6A - Draft policy changes for the 2010 Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP)
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CITY OF BOULDER
PLANNING BOARD AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: January 20, 2011
AGENDA TITLE: Discussion of draft policy changes for the 2010 Major Update to the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Community Planning and Sustainability:
David Driskell, Executive Director
Susan Richstone, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Jean Gatza, Sustainability Planner
Chris Meschuk, Planner II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is for Planning Board to discuss and provide input on first drafts of the following policy
chapters.
• Sustainability and General Policies
• Environment
• Energy and Climate
• Local Food and Agriculture
Staff is working on a public comment draft of the policies that will be available at the beginning of April. At this
meeting, and the Feb. 17 meeting, the board will receive draft copies of certain chapters to assist in the revisions
process.
Attachment A includes a chart showing the current and proposed outline for the plan organization.
Attachments B-E include first drafts of changes to four of the policy chapters: Sustainability and General Policies,
Environment, Energy and Climate, and Local Food and Agriculture.
Please note that these are still works in progress, and staff is looking for the Board to help shape these chapters at
this early stage. Text proposed for deletion is shown with strikeout and new proposed wording is shown in bold.
Proposed policy changes will have an explanation of the rationale for the change. Staff has not completed this for
all of the proposed revisions yet.
Below please find brief descriptions of proposed revisions to the four chapters:
Attachment B: Sustainability and General Policies
• Proposed updates to the core values.
• Proposed revisions to the sustainability policies
• Proposed removal of redundant or obsolete policies
• Relocated Framework for Provision of Urban Facilities and Services policies from existing Section 3 Facilities
and Services to Section 1
Attachment C: Environment
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• Updated policies to be more concise and to reflect current thinking
• Proposed removal of redundant or obsolete policies
• Restructured subsections to be more consistent with other plan sections
Attachment D: Energy and Climate
• Created new section for existing energy and climate policies (moved from Environment Section)
• Policies updated to be stronger and reflect current direction
• Added policy on climate adaptation
Attachment E: Local Food and Agriculture
• Developed new section for food and agriculture
• Revised and combined existing policies on agriculture to be more concise
• Added policies on local food, sustainable agriculture, regional efforts
BACKGROUND:
As a reminder, staff is working from the following guidelines for edits to the plan:
Criteria and for Plan Edits
The Comprehensive Plan articulates core values and goals for the long-term sustainability and health of the
community and describes Boulder's definition of a sustainable community.
The policies are statements (sometimes broad, sometimes more specific) that set preferred courses of action or
results. Policies-
• articulate direction and preferences that help realize the goals in the foreseeable future. They need to be
specific enough to help determine whether a proposed project or program would advance community values
expressed in the general vision; and
• provide a clear, articulate vision to guide decision-making regarding the built environment and provision of
services in the Boulder Valley.
Purpose of the structure and policy revisions (other than content from briefing papers and key issues):
• Make policies more accessible, understandable and usable - by eliminating some and revising others to be
more concise.
• Clarify goals that we want to implement through development review and goals where city or county will take
other direct action.
• Show implementation through links to other plans, projects and programs.
• Establish clear links between sections and policies.
• Eliminate redundancies: create over-arching policies in key areas like integration, partnerships, and regional
goals so they don't have to be covered in each section.
Criteria for keeping policies in the comp plan
• High-level, community goals only - detail that is in master plans should be linked
• Essential goal or policy for decision-making framework or used in site review or planning processes.
Policies are evaluated for-
• Addition (new or missing concept or direction)
• Removal (see below)
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• Revision (updating to current status, new direction )
• Remaining the same
Reasons for elimination
1.City or county daily work item, tasks we will do that aren't needed at the comp plan level. [some may be moved to
procedures section]
2. Existing city or state law.
3. Goal or direction is covered in a master plan and better described there. (e.g. funding priorities)
4. Goal or direction is too general to be useful (concept may be revised if more specificity can be added)
5. The policy addressed an issue at the time of adoption but conditions or planning efforts have occurred since that
make it no longer needed in the comp plan. Policy direction may be implemented in regulations or codes and is
no longer needed in the plan.
Introduction to Plan
• Description of the plan 1 List of core components
• Boulder Planning History
• Plan Implementation 1, how the plan is used for decision-making
• How the plan is organized 1 how the plan should be used
• 2010 Major Update - current trends and issues; projections
Section Introductions
• Describe policy areas in the section - list outline (with ability to click)
• Describe context and values for approach to policies
• Briefly describing key trends in the issue area that aren't quite at a level of needing a direct policy but would be
good to have as a context.
NEXT STEPS:
Wednesday, Feb 9: Public Open House
Land Use map changes and Area III-Planning Reserve
Wednesday, Feb. 17: Joint Planning Board/Planning Commission Meeting 5-7pm
Discuss potential changes to the Area III-Planning Reserve process
Planning Board Meeting 7pm
Discuss rough drafts of some policy chapters, general text
Thursday, Mar. 17: Planning Board Study Session
Review full draft plan, provide comments to City Council
Tuesday, Mar. 29: City Council Study Session
Review draft plan with comments by Planning Board
April 5-26: Public Comment Draft released
For public comment prior to adoption hearings
Monday, April 11: Public Open House
For public comment on draft plan
Tuesday, May 24: Joint Planning Board/City Council Public Hearing, Planning Board Action
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Tuesday, June 7: City Council Action
Approved B
D 'd DriskeN, Ex r hector
Department of CommuNty Planning and Sustainability
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Current and draft proposed plan outline
B. Draft Sustainability and General Policies Chapter
C. Draft Environment Chapter
D. Draft Energy and Climate Chapter
E. Draft Local Food and Agriculture Chapter
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Attachment A
Current BVCP Outline Proposed BVCP Outline
Introduction INTRODUCTION
1. POLICIES I. BOULDER VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
1. General Policies FRAMEWORK
2. Community Design 1 Urban Form 1. Core Values, Sustainability Framework & General
3. Facilities and Services Policies
4. Environment
5. Economy II. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
6. Transportation 2. Built Environment
7. Housing 3. Transportation
8. Human Services
III. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
II. AMENDMENT PROCEDURES 4. Environment
Introduction 5. Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture
1. Changes to be considered at any time 6. Energy & Climate Action
2. Mid-Term review Changes
3. The Five-Year Review IV. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
4. Notification 7. Economic Vitality
5. Errors
V. SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
III. LAND USE MAP DESCRIPTIONS 8. Community Well-Being (Human Services Chapter with
Introduction many new elements)
1. Land Use 9. Housing
2. Open Space and Parks
VI. AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
IV. BOULDER VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Introduction
IMPLEMENTATION 1. Changes to be considered at any time
Introduction 2. Mid-Term review Changes
A. Subcommunity and Area Plans 3. The Five-Year Review
B. Master Plan and Program Summaries 4. Area III-Planning Reserve
C. Referral Process 5. Notification
D. Urban Service Criteria and Standards 6. Errors
VII. LAND USE MAP DESCRIPTIONS
Introduction
3. Land Use
4. Open Space and Parks
VIII. BOULDER VALLEY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
A. Subcommunity and Area Plans
B. Master Plan and Program Summaries (exact
structure may change)
C. Referral Process
D. Urban Service Criteria and Standards
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Attachment B
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Policies
Framework
1. Core Values, Sustainability Framework and General Policies
The Boulder Talley Comprehensive Plan is a joint plan between the cite of Boulder and Boulder County
that Igi-evi to inform and guide their shared responsibility for planning and development in the
Boulder Valley. This e genet-al section of the plan sets forth the plan's core values and
sustainability framework, and provides gic-overall planning fF&nfe+v-e guidance for
intergovernmental cooperation, growth management,-and annexation and provision of urban facilities
and services.
Core Values
Boulder has a long tradition of community planning. Most of the key policies that have guided the
development pattern in the Boulder Valley have not changed since the 1977 Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan was first adopted, and many ^f~rstem from long-standing core community
values. Bout or-'° planning hasThese policies focusod on respecting our unique community identity and
sense of place, city-county cooperation, and keeping Boulder a distinct, separate and compact community.
They represent a clear; vision of our community and ourdesire development patte inel ding
commitment to:
• -Su-stainability as a unifying goal to secure Boulder's future economic, ecological
and social health and continued commitment to leadership as a sustainable city.
• ^ Y ri,:*r°^++^ ^Open space preservation and the use of open space buffers to define the
community.
• Use-ofuilrban growth boundaries to maintain a compact city (the boundaries of the service area
have remained virtually unchanged since first developed in 1977).
Eneettragement of Compact, contiguous development and a preference for infill land
•
redevelopment as opposed to sprawl.
• Comfortable, attractive, and safe places to live, work, learn, interact, recreate and relax.
• Dr-avisie^ 4 ^Quality u public spaces, parks, a d-recreation facilities, paths and other
transportation facilities that: serve all sectors of the community; and trails an 'Walk' W^3's
interconnect the citysemmunivy; promote a healthy, active lifestyle; and make getting around
without a car easy and accessible to everyone.
• Commitment Preservation of natural, cultural and historic features that help eentribu4e to
defineing the Boulder's unique sense of place ice, including agriculturally significant
lands that support local food production; and environmentally sensitive areas that support
healthy, vital ecosystems:.
• Commitment "Programs that support respect for human dignity, human and civil rights and
the inclusion of all residents in community and civic life.
• A vibrant economic climate to maintain the community's diverse employment opportunities
and generate city revenues to support the quality of life and level of services desired by the
community.
Valle), Regional Gentef) as a regional serviee center of the Boulder- Valley and a variet~, of
subcommunity and neighbor-hood activity centers dist-r-ibuted throughout the co
• Recognition of the importance of the-A culture of creativity and innovation that engages and
supports the (Federal sScientific IL-aboratories (NOAA, NIST, NCAR), the University of
Colorado, and the private scientific and technology communitiesy that cant-ributes to the-,
eeenemie vitality of Bouldff.
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• Commitment t^ ^A diversity of housing types and price ranges to meet the full range of needs of
the Boulder Valley population in terms of age, income, ability, lifestyle and household type.
• Commitment to a balaneed multi modal tFa stem.
• 41nnovative solutions to achieving climate action goals.
Sustainability -Framework
1.01 Community- Principles
The; city and eounty adept the sustainability prineiples in peheies 1.01 1.05 to inter-pFet and g
r`leme tation of the Boul er Valley Comprehensive Plan. The city and county recognize that:
-a) Tthere are critical interrelationships among economic, social and environmental health;
b) Tthe way we produce, trade and consume impacts our ability to sustain natural resources;
c) Ssocial and cultural equity and diversity creates valuable human capital that contributes to
economicy and environmental sustainability;
d) planned physieal development Tthe built environment has an impact on social, economic and
environmental- conditions planning; and should be eonsider-ed i and
e) Me quality of our environmental, economic and social health is built upon the full engagement and
involvement of theour community.
Therefore, Tthe 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, now and in the long-term future.
The city and ceunt~, seek to preserve cheiee-s faf future generations and to antieipate and adapt to ehangi
needs and extemal infitiene-es.
Rationale: Move the UN language about needs and future generations to the environmental
sustainability principles.
1.02 DrinninleS of Enyi~rRirenrmentQi S stainability
and pollution. There- are- liraits to the land and soil available for food production, to available water-, to Fesetir-c-
such as tre-es, fish and wildlife-, to industrial Fesoufees like oil and metals, and to the ability of nature- to absorb
waste.
With this in mind, the eity and ceunty acknowledge- the importance- of natural capital, which can be kept at health
levels for- the long term only when we are able to de the following:
a4 R@ae-w-Ah-le lFe-SA-1-1-r-r-es should not he-- used- Astely. Uhm; they are r-e-ehar-ged E)r- replenished by the envir-epAae-PA.
b) Non renewable re-sourees should be used with the greatest eare and effieieney, and some of those should bee
e) Waste should not be dumped into nature f ster than natwe " absorb it
1.03 of Enon ce uctainah
balanced eeonomie structure- and employment base- within the- parameters of established land use-, environmental an
,.t1' pol;
highly b) The city and county fe-eegnize that a healthy, adaptable local economy is vital to the eonununity's ability to
provide a amenities.
e) The eity and eotmty will promote a diverse and sustainable eeonomy that suppermts the needs of all eemmunity
d) The city and county will se-elc to ensurme that cuffent needs are met without comprmomising the- ability of fut
tA ";e-'Pt thpirm np-'od';fqrM the-, economy is a subsystem of the-- e-WA-rofflillent and depends upon the-
e en4 both as a source of rmaw mate r:,,l sink f r waste outputs.
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'n^ Drin f Qn ''I S stainability
The ..;ty and „'t.. Wil P mot° ^ healthy, s community by:
a) Recogniz-i.g. --spee L4., and valuing cultural and social diversity.
b) Recognizing that social and culturmal inequities create- eaviroamental And ece-ne-mie instability.
b the basic health and safe~ needs of all residents are metm
d) Providing infTmastructufe- that will encourmage cultwally and socially divermse coninwnities to both prosper within
1.02 Principles of Environmental Sustainability
The city and county will strive to satisfy the community's basic needs now and in the future without
undermining 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; and
c) Reducing and minimizing the use of non-renewable resources.
1.03 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 levels 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 of jobs; and
c) Providing for and investing in a quality of life, unique amenities, and infrastructure that
attracts, sustains, and retains diverse businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
1.04 Principles of Social Sustainability
The city and county will strive to promote a healthy community and address social and cultural
inequities that create environmental and economic instability by:
a) Recognizing, respecting and valuing cultural and social diversity;
b) Ensuring the basic health and safety needs of all residents are met; and
c) Providing infrastructure that will encourage culturally and socially diverse communities to
both prosper within and connect to the larger community.
Rationale: Re-word to make more concise and provide more similarity among the three principles.
1.05 Community Engagement.
The city and county recognize that the quality of environmental, economic and social health
sustainability areis, built upon full involvement of the community..- The city and county wiWtherefore
mceg support the rights of and all community members to play a role in governmental
decisions, especially these that affeet ~heir- lives or- , through continual efforts to maintain and
improve public communication, afid-the open conduct of business . i addition, the c ty .,n ,.,,u t..., will
continue to suppoft progfams an „rovi and opportunities for public participation and neighborhood
involvement. Efforts will be made to use the latest technologies and techniques for public outreach
and input, remove barriers to participation and involve community members not usually engaged in civic
life. Increased 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 impact on;
or benefits to the community.
Rationale: Make more concise and add reference to up-to-date methods for outreach and input
1.06 Indicators of Sustainability.
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The city and county will establish indicators of sustainability specific to the Boulder Valley to measure
progress in the health and wellbeing of the community, environment and economy. The choice of
indicators will be based on their ability to provide feedback that will-support and strengthen efforts taken
to move achieve the community's4e sustainability principles in a reasonable period of time.
1.07 Leadership in Sustainability.
The city and county will apply the prineiples of sustainability to their- aetions and The city and
county will act as e iiuiity-innovative leaders and role models
for others amain striving to create a sustainable community that lives „scie- tiOHS as ..art Of the P,a ,et
and e stems , "habit an that are influenced by . actions. Through the;" ,,aster plans „lations
pokeies and pFegr-afns, the city and county will sstfive to c-r-eate a healthy, vibFant and sust-ai4fi-able,
for- fuwr-e g rat;(4r,r
Rationale: Remove concepts covered by sustainability policies above and focus on leadership.
1.08 Consideration of Environmental, Economic and Social Impacts.
The city and the county will consider social, economic and environmental impacts in decision making
for all city services, processes and facilities and in development review. the legislative aeeisio
making feeess
Rationale: Clarify intent.-
Plan Time Frame and Updates
1.09 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 capacity of the city to fund capital improvements, the growth rate,
and the desires of the community in regard to accommodating growth. Each five-year review of the plan extends the
planning period approximately five years.
In addition, gFE)Wth pFoJections to the year- 2010 will he-, 11';M *A RVA
3"alley gFE)Wth PFOJe-etiOnS W th r ^1 and c n-t wide p eetion 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.
Rationale: Alove Growth Projections info to Growth Projections policy 1.19-
1.10 Plan Update.
The comprehensive plan will be reviewed at least every five years for possible amendments to reflect changes in
circumstances and community desires.
Intergovernmental Cooperation
1.11 Regional and Statewide Cooperation.
Many of the most signif east 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, in4udifi other cities, counties,
unincorporated communities, the University of Colorado, the school districts, regional organizations and other
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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.
1.12 Policy Assessment.
The city and county will assess and be responsive to the external effects of their policies on other entities and
jurisdictions. The- Consequences and tradeoffs of policies will be considered before making decisions on them.
1.13 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 1 /I AnrV+l ilti it-al S staiRabilit~
The eity and county will promote- a viable agricultural e-eenomy for- the- Boulder- Valley and beyond by wedcin
tegethe-F and with the agricultural . ,:t..
Rationale: Move to Food and Agriculture Section and revised to provide more detail.
1.15 IntA_FgG /GrnmontaI Agreements.
The- city and county may enter- into intergovernmental other- municipalities and ageneies W-h
oro Ie £ ster inter-governmental plal,.,i - ration
Rationale: Rreferenced in 1.11 above
1.16 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 reasonably practicable.
Growth Management
1.17 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.
1.18 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.
1.19 Growth Projections.
In order to ensure that past and projected growth impacts can be better mitigated or avoided, Ai-Adto m^i"tai
the city will developset projections for population and employment for the yeaf 2 W O2 W O
twenty five years in the future.
eumulative - , . - th inVaets to an acceptable level and other significant conuilunity benefits can be
aehiev d. 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.
Rationale: [)?dated to reflect current context. Language about growth impacts is addressed in 1.20. New
text is moved from policy 1.09
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1.20 Growth Requirements.
The overall effect of urban growth must add significant value to the commnunity, improving quality of life. The city
will require development and redevelopment as a whole to provide significant community benefits and to maintain
or improve environmental quality as a precondition for further housing and community growth.
1.21 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 of jobs 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 industrial uses to residential
uses in appropriate locations, improving regional transportation alternatives and mitigating the impacts of traffic
congestion.
Framework for Annexation and Urban Service Provision
1.22 Definition of Comprehensive Planning Areas I, II and III.
The Boulder Valley Planning Area is divided into three major areas.
Area I is that area within the city of Boulder, which has adequate urban facilities and services and is expected to
continue to accommodate urban development.
Area II is the area now under county jurisdiction, where annexation to the city can be considered consistent with
Policies 1.18, 1.20, & 1.27. New urban development may only occur coincident with the availability of adequate
facilities and services and not otherwise. D°^^lMrnaster plans project the provision of services to this area
within the planning period. Area IIA is the area of innnediate focus within the first three years, and Area IIB is
available to accommodate development within the balance of the planning period.
Note: Is this IIA /IIB part still relevant? Staff will work on an assessment of considerations for
changing these descriptions.
Area III is the remaining area in the Boulder Valley, generally under county jurisdiction. Area III is divided into the
Area III-Rural Preservation Area, where the city and county intend to preserve existing rural land uses and character
and the Area III-Planning Reserve Area, where the city and county intend to maintain the option of future Service
Area expansion. (See Area I. 11, III Map and Policy 2.10 Delineation of Rural Lands.)
1.222- DrA_GI 6iGR of New Ir,norr E)rated PlaGes
The eity afld e0UH-t-Y Will E)PPOSe the e4ftbliShment of new iaeefper-ated eanmnianifies within the Boulder- Valley.
Rationale: No longer needed in the comprehensive plan; super IGA addresses this issue.
1.24 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 Section IV.D. 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, provided the county determines that the proposed development is inconsistent with the
land use projections, maps or policies of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan in effect at that time.
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Note: County staff is developing proposed revisions to this language to clarify the description and criteria for
new urban development.
1.25 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.
1.26 City Service Provision/ Location of Urban Facilities.
The city is an adequate provider of facilities and services. These facilities and services will continue to be supplied
to Area I, and the city will make them available to Area II within the planning period pursuant to the city's
annexation policies and Capital Improvements Program. 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, subject to county
review. (See Policy 3.02 Definition of Adequate Urban Facilities and Services.)
Note: Need to determine how this fits with specific policies below that were moved from section 3.
1.27 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, Area II properties along the western boundary, and
other fully developed Area 11 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.
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 considerations, 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 and/or 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
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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 allows 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 Subcommunitv 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, the
city, the Gunbarrel 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 Gunbarrel. If
resident interest in annexation does occur in the future, the city and county will negotiate new terms of annexation
with the residents.
The city and county will periodically analyze and evaluate- existing land Use FegUlaliEMS, zoning and processes, anA
b
compliance with the compr-e-hensive- plan.
Rationale: Covered in Plan Implementation description in intro. This could be referenced in procedures
as well if necessary.
1.29 Assimilation of Special District Facilities and Services.
Where the provider(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.
_
'I `2f1 PaR 'Rtegrafion.
A var-iety of eenffminit-y plans exist to g+tide day to day deeision making. The eity is eemmit-ted to aehieviag Ft high
level of eeefdination and integf-ation in development find implementation of the Boulder- Valley Gempr-eheasive
Rationale: Covered in plan implementation.
3.01 Provision of Urban Services in the Boulder Valley.
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 experience indicates that 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 3.02(c) 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 3.02(c) and the Urban Service
Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
3.02 Definition of Adequate Urban Facilities and Services.
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a) `Adequate facilities and services' for new urban residential development means the availability of public water,
public sewer, stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police
protection, urban transportation, developed urban parks, and schools based upon the criteria set forth in the Urban
Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan
b)`Adequate facilities and services' for new urban industrial and commercial development means the availability of
public water, public sewer, stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care,
urban police protection, and urban transportation, based upon the criteria set forth in the Urban Service Criteria
and Standards section of this plan .
c) The availability and adequacy of urban facilities and services as set forth in subparagraphs (a) and b) above will
be determined based upon the following criteria and as further defined in the Urban Service Criteria and Standards
section of this plan. eat P-4-:41A i 7A A ti A- 7As A- 4-: 41 r- i 14 i 0-as M-A d s @n,i e e- s a de-quaey wi 11 b e- ba se- d " an th @ fe 11 owing e F4@r-ia i)
(ii) C„f fie-ne` and je-pe-°" 1" b l;ty of fin neHi .T
(v) Pr-efieieaey of per-sefffiel
3.03 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 is contrary to the objectives and intent of the comprehensive plan and would be injurious to
the public health, safety and welfare because it would seriously impair the efforts of the county, which has
governmental authority and jurisdiction regarding land use control and development in the unincorporated areas of
the county, to implement the comprehensive plan through reasonable land use regulations.
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 3.11.
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 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 full compliance with policies 3.01 and 3.02 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's Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is a major program for funding an adequate range of urban
services and facilities within Area I and Area II as annexation occurs during the planning period. The Capital
Improvements Program, within the framework of a responsible budget of balanced revenues and expenditures,
schedules the necessary capital projects to ensure maintenance of an adequate range of urban services within Area I
and to provide urban facilities and services to Area II through annexation on a phased and orderly basis over the
planning period. The CIP is a tool to direct the location and timing of growth by coordinating and targeting public
capital expenditures.
3.04 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 Capital Improvements Program.
3.05 Growth to Pay Fair Share of New Facility Costs.
Since the public costs of annexation and developing several areas concurrently could prove excessive, the city will
limit said costs to those, which can reasonably be accommodated within the Capital Improvements Program and are
compatible with anticipated revenues. 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
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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.
3.06 Adjacency of Open Space/Utility Impacts.
The city and county will consider the impacts of open space management and utility installation on abutting
property.
3.07 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
3.08 Consistency of Utility Extensions with Comprehensive Plan.
The installation and extension of all utilities will be consistent with the provisions of the comprehensive plan and
with the responsibilities of the respective utility providers.
3.09 Efficient Extension of Utilities.
Nothing within the comprehensive plan will prohibit the city from denying the provision of utility services to any
property within the Boulder Valley for utility-related reasons.
3.10 Utility Provision to Implement Community Goals.
The city will consider the importance of the other objectives of the comprehensive plan in the planning and
operation of the water, wastewater, stormwater and flood management utilities. These other objectives include in-
stream flow maintenance, 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.
3.11 Out-of-City Utility Service.
In furtherance of policies 2.01, 2.02. 2.04, 108. 3.09 and 3. 10, and not withstanding Policy 3.03, 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 comprehensive plan goals. c)
Evaluate opportunities for cooperation with other utility service providers, in concert with the county, to further
comprehensive plan goals.
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Attachment C
4. Environment
All introduction language will be revised for the final draft - this just shows the existing language or
changes in progress, not proposed
The natural environment that characterizes the Boulder Valley is a critical asset that must be preserved
and protected. It is the framework within which growth and development take place. The ch), and county
recognize that the Boulder Valley is a complex ecological system and that there are inextricable links
among our natural environment, the economy, the built environment and community livability. The Boulder
Valley is an open system in that our natural and human systems are connected to the region as well as to
the entire world. The city and county acknowledge that regional and global changes can have a profound
effect on the local environment and that the local economy and built environment can have adverse impacts
on natural systems beyond the Boulder Valley.
The City Council has established the goal of becoming a nationwide environmental leader among
communities and a role model for exemplary environmental practices. The city seeks to institute state of the
art policies in prioritized areas for both the community and the city government organization.
Environmental priorities set by the City Council include reducing pesticide use, reducing waste and over-
use of resources by promoting re-use and recycling, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy
efficiency and water conservation, continuing our strong leadership in preserving native plant and wildlife
habitat, and strengthening our efforts to improve air and water quality.
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:
• Preserve and enhance biodiversity and native ecosystems.
• Protect and enhance the quality of the urban environment.
• Protect geologic resources and manage natural hazards.
• Protect and improve water and air quality.
eConserve natural resources and minimize waste.
The integration and coordination of other city policies and programs with these environmental goals is
essential to achieving a sustainable community. Boulder's growth management, transportation, and
community conservation policies and programs, in particular, are major tools for preserving habitat,
improving air and water quality, and maintaining a livable community.
Several city master plans further the city's environmental policies. For example, the city's Open Space and
Mountain Parks Department has adopted Long Range Management Policies. a -Visitor Master Plan and
area and resource management plans that outline specific actions for managing the preservation of the
city's natural and agricultural lands while providing a range of passive recreational opportunities for the
community. The Greenways Master Plan identifies opportunities for protecting and restoring riparian
habitat, improving air and water quality, and managing the floodways within the city. The various utility
master plans, including the Raw Water Master Plan, Treated Water Master Plan and Comprehensive Flood
and Stormwater Utility Master Plan provide specific implementation strategies that address the city's water
resource policies and goals.
4.01 Incorporating Ecological Systems into Planning.
Planning and policy decisions in the Boulder Valley will be approached through an ecosystem framework
in which natural regions like airsheds and watersheds are incorporated into planning and an appropriate
relationship between the built environment and air, water and land quality is considered.
4.02 Adaptive Management Approach.
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The city will employ an adaptive management approach to resource protection and enhancement. An
adaptive management approach involves ongoing monitoring of resource conditions, assessment of the
effectiveness of management actions, revision of management actions based on new information from
research, and learning from experience what works and what does not.
4.03 Gity eaa rshin in Rese urGe Conservation
strengthen city sen,tees, prmocess and f4eilities. The eity oFganizatien will comply fully with envirenmental laws and-
env4ownental standards will be a key factor in enVloyee- tfaining, permformanee- review and prmegra-m
educate employees to be envir-onnientally fesponsible.
Rationale: covered in police 1.07 Leadership and 1.08 Consideration of Impacts.
Environmental leadership info ivill be in intro to section.
4 W F=nyirnnmcnt;;l F=d- ir-afinn '°nrl Tonhnin;;l Accict;;nnc
engage The eity and eounty will pFemete public education and provide teehnical assistance about issues of local
and regional envifenmental eeneefn and seek to pFeteeting the quality of the natural and built enviromilentm
Rationale: Good policy goal that is being implemented in programs and other planning efforts -
too general for comp plan tiv/o specifics.
4.05 Menitering and TraGki
The city and eounty will eerAinue t iterming and evaluation of land, air and water quality an
will tfaek progress made- in maintaining and enhanein- 4 quality in the Boulderm Valle! 7
Rationale: This policy is covered in Policy 1.061ndicators and 4.02 Adaptive Management.
Presewe anal F-*-•~-ra~-inhaanGe Biodiversity and Native
uT-ra--y
Ecosystems
4.06 Natural 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, -acquisition and public land
management practices. The protection and enhancement of biological diversity and habitat for federal
endangered and threatened species and state, county and local species of concern will be emphasized.
Degraded habitat may be r-pe-stairme-A Aind- se-1--c-f-ed .-f
enhaneing native florma and fimna in the Boulder- (See Policy 2.05 Open Space Preservation.)
Rationale: Last sentence is not needed
4.07 Ecosystem Connections and Buffers.
The city and county recognize the bielegieal importance of preserving large areas of unfragmented habitat
in supporting the biodiversity of its natural lands and viable habitat for native species. The city and
county will work together to preserve, enhance, restore and maintain undeveloped lands critical for
providing ecosystem connections and buffers for joining significant ecosystems. These areas importan
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for sustaining biological diversity and viable habitats for native species and fer paets fro-m
developed lands
Rationale: Provides clarification
4.08 Maintain and Restore Ecological Processes.
Recognizing that ecological ehange isprocesses, such as wildfire and flooding, are an-integral topart-of
the functioning- 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, nk ecological
processes will be utilized maintained or mimicked ~r^*eet and enhance in management of
natural lands. ecosystems.
Rationale: Provides clarification
4.09 Wetland Protection.
Natural and human-made wetlands are valuable for their ecological and, where appropriate, recreational
functions, including their ability to enhance water and air quality. Wetlands also function as important
wildlife habitat, especially for rare, threatened and endangered plants and wildlife. The city and county will
continue to develop programs to protect and enhance wetlands in the Boulder Valley. The city will strive
for no net loss of wetlands by-A411 discouraginge their destruction or requiring the creation and
restoration of wetland of walan s, big-m'
igt in the rare cases when development is pennitted and the filling of
wetlands cannot be avoided. " °t' ^^a° vii " h-° ^ °^t°a OF degraded ` e-da-D a° 101411 be r-°°tOFed Rationale: Provides clarification of currentpractices
4.10 Invasive Species Management.
The city and county will promote efforts, both public and private, What prevent the introduction or culture
of invasive plant and animal species and seek to control their spread. High priority will be given to
managing invasive species that have, or potentially could have, a substantial impact on city and county
resources., ^r that ca reasonably be e"ected to be successfully contFolled.
Rationale: updated to simplify
4.11 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. Public lands may include areas for recreation, preservation of agricultural use,
unique natural features, and wildlife and plant habitat. Public access to public natural lands will be
provided for, except where closure is necessary to protect areas from unacceptable degradation or
unaccep able impacts to habitat and wildlife, or for public safety.
PFGteGt and EnhanGe the Quahbl of Urban
Environmental Quality
4.12 Management of Wildlife-Human Conflicts.
The city recognizes the intrinsic value of wildlife in both the urban and rural setting. The city will practice
promote wildlife and land use management practices to minimize conflicts with residents and urban land
uses while identifying, preserving and impfeving 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 full range of
alternative wildlife management techniques will be considered by the city and county in order to mitigate
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the problem in a manner that is humane, effective, economical and ecologically responsible. The- eity
- . !es the benefit of coordinating wildlife and wildlife habitat management with other- agencies an
that management plans should be for-mulated within a larger- ecosystem framewer-k.
Rationale: clarification. Last sentence is too operational
4.13 Urban Environmental Quality.
To the extent possible, the city and county will seek to protect the environmental quality of areas under
significant human influence such as agricultural and urban lands and will balance human needs and public
safety with environmental protection. The city will develop 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 not worsen and may improve. [Link to related Built
Environment Policies]
4.14 Urban Forests.
The city will support, -and promote and, in some cases, regulate the protection of healthy existing trees
and the long-termevefall health and vitality of the urban forest in the planning and design of public
improvements and private development. The city will encourage overall species diversity, -and-native and
low water demand tree species where appropriate.
Rationale: Revisions based on direction for heightened protection of urban forests.
Geologic Resources and M Natural
Hazards
4.15 Unique Geological Features.
Due to its location at the interface of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, Boulder Valley has a
number of significant or unique geological and paleontological features dhat -have been ident fi°a. The city
and county will attempt to protect these features from alteration or destruction through a variety of means,
such as public acquisition, land use planning and regulation, and density transfer within a particular site.
(See Policy 2.05 Open Space Preservation.)
4.16 Mineral Deposits.
Deposits of sand, gravel, coal and similar finite resource areas will be delineated and managed according to
state and federal laws. Mineral deposits and other non-renewable resources will be used with the greatest
practical efficiency and the least possible disturbance to existing natural and cultural resources.
County staff checking on potential wording revisions
4.17 Hazardous Areas.
Hazardous areas that present 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.
Question: do we need to keep this policy or is it -covered in 4.13 Urban Environmental Quality?
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4.18 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 degrading of views
and vistas from and of public areas.
4.19 Wildfire Protection and Management.
The city and county will require on-site and off-site measures to guard against the danger of fire in
developments adjacent to f Fests or gr-as ^^anatural lands and consistent with forest and grassland
ecosystem management principles and practices. Recognizing that fire is a widely accepted means of
managing ecosystems, the city and county will integrate ecosystem management principles with wildfire
hazard mitigation planning and urban design.
Rationale: Updated
4.20 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.
4.21 Flood Management.
The city will protect the public and property from the devastating impacts of flooding in a timely and cost-
effective manner while balancing community interests with public safety needs. The city will manage the
potential for floods by implementing the following guiding principles: a) Preserve floodplains b) Be
prepared for floods c) Help people protect themselves from flood hazards d) Prevent unwise uses and
adverse impacts in the floodplain e) Seek to accommodate floods, not control them. The city will manage
flood recovery by protecting critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain and implementing multi
hazard mitigation and flood response and recovery plans.
Rationale: updated to reflect Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan direction.
4.22 Non-Structural Approach.
The city 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 drainageway 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.
4.23 Protection of High Hazard Areas.
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-4 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. Compatible uses of riparian corridors, such as natural ecosystems, wildlife
habitat and wetlands will be encouraged wherever appropriate. Trails or other open recreational facilities
may be feasible in certain areas.
Rationale: updated
4.24 Larger Flooding Events.
Flood mana ement has historically focused on and primarily addresses the impacts of a 100 year flood
event. The city recognizes that larger- floodinefloods larger then the 100-year events will occur resulting
in greater risks and flood damage that will affect even improvements constructed with standard flood
5
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protection measures. The city will seek to better understand the impact of larger flood events and consider
necessary floodplain management strategies including the protection of critical facilities.
Rationale: updated to reflect Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan direction.
4.25 Drainage I tilitjL D- nnc
issues.
Rationale: city process - not needed in comp plan.
DrGteGt and Imr myee Water and Air Quality
4.26 Protection of Water Quality.
Water quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county will protect,
maintain and improve water quality within the Boulder Creek basin an Rein of Valley watersheds as a
necessary component of existing ecosystems and as a critical resource for the human community. The city
and county will seek to reduce point and nonpoint sources of pollutants, protect and restore natural
water system, and conserve water resources. Special emphasis will be placed on regional efforts such as
watershed planning an ^r^tectie and priority will be placed on pollution prevention over treatment..-
Rationale: Provides clarification [Donna - ok to remove standards part?]
4.27 Water Reso Ge Dlanninr+
The eity and catimy will wark together- and with other b
dity standards, water- resource allocations, and water quality proteetion progfams.
b> suFface and
ground water conse-Fvation, and evaluation of pollutant c,
Rationale: Incorporated into 4.28
4.28 Water Resource Planning and Acquisition.
Water resource planning efforts will be regional in nature and incorporate the goals of water quality
protection, and surface and ground water conservation. The city will continue to obtain additional
municipal water supplies to insure adequate drinking water, maintain instream flows and preserve
agricultural uses. seek to Milinim-liZe OF mitigate the- agr-icUltIlFall And ecom-A-m-Je impacts to
b
that pr-eteets a-nd minimizes adverse impaets to the mitmeipal water- stipply.
Rationale: Provides clarification. Removed operational and legal stuff. [Donna - are you ok
with how Bev shortened?]
4.29 Drinking Water.
The city and county [?want and need county here?] 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 f--'---Efdality of its Wate
seufees and will meet all State of Coler-ade drinking water- standards and saufee watef
. . memsemploy a system-wide approach to protect drinking water quality from sources waters to
the water treatment plant and throughout the water distribution system. it is also the goal of the ei
to meet seeendary dr-mk4ng water- standards established by the United States Environmental Proteetioli
Agency and te e-valuatead-d-ifien-A-1 voluntary standards as appropriate-. The city and ceunty will Ger "y
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seek to improve the quality of dririk4ng water- and work wiffi other water- and !and use interests as need
° the into- Tity and quality of its drinking water- supplies.
Rationale: Deleted general regulatory language, which in included in section 4.26 and added
language to incorporate updated treatment philosophy (industry standards) related to source to
tap comprehensive approach to treatment and to make policy more clear. [Donna - Bev
recommended removing more about secondary standards.. is this ok?]
4.` Q 2tnr Wacpr
The eity and eounty will protect the quality of its surface waters, meet all state and federal requirements fo-r-
storm ate-r- quality and evaluate- additional voluntary standards as
Rationale: Deleted this section as general regulatory language and non point source pollution
control in included in policy 4.26 Protection of Water Quality.
4.3 1 Mwnumurn Flow Program.
The eity will pursue expansion of the exisfing in stfeam flow pr- at with appheable law an
manage stream flows t in and aquatie osystems within the Boulder- Greek waters
Rationale: not needed
4.32 Surface and Ground water.
Surface and groundwater resources will be 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, and dewatering
activities. The city and eounty will eentinue to evaluate aquifers. groundwater reeharge and disehar-ge
areas, and sourees of groundwater- pollution within the Boulder- Creek water-sheds and formulate
iate- pollution and souree pro is. impacts to gT-ound water- will be considered in !an
use- planning, de-ve-le. nd public land management practices.
Rationale: Existing language describes implementation. New language was added to be
consistent with other policies and to recognize the ecosystems dependent on groundwater and
surface water resources and the interconnectivity ofgroundwater and surface water.
4 22
The- eity and county 1.A.41-1- 0 C-011401 both point and non po-int soll-r-ces, of wateF thFOUgh POI!UtiE)
onimproved land use eonfigtffeAiens, wedand detention areas, erosion eantfol and other-
constFuetion standards, standards to eontr-ol degradation of stye-anis and lakes eaused by storm innefff in
b Of d-i-F-P-N-A Of discharge, including those ofgrave
"+raetion and wastewater treatment f nilities
Rationale: Policy language already included in 4.06, 4.26, and 4.34
4.34 Wastewater.
The city will meet all requirements for wastewater- treatment undef its National Pollution Diseharge
Elimination System Permit and evaluate fidditional voluntafy standards as appropriate. The eity and eounty
syste-ins where niunieipal colle-etion systems are available or- whe-Fe- a potential pollution or health hazard
would be er-eated. The eit-y and eounty will suppoft the development of pr-ogfams to Monitor- problems
associated with failing (See- Policy 1.27 Annexation.)
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.
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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.
Rationale: Existing language addresses implementation not goal. Regulatory and eommuniO7
standards are included in Policy 4.26. New language is consistent with other policies and
recognizes sustainability goals.
4.35 Protection of Air Quality.
Air quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county will m^itain full
compliance with federal air quality standards an seek to reduce stationary and mobile source emissions of
pollutants. Special emphasis will be placed on local and regional efforts to reduce pollutants, which cause
adverse health effects and impair visibility. (See Policy 1.11 Regional and Statewide Cooperation.)
Rationale: provides clarification.
4.' nh~tC~Ag 5,n.5;
The- city and county will idenfil~, and iWiemenl cost elffective -Actions uhat vl'ill reduce the conuilunity's
P-e-n4ibution to total global b b A] is to be- in alignment with the- Kyoto
pr-otoeol tar-get of F-edueing gfeefthous - seven per-eent below 1990 levels. Redueing
integfation of land use, building eede, 4anspor-tation and energy supply peheies.
Rationale: Revise and move to Energy, Climate and Waste Section
The city and eounty will b planning planning,
into the land use and tF and traffic management PFE)eesses. Land use patte-nns fl-;At red-11ce watef polkAion and ai
water- Efdahl7y thfough water- quality Sur-es, stabilization of soils, appr-Opfifite fne-fliter-ifig Of
air pollution. The- eity and e0unty will promote tran ~gtes eneouraging low emission vehicles,
alter-natives to traditional fuels and travel in single occupant vehicles. (See Policy 6.15 impr-eving A
Q
Rationale: Not needed. Integration of planning for all city services should be emphasized under
sustainability framework. Water, air and transportation goals emphasized in community design
revisions.
w^onselwe Natural Reso irGe
4.38 Water Conservation. This policy will move to urban environment
sub section
The city and county will promote the conservation of water resources through water quality protection,
public education; monitoring and policies that promote appropriate water usage. T ov., ` ,^*°r use
. The city will
program designed endeavor to minimize water waste and reduce water use during peak demand periods.
New development and redevelopment designed to conserve water will be encouraged. fling
tee-hni eing, improved plumbing methods and fixtures, and effieient site design will also be
enceur used-(See Policy 2.42 Enhanced Design for the Built Environment.)
Rationale: Simplify and clarify.
3T9 Energy Conservation and arra Renewable Energy.
:J1 ~"~'rv-crcr-TCCrrc-vv-crn'r~~g
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The city and county will inVleme-rA policies and programs that enhanee- oppervanifies for individuals,
businesses a-ad publie oFganizations to limit the use- of non rmewabie energy resources by eofise-Fvin
energy and eonveFting to renewable- reseufees. The eity will set goals for- the use of non renewable- ener-g
ahat Are-- eensistent i.vith an order4y transition tp- A sustainable ene- -1 . a order- te preserve- fessi
fuels fi3r- fiaur-e gener-ations. The eity will supper-t pfiveAe decisions to use renewable energy, wili publiely
develop laeal renewable energy reseur-ees where eeenamieal, and will preserve future eptions fe
-F-Pa-Bee-A.A.'Bible- e-ne-Fgy SO that they may be developed when they becoffl-e cost efifi-a-c-ti
4.40 Energy- Effir+iont Land Use.
The eity and eounty will eneourage the- eonser-vation of energy through land use pokeies and regulations-
- . ig plaeement, orientation and eluster-ing of development and through housing pokeies an
regulations. The conservation ef mergy is served by the- develop-m-e-mt of me-re intense, I-A-ad- use- patteras~ th
. . a E)f recreation, emplayment and essential services in pr-eximity to housing, the develepment a
4.41 Energy_Cffinient Budding Design and GenstFuGfien Waste
11Ainimi~otinn
assisting buildings. The city and eotmty will continue- to mvrove- des, standards and regulations assurin
pFegrams will be sensitive- to the uni that invelve- historic preservation and low income- home-
groups these will eneatffage refievation ef existing buildings over demalition and will develop poheies Find b
4 471;;qtc Minii7atinn and C?cnvnlinn
waste that naust be landfilled. Policies will emphasize source r@duction, reuse-, eyeling an
eity by achieving a fifty per-eent waste divermsion level. Higherm goals may be set by 01- le~une` ftem time
to time- A,; it k de-e-,Me-d
'TT3 PFOrnoti'F"1g the Us••7e of Re Gy G!ed MaterGT1UTS.
b
Purehasing Policy that . I ~ets form recycled eonunodities, pi:omotes the prefermential purmehase o
able r sable r "1„1'10 and 0 ..allyviable,
Rationale: Moved to new Energy and Climate chapter
Minimize Use of Pollutants
4.44 Red di Gfien of U -Se and Safe Dicnncnl of Hazardous Mater
The city and county will wedE togethef to reduce use and efisur-e safe disposal E)f hazardatis matefials in ei
and co s, residences and businesses. laf-ofmation will be prmovided form businesses an
hazar-dous materials. Use of a hatisehold hazardetts waste ealleetion f4eility will be made available to all.
i °s-:~m-n,1 ent
cr.
Rationale: proposed for deletion because it is very operational.
9
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4.45 Integrated Pest Management. Will need to move to another
subsection and not be only policy under use of pollutants
The city and county will encourage efforts, both public an private, to reduce the use of pesticides
(herbicides, eetie des ,-,,.,,.:eides. eide-s and rode ticides)and synthetic, inorganic fertilizers. In its
own practices, the city and county commits to the use of integrated pest management praetic-e-,principles,
which emphasizes-the selection of the most environmentally-sound approach to pest management with-and
the overall goal of reducing or where possible, eliminating the dependence on chemical pest-control
strategies. When public or environmental health risks are identified, the city will balance the impacts and
risks to the residents and the environment when choosing control measures.
Rationale:
46 Outdoor I ightingl ight Pollution.
lighting eeaser-ve energy while providing for- publie safi?ty. The e4y will seek to provide a nighttime etwir-efffnen
that ineludes the abil4y te view the jar-k sk-y se that people ean see the Milky Way Galfe
from residential and other- appropriate eas. Measures such as using more energy efficient lights,
that the- level of outdoor- ligh4ing is appropriate- to the application, minimizing glare, and using
shielding techniques to direct light downward will be required.
Rationale: move intent of policy to built environment policies.
10
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Attachment D
Energy and Climate Action - new section
This intro language is still a "work in progress".
Changes in the dynamics of energy markets as well as the threat of climate change may
profoundly affect our local communities 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 Boulder and Boulder County with new opportunities to take charge of our energy
future and make greater use of local and regional energy resources.
Boulder's efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy are essential to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping reduce the severity of future climate
change, as are our efforts to promote alternative transportation options and a compact city
form. These commitments are reflected by recent and emerging policy and program
decisions, many of which are articulated in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the
Community Guide to Boulder's CAP.
The addition of this energy and climate section aims at tackling three interconnected
challenges facing Boulder and Boulder County: meeting energy needs, reducing greenhouse
gas emissions, and adapting to climate change. 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.
Policies:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
Energy-Efficient Land Use
Energy-Efficient Building Design and Construction Waste Minimization
Climate Adaptation Planning
Waste Minimization and Recycling
Sustainable Purchasing
4.36 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The city and county will identify and implement innovative as well as cost-effective actions that willto
dramatically reduce the community's contribution to total global greenhouse gas emissions. The initial
goal is to be in alignment v.44H thle Kyoto Protocol tar-get of r-e4aeing givenhouse gas _--lein
per-eent below 1990 levels. Re"ei Is fe"ifes mtegfatfan f 1PAid use, building ,
,M and ener-gy ply pelf
Rationale. Remove reference to Kyoto goal. Last sentence may be better referenced in the
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intro
4.39 Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy.
The city and county will implement innovative programs and opportunities for individuals,
businesses and organizations to reduce energy consumption and develop local energy generation.
The city will support private decisions to use renewable energy, develop local renewable energy
resources and preserve options for developing renewable energy in the future when they become
cost effective. The city will review and consider revisions to regulations to support on-site energy
generation, including solar and wind.-
The city and county will pursue an energy path that not only reduces carbon emissions, but also
promotes innovation, competition and economic vitality, and will set goals to ensure that the
community has access to reliable, competitively priced and increasingly clean energy.
The eity and eeun~y will implement poheies and pfagfafas that enhane 'ies ~af individuals,
energy and eenvefting to renewable feseur-ees. The eit-y will se4 goals fer- the ase of nan r-enewable
energy that are eansistent with an efder-ly tfansition to a sustainable energy eeenemy in order- to pr-esefv
fossil fuels for- future gener-ations. The eit-f will tte deeisions to use renewable efter-gy, will
&4r- r-P44Pv.':4Ne- energy so that the), may be developed when 44eybeeeme cost
Rationale: Include new concepts and provide stronger language.
4.40 Energy-Efficient Land Use.
The city and county will encourage energy conservation e€-enefg~through land use policies and
regulations governing placement, orientation and clustering of development. and t r-Ough hausin
pokeies and r-egulations. The eonser-vatien of e.-5.Y .'ed by the delvelopffiefft of more intense !an
Rationale: Remove concepts covered by policy 4.41 and in Built Environment chapter
4.41 Energy-Efficient Building Design and GonstruGtien Waste Minimiz
The city and county will pursueea tine th efforts to improve the energy and resource efficiency of
new and existing buildings. The city and county will eenti3ffle-te improve eet °,sta ds--an
regulations a r-i-ng 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 censure that programs assisting these groups are
continued.
development and eenst
(Rationale: Add energy efficiency for existing buildings. Move construction waste concept to
new policy.
2
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New Policy:
Construction Waste Minimization
The city and county will encourage renovation of existing buildings over demolition and will
develop policies and programs that promote the reuse of materials salvaged after deconstruction
in development find eonstFuetion ffnetices.
Rationale: Separate language from 4.41 Energy-Efficient Building Design into own policy.
New Policy:
Climate Adaptation Planning
The city and county will cooperatively develop and implement a climate adaptation and resiliency
plan to identify current vulnerabilities and determine strategies to protect the community against
the potential negative impacts associated with climate change. The city and county seek to
improve the community's ability to effectively and quickly respond to and recover from adversity
and disruptions.
4.42 Waste Minimization and Recycling.
The city and county will "pursue and support programs and activities that reduce the amount of
waste that must be landfilled-and encourages the pursuit of Zero Waste as a long-term goal. Policies
and programs will emphasize waste prevention, source r-edu , reuse, composting, recycling and
the use of materials with recycled content. it is ~he goal of the eity to r-e"ee solid waste pr-odueed in ~he
eity by achieving a fifty percent waste, diver_-Sion_ leve!. Higher goals may be set by City C- A- 114141 eu i A- M
Rationale: Updated to reflect current goals.
4.43 Materials. Promating the Use of ReGyGled Environmental Purchasing Policy.
reeyeling an-d reuse °f-Feeyelab e materials The city will er-eate maintain a relevaa~ robust
Environmental Purchasing Policy for the city organization that promotes the f°rkets f r Fecycle
purchase of recycled and compostable products for- en
and encourages consideration of materials, length of use, re-use and disposal options, as well as
cost when procuring materials and products and sefviees-that at:e durable repiir-abk-
reusable, r-eeyelable and eeeftemieally viable.
Rationale: Recycling is covered in 4.42. Expand policy to be about responsible and sustainable
purchasing that includes promoting the use of recycled materials but also includes additional
goals.
Relevant Links:
CAP
Waste Reduction MP
Built Environment Policies - energy efficient land use
3
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Attachment E
Local Food & Agriculture - new section
Intro language is still a work in progress.
A strong local food system can positively impact the health, food security, economy and
environment of the Boulder Valley and surrounding region. While there is a significant
amount of agriculturally viable land within the Boulder Valley, other areas within Boulder
County and the region offer a wider range of food production capacity. Some of this land is
owned by city and county open space. Due to the generally different land types owned by
county and city Open Space, currently vegetable row crop food production is occurring
primarily on county lands while the focus of city lands is on natural or organic beef
production.
Food choices and their method of production represent one of the most significant impacts
that humans have on the world around us. How the community feeds itself is directly
related to meeting economic, social and environmental sustainability goals. Access to safe
food, including locally grown food for all Boulder residents is a top priority for our
community. It is important that healthy food be available to individuals and families in all
neighborhoods, regardless of economic situation and location.
Roots in progressive food movements run deep in Boulder County and have contributed to
the dynamic and thriving natural foods industry. Many local restaurants specialize in
providing local ingredients in their food, garden to table processes have been developed in
local schools, and the demand for a year-round farmers market are all indications of
people's growing interest in and demand for locally produced food.
The following policies on agriculture and access to local food guide public policy and
decision-making to move our community toward a more healthy economy and one that is
food secure for all people, one that values agriculture and the essential products it provides.
Local Food Production
Agricultural Land / Support for Agriculture
Agriculture on Publically Owned Lands
Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System
Urban Gardening & Food Production
Access to Locally Produced Food
Local Food Production [new policy]
The city and county will encourage and support local food production to improve the
availability and accessibility of healthy foods and to provide other educational, economic
and social benefits. The city and county support increased growth, sales, distribution and
consumption of foods that are healthy, sustainably produced and locally grown for all
Boulder Valley residents with an emphasis on affordable access to food for everyone and
long term availability of food.
Agricultural Land / Support for Agriculture
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The city and county will encourage the preservation and sustainable use of agricultural
lands as a current and renewable source of food, feed and fuel and for their contribution to
cultural, environmental and economic diversity. These areas are important for preserving
the rural character of Area III. The city and county will 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.
New Policies:
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
The city and county will promote sustainable agricultural practices on publicly owned
lands and will encourage them on private lands. Sustainable practices might include food
production methods that are healthy, do not harm the environment, respect workers, are
humane to animals, provide fair wages to farmers and support farming communities.
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.
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.
Question: is there anything important to add here about regional economic viability of
agriculture?
Urban Gardening & Food Production
The city will encourage community and private gardens to be integrated in the city. This
may include allowing flexibility and/or helping to remove restrictions for food production
in shared open spaces and public areas and encouraging rooftop gardens and composting.
Access to Locally Produced Food
The city will support cooperative efforts to establish community markets throughout the
community and region. Such efforts include working to identify a location or develop
facilities to allow a year round farmers market and support sales of produce from small
community gardens.
Combined existing policies 1.14 Agriculture Sustainability; 2.09 Agricultural Land; and
5.13 Role of Agriculture into proposed Agricultural Land / Support for Agriculture Policy
Existing Policies:
1.14 Agricultural Sustainability.
The city and county will promote a viable agricultural economy for the Boulder Valley and
beyond by working together and with the agricultural community.
2.09 Agricultural Land.
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The city and county will encourage the preservation and sustainable use of agricultural lands as a
current and renewable source of both food and fuel and for their contribution to cultural,
environmental and economic diversity. The city and county will 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.
5.13 Role of Agriculture.
The city and county will foster and assist continued agricultural production in the Boulder
Valley. A viable agricultural economy is an important tool for preserving the rural character of
Area III and providing an opportunity to grow and/or market locally produced food, fiber and
horticultural products.
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