
of Boulder County, the University of Colorado and other diverse and emerging groups to support
economic vitality goals. The city and county acknowledge that although each of these
organizations and entities has an independent focus, their work contributes to the overall quality
of life enjoyed within the community.
5.18 Support for the University of Colorado and Federal Labs
The city and county understand the important role that federally-funded labs and the University of
Colorado play in the economy and will continue to work with state and federal elected officials to
foster their important economic contribution. The city will take an active role in efforts to
preserve the state and federal finding for these entities to ensure they remain in Boulder and will
pursue mutually beneficial partnerships. The city recognizes the importance of having strong and
thriving institutions for higher education and programs for continuing education and workforce
training. The city supports the seminal role of the University of Colorado, a world class research
university, and the federal labs in business support technology transfer and tech startups. The city
will work with the University of Colorado to further the community's goals for sustainable urban
form as university-owned land is developed or redeveloped.
5.19 Diverse Workforce, Education and Training
The city and county will encourage and support the Boulder Valley School District and post-
secondary educational institutions to offer quality continuing education and technical training.
The city will work with employers, educators and partners to support programs designed to help
develop and attract workers in multiple fields with specialized skills and experience and foster a
well-educated.. highly-skilled and creative workforce,
5.20 Support for Living Wage
In support of economic vitality and opportunities for all residents.. the city and county will
encourage all employers in the city and county to provide access to living wage, health care and
transit passes to all workers.
Relevant Plans and Policies:
• City of Boulder Resilience Strategy
Community Cultural Plan(City of Boulder)
• Economic Sustainability Strategy(City ofBoulder)Y
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Ch.III Sec.5—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 6. Transportation
The vision is to create and maintain a safe and efficient transportation system that meets city and
county sustainability goals. The system should accommodate increased person trips by providing
travel choices and by reducing single occupant automobile trips and vehicle miles traveled
(VMT). Plans should also prepare the community for future technology changes such as
autonomous vehicles and demographic and social shifts such as an aging community and
increasing bicycle and car sharing.
A mature community like Boulder has little opportunity or ability to add road capacity, as
widening streets and building new roads would have significant negative environmental,
community character and financial impacts. Consequently, the strategies of the city's
Transportation Master Plan (TMP)center on maintaining a safe and efficient system.
The policies in this section generally reflect the Focus Areas of the city's TMP and the adopted
Boulder County TMP including:
• Complete Transportation System;
• Regional Travel;
• Funding and Investments;
• Integration of Land Use and Transportation with Sustainability Initiatives; and
• Other Transportation Policies,
Complete Transportation System
6.01 All-Mode Transportation System and Complete Streets
The Boulder Valley will be served by an integrated all-mode transportation system, developed
cooperatively by the city and county. The city's transportation system will be based on complete
sweets in the urban area including completed networks for each mode, making safe and
convenient connections between modes, providing seamless connections between the city and
county systems and promoting access and placemaking for the adjacent land uses and activities.
Improvements to urban travel corridors will recognize pedestrian travel as the primary mode of
transportation and preserve or improve the safety and efficiency of all modes of transportation.
For rural parts of the Boulder Valley, the transportation system is focused on sustainable mobility
through development of a multimodal system, creating the complete trip and investing in key
transportation corridors.
6.02 Renewed Vision for Transit
The city and county will integrate transit investments and improvements to address service,
capital Infrastructure, policies, programs and implementation. These will expand the Community
Transit Network (CTN) and improve regional transit set-vice and connections outside the city
such as bus rapid transit(BRT) along state highways and regional bus services.
6.03 Reduction of Single Occupancy Auto Trips
The city and county will support and promote the greater use of alternatives to reduce vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) and single occupancy automobile travel. The city will continue progress
toward its specific objective to reduce vehicle miles of travel (VMT)20 percent from 1994 levels
Ch.III Sec. 6—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.111 Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
through the year 205 within the Boulder Valley to achieve transportation and GHG reduction
goals. The city and county will include other communities and entities (especially origin
communities such as Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville and Erie) in developing and implementing
integrated travel demand management (TDM) programs, new mobility services and improved
local and regional transit service. The city will require TDM plans for applicable residential and
commercial developments within the city to reduce the vehicle miles traveled and single occupant
vehicle trips generated by the development.
6.04 Transportation System Optimization
The transportation system is used by all modes and maintaining its efficient and safe operation
benefits all users. The city and countywill monitor the performance of all modes as a basis for
informed and systematic trade-offs supporting mobility, safety, GHG reduction and other related
goals.
6.05 Integrated Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Programs
The city and county will cooperate in developing comprehensive Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) programs for residents and employees, which include incentives such as
developing a universal community transit pass program; promoting shared use mobility, ride
sharing, bike sharing. car sharing, vanpools and teleworking; and supporting programs for
walking and biking such as secured long-term bike parking. The city will employ strategies such
as shared, unbundled, managed and paid parking (i.e., "Shared Unbundled, Managed. and Paid"—
"SUMP" principles) to reflect the real cost of Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) travel, The city
will require TDrbI plans for applicable residential and commercial developments.
6.06 Accessibility and Mobility for All
The city and county will continue development of a, complete all-mode transportation system
accommodating all users, including people with mobility impairments, youth, older adults, non-
English speakers and low-income persons. This will include increased support for mobility
services for older adults and people with disabilities, reflecting the expected increases in these
populations. Efforts should focus on giving people options to live well without a car and may
include prioritizing affordable public transportation and transit passes, new technologies such as
electric bikes.. mobility services and prioritizing connections between multimodal transportation
and affordable housing to facilitate affordable living.
6.07 Transportation Safety
The city and county recognize safety for people of all ages using any mode within the
transportation system (i.e., walking, bicycling, transit riding and driving) as a fundamental goal.
The city's policy "Toward Vision Zero" aims to reduce serious injury and fatal collisions
imolving people using all modes of travel, focusing on crash trends and mitigation strategies
identified in the Safe Streets Boulder Report and on-going local, regional and state-wide safety
assessments.
Regional Travel
6.08 Regional Travel Coordination
Local transportation and land use decisions have regional transportation impacts. The city and
county will work to develop regional consensus for multimodal improvements to regional
Ch. IN Sec. 6—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
corridors through working with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional
Transportation District (RTD), US 36 Mayors and Commissioners Coalition and other providers
to develop high quality, high frequency regional transportation options, including improvements
identified in the Northwest Area Mobility Study (NAMS), FasTracks arterial bus rapid transit
(BRT) service and commuter bikeways between communities. The city and county will continue
development of first- and last-mile connections to local systems and longer-term transit planning.
6.09 Regional Transit Facilities
The city will develop and enhance the regional transit anchors that serve the primary attractors of
Downtown Boulder, the University of Colorado and Boulder Junction adjacent to the Boulder
Valley Regional Center. Developing "Mobility Hubs" and first and last mile connections to these
facilities is a priority to support employees commuting into and throughout Boulder and to reduce
single occupancy auto travel and congestion on regional roads.
Funding and Investment
6.10 Investment Priorities
To protect previous investments and ensure efficient use of existing travel corridors, the city and
county will prioritize investments for improvements to safety and maintenance for all modes of
the existing transportation system. The city and county will give second priority to capacity
additions for non-automotive modes and efficiency improvements for existing road facilities that
increase person carrying capacity without adding general purpose lanes. The city and county will
manage and price any additional significant regional single occupancy vehicle road capacity to
provide reliable and rapid travel times for transit, high occupancy vehicle lanes and other car
sharing options.
Integration of Land Use and Transportation and with Sustainability
Initiatives
6.11 Access Management and Parking
The city considers vehicular and bicycle parking as a component of a total access system for all
modes of transportation (bicycle, pedestrian, transit and vehicular). Such parking will be
consistent with the desire to reduce single occupant vehicle travel, balance the use of public
spaces, consider the needs of residential and commercial areas and address neighborhood parking
impacts. The city will accommodate parking demands in the most efficient way possible with the
minimal necessary number of new spaces and promote parking reductions through a variety of
tools including parking maximums, shared parking, unbundled parking, parking districts and
transportation demand management programs. The city will expand and manage parking districts
based on SUMP principles (shared, unbundled, managed and paid) to support transportation and
GHG reduction goals as well as broader sustainability goals, including economic vitality and
neighborhood livability.
6.12 Transportation Impacts Mitigated
Transportation or traffic impacts from a proposed development that cause unacceptable
transportation or environmental impacts, or parking impacts, to surrounding areas will be
mitigated. All development will be designed and built to be multimodal and pedestrian-oriented
Ch.IIT Sec. 6—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
and include TDM strategies to reduce the vehicle miles traveled generated by the development.
Supporting these efforts, new development will provide continuous multimodal networks through
the development and connect these systems to those surrounding the development. The city and
county will provide tools and resources to help businesses manage employee access and nobiliy
and support public-private partnerships, such as transportation management organizations, to
facilitate these efforts.
6.13 Concurrent Land Use and Transportation Planning
Overall citywide transportation and land use planning will continue to be coordinated. Future
major changes to the land use map and policies of this plan and the TMP should, to the extent
practicable, be coordinated, modeled and evaluated concurrently.
6.14 Integrated Planning for Regional Centers and Corridors
Land use in and surrounding the three intermodal regional centers (i.e., Downtown Boulder,the
University of Colorado and the Boulder Valley Regional Center including at Boulder Junction)
will support their function as anchors to regional transit connections and Mobility Hubs for
connecting a variety of local travel options to local and regional transit services.
The land along multimodal corridors, the major transportation facilities that provide intra-city
access and connect to the regional transportation system, will be designated as multimodal
transportation zones where transit service is provided on that corridor. In and along these
corridors and centers, the city will plan for a highly connected and continuous transportation
system for all modes, identify locations for mixed-use and higher density development integrated
with transportation functions, emphasize high quality urban design and pedestrian experience and
develop parking maximums and encourage parking reductions.
6.15 Complete Missing Links
The city's and county's goal is to complete missing links in trails, paths, and sidewalks, including
connections to all transit stops. The city and county will work to complete missing links
throughout the transportation grid through the use of connection plans and at the time of parcel
redevelopment, as appropriate. Of particular interest are missing bicycle facilities and sidewalk
links that connect to transit stops, recognizing that for some members of the community and
workforce,transit is the primary travel option.
6.16 Transportation Facilities in Neighborhoods
The city will strive to protect and improve the quality of life within city neighborhoods while
developing a balanced multimodal transportation system. The city will prioritize improvements to
access by all modes and safety within neighborhoods by controlling vehicle speeds and providing
multimodal connections over vehicle mobility. The city and county will design and construct new
transportation facilities to minimize noise levels to the extent practicable. Neighborhood needs
and goals will be balanced against the community necessity or benefit of a transportation
improvement. Additionally, the city will continue its neighborhood parking permit (NPP)
programs to seek to balance access and parking demands of neighborhoods and adjacent traffic
generators.
Ch.III Sec. 6—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IN Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
6.17 Transportation Infrastructure to Support Walkable 15-Minute
Neighborhoods
The city will continue to build improvements to transportation facilities in neighborhoods that
create a variety of neighborhood supporting activities and infrastructure within approximately a
one-quarter mile walk radius where residents and employees can fulfill more of their daily needs
through safe, healthy and convenient walking and biking. Such infrastructure also has health and
fuel consumption reducing benefits.
6.18 Neighborhood Streets and Alleys Connectivity
The city recognizes neighborhood streets and alleys as part of the public realm and will plan a
well-connected and fine-grained pattern to facilitate public access, promote safe and convenient
travel for all, disperse and distribute vehicle traffic and maintain character and community
cohesion. The city recognizes alleys in historic districts as particularly important for maintaining
character and providing travel routes for pedestrians and bicycles.
6.19 Mobility Hubs
As guided by the TMP, the city wilt establish Mobility Hubs that provide seamless integration
between transit and pedestrian and bicycle facilities, car/ride sharing and a context-appropriate
parking supply for people of all physical abilities. The city will encourage Mobility Hubs to
emphasize excellent pedestrian infrastructure within a quarter- to half-mile walk shed,
connections to the bicycle network and high quality urban design of structures and public spaces.
Other Transportation Policies
6.20 Improving Air Quality and Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Both the city and county are committed to reductions in GHG emissions with the city committing
to an 80 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2050. The city and county will design the
transportation system to minimize air pollution and reduce GHG emissions by promoting the use
of active transportation (e.g., walking and bicycling), low emission transportation modes and
infrastructure to support them, reducing auto traffic, encouraging the use of fuel efficient and
clean-fueled vehicles that demonstrate air pollution reductions and maintaining acceptable traffic
flow.
6.21 Municipal Airport
Boulder Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that has been in existence since 1928. The
airport will continue to ensure it meets the needs of the community by providing a safe
environment for aviation business and business-related travel; scientific and research Flights;
recreation and tourism; flight training and vocational education; aerial fire-fighting; emergency
medical flights; as well as flood and other disaster-related support for the city and county. The
city will seek to mitigate noise, safety and other impacts of airport operation while assuring that
new development in proximity will be compatible with existing and planned use of the airport.
At the time of the next Airport Master Plan, the city will work with the community to reassess the
potential for developing a portion of the airport for housing and neighborhood serving uses.
6.22 Emergency Response Access
The city and county will continue to assess and develop solutions to coordinate transportation
policies, infrastructure planning and response plans in the event of a disruption or emergency.
Ch.III Sec.6—Paee 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.Ili Sec.6:Transportation
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
............... ....__._.__._. .... .......... . .-..._..._ ----- ------------------
Relevant
---.. .Relevant Plans and Policies
• Boulder County Transportation Master Plan
• Boulder County Multimodal Transportation Standards
• Transportation Master Plan(City of Boulder)
• City Climate Commitment strategy (City of Boulder)
• Airport Master Plan (City of Boulder)
• Northwest Area Mobility Study(NAMS)
Ch. IN Sec. 6—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec. 7: Housing
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 7. Housing
Boulder aspires to be a complete community with a diverse and integrated population. Supporting
that aspiration, the range of available housing opportunities helps to define a community. The
social, economic and environmental well-being of the community is enhanced when individuals
and families are retained, workforce housing is available and residents with changing or special
housing needs are served. The comprehensive plan identifies desired locations, densities and
types of housing planned for Boulder as an integral link in the community's housing strategy to
provide a diversity of housing types and price ranges. Through a variety of policies,programs and
regulations the type, number and affordability of new and existing housing units can be
influenced, and programs and assistance made available to those who have limited resources or
special needs.
The high cost of local housing results in many households paying a disproportionate amount of
their income for housing or finding it necessary to move farther from their work to find affordable
housing(often out of Boulder County). Households that find housing costs burdensome, or by the
combined costs of housing and transportation have less money available for other necessities,
may find it difficult to actively participate in the community. This leads to a more transient and
less stable workforce, a less culturally- and socioeconomically-diverse community, additional
demands on supportive human services and to an exclusion of key community members from
civic affairs.
Housing trends facing the community include:
• Continued escalation of housing costs that disproportionately impact low and moderate
income households;
• The "shed rate," the rate at which homes are lost from the affordable range, outpacing
the current replacement rate;
• An aging population;
• Loss of middle income households in the community;
• Diminishing diversity of housing types and price ranges;
• The University of Colorado's anticipated continued student growth;
• The growing difficulty of providing affordable housing attractive to families with
children in a land-constrained community; and
• The need to evaluate regulations that creatively accommodate an expanding variety of
household types, including multi-generational households.
Therefore, the policies in this section support the following city and county goals related to
housing:
• Support Community Housing Needs;
• Preserve and Enhance Housing Choices; and
• Integrate Growth and Community Housing Goals.
Ch.III Sec.7—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.7: Housing
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Support Community Housing Needs
7.01 Local Solutions to Affordable Housing
The city and county will employ local regulations, policies and programs to meet the housing
needs of low, moderate and middle-income households. Appropriate federal. state and local
programs and resources will be used locally and in collaboration with other jurisdictions. The city
and county recognize that affordable housing provides a significant community benefit and will
continually monitor and evaluate policies, processes; programs and regulations to further the
region's affordable housing goals. The city and comity will work to integrate effective
community engagement with funding and development requirements and other processes to
achieve effective local solutions.
7.02 Affordable Housing Goals
The city will study and consider substantially increasing the proportion of housing units
permanently affordable to low, and moderate- and middle-income households beyond our current
goal of at least ten percent of the housing stock for low and moderate incomes. The city will also
increase the proportion of market-rate middle income housing, as described in the diddle Income
Housing Strategy. These goals are achievable through regulations, financial subsidies and other
means. City resources will also be directed toward maintaining existing permanently affordable
housing units and increasing the stock of permanent affordable housing through preservation of
existing housing.
7.03 Populations with Special Needs
The city and county will encourage development of housing for populations with special needs
(including residences for people with disabilities, populations requiring group homes or other
specialized facilities and other vulnerable populations)to be dispersed throughout the community.
The city will serve these populations by providing additional city subsidy that is achievable
through the city's inclusionary housing program and specifically through the cash-in-lieu
component. The location of such housing should be in proximity to services and transportation
options appropriate for the population housed. Efforts will be made to avoid concentration of
these homes in one area.
7.04 Strengthening Community Housing Partnerships
The city and county wilt create and preserve non-profit and private sector partnerships dedicated
to community housing needs by supporting nonprofit agencies and private entities that create and
maintain permanently affordable housing in the community, The city and county recognize the
role of the university in the housing market and encourage the University of Colorado and other
post-secondary institutions in their efforts to increase the amount of on-campus housing.
7.05 Strengthening Regional Housing Cooperation
Affordable housing is a regional issue that requires the city and county to work with
neighborhoods and other public and private partners to develop and innovate regional housing
solutions. The city and the county will work to enhance regional cooperation on housing issues to
address regional housing needs and encourage the creation of housing in proximity to regional
transit routes. Such efforts include the Regional HOME Consortium, the Boulder County
Consortium of Cities and the Ten Year Plan to Address Homelessness.
Ch.III Sec, 7—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.7:Housing
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Preserve and Enhance Housing Choices
7.06 Mixture of Housing Types
The city and county, through their land use regulations and housing policies will encourage the
private sector to provide and maintain a mixture of housing types with varied prices; sizes and
densities to meet the housing needs of the low-, moderate- and middle-income households of the
Boulder Valley population The city will encourage property owners to provide a mix of housing
types, as appropriate. This may include support for ADUs/OAUs, alley houses, cottage courts,
and building multiple small units rather than one large house on a lot.
7.07 Preserve Existing Housing Stock
The city and county, recognizing the value of their existing housing stock, will encourage its
preservation and rehabilitation through land use policies and regulations. Special efforts will be
made to preserve and rehabilitate existing housing serving low, moderate and middle-income
households. Special efforts will also be made to preserve and rehabilitate existing housing
serving low, moderate and middle-income households and to promote a net gain in affordable and
middle-income housing.
7.08 Preservation and Development of Manufactured Housing
Recognizing the importance of manufactured housing as an option for many households, the city
and county will encourage the preservation of existing mobile home parks and the development
of new manufactured home parks, including increasing opportunities for resident-owned parks. If
an existing mobile home park is found to have health or safety issues, every reasonable effort will
be made to reduce or eliminate the issues, when feasible, or to help mitigate for the loss of
housing through rehousing of affected households.
7.09 Housing for a Full Range of Households
The city and county will encourage preservation and development of housing attractive to current
and future households, persons at all stages of life and abilities, and to a variety of household
incomes and configurations. This includes singles, couples, families with children and other
dependents, extended families, non-traditional households and seniors.
7.10 Balancing Housing Supply with Employment Base
The Boulder Valley housing supply should reflect to the extent possible employer workforce
housing needs, locations, and salary ranges. Key considerations include housing type, mix and
affordability. The city will explore policies and programs to increase housing for Boulder workers
and their families by fostering mixed-use and multi-Family development in proximity to transit,
employment or services and by considering the conversion of commercial and industrial zoned or
designated land to allow future residential use.
7.11 Permanently Affordable Housing for Additional Intensity
The city will develop regulations and policies to ensure that when additional intensity is provided
through changes to zoning, a larger proportion of the additional development potential for the
residential use will be permanently affordable housing for low, moderate and middle-income
households.
Ch.III Sec. 7—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.7: Housing
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Integrating Growth and Community Housing Goals
7.12 Incorporate Mix of Housing in Future Service Area
In considering future expansion of the Service Area, the cite will identify possible sites for
housing that sere low, moderate and middle-income households. Designation of land uses in
new growth areas will provide for a mixture of housing types. sizes and densities to meet the
diversity of housing needs.
7.13 Conversion of Residential Uses in the Community
The city will evaluate and revise regulations to reduce the opportunities for the conversion of
residential uses to non-residential uses or to require mitigation for residential units lost through
the redevelopment of existing housing or the conversion of a residential use to non-residential
uses.
7.14 Integration of Permanently Affordable Housing
Permanently affordable housing, whether publicly, privately or jointly developed and financed
will be dispersed throughout the community. Where appropriate, the city will encourage new and
affordable units provided on the site of and integrated into new housing developments.
7.15 Minimizing Displacement
The city will evaluate its policies and regulations in order to minimize the negative effects of
displacement on low-income persons when housing sites are redeveloped by the private sector.
Available relocation assistance options in the community will continue to be offered to displaced,
low-income persons.
7.16 Market Affordability
The city will encourage and support efforts to provide market rate housing priced to be more
affordable to middle-income households by identifying opportunities to incentivize moderately
sized and priced homes,
.........
Relevant Plans and Policies:
Comprehensive Housing Strategy (City of Boulder)
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (US Department of Housing and Urban
Development)
• Boulder Broomfield HOME Consortium Consolidated Plan
• Boulder County 10-year Plan to Address Homelessness
Middle Income Housing Strategy (City of Boulder)
Ch.III Sec. 7—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.B:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 8. Community Well-Being and Safety
Like all communities, the Boulder Valley is much more than its physical form. It is composed of
people as well as the places where they live and work; it is as much a social environment as it is a
physical one. The Boulder Valley is a center of active living that attracts residents,businesses and
visitors who value community and individual health. The city and county are committed to
continuing to be national leaders in promoting the physical health and well-being of everyone in
the community as well as promoting civil and human rights and supporting community non-
profits that contribute to these aims. The city and county strive to foster mental and social health
and well-being with health equity through the cultivation of a wide range of recreational, cultural,
educational and social opportunities.
Boulder is a fluid and growing community with changing demographics. The city and county
proactively anticipate and plan for emerging social trends and issues and consider challenges
faced by different demographic and socio-economic groups, including:
• Supporting the ability of a growing older population to age well in our community;
• Ensuring healthy starts for children and youth development with encouragement and
opportunities to be contributing members of the community;
• Supporting the inclusion of immigrants, refugees, religious, racial, and ethnic
minorities, and other culturally-diverse people into the community;
• Addressing the impacts of a large university population on housing and other
infrastructure;and
• Addressing the full range of impacts from the community's lack of affordable housing,
need for affordable childcare,and the increasing cost of living.
The policies in this section support the city and county's goals related to:
• Human Services;
• Social Equity;
• Safety and Community Health; and
• Community Infrastructure and Facilities.
Human Services
The city and county partner in providing human services. The city and county partner to
comprehensively create and support a safety net of services and opportunities to support
individual and family economic mobility and self-sufficiency through coordinated regional
planning, service delivery and integrated partnerships. Generally, Boulder County provides many
of the critical state and federally supported programs, entitlement programs and countywide
services while the city complements and augments these services and those identified as
important to the Boulder community, including a range of services from safety net services to
prevention services.
8.01 Providing for a Broad Spectrum of Human Needs
The city and county will develop and maintain human services programs that provide for the
broad spectrum of human needs. An emphasis will be placed on supporting best practices and
evidence-based programs that build upon community resilience through increased self-reliance
and self-sufficiency. Using a resilience framework will help individuals avoid crisis and recover
Ch.III Sec. 8—Page I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.8:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
more quickly following emergencies, which will in turn reduce the community's long-term costs
of providing services. Planning for services will balance meeting emergency and short-term needs
with long-term solutions and support for critical social issues.
8.02 Regional Approach to Human Services
The city and county will continue their collaborative roles in human services planning and
funding through partnerships with other agencies and local governments as well as shared data
and reporting that offers easy access for community residents and Facilitates data-driven decision-
making. The city and county will use a regional approach to poiicy and program development.
The city and county will seek to build partnerships with surrounding communities and the region,
which will help address the often-disproportionate service burden placed on Boulder as a key
regional center.
Social Equity
8.03 Equitable Distribution of Resources
The city and county will work to ensure that human services are accessible, available and
affordable to those most in need. The city and county will consider the impacts of policies and
planning efforts on low- and moderate- income and special needs populations regardless of
immigration status and ensure impacts and costs of sustainable decision-making do not unfairly
but-den any one geographic or socioeconomic group in the city. The city and county will consider
ways to reduce the transportation burden for low income. older adult and disabled populations
regardless of immigration status and enable equal access to community infrastructure, The city
recognizes that equitable access to employment opportunities is an important element to
economic mobility,
8.04 Addressing Community Deficiencies
The city and county will use community feedback in conjunction with robust data resources to
identify barriers to development and provision of important basic human services and will work
closely with community partners and non-profits to find solutions to critical deficiencies.
8.05 Diversity
The community values diversity as a source of strength and opportunity. The city and county will
support inclusion of racial, ethnic. socioeconomic, and cultural diversity-into physical, social,
cultural and economic environments. Furthermore. the city and county will promote opportunities
for community engagement and formal and informal representation of diverse community
members in civic affairs, The city and county value.. embrace and promote diversity in all of their
hiring and employment practices.
8.06 Mutual Respect
The city and county value all residents and visitors and promote mutual respect. The city and
county strive to ensure community members are safe front discrimination and physical violence.
Safety and Community Health
8.07 Safety
The city and county promote safety by fostering positive neighborhood and community relations,
building a sense of community pride and invokement and promoting safe and attractive
Ch. Ill Sec. 8-Paae 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.8:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
neighborhoods. The city and county will provide police, fire protection and emergency
management services and preparedness education to ensure a safe community. The city and
county will adjust public safety service delivery to respond to changing community needs
including those resulting from demographic changes and redeveloping and urbanizing areas to
support safe, livable neighborhoods and vibrant business districts.
8.08 Health and Well-Being
The city and county strive to ensure that the community continues to be a leader in promoting
physical, mental and social well-being of community members, and will support recreational,
cultural, educational and social opportunities. The city and county recognize that healthy diet and
physical activity are essential to individual and community well-being. Neighborhood and
community design will encourage physical activity and healthy eating by establishing easy access
to parks and trails, opportunities to purchase healthy foods and locating activity centers close to
where people live,work and attend school.
8.09 Resilience in Public Safety and Risk Prevention
The city and county will provide focused efforts around public safety. risk prevention and early
intervention. Working with the community, the city and county will strive to prepare all segments
of the community for uncertainty and disruptions by encouraging community and individual
preparedness and creating a culture of risk awareness. The city and county will prepare for,
respond to, and manage wildfire hazards by implementing wildland-urban interface regulations;
and developing, updating and implementing multi-hazard mitigation programs and plans.
8.10 Community Connectivity and Preparedness
The city and county will foster social and community connectivity and communications that
promote well-being, deepen a sense of community and encourage civic participation and
empowerment. The city and county recognize that supporting connections in the community also
enhances preparedness and improves the ability to respond and recover when emergencies
happen.
Community Infrastructure and Facilities
Boulder is known for its high-quality recreation and outdoor active-living facilities as well as its
community resources. Core community amenities and assets in the form of facilities and
infrastructure play an essential part in community and individual well-being. The quality of parks.
libraries, trails and other community resources directly shape Boulder's vibrancy, functionality
and livability and contribute to important parts of the city's community identity,
Future planning for several key facilities and services will occur after the 2015 update to the
comprehensive plan, namely the Library Master Plan Update, the Open Space and Mountain
Parks Master Plan and City Facilities Assessment. Each of these planning efforts will further
clarify and deepen the city's policies that shape the future visions of these services,amenities and
facilities.'
As Master Plans are accepted and result in new policy direction, or clarification, changes to
comprehensive plan policies will be made at the next mid-term or major update.
Ch.III Sec. 8—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.S:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Elementary and Secondary Schools
8.11 Planning for School Sites and Facilities
The city and county will assist the Boulder Valley School District in its planting efforts to assure
that the number, size and location of school lands and facilities is adequate to serve the
population for the near future. The city and county will consider current and projected school
enrollment and available school capacities when approving the type. scale and timing of
residential development. The city and county will work with the school district to consider
transportation impacts when planning for school sites and facilities.
8.12 Accessibility to Schools
The city and county will work with the Boulder Valley School District to develop safe and
convenient pedestrian, bicycle and transit access for students to existing and new schools. New
school facilities will be located so that school-age children have the opportunity to arrive safely
on their own.
Community Facility Needs
8.13 Support for Community Facilities
The city and county recognize the importance of educational, health, cultural and non-profit
community agencies that provide vital services to the residents of the Boulder Valley and wilt
work collaboratively with these agencies to reasonably accommodate their facility needs and
consider location based on transportation accessibility or other needs.
Parks and Trails
8.14 City Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation facilities provide one of the most effective ways to build a person's sense of
community and quality of life, especially in redeveloping areas and in the revitalization of
neighborhoods in the city. Parks and recreation programs and facilities will continue to provide
for a well-balanced and healthy community by providing a range of activities that support mental
and physical health through high-quality programs and services that meet the needs of the
community. Such facilities and services will be designed in a manner that responds to the needs
of the intended users.
8.15 City Parks as Gathering Spaces
The city will strive to ensure its public parks within residential areas are gathering places for
neighbors and community members to build relationships and social ties that encourage safety
and support within neighborhoods. These spaces will be planned and managed to remain clean,
open, safe and accessible to neighbors and build strong social capital which is the backbone of a
resilient and engaged community.
8.16 Trail Functions and Locations
The city and county recognize that trails are an important part of Boulder's community identity
and serve to achieve accessibility goals and connect humans and the natural em ironment. Trails
serve a variety of functions such as exercise, recreation, transportation, education an&or
environmental protection. Trails should be designed and managed to provide a safe and enjoyable
experience and to minimize conflicts among trail users. Trails should be designed for physical
Ch. III Sec. 8—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.8:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
and environmental sustainability, well-signed,monitored and adequately maintained to encourage
on-trail travel. Informal trails, the widening of trails by users and off-trail use should be
discouraged and/or eliminated. Trail and trailhead locations, alignments and access requirements
should be planned based on area- and trail-specific activities, experiences and environmental
conditions. Trail and trailhead planning should minimize environmental impacts consistent with
the comprehensive plan's Natural Environment policies and enhance recreational opportunities,
non-motorized transportation and quality of life. Trailheads should be located so they are
convenient and safe for those arriving by alternate modes of transportation as well as
automobiles.
8.17 Trails Network
The city and county recognize regional connectivity of parks, greenways, trails, open spaces,
residential areas and employment centers is important to reduce traffic congestion, reduce parking
demand, enhance opportunities for long distance transportation and recreation experiences,
increase accessibility, disperse use and crowding impacts on users, neighborhoods and
ecosystems and reduce generation of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants.
The city and county will coordinate with other trail providers and private landowners in trail
system planning, construction, management and maintenance. Where compatible with
environmental protection goals and easement agreements, trail connections will be developed to
enhance local access to trails and overall functioning of the trails network. The city and county
strive to connect trail systems and expand connections to adjacent trail systems to further regional
connectivity.
Culture
8.18 Libraries
Library facilities and services of the Boulder Valley will be responsive to the needs of all
populations, providing an adequate range of informational, educational and intellectual
opportunities for all residents.
8.19 Information Resource/Community Center
The city will facilitate access to information through a variety of formats providing materials,
technology and services to enhance the personal development of the community's residents. In its
role as the community's public and civic information center, the library will provide venues for
community group meetings and resources and services to meet the needs of the community's
multicultural and special populations. Other community gathering spaces and information sources
include the city and county websites, municipal buildings and recreation and senior centers.
8.20 Education Resources
The city will seek to provide educational, cultural and literacy resources and opportunities for the
community. The city will develop and maintain resources to assist learners and students of all
ages, including support for formal education programs, and provide public workspaces and
independent learning resources. The city will develop collaborative relationships with community
educational institutions and function as a research center for residents.
Ch.III Sec. 9—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.B:Community Well-Being and Safety
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
8.21 Arts and Cultural Facilities
The city and county recognize the ability of cultural facilities and activity to positively contribute
to community members' well-being, sense of community and cultural understanding. The city
and county will encourage the provision of venues and facilities for a wide range of arts and
cultural expression that are available and affordable to everyone. The city supports neighborhood-
serving arts and cultural amenities including public sculptures, murals, plazas. studio space and
community gathering spaces.
8.22 The Arts and Community Culture
The city and county recognize and support the arts and community members' easy access to
cultural experiences. Arts and culture advance civic dialogue, awareness and participation,
contribute to people's authentic expression of diversity and promote community inclusion. The
city and county will encourage a rich mix of cultural offerings by supporting cultural
organizations, artists, the expression of culture and creativity in the public realm and Boulder's
cultural destinations.
8.23 Public Art
The city and county recognize the importance of public art and the environmental vibrancy it
instills. The city and county will build a thriving public art program to encourage the installation
of art in public buildings and spaces.
....
Relevant Plans and Policies
• Boulder County Human Services Safety Net Report
• Community Cultural Plan (City of Boulder)
• Fire-Rescue Master Plan(City of Boulder)
• Homelessness Strategy (City of Boulder)
• Human Services Strategy (City of Boulder)
• Library Master Plan (City of Boulder)
• Resilience Strategy (Cit; of Boulder)
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan (City of Boulder)
• Police Master Plan (City of Boulder)
Ch.IN Sec. 8--Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.III Sec.9:Agriculture and Food
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 9. Agriculture and Food
Food choices and the agricultural method of food production represent one of the most significant impacts
that humans have on the quality of our community life and the environment. A strong local food system
can positively impact the resiliency, culture, health, economy and environment of the Boulder Valley and
its surrounding areas. Sustainable rural and urban agricultural practices and efficient transport of food can
help reduce the energy required to feed the local community. Access to healthy food, including locally-
grown food for all Boulder residents, is a top priority for our community. It is important that such food be
available to individuals and families in all neighborhoods,regardless of economic situation and location.
The city and county have made significant contributions to the preservation of lands suitable for
agricultural production and the water needed to use these areas for agriculture. Most agricultural
production in the Boulder Valley occurs on city and county open space. Agricultural lands in the Boulder
Valley include tilled cropland, irrigated fields, hay fields, grazed fields, orchards, tree farms and urban
plots.
The following policies on agricultural and food systems guide public policy and decision-making in our
community.
9.01 Support for Agriculture
The city and county encourage the preservation of working agricultural lands and sustainable production
of food on them to the degree they provide cultural, environmental, economic and resilience benefits to
the community. These uses are important for preserving the rural character and agriculture in Area III.
The city and county will demonstrate and encourage the protection of significant agricultural areas and
related water supplies and facilities, including the historic and existing ditch systems, through a variety of
means, which may include public acquisition, land use planning and sale or lease of water for agricultural
use. The city and county will emphasize the importance of sustainable water use. The city and county will
support farmers and ranchers in this area as they negotiate the challenges of operating in a semi-arid
environment that is often near residential areas.
9.02 Urban Gardening and Food Production
The city encourages integration of community and private gardens in the city. City incentives include
allowing flexibility and/or helping to remove restrictions for food production and sales on private lands
and in shared open spaces and public areas and encouraging rooftop gardens and composting and planting
of edible fruit and vegetable plants where appropriate.
9.03 Sustainable Food Production and Agriculture Practices
The city and county will promote sustainable food production and agricultural practices on publicly-
owned lands and will encourage them on private lands. Sustainable practices include food production
methods that integrate ecological conservation objectives, enhance soil health, responsibly use water and
quality protection, provide for pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, are respectful to workers, are
humane to animals, provide fair wages to farmers, integrate whole farm planning and support the Boulder
Valley farming community. These can include a range of production types that take into account land
suitability,water availability, invasive species, energy use and labor and capital needs.
9.04 Soil Health and Soil Carbon Sequestration
The city and county will consider strategies to enhance soil health and will explore and evaluate strategies
to sequester soil carbon on certain agricultural lands. The city and county recognize that there is baseline
Ch.III See.9—Page I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. III Sec.9:Agriculture and Food
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
work to be done, such as conducting research and literature reviews, identifying relevant information
gaps, conducting baseline soil health tests, and determining if and how OSMP and county Parks and Open
Space tilled lands best offer opportunities to address carbon sequestration, beginning with limited
experimentation in tilled lands. The city and county also encourage the private sector to practice soil
carbon sequestration.
9.05 Access to Healthy Food
The city and county will support cooperative efforts to establish locations throughout the community and
region where locally-grown vegetables, fruits, and meats can be sold directly to residents. Such efforts
include working to identity locations or develop facilities to allow one or more year-round farmers'
markets, developing policies that support existing markets and community goals, sales of produce from
small communit} gardens and working with local partners on food programs. The city and county support
increased growth, sales, distribution and consumption of foods that are healthy, sustainably produced and
locally grown for all the Boulder Valley residents with an emphasis on affordable access to and long term
availability of food. The city and county recognize the importance of the role of education in building
support for urban and agricultural local food production.
9.06 Food System Resilience
The city promotes and supports a more resilient Boulder County food system. To ensure food security in
the community, the local food system must be able to respond and adapt to uncertainties, including
climate change impacts, degraded soil health. drought and disruptions to the larger regional and national
food production, delivery and supply system. The city will explore local food system vulnerabilities,
assess the local productive capacity to buffer future shocks, and develop solutions to address them.
particularly as it relates to ensuring the food security of the community's most vulnerably residents.
9.07 Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System
The city and county will participate in regional agricultural efforts and implement recommendations at a
local level to the extent appropriate and possible.
Relevant Plans and Policies
• Agriculture Resources Management Plan(City of Boulder)
• Nater Efficiency Plan(City of Boulder)
2015 State of Colorado Water Plan
• Boulder County Environmental Element
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan(City of Boulder)
• Boulder County Cropland Policy
• Source Water Master Plan (City of Boulder)
Visitor Management Plan(Note: as renamed after next update) (City of Boulder)
• Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan (City of Boulder)
Ch. [Ii Sec. 9—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.III Sec. 10: Local Governance and Community Engagement
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug. 10,2017
Sec. 10. Local Governance and Community Engagement
Boulder Valley residents take pride in being an engaged community with a long history of taking action to
shape the community's vision. The policies in this section reflect the community's strong values in
maintaining a high level of awareness, communication and public participation in local government and
building civic and community capacity.
The City of Boulder's concept for a high-performing government is reflected in the city's organizational
vision for "service excellence for an inspired future." The organizational vision includes demonstrating
consistent and professional service, welcoming diverse perspectives and backgrounds and treating all with
respect and dignity. The city supports creativity as stewards of the public's trust. A shared dedication to
public service, community collaboration and the sum of individual contributions leads to great results.
10.01 High-Performing Government
The city and county strive for continuous improvement in stewardship and sustainability of financial,
human, information and physical assets. In all business, the city and county seek to enhance and facilitate
transparency, accuracy, efficiency,effectiveness and quality customer service. The city and county support
strategic decision-making with timely, reliable and accurate data and analysis.
10,02 Community Engagement
The city and county recognize that environmental,economic and social sustainability of the Boulder Valley
are built upon full involvement of the community. The city and county support better decision-making and
outcomes that are achieved by facilitating open and respectful dialogue and will actively and continually
pursue innovative public participation and neighborhood involvement. Efforts will be made to:
1) Use effective technologies and techniques for public outreach and input;
2) Remove barriers to participation;
3) Involve community members potentially affected by or interested in a decision as well as those not
usually engaged in civic life; and
4) Represent the views or interests of those less able to actively participate in the public engagement
process, especially vulnerable and traditionally under-represented populations.
Therefore, the city and county support the right of all community members to contribute to governmental
decisions through continual efforts to maintain and improve public communication and the open,
transparent conduct of business. Emphasis will be placed on notification and engagement of the public in
decisions involving large development proposals or major land use decisions that may have significant
impacts and/or benefits to the community.
10.03 Communication Capacity for Resilience
The city and county recognize that engaged communities and residents are better prepared to support
themselves in the event of a disruption and encourage community engagement in conjunction with risk
education and preparedness. The city and county will continue to support ongoing, robust communication
and outreach to communities and vulnerable residents to educate and prepare for disruption.
Ch.III Sec. 10—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch. 111 Sec, 10: Local Governance and Community Engagement
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
10.04 Informed Community
The city and county commit to gathering and sharing information to support and encourage open,
participatory government and an informed community. To encourage vibrant public discourse,the city and
county strive to provide participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way. The
city and county strive to ensure high quality language services in order to communicate effectively with
limited English proficient residents.
10.05 Support for Volunteerism
The city recognizes the value of community volunteers to help achieve the organization and community
goals. The city supports volunteer programs that engage residents to improve their community and
participate in addressing local issues. City volunteer programs connect residents with city staff to enhance
programs and policies while improving community relations. These programs are intended to be mutually
beneficial, offering skills and experience for volunteers and assisting staff with reaching community goals.
10.06 Youth Engagement
The city and county support youth engagement and partner with organizations in the community to offer
opportunities to youth for civic engagement and education. This activity is intended to foster innovative
thinking and leadership.
Ch. III Sec, 10—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Chapter IV—Land Use Map Descriptions
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) Land Use Map depicts a plan of the desired land use pattern in
the Boulder Valley, and this chapter includes the land use designations that describe the characteristics, locations
and uses for each category on the map. The map also shows the location and functional classification of roads.
The following is included to assist in map interpretation:
A. The land use designations are meant to accompany and interpret the Land Use Map which sets forth a basic
framework and guide for future land use and transportation decisions and should be used in conjunction with
the policies, figures and principles shown in the Built Environment chapter.
B. The land use designations should be used to guide future zoning decisions. Specific zoning dictates the
development standards for specific properties and there may be changes as part of a general rezoning of the
city or through the adopted rezoning process in the Land Use Code.
C. Amendments to the map and these designations will be in accordance with the Amendment Procedures in this
plan.
D. Subcommunity and local area planning may help to tailor the citywide maps and descriptions to the more
focused areas of the community.
Ch.TV—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft–Aug.10,2017
Land Use Designations
Land Use Cate limraclerisfics and Uses Dean
ity]
Intensi
FResideutial Categories Residential land uses on the$VCP Land Use Designation Map, for the
most part, reflect the existing land use pattern or current zoning for an
area. Mang residential sreas developed in the city and the county over the
last 40 Yeats are cha:actedzed by a mixture of housing }pes ranging
from single-family detached to tov.minuses and arartmencs. A variety of
housing tipes twill continue to be encouraged in developing areas_
Rec a retial den sites range from very iow to "igh deo siqIt i assumed
tl:a vaLrations* The GenSinR , a gmrn,t' area ly;tlim any pp1 ui-iian
dessgrrstier:,may ccmL,,:;aAt„ur + msC:.e J ,itnWil tit main !,ned `Dr dle
designation. In certain residential areas, ti+.rre is _Iso tine potential for
tirni!eA small neighborhood sbopp'iog facilities, utiices or services
through special review.
Very Low Density VLR Characteristics and Locations:VLR tends to have larger lots and more 2 du/ac.
Residential — rural characteristics. Manv of these areas are located in Unincorporated or less
I Boulder County in the Area III–RPA or Area II and may not have urban
services. There are several areas in North Boulder and East Boulder
within the city limits designated VLR.
Uses: Consists predominantly of single-family detached units and related
agricultural uses.
Low Density LR Characteristics and Locations: LR is the inos: prevalent land tie 2 to 6
Residential designation in .he city.. covering the primarily single-family home du/ac.
neighborhoods including the historic neighba`hooda a;d Poet-Cvt';IS
neigh�or!raods.
Uses:Consists predominantly of single-family detached units.
Manufactured �It'. Characteristics and Locations: This designation applies to existing MH Var.
Housing parks. The intent is to preserve the affordable housing provided by the
EEO existing H1H parks and allow for future affordable housing. i
t � C.'srs:Conssts Ixcusme traits.
I _
Medium Density MR Characteristics and Locations: MR is characterized b a s of 6t 14
Residential ntr.or, s p es. ?1vai ,i-C'cn i,v ares are Qe:�, i s s'. ua, d PaA;'
dWac.
rte htnrhoo end <omimn tc hcppmg., c�.ts on a4tr v s,,nu, ort tle 117..,;rr
,aerials cxy. j
Uses: Consists of a variety of housing types ranging from single-family
detached to attached residential units such as townhomes, multiplexes t'
an.r , :ma' lot units (e g.. patio homes), not r.ec;,ssartly all
Ch.IV–Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug. 10,2017
[and Use Category Ahbr. Chara"evistiva and UsL.� Density/
6to 20
Mixed Density MXR Characteristics and Locations: MXR areas surround downtown in the du/ac.d /
Residential � Pre-World War II older neighborhoods and are located in some areas
planned for new development. Additionally, in older downtown
neighborhoods that were developed with single-family homes but for a
time were zoned for higher densities. a variety of housing types and
densities arc found within a single block. The city's goal is to preserve
the current neighborhood character and mix of housing types and not
exacerbate traffic and parking ,problems in those older areas. Some new
housing units may be added.
For areas designated for new development (outside of the Pre-WWII
neighborhoods),the goal is to provide a substantial amount of affordable
housing in. mixed-density neiotborboods that have a variety of housing
types and densities.
Uses: Consists of single-family and multi-family residential units. May
include some complementary uses implemented through zoning.
High Density HR. Characteristics and Locations: The HR areas are generally located More
close to the University of Colorado in areas tanned for transit-oriented than 14
Residential p du/ac.
redevelopment,and near major corridors and services.
Uses: Consists of attached residential units and apartments.May include
some complementary uses implemented through zoning.
Mixed Use Residential MUR Characteristics and Locations: MUR developments will be
encouraged in those areas identified as appropriate for a mix of uses and
where residential character will predominate. Specific zoning and other
standards and regulations will be adopted which define the desired form,
intensity,mix,location and design characteristics of these uses.
Uses: Consists predominantly of residential uses. Neighborhood scale
retail and personal service uses will be allowed.
Industrial Categories The land use plan includes four types of industrial use within the Boulder
Valley. General,Community,Light and Mixed-Use-Industrial.
General Industrial GI Characteristics and Locations: The G1 designation is shown where
® industries are located or planned.
Uses: Consists of more intensive manufacturing and may include
outdoor storage and warehouses.
Community Industrial Ci Characteristics and Locations: This designation is shown for those
areas where CI uses provide a direct service to the planning area and are
essential to the life of the Boulder community.
Uses: Consists of smaller scale community serving industries (such as
auto-related uses, small printing operations, building contractors,
building supply warehouses and small manufacturing operations). May
include some ancillary commercial activity.
Ch.IV—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Y-
Light Industrial LI Characteristics and Locations: LI uses are concentrated primarily in
r-. 'industrial parks' located within the Gunbarrel area along the Longmont
Diagonal and north of Arapahoe Avenue between 33's and 63 streets.
Uses: Consists primarily of research and development, light
manufacturing and assembly, media and storage or other intensive
employment uses. Residential and other complementary uses will be
encouraged in appropriate locations. (See Policy 2.2 1.)
Mixed Use Industrial MUI I Characteristics and Locations: MUI will be encouraged in some
® industrial areas. Specific zoning and other standards and regulations will
be adopted which define the desired form, intensity, mix, location and
design characteristics of these uses.
Uses: Light industrial use will be predominate and neighborhood retail
and service uses may be allowed. Housing compatible with and
appropriate to the industrial character will be encouraged and may be
required.
Business Categories Within the Boulder Valley there are six cntegex s of business land asst,
based on the intensity of development and the partic¢lar• avMs cif the
1 residents living in each suhcommuntty They are: Regional, Mixed Use-
Business, General, Community, Transitional and Service
Commercial.
I Regional Business RB Characteristics and Locations: The hvo major RB areas of the Boy rider Vlost
arc ane' tLe uUlde! Ra coil Centel , Mil' intense
tr e eP.,�><ilda Valle, , "' e _ji easrem a ill(he dovnant t,cua :.r � of the
;2B i.iy. Streit a t�katia a!id a uiis o f uses is ,,ri cDort*ed a_ to Q itcas � business
0
are rerarbished. cateamre
s
i Uses: Consists of major shopping facilities, offices, financiai institutions
and government and cuiturai facilities. Housing eornpatible with the
surrounding business character and as a transition to other residential
areas will be encouraged and may be required.
!Mixed Use Business MUB Characteristics and Locations: MUB development may be appropriate
_ and will be encouraged in some business areas . (Generally.. the use
applies to areas around 29" Street, as well as North Boulder Village
Center, the commercial areas near Williams Village and other parcels
around Pearl. 28" and 30f°.) Specific zoning and other standards and
regulations will be adopted which define the desired form, intensity, mix,
location and design characteristics of these uses.
Uses: Consists of business or residential uses. Housing and public uses
supporting housing will be encouraged and may be required.
Ch, IV—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Land I ise Category Abbr. Characteristics and Uses Density/
Intensily
General Business GB Characteristics and Locations: The GB areas are located, for the most
— part, at junctions of major arterials of the city where intensive
commercial uses exist (e.g., on 281i St., 3V St. and Pearl). These areas
should continue to be used without expanding the strip character already
established.
Uses: Consists of a mix of business uses. Housing compatible with the
surrounding business character and as a transition to other residential
areas will be encouraged and may be required.
Community Business CB Characteristics and Locations: CB areas are the focal point for Generall
— commercial activity serving a subcommunity or a collection of Y<
neighborhoods. They are designated to serve the daily convenience 150,000
shopping and personal service needs of nearby residents and workers and to
support the goal of walkable communities. 200,000
sf.
Uses: Consists predominantly of commercial business uses with
convenience shopping and services and some offices. Where feasible,
multiple uses,including housing,will be encouraged.
Transitional Business TB Characteristics and Locations: The TB designation is shown at the
intersection of and along certain major streets. These are areas usually
zoned for less intensive business uses than in the GB areas. They will
often provide a transition to residential areas.
Uses:Consists of a mix of uses including housing.
Service Commercial SC Characteristics and Locations: SC areas generally require automotive
- access for customer convenience and the servicing of vehicles.
Uses: A wide range of community retail and service uses generally not
accommodated in other commercial areas.
Open Space Open Space designations include the following three categories:
Categories Acquired Open Space, Open Space with Development Restrictions
and Other Open Space. Open Space designations are not intended to
limit acquisition but to be indicative of the broad goals of the open space
program. Other property that meets Open Space purposes and functions
should be considered and may be acquired. Open Space designations
indicate that the long-term use of the land is planned to serve one or more
open space functions.However,Open Space designations may not reflect
the current use of the land while in private ownership.
Open Space, Acquired OS-:v This applies to land ahtady acquired by the city or Boulder County for
L i aper space parposes
Ch.IV—Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch. IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug. 10,2017
BXCP
Intents
UV
Open Space, OS- I This designation applies to privately owned land with existing
Development Rights DR conservation easements of other develop:ncnt restrictions.
(or Restrictions)
1
Open Space,Other OS-0 This designation rppHas to oti,er public and lit %rte land dcsi;;natcd prior
to 1981 that the ut% ani ur would like to preserve through various
prose canon nudunls but not limited to intergovernmental
ag:w icnts. ded .t;cn� o: s , ¢idan Rv it;sali. this dc.i�nmion does
not ensure uprra ,pace pratzetion.
When the mapping designation applies to some Area !linear features
such as water features or ditches, the intent is to interpret the map in
such a way that the designation follows the linear feature, OS-0 may,be
applied to ditches; however, the category should not be used to interfere
with the operation of private irrigation ditches wirhout voluntary
I agreement by the ditch company.
Other Categories
Agricultural AG Characteristics and Uses: An AG land use designation identifies land in
- the Service .Area that is planned to remain in agricultural use. Given the
urban nature of Boulder,the designation will rarely be used.Uses that are
auxiliary to agriculture, such as a home, a barn and outbuildings and the
incidental sales of farm or horticultural products are expected on lurid
with this designation.
Park, Urban and YK. Characteristics and Uses: PK-I%O includes public lands used t'or a
Other U10 variety of a;five and passive recreationn,il ptuposes or flood control
purpose=.,, Ll ban parks provided by the city include pocket parks,
neighborhood parks, community parks and city parks as defined in the i
Parks and Recreation Vfaster Plan. The specific characteristics of each
park depend on the type of park, size, topography and neig`,bnrhood i
preferences. I
Public/Semi-Public PUB Characteristics and Location: PUB land use designations encompass a
wide range of public and private non-profit uses that provide a
community service.They are dispersed throughout the city.
i
Uses: This category includes municipal and public utility services (e.g., I
the municipal airport, water reservoirs and water and wastewater
treatment plants). It also includes: educational facilities (public and
private schools and the university); government offices such as city and
county buildings. libraries and the jail; government laboratories; and i
I nonprofit facilities (e.g., cemeteries, places of worship, hospitals. i
retirement complexes)and may include other uses as allowed by zoning. I
Ch. IV-Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.IV:Land Use Map Descriptions
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
InEe
Environmental EP The EP designation includes private lands in Areas I and II with
Preservation environmental values that the city and county would like to preserve
through a variety of preservation methods including but not limited to
intergovernmental agreements, dedications, development restrictions.
rezonings, acquisitions and density transfers.
Natural Ecosystems To encourage environmental preservation, a Natural Ecosystem overlay
Overlay — is applied over land use designations throughout the Boulder Valley.
Natural ecosystems are defined as areas that support native plants and
animals or possess important ecological, biological or geological values
that represent the rich natural history of the valley. The overlay also
identifies connections and buffers that are important for sustaining
biological diversity and viable habitats for native species, protecting the
ecological health of certain natural systems and buffering potential
impacts from adjacent land uses.
A Natural Ecosystems overlay will not necessarily preclude development
or human use of a particular area or supersede any other land use
designation but will serve to identify certain environmental issues in the
area. The overlay will serve to guide the city and the county in decisions
about public acquisition, purchase of development rights or conservation
easements, promotion of private land conservation practices, density
transfers, rezonings, development review, annexations and initial
zonings, service area boundary changes and subcommunity and
departmental master planning.
A description of the criteria used to identify lands suitable for a Natural
Ecosystems designation can be found in the environmental resources
element of the plan on the web at:www.bouldemalleveomoolan.net
Ch.IV—Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
Chapter V—Subcommunity and Area Planning
Subcommunity and area planning bridges the gap between the broad policies of the comprehensive
plan and site specific project review (development applications or city. capital projects). Area pians
typically address planning issues at a more detailed level than subcommunity plans. The planning horizon
is the same as that for the comprehensive plan — 15 years. Such plans are prepared through a process that
requires residents, neighbors, businesses and lard owners and city (and sometimes county) departments to
work together toward defining the vision,goals and actions for an area, as described below:
Subcommunity and area plans are intended to:
• Establish the official future vision of an area;
• Create a common understanding among the parties involved regarding the expected changes in
the area:
• Determine the appropriate density, character, scale and mix of uses in an area, and identify° the
regulatory changes needed to ensure or encourage appropriate development compatible with its
surrounding area;
• Define desired characteristics of an area or neighborhood that should be preserved or enhanced;
• Define the acceptable amount of infill and redevelopment and determine standards and
performance measures for design quality to avoid or adequately mitigate the negative impacts of
infilt and redevelopment and enhance the benefits;
• identify the need and locations for new or enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular
connections:
• Identify the need and locations for new public or private facilities, such as shopping, child care,
schools, parks and recreation, transit facilities, and mobile and virtual library services and
facilities so that daily needs are close to where people live and work and contribute to the
livability, enjoyment and sense of physical and social identity, of a Subcommunity or area;
• Identify and prioritize community benefits from developments that are a priority for the area; and
• Develop implementation methods for achieving the goals of the plan, which may, include:
neighborhood improvement, trail, park or street projects; changes to the land use regulations or
zoning districts: or changes to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.
The subcommunity and area planning process includes:
• Identifying opportunities to address Comprehensive Plan goals;
• Developing criteria for decision-making that balance local area interests with those of the
broader community:
• Involving interested groups and individuals to identify issues and opportunities to be addressed
by the plan and establish a common vision for the ftuure;
• ldentifying a range of appropriate techniques for determining the priority of and means of
financing and plan elements; and
• Establishing a planning framework in which to review public projects, land use changes and
development proposals to implement or ensure compliance with the plan.
Boulder County is im olved in the development of plans that affect land in Area II or III.
Subcommunity and area plans are adopted by the Planning Board and City Council and amended as
needed with the same legislative process as originally adopted. Land Use Map changes proposed in
subcommunity and area plans may be incorporated into the comprehensive plan concurrent with the
Ch. V—Page I
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
adoption of the area plan. Subcommunity, area and neighborhood planning efforts are processes in which
all are given opportunities to collaborate and innovate in achieving local as well as wider community
goals.
Subcommunity Planning
There are ten Subcommunity planning areas within the Service Area: Central Boulder, Central Boulder-
Univetsity Bill. Crossroads,the University of Colorado, East Boulder, Southeast Boulder, South Boulder,
North Boulder, Palo Park and Gunbarrel,
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Map V-1:Adopted Subcommunity and Area Plans
When the subcommunity and area planning program was instituted in 1990,the idea was to develop plans
for all of the subcommunities. The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was the first because the area had
the largest amount of vacant ]and in the city at the time and a significant amount of change was
anticipated. While much of the city planning focus in the years since has been on developing area plans
rather than Subcommunity plans, should resources permit and council and planning board decide,
subcommunity plans which meet the criteria for selection called out below may be undertaken. It is
Ch.V—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Pian Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
anticipated that each Subcommunity plan will be evaluated as needed and monitored annually through CIP
and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Action Plan.
Area Planning
Area plans are developed for areas or corridors with special problems or opportunities that are not
adequately, addressed by comprehensive planning, Subcommunity planning or existing land use
regulations. Area planning is initiated as issues or opportunities arise. Area plans are generally of a scale
that allow for developing a common understanding of the expected changes, defining desired
characteristics that should be preserved or enhanced and identifying achievable implementation methods.
While area plans generally focus on mixed-use areas of change, they may be developed for residential
neighborhoods if such areas meet the criteria for selection below.
Criteria for Selection
The criteria for selecting the priority for the development of Subcommunity and area plans are:
• Extent to which the plan implements the comprehensive plan goals;
• Imminence of change anticipated in the area;
• Magnitude of an identified problem;
• Likelihood of addressing a recurring problem;
• Cost and time effectiveness of doing the plan; and
• Extent to which the plan will improve land use regulations, the development review process and
the quality of public and private improvements.
Criteria for Determining a Neighborhood Planning/Infill Pilot Project
Outcomes of a neighborhood infill or planning project may include but are not limited to area plans,
regulations, new residential building types or other outcomes. The criteria for establishing a neighborhood
planning infill pilot include:
• A high level of interest on the part of the neighborhood residents and an organization that will
work with the city and sponsor the plan or project;
• Recent trends that have created changes in the neighborhood and identified imminence of change
anticipated in the tenure;
• Desire to address neighborhood needs and'or improvements through creative solutions;
• Agreeableness to identify solutions for communitywide goals and challenges as well as to
address local needs:
• Interest in addressing risk mitigation (e.g., addressing potential hazards) and in building
community capacity and the ability to be more self-sufficient and resilient: and
• Demonstrated interest on the part of the neighborhood residents and organization to test and
apply innovative, contextually-appropriate residential infill including but not limited to duplex
conversions, cottage courts, detached alley houses or accessory dwelling units or small mixed-
use or retail projects considering areas of preservation.
Adopted Subcommunity and Area Plans
The city has adopted the following Subcommunity or area plans as shown on Map V-1:
• Boulder Plaza Subarea Plan, 1992;
• North Boulder Subcommunity Plan, 19915;
• University Hill Area Plan, 1996;
• Crossroads East/Sunrise Center Area Plan, 1997;
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
• Gunbarrel Community Center Plan,2004;
• Transit Village Area Plan,2007; and
• Junior Academy Area Plan, 2009.
North Boulder Subcommunity Plan
The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was adopted in 1995 to develop a vision for an area that had
considerable development potential. The plan aims to preserve the present character and livability of the
existing residential neighborhoods and ensure that future changes are beneficial to both the subcommunity
and the city as a whole. A new mixed-use village center along Broadway is envisioned to become the
heart of subcommunity activity. New neighborhoods in the northern portion of the subcommunity are
meant to create a strong edge to the city and an attractive entrance into Boulder.
Implementation of the Plan
The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was the basis for re-zoning of a portion of the area in 1997. Five
new zoning districts were created to implement the design guidelines in the plan, including: a business
main street zone, patterned after historic 'Main Street' business districts; three mixed-use zones that
provide a transition between the higher intensity business 'Main Street' and surrounding residential or
industrial areas; and a mixed density residential zone district. The plan also established a street and
pedestrian/bicycle network plan, to which developing or re-developing properties must adhere.
Gunbarrel Community Center Plan
The Gunbarrel Community Center Plan, adopted in 2004 and amended in 2006, provides a blueprint for
transitioning the Gunbarrel commercial area from mostly light industrial uses to a viable and vibrant,
pedestrian-oriented commercial center serving Gunbarrel subcommunity residents and workers. This will
involve: expanding the amount of retail and allowing more density in the retail area; adding new
residential and some offices uses in proximity to the retail core; and providing more vehicular, pedestrian
and bicycle connections to and from and within the center. The new connections will improve access,
break down the existing "superblocks," provide better visibility to shops, and promote more pedestrian-
scale architecture and outdoor spaces. Spine Road between Lookout and Gunpark roads will become the
'Main Street' for the retail area.
Implementation of the Plan
Implementation of the Gunbarrel Community Center Plan will occur over a long period of time through a
combination of actions from both the public and private sectors. Business associations, such as the
Gunbarrel Business Alliance, and neighborhood groups will play an important role in promoting
collaboration to successfully implement the plan. Land use changes were made in the 2005 Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan update to reflect the plan vision.
Transit Village Area Plan/Boulder Junction
The Transit Village Area Plan guides development of an area that is within walking distance of a transit
hub near 30`x' and Pearl streets. The plan recommends land use changes to transform this mostly industrial,
low density, automobile-oriented area into a more urban, higher density, pedestrian-oriented environment
with a mixture of uses, including new retail and office space and new residential neighborhoods for a
diversity of incomes and lifestyles. Many of the existing service, commercial and industrial uses on the
north and east side of the area, respectively, will continue. The plan also focuses on: developing new,
high-quality public spaces and streets; creating a new home for the historic Union-Pacific train depot; and
protecting and enhancing Goose Creek.
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Boulder I! p Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity znrt Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft–Aug. SC, 2017
Implementation of the Plan
After adoption of the plan, the area was renamed Boulder Junction. Implementation entails significant
public investment in the transit facilities, the adjacent pocket park and civic plaza, the new north-south
collector road, rehabilitation of the Depot, Goose Creek enhancements and the city-owned site at the
northeast corner of the 3& and Pearl intersection. Property owners will contribute to construction of new
streets, sidewalks and bicycle facilities when they develop their properties. In 2010 and 2011, land use
and zoning changes were made on the west side of the area, and a general improvement district was
-. _� marage yarn .-nd r: l,ee: Ti. ,spurta_bThe
Junction Form Based Code (FBC) pilot, now Appendix M of Title 9– Land Use Code, was completed in
2016 and establishes building-specific form and design requirements ?b, :.hc v,,est side othe area
("Boulder Junction Phase F), Land use changes and public improvements on the east side of the area will
occur later, after slabstatll:W redevelopment oflhe west side.
Central Area
D3 ,srirc,wn. tite '- niversity and the Boulder Valley Regional Center areas constitute the three prunary
activity centers within the Boulder Valley's central area, as shown on Map V-2. See the Central Area
Framework in t^e Built Environment
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Cli,V–Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
historic residential neighborhoods, newer commercial and mixed-use buildings, the city's civic center and
Boulder Creek in close proximity. Several documents and districts work to maintain and enhance the
Downtown environment:
• The Downtown Urban Design Guidelines, adopted in 1986 and revised in 2002, 2011 and 2016
guide the design quality of new construction and preservation and renovation projects located
downtown.
• The Central Area General Improvement District(CAGID), formed in 1970, provides parking
and related improvements and maintenance in a 35-block area encompassing Downtown.
• The Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID), formed in 1999, provides
enhancements and services (economic vitality, marketing and enhanced maintenance) in the
roughly the same area as CAGID to supplement services provided by the city.
• The 2005 Downtown Strategic Plan recommends near-term strategies to keep Downtown
Boulder vibrant and successful, for example, supporting small businesses and simplifying
parking.
Boulder Valley Regional Center
The Boulder Valley Regional Center (BVRC) is a primarily commercial area, providing retail at a range
of scales, restaurants, offices and hotels in the geographic center of Boulder. There is also some high-
density housing, two parks and the Dairy Center for the Arts. The BVRC was established as an urban
renewal district in 1979 to revitalize the area,with public improvements financed by bonds that were paid
off in 2002. The following plans and guidelines continue to guide redevelopment and evolution of the
area into a more attractive,pedestrian-, bicycle-and transit friendly place:
• The Boulder Plaza Subarea Plan, 1992, and the Crossroads/Sunrise Center Area Plan, 1997,
provide guidance on specific improvements to circulation, the public realm and building design
in each area when redevelopment occurs.
• The BVRC Transportation Connections Plan, adopted in 1997 and updated in 1998 and 2002,
shows where pedestrian; bicycle and vehicular transportation facilities should be constructed or
improved through redevelopment or the Capital Improvements Program.
• The BVRC Design Guidelines, adopted in 1998, establishes design goals and guidelines for
development proposals in the BVRC, including site layout, circulation, buildings, landscaping
and open space, streetscape and signs.
University of Colorado and University Hill
The University of Colorado-Boulder (CU-Boulder) is an important part of the Boulder Valley's
intellectual, cultural, social and economic life. The University's plans for expansion are set forth
primarily in these documents:
• The Flagship 2030 strategic plan seeks to position CU-Boulder for global leadership in
education, research and creative works by the year 2030. It envisions an increase in the number
of undergraduate, graduate and professional school students and a corresponding increase in
faculty.
• The 2011 Campus Master Plan provides guiding principles for developing facilities over the
next ten years in support of the Flagship 2030 vision. The plan proposes development of the East
Campus (generally bounded by 30`h Street, Colorado Avenue, Arapahoe Avenue and Foothills
Parkway) as a full campus, with higher density building and a broad mix of programs. The
Williams Village property will also continue to be developed. Growth on the Main Campus will
Ch.V—Page 6
9oulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity,and Area Planning
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be limited, and the South Campus will continue to be reserved as a land bank for 1,11 ire
generations.
The University Hill ("The Hill") business district, to the west of the Main Campus across Broadway,
serves both the university population and the surrounding neighborhood, with restaurants, shopping and
entertainment. Efforts to revitalize and diversify uses on The Hill to include more housing, some office, a
broader range of retail offerings and increased cultural activities are guided by the following:
• The University Hill General Improvement District(UHGID), created in 1970 and expanded in
5985,. provides parking, maintenance and aesthetic improvements to the business district and also
has played a leadership role in facilitating revitalization and redevelopment on The Hill.
• The 1996 University Hill Area Plan initiated streetscape improvements and land use regulation
amendments ,'o enhance the appeal and safety of public spaces, encourage mired-use
development and support and-strengthen The Hill's pedestrian-oriented,urban village character.
• Direction from City Council In 2010 to explore strategies for The Hill revitalization, including
creation of a general improvement district for the surrounding kigh-density residential
neighborhood and an"innovation district'in the commercial area.
Surrounding Neighborhoods
Goal.,, for specific Cenual Area neignborhood.s'near the Downtown and the University are as follows:
• The Pearl Street Corridor between i8" Street and Folsom links Downtown with th:, BVRC.
The corridor is half a Meek .vide along both sides of Pearl Street and is separated from
established residential neighborhoods by alleys. The vision for the corridor is an interesting and
varied mix of uses, combininit urban-density housing with small-scale retail uses and office
spaec. The scale of new baildirgs will be sensitive in use and design to adjacent residential uses.
The challenge is to strengthen the pedestrian environment along the street from Downtown to the
BVRC and beyond to Boulder Junction.
• The Alpine-Balsam/Communin Plaza neighborhood, just north of the downtown along
Broadway ine'iudes the hospital. medical offices and two shopping centers. The design of
con inertial expansions and physical improvements in the area must incorporate special.
considerations to minimize impacts to adjacent residential neighborhoods. In 2015, the City of
Boul:Ier cnrchssad the hospital campus at the corner of Broadway and Balsam Avenue. In 2016,
City Council accepted the Alpine-Balsam Vision Plan. Additional planning efforts will continue
to ensure ,hat future redeveio}tntent oi' the site Sits the community's vision and goal; and
enhances the character of the ncighborhood,
CU South Guiding Principles
The guiding principles are intended to guide an intergovernmental
agreement or multiple agreements between the City•of Boulder and
University of Colorado that will specify figure uses, services,
utilities, and planning of the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder W
South Campus ("CU South") property. These principles are
referenced by Policy 1.05.
}r
Introduction -
CU South is a 308-acre propert% located in south Boulder at the _
city's south entry of US 36. Its eastern and southern boundaries
Ch. V-Pagel f{ -.....
Figure 5-1: Land use
designations
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
adjoin city owned Open Space including the floodplain and riparian habitat of South Boulder Creek; its
western boundaries adjoin City of Boulder residential subdivisions. The CU South property provides
physical and visual linkages between the city residential neighborhoods and park lands and acquired Open
Space helping to define the city's urban edge.
General Principles
1. Flood mitigation. Protecting City of Boulder and Boulder County residents from future flooding
events is a primary driver.
2. Co?lahoradon. Further collaboration and joint planning between the city, CU, county and the
community will continue to be emphasized.
3. Public Participation. The city will work with CU to include the community and public
effectively throughout the planning,annexation and development process.
4. Access. Access will continue to be ailowed on the site consistent with public access provided on
other CU campuses.
5. Agreement topics. These guiding principles will guide next steps toward an annexation
agreement between the city and university and (over the longer term) a master plan for CU South.
The topics addressed (i.e., transportation, city utilities, infrastructure planning, site development
standards, massing and total amount of development, and protection of open space values,
floodplain., wedand and other environmental topics) should lead to more specific standards and
meuics and identifies community benefits as part of annexation agreements.
6. Other options. These principles are not intended to prevent the city and CU from exploring
other options or geographic areas for CU to achieve its housing, program, and facility goals in
lieu of locating them at the CU South property.
?. Land Use Designation Changes. The Land use designation map may be amended to enable the
city and CU to implement a shared vision for the site. The standard process detailed in the BVCP
will guide any future land use designation changes.
8. Annexation Timing. Preliminary engineering design and studies pertaining to flood mitigation,
the CU levee, and habitat and wildlife will be completed expeditiously and will be used to inform
the annexation agreement.
Principles for the Area designated as Open Space-Other (OS-0)
(See Figure 5-1: OS-O Designation.)
Area within 100 year Floodplain
(See Figure 5-2: 100-year Floodplain)
I. Protect Open Space. IMi.nimize disturbance to protect this
area given its potential for high open space value and
presence of sensitive species. Maintain and create
recreation opportunities that do not significantly conflict
with ecological values. Trail connections to open space
trails would follow a typical city public process. Where
appropriate, support open space-related educational and
research opportunities. Specific real property ownership,
easements, and/or agreements will be established during
annexation.
2. Resource restoration. Seek opportunities for ecological
restoration and improvement. Not all of the site is currently ? " }
high value for wetland function and floodplain connection
due to past land uses, but could be enhanced to benefit the
site itself as well as adjacent city natural areas. The city seeks Figure 5-2. Conceptual Flood
Mapping
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
to partner with CU to incorporate open space values and restoration values.
3. South Boulder Creek. Protect and when possible restore wildlife habitat, grasslands, wetlands
and streams to improve the delivery of open space values except for park and recreational
facilities designed to be located within the floodplain.
4. Collaborate with city and county on open space. The city and county will partner with CU to
incorporate open space values, maximize conservation, education and recreational opportunities
and leverage city and county resources.
Area Protected by Levee System/Area of Greater Open Space and Ecological Value
(See Figure 5-2: Area Being Protected by a Levee System)
L Compensatory mitigation: Floodplain functions, including wetlands and flood mitigation, may
be restored as part of compensatory mitigation for impacts elsewhere on site.
2. Open space, restoration and recreation: In this area, the city will conduct further analysis of
the impacts of removing the levee on 'flood mitigation design, evaluate potential ecological values
and recreation opportunities and seek to collaborate with CII to protect and improve the delivery
of open space, restore high ecological value areas and/or provide areas for recreation in lower
ecological value areas. The city and CU will work together to achieve greater open space acreage
as part of either larger city open space conservation areas or limited-structural build, such as
community gardens, recreation, solar gardens, etc.
3. Levee system. The city will seek to work with CL' to evaluate removal of the levee, including
potential improved delivery of open space values, ecological restoration or enhancement benefits.
CU will remain responsible for maintaining certification of the existing flood control levee on the
site through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including but not limited to
any operation, maintenance or replacement.
d. No enclosed academic space, offices, or residential structures in the Area Protected by
Levee or FEMA 500-year floodplain. Such buildings would be constructed outside of this area.
See Site Design principles below.
Principles for the Area Designated as Public (PUB) or Park, Urban and Other
(PK-U/0)
Flood Mitigation Area
(See Figure 5-1: Public Designation, and Figure 5-2: Flood Mitigation)
1. Analyze, design, and implement Flood Mitigation Phase 1. Protect life and property by
coordinating with the University of Colorado to implement the South Boulder Creek Flood
Mitigation Study subject to final design (Phase 1). Consider mitigating flood risk to the highest
standard practicable while balancing associated environmental, social and financial impacts.
a. As part of the flood mitigation design process, the city will evaluate the flood storage and
attenuation (water retention with slow release) value of the site, with and without the
levee in place. The study will look at both flash flood and long-duration storm events.
b. Specific real property ownership, easements, and/or agreements will be established
during annexation for the area necessary for floodwater improvements and other uses
(plus or minus some land area). Prior to a final agreement related to the flood mitigation
land area, the city will conduct a groundwater assessment which verifies the feasibility
and provides the basis for design and construction of implementing measures to convey
groundwater through the dam in a manner that substantially replicates existing flow
patterns.
c. The site will provide adequate areas for construction, maintenance, and operation of city
flood control dams, appurtenances, and associated flood storage including freeboard to
reduce flood risks.
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
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d. Explore opportunities for passive and active recreation activities, or other uses
compatible with the floodwater mitigation system and where possible, conserve and/or
restore areas within the flood mitigation facilities with high ecological value and mitigate
impacts.
e. The city recognizes that storm events larger than a 100-year event can occur and may be
more probable in the future due to the impacts of a changing climate. In designing the
South Boulder Creek Phase I flood mitigation facility, the city's goal is to mitigate to at
least a 100-year flood, and the city will consider larger events, including the 500-year
flood as adopted by FEMA and a probable maximum flood as determined by the State
Engineer. The mitigation facility will be designed to accommodate larger events per the
requirements of the State Engineer.
f. Property interests for flood control purposes are anticipated to be provided to the city as
part of the annexation agreement.
Land Use Mix
1. Housing for university needs. Housing on the site will meet the needs of university faculty,
staff and non-freshmen students in order to address the fact that Boulder housing is currently
unaffordable to faculty, staff and students. Providing workforce and non-freshmen housing will
contribute positively to the community's housing affordability goals and aid the university in its
recruitment and retention. Housing should be mutually beneficial to the community and
university and integrated with needs of the community rather than built as isolated enclaves.
2. Residential units and non-residential space.
a. Housing will be the predominant use of the site for areas not used for flood mitigation
(i.e., with a target of 1,100 residential units and the final number guided by transportation
performance and other site constraints),although the site may include a mix of residential
and non-residential and facilities. The site will emphasize housing units over
nonresidential space(jobs)to help balance jobs and housing in the community.
b. Except for recreation facilities, development will be phased such that non-residential
space will be phased after a significant amount of housing is built. Later phases will be
dependent on demonstrating that initial phases achieve objectives of mitigating impacts.
C. The overall non-residential space footprint will be minimized and support and benefit the
convenience of the residents, employees, and visitors to residential and recreational uses
of the property.
d. The exact amount, types and location of residential and non-residential space will be
refined to minimize impacts as a long-term master plan is developed and as transportation
analysis is conducted.
e. Academic facilities will include space for research and/or education pertaining to natural
environment such as ecological restoration, floodplains, and related topics.
Use restrictions. The site will not include large-scale sport venues (i.e., football stadium), high rise
buildings (maintaining substantial consistency with the city's height limits), large research complexes
such as those on east campus,roadway bypass between Highway 93 and Highway 36,or first year student
housing.
Site Design
1. Model of quality and innovation.
a. The site will be a model for innovation and high quality, energy efficient buildings, and
site design that minimizes environmental impacts. Innovation will span a range of areas
(e.g., how food and waste processes are addressed, outdoor lighting, sustainable
materials, stormwater, etc.).
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch,V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
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b. It will model future resilience and sustainability for design, construction, and
maintenance strategies. Development will meet the equivalent of the U.S. Green
Building Council's Gold or Platinum LEED standards or other applicable sustainability
standards for residential development.
2. Clustered,village design.
a. Residential development will be of high quality and contextually appropriate to
neighboring properties.
b. Development will be compact, clustered in a village style. Any non-residential buildings
will be human scaled.
3. Environmental standards.
a. Usable open space that meets the active and passive recreational needs of the residents,
employees, and visitors will be maintained within developed areas.
b. Wetlands will be maintained, preserved, protected, restored, and enhanced in a manner
consistent with the city's Land Use Code.
a Development on slopes at or exceeding 15 percent will be minimized in a manner
consistent with the city's Land Use Code.
d. All enclosed academic structures, offices, or residential uses will be constructed outside
of the FEMA 500-year floodplain.
e. Stormwater impacts of new development will be mitigated based on established criteria
for minor and major storm events and applicable stormwater quality requirements.
Preservation or restoration of existing undeveloped areas will be considered to attenuate
peak runoff from the site and to mitigate stormwater quality impacts.
4. Building mass, height and views.
a. Buildings will be designed and sited in a manner to protect views and contribute
positively to the character of the city's "gateway". Building heights will maintain general
consistency with the city's height limits with buildings varying in height and visual
interest. Building heights will transition gently from the open space and to
neighborhoods to the west.
b, Building location, massing and height will protect and complement views of the
mountain backdrop, particularly the viewsheds from the US 36 bike path, the South
Boulder Creek Trail, US 36 and SH 93.
Urban Services and Utilities
1. Urban Services. Future agreements between the city and university will be contingent on the
ability of the city to provide Adequate Urban Facilities and Services and university's contribution
to cover the cost of the necessary services and utilities on site and to address off site impacts to
systems.
Transportation
1. Performance based transportation to avoid impacts. The transportation needs generated by
future development at the site will not unduly impact the transportation networks that serve the
property. impacts to local and regional networks will be mitigated through implementation of
performance based standards. The city and CU will complete additional planning and
transportation analysis to further develop performance based standards including but not limited
to maximum amount of parking, trip budgets, transit use, pedestrian and trail connections, and
access to transit passes. Planning considerations will be addressed collaboratively by the city
and CU and will include innovative and long-range technologies, including electric vehicles,
autonomous vehicles, etc., as well as possible joint options with City-funded transit.
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.V:Subcommunity and Area Planning
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
2. Multi-Modal hub and connections. Implement a multi-modal mobility hub and transit
connections between the CU South Boulder property and other Boulder campus locations to
manage employee and resident access and mobility.
1 Connected multimodal systems. Incorporate connected and safe pedestrian, bike and transit
systems through CU South integrated into the broader city and regional bicycle and pedestrian
network. including safe street crossings, trailhead(s), soft surface recreation trails, and a trail
link(s) to the South Boulder Creek Trail in coordination with OSMP. When creating and
maintaining recreational opportunities such as trail connections through the property, do so with
consideration for likely and potential impacts to adjacent open space, and for mitigation of those
impacts, as appropriate.
4. Protect Neighborhoods from Transportation Impacts. The street design will minimize
impacts into nearby residential neighborhoods, such as Tantra Park, Basemar, Martin Acres and
High View.
5. No bypass. Discourage any outside traffic from cutting through the property to avoid impacts to
the Table Mesa Drive/Broadway connection.
6. Emergency connectivity. Limited ingress and egress via local connections may be provided for
emergency, life safety situations. Develop an Emergency Service and Evacuation Plan to address
emergencies and use of emergency access and connections.
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI:Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Chapter VI. Master Plan Summaries and Trails Map
City departments prepare master plans to provide a common framework for planning the delivery and
funding of city services, facilities and programs. These, in turn, provide the basis for capital improvement
programming and operational budgeting. Master plans are developed to be consistent with the policies,
plans, and population and employment projections provided in the comprehensive plan. Accepted Master
plans include:
• Open Space and Mountain Parks • Flood and Stormwater
• Parks and Recreation • Library
• Transportation • Community Cultural Plan
• Greenways • Historic Preservation
• FirelRescue • Housing and Human Services
• Police • Facilities and Asset Management
• Water Utility • Airport
• Wastewater • Waste Reduction
• Climate Commitment
Each summary has a link to the full plans. This section does not include summaries of other city
or county strategy documents referenced throughout this plan such as the city's Resilience
Strategy. To view those strategies, check the webpages.
Open Space and Mountain Parks
The 2005 OSMP Visitor Master Plan(VMP) serves as a framework for how OSMP will provide
high quality visitor experiences while protecting and preserving significant natural areas and
valuable habitats for native plants and animals, The VMP contains goals, objectives, policy
guidance and an overview of strategies and investment programs that the city and community
intend to accomplish by the year 2015. Future planning for OSMP will combine landscape level
planning with protecting or restoring native ecosystems, maintaining viable and functional plant
and animal communities and habitats and maintaining sustainable historical land uses in the
Boulder Valley. Priorities will be consistent with the purposes of Open Space as specified in the
City Charter.
Parks and Recreation
The 2013 Parks and Recreation Master Plan guides the Boulder Parks and Recreation
Department's (BPRD) investments and strategies through 2018, shaping the delivery of services
in a manner that is consistent with city sustainability goals and level of service standards. The
master plan includes the department's mission, vision and guiding principles and incorporates
initiatives that provide the framework for the department's annual action plan and are structured
around six key themes: Community Health and Wellness, Taking Care of What We Have,
Financial Sustainability, Building Community and Relationships, Youth Engagement and
Activity and Organizational Readiness. This framework will help the department ensure that
available resources are focused on the community's park and recreation priorities.
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI:Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Transportation
Since 1989,the TMP has placed transportation plans and programs within the context of the
broader community goals to protect the natural environment, increase sustainability and
resiliency, and to enhance Boulder's quality of life. The TMP recognizes that Boulder is unlikely
to build significant additional road capacity due to environmental, financial and community
constraints. The plan maintains the following goals:
• A transportation system supportive of community goals;
• An integrated, multimodal transportation system emphasizing the role of the pedestrian
mode as the primary mode of travel;
• Sufficient.timely and equitable financing mechanisms for transportation;
• Public participation and regional coordination in transportation planning; and
• A transportation system supportive of desired land use patterns and functional, attractive
urban design.
These goals are measured according to nine objectives. The six existing objectives are enhanced
and the three new objectives are added to the plan. These objectives are:
• Reduce vehicle miles of travel (VMT) in the Boulder Valley 20 percent by 2035:
• Reduce single-occupant vehicle travel to 20 percent of all trips for residents and to 60
percent of work trips for non-residents;
• Achieve a 16 percent reduction in GHG emissions and continued reduction in mobile
source emissions of other air pollutants;
• No more than 20 percent of roadways congested(at Level of Service-LOS F);
• Expand fiscally viable transportation alternatives for all Boulder residents and
employees, including the elderly and those with disabilities;
• Increase transportation alternatives commensurate with the rate of employee growth;
• Continuous improvement in safety for all modes of travel;
• Increase the share of residents living in complete neighborhoods to 80%;and
• Reduce daily resident VMT to 7.3 miles per capita and non-resident one-way commute
VMT to 11.4 miles per capita.
The 2014 update to the TMP identifies five focus areas for strategic action: multimodal corridors,
regional travel,Transportation Demand Management(TDM), funding and Integrating with
Sustainability. The 2014 update reflects the work of the Climate Commitment transportation
sector GHG analysis. The resulting measurable objectives reflect the challenging expectations for
additional reductions in vehicle miles of travel and single occupant mode share. The plan
provides a Renewed Vision for Transit to significantly increase transit use, commits to the
development of a more inclusive bike system, and reflects changing financial conditions and
updates to the investment programs.
Greenways
The 2011 Master Plan provides a framework to implement the Greenways Program through
coordinating planning, construction, maintenance activities and funding sources of multiple city
departments and outside agencies. The original Greenways Master Plan was adopted by City
Council in 1989. The master plan has been updated a number of times,and this latest update
includes two key components:
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2015 Major Update 0rak—Aug. 10,2017
1) The expansion of the Greenways Program to include all of the fourteen major tributaries to
Boulder Creek within the City of Boulder: and
2) A summary of current changes to policies and plans that affect implementation of the
Greenways Program. The update also provides descriptions of current conditions based on
changes that have occurred within the system since the last plan update in 2001.
The Greenways Master Plan integrates multiple city objectives for Boulder's riparian corridors:
• Protect and restore riparian. floodplain and wetland habitat;
• Enhance water quality;
• Mitigate storm drainage and floods;
• Provide alternative modes of transportation routes or trails for pedestrians and bicyclists;
• Provide recreation opportunities; and
• Protect cultural resources.
Fire/Rescue
The Boulder Fire-Rescue Department(BFRD) provides emergency response to fires, medical
emergencies, rescues and hazardous material releases in Boulder. BFRD responds to all hazards
and provides the following services;
• Fighting structural and wildland fires;
• Responding to medical emergencies, rescue situations, hazardous material releases, as
well as natural disasters:
• Providing fire-safety education for the public, from children and youth(preschool
through college age) to seniors;
• Working with local businesses and organizations by inspecting buildings and reviewing
construction plans for fire prevention;
• Acting as the designated emergency response authority(DERA) for the city for
hazardous materials;
• Protecting over$21 billion dollars' worth of property within Boulder,which
encompasses 25.8 square miles of land;
• Assisting in the protection of 70.8 square miles of city OSMP outside the City of
Boulder; and
• Coordinating city efforts in the joint city;county Office of Emergency Management
(OEM).
Police
The Boulder Police Department provides both service and safety and has adopted a philosophical
shift from a traditional 9l 1-driven,purely reactive approach, to an emphasis on community-
based, prevention-oriented police services. The department defines its fundamental
responsibilities as the following:
• Enforcing laws and preserving public safety and order;
• Reducing crime and disorder through prevention and intervention;
• Responding to community needs through partnerships and joint problem-solving;
• Investigating and repotting serious and non-serious crimes for prosecution;
• Providing information and service referrals; and
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2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
• Managing and administering departmental operations.
Water Utility
The Water Utility Master Plan (WUMP)is a comprehensive analysis and plan for the city's water
source,storage,treatment and delivery systems and is intended to guide future water utility
decisions. It includes the Source Water Master Plan,the Treated Water Master Plan,the Water
Quality Strategic Plan, General Planning Information and a Consolidated Capital Improvements
Plan. The two master plans incorporated into the WUMP are summarized below.
Source Water
The 2009 Source Water Master Plan(S WMP)takes a broad watershed perspective to guide
source water management. The SWMP presents facility improvements to Boulder's water supply
system, including storage,conveyance,hydroelectric and treatment, for the next 20 years. The
plan also includes reliability standards for the water provided by the city, based on the type of
uses, ranging from those that require an assured supply, such as drinking water and firefighting, to
those that can tolerate occasional restrictions, such as lawn irrigation and car washing. The plan
anticipates that the city will maintain a diversity of water supply sources (both East and West
Slope sources)to increase supply reliability and hedge against droughts. Extensive modeling
shows that the city has sufficient supply holdings to meet the ultimate municipal water needs of
expected development levels within the city's water service boundaries. In addition to residential
and commercial consumptive uses,the city's raw water supply has been used for maintaining
streamflow and enhancing stream habitat in Boulder Creek and its tributaries and for leasing to
downstream agricultural and recreational users.
Treated Water Facilities
The Treated Water Master Plan(TWMP)presents a plan for future treated water system
development needs. The city's treated water facilities include water treatment plants, reservoirs,
pump stations, hydroelectric facilities,pressure reducing station and the transmission/distribution
lines (water mains). The TWMP was updated in 2011 in conjunction with creating the WUMP
and included working with the city's hydraulic distribution system model, determining the
hydraulic and treatment capacity of the water treatment plants, identifying deficiencies in
treatment and delivery systems and estimating and ranking capital needs across the entire system.
Wastewater Utility
The 2009 Wastewater Utility Master Plan (W WUMP) presents key issues, programs,policies and
associated budgets for the wastewater collection system, wastewater treatment plant and water
quality programs. The WWUMP is supported by three primary planning documents:the
Wastewater Collection System Master Plan(updated in 2016),the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Master Plan (updated in 2016)and the Water Quality Strategic Plan(updated in 2009).
The three guiding principles for the W WUMP are:
• Protect public health and safety;
• Protect Boulder's natural resources and the environment; and
• Maximize the use of the Wastewater Utility Funds.
The wastewater treatment plant has recently undergone significant modifications to increase the
hydraulic capacity to 25 million gallons per day and meet future ammonia-nitrogen limit
Ch.VI—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI: Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
requirements. The 2016 R-astewater Collection System Master Plan incorporates new data on
collection system performance during wet weather events and prioritizes capital needs.
Flood and Stormwater Utility
The Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Utility Master Plan,adopted in 2004,serves as the
framework for evaluating.. developing and implementing various programs and activities in the
flood and stormwater utility within the scope of the available budget.The master plan outlines the
following guiding principles for managing the utilit-,
Floodplain Management:
• Preserve floodplains;
• Be prepared for floods:.
• Help people protect themselves from flood hazards;
• Prevent adverse impacts and unwise uses in the floodplain; and
• Seek to accommodate floods. not control them
Stormwater Quality:
• Preserve our streams;
• Prevent adverse impacts from stormwater; and
• Protect and enhance stream corridors.
Stormwater Drainage:
• Maintain and preserve existing and natural drainage systems:
• Reduce and manage developed runoff; and
• Eliminate drainage problems and nuisances.
Comprehensive Stormwater Collection System Master Plan (2016)
Stormwater Master Plan (SMP)was updated in 2016 based on new data from the 2013 flood
event. The primary goal of the SMP is to provide the City of Boulder with a guide to proactively
address existing and future stormwater drainage and Stormwater quality through a series of
recommended improvements to the city's stormwater collection system. The 2016 SMP builds on
previous planning efforts through additional analysis of where under-served or non-existent
drainage systems create potential stormwater collection problems and develops improvements
and associated estimates of capital costs needed to increase the level of service in these local
drainage system areas.
Library
The Boulder Public Library(BPL) contributes to social sustainabilit) goals by providing free
library services that allow community members of all incomes. ages, and backgrounds to stand on
equal footing with regard to information access. BPL also serves as a community center,
providing spaces for a wide variety of public gatherings and cultural events. During 2017.
community input is being gathered to update the 2007 Library Master Plan. Communit} issues
and aspirations for BPL that are surfacing in the current planning process include:
• Service and facility expansion in north Boulder. Gunbarrel and other points east;
• Supporting the value of Boulder being a community that is inclusive and welcomes
diversity; and
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Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.Vl:Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
• Providing resources to encourage more civic engagement and civil community dialogue.
Community Cultural Plan
The 2015 Community Cultural Plan provides an updated look at Boulder's social, physical and
cultural environment to include creativity as an essential ingredient for the wellbeing,prosperity
and joy of everyone in the community. Three vision elements were developed to articulate how
the plan will be implemented through municipal government strategies: Cultural Vitality,
Creative Identity and Vibrant Environment.From these vision elements,eight strategies were
developed to guide the plan's implementation:
• Support our cultural organizations;
• Reinvent our public art program;
• Create and enhance venues;
• Enhance the vitality of the creative economy;
• Emphasize culture in neighborhoods and communities;
• Support individual artists and creative professionals;
• Advance civic dialogue, awareness and participation; and
• Engage our youth.
Historic Preservation
Boulder has a robust preservation program and a long history of protecting historically important
buildings and districts. In 2013, the city adopted the Historic Preservation Plan to establish a
long-term vision for historic preservation in Boulder and to identify and prioritize specific
strategies for achieving this vision. The plan establishes five goals to guide the program:
• Ensure the protection of Boulder's significant historic, architectural and environmental
resources;
• Actively engage the community in historic preservation efforts;
• Make review processes clear,predictable and objective;
• Continue leadership in historic preservation and environmental sustainability; and
• Encourage preservation of historic resources.
During its nearly 40-year history,the city's Historic Preservation program has designated historic
districts and individual landmarks, listed structures or sites of merit,reviewed and approved
alterations to historic properties, new construction in historic districts and demolitions of
buildings over 50 years old.As of 2017,there were ten designated historic districts and 175
individual landmarks,totaling over 1,300 designated properties. Current historic districts include:
• Floral Park(established in 1978);
• Chautauqua Park(established in 1978);
• Mapleton Hill(established in 198)
• West Pearl (established in 1994);
• Chamberlain(established in 1.995)
• Downtown Boulder(established 1999);
• Hillside(established 2001);
• Highland Lawn (established 2005);
• University Place(established 2006);
• 16' Street(established 2006); and
Ch.VI—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI: Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
+ Pending Application: University Hill.
Most of the 175 properties with landmark status are located in the Central Area. Some parts of the
Dotvntovm and University Hill neighborhoods have the potential to be designated as historic
districts and each neighborhood has individual buildings of landmark quality. There are over 60
approved structures of merit that are not currently landmarked but have historic, architectural or
aesthetic merit.
Exterior changes to landmarks and properties located in historic districts must meet the purposes
and standards outlined in the historic preservation code and adopted design guidelines. There are
specific guidelines for a number of historic districts, as well as general design guidelines that
apply to all designated local districts and individual landmarks.
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Map VI-1:Designated and Potentia!Historic Districts
Ch. VI—Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI: Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,21337
Housing and Human Services
The 2006 Housing and Human Services (HHS)Master Plan is a strategic guide for decision-
making and allocation of resources for the department through 2015. The plan focuses on creating
a healthy community by providing and supporting diverse housing and human services to Boulder
residents in need. The plan goals focus on three key city roles:
• Leader and community partner: Works to build community capacity to provide human
services and build social capital through technical assistance, program partnerships,
regional planning and evaluation of and response to social issues
• Funder: Provides funding to community nonprofits and organizations to provide basic
safety net services, early intervention and prevention programs, housing programs and
diversity and cultural funding to Boulder residents
• Service Provider: Provides services where there is a demonstrated need in the community
that cannot be met by another sector or where community institutional capacity, resources
or leadership to develop or implement services do not currently exist
The Human Service Strategy will be completed in the summer of 2017 to replace the current
master plan. The strategy will identify the city's goals and priorities, provide a blueprint for the
city's human services investments and identify key partnership for the next five years.
Facilities and Asset Management
The Facilities and Asset Management(FAM)workgroup in the city Public Works Department is
responsible for 135 of the city's 385 facilities and structures, comprising mostly of facilities
under the General Fund.The 2005 FAM Master Plan focused around the city's business plan to
establish goals, objectives and performance measures for managing FAM facilities and assets and
promoted cost-effective programs that provide safe, clean and efficient environments for the
public and city staff. It established the minimum goal for LEED Silver certification for new city
buildings. An update to the master plan is underway to provide facility guidance under the
sustainability framework that will include meeting the city's climate and resiliency goals, along
with alignment with other city master plans.
Airport
Boulder Municipal Airport(BMA) is a general aviation airport owned and operated by the city. It
has served the Boulder aviation community since 1928 and focuses on recreational flying, local
business-related flights,flight training,fire/rescue flights and parachuting. The airport has 190
based aircraft, one runway and one glider strip. The 2006 Airport Master Plan Update assesses
the current and anticipated needs of the Airport and plans facility and management improvements
for the next 20 years. It outlines the following goals:
• Operate in a safe and efficient manner;
• Continue to serve the needs of the Boulder aviation community;
• Maximize compatibility with the community in regard to aircraft noise impacts; and
• Maintain financial self-sufficiency.
The number of aircraft operations is forecasted to remain at current levels or at levels experienced
in the past 15 to 20 years. Major changes to the facility are not proposed; improvements are
Ch.VI—Page 8
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI:Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2013 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
primarily focused on maintaining the facility and operations, as well as meeting aircraft storage
needs if the market demands.
Waste Reduction
Recognizing that the city does not have control of waste hauling and that Boulder relies on a
strong network of nonprofit. for-profit, governmental and community partnerships to invest
resources in the success of zero waste systems, the 2006 Master Plan for Waste Reduction has
transitioned to the 2015 Zero Waste Strateeic Plan. To achieve an 85 percent waste diversion by
2025,this new plan emphasizes the need to foster partnerships and support organizationsthat
contribute to the economic vitality of the community.The plan guides the city's annual decisions
about which investments in new or expanded programs, incentives and facilities should be made
by providing a clear evaluation framework.
Climate Commitment
The 2016 Climate Commitment seeks to rapidly transition Boulder to a clean energy economy
and lifestyle through innovative strategies, products and services that dramatically reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, enhance our community's resilience and support a vital and equitable
economy. The goal of the Climate Commitment is to power the city with 100 percent renewable
electricity by 2030 and reduce GHG emissions by at least 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.
This plan updates the city's previous climate action goal, which expired in 2012.The plan
provides a road map for Boulder's emissions reduction efforts, both community-wide and for the
city organization through four action areas:
• Reduce energy use;
• Responsible use of resources;
• Ecosystem enhancements; and
• Community climate action.
Trails Map
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Trails Map is a comprehensive guide for existing and
proposed trails and trail connections for the entire Boulder Valley.It shows proposed trails that
have been planned through departmental master planning or area planning processes as well as
trail connections that are important links in the Boulder Valley and regional trails systems.
A color version of the trails map can be found at: http://wNww.bouldervalleycompplan.net. click
on Plans.
Trails planning in the Boulder Valley involves balancing environmental, community and mobility
goals as well as resolving or mitigating trail impacts. The following comprehensive plan policies
guide trails planning:
• Policy 2:23 Boulder Creek and its Tributaries as Important Urban Design Features;
• Policy 2.26 Trail Corridors/Linkages;
• Policy 8.16 Trail Functions and Locations; and
• Policy 8.17 Trails Network.
The Trails Map shows existing and proposed trails in the Boulder Valley that are or will be
administered by the city of Boulder Planning Department,Parks and Recreation Department,
Ch. VI—Page 9
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI: Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
OSMP Department,Transportation Division, the Greenways Program and Boulder County Parks
and Open Space and Transportation Departments. This map is used by the city,the county,
Boulder Valley citizens and other concerned parties to understand, maintain and advance the
network of trails that the city, the county, and other public agencies now provide and hope to
provide in the future and should be used as a system planning tool.
Each department generates more detailed maps to meet their own needs and those of trails users.
Other maps (such as those in departmental master plans or specific area plans) are used to show
complete systems.
The Trails Map includes designated unpaved off-street paths, paved off-street paths,multi-use
paths that are paved and separated from but parallel to a road and short, paved off-street paths that
connect to a larger trail or bike network and are part of an adopted pedestrian or bike system plan.
It does not include sidewalks, on-street bike lanes or bike routes,paved road shoulders or low
volume streets serving as bike lanes, routes or internal walkways.
Trails planning and implementation occur at several steps that get progressively more detailed.
The first step is to identify a need or desire for a trail or trail connection, a step that usually occurs
as part of departmental master plans. Interdepartmental coordination on trails and trail
connections occur as part of the master planning process. Proposed trails may be further refined
through other detailed planning processes, such as the CIP, Trail Study Area(TSA) or
Community and Environmental Assessment Process (LEAP). Two kinds of trail designations are
included on the Trail Map—conceptual trail alignments and proposed trails. The primary
difference relates to the degree that the trail has been studied and whether or not a specific trail
alignment has been worked out. Specific definitions include:
Proposed Trails
These trails are represented by dashed red lines on the Trails Map. These dashed lines show a
general trail alignment accepted by the public entities involved.There may still be issues to be
worked out at the project planning step, but the trail alignment is relatively certain.
Conceptual Trail Alignments
These trails are represented by circles on the Trails Map. These circles show the
recommendations for the trail located as a conceptual trail corridor as determined through
planning processes. The specific alignment has not yet been selected; often because there are still
issues that need to be resolved. These issues may involve the need for further study or public
process and usually require resolution of environmental, ownership,neighborhood or other
concerns. However, the concept for the trail is supported by the signatories of the comprehensive
plan.
Conceptual Connections
In some cases, a planning process has identified an intention to connect trails within the
comprehensive plan area to trails or destinations outside the planning area. In such cases.the
Trails Map shows an arrow pointing from an existing or proposed trail toward an area outside the
Planning Area Boundary.These arrows indicate a general direction for potential connecting trails
but not a specific alignment or trail corridor.
Ch.VI–Page 10
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Ch.VI:Master Plan Summaries and Trails map
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
Process for Changes to the Trails Map
At each mid-term or major update to the comprehensive plan, an interdepartmental staff group
will assess the need to update the Trails Map. If changes are warranted, staff will analyze the map
and compile a list of recommended changes to be included in the comprehensive plan update
process. Changes to the map may occur when there has been new information or changed
circumstances regarding a proposed trail or when an alternative analysis and public process have
occurred at the master planning or area planning level and new trails plans have been adopted.
'Minor changes can be incorporated into the Trails Map at any time without board adoption. These
minor map changes are limited to changes in factual information, which include map corrections
and changes in designation from proposed to existing trails (Le., built). These minor Wrap changes
will be identified for the boards during the comprehensive plan update process.
Any member of the public may propose changes to the Trails Map during a mid-term or major
update to the comprehensive plan. These requests should be made in the application process
established for the update. Staff will analyze these proposals and a recommendation will be
presented to the four adopting bodies along with other applications. Changes to the Trails Map
will be forwarded to the following advisory boards for review and comment: OSMP Board of
Trustees, Greenways Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Board,Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board and the County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee. Changes to the
Trails Map may also be forwarded to other advisory boards depending on issues associated with a
trail proposal. Recommendations and comments will be forwarded to the adopting bodies.
Changes to the Trails Map must be adopted by the cily Planning Board, City Council, County
Planning Commission and the County Commissioners.
All recommendations for changes to the Trails Map will be evaluated by each of the departments
invoked. Agreement by affected departments on the suitability of the trail and trail alignment
will be sought as part of the interdepartmental review.
Ch.VI—Page 11
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII:Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
VII—Urban Service Criteria and Standards
Purposes of Urban Service Standards
The urban service standards set the benchmark for providing a full range of urban services in the Boulder
Valley. A basic premise of the comprehensive plan is that "adequate urban facilities and services" are a
prerequisite for new urban development and that, within the Boulder Valley, the city of Boulder is the
provider of choice for urban services since it can meet all the service provision requirements embodied in
the urban service criteria and standards.
These standards are intended to be minimum requirements or thresholds for facilities and services that must
be delivered to existing urban development, new development and redevelopment to be considered
adequate. These adequacy standards allow the county to determine if an urban level of service is met prior
to approving new urban development in the unincorporated area,and they provide the city a basis for linking
the phasing of growth to the planned provision of a full range of urban services in Area II, annexation and
capital improvement decisions.
The urban service standards for defining adequacy of urban services are included in this section of the
comprehensive plan. They provide a tool for implementing Policy 1.19 of the comprehensive plan.
Adequacy standards are included for those urban services that are required for urban expansion in Area II.
These include: public water, public sewer, stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and
emergency medical care, urban police protection, multimodal transportation and developed urban parks.
Urban Service Criteria
Five criteria are to be used in the determination of the adequacy of proposed or existing urban facilities and
services consistent with Policy 1.19. The urban service standards are written within the framework of these
criteria. They include:
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives
It is desirable and necessary that all urban service systems be coordinated and integrated with other service
systems; evaluated periodically for need, efficiency and cost effectiveness; and studied for possible
duplication of other service systems to be responsive to local public objectives and general public need as
determined by City Council.
As public funds and resources are limited,primary emphasis must be given to an effective allocation system
that, to the greatest extent possible, effects a consistency of legislative intent; public policy, urban service
programs funding;a periodic assessment of the type,quantity and quality of various urban services;realistic
estimates of revenue sources and future income; maximization of outside funding sources (state, federal,
etc.); and consistency with a capital improvements plan. The municipal budget of the City of Boulder is
such an allocation system.
2. Sufficiency and Dependability of Financing
Financing for each urban service program must be based, to the greatest extent possible, on predictable
annual revenues that are broad enough to support initial improvements, operations and maintenance,
extensions of facilities and services in relation to, at least,minimum program requirements and unexpected
contingencies. Financing from a variety of sources and spread over a broad base, along with sufficient
latitude so that funding can be adjusted in the future as changing conditions occur, should be preferred over
single-source revenue programs.
Ch.VII—Page 1
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII: Urban Service Criteria &Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
3. Operational Effectiveness
Each urban service program may have distinct operational needs and a wide array of operational activities
should be considered.
Measures of operational effectiveness include curn•ent and long range project forecasting,coordination with
other urban service programs, maximization of economies of scale in urban service provision; and the
incorporation of operational processes and organizational methods that have proven effective in similar
situations.
4. Proficiency of Personnel
Conditions and factors affecting the competency of personnel include:
1)education and experience of personnel in meeting job demands;
2) interest and willingness of personnel to implement programs;
3)on-the-job training opportunities;
4)working conditions and fringe benefits related to employees' effectiveness;
5) the ability of the urban service agency to pay salaries commensurate with personnel requirements; and
6) the effectiveness of recruitment programs.
In general. the measure of whether or not urban services are being provided must in part be determined by
the skills of individuals carrying out such programs. For each job a comparison should be made of
qualifications of the individual employed or to be employed against personnel standards established by
generally recognized public or technical agencies for similar positions.
5.Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
This factor may be more easily measured than any other since"generally accepted standards" are involved.
As an example, as residences are located in closer proximity to each other, interest in developing
neighborhood parks will normally increase. As evidenced by recreation programs desired by similar
population groupings, certain standards for park areas, spaces and facilities ma} be predicted. In a similar
manner. most of the other public services and facilities described in this study have minimum locational
space.. equipment and building needs related to given population groupings.
Urban Service Standards
The remainder of this section contains standards for necessary urban services, according to the five primary
criteria outlined above. The required urban services and facilities are as follows: public water, public sewer,
stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police
protection, multimodal transportation and developed urban parks. Each of the preceding seven services
(together with schools)are considered necessary for service to residential areas; the first six are required to
serve industrial and commercial areas.
Public Water
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Provide a sufficient degree of reliability for raw water, treated water and an efficient
transmissionAistributien system capacity to meet the demands of the population 24 hours per day,
b) Provide full-time personnel 24 hours per day at the water treatment plant to assure water quality.
monitor equipment and make emergency repairs.
c) Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for water service emergencies.
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
Ch.Vii—Page 2
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII: Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
a) Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for water related
materials, capital improvement projects, equipment, facilities and personnel.
b) Use Plant Investment Fees as possible revenue for water rights acquisition, raw/treated water
storage, treatment plant improvements/expansions and construction of water mains.
c) Be organized to request and receive state, federal and Ncrthem Colorado Water Conservancy
District funds, when available, for equipment, facilities and projects.
d) Have the ability to obtain financing through the use of revenue bonds.
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities and materials.
b) Meet standard specifications as exemplified by the American Water Works Association.
c) Meet or surpass acceptable levels of federal and state water quality standards.
d) City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards should be used for standards for water
main design for the Boulder Valley.
4. Proficiency of Personnel:
a) All water treatment plants will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate Water
Operator Certification.
b) All water maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate Water
Distribution System Certification.
5. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Have capacity to deliver sufficient treated water to maximum day demand conditions.
b) Have existing treatment plant capacity with planned expansion that will be capable of serving projected
population of the Service Area,
c) Plan and provide treatment capability to meetrequired water quality standards.
d) On the divided highways,place hydrants on each side of highway.
e) In single-family residential areas, fire hydrant spacing shall be no greater than 500 feet. No dwelling
unit shall be over 250 feet of fire department access distance from the nearest hydrant measured along
public or private roadways or fire lanes that are accessible and would be traveled by motorized fire
fighting equipment.
f) In multiple family, industrial, business or commercial areas, fire hydrant spacing shall not be greater
than 350 feet. No exterior portion of any building shall be over 175 feet of fire department access
distance from the nearest hydrant measured along public or private roadways or fire lanes that are
accessible and would be traveled by motorized fire fighting equipment.
g) Provide essential equipment and vehicles for water maintenance activities and emergency use.
Public Sewer
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Provide full-time personnel 24 hours per day at the wastewater treatment plant to assure treatment
quality,monitor equipment and make emergency repairs on equipment and facilities.
b) Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for sanitary sewer service emergencies.
Ch.VII—Page 3
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII:Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for wastewater-
related materials, projects, equipment, facilities and personnel.
b) Use Plant Investment Fees as possible revenue for construction of sanitary sewer mains
and wastewater treatment plant improvement or expansion.
c) Be organized to request,and receive state and federal funds.when available,for equipment
and facilities.
d) Have capability to finance through the use of revenue bonds.
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities and materials.
b) N4ect standard specifications as exemplified by standards of the Water Environment Federation.
c) Meet standards established by the Colorado Water Quality Commission and enforced by the Colorado
Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency and as set forth in the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit.
d) City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards should be used for standards for sanitary sewer
design for the Boulder Valley.
e) Require all new urban development to connect to the central sewer system.
4. Proficiency of Personnel:
a) All wastewater treatment plants will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate
Wastewater Operator Certification.
b) All waste\°ater maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the
appropriate Wastewater Collection System Certification.
c) Provide a variety of equipment and vehicles for wastewater maintenance activities and
emergency use.
5. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Have treatment plant capacity with planned expansion capable of serving projected population of the
service area,
b) Design central collection system for present and future growth.
c) Provide easily accessible repair equipment and replacement equipment for emergency use.
Stormwater and Flood Management
L Rcsponsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for stormwater and flood emergencies.
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for stormwater and
flood management related projects, materials. equipment, facilities and personnel.
b) Be organized to request and receive Urban Drainage and Flood Control District,state and federal funds,
if available, for projects, facilities and equipment.
3. Operational Effectiveness
Ch.VII—Page 4
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII: Urban Service Criteria &Standards
2015 Major Update Draft-Aug.10,2017
a) Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities and materials.
b) Meet standards as exemplified by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District.
c) Adopt regulations that meet or exceed the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Colorado
Water Conservation Board.
d) The following are standards for stormwater and flood management criteria for new urban development
within the Boulder Valley:
i. Runoff analysis will be based upon proposed land use and will take into consideration all
contributing runoff from areas outside the study area.
ii. Storm runoff will be determined by the Rational Method or the Colorado Urban Hydrograph
Procedure.
iii. All local collection systems shall be designed to transport the following storm frequency:
Single-Family Residential -two year storm; all other areas-five year storm.
iv. The major drainageway system will be designed to transport the 100 year event or a modified
standard in an approved plan.
V. Storm runoff quantity greater than the "historical' amount will not be discharged into
irrigation ditches without the approval of the flood regulatory authority and the appropriate
irrigation ditch company.
vi. The type of pipe to be installed will be determined by the flood regulatory authority and will
be based upon flows, site conditions and maintenance requirements.
vii. All new urban development in the Boulder Service Area, which will be annexed, will be
required to meet the intent of the adopted City of Boulder flood plain regulations.
viii. Erosion and sedimentation control will be exercised.
Detention storage requirements will be reviewed by the flood regulatory authority.
4. Proficiency of Personnel:
a) All.flood control maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel trained and capable of
operating the equipment necessary to maintain the stormwater and flood management
system.
5. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Provide essential equipment and vehicles for stormwater and flood management maintenance activities.
Urban Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Care
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Consistently evaluate current service delivery for fire protection, all-hazard response and emergency
medical services (EMS).
b) Evaluate current service delivery against national standards, national guidelines and customer
expectations.
c) Develop benchmarks for improvement across all areas of service delivery.
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Ensure current financing supports existing level of service delivery.
b) Plan for future financing to support benchmark service delivery.
Ch.VII-Page 5
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII:Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug.10,2017
c) Be organized to receive and utilize grants and state and federal fonds when available.
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Fire and ENIS response:
i. Provide fire and EMS response 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
ii. Arrive at fires and medical emergencies, staffed and equipped to provide fire suppression
and/or medical care,within six minutes of the original 911 cal I ninety percent of the time.
iii. Have an effective response force (ERF), dictated by the nature of the emergency; on scene
within eleven minutes of the original 911 call ninety percent of the time.
iv. Collaborate with neighboringjurisdictions to supplement response when additional resources
are needed.
b) All-Hazard response:
I. Equip and train personnel to respond to technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents,
water rescues and natural disasters.
ii. Collaborate with neighboringjurisdictions to supplement response when additional resources
are needed.
c) Wildland Fire response and mitigation:
I. Equip and train personnel to respond to wildiand tires in urban and rural settings.
ii. Collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions to supplement response when additional resources
are needed.
iii. Integrate wildfire hazard mitigation planning with urban design and development.
d) Community Risk Reduction:
i. Provide fire safety education for all ages and demographic groups.
ii. Adopt fire and life safety codes.
iii. Review and approve plans for fire safety systems for neve and remodeled buildings for
compliance with fire and life safety codes.
iv. Regularly inspect businesses and high hazard occupancies for code compliance.
V. Provide voluntary home safety inspections.
vi. Work with the Local Emergency Planning Commission to maintain an inventory of
hazardous materials storage.
vii. Review the design of land development in relation to emergency response, access and
available water supply.
viii, Identify and mitigate risks associated with the negative impacts of climate change.
4. Proficiency of Personnel:
a) Firefighters shall be trained to perform the duties of their assigned position as well as those they may
be expected to perform outside their assigned position.
b) Firefighters shall maintain appropriate certifications as dictated by the department, state and federal
regulations.
c) EMS providers will be trained to the level of EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic based on whether they
provide basic or advanced life support, and will maintain that level of certification based on state and
federal requirements.
d) Hazardous materials responders will achieve and maintain training and certification at the Operational
or Technician'Level.
Ch,V11—Page 6
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII:Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
e) Wildland firefighters will achieve and maintain training and certification based on their expected level
of response.
f) Administrative personnel will achieve and maintain training and certification based on their assigned
job duties.
5. Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Fire stations will be located in such a manner as to achieve response time goals(see 3. a)).
b) Fire stations will be constructed in such a manner as to provide adequate, appropriate and secure living
space for current and anticipated staffing needs. Considerations will include privacy, non-
discrimination and occupational safety.
c) Fire stations will be constructed in a manner to help the city meet its climate action goals.
d) Fire apparatus and equipment will be designed and purchased to meet the current and expected needs
of the department.
e) See also "Public Water"for information on fire hydrant requirements.
Urban Police Protection
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Provide police protection,enforcement and investigative services 24 hours per day.
b) Provide a comprehensive mix of patrol, investigative, community collaboration and problem
solving and support services to meet community needs for proactive and responsive police
services and to maintain effective service levels.
c) Provide response to the scene of any potentially life-threatening police emergency normally within four
and a half minutes from the time the call for assistance is received by the Communications center
(however,the range for that average within the established city shall not exceed six minutes).
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Plan and budget to meet community needs for police services and maintain levels of
service.
b) Request and utilize state and federal funds, when available, to meet special needs or newly emerging
concerns.
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Manage expenditures to accomplish budgeted goals and operate within budgetary
constraints.
b) Enforcement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic laws.
c) Provide routine patrol to residential, business and industrial areas.
d) Maintain complete and accurate records of crimes, accidents, summonses and arrests to
ensure issuance of reliable reports, as required by the appropriate government agency and
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
4. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Ensure the availability and maintenance of police equipment, particularly that affecting
officer safety.
Ch.VII-Page 7
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII:Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
b) Locate patrol districts based on crime rates and geographylneighborhoods, so that they are within an
average four and a half minute emergency response time 24 hours per day.
Multimodal Transportation
L Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
Implement the goals and objectives of the T ransportation Master Pian through the following:
a) Develop a complete and connected street system of local, connector and arterial roads following the
Transportation Standards of the city's Design and Construction Standards.
b) Reduce vehicle miles of travel and GHG emissions consistent with the goals and objectives ofthe city's
Transportation Master Plan and Climate Commitment.
c) Minimize the traffic impacts of development through the traffic or transportation studies required in the
development review process as defined in the Boulder Revised Code.
d) Develop complete streets including the complete and connected bicycle, pedestrian and transit systems
defined in the city's Transportation Master Plan,
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Maintain and diversify the existing revenue sources that fund transportation activities and actively
Pursue new sources to support the in%estment program contained in the city's Transportation Master
Plan.
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Maintain and operate the transportation system to maximize the person-carp ing efficiency of all modes
of travel and for long-term sustainability following the investment priorities of the city's Transportation
Master Plan.
4. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) New development and redevelopment projects will dedicate Rights of Way (ROW) and provide
transportation facilities as required through the development review process contained in the Boulder
Revised Code.
Developed Urban Parks
1, Responsiveness to Public Objectives:
a) Provide full and part-time personnel for design, construction, maintenance, operations and
programming of parks and recreation facilities and programs.
b) Have key personnel on call 24 hours per day for special service needs.
2. Sufficiency of Financing:
a) Pursue adequate funding, including state and federal sources.. to ensure the timely
implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
b) Use special fees from new residential development to acquire and develop parks to serve these
areas
c) Prior to implementation of new programs or facility development, ensure adequate operations and
maintenance funds are available.
Ch.V11—Page 8
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Ch.VII: Urban Service Criteria&Standards
2015 Major Update Draft—Aug. 10,2017
3. Operational Effectiveness:
a) Manage the annual budget for efficient use of personnel, equipment and facilities.
b) Provide parks and recreation services by using appropriate equipment and trained personnel
on a continuing basis.
4. Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities:
a) Provide neighborhood parks of a minimum of five acres in size within one-half mile of the
papulation to be served.
b) Provide community parks of a minimum of 50 acres in size within three and one-half miles
of the population to be served.
c) Provide playground facilities for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children up through
age 12 within one-quarter to one-half mile of residents.
d) Provide other park and recreation facilities accessible to the public and in quantities sufficient
to address public demand.Ensure availability of parks and recreation services to all economic
segments of the community.
e) Schedule existing developed facilities for redevelopment as conditions and use dictate.
Ch.VII—Page 9
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Exhibit B: Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan - Amendment
Procedures
Contents
Intra.............................................................................................................................................................. 1
SummaryMatrix...........................................................................................................................................2
A. Types of Changes................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Land Use Map Changes.................................................................................................................... 3
2. Area Will Boundary Changes.......................................................................................................... 3
a. Service Area Expansions and Contractions..................................................................................3
b. Area III Rural Preservation Expansions and Contractions........................................................... 6
c. Planning Area Expansions and Contractions................................................................................ 7
3. Policy& Text Changes..................................................................................................................... 8
B. Procedures for changes......................................................................................................................... 8
1. Changes that may be considered at any time.................................................................................... 8
2. Map only update............................................................................................................................... 8
3. Mid-tern Update.............................................................................................................................. 9
4. The Major Update............................................................................................................................. 9
5. Schedule& Process of Updates........................................................................................................9
C. Referral Process.................................................................................................................................. 10
D. Notification......................................................................................................................................... 11
E. Errors..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Intro
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is a joint policy document legislatively adopted by the City of
Boulder and Boulder County. The plan is updated periodically to respond to changed circumstances or
community needs. Changes to the comprehensive plan fall into four categories:
• Changes that may be considered at any time
• Changes that may be considered during a map-only update
• Changes that may be considered during a mid-term update
• Changes that may only be considered during the major update
The table below summarizes the different types of changes, when they may be considered, and the
decision-making bodies that approve them. When the table refers to the decision-making bodies that
approve changes:
• "city"means Planning Board and City Council;
• "county" means the County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners; and
• "city and county" means Planning Board, City Council, County Planning Commission, and Board
of County Commissioners.
Exhibit B— Page 1
Summary Matrix
WHEN WHO L..... HOW .._...
....... .. ........... _......... __.._ .....
Type Map olid Mwho maajor An
Approval Bodies y Criteria
Onh term Update time f Initiate'
LAND USE NIAP
City
(Area I k II Call-up to
All types of land use map changes X X X - BOCC for.4rea 1! All Sec.A.1.
City and county(Area
City
Land Use map changes related to (Area I&II Call-up to City,prop.
rezoning,subcommunity/area - - - X BOCCforArea11) Sec A.1.
plan or annexation only j City and county(Area owner
PLANNING AREA AIAP-AREA II/III BOUNDARY
Service Area Expansion(Area 1I1 to Area 11)or Contraction(Area 11 to Area 111)
MINOR ADJUSTMENTS: Under 5 acres:City
Area[II—Rural Preservation to X X i X - Over 5 acres: City, All Sec,A.2.a.i
Area II call-up to BOCC
� . .
a
IR EPlanning
EXPANSION:
Area
f
Reserve to 1 X 1 X - City and countyCity Sec.A.2.a.ii
Area 11
SERVICE AREA EXPANSION:
Reinstatement of Area III-Rural X i X - City and county Prop' Sea A.2,a.iv
Preservation back to Area II owner
SERVICE AREA
CONTRACTION: � X X i City and county All Sec.A.2.a.iii
Area Il to.Area III Rural -
Preservation
Rural Preservation Expansion or Contraction
RURAL PRESERVATIONjl
EXPANSION: '
A:ea III-Planning Reserve to - X - I City and county All Sec.A.2.b.i
Area III-Rural Presenation
RURAL PRESERVATION
CONTRACTION. jX • City and county All Sec.A.2.b.ii
Area III-Rural Preservation to
Area III-Planning Reserve
Planning Area Expansion or Contraction
Expansion or contraction of Area I City and
III outer boundary X X i City and county county Sec.A.2.c.i
POLICIES
Minor edits X„ `= City,and/or county All Sec A.3.
Nlajor edits - X i X - ! City and/or county All Se A.3.
TEXT
Plan and Program Summaries;
Urban Sen ice Criteria and
Standards; - X X X City All -
Subcommunity and Area Plan i
section ;
AR'Members ofthe public,property owners,city staff,county staff,city approval bodies(Planning Board, City Council);county approval bodies
(Planning Commission Board of Count}+Commissioners)
City.:City staffand approval bodies
Counh County staff and approval bodies
Public', Members ofthe public including,but not limited bo,properly owners
Propertg Owners Ownersofproper;v,{ub,Ject to proposed change_
Exhibit B- Page 2
A. Types of Changes
1. Land Use Map Changes
Description
The Land Use Map is not intended to be a zoning map. Instead, it provides policy direction and
definition for future land uses in the Boulder Valley.
Criteria
To be eligible for a land use map change,the proposed change:
a) on balance, is consistent with the policies and overall intent of the comprehensive plan;
b) would not have significant cross jurisdictional impacts that may affect residents, properties or
facilities outside the city;
c) would not materially affect the land use and growth projections that were the basis of the
comprehensive plan;
d) does not materially affect the adequacy or availability of urban facilities and services to the
immediate area or to the overall service area of the City of Boulder;
e) would not materially affect the adopted Capital Improvements Program of the City of
Boulder; and
f) would not affect the Area II/Area III boundaries in the comprehensive plan.
Decision-making
Land Use Map changes in Area I& II are a city decision, with call-up to the county as described in the
referral&call up procedures. Changes in Area III are a city and county decision.
2. Area II/III Boundary Changes
a. Service Area Expansions and Contractions
i. Minor Adjustment to the Service Area (Area III-Rural Preservation to Area II)
Description
A minor adjustment to the service area boundary is a small, incremental service area expansion that
creates a more logical boundary. A change in designation of land from Area III to Area 11 may be eligible
to be approved as a minor service area boundary adjustment based on the following criteria:
Applicability
a) Maximum size: The total size of the area must be no larger than ten acres. Residential areas larger
than 10 acres may be considered if the area consists of substantially developed properties below the
Blue Line along the western edge of the service area.
b) Minimum contiguity: The area must have a minimum contiguity with the existing service area of at
least 1/6 of the total perimeter of the area.
Criteria
a) Logical Service Area boundary: The resulting Service Area boundary must provide a more logical
Service Area boundary(Area III/II), as determined by factors such as:
1. more efficient service provision,
2. a more identifiable edge to the urbanized area or neighborhood,
3, a more functional boundary based on property ownership parcel lines or defining natural
features.
b) Compatibility with the surrounding area and the comprehensive plan: The proposed change of
Area III to II must be compatible with the surrounding area as well as on balance,the policies and
overall intent of the comprehensive plan.
Exhibit B—Page 3
c) \o major negative impacts: It must be demonstrated that no major negative impacts on
transportation, environment, services, facilities, or budget will result from an expansion of the Service
Area.
d) Minimal effect on land use and growth projections: The proposed change of Area III to II change
does not materially affect the land use and growth projections that were the basis of the
Comprehensive Plan.
e) Minimal effect on service provision: The proposed change of Area III to II does not materially
affect the adequacy or availability of urban facilities and services to the immediate area or the overall
Service Area of the City of Boulder.
f) Minimal effect on the city's Capital Improvements Program: The proposed Area III to II change
does not materially affect the adopted Capital Improvements Program of the City of Boulder.
g) Appropriate timing: The proposed Area III to II change will not prematurely open up development
potential for land that logically should be considered as part of a larger Service Area expansion.
Decision Making
Minor Adjustments to the Service Area boundary are a city decision for areas five acres and under. For
areas greater than five acres, the Board of County Commissioners may call-up a city decision for its
review under the procedures described below.
ii. Service Area Expansions: Planning Reserve (Area III-Planning Reserve to Area II)
Description
The Area 111-Planning Reserve is identified on the Area I, I1, 11I map and includes approximately 500
acres of land outside the existing service area of the City of Boulder. The Area III—Planning Reserve is
not currently eligible for urban services or annexation. This area was established at the conclusion of a
comprehensive analysis of Area III;when city and county determined that only a small amount of Area
III should be contemplated for future urban expansion, and then only if detailed planning for the area
indicates community benefits exceed potential negative impacts. The area was chosen for its location and
characteristics based upon the apparent lack of sensitive environmental areas, hazard areas and significant
agricultural lands,the feasibility of efficient urban service extension, and contiguity to the existing
Service Area,to maintain a compact community.
The Area III-Planning Reserve is that portion of Area III where the city intends to maintain the option of
Service Area expansion for future urban development in response to priority community needs that cannot
be met within the existing Service Area.
While Service Area expansion into the Area III-Planning Reserve may occur over time in several separate
actions, it must result in a logical expansion of the Service Area. The needs of future generations should
be considered any time a Service Area expansion of the Planning Reserve is contemplated.
Baseline Urban Services Study Required
The City of Boulder will complete a baseline urban services study of the Area III-Planning Reserve prior
to considering a service area expansion. The purpose of the study is to learn more about the feasibility
and requirements to provide urban services to the area, and to understand potential phasing and logical
areas of planning and potential expansion. The city may undertake preparing the baseline urban service
study at any time for all or a portion of the Planning Reserve, and should include, but is not limited to an
analysis and inventory of the existing infrastructure and service capacity(such as needed upgrades to the
water, wastewater, and stormwater or facilities and distribution system, additional fire stations or vehicles
and police protection needs,transportation network connections, capacity of existing schools, urban
parks), inventory of existing uses in the Area III-Planning Reserve, and identification of logical Service
Area expansions(areas and/or phasing). The completed study will be reviewed by the Planning Board
and accepted by the City Council.
Exhibit B—Page 4
Service Area expansion process
a. Service Area expansion consideration
The city may consider a service area expansion into the Area III-Planning Reserve following acceptance
of the baseline urban services study. Service Area expansion may occur at a mid-term or major update to
the BVCP. At the beginning of each BVCP update,the Planning Board and City Council will hold a
public hearing to determine if there is interest in considering a Service Area expansion as part of that
update. If the city is interested in considering a Service Area expansion, a planning effort to solicit and
identify priority community needs will begin. The city will hold public hearings and decide whether the
identified needs are of sufficient priority based on the eligibility criteria below to warrant preparation of a
Service Area expansion plan. Prior to the public hearings by the city, the identified needs will be referred
to the county.
Criteria for Initiating a Service Area Expansion Plan
In order to initiate a service area expansion plan there must be sufficient community need. In determining
whether there is sufficient community need, the city will consider the following factors:
a) Community Value: Expansion will address a long-term community value as articulated in the
Comprehensive Plan.
b) Capacity: The need for a service area expansion cannot be met within the existing Service Area
because there is not suitable existing or potential land/service capacity.
c) Benefit: Expansion will benefit the existing residents in the Boulder Valley and will have a
lasting benefit for future generations.
b. Service Area Expansion Plan
An expansion plan for priority community needs is anticipated to be similar in scope to an Area Plan, as
described in the Comprehensive Plan and will be developed by the city in coordination with the county. If
the city initiates preparation of a service area expansion plan, it will include, but not be limited to the
following information:
a) The location and amount of land area needed;
b) Other uses that are needed or desired based on the identified needs;
c) Conceptual land use and infrastructure plans,to ensure adequate facilities and services can be
provided;
d) General annexation requirements to further comprehensive plan goals and policies;
e) Requirements and conditions for the city and the private sector for development, including on-site
and off-site mitigation of impacts; and
f) Anticipated development phasing.
Approval ofa Service Area Expansion Plan
A service area expansion plan approval and change from Area III-Planning Reserve to Area II will
consider the following:
a) Minimum size: In order to cohesively plan and eventually annex by neighborhoods and to build
logical increments for infrastructure, it is encouraged that the minimum size of the parcel or
combined parcels for Service Area expansion be at least forty acres.
b) Minimum contiguity: The parcel or combined parcels for Service Area expansion must have a
minimum contiguity with the existing service area of at least 1/6 of the total perimeter of the area.
c) Provision of a community need: Taking into consideration an identified range of desired
community needs,the proposed change must provide for a priority need that cannot be met within
the existing service area.
d) Logical extension of the service area: The resulting service area boundary must be a logical
extension of the service area. Factors used in making this determination include but are not
limited to an efficient increment for extending urban services; a desirable community edge and
neighborhood boundary; and a location that contributes to the desired compact urban form.
Exhibit B—Page 5
e) Compatibility with the surrounding area and comprehensive plan: The proposed Area III-
Planning Reserve area to Area II change must be compatible with the surrounding area and on
balance, the policies and overall intent of the comprehensive plan.
f) No major negative impacts: The Service Area Expansion Plan must demonstrate that
community benefits outweigh development costs and negative impacts from new development
and that negative impacts are avoided or adequately mitigated. To this end.the Service Area
Expansion Plan will set conditions for new development, and it will specify the respective roles
of the city and the private sector in adequately dealing with development impacts.
g) Appropriate timing for annexation and development: A reasonable time frame for annexation
is projected within the planning period after Area III-Planning Reserve area land is brought into
the service area.
Decision-making
Initiating a service area expansion plan is a city decision. Approval of a service area expansion plan and
change from Area III—Planning Reserve to Area II will be decided by the City and County.
iii. Service Area Contractions (Area II to Area III-Rural Preservation Area)
Description
A Service Area contraction removes land from the city's Service Area, due to a change in circumstances.
Applicability
a) Minimum size: No minimum or maximum size.
b) Minimum contiguity: No contiguity required.
Criteria
Proposed changes from Area II to Area III-Rural Preservation Area must meet the following criteria:
a) Changed circumstances: Circumstances have changed that indicate either the development of
the area is no longer in the public interest, the land has or will be purchased for open space, or,
for utility-related reasons, or the City of Boulder can no longer expect to extend adequate urban
facilities and services to the area within 15 years.
b) Compatibility: Any changes in proposed land use are compatible with the surrounding area and
on balance, the policies and overall intent of the comprehensive plan.
Decision-making
Changes from Area II to Area III—Rural Preservation are a city and county decision.
iv. Service Area Reinstatement (Area III — Rural Preservation Area back to Area II —
Service Area)
The owner of property that has been moved from Area II to Area III may request that the change be
reevaluated under the same procedures and criteria that were used to make such a change for a period ten
years after the change was made. Thereafter, such properties will be subject to all of the procedural
requirements of this section.
b. Are.?. iiI Rural Pmservat'.o..n. Expansions and Confracfionc
i. Area III-Rural Preservation Area Expansions (Area III-Planning Reserve to Area
III-Rural Preservation)
Description
An Area III—Rural Reservation expansion removes land from the Area III—Planning Reserve, due to a
change in circumstances.
Exhibit B—Page 6
Applicability
Land to be considered for a change from Area III-Planning Reserve to Area III-Rural Preservation must
have a minimum contiguity with the Area III-Rural Preservation area of at least 1/6 of the total perimeter
of the area.
Criteria
Expansion of the Area III-Rural Preservation Area must meet the following criteria:
a) Changed Circumstances: There is a desire and demonstrated need for expansion of the Area III-
Rural Preservation Area due to changed circumstances, community needs, or new information on
land use suitability(e.g., environmental resource or hazard constraints, feasibility of efficient
extension of urban services, and compact and efficient urban form).
Decision-making
Changes from Area III-Planning Reserve to Area III-Rural Preservation are a city and county decision.
ii. Area III-Rural Preservation Contractions (Area III-Rural Preservation Area to
Area III-Planning Reserve)
Description
An Area III—Rural Preservation contraction results in land being removed from rural preservation and
identification as Area III—Planning Reserve,for potential future inclusion into the service area.
Applicability
Land to be considered for a change from Area III-Rural Preservation Area to Area III-Planning Reserve
must have a minimum contiguity with the Area III-Planning Reserve area or the existing service area
(Area I or Area II) of at least 1/6 of the total perimeter of the area.
Criteria
Contraction of the Area III-Rural Preservation Area must meet the following criteria:
(a) There is a demonstrated need for contraction of the Area III-Rural Preservation Area due to
changed circumstances,community needs, or new information on land use suitability(e.g.,
environmental resource or hazard constraints, feasibility of efficient extension of urban services,
and compact and efficient urban form)
Decision-making
Changes from Area III-Rural Preservation to Area III- Planning Reserve are a city and county decision.
c. Planning Area Expansions and Contractions
i. Boulder Valley Planning Area Expansions or Contractions
Description
A Planning Area boundary expansion or contraction changes the outer boundary of the area of joint
planning between the city and county.
Applicability
An Area III outer boundary change may be initiated by the city or the county.
Criteria
A Planning Area Boundary change must meet the following criteria:
(a) There is a demonstrated need that either expansion or contraction of the planning area is
necessary due to changed circumstances or past error in determining the boundary.
Exhibit B—Page 7
Decision-making
Changes to the Planning Area Boundary are a city and county decision.
3. Policy & Text Changes
Description
The policies of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan are contained within Chapter III of the plan.
Decision-making
a. Where the"county" alone is referred to in the policy, the policy may be amended by the county, after
referral to the city.
b. Where the "city" alone is referred to in the policy,the policy may be amended by the city, after
referral to the county.
c. All other policies will be construed to be joint city, and county statements of policy, and are to be
amended by joint action.
d. Where a particular"area"is not specified in the policy text,the policy will apply to all areas.
B. Procedures for changes
This section describes the process and procedures for approving proposed changes to the BVCP.
There are four types of procedures for changing the plan:
A. Changes that may be considered at any time
B. Map-only Update
C. Mid-Term Update
D. Major Update
1. Changes that may be considered at any time
L Scope:
Changes that may be considered at any time include:
o Changes to the Land Use map concurrent with rezoning, annexation, or
adoption/amendment of a subcommunity or area plan
c Changes to the Subcommunity and Area Plan section(Ch. V)
o Changes to the Master Plan and Program summaries(Ch. VI)
o Changes to the Urban Service Criteria and Standards (Ch. VII)
ii. Schedule and Process
A request initiated by the property owner concurrent with a rezoning, development application, or
annexation application must be submitted in writing to the city's Planning Department and must address
the criteria for processing the request separately from a plan update. All other changes must be initiated
by the city or county.
iii. Referrals
The city will make a referral with preliminary comments to the count), Land Use Department for
comment. For land use changes the county will have 30 days after receipt of the referral to provide
written notice to the city as to whether the proposed change meets the criteria.
2. Map only update
Changes to the comprehensive plan Land Use Map and Area I, II, 111 Map may be proposed as otherwise
provided for in this plan or in a map only update. A map only update may be initiated between mid-term
and major updates as needed. The purposes of the map only update are to provide an opportunity for the
city and county, as well as the public to request changes to the plan that do not involve significant city and
Exhibit B—Page 8
county resources to evaluate, to clean up mapping discrepancies and to make minor adjustments to the
service area boundary. The map only update is not intended to be a time to consider significant land use
map changes, or any policy changes.
Changes that may be considered during a map only update include:
o Changes to the Land Use map in Area I or II.
o Minor Adjustments to the Service Area Boundary.
3. Mid-term Update
A mid-tern update will be initiated at some point between major updates. The purposes of the mid-term
update are to address objectives identified in the last major update and review progress made in meeting
those objectives, provide an opportunity for the public to request changes to the plan that do not involve
significant city and county resources to evaluate, and make minor additions or clarifications to the policy
section.The mid-term update is not intended to be a time to consider major policy changes.
Changes that may be considered during a mid-term update include:
o Changes to the Land Use Map.
o Changes to the Area I,II,III Map.
o Planning Area boundary changes.
o Minor edits to the policy section (Ch. III).
o Minor text edits.
o Changes to the Subcommunity and Area Plan section(Ch. V).
o Changes to the Master Plan and Program summaries(Ch. VI).
o Changes to the Urban Service Criteria and Standards(Ch. VII).
4. The Major Update
The comprehensive plan will be reviewed at least every 10 years for potential amendments to reflect
changes in circumstances and community desires.
Changes that may be considered during a major update include:
o Changes to the Land Use map.
o Changes to the Area I,II,[[I Map.
o Rural Preservation Area Expansions or contractions.
Planning Area boundary changes.
o Edits to the policy section(Ch. III).
o Edits to the plan text.
o Changes to the Subcommunity and Area Plan section(Ch. V).
o Changes to the Master Plan and Program summaries(Ch.VI),
o Changes to the Urban Service Criteria and Standards(Ch. VII).
5. Schedule & Process of Updates
a. Schedule: Prior to the beginning of each update, the city Planning Department and the county
Land Use Department will establish a process and schedule for the update. The schedule and
process will be revised as needed during the review process. The process will include an
opportunity for landowners and the general public to submit requests for changes to the plan.
During major updates,policy changes should precede map changes.
b. Screening: Proposed changes from the public, staff and approval bodies will be reviewed by
the city Planning Department, which will prepare a recommendation in consultation with the
county Land Use Department on which proposals should go forward and which proposals
Exhibit B—Page 9
should receive no further consideration. The bodies will consider all requests for changes
together with the staff recommendations at initial public hearings and will compile a list of
proposed changes to be considered during the update based upon:
• consistency with the purposes of the update as described above,
• available resources to evaluate the proposed change (city and county staffing and
budget priorities),
• consistency with current BVCP policies, and
• compatibility with adjacent land uses and neighborhood context.
c. Further studv & initiation of hearings: After a list of proposed changes to be considered
during the update has been determined, the city Planning Department and county Land Use
Department will study, seek appropriate public input, and make recommendations concerning
proposed changes. Requests for changes to the comprehensive plan that affect an area
designated Open Space will be reviewed by the city Open Space Board of Trustees and the
county Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee. The board of trustees will make a
recommendation prior to any action on that change. The bodies will then initiate the hearings
on whether to approve, modify or deny any of the proposed changes.
C. Referral & Call-up Process
As part of the cooperative planning process,the City of Boulder and Boulder County have established the
following referral process for certain types of land use and public improvements activity within the
Boulder Valley. A referral is a written communication from the Planning Department of either the city or
the county to the Planning Department of either the county or the city,respectively, in which there is
contained either a request for or a response to a request for review and comment on the above-described.
Responses to all referrals will be based upon the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, including all
applicable policies, maps, and implementation documents, and applicable codes, agreements, ordinances,
and resolutions of the respective jurisdictions.
All referral requests and responses of departments of the city and the county will be received,
reviewed and communicated through the respective planning departments, with the understanding
that referral responses may be reviewed by the Planning Board or Planning Commission and/or the
City Council or Board of County Commissioners at the referee's discretion.
Complete referral responses will be made within 30 days of receipt. The referrer will consider all referral
responses or the fact that there have been no responses before proceeding with the activity proposed.
The city will not grant or deny applications for out-of-city water and sewer permits for development
activities in Area II unless it has first received a referral response from the county.
The Board of County Commissioners may call up the following city decisions:
• Minor adjustments to the service area boundary over 5 acres in size;
• Area II Land Use Map changes over 5 acres in size;
The call up provisions do not apply to enclaves, city-owned land, and properties along the western
edge of the service area below the blue line. After approval of a city decision that is eligible for a
call-up, the city planning department will notify the county planning department of the decision. If
the Board of County Commissioners chooses to call-up the decision within 30 days of the final city
decision, it will hold a public hearing to approve or deny the change within 60 days of the call-up
decision. The Board of County Commissioners may approve or deny the change or approve and
request the city modify the approval. Any change to the comprehensive plan that is a result of a call
up by the county will be final upon approval by both the city and the Board of County
Commissioners.
Exhibit B—Page 10
D. Notification
Any property owner whose property would be affected by a proposed change in land use designation or
by service area expansions, contractions or boundary changes will receive timely written notice that such
change or changes will be considered. Planning staff will exert its best efforts to provide such notice
within 30 days of receiving a request that is to be considered. However,no hearing to approve or deny
any such proposal will be held unless planning staff notified the affected property owner in writing at
least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing on the proposed change.
To provide general public notice, the city Planning Department will publish a Comprehensive Plan map
indicating where the proposed changes are located and a description of each change at least ten days prior
to the first public hearing to consider the proposed changes.
E. Errors
If a discrepancy is found to exist within the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan that is clearly a drafting
error, mapping discrepancy or a clerical mistake, either the city or the county, after a referral request to
the other agency, may correct such error.
Exhibit B—Page 11