6A - Revisions to Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP)
CITY OF BOULDER
PLANNING BOARD AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: March 17, 2011
AGENDA TITLE: Proposed revisions to Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
(BVCP) policies and the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area
Expansion Process for the 2010 Major BVCP Update
REQt1ESTING DEPARTMENT:
Community Planning and Sustainability:
David Driskell, Executive Director
Susan Richstone, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Jean Gatza, Sustainability Planner
Chris Meschuk, Planner II
Sam Assefa, Senior Urban Designer
Marie Zuzack, Planner I
Please find attached the memo for the March 29 City Council study session on proposed revisions to
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) policies and the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service
Area Expansion Process for the 2010 Major BVCP Update. The purpose of the March 17, 2011
Planning Board agenda item is for the board to review and discuss the proposed revisions and any
recommendations or feedback the board would like to convey to City Council at the March 29 study
session.
125 Agenda Item 6A Page 1 of 118
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Osborne and Members of City Council
FROM: Jane S. Brautigam, City Manager
Paul J. Fetherston, Deputy City Manager
Community Planning and SustainabilitX
David Driskell, Executive Director
Susan Richstone, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Jean Gatza, Sustainability Planner
Marie Zuzack, Planner I
Chris Meschuk, Planner II
Sam Assefa, Senior Urban Designer
Molly Winter, Director, Downtown and University Hill
Management Division & Parking Services
Liz Hanson, Economic Vitality Coordinator
Elaine McLaughlin, Senior Planner
Housing & Human Services
Valerie Watson, Human Services Planner
Marc Cittone, Housing Planner
Transportation
Randall Rutsch, Senior Transportation Planner
Open Space & Mountain Parks
Mark Gershman, Environmental Planning Supervisor
Boulder County Transportation
Julie McKay, Planning Manager
Boulder County Land Use
Pete Fogg, Manager
Bill Davidson, Planner II
Denise Grimm, Senior Planner
DATE: March 11, 2011
SUBJECT: March 29, 2011 Study Session - Proposed revisions to Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) policies and the Area III-Planning Reserve
and Service Area Expansion Process for the 2010 Major BVCP Update
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this study session is to request City Council feedback on the following
items:
• Proposed revisions to Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) policies; and
• Proposed changes to the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion
Process.
The next step is to incorporate these changes into a draft plan for public review.
126 Agenda Item 6A Page 2 of 118
Part of the 2010 Major Update is to make the plan primarily Web based. For now,
however, proposed revisions are in Word, with redline/strikeout showing changes to
existing text. Proposed policy revisions are included in Attachment A for the following
chapters of the plan:
1. Core Values, Sustainability and General Policies
2. Built Environment
3. Natural Environment
4. Energy and Climate
5. Economy
6. Transportation
7. Housing
8. Community Well-Being
9. Agriculture and Food
A more detailed outline of the plan sections is provided in Attachment F. Key changes
to each section are highlighted in the Analysis section of this memo.
A policy briefing paper on the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion
Process is provided in Attachment B. It includes background, issues and challenges,
proposed objectives for revising the process, and potential changes to the process.
At the study session, staff will also ask for feedback on a draft design concept for a new
Web version of the BVCP document (Attachment C).
II. QUESTIONS
Are there questions or comments on:
Policy revisions
1. The proposed policy revisions?
Area III-Planning Reserve
2. The objectives for revisions or the revised intent statement for the Area III-
Planning Reserve?
3. The new thresholds and criteria for considering a Service Area expansion?
4. The proposed process, including revisions to four-body review?
"Web BVCP"
5. The draft concept for the Web version of the plan?
III. BACKGROUND
Update overview
After an April 27, 2010 joint study session with Planning Board, City Council directed
staff on May 25, 2010 to move forward on the BVCP 2010 Major Update with:
Two broad areas of focus:
1. Sustainability policy changes
2. Urban form/community design
127 Agenda Item 6A Page 3 of 118
Three main work plan components:
1. Sustainability policy changes
2. Urban form/community design
3. Land Use and Area I, II, III Map Changes
Council also asked for additional information on the Area III-Planning Reserve and
Service Area Expansion Process. Since then, the work plan components have been
carried out in parallel, with the BVCP Update process chart as the guide for key steps for
each phase of the update, public process and schedule (Attachment D). The update is
currently in Phase 4. This phase started in December and will continue through April,
and entails the preparation and public review of draft policy and process changes.
Phases 1-3
Phase 1 (January - May 2010) was the kick-off to the update. This phase featured three
major public events in the first quarter of 2010, as well as other outreach and input
activities and opportunities. Baseline information and discussion questions centered
around the theme of the update: "Sustainable Boulder: Creating Our Future." Phase 1
also provided the opportunity for the public to submit requests for Land Use and Area I,
II, III Map changes. In addition, a Process Subcommittee was formed with
representatives from the each of the four BVCP approving bodies to assist staff
throughout the update in planning the public input process and review by the four bodies.
Phase 1 concluded with council direction at its May 25, 2010 meeting on the areas of
focus and work plan components for the update, as well as selection of the Land Use and
Area I, II, II Map change requests to be considered further in the update and the request
for information on the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion Process.
Phase 2: Research (June - October 2010) involved staff research and analysis on the areas
of focus, the selected land use requests, and the Planning Reserve process and options. In
addition, interdepartmental staff teams developed five policy briefing papers:
Community Design, Social Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Local Food and
Sustainable Agriculture, and Energy and Climate Action. The papers were prepared with
the help of several focus groups and also incorporated Phase 1 public input.
On Oct. 12, 2010, City Council and Planning Board held a joint study session to give
feedback on the draft briefing papers and options for next steps on the Area III-Planning
Reserve. At the meeting staff was directed to revise the Service Area Expansion Process
as part of the update and potentially conduct a study of the Area III-Planning Reserve
after the update is complete.
Phase 3: Public Review (October - November 2010) was initiated after staff incorporated
feedback from the study session into the five briefing papers. The BVCP Update was
featured in three of five Boulder Matters events held from mid October to late November
2010. The three events were: Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010 at the East Boulder Community
Center; Saturday, Nov. 6 at Foothill Elementary School; and Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the
128 Agenda Item 6A Page 4 of 118
West Boulder Senior Center. Copies of the briefing papers were distributed (both
complete versions and executive summaries), and PowerPoint presentations were made
on Community Design/Urban Form, with instant audience input using "clicker"
technology. In addition, written comment forms were available, and staff was on hand
for one-on-one conversations. The input received on the BVCP at the Boulder Matters
events is provided in Attachment E.
Phase 4
In Phase 4 staff has translated the policy revisions proposed in the briefing papers into
draft text and graphic changes to the BVCP document. Planning Board provided input on
the draft changes on Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, 2011.
Also in Phase 4 staff worked with a focus group and Boulder County staff to prepare a
policy briefing paper on the Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion
Process (Attachment B). Planning Board and the Boulder County Planning
Commission held a joint meeting on Feb. 17 (prior to the regular Planning Board
meeting) to discuss and provide input on the briefing paper. Both the board and
commission generally agreed with the direction of the changes, expressed concern that
the threshold criteria for authorizing a service area expansion were not strong enough,
and that the county involvement at the beginning of the process should be stronger.
Ongoing Land Use Map work
In addition to work on the BVCP policies and the Planning Reserve Process, analysis and
public input on the Land Use Map changes has been ongoing throughout the update
process: draft parcel reports were provided at Boulder Matters; two neighborhood
meetings on three public request sites were held in the fall; and a public open house on all
of the proposed land use changes was held on Feb. 16. Information and input from those
meetings, along with staff recommendations on map changes, will be presented to City
Council, Planning Board and the county in the final adoption process, which starts with a
joint Planning Board/City Council public hearing on May 24, 2011 (see Next Steps).
IV. ANALYSIS
Policy revision process
Staff from numerous city and county departments participated in drafting revisions to the
BVCP policies. The revisions were primarily guided by the following:
• Plan organization outline and guidelines for editing the plan, discussed in general
at the Oct. 12, 2010 joint study session and reviewed by Planning Board on Dec.
16, 2010 (Attachment F)
• Briefing papers and Planning Board/City Council direction during review of the
papers on Oct. 12, 2010
• Public requests for policy changes (see next section)
• Public input since kick-off of the update
• Planning Board feedback on Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, 2011
129 Agenda Item 6A Page 5 of 118
Public requests for policy changes
In the public request process early in the BVCP Update, several requests for policy
revisions were submitted by members of the community. These issues have been
considered in the briefing papers and the policy analysis process. They include:
• Adding policy language to recognize and encourage home occupations. A new
policy has been proposed in the Economy section supporting people's ability to
work from home.
• Including policy language to recognize the importance of job creation and
regional competitiveness. Many of the policy changes in the revised Economy
section speak to these concepts, including: 5.02 Regional Job Center and 5.05
Support for Local Business and Business Retention.
• New policies and policy revisions to actively encourage, promote, expand and
sustain local food production for local consumption. Creation of a new policy
section for Agriculture and Food address many of the requested policy additions.
New policies were added on local food, sustainable agriculture and regional
processes. Many of the requested changes regarding agricultural policy will be
specifically addressed in other regional processes focusing on sustainable
agriculture practices and will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan or
other planning documents as appropriate.
• Adding stronger policy direction to adopt a "community benefit" standard that
would enable the city and its staff to more proactively encourage the provision of
affordable housing. Proposed policy revisions to 7.01 Local Solutions to
Affordable Housing include recognition that affordable housing provides a
significant community benefit.
• Revisions to the land use designation description for manufactured housing to
clarify the intent and more specifically address mobile homes. The existing
language of the land use designation description and policy 7.08 Preservation and
Development of Manufactured Housing address the concept of protecting the
affordability provided by mobile homes; only minor changes have been proposed.
• Consideration of a range of issues regarding social and economic sustainability.
Proposed changes in the housing policies speak to the housing-related issues, such
as occupancy limits and rental housing. Many of the issues raised were specific
programmatic or implementation actions that are more appropriately considered at
the program or master plan level; however, the new policies in the Community
Well-Being section provide broad policy direction and support the intent of these
issues to sustain all people in the communi , , especially the most vulnerable.
130 Agenda Item 6A Page 6 of 118
Proposed policy changes
The proposed policy changes are provided in Attachment B. Text proposed for deletion
is shown with strikeout, and proposed new wording is shown in bold. The rationale for
each major proposed policy change is shown in italics.
Key changes to each of the policy topic areas are as follows:
Sustainability Framework and General Policies
• Core values were revised to be much shorter and more succinct, as well as to
add missing concepts around innovation and active and healthy living.
• Sustainability policies were revised to make them more concise and provide
more similarity among the three principles.
• Updated the Community Engagement policy.
• 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, and condensed
the policy language.
• Combined Area IIA and IIB into Area II.
Built Environment
• Renamed section from "Community Design."
• Incorporated sustainable urban form definition.
• Strengthened descriptions of city structure elements, added new diagrams for
each element, and added public realm as an element.
• Added diagram and text on projected growth.
• Proposed removal of redundant policies and rewording to be more concise.
• Land Use Review and City Attorney staff have identified several policies in
this section that would be more appropriate for inclusion in the land use code.
One example is the design quality policies for private development projects:
these would be more effective for project review if they were converted into
Site Review Criteria in the code. For the final adoption version, staff will
provide draft code language for policies that are proposed to be codified and
show how the corresponding policies could be either generalized, narrowed or
removed.
Natural Environment
• Updated policies to be more concise and reflect current thinking.
• Proposed removal of redundant or obsolete policies.
• Moved energy policies to new section.
Energy and Climate
• Created new section for existing energy and climate policies (moved from
Natural Environment chapter).
• Updated policies to be stronger and reflect current direction.
• Added policy on climate adaptation planning.
131 Agenda Item 6A Page 7 of 118
Economy
• Entire section revised and re-organized to show key elements of sustainable
economy and strengthen key concepts.
• New policies added for: diverse mix of uses and business types,
communications, home occupations, and responsiveness to changes in
technology and the marketplace.
• Revisions to strengthen and clarify existing policies on redevelopment,
regional job center, funding city services, and partnerships.
Transportation
• Updated policies for clarification, separated policies with multiple concepts
and to reflect current direction.
• Revisions include adding language supporting transportation affordability.
Housing
• Updated policies for clarification, separated policies with multiple concepts
(specifically household types and housing types) and to reflect current
direction.
Community Well-Being
• Renamed section from "Human Services."
• Incorporated a broader, community well-being focus to provide more detail
around social sustainability by adding new policies on social equity and
public health and safety.
• Eliminated policies focused on 2005 Human Services Plan that have too
much detail for the Comprehensive Plan and are better reflected in the
master plan.
• Policies related to community infrastructure and facilities (parks, libraries,
trails) were moved from Facilities and Services section (eliminated) to this
section and include minor revisions.
Local Food and Agriculture
• Developed as a new section.
• Revised and combined existing policies on agriculture to be more concise.
• Added policies on local food, sustainable agriculture, and regional efforts.
Area III-Planning Reserve
On Oct. 12, 2010, City Council decided not to consider a Service Area expansion
(including the public requests submitted), and requested that staff revise the Service Area
Expansion Process as part of the update and potentially conduct a study of the Area III-
Planning Reserve after the update is complete.
Since that time, staff from the city and county have been working on revisions to the
Service Area Expansion Process, conducted a focus group in January 2011 for additional
input, and held an open house on Feb. 16. On Feb. 17, Planning Board and the Boulder
132 Agenda Item 6A Page 8 of 118
County Planning Commission held a joint meeting to review a draft briefing paper and
proposed changes and provided feedback for revisions. A revised briefing paper with
proposed changes is provided in Attachment B.
The key changes include:
• The development of a baseline urban service study that must be conducted prior
to any consideration of a service area expansion. The study is proposed to be a
factual based analysis on the requirements, feasibility, and costs to meet urban
services for various development scenarios in the Area III-Planning Reserve
intended to inform any future consideration of authorizing a service area
expansion. This pre-analysis positions the city to process a service area
expansion faster than the current process.
• A service area expansion may be authorized in two ways, to accommodate a
significant community opportunity (at any time), or to meet a priority community
need (during the mid-term or major updates to the BVCP). Both thresholds for
service area expansion include eligibility criteria for additional clarity and
direction.
• The overall process is shorter than the current process, with less steps and clearer
decision making points. The process to consider a service area expansion for a
significant community opportunity is shorter than the process to meet a desired
community need. The number of 4-body decision hearings has been reduced to
one.
Based on the identified issues and challenges with the Service Area expansion process,
six objectives for revisions were identified and revisions are based on those objectives:
1. Clarify intent of the Planning Reserve, including that incremental development
over time may be appropriate, and what circumstances would warrant
consideration of expanding the service area.
The intent statement is proposed to be consolidated and expanded to more clearly
indicate the Planning Reserve is an area where the city maintains the option of
limited expansion for urban development; clarifies that incremental development
may be appropriate over time; and indicates circumstances that would warrant a
service area expansion (significant community opportunity and priority
community need).
2. Keep the process changes consistent with the original policy direction from 1993
that the Planning Reserve:
A. Be used to meet community needs that cannot be met in the service area,
not fast additional land for development;
B. Provide for a broad range of community benefits that outweigh costs and
negative impacts
C. Expansion process should be a proactive, cith/county-initiated process
D. Be appropriately phased over time, to ensure adequate services can be
provided
The process changes are consistent with the original policy direction in 1993.
133 Agenda Item 6A Page 9 of 118
A. The planning reserve continues to be an area reserved to meet community needs.
However, a new threshold has been developed to consider the planning reserve
for significant community opportunities. Such opportunities are anticipated to be
rare, but would result in a significant, long-lasting benefit for the residents of
Boulder. Both community needs and community opportunities are predicated on
the finding that they cannot be accommodated in the existing service area.
B. The criteria for approval retain the requirement that a broad range of community
benefits outweigh costs and negative impacts.
C. The process has been revised to ensure it is a proactive, city/county-initiated
process, rather than reactionary. A service area expansion may only be
considered following preparation of a baseline infrastructure study (see D.).
Additionally, the desired community need threshold no longer begins with a
solicitation of proposals, but a proactive decision by the city, with input from the
county, that such a study of needs should occur.
D. The process is proposed to begin with a baseline urban services study prior to any
consideration of a Service Area expansion, to ensure that adequate services can be
provided. This provides the benefit of shortening the overall timeframe of the
expansion process, and positions the city to be proactive and more informed when
a potential expansion arises. If a service area expansion plan is authorized, the
plan must contain phasing and timelines.
3. Provide for• additional opportunities for• when a Service Area expansion can be
considered; more than just the 5-year major update.
The process has been revised to allow a service area expansion to occur outside of the
5-year major update. An expansion for a desired community need may be considered
at the mid-term or major update. A significant community opportunity maybe
considered at any time, based on the assumption that a decision on such an
opportunity would need to occur faster than a decision on expanding for community
needs.
4. Provide clear criteria for what constitutes a community need that cannot be met
in the Service Area.
A community need has been defined and criteria created to be able to analyze whether
a service area expansion should be authorized for a community need.
5. Provide a clear and rinderstandable process for considering a Ser vice Area
expansion, and preparing a Service Area expansion plan.
The process has been consolidated and simplified as much as possible. The proposed
plan text will clearly state each step in the process, how a decision is made, and who
makes the decision.
6. Provide for a more streamlined process that positions the city to respond to a
great idea in a shorter timefr°ame.
The new threshold of a significant community opportunity addresses the potential of
the city being able to respond to a great idea in a shorter timeframe. In addition, the
number of 4-body decision points have been reduced from three to one. The
134 Agenda Item 6A Page 10 of 118
remaining decision points are a 2-body process with referral to the Planning
Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
Revisions to other plan sections
Staff is proposing shortening and updating other sections of the plan:
• Subcommunity and Area Plans - Since these plans are already posted on the Web,
this section could be significantly reduced by summarizing each plan in a
paragraph and adding a Web link to each plan. Some descriptions, such as the
description on the Twenty Ninth Street Redevelopment Project, are out of date
and should be removed or updated.
• Master Plan and Program Summaries - Similarly, departmental master plans and
programs are on the Web, so the summaries could be replaced by a short
description and link to each plan or program.
• Land Use Descriptions - Land Use Review staff is reviewing these to ensure they
are still accurate.
Proposed changes to these and other sections will be included in the public review draft.
"Web BVCP"
The intent is to make the BVCP primarily a Web-based document. The Web version of
the plan will consist of a graphic interface menu, highlighting the three areas of
sustainability and their inter-relationships, and illustrating the primary focus of the plan
on the built environment. However, it must still work within the template, layout, and
content management system of the existing city website.
Staff has been developing potential Web graphics, layout and tools while the text is being
revised. The Planning Board reviewed and provided comments on draft concepts for the
Web BVCP on Jan. 20 and Feb. 17, 2011. The attached concept (Attachment D)
incorporates the board's input. A mock version of the BVCP Web page will be
demonstrated at the study session.
V. NEXT STEPS
Council input from the study session on the proposed revisions to the policies and the
Area III-Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion Process will be incorporated into
a draft version of the revised plan, which will be released online for public review and
comment on April 5. Staff will incorporate public input received by April 26 into the
final adoption version of the plan, and the public comment period will continue through
the May 24 public hearing.
Phase 5: Adoption begins in May with the following hearings:
• May 24 joint City Council and Planning Board public hearing, followed by
Planning Board action
• June 7 City Council action
• Boulder County Planning Commission and County Commissioners action
tentatively scheduled for July
135 Agenda Item 6A Page 11 of 118
The new Web version of the BVCP will be posted online as soon as possible after final
adoption.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Draft revised policies
Attachment B: Planning Reserve briefing paper
Attachment C: Draft Web design concept
Attachment D:BVCP Update process chart
Attachment E: Boulder Matters input on BVCP
Attachment F: Plan organization outline and criteria for editing the plan
136 Agenda Item 6A Page 12 of 118
ATTACHMENT A
1 Rn, 1Irlnr \/'Ile i Cmmnrnho n
Dlnn Dnlia'ioom
~ramewnrk
Core Values, Sustainability
Framework and General Policies
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is a joint plan between the city of Boulder and Boulder
County to inform and guide their shared responsibility for planning and development in the Boulder
Valley. This section of the plan sets forth the plan's core values and sustainability framework, and
provides overall planning guidance for intergovernmental cooperation, growth management,
annexation and provision of urban facilities and services.
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:
• Sustainability as a unifying framework to meet environmental, economic and social goals
• A welcoming and inclusive community
• Culture of creativity and innovation
• Strong City and County cooperation
• Our unique community identity and sense of place
• Compact, contiguous development and infill that supports evolution to a more sustainable
urban form
• Open space preservation
• Great neighborhoods and public spaces
• Environmental 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 make getting around without a car easy and
accessible to everyone
• Physical health and well-being
Applying a sustainability framework to decision-making in Boulder 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 this plan outline the future vision of the community, focusing on
the built environment and its relationship to environmental, economic and 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.
Rationale: The Planning Board requested significant revisions to the core values to eliminate
excessive wordiness and pare them down to very succinct bullets.
1. Core Values, Sustainability Framework and General Policies-
that providesto infiorm and guide their shared reVonsibdi~v for planning and development in the
137 Agenda Item 6A Page 13 of 118
Bouldef has a long tfadition of community planning. Most of the key policies that have guided the
development pattern in the Bouldef Valley have not ehanged sinee the 1977 Boulder Valley
GoaVr-ehensive Plan was first adopted, and many of them stem fiem long standing eemm-unity valties,7
place, city count~, cooperation, and keeping Boulder- a distinct, separate and compact conuntinity. They
Fepr-esent a clear-, aFticulate, vision- eff eiffll- and- offl-n-desir-ed development pattem ineluding:
b ~ eologieal and
social health.
*Commitment to open spaee preservation and the use of open space buffers to define the eemintmity.
*Use of Alfban gFewth boundaFies to maintain a compaet city (the boundaries of these
have " e t irtually unchanged since fir°r 10..01 . ~ 1 ; , 1977).
*Encouragement of compact, contiguous development and a preference for infill land redevelopment
as opposed to spFawl.
and safe , , and.
*Pfovisien of quality tir-banpublie spaces, pairksand feereation paths and other transportation
facilities that serve all seetor-s of the eemintmity and trails and walk-ways that connect the
f
unique and without sense; ofplaee; in BouldeF,ineludingSHPPOA.
sCommitmei+t to pFograms that support respect f-AF hu-m-An- dignity, human Fights and the i4_1_P-1_1_1.'SjA_4_1_ A4
all , sidents ; community an civic li f
A vibrant eeonomie elimate to maintain the community's diverse employment opportunities.
Valley Regional Cenler-) as a regional serviee eenter- of the Boulder- Valley and a variety of
stibeemmunity and b
eReeognition of the imper-tanee of theA culture of efeativity and innovation that engages and
, ,
and the private scientific and technology communities), that contributes to the economic vitalit~-
OC-0mvAitme,"t tA A diversity Ofhousing tm~Tes and pFiee ranges to meet the needs ef-the-Roulden:
Valley population.
Commitment to a balaneed multi modal t system.
innovative solutions to achieving climate action goals.
Sustainability -Framework
1.01 Community Sustainability- Principles
The city and eount), adept the sustainability pr-ineiples in policies 1.01 1.05 to ifiter-pfet and g~uide
implementation of tho Boulder-Valley G,,mpr-ehensiv 4l The city and county recognize that:
a) Mere are critical interrelationships among economic, social and environmental health;
b) Me 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 t4e-
economicy and environmental sustainability;
d) „lane 1 physic l deyel^""'°^r Tthe built environment has an impact on social, economic and
environmental- conditions and should be eonsidefed i planning; and
Y 11
138 Agenda Item 6A Page 14 of 118
e) Tthe quality of our environmental, economic and social health is built upon the full engagement and
involvement of the-our 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 .
The city an county seek to preserve choices for- without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their needs, and to anticipatinge and adapting to changes in ifigcommunity needs and external
influences.
1.02 Principles of Environmental Sustainability.
The-Fe -ai-e- liffi-its to the--, coapacity of the biespher-e tO supP014 the; 149- Af hlwww beings at Guvve-4# lepipa'k Af
a aa4pellutien_ There-, are-, limits to the-, land and seil AvAiL4ble, fi4r- food production, to availablo
watef, to fesetifees stich as tFees, fish and wildlife, to industfial fesoufees like oil and metals, and to the
ability of nature to absorb our alto
With this in mind, the eity and county acknowledge the impeftanee of natural eapital, whieh ean be kept
at healthy levels t~qr- the long term only when we; me able to 4e the following:
a) Renewable resources should not be used faster than they are recharged or replenished by t
.,t
should he iised v, 4th the greatest c-A-re -and- P-4ficienGy, and- SArAe, t4f ~h
Ahwuld_ be used- to develep renewable replacement-&-.
e) SI rite should not be dumped into ""tufe a faster than n ture can absorb it.
1.03 Principles of Economic Sustainability. a) The city and county will encourage a viable and balane
'#4q1P,41r-e and employment base vViah-in- the par-afnetens Af ea';uilhlished land use, envifofflfflnnemtaf
and growth policies.
e
healthy adaptable local e-conomy is; vit-Al tA_ the-, coffl=fjitys
b) The city and county Fecognize that a
a
ability to pr-ovide a highlY desirable quality of life, high levels of services and amenities.
e) The city and cotinty will pr-omete a diver-se and sustainable eeenemy that suppefts the needs of all
members.
4) The; city and county will seek: to en-ISIRFe t-h-At OVI-Iff-e4fit -Afe 4HAWAt ;'A"i-thplit 0,0 the; ability 0
future generations to meet their needs, for the economy is a subsystem of the environment and depends,
upon the e414"i4fo 4; 4HReqn-t bhoth _;4S -A S A-iffire e- A- -f 4--WA, HH-aterial inputs and- as a 8ink fialr- waste; eutpu
The city and eounty will p ote ha.,1tL,.. .le .-,:t.. by
a) Reeognizing, r-espeeting and valuing cultural and seeial divefsW 7.
c) Ens ring the- 1 asic health an safety needs of all residents are ""r
prosper within- ""l ~ Amt to the large,- G ":t<,
1.02 Principles of Environmental Sustainability
The city and county will shrive 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.
139 Agenda Item 6A Page 15 of 118
1.03 Principles of Economic Sustainability
The city and county will shrive 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 businesses and entrepreneurs.
1.04 Principles of Social Sustainability
The city and county will shrive to promote a healthy community and address social and cultural
inequities by:
a) Respecting and valuing cultural and social diversity;
b) Ensuring the basic health and safety needs of all residents are met; and
c) Providing infrastructure and services that will encourage culturally and socially diverse
communities to both prosper within and connect to the larger community.
Rationale: Re-word sustainability principles to make them more concise and provide more similarity
among the three principles.
1.05 Community Engagement.
The city and county recognize that the ^ ality of environmental, economic and social h€-alth
sustainability arei-s built upon full involvement of the community..- The city and county will-therefore
segsupport the rights of and eneoufag-e all community members to play a role in governmental
decisions, especially those that affect the r lives ^r pfepe t:~-, through continual efforts to maintain and
improve public communication and the open conduct of business. In addition, Tthe city and county will
continue to support programs and provide opportunities for public participation and neighborhood
involvement. Efforts will be made to use effective technologies and techniques for public outreach
and input, remove barriers to participation and involve community members not usually engaged in civic
life. Increased Ee-mphasis 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: Add reference to up-to-date methods for outreach and input
1.06 Indicators of Sustainability.
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. Efforts will
be made to develop indicators to measure changes related to elements of sustainable urban form.
1.07 Leadership in Sustainability.
The eity and eeianty will apply the prineiples of s;Hstainability to their- aetions and The city and
county will act as community leaders and step a-~4° of A-ur es serving role models for others
and-in striving to create a sustainable community that lives conscientiously a art of the planet an
S*°.NS . ° .,wAWt .,.,a thAt ° n4ue ee by Aur- actions. 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.
Rationale: Remove concepts covered by sustain ability policies above and focus on leadership.
140 Agenda Item 6A Page 16 of 118
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 decision
making recess
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.
growth in addition, problems and opportunities that could occur during this period, project long term inffastfucwfe ,
and eoar-dinate Boulder- Valley growth projections with r-egional and eounty wide . 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: Move Growth Projections info to Growth Projections policy 1.17-
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 sig„ificaP+ 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, including 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.
1.12 Policy Assessment.
The city and county will assess and be responsive to the external effects of their policies on other entities
and jurisdictions. The Xonsequences and tradeoffs of policies will be considered before making
decisions on them.
141 Agenda Item 6A Page 17 of 118
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 14 A g ult x.,1 Sust,inability.
The city and county will promote a viable agricultural economy for- the Boulder Valley and beyond
working together- and with the agFieu1414fal
Rationale: Move to Food and Agriculture Section and revised to provide more detail.
1. 15 inter-govemmental Agreements.
Rationale: Rreferenced in 1.11 above; city-county cooperation in core values
1.14 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
1.15 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.
Link to 2.04 Compact Development Pattern
1.4-8-16 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.
1.4-9-17 Growth Projections.
In order to ensure that past and projected growth impacts can be better mitigated or avoided, awe
maintain a desirable community size, the city will developse-t projections for population and employment
for the year 20 twenty five years in the future. D.-ejeete,r gr-evAh , all 1;„,;*°a aiffioiPflt
made in reducing the cumulative negative gfewth iWacts to an aeeeptable level and other-
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: Updated to reflect current context. Language about growth impacts is addressed in
1.20. New text is moved from policy 1.09
1.28-18 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 as a whole to provide significant community
142 Agenda Item 6A Page 18 of 118
benefits, achieve sustainability goals for urban form, and to maintain or improve enviromnental quality
as a precondition for further housing and community growth. [provide link to sustainable urban form]
1.21-19 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-cotmnuting,
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
1.202 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 1.169, 1.1829, & 1.23-7. New urban development may only occur coincident with
the availability of adequate facilities and services and not otherwise. Departme tal Mmaster plans project
the provision of services to this area within the planning period. ^ rea H is the area of immediate foc
;1vithin- the first three year-s, and Area RM is -avail-able; to aceemaiedate I'Vith-ill the-, WIABCP A
the planning period.
Rationale: The distinction of Area HA and IIB no longer serves any functional purpose.
When the Area I, H, III Map was developed, there was a significant amount of land eligible for
annexation and Area HA and IIB served as a way to control and pace growth to ensure
adequate urban service delivery. Now that a minimal amount of Area II land remains that has
not been served by urban services, the phasing tool ofArea HA and IIB is no longer needed
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 L II, III Map and Policy 2.10 Delineation
of Rural Lands.)
1.23 Preclusion of New incorporated Dlaces
The; eit-y and county will E)ppase t4e 4 ne-A, iaear-paFated com-m-H-144itio'; withi4; the- RAWdpar-
Va
Rationale: -describe city-county cooperation and intention of rural preservation areas to
remain under county jurisdiction in other places to emphasize the successful implementation
of this concept.
1.2421 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
143 Agenda Item 6A Page 19 of 118
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.
1.22 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 and are intended to remain under county jurisdiction. 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.
Link to Rural Lands Preservation Policies 2.08-2.11
1.26 City Service Provision,'Location of Urban Facilities.
The city is an adequate pr-ovider- of facilities and services. These facilities and services will continue to b-e-
supplied to AFea 1, and the city will make-, thewifin- tA- Area 11 within the, planning peFiad pursuant to
the city's annexation policies and Capital impravoments Progr-a-m. Due, to siZe, location and other-ani"o
tS, SE)ffle Cit)' f6eilities that do not feqtfif~ '11- f-11 .-ge E)f ufban seMees will be- located in.
Areas 11 and M, subjeet Ww. (See Policy 3.02 Definition of Adequate Urban Faeilities an
Serviees)
Rationale: Combined with service provision policies below
1.2-7-23Annexation.
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 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.
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
144 Agenda Item 6A Page 20 of 118
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 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 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, 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.
1.28 Consisteney of Land Use Regulations with the Comprehensive Plan.
The city and eounty will pefiedically analyze and evaluate ex-istifig land t1se ,
proeesses, and considering the Fights of aff~oted property ewfieFs, will make changes required to 1-;Fiiqlo~
said regulations into eempliance with the eempr-ehensive plan.
Rationale: Covered in Plan Implementation description in intro. This could be referenced in
procedures as well if necessary.
1.24 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.
1.30 Plan 1
Avariety of eemmunity plans exist to guide day to day deeision making. The Red to
aehie-ving a high level of eeer-dination and integration in develepmea4 and implementatien of the Boulder-
plans.
Rationale: Covered in plan implementation.
X1.25 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, 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. The city and county
intend that new urban development not occur until adequate urban facilities and services are available to
145 Agenda Item 6A Page 21 of 118
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 1.263.02(c)(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
1.26(b)4.02(c) and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
1.264,42 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:
(i) -All development include public water, public sewer, stormwater and flood
management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police
protection, urban transportation; and
(ii) -Residential development also includes developed urban parks and schools.
a) 'Adequate facilities and serviees' for new urban residential development means the availability of
medical rare, urban poliee protection, urban tr-aasper4atien, developed ui4mn parks, and schools based
upon the criteria set forth in the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this
plansubpaFagfaph (e) below.
c
availability of public water-, public. sewer-, steFmwater -aind fle-odd mianagement, ur-ban fiFe protection R4;d
emer-gency medical eare, urban poliee protection, and ur-ban tr-anspeftation, based upon the eriter-ia set
fafth in the Uirban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plansubpafagFaph (e) below.
be) 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 as fi]44h°r defined i•' he Urban Service
Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
of _fiaci liti es -A4; d sei-vi CeS adeqHaff 1111,41-1 be- :h a,;ead upon the following er-iter-ja: (j)
Responsiveness to public objectives
(ii) Sufficieney and dependability effi
(iii) Operational eff-eetiveness
(iv) Adeqtiaey of equipment and faeilities
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 comprehensive
plan or otherwise necessary for the city to provide another urban facility and service to Area I.
1.27494 Phased Extension of Urban Services/Capital Improvements Program.
146 Agenda Item 6A Page 22 of 118
a) The city and county agree that extensions, furnishing, or provision of less than adequate facilities and
services for new urban development ^„*r°3r to file 01~ ectives -and inwamt of the ^ Y°h°^°i«° plan aH
would be injurious to the public health, safety and welfare because it would seriously impairs the efforts
of the county's efforts implementing the comprehensive plan , which has govemmental authority an
. element the ^empr-e en4v° pla 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
31.23.
c) The city and county recognize that certain properties within the Boulder Valley have tiled 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 eemplianee with
peheies n, and 3.02a 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 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.
e) The eity's Capital impr-evements Program (C-1P) is a J a fef funding an adequate range elf
11 as anfle;xAtiA44 Ro-0,11ra; during the pla-
The Capita r,,,,,,.,,.,°ments Progr-a , The city will use the Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
process, within the framework of a responsible budget of balanced revenues and expenditures, schedilles
r pita r rote-na of auto 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. and to provide urban facilities and services to Area 11 through annexation on a phased and efder4y
basis ever- the planning per-ted. The CIP is a tool to direct the location and timing of growth by
coordinating and targeting public capital expenditures.
3-841.28 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.
1.293-.5 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 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
147 Agenda Item 6A Page 23 of 118
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.
1.30 Adjacency of Open Space/Utility Impacts.
The city and county will consider the impacts of open space management and utility installation on
abutting
property.
1.313-07 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
1.32-449 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.
1.333-W 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.
1.34-2-4-0 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.
1.35 Out-of-City Utility Service.
In furtherance of policies 2.01, 2.02, 2.04, 3.08, 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.
148 Agenda Item 6A Page 24 of 118
2 ME 0 1'1n
Built Environment
mainta
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.
Background
Four Elements That Define Boulder's City Structure
Boulder's distinctive `sense of place' and compact size did not happen by accident. Rather-, It has
taken many creative public policies and pragmatic planning decisions over many years to produce
and preserve Boulder's unique character and physical beauty i'°t"'° ing it to mawr- into
Vality eElements that define Boulder's city structure and n*T~~ °
support its continuing evolution to a
more sustainable urban form are described below. (Replace city structure map on page 14
with new diagram for each element)
149 Agenda Item 6A Page 25 of 118
1. Natural Setting
Boulder's Nnatural Ssetting defines its and Open Space Defines Ssize and Sshape.
Pefhaps--tThe two most important factors that shape the city of Boulder are its mountain backdrop
and foothills and its surrounding open spacegreenbelt. These natural features form a clearly-
defined edge that separates the built eityurban area from the open countryside. Creeks and
ditches have also shaped the layout of the city.
sal i i
i f
~r--r
' '
+----`---fi--------------+
1
rc I l
Mt
fl ~tr,~~~I 4
I ~ I` r
Natural Setting
Urhin Gr-th Area Main Creeks and Ditches
Greenbelt
fomhills
~2. Individual Character Areas
Different parts of Boulder are distinguished by their individual character. Individual
Character- Defines the Quality of BouldeF'S C-eHteFs and Residential NeighboFhoo - -
A thin' element of oulder's city structure is also defined by the individual character and
distinctive qualities of its different areas, drawing on each area's unique history,
development pattern, land uses, amenities and other factors. centers an
Fesidem-i-tial neighbor4io-A-d-s. d-e-4fi-4fles some areas, physical size OF ifitensity of
activity, and others b3z their ability to serve- special fi-mactions siuch as industry Some of the more
distinctive character areas within the city are: the downtown historic core and surrounding
pre-World War II residential neighborhoods, the 28th/30t" Street regional retail corridor,
150 Agenda Item 6A Page 26 of 118
the University and federal lab campuses, the industrial areas in East Boulder and
Gunbarrel, and the North Boulder neo-traditional/New-tTrbanist neighborhoods.
` I q
I
I ~
I q _ i
~ I I I
Mir rl
-t--- =k- 1
I
%NIN mn...ddr qn;n
Indlvldual {harartar Ar"5
Qownlown Hizronc Core ~ Pul1'r4xltl }oar 11 Hau}irrrl ® Neo-i radinonal~Nevr Vrbd nrr
■ Amianal gcl,ril Corndor Prr World Wnr II lion-.vq
Uni-wn .K{u-doand Federal Labs Induur. Areas
-23. Activity Centers
Activity Gcenters concentrate activities into nodes at a variety of scales.
The se „a element that sots Boulder's apart is the f rm an distribution of i ,.ommercial, -and
entertaimnent, educational and civic areuscenters .
144:0-e l; Strip ee fiteFS OF ShOp..;.,,.malls, they are focused in concentrated nodes of activities at a
variety of scales distributed throughout the community.
At the highest level of intensity are the city's three regional centers. They form a triangle at
Boulder's geographic center: the Historic Downtown, the Boulder Valley Regional Center
(BVRC), and the University of Colorado (CU) with the University Hill business district,. The
University Hill Business District which also serves as a neighborhood center for the surrounding
151 Agenda Item 6A Page 27 of 118
neighberkeedarea. Each ^+these, regional centers has a distinct function and character's
„ the- C-0,444A ^r°^ p'°H° 444a Dr^n,^m° They all, provides a wide range of activities.
and draws from the entire city as well as the region.
The next tier of intensity is SttbeanHrrunity and neighborhood activity centers-. f0tffl a SeeOfi'
tier- of eenter-s that foraus i:etail and sewvice activities at loeations that are easily aecessible; to
surrounding residential neighborhoods and form focal points within or- adjacent to establishe
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, i 0arby neig bOf- ^^E'° and
are easily accessible from surrounding areas by foot, bike and transit.
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152 Agenda Item 6A Page 28 of 118
4. Mobility Grid
Boulder's `Mmobility Ggrid' Defines important inter-seetions and Corridors interconnects
the city.
Finally, Boulder's `mobility grid,'-the system of readwaysstreets, alleys, transit corridors,
bike-ways; and multi-use and greenway paths-interconnects tithe city and both serves and
reflects the city's land use pattern. together- Networks for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians
and transit-sometimes shared, sometimes separate-overlay the city and creates a lacework
of movement between and within .,regional centers, neighborhood centers, and residential
and employment areas ocated.- Major- transit ^ r-ri a^r,; ^ eet the City to the
gion;
Y stfeets, high ff equency tf ansit eor-fidor-s, and major- bikeways connect the eity wi
itself-, and tFails and paths eonneet the eity to its fiatufal . In general, the western
historic neighborhoods of the city have a fine-grained, walkable and bikeable street grid,
whereas other parts of the city, for example, East Boulder, have larger, more car-oriented
super-blocks. Over time, the city seeks to extend a more pedestrian and bike-friendly
mobility grid to all parts of the community.
Rationale: Point out need to improve mobility in some parts of city.
a
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Mobility Grid
Exlum9 Gild Illuserh[ion
Future Potential &id II luslration
Ci[y limn t
153 Agenda Item 6A Page 29 of 118
5. The Public Realm
The public realm provides key functions and strongly influences character and aesthetics.
The public realm includes the city's streets, sidewalks and paths, ditches, parks, plazas and
other urban outdoor spaces. It comprises 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: transportation, passive and
active recreation, gathering places, opportunities to connect to nature, enhancement of air
and water quality, and mitigation of urban heat island effects.
Rationale: Acknowledge and explain important role of public realm in sustainability,
livability, functionality and aesthetic of city.
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Over 347% of land
in the public realm
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Public Realm
Public Realm Area
c. C, ity Limit•
The eemm:unity design policies st..' --te a balanee between the commitnivy goal
154 Agenda Item 6A Page 30 of 118
b
enhanced quality of life-.
Rationale: Redundant with introduction at beginning of section.
Projected Growth
This diagram illustrates where housing and jobs could be added within the city service area
through development of vacant parcels and redevelopment of properties under current
plans and regulations. 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.
Rationale: Members of the puhlic found this illustration to he useful for understanding
where growth will occur and supported including it in the plan.
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e Projected Employment'
Prajected dwelling Units'
' Ba;.v1 w%i cUrrNM HVCP anJ Zmig
155 Agenda Item 8A Page 31 of 118
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 activities that are allowed in each area of the city; and the
design and intensity of development 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 components:
Compact:
• A compact development pattern with density in appropriate locations to create and
support viable, long term commercial opportunities and high frequency public
transit.
Connected:
• An integrated multimodal system with abundant, convenient 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 natural systems.
Complete:
• Daily needs within easy access from home, work or school 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.
• A public realm that is beautiful, well-used and enriched with art, trees and
landscaping.
• Buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure that protect natural systems,
minimize energy use, urban heat island effects and air and water pollution, and
support clean energy generation.
• Preservation of agriculturally significant lands, environmentally sensitive areas and
historic resources.
Inclusive:
• A diversity of employment, housing types, sizes and prices, 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 and power-ful cominunity identity and sense of place that is recognized enjoyed by
the-residents of the Boulder Valley and characterized by its the community's setting and history
will be respected by policy decision makers.
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-a distinct
community identitiesy for- the city.
156 Agenda Item 6A Page 32 of 118
The, city and county )NIe;d desigJ4 Of I-IFban areas, FUF_RJ_ ;Ifid- the; region
compaet CORMHUnifies, vital activity eeflter-s, preservation of efitical natuf A areas and ,
appr-epfiate conneetion of tfail systems, efficient malti modal tfavel eeffidefs, a balanced
physical and social resources.
Rationale: Redundant with policies detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
2.04 Compact Land Development Pattern..
The city and county will, by implementing the comprehensive plan, 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 within the Boulder Valley.
The city prefers redevelopment and infill as compared to development in an expanded service
area in order to prevent urban sprawl and create a compact community.
2.05 Open Space Preservation..
The city and county will permanently preserve lands with open space values as permanent open
sby 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.
2.06 Design of Community Edges and Entryways..
Well-defined edges and entryways for the city's boundafies- 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 or heavy tree planting can also function as
community edges. As new areas are developed, the definition of a community edge will be a
design priority. Major entryways into the Boulder Valley will be identified, protected and
enhanced.
Rationale: Combine with 2.07.
2.07 Design of Major- Entr-yways.
N4ajer- entryways inte the, Will be i&fltified, PFA_tPQ0_#P_,t_4 ;-44-4-t-4 PQ4fl_1;_R_4fl_0_-PVd_ if; A_F4C-F 4)
emphasize and preserve- the natural setting and appearance of the community. Patur-e strip
Rationale: Combine with 2.06 and move last sentence to 2.42 Enhanced Design for
Private Sector Projects.
Rural Lands Preservation
2.08 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.
157 Agenda Item 6A Page 33 of 118
-2.09 A „1+,,...,1 T and
The, city and county will eaeoarage; the pre;s on, at ion- And sustainable use of gr-icultuf A lands R's P
eeffet4 and fenewable soufee of both food and fuel and faf theiiF contr-ibetion to Cultural-,
envifonmental and eeonomic divefsity. The eity and county will encourage- the protection e
ekisting Elitrah systems, thfough a variety of means, which may inelude pUblic aCEtUisitiOn, lafl
use planning, n sale or- lease of ""r'r for agricultur-alase. , (See Policy 5.13 Role o
Rationale: Move to new Local Food and Agriculture section of Environment
chapter.
2.10 -Delineation of Rural Lands..
Area III consists of the rural lands in the Boulder Valley, outside 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 (RPA) or the Area III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA). The
boundaries of these two areas are shown on the Area III-Rural Preservation Area and Area I, 11,
III Map. The more specific Area III land use designations on the comprehensive plan map
indicate the type of non-urban land use that is desired as well as recognize those county
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-terns 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: rural 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 III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA) is that portion of Area III with rural land uses where
the city intends to maintain the option of limited Service Area expansion. The Area III-Planning
Reserve Area classification maintains both rural preservation and urban development options
until the city and county decide the ultimate desired land use. 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, and significant agricultural lands, the feasibility of
efficient urban service extension, and contiguity to the existing Service Area, which maintains a
compact community.
2.11 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
158 Agenda Item 6A Page 34 of 118
densities to appropriate urban settings where the negative impacts of growth can be better
mitigated or avoided.
Neighborhoods
2.12 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, 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 business areas.
2.13 Support f6f Residential Neighbefhoods.
in its community design planning, the city will support and strengthen its residential
neighbor-hoods. The eity will seek appropriate b:uilding seale and eonVatible ehapt-aette-_v eff new
sensitively designed and sized rights of way.
Rationale: Combine with 2.14.
2.14 Preservation and Support for Residential Neighborhoods
Char-actef,
The city will work with neighborhoods to protect and enhance neighborhood character and
livability (rom 2.39 The city will eneo rage th and preserve the
Fe-flecte i the development pafferr ^„drelative affordability of 4w existing housing stock4n
Boulder's °a neizgl "eFheeds The city will seek appropriate building scale and compatible
character ine€new development or redevelopment, appropriately sized and sensitively designed
streetsand sized fights of way and desired public facilities and mixed commercial uses. The city
will also encourage neighborhood schools and safe routes to school. (See Policy 239
Sensitive infill and Redevelopment and Policy 2.42 Enhanced Design f6r- the Railt Envifeament.)
Rationale: Combine with 2.13 and part of 2.39. Special reference to 2.42 doesn't seem
necessary. Neighborhood schools are addressed in Community Well-Being policy 3.23,
but Planning Board suggested referencing in this chapter as well.
2.15 Accessory Units..
Consistent with existing neighborhood character, accessory units will be encouraged in order to
increase 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.
2.16 Preservation of Existing Residential Uses..
Existing, legally established residential uses in non-residential zones will be preserved or
replaced in kind; and non-residential conversions in residential zoning districts will be
discouraged, except where there is a clear benefit or service to the neighborhood. (See Policy 7.07
Pr-eser-ve Existing Housing Steek.)
Rationale: Replace text cross-references with hyperlinks.
2.17 Protection of Residential Neighborhoods Adjacent to Non-residential Zones..
159 Agenda Item 6A Page 35 of 118
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.
2.18 Mix4we 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 mixes 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 in-erder--to ensure
compatibility, accessibility and appropriate transitions between land uses that vary in intensity
and scale.
2.19 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.
20 Designof Newly _Developing reds
The, coity will encourage a neighbor-hood eeneept _AOr neCv., development that ilic-011HR.'; A A'7;4fiety 0
residential densities, Opper-amities for shopping, near-by support services and eenvenien4ly-,ited
Rationale: Move to Quality in the Design of Development and Redevelopment Projects
section below.
Mixed Use and Higher Density Development
2.21 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. reviewing
mixed use pr-Eqeets, the eity will consider- impaets to adjaeent fleighbofhoods. (See Poheies 5.06,
5.07 and 6. 10. The city will consideF through an area planning process that engages the publie
and addfesses such to adjacent neighbor-hoo
Rationale: Combine with 2.26 Mixed Use and Higher Density Housing and 2.22
Incentives for Mixed Use. Incorporate implementation processes into Implementation
Chapter. Replace text cross-references with hyperlinks.
2.22 Incentives for Mixed Use,
Thev City Will PEON410 and remove regulatery bmfiet:s to eaceuFage- mixed use
development wher-e and when appropriate-. This could ineltide public, pr-ivate partnerships
planning, design or- development; density benu-se-S tied- to housing and ethe F
Agenda Item 6A Page 36 of 118
„tom
Rationale: Combine with 2.21. Remove "density bonuses tied to affordable housing
and other zoning incentives. "
Subcommunity and AFea Plan
2.23 Subcommunities as Building Blocks for- Planning.
WhiGh GOHtFibatO tO thOif- livability and enjoymont, will be; planne-4 so that, in time, they
41 tlo,.olOp ffeaS Of.-eCO+.,iZable Pl,..s:Cal -Rd- :.lor r:t,r
2.24 Suppeft Services for- Subeemmunities.
in eaeh of the subcommunities, the city and county will eneoufage the develepffleI4 of shopping
and community facilities and asseeiated pr-ogr-ams that are tailoFed to the pat4icular- needs of tha
subcommunity, such as child rare, schools, parks and re-creation, librar-y, and transit facilities an
pregEaffi-S. Thew A-vailability, jecation, aceessibility and design- of these facilities and pregFams will
f star self sufficiency i day to days support servi-1.
Subeemmunity and area planning and other efforts will be geafed toward defining the acceptable
design adequately mitigate ets and enhance the benefits of additional infill an
redevelopment.
Rationale: Incorporate planning processes in 2.23-2.25 into Implementation Chapter.
Policy on ensuring that services and facilities are close to where people live and work is
articulated elsewhere. Move infill and redevelopment policy to 2.39 Sensitive Infrll and
Redevelopment.
housing 2.26 Mixed Use and Higher Density Housing.
The eity will eensider- mixed use and higher- density
along eef4aift multi modal eerfidofs
t , 1 't,., 'tt'rcr ,
cc°~gT~~tr$ct~~ v~rrar'
crr", and r6Aixpu 1m'zT~~-r thsurrounding area.
Rationale: Combine with 2.21 Mixed Use and Higher Density Development.
Activity Centers
2.27 Variety of Activity Centers-
The city and county support a variety of regional, subcommunity and neighborhood activity
centers where people congregate for a variety of activities such as working, shopping, going to
school or day care, accessing human services and recreating
seales regional, sub kd neighbor-hood are key elements of the over-all eity
st.., e, ur-e (soo EleaseFipti,,., at the, be-ginning of this „i apter) Activity 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. Good multi-modal connections to and from activity centers and accessibility for people of
all ages and abilities will be encouraged. (See Policy 6. 10 MeltiMOdal Deve!E)f)Me t
Rationale: Role of activity centers in city structure is described in City Structure
section above. Replace text cross-references with hyperlinks.
2.28 Role of the Central Area-
The central area will continue as the regional service center of the Boulder Valley for office,
retail, financial, governmental, medical, cultural and university activities. As such, it will remain
161 Agenda Item 6A Page 37 of 118
the primary activity center and focal point of the Boulder Valley. The central area includes
distinct, interrelated activity centers such as the Downtown Business District, University of
Colorado, Canyon Boulevard Cultural Corridor, and Boulder Valley Regional Center. A variety
of land uses surrounds these activity centers, and transportation alternatives provide direct
connections between them.
Urban Design Linkages
2.29 Urban Open Lands,
Open lands within the fabric of the city constitute 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 enviromnent.
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, bike pedest-rian eenneetions a enhancement of community character and
aesthetics.
2.30 Boulder Creek, "Tributaries and Ditches as Important Urban Design Features,
Boulder Creek, an4-its tributaries and irrigation ditches will serve as unifying urban design
features for the community. Ax';rh;., m af^ti''° appFepr-iatie s *The city and county will support
the preservation or reclamation of the creek corridors for natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat and
cultural resources; for recreation of trai-lsand bicycle and pedestrian transportation; to provide
flood management; to improve air and water quality; and to provide a contrast to urban
development. Trail Path development will be sensitive to the ecology, terrain and privacy of
adjacent residents and surroundings.
Rationale: Acknowledge role of ditches. All policies and programs depend on available
appropriations.
2.31 Commitment to a Walkable and Accessible City..
The city and county will promote the development of a walkable and accessible city by
designing neighborhoods and business areas to provide easy and safe access by foot to places
such as neighborhood centers, community facilities, transit stops or centers, and shared public
spaces and amenities. The city will consider additional neighborhood-serving commercial
areas where appropriate and supported by the neighbors they would serve.
New Policy: Improve Mobility Grid
The walkability, bikeability 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 transportation planning and will
occur through both public investment and private development.
Rationale: Acknowledge need to improve walkability, bikeability and transit in certain
parts of city and involves coordination of land use and transportation..
2.32 Trail Corridors/L,inkages-
In the process of considering development proposals, the city and county will encourage the
development of paths and trails and tr-ail where appropriate for recreation and
transportationuses, such as walking, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding., S^ aS tO pr-Ovi ed
variety of alter-native recreation and tfanspor-tat o Implementation of swill
be achieved through the coordinated efforts of the private and public sectors.
162 Agenda Item 6A Page 38 of 118
Community Conservation
2.33 Preservation of Historical and Cultural Resources,
The city and county will identify, evaluate and protect bHuildings, structures, objects,
districts, ad-sites and natural features of historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural
significance with input from the community. •_»"'h° idemit:n°a and pr-ote to The- City -an-
landmark buildings and districts, d_s.i,5.. p4lie impfevements and othef tools. Proteetion
will be requifed by the eity when a proposed action by a public entity involves a potential
The city and county will seek Pprotection of inVor-ta significant resources
through local designation 4. it ^'^^b° Seug t by the eit~, when a proposal by the private sector is
subject to involves discretionary development review site review, use review,
Rationale: Add "structures," "objects" and "natural features." Acknowledge
importance of community input. Move tools to 2.37Historic Preservation/
Conservation Tools. Strengthen 'protection "by specifying "local designation." The
code, not policy, should specify development review types. Convert passive wording to
active.
2.34 Leadership in Preservation: City- and County-Owned Resources.
The city and county will evaluate their publicly owned properties to determine their historical,
architectural, archaeological or cultural significance. Eligible resources will be protected through
local designation. Secondary structures that are part of and convey the cultural significance of a
site, such as a farm complex and alley structure, should be retained/- and preserved as well.
2.35 Historic and Cultural Preservation Plan,
The city and county will develop a Boulder Valley-wide preservation plan in order to: integrate
historic preservation issues into the comprehensive plan; to-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.
2.36 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 mMap 7 on page; 1 shows areas with designation
potential, along wit as well as areas that are already designated as historic districts. There are
also many individual buildings of landmark quality both within and outside of these eligible
areas. The; city will continue to identif-y additional potential historic disti4ets, individual pr-opeFties
. Additional
historic district and landmark designation will be encouraged.
Rationale: Replace page numbers with hyperlinks. Broad policy to identify historic
resources covered in 2.33; this policy should focus on districts and landmarks.
2.37 Historic Preservation/Conservation Tools,
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 incentives programs, designation of landmark buildings and districts, design review,
and public improvements. 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
163 Agenda Item 6A Page 39 of 118
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.
Rationale: Move tools list from 2.33.
2.38 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, street and alleyscapes,
railroad rights-of-way, and designed landscapes.
Design Quality
2.39 Sensitive Infill and Redevelopment,
With little vacant land remaining in the city, most new development will occur through
redevelopment. 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 in order- o avoid or adequately mitigate negative impacts and
enhance the benefits of additional infill and redevelopment (moved fi°om policy 2.25). OveFall,
^fi" and r-ede elop ent will be expected to „ ide significant benefits to the community and the
individual neighborhoods. The city will also develop tools, such as neighborhood design
guidelines, to promote sensitive infill and redevelopment. The city will .,,Ark with noigh orhoods
(add hyperlink to Policy 1.20)
Rationale: Combine with 2.25 Subcommunity and Area Planning. Acknowledge city
build-out and future growth through redevelopment. Requirement for redevelopment
to provide significant benefits covered in General Policies: 1.20 Growth Requirements.
Move last sentence to 2.14 Preservation and Support for Residential Neighborhoods.
New policy number - 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.
Rationale: Move from Neighborhoods section (was policy 2.20). Add explicit reference
to providing housing for all incomes.
2.40 Physical Design for People,
The city and county will take all reasonable steps to ensure that new public and private
development and redevelopment, public as well as , be designed in a manner that is
sensitive to social, physical health and emotionalpsychological 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.
New Policy: Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
The city and county will strive to ensure that capital improvements and private
development locate and design buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure to protect
natural systems, minimize energy use, urban heat island effects and air and water pollution,
and support clean energy generation.
Rationale: Articulate importance of considering environmental factors and natural
systems in urban areas and incorporating green infrastructure and potential for clean
energy.
164 Agenda Item 6A Page 40 of 118
New Policy: Importance of 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 and provide aesthetics, comfort and
environmental benefits for the public realm.
Rationale: Articulate importance of street trees and streetscape and their
maintenance.
New policy number - Outdoor Lighting/Light Pollution,
The city and county will encourage the efficient use of outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution
and conserves 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.
Rationale: Move from Environment chapter (was 4.46).
2.41 Design Excellence for Public Projects,
Public projects bear a special responsibility to exhibit design excellence. The city and county will
work to asensure that new capital projects and transportation facilities are visually attractive
and contribute positively are positive additions to the desired community character.
and urban Elesign heFitage.
Rationale: Combine with Transportation Chapter policy 6.14 Integrated Design.
2.42 Enhanced Design for the Built Envifonmen Private Sector Projects,
Through its policies and programs, the city will encourage or require quality architecture and
urban design in private sector development that encourages alternative modes of transportation,
provides a livable environment and addresses the elements listed below.
a) The context. Projects should become a coherent part of the neighborhood in which they are
placed. They should be preserved and enhanced where the surroundings have a distinctive
character. 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. Special attention will be given to protecting and enhancing the
quality of established residential areas that are adjacent to business areas.
b) Relationship to tThe public realm. Projects should relate positively to public streets, plazas,
sidewalks, an4-paths, ditches 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 (from 2.07).
c) 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.
ed) Human scale. Projects should provide pedestrian interest along streets, paths and public
spaces.
de) Permeability. 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.
165 Agenda Item 6A Page 41 of 118
ef) 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.
fg) Buildings. Buildings should be designed with a cohesive design that is comfortable to the
pedestrian, with inviting entries that are visible from public rights of way. Design innovation
and the use of high quality building materials are encouraged.
166 Agenda Item 6A Page 42 of 118
I Natural Environment
Boulder has been at the forefront of environmental protection and preservation for many
years. The vast amount of natural land protected by the city and county contributes to the
high quality of life for residents. The community's historic and on-going emphasis on clean
air and water has resulted in significant progress toward a sustainable and healthy urban
environment.
The city places strong emphasis on being a leader and role model to other communities for
its exemplary environmental protection practices and accomplishments. The city will
continue to develop and implement state of the art environmental policies both community-
wide and within the city government organization to further its environmental
sustainability goals. Environmental priorities set by the City Council include: reducing
pesticide use, 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:
• Biodiversity and native ecosystems
• Urban and Environmental Quality
• Geologic resources and natural hazards
• Water and air quality
1--b", . Se that the Beiik4er Valki, is I 'legical Systen and that there ai-e inextrieabk linkq
Valley is an open &Otem in that ei4r namr-al and htiman s),,st-em., are conneeted to gie region as 4vell as to
the entire i~,e4d, The city, and eotinty, aebiei4edge that rv-gienal and global ehanges can have a prqj~eHn
eff,eet on the leeal envii-onment aHd that the local eeene",, and biiilt environment ean have adwrse impacks
T--he-- C-ity Council has estah-lis-hed- the goal of b
strengthening efficieney and water- conservation, ce -eng leadership in pr-e-serving native plant and wildlife
habitat, and The policies in this section support the- following eity and courAy goals related to the- conservation an
pr-esefvatien of land, -Fees and pollution pf-evetAten:
*Preserve and le-41-Ainee hbiiediver-sit-y and native eeasysteffis.
impr-eve- water- and aif quality.
^t„ .,1 ^a m Ito
,;moo o ffind- 11-se of pollutants.
The b
167 Agenda Item 6A Page 43 of 118
zrr"'i z~-aiF-mxd Wat€F quality, and maintaining a li v'ah-le eA- xa-nH'4
Several eity master piffis fur-ther the -Aft! polieies. For- example, the eity's Open Spaee and
Mountain Parks Department has adopted Long Ranee- Manaeement Poheies, a Visitor Master Plan, anA
b b
eity's natural Find agricull-fluff-A II I-A-nds vviiiie providing a r-ange of passive recreational eppeFtianities for- the
community. The- Greenways NUster Plan identifies opportunities fe" n
master plans, including the Raw Water- Master Plan, Treated Water Master Plffi and C-E)mpr-ehensive-Roed
and Stor-mwater- Utility Nlaster Plan provide- spe-eifie implementation stfategies that address the city's wate
Fe-SOMfee policies and goals-.
34.01 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 airsheds and watersheds are
considered and incorporated into planning. Planning and poliey decisions in the Boulde
Valle), will be approached t4ou'O an eeesystem 4amework in whieh natural 1:egiefis like
air-sheds and wateFsheds are incorporated into planning and e relationship betweenn.
the bui-It eifivi 4--A- 4-iffinip-mfit and air-, water- and land quality is considered.
Rationale: Revised for more active language.
34.02 Adaptive Management Approach
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 City Leadership in Roso 1rcp- f'onsoryation
decision making for- all eity serwiees, processes and feeilities. The eity or-ganization will eemply
training is in all city opefations. The eity will i
fully 40"ith and Fegulations and implement pFogEaMs and pFeeedufes to
- . ien compliance. Strict compliance with environmental standards will be a key factor i
em-pleyee tFainifig, review and pr-egr-am evaluation. Emphasis will be, placed E) and edticate employees to
be .,+.111y responsible.
Rationale: covered in policy 1.07 Leadership and 1.08 Consideration of Impacts.
Environmental leadership info is also covered in the intro to this section.
4.04 Environmental Edueation and Teehnieal Assistance.
The city and eeupAy will promate; public education and pFavide- i-'-; IM-1 eQ.-S
of local and regional environmental concern and seek to engage businesses, residents and visitors
the g .11 Of'PEOterti g the „ ajjt ' 0the 1,.1+111-.,1 """d 1.11:ir o
Rationale: This is a good policy goal that is being implemented in programs and other
planning efforts but is too general for comp plan w/o specifics.
168 Agenda Item 6A Page 44 of 118
maintaining 4.05 Nionitefing and Tfaekin-,-g
The eity and eounty will continue to itupfove monitoring and evaluation of land, air and wate
quality and will tr-ack, progress made in
and enhancing envir-onmental quality in the
Bouldef Valley.
Rationale: This policy is covered in Policy 1.06 Indicators and 4.02 Adaptive
Management.
Biodiversity and Native Ecosystems
Link to 2.05 Open Space Preservation
Urban Design Linkages Policies 2.20-2.24
3.034.-WNatural 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 restored and selected extirpated species
may be reintroduced as a means of enhancing native flora and fauna in the Boulder Valley.
3.04487 Ecosystem Connections and Buffers
The city and county recognize the biological 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.
native species and for- minimizing impacts from developed lands.
Rationale: Provides clarification
3.05488 Maintain and Restore Ecological Processes.
Recognizing that ecological sla*gesprocesses, such as wildfire and flooding, are an-integral
topar-t e the +H 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,
natural processes will be :utilizedmaintained or mimicked to sustain, pfetect an
min management of natural lands. eeosystems.
Rationale: Provides clarification
3.06449 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 bywill discouraginge their
destruction or requiring the creation and restoration of wetland of wetlands, Nit in the rare
cases when development is pennitted and the filling of wetlands cannot be avoided, new wetlands
will be or-eated or- degraded wetlands will be restored.
Rationale: Provides clarification of current practices
169 Agenda Item 6A Page 45 of 118
3.07440 Invasive :Species Management.
The city and county will promote efforts, both public and private, toh-at 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., controlled.
or that can reasonably be expected to be successfully Rationale: updated to simplify
3.084-.14 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 , f o unacceptable impacts to habitat and wildlife, or
for public safety.
Urban Environmental Quality
3.09442-Management of Wildlife-Human Conflicts.
The city recognizes the intrinsic value of wildlife in both the urban and rural setting. The city will
praeis~promote wildlife and land use management practices to minimize conflicts with
residents and urban land uses while identifying, preserving and impr-oving-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 the problem in a manner that is
humane, effective, economical and ecologically responsible. The city r-eeeg izes the benefit 0
coordinating wildlife and wildlife habitat management with othef agencies and that managemen
Rationale: clarification. Last sentence is too operational
3.10443 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 1.18 Growth Requirements
2.20 Urban Open Lands
2.34 Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
3.11444 Urban Forests.
The city will support, -arid promote and, in some cases, regulate the protection of healthy
existing trees and the long-termoveral 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, -ad-native and low water demand tree species where appropriate.
Link to 2.35 Importance of Street Trees and Streetscapes
Rationale: Revisions based on direction for heightened protection of urban forests.
170 Agenda Item 6A Page 46 of 118
3.1248 Water Conservation.
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. how
-
wateruse landscaping eempatible; with ve-getation types native to the Bau!&F Valley and the use
of natural r-ainwater for irrigation, consistent with state water law, will be encouraged. The city
will pursue water- „ r de4g °aendeavor to minimize water waste and reduce
water use during peak demand periods. New development and redevelopment designed to
conserve water will be encouraged. , impfoved plumbing
methods and fixtur-es, and efficient site design will also be eneour-aged.
Link to 2.34 Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
Rationale: Simplify and clarify.
3.134.45 Integrated Pest Management.
The city and county will encourage efforts; private, both public and to reduce the use of pesticides
(hffbiCideS, imseetieides, fURgiri l0s, avieides-a4-;-d- redeintisides). and synthetic, inorganic
fertilizers. In its own practices, the city and county commits to the use of integrated pest
management pfaetiee-sprinciples, which emphasizes the selection of the most environmentally-
sound approach to pest management and with 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: Simplify and clarify.
Geologic Resources and 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 +w.,+ ~°°H
id'nuine4. 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.
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.
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.
171 Agenda Item 6A Page 47 of 118
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 forests of gfasslan natural 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 mitigations 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 management has historically focused on and primarily addresses the impacts of a 100 yea
flflead event. The city recognizes that lafger- floods larger then the 100-year events will
occur resulting in greater risks and flood damage that will affect even improvements constructed
with standard flood 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.
172 Agenda Item 6A Page 48 of 118
ThP, Ojt3l 3A'ill Prepare Alfid 4-41-Ail-i-tain drainage; utility plans that 4ewfive rnaintenance Heeds,
for improvements, funding Feqeifements, the character E)f necessary structural improvements, and
water quality issues.
Rationale: city process - not needed in comp plan.
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 and Boulder Valle~
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 arid pFotecti and
priority will be placed on pollution prevention over treatment...
Link to 2.21 Boulder Creek
Rationale: Provides clarification
4.27 Water Resouree Planning.
sources, The eity and eounty will work together and with other goverrimental ageneies to develop an
implement appropriate water- quality standards, water resource- allocations, and water- quality
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. The city will seek to minimize or mitigate the
environmental, agricultural and economic impacts to other jurisdictions in its acquisition of
additional municipal water supply to further the goals of maintaining instream flows and
preventing the permanent removal of land from agricultural production elsewhere in the state.
The cit), will continue to enhance instream flows and provide water to agricultural lands in
mariner that pFeteets _aifid 4HRiffliffi-iZes adverse impacts to the Municipal water supply.
Rationale: Combine concepts from 4.27 to provide clarification.
4.29 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 protect the quality of its water soiirees and
require-nn-entsemploy 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 city to meet secondary drinking water standards established by the United States
Environmental Protection Ageney and to evaluate additional voluntary standards as a..
The city and eounty will centinualb, seek to improve the quality of drinking water and wor~ with
173 Agenda Item 6A Page 49 of 118
water sl'lpplios.
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.
4.40 Stef ' Water
Git~' aRd C044Ht3' Will Pr-OWGt thO quality of its surf~we waters, meet ;411 staw, and fgderal
Rationale: Deleted this section as general regulatory language and non point source
pollution control in included in policy 4.26 Protection of Water Quality.
4.31 Minimum 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.
4.32 Surface and Groundwater.
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 an nt-y wil , ntin,,p, o ,.,iw4p,
aquifers, groundwater- r-eehar-ge and diseharge afeas, and soufces of groundwater- pollution withi.n.
programs. impacts to gFound water- will be eonsidefed in land use planning, development review
and publie land management py-actiees.
Link to 2.34 Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
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 of groundwater
and surface water.
4.33 PAWtio !mere
The eit-y and county will seek to eentfel both point and ifees of watef through
ffifidti improved land use eenfigur-ations, wetland detention afeaS, efE)SfO 60fitfol
storm runoff in wban and rural areas, and control and monitoring of direct soufces of ,
1,,diag thoso of gr-ave-4 extracts,,.; and . stew, ter- treatment f^^:l:ti
Rationale: Policy language already included in 4.06, 4.26, and 4.34
4.34 Wastewater.
The eity will meet all r-eVir-ements for- wastewater- treatment tmder- its National Polititieft
Dischar-ge Elimination System PeEmit and evaluate additional voluntal-y standards as
The city and county suppoi4 the County Board of Health's policy discouraging the installation o
sewage; disposal systegns VAPve, mimicipal collection systems are- AvAiLih1p,
potential pollution A-F he-a-Ith V"(941-ld- 100 0-4-:0-AtOd. ThO 643' afid GO'afit3' Will SUPPOA th(e
development of pfogr-ams to meffitef pfeblems associated with failing septic systems. (See Polie! 7
1.27 Annexation)
174 Agenda Item 6A Page 50 of 118
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.
Rationale: Existing language addresses implementation not goal. Regulatory and
community 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 Maintain
full plianee with federal air- ality standards and-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.
Link to 6.12 Improving Air Quality
Rationale: provides clarification.
4.36 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
b gfeenhotise gas emissions Seven pefeeft
below 1990 levels. Reducing e i i uires integfation of land use, building eede,
Rationale: Revise and move to Energy, Climate and Waste Section
planning, 4.37 integfation of Water- and Air- Quality with Tfanspeftation Planning.
Fed-i-Ve, impacts to air- and water quality through water- quality. aswe-s, stabilization o
exposufe to ~_A_dh_ m-A-bile and stationavy souf ees of air pollution. The city and county will promote
travel in single ecroupant ve-hicales. (See Polie), 6.15 impreving Air Quality.)
Rationale: Not needed. Integration of planning for all city services should be
emphasized under sustainability framework. Water, air and transportation goals are
emphasized in community design revisions.
The city and county will promote the conservation of water resources dwough water quality
ion, publie education, menitofing and policies that promote appfopFiate; water- usage. Low
wateruse; landscaping compatible with 5
of natufal Fainwater- fE)f iffigation, consistent with st-Atte will be eneoufagedThe city will
pursue a watef eonservation pfogr-am designed to minimize watef waste and r-eduee water use
dufing peak demand pefieds. New development and redevelopment designed tO e0flSefVe wate
will be encoufaged. Reeyeling teehni"es, water pFieing, improved plumbing methods an
fixtwes, and efficient site design will also be encouraged. (See Policy 2.42 Enhanced Design for-
175 Agenda Item 6A Page 51 of 118
Moved to Urban Environmental Quality Subsection
4.39 Energy Conservation and Renewable Ener-gy.
The, city and cou+AY will implement policies and pregfanns th-at en-h-ance oppor-~Hf;itip--'; fqr-
the use of non renewable- enefgy that afe eonsistent with an ofdefly transition to a sustainable
eflefg), . 3r-de-r- to preserve fossil ftiels for- fiawr-e generations. The eity will swpo.rt
private We use, energy, will publiely develop 1E)Ga1F-C-fiVA,ab1C- C;HC-Fg),
where economical, and will preserve future options for renewable energy so that they nia), be
developed when they become cost effiective
4.40 Energy_Efficient T Land Use.
The- P-ity and county will eficoufage the cefiserva-tiefflfi A--f enfie-r-gy through land use; peliciews; -A4-;-d-
poheies and regulations. The eensefvatien of enefgy is seirved by the development of mefe
.
4.41 E"°r Rte.-Efficient Building Design an C-enstfuetio Waste Nfini izatio
new and existing buildings. The city and eoun.1, will eontin eodes, standards and-
historic pr-eservation and low income honie- wwner-s and r-enters and Will assUr-e that pr-ogfaMS
over- demoiitio-n- mfid- ;A1411 develop policies and programs that pr-emate the r-ou-se. A
materials salvaged aftef deconstfuction in development and eenstfuetion pr---
4.42 Waste I~Iinimizatien and Recycling.
The eity and county will actively ptifstie and suppert pfegfams and aetivities that reduee the
amount of waste that must be landfilled. Policies will emphasize soufce reduction, r-euse,
C0111posting, r-eeyehfig and the use of fflatefials with recycled content. it is the goal of the city to
Feduce- selid waste pFeduced- in- t-he city by achieving a Afty pereent waste diveirsiaffl; level. Highe;
goals may be set by City C-ouncil from time to time as it is deenied feasible- and desirable. Only as
Iast r „rt shoo-l l alto be, buried- Affl-2
4.4 3 Pr-omoting the Use of Re-cycled Materials.
The, city Nvill develop Feeyeling pr-ogranis, pelicipas and in4astsictur-p- that enGE)Ur-age afid sUpp0r-
the recycling and muse- of r-ecyclable materials. The city will create and maintain a mlevan
A-14--chasing Poliey that promete-s feif Fecycled commodities, pFemAte-'; the-,
viable.
Rationale: Moved to new Energy and Climate chapter
Minimize Use of Pollutants
4.4 4 Reduction of Use and Safe Disposal of Hazardous NUte
176 Agenda Item 6A Page 52 of 118
The; city and eounty will weFk tegethem- to re-duce, mw- and SPIMFe Safe EhSPA-Sal- Of ha-ZAMF
f6f businesses and households about non taxie altefnatives, pollution pfevention and fesponsible
use and disposal of hazardous materials. Use of a household hazardous waste eollection facility
will be made "'ilable to all side is
Rationale: proposed for deletion because it is too operational for comprehensive plan.
4.4 5 lategfated Pest Management.
The city and county will encourage efforts, both public and private, to reduce the use- of pesticides
seleetion of the most envir-onmentally sound approach to pest manageffient with the evefall goal
of reducing where possible, eliminating the dependence on ehemical pest eentr-el strategies.
When ptiblie health Fisks afe identified, the eity will balanee the impaets and risks to the Fesidents
and the enviromnent when ehoesing control measuFes.
Rationale: moved to Urban Environmental Quality Subsection
4.46 Gutdoof Lighting/Light
The city and eounty will eneour-age the effieient use of outdoor lighting to reduce light pollutio
and eensefve b flighttiffle
environment that ineludes the ability to view the star-s against a daFk sky so that people can see
the Milky Way Galax), from residential and other- appropriate viewing areas. Measures such as
application, minimizing glare-, and using shielding techniques to direct fight downward will be
Rationale: move intent of policy to built environmentpolicies.
177 Agenda Item 6A Page 53 of 118
4. Energy and Climate -new section
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. 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.
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 Boulder and Boulder County with new opportunities to take charge of our
energy future and make greater use of local and regional energy resources.
The policies in this section support the city and county's goals of meeting energy needs, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting to climate changes:
• Climate Action and Greenhouse Gases
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
• Land Use and Building Design
• Waste and Recycling
• Sustainable Purchasing
Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4.014.36 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The city and county will identify and implement innovative as well as cost-effective actions that llto
dramatically reduce the conununity's contribution to total global greenhouse gas emissions. The initial goal is to
be in alignme-ifit v.,ith the, Kyoto Protocol tar-got of reducing greenhouse gas se-vea percent be;1OW 1990
levels. Redu ts Fequifes in egi:atien of land use, building eede, transpeftation and energy stq3,1*
Rationale: Moved from Environment section. Remove specific reference to Kyoto goal. Last sentence
referenced in the intro
4.02 New Policy: Climate Adaptation Planning
The city and county will cooperatively develop and implement a climate change adaptation plan to identify
current vulnerabilities and determine strategies to protect the community against the potential negative
impacts associated with climate change. These challenges include droughts, flash flooding, communicable
diseases, heat waves, fire mitigation and fire protection 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 and disruptions.
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
4.0324.39 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
178 Agenda Item 6A Page 54 of 118
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.
public, OF-ganiZz-atio-as to limit the use of energy resources by co gy and com,
orderly tFansition to a sustainable energ, I . ofder- to preserve fossil fuels fef- futuf e generations. The city
will s"poft private decisions to tise fenewable energy, will ptibliely develop local Fenewable enefgy r-eseufees
whey-e economieal, and will pt:eseFve 44ur-e options for renewable energy se that they may be developed whe
the), become cost effective,
Rationale: Moved from Environment section and revised to include new concepts and provide stronger
language.
Land Use and Building Design
4.04444-Energy-Efficient Land Use.
The city and county will encourage the-energy conservation e€-e g through land use policies and regulations
governing placement, orientation and clustering of development. an though housing policies and regulations.
The eensefvatien of enefg), is sefved by the development of more intense land use pattems; the pfevision e
mereation, empleyment and essential serviees in pfoximity to housing; the development of mass transit ;
and efficient ffansportation.
Rationale: Moved from environment section. Remove concepts covered by policy 4.41 and in Built
Environment chapter
4.054-41-Energy-Efficient Building Design Minimization.
Waste The city and county will pursueconti ue their efforts to improve the energy and resource efficiency of new and
existing buildings. The city and county will semi to improve eedes, standafds-a*d-regulations a x9
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 asstire-ensure that programs assisting these groups are continued.
renovation 4 existing buildings ever- demolition and will develop policies and programs that promote- the r-eu
materials salvaged after deconstruction in development and constmetion practices.
Rationale: Moved from environment section. Add energy efficiency for existing buildings. Move
construction waste concept to new policy.
Waste and Recycling
4.06 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.
Rationale: Separate language from 4.41 Energy-Efficient Building Design into own policy.
4.07 4.42 Waste Minimization and Recycling.
The city and county will " y-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
179 Agenda Item 6A Page 55 of 118
emphasize waste prevention, ° ed-uc reuse, composting, recycling and the use of materials with
recycled content. it is the; b
goals waste diver-sion level. Highef a able Only a last " ort should ^ waste be bur- °a or- burned.
Rationale: Moved from environment section. Updated to reflect current goals.
Sustainable Purchasing
4.084.43 Pr-o,,oting the Use ofRecycled Materials Environmental Purchasing Policy.
The; cit-y will develop Fecycling pFograms, polieies a4-;-d- th-A-t emfl-c-,A-iffage and suppoi4 the; recycling an
° of recyclable materials The city will cry-and-maintain a relevant robust Environmental Purchasing
Policy for the city organization that promotes the HH^r'a°+s eeye °a commodities, otes the; r .-e- °.,+;.,l
purchase of recycled and compostable products for goveramont iic°, and encourages consideration of materials,
length of use, re-use and disposal options, as well as cost when procuring materials and products
Rationale: Moved from environment section. 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 and Community Guide
Waste Reduction MP
Built Environment Policies - energy efficient land use
Economy: sustainable business practices
180 Agenda Item 6A Page 56 of 118
5. Economy
Boulder is recognized and respected throughout the world as a city where companies thrive
and people are constantly creating innovative businesses and products. Boulder is fortunate
to have a talented, highly educated workforce, world class institutions and a quality of life
that allows companies to attract capable employees. Home to a wide variety of small and
mid-sized businesses and several significant large employers, Boulder has a clear niche for
environmentally sustainable, technological, entrepreneurial, scientific and outdoor-oriented
businesses. Economic policies and programs are aimed at supporting and enhancing our
community's unique, entrepreneurial assets while achieving essential goals and livability.
Boulder recognizes the need to revitalize its older commercial and industrial areas, renovate
"tired buildings" and support renovation and business growth in these areas. As a mature,
compact city with little remaining vacant land, the city must engage in strategic planning
for redevelopment areas and ensure that economic benefit is a primary outcome. The city
also recognizes that economic growth can bring many benefits to the community, including
greater tax revenues, local job opportunities, increased diversity, a variety of services and
business types and physical improvements. The city will collaborate with the business
community to facilitate growth, development, and infrastructure improvements that benefit
residents and businesses alike.
The policies in this section support the following goals related to maintaining a sustainable
economy:
• Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment
• Diverse Economic Base
• Quality of Life
• Sustainable Business Practices
• Job Opportunities; Education and Training
R.nifldor's e-coflorqy is on inn
Boulder- has a large number- of businesses in the fellowing industfy gfeups: aat~ar-al feeds, renewable eaer-g
s
Retail, manufaeturing and the publie seetor (the Univer-sity of Colorado, federal labs, school dist-riet an
local gevenunent) play str-eng rele-s in the- Beulde-r e-cenemy, as doe's tour-ism. Bould-e-F is _fi9;_4R1M_1AAe- te sen,@
as the home of the University of Colorado and Narepa Univer-sity. The city prometes sustainabie totifism.,
which is tour-ism that epAianees the 11- 11 lm-ir-onmental and seeial elements of a eenunumty.
181 Agenda Item 6A Page 57 of 118
Susta4iable- touf ism adds to our- quality of life and supports vital aspects of our- conuilunity such as ouf
vibrant af4s and a ltur-a1 eemmunity and o ,.rive . ation s eteT
management Boulde-r-'s; Fal-e- in ahe r-egien has ehanged dramatically ever the last decade. Appr-eximately 30 y@ars of
gfewth of permanent open spaee have had many benefieial effeets. These have, however, also eantr-ibt4ed to
jebs4iousing 44alanev- "14he-F-e- dhe fltiffl-h-e-r of t-h-e-, jobs in the c bout equal to the tot-al
eppefPdnities. in addi4ion, inaff retail develepmet4s in other- eenuiiuakies hewe been develeped with the
refleeting a long term shift that has resulted in the eity no longer- enjoying the role- of r-e-gional-ret-Aii-11 afn~d
business center-. The Twenw Ninth Street pr-ojeet (redevelopment of the- Gr-ossr-oads Mall), anticipated to
open 2006 eete.l some- oft a sale, tax leakage-.
in 2003, the eity adopted an Eeenamie Vitality pohQLto reinfbree the impai4anee of econemie health to the
evefall quality of life and ar-tieulate the eity's suppoft of business Rnd eeanomie development. Siiiee 2003,
economic iffid-icatofflFs -have shAMAm 4-n-ild iMPFE)vement i-n- the-- local eeonomy including impmved Fe4afli 'SEA-le-1-1
activity, positive job growth, and ineFeased peFsonal and household Vitality WoF
Plan, approved in 2005, ineludes StFate-gies and actioils to -filrdheff- ahe city's Eeonemic Vitality pokey and is-
innovative and efitfepr-eneur-ial assets and oppoi4unities whiie- balancing the conununity's essential
goals and distinetive- lifestyle.
The following policies are proposed for replacement of the existing economy
policies. Many of the concepts from existing policies are included in the new policies
but language has been revised to strengthen the intent as well as improve the
organization.
Strategic Redevelopment Opportunities and Sustainable Employment
5.01 Revitalizing Commercial and Industrial Areas
The city will develop specific strategies to optimize redevelopment opportunities, partner
with the private sector and proactively support redevelopment of commercial and industrial
areas. Examples of areas for revitalization that have been identified are Diagonal Plaza,
University Hill Commercial district and the East Boulder Industrial area.
The city will use a variety of tools to create public/private partnerships that lead to
successful redevelopment. These tools may include, but are not limited to, area planning,
infrastructure improvements, changes to zoning or development standards and incentives
including financial incentives, increased development potential or urban renewal authority.
Link to Built Environment Policies: 2.39 Sensitive Infill and
Redevelopment; 2.42 Enhanced Design for Private Sector Projects;
2.27 Variety of Activity Centers
Revised existing policy 5.07 Upgrade Existing Commercial and Industrial Areas
182 Agenda Item 6A Page 58 of 118
5.02 Regional Job Center
The city is one of several job centers in the region, and significant additional employment
growth is projected in the future. The city will adopt policies and strategies that support the
city's role as a regional job center in the future consistent with sustainability goals. The city
will support the growth and success of existing businesses, including primary and secondary
employers.
Revised existingpolicy with additional information
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 strengths in scientific,
professional, technological and related industries. The city will identify areas that should be
protected for industrial, service and office uses and will evaluate areas with non-residential
zoning to ensure that the existing and future needs of a rapidly changing and
technologically-oriented global economy and employment base are adequately
accommodated. Where appropriate, mixed use development will be encouraged
incorporating residential uses and support services for the employment base.
As an integral part of redevelopment and area planning efforts, the city acknowledges that
displacement and loss of service and affordable retail uses will be considered in the context
of redevelopment and planning goals.
Updated from Policy 5.06 Industrial Zoning to apply more broadly and include concept
of considering potential loss of affordable space and service uses.
5.04 Vital and Productive Retail Base
The city will develop and implement a retail strategy that will address the market
opportunities and shopping needs of the community, ensure an appropriate mix of retail
and identify strategies to improve the retail base and the city's sales tax revenues including
affordable retail.
Simplified existing policy 5.09
5.05 Support for Local Business and Business Retention
The city and county recognize the significant contribution of existing businesses in the local
economy and will work to nurture and support established businesses and maintain a
positive climate to retain businesses. Business retention and expansion is a primary focus
for the city. The existing jobs that are in Boulder are the city's most important jobs.
Revised existing policy S. 03 on Support for Local Business to add support for retention
5.06 Industry Clusters
The city will adopt an industry cluster approach to business development and consider
special financial and technical assistance programs and other tools to retain, expand and
attract businesses in those clusters. Cluster efforts focus on supporting multiple businesses
in an industry. Boulder's primary clusters include: the technological and scientific sectors,
natural and organic products, biosciences, active living / outdoor recreation, clean
technology and creative arts. Boulder acknowledges that these clusters will evolve and
change over time.
183 Agenda Item 6A Page 59 of 118
Expanded existing policy S. 04 to list primary clusters
Quality of Life
5.07 Funding City Services and Urban Infrastructure
The city will encourage a strong sustainable economy to generate revenues to fund quality
city services for the public that are consistent with community goals and character.
The city recognizes that urban infrastructure and amenities are important to the quality of
life of residents, employees and visitors to the community. A strong and complete
transportation system is essential to a thriving economy, helps attract and retain key
businesses and employers and provides regional access to global markets. The city will
continue to plan for and invest in urban amenities such as bike paths, parks, public spaces,
quality gathering places as well as community services.
Existing policy .5. 10, 2"a paragraph is new
5.08 Role of Tourism in the Economy
Recognizing the unique qualities of Boulder, the city supports ongoing tourism efforts with
various partners including the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, study the existing
and future role of tourism in the community, track the impact of tourism on the economy
and invest in ways to enhance the sector.
Existing Policy - changed number from 5.11
5.09 Role of Arts and Cultural Programs
The city and county will support and encourage further development of arts and cultural
programs that can serve as attractors for new business investment, visitors to the city as
well as enhance quality of life for all. The city values the arts within the public realm and
will work to enhance the capacity of arts and culture to act as an economic generator.
Link to 8.18 Performing and Visual Arts
8.19 The Arts
Existing Policy- changed number from 5.12
5.10 New Policy: Communications
The city will support and facilitate the development of technologically-advanced
communications infrastructure and other improvements that will provide support to the
community, help businesses thrive and grow as well as facilitate the growth of emerging
telecommunications industries.
Sustainable Business Practices
5.11 New Policy: Sustainable Business Practices
The city will promote and encourage sustainable and energy efficient business practices.
The city will continue to establish and maintain programs to assist businesses and
individuals in reducing energy costs and employ sustainable practices and to make building
renovations to reduce transportation impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.
Link to 4.05 Energy Efficient Building Design
4.06 Construction Waste Minimization
6.02 Reduction of Single Occupancy Trips
184 Agenda Item 6A Page 60 of 118
This concept was raised repeatedly in the focus group discussions. Participants
strongly encouraged the addition ofpolicy language supporting city efforts to
encourage sustainable practices for businesses as well as residents.
5.12 New Policy: Home Occupations
The city 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 supports
the entrepreneurial activity of residents who are in the very early stages of creating start up
companies or providing neighborhood services, supports people's efforts to reduce number
and length of trips and will revise its regulations to be responsive to new uses and types of
businesses, and neighborhood services that may be compatible with residential areas.
This concept was raised in the public request process and was evaluated as needed
direction to support clarifying regulations.
5.13 New Policy: Responsive to Changes in the Marketplace
The city recognizes that development regulations and processes have an impact on the
ability of business to respond to changes in the marketplace. The city will work with the
local business community to make sure 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 make them more responsive
to emerging technologies, and evolving industry sectors.
This concept was raised repeatedly in the focus group discussions.
Job Opportunities and Education & Training
5.14 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 diversity programs in cooperation with
various agencies providing employment assistance programs.
Existing Policy 5.05 with minor revisions
5.15 Business Partnerships
The efforts of the city and the private sector to enhance the economic prosperity of the
community are directly and indirectly supported by many organizations and entities. These
include the University of Colorado, Downtown Boulder Inc., Boulder Chamber, Boulder
Economic Council, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder Innovation Center,
the Boulder Valley School District, the Boulder Independent Business Association and other
groups. Though each has an independent focus, their work contributes to the overall quality
of life enjoyed within the community.
Language from existing policy .5.08 Partnerships
5.16 Support for the University of Colorado and Federal Labs
The city and county understand the central role that the federal labs and the University of
Colorado play in our economy. The city will take an active role in efforts to preserve the
state and federal funding for these entities to ensure they remain in Boulder and will pursue
mutually beneficial partnerships. The city recognizes the importance of having strong
institutions for higher education, continuing education and workforce training thriving in
185 Agenda Item 6A Page 61 of 118
the community. Also, the seminal role of the University of Colorado, a world class research
university, and the federal labs in technology transfers, tech start ups and entrepreneurial
business creation needs to be fully understood, evaluated and enhanced. The city will work
with CU to further the community's goals for sustainable urban form as university owned
land is developed or redeveloped.
Split original policy 5.08 on Partnerships into 2 policies to clarify concepts.
5.17 New Policy: Diverse Workforce, Education and Training
The city and county will encourage and support the Boulder Valley School District as well
as the variety of post-secondary educational institutions to offer quality continuing
education and vocational training. The city will support efforts to add focused workforce
vocational training facilities, including those that provide training for "green" jobs.
1" sentence is existing language in policy 5.08 Partnerships. It is separated out here to
give it some emphasis (was lost in old long policy).
Related Topics:
• See the Built Environment Section for policies related to infill/redevelopment
priorities, enhancing activity centers, mixed-use development, and historic
preservation.
• See Community Well-Being Section for policies on community infrastructure and
ability of people to meet their basic needs.
• See Transportation Section for policies on improving the transportation system.
• See Energy and Climate Action for policies on support for sustainable practices and
buildings.
• See Local Food and Agriculture for policies on access to markets for food and
agricultural products.
Wannnm\/
I_-WWI IWI I Ii
5.01 EGonernffiG Vitality.
Economic vitality in Boulder will be ptifsued thr-ough a paFtnership among
through imitiAfil.ZeS E)fi a CaSe- by basis. T-he eity will ado, tality PFE)gFams and StFategie-S that foste
The eit-y and eetinty will suppef4 a diversified effVleyment base within the B,2031der- Valley, r-efleeting labe
force capabilities and r- - . . - mities for emphasizing seientifie, te-ehnolegical and related indust-r-ies.
inclusion of elements in the econontie vitality program should enhance the- eemnmnity's role- in the b
and domestic marketplace-.
Kept 2"`paragraph and revised into policy on Diverse Mix of Uses and Business Tlpes.
5.02 Regienal job GeRter.
The- eity is one- of several job centers in the- region, and signifieant additional employment growth i
d in the futur-@. The city will adopt policies and strategies that sumert the city's role as a job eente
l
z--04 an'ld -i-21.
186 Agenda Item 6A Page 62 of 118
Kept this policy and expanded the language to include support for retention and expansion.
5.03 Support for LOGal
The e45'RHd b
maintain a positive elifflate far- retail and business.
Kept this police and expanded with retention.
5.04 lRdustry Clusters.
The- r-ip will adopt an indusu~, cluste-F RPPFE)RC-h to 1-11-1-si-ness; development And- consideff finRncial an
ter-h-mip-R! assistance PFOgFRMS Rnd E)t_IhP__F to-A-Is to -retain, expand And n#;:Ar-t businesses in those,
C''„°+eF ors r+~ ri,,ltip e b,,,S;,,oSSo1 in AP
Kept this policy and listed primary clusters.
The eity and county will eneetifage loeal empleyers, to the maximum extent feasible. to pr-avide
b S.
Kept this policy and revised description of "affirmative action"
5.06 Ind 6trinl 7~ninn
-...-a e+ the GOMPFe-hefiSiVe- plan will pr-ovide- the appeFWaity fia-r- Ohe location Af i
E)f var-ious t~Tes and tises, ineluding these uses eensider-ed essential to the Boulder- Valley population fEE)
aceonuiiedating the e-iisting and ftiture needs of a rapidly ehanging and technologically oriented globa
industrial and sen,iees employment base, The- eity will identify afeas that should be- pr-oteeted for- industr4a
uses and s?appert se-Fvices for- the empiepRent base.
Revised policy or incorporated key concepts into Diverse Mix of Uses and Business Types.
7 1 Inrrrade Ex*JtiRrv (`OMMCrni-Al aRd Industrial Areas.
The eity will eeepe+ate- with the private- sector to foster- the revitalization of eenunereial and industrial areas
in order- to er-e-ate greater- vitality. Where appropriate-, the eity will enhance- retail and sew-viees desired b
empleyees. add housing and ore-ate deve-lopments. The eity will werk with pr-eperty eyale4s
re-de-.1.'e-1-opment. These- tools may include, but aFe not limited to, RFea planning, infr-aStfUOtHFe iMPFE)vements,
Revised language into new policy on Revitalizing Commercial and Industrial Areas
5.081 PaFtRershffips,
b
Boulder- Genvention and Visitors Bur-eamu, Boulder- inneveAien Center-, the Boulder- Valley Seheel Pistfiet,
and other- groups. Though eaeh has an independent feeus, theif wer4E eentfibutes tE) the OVefftll qUfflky 0
life enjoyed within the community. The city and county under-stand the central Fele that the Federal Labs
and the University of Color-ado play i Y. The- eity will take an aeti-N,e- Fele in efforts to pre-serve
the State and Federal funding for these entities to ensufe- they remain in Boulder and will pursue mutual
h-e-ne-fi-eial partner-ships. The eity and ceunty will encourage- and suppert dedic-Ased- P-Aff-e-As of the public
187 Agenda Item 6A Page 63 of 118
SehE)OI SySte-M aS We-!! aS the- VaFiety Of post seeondary e-dueational institutions to offer quality eontinuln
education and voeational training.
Split concepts of partnerships into 2 policies: I for business partners and another for CU,
Federal labs. Created new police on workforce training to include last sentence.
5.09 Vwtnl and Dred Gtive Retail Bas
1.117-it-h 1_3 0111 F-POR-41 FO!e- iH the- Fegion changing, the- eity and co the-- -need- -for the- city to
b
ii base. a) The- citywill update its land- use Fe-gulations to eneO:ffage- and facilitat
-einvestment and redevelopment of its retail eenter-s. Pai4ieular emphasis will be f6eused On ereatin
oppervanitie-s f4- mixe-d use eent@rs ~taii, entertainrAeat, office- and residential uses served b
transit. b) The- eity will eoor-dinate- its Capital InVrovements Program in a manner where public
infrast-rueture investments may be- eompleted in eonjunetion with approved eity adopted plans as ineentiv
Regional CeBte-F. It 11vill Also co-B-sider, depending upon specific ciFeumARBORS And OPPOFWnities,~n
_initiativ-es designed to fiacifitate nUixed use development at conurmnity retail centeFS Where apffOffiate4
The city will develop and implement a retail stfategy that will address the market id
shopping needs of the community and identify strat e4lq@ r-fetmfl bAste'nA A- pit-'. Alp,- tA-X
rc°venues-..
Revised and simplified in new draft
5.10 Funding Git y CceNTGs
The city will b
eensistent with eonuyitmity goals and character-.
Kept this police and expanded language on supporting infrastructure improvements and role of
good infrastructure in successful economy.
5.11 Role of Tourism in the EGenemy,
Recognizing ongoing
b
Kept this police
F 17 Rnlo of Arts and CIA, it°I Dregramc
The city and eounty will suppeFt and eneoufage fin4herm developinent of arts and cultufal programs that e
serve as attfaeters feF new business investment as wefi as enhance- quality of lifem (See- Policy 349 The
Arts-)
Kept this policy
5.13 Role of AgF!GU!ture.
The eivy and eatiffty will fostei: and assist eatAintied agfieuhtifal pfadtiefien in the BeWdei: Valley. A viable
b
Agficialtiar-al Land.)
Move to Local Food and Agriculture Chapter
188 Agenda Item 6A Page 64 of 118
6. Transportation
The comprehensive plan and the city's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) have the fundamental
premise that the transportation system be developed and managed in conjunction with land use,
social and environmental goals. A mature community like Boulder has little opportunity or desire
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
TMP center on maintaining and developing a balanced transportation system that supports all
modes of travel, on making the system more efficient in carrying travelers, maintaining a safe
system and on shifting trips away from the single-occupant vehicle (SOV).
Boulder's challenge is to manage and improve the existing system to accommodate increasing
demands for travel, both local and regional, through greater efficiency, better access, and by
providing a broader range of travel choices. Important issues and trends include:
• Limited funding for both new infrastructure and maintenance of existing resources at all
levels of government;
• Increasing importance of frequent and affordable regional transit; and
• Increasing energy costs with corresponding increases in the cost of travel.
The policies in this section support the following city and county goals related to providing a
balanced, multimodal transportation system:
• Complete Transportation System
• Integration of Land Use and Transportation
• Air Quality
• Boulder Municipal Airport
Nlevement is a defining ehafaeter-istie ef life, and we tfavel to aec-ess our- work, seheal, shapping and eatei4aiwn
!s. Far- most of us, tfavel itself it net the PIMTOSe, bUt Ff4her- it iS the fleeeSSibiht-y tO Other- ffetiVkieS
provided by tFaveling that eentfibutes te eur- quality of life. There is a elese r-elationship between iffnEl use, the
The peffommaee and eendition of the tfanspei4atien system affeets where and how people live, work, shop and
pla}-
A fundamental premise of the eempr-eheasive plan and ~he T-r-ftnspe4ation N4aster- Plan (T-14P) is ~hat the
n system be developed and manageEl in eef~~efiaa with lftnd use, seeial find eavifenmen-tal goals. -A
nmtur-e eemmunity like Boulder- has little appei:tLmity to add read eapfleit-Y as wid-4-t' buildiiig n-
b
greater- 4uough range b
=a a JaRlanced 35,stem that s:uppeFts all modes of tr-avel, an making the-
b achieving
a shift away fioffl_
189 Agenda Item 6A Page 65 of 118
1994. Repid eases in vehiele tr-affle will iner-eftse tfaffie e6egestion, wer-sen air- pellution and iner-ease
noise and neighber-heed impaets to tmaeeeptfible levels fer- most residents. Alile vehiele tfaffie is still iner-easing,
Betilder- has sueeeeded in slewing the iner-ease and aehieved travel pattefas that are vefy different fieffl the rest e
the r-egien. Between 1990 and 200~. vehiele miles t+aveled (NWT-) in the Bettider- Valley iner-eased eA abeut one-
j -has always been r-eeagnized as ambitious, and now b
Faised the challenge by b
changes, conmiunity has already Feached the population and employment levels expected in the I _996_ T1 A,411P kail: 2020. In-
-
providing Complete Transportation System
6.01 All-Mode Transportation System
The Boulder Valley will be served by an integrated all-mode transportation system-, developed
cooperatively by
tThe city and county. This will w erktoge-ah°r to dove-ep a balance transportation system ;„will
include completed networks for each mode, make and safe and convenient connections between modes,
and provide seamless connections between the city and county systems.
managed and expanded tobalance their- use among all modes. Pedestrian travel is involved in most tripsan
:l t,,° h°Ri14 fRV Ath°r MAd°° Aftr.,.,mprovements to the travel corridors network will be made in a
manner that preserves or improves the capacity or efficiency of all modes and recognizes pedestrian
travel as a component of all trips.
Link to policy 2.31Commitment to a Walkable City
Rationale: Updated to provide clarity.
6.02 Reduction of Single Occupancy Auto Trips
The city and county will pursue the of life goals of residents by supporting greater use of
alternatives to single occupancy automobile travel. It is the city's specific objective to continue progress
toward `no long-term growth in traffic' from 1994 levels through the year 2025 within the Boulder
Valley. through while providing for incr-e-asedmobility Both the city and county are committed to reductions in green house gas emissions. These efforts
will include other communities and entities and will include developing and implementing
integrated travel demand management programs and new services. Within the city, new
developments will be required to include travel demand management to reduce the vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) produced by the development.
Rationale: Updated to reflect current direction and add info on TDMfrom Transportation
Impact Policy.
6.03 Congestion
The city and county will strive to limit the extent and duration of congestion, defined as Level of
Service (LOS) F, to 20 percent of the roadway system within the Boulder Valley while providing for
increased mobility.
Rationale: Simplified and moved from 6.08
190 Agenda Item 6A Page 66 of 118
6.04-4 SystemCompletio . Regional Cooperation
The city and eetinty will stfive to b
the systems for-these modes and providing seamless eennectionsbetween the eity and county systems.
The city will pfevide a eembination olf on street and off street bicyele and pedes f :l:t: to
v
aecommodate ety of user- types an to provide; Users with ehoice of the type of environment in
which to ` alk h;ko The city will seek to c rate w th RT-D to ; „tally increase th
.The city and
county will work to develop regional consensus for multimodal improvements to regional corridors, and
work with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Regional Transportation
District (RTD) to develop high quality, high frequency transit service between the communities of the
region and between centers of employment and housing.
Rationale: Simplified to eliminate redundancies in other areas.
The city and county will cooper-atively plan multimodal strategies for- limiting traffic growth while
entities sueh as the Univefsity of Colefade, Boulder- Valle), School District, and private employers in
developing these b
city's programs Felleeting an integEated approach ineluding marketing, education, pass pfegr-
faeilities and new ser-viees.
a
As pai4 of the; consider- and include travel demand management approaches such as the Eco Pass, parking cash out,
par-king pFieing' employer- trip re"Gti- flex time and- to-le-rommunicating in their P-,ffA4#q tA
'-°'7 ce the yehiele .-,,,;les t'-" yele'7 (VNIT) pfeduced by the development.
Rationale: Combined with 6.02
6.05 Accessibility
The city and county will develop a halanceddcomplete all-mode transportation system that previd€s
*r^H° on choices service-sand facilities f •-accommodates all users, including people with mobility
impairments, as well as youth, older adults and low-income persons. Efforts should focus on giving
people options to live well without a car and may include prioritizing affordable public
transportation and transit passes.
Link to Policy 8.03 Equitable Distribution of Resources
Rationale: improve wording and combine with 6.06 and add concept ofprioritizing special
needs populations.
6.06 Mobility Services
The city and county will increase their support for mobility services for older adults and people with
disabilities to reflect the expected increases in these populations.
6.06-7 "~~~1~Investment Priorities
To protect previous investments and ensure efficient use of existing travel corridors, the city and county
will prioritize their investment first to maintenance and safety improvements of the existing modal
systems. Second priority is given to capacity additions for the non-automotive modes and efficiency
improvements for existing road facilities such as adding signa ° to lanes an signage that increase
levels of service without adding thfoug general purpose lanes.
segments .,f the TNIP investment programs. The eity will work eooperatively with thecounty and
Boulder Countyto the r-egion.
191 Agenda Item 6A Page 67 of 118
Rationale: Updated to reflect current practice and remove redundancy with other policies.
6.08 Congestion.
,
The city will iner-ease the effieiency of tfavelon the street system, develop the congestion while aceommodating the; expected ineFease in tFavel.The city and count-y will pr-ofnete
thegreater- use of altematives to single occupancyautomobile travel with the obj ectiveof limiting the
e_-;~AeVffit A-44-d- A4 _as hevel of So r-viee (LOS) F,to 20 pefeeifit of 4;P_- 4-:0 a dWa~,
Rationale: Simplified and moved to 6.03
6.073 Transportation Impact
Traffic impacts from a proposed development that cause unacceptable community or environmental
impacts or unacceptable reduction in level of service will be mitigated. All development will be designed
and built to be multimodal, pedestrian-oriented and include strategies to reduce the vehicle miles
traveled (VMT) generated by the development. New development will be designed an Abe
„1t;.,-,^a^1 an pe'lest-Fi ,„_oriented. Strategies to .•e. uce, the, 1.44T n rate'- by new '1eyel.,.,me„t will
include all "a"les of travel a well as travel " n Prvg -suc rarsthe Ece Pass. Thedesignrv=
nNew development will especially provider continuous modal systems through the
developments and connecting these systems to those- ssurrounding the development
pr-ovidingeanneetions between the me . The city and county will provide tools and resources to help
businesses manage- employee access and mobility and support public-private partnerships such as
transportation management organizations to facilitate these efforts.
Link to Policy 5.11 Sustainable Business Practices
Rationale: Updated for clarity.
Land Use Integration
6.4-008 "4-u1rif^d^1 Pe= elop en Integration with Land Use
The r . or, rr t; r .ore ti, j ;7j]] app.AMI od to the +,1--A 1.,,,.] , P tte,„ Wh;Gh ifiGlU OS highe,- .le„n;t;en
and mixed
use , a variety of densities in the ffinge , e0fflpae
se size, an the possibility „fore or- aut„_4:.ee zones in the future.- Three intermodal
centers will be developed
or maintained in the downtown, the- Boulder- Valley Regional Center-, Boulder Junction and on the
university's main campus to-as anchors these three activ ty centers to regional transit connections and as
hubs for connecting pedestrian, bicycle and local transit to regional services. The land along multimodal
corridors will be designated as multimodal transportation zones when transit service is provided on that
corridor. In these multimodal transportation zones, the city will develop a highly connected and
continuous transportation system for all modes, identify locations for mixed use and higher density
development integrated with transportation functions through appropriate design, and develop
parking maximums and encourage parking reductions. The city will complete missing links in the
transportation grid through the use of area transportation plans and at the time of parcel redevelopment.
To minimize the „ gatiye ; acts from automobiles, the c tom. will develop strate..;er
encour-age; the „ A x„-,.,11 fuel eff cie-a t -a„teffl- b lei t;..u4ai4..
Link to 2.27 Variety of Activity Centers
64091 Managing Parking Supply
Providing for vehicular parking will be considered as a component of a total access system of all
modes of transportation - bicycle, pedestrian, transit and vehicular - and will be consistent with the
192 Agenda Item 6A Page 68 of 118
desire to reduce single occupant vehicle travel, limit congestion, balance the use of public spaces
and consider the needs of residential and commercial areas. The ^i+„ will actively manage
pafkings:upply in the co tistent withthe desire to f-educe single occupant vehicletravel an
limit congestion. Parking needs demand will be accommodated in the most efficient way possible with
the minimal necessary number of new spaces. spaces. the least numbefof new pafk-.ng The city
will promote parking reductions through parking maximums, shared parking, unbundled parking,
parking districts and par-king transportation demand management programs. whor-e appropriate and
taking into account impacts to surfounding
areas.
6.102 Transportation Facilities in Neighborhoods ration
The city and county will strive to protect and improve the quality of life within neighborhoods while at
+ ~ f ,.:1:+.,+:- 'be, of vehicular-, bike; an pedes+..;.,n +r.,ff cdeveloping a balanced
transportation system. Improving access and safety within neighborhoods by controlling vehicle
speeds or providing multi-modal connections will be given priority over vehicle mobility.
Transportation actions will not be . lemente solely to shift „ problem ffoffl One location R)
anethef. The city and county will design and construct new transportation facilities to minimize
noise levels. Neighborhood needs and goals will be balanced against the community benefit of a
transportation improvement.
Link to Neighborhood policies in Built Environment
Rationale: Updated to reflect current practice and combined concept of minimizing noise from
policy 6.16.
6.113 Neighborhood Streets Connectivity
New neighborhood streets and alleys will be designed in developed in a well connected and fine
grained pattern to facilitate public access, of streets and alleys to -effectively disperse and distribute
vehicle traffic and ta-promote bike and pedestrian travel.
Rationale: added concept of public access.
6.14 integrate Design.
The; city and counvy will Elesign all to OvAel"Ar-ibute to a positive-an-d- vissul-al
image and thedesir-ed community character-.
Rationale: reference to transportation facilities added to 2.41 design excellence in public
projects
Air Quality
6.1-52 Improving Air Quality
The city will develop high!), connect and czentinuous tr-anspet4atien system for all modes, including a
„attar" allowing f r conve „r an efficient travel by all „--odder' The city l
b
traaS atien'~1 nn ~n l -At the t4ane, ofparcel Yede el
The city and county will design the transportation system to minimize air pollution by promoting the use
of non-automotive transportation modes, reducing auto traffic, encouraging the use of fuel efficient and
alternatively
fueled vehicles that demonstrate air pollution reductions, r-educing . ute traffic, and maintaining
acceptable traffic flow; and siting facilities so they do not block air- drainage cor-r-idors. The city an
cou", will cooperate-- . :+h +t,or on+:+;os +b +make +r ns, r+ io r ao-Wea
ve these; ends.
Rationale: Eliminated redundancies with other policies.
193 Agenda Item 6A Page 69 of 118
The; ^;t<, afi ^ ,^ty Will ` OSig" aH " "°tFUG a( "w transpeFt-At;"" F ";1;t;eCn s arty, rain-in,;ZA „^;°A 101.elr
(See Policy 2.19CE)mpatibility of Adjacent Land Uses-.)
Rationale: concept incorporated into policy 6.10 Transportation Facilities in Neighborhoods
Boulder Municipal Airport
3.22 6.13 Municipal Airport.
The Boulder Municipal Airport will continue as a small-scale general aviation airport. 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.
194 Agenda Item 6A Page 70 of 118
7. Housing
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 existing residents with changing or special housing needs are
served. The comprehensive plan, which identifies desired locations, densities and types of housing
planned for Boulder, is an integral link in the community's housing strategy. 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 moving farther from their work in order to find housing that they can afford.
Households who are burdened by housing costs or by the combined costs of housing and
transportation have less money available for other necessities and may find it difficult to actively
participate in the community, which can lead to additional demands on supportive human services
and to an exclusion of key members of our society from the civic infrastructure.
Emerging trends facing the community include:
• Growth in the senior population;
• The addition of over 5,000 university students by 2030;
• The growing difficulty of providing affordable housing attractive to families with children
in a land-constrained community; and
• The need to evaluate regulations to creatively accommodate an expanding variety of
household types, including multi-generational households.
The policies in this section support the following city and county goals related to housing:
• Local Support for Community Housing Needs
• Preserve Housing Choices
• Advance and Sustain Diversity
• Integrate Growth and Community Housing Goals
member-q. Th-e availabilio, of affe4able heiisft i-q e4f th-P 14~eqrt Of what it takes to mistain a healthy,
The high cost of loeal housing results in many households paying a disproportionate- amount of thei
ineeme fOF housing or moving filAher from their- work in order- to find housing that they ean afford.
Housing cost bufdened house-holds have- less meney available for other- neeessities and generally find th
they are wiable to aetively par-tieipate in the eanununity. This leads to additional demands
hAs shown OhAt stAble AffhrdAhle, housing is pivotal for- mabling faffi-ilies to A-d-d-ress odhe_r -needs affid be- self
efivifefffnen4a! Well being Of the eenunun4y is enhafleed when Affi_iliesi AFL-- Fetained, workers are house
1
195 Agenda Item 6A Page 71 of 118
pFogT-ams and regulations a definitive- diff-er-e-nee ean be made in the type, number, and affordability of ne
and existing housing units and in the- programs and assistanee available- to those- who have- limited r-eseur-ees
n! needs.
The city's Comprehensive Heiasing Strategy, eempleted in 1999, examined possibilities for
ehE)iees and ens~ufing that the income diversity that has hister4eally char-Reterized BE)Wder- ean be
housing The- city's Housing and SSFenj..os TR"s;+°r An de e- e i 2005 ides a var-ietv
fer- aehieviag the Bouldef Valley Compr-eheasive Plan goal to have
Local Support for Community Housing Needs
7.01 Local Solutions to Affordable Housing-
The city and county will employe local regulations, policies, and programs l0eally developed
of to meet the housing needs of their low and moderate income households; i cluinng those Who
work but m of live in the Boulder- r^„and workforce.nt y. The- eity and county fm4her
that such needs may not be met solely through private development. To f4eilitate availability of housing fo
this segment ef the e..-g--Appropriate federal, state and local programs and resources will be used
beth locally and in collaboration with other jurisdictions. The city's uit of additional affordable
housing programs will inelude fin analysis of the unmet need fer- sueh pr-agrams as well as Ein atiftlysis of the
.,a ^ ",;trni
f ,n, ;nl social, ter n.t ; and
co nts.
m Supply n f~ a ,1,1e u,,,,- _g
families the Valley. The city recognizes that affordable housing provides a significant
community benefit and will continually monitor and evaluate its policies, programs and regulations
to further the city's affordable housing goals. The eit-y will eet4inually monitor- and evaluate its poheies,
pr-ogT-ams and r-egulations that aff-eet !and cost, development fees, and other asseeieAed development eosts to
faPq1jr-P_ that th", costs afe oempatible V.4-h Obed A-ved-r-All goals of aft:6r-dable housing. Wher-e- aPPFE)P4RW--,
+l.e costs ,.f,.,,,,s.nicti and acquiring e^+t, nf-brd-Able hel; Bing. (See Policy 2.22 Incentives for
Mixed Use.)
Rationale: Clarify meaning, combine with 7.01 and remove excessive detail.
7.02 Permanently Affordable Housing..
The city will increase the proportion of permanently affordable housing units to an overall goal of at least
ten percent of the total existing housing stock through regulations, financial subsidies and other
inee ntivesmeans. City resources will also be directed toward maintaining existing permanently affordable
housing units and securing replacements for lost low and very low income units. The -i-, ,,.ill continually
evaluate existing and poterAial a&Fdable- housing eff-i-Al4s in A-F-d-er to en-11re that thl- 11~til.
f housing
seas the nity a ell n its nff tnl,le l'.,,1sin b , goals an be "'e+
5 '
Rationale: City Council adopted an affordable housing goal in 2000 of securing 4,500
units of permanently affordable housing which equaled 10% of projected build-out at
that time. Changes to the affordable housing goal should be evaluated and and revised
by City council to meet community needs. The language proposed for removal is
incorporated in revisions to 7.01.
2
196 Agenda Item 6A Page 72 of 118
7.8403 Populations with Special Needs.
The city and county will encourage development of housing for veFy low and 1 populations with
special needs including fries residences for +he older- aduhsr, people with disabilities, ftnd e+4
populations requiring group homes or other specialized facilities, and other vulnerable populations where
appropriate. The location of such housing should be in proximity to shopping, medical services, schools,
entertainment and public transportation. Every effort will be made to avoid concentration of these homes in
one area. (See Policy 2.40 Physical Design for People and Policy 6.05 Accessibility.)
7.04-5 Strengthening Community Housing Partnerships.
The city will create and preserve partnerships dedicated to the community's housing needs by providing
revising
its regulations and, wher 1PPFovtfi
public funding. The eity willf4eilitating partnerships with cofrumunity emplayers in ar-der to eneaufage the
P_ Fe_- atiAm of employee housing, supporting private and nonprofit agencies that create and maintain
permanently affordable housing in the community, and fostering nonprofit and private sector partnerships.
The city-will recognizes the role of the university in the housing market and win suppO14 encourage
the- University of Colorado and other post-secondary institutions in the niver-sit i^ their -efforts to
increase the amount of on-campus housing studen4 hauling.
New Policy 7.05 Strengthening Regional Housing Cooperation
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 proximate to regional transit routes.
Such efforts include the Regional HOME Consortium and the Ten Year Plan to Address
Homelessness.
Rationale: Regional cooperation specific to housing is both a growing policy/program
development area and a concern we heard in the public process. In particular, it is
apparent that Boulder relies on surrounding communities for their housing supply, but
that those communities are pursuing their own housing, land use, and economic
development goals which will necessitate greater regional cooperation on housing.
Regional HOME Consortium is not an acronym but the name of the program.
Preserve 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
ranges and densities, Ito meet the housing needs of the fullft-bfead range of the
Boulder Valley population. disabilities,
This ineludes fitmilies, essen4ial wer-ker-s, elder- adults, pefseas with at risk ehildren- anadults -a erablevery income residents. (See Policy 2.18 Mixture of
Complementary Land Uses and Policy 2.42 Enhanced Design for the Built Environment.) Till
encourage and support avariety of housing types that may sen,e low and moderate ineome persons.
Rationale: Household type is not the same as housing type, and is addressed in 7.09.
This policy should also reference 2.1 S, which would be updated to reflect a variety of
relatively affordable (or so-called "market rate affordable") housing types that mainly
serve singles and couples.
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 its land use policies and regulations andincentive a. Special efforts will be made
to preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing serving low and moderate income individuals
and households. units : order to meet the needs of Fill residents i two , nity See Policy 2.14
Preservation of Community Character.)
3
197 Agenda Item 6A Page 73 of 118
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. Whenever an
existing mobile home park is found in a hazardous area, every reasonable effort will be made to reduce or
eliminate the hazard, when feasible, or to help mitigate for the loss of housing through relocation of
affected households. dervelopment ^f Aaaiti-A A , „C^rtur-e d Jim ' , .i o COUPA,' .i or
iate- means.
Rationale: Staff does not recommend major changes to this goal, as a mobile
homes study process is scheduled for later in 2011 and any changes to the city's
approach to preservation of mobile homes will be recommended by City
Council. (note: Industry terminology generally is "manufactured housing').
Advance and Sustain Diversity
New Policy 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 to a
variety of household configurations. This includes singles, couples, families with
children and other dependents, extended families, non-traditional households and
seniors.
Rationale: This goal includes responses to emerging trends and issues, including
growing senior population and concern for lack of affordable family housing. This
goal is different from Housing Types (7.06) and Populations with Special Needs (7.03).
7.09-10 Balancing Housing Supply with Employment Base.
Consistent wit the city's growth management ° 4e Eexpansion of the Boulder Valley housing
supply should reflect to the extent possible current employer locations, projected
industrial/commercial development sites, variety of salary ranges, and the demand such
developments bring for housing employees. Key considerations include housing type, mix, and
affordability.. The city will explore policies and programs to increase housing for Boulder
workers by fostering mixed-use and multi-family development proximate to transit,
employment or services and by considering the conversion of commercial and industrial
zoned or designated land to residential use-,. Key considerations include housing types
(See
Policy 1.21 Jobs:Housing Balance.)
Rationale: Combine existing policies 7.09 and 7.10, keeping desired meaning and
removing some redundancy with jobs:housing balance and housing types. This goal
also addresses the need for market-rate rentals, not just affordable housing.
7, 10 X~ing Low and Moderate Ineome Workers in BouNer,
fosier4ng housing o"or4unities thro*gh mix-od m-we Ond Imulti family development develop
permanently affordable housing on under-ff tiked sites-, and by eonsidering the eonversion
eommer-eial and industr4al zoned or designated land to residential use(See Policy 2.21 Mwed
4
198 Agenda Item 6A Page 74 of 118
Integrate Growth and Community Housing Goals
7.11 Incorporate Mix of Housing in Future Service Area.
In considering future expansion of the service area, the city will identify possible sites for
housing that serves low and moderate income households. Designation of land uses in new
growth areas will provide for a mixture of housing types and densities in order to meet the
diversity of housing needs.
7.12 Maintain Over-all Housing Affordability.
it is a goal of the city to maintain and promote the affordability of Boulder's housing stook to
-a-long the full range of ineoffi-e-, levels. The city r-eeegnizes tha
houses,
Rationale: Former Goal 7.12 did not add much that was not redundant. In
addition, the relationship between density and affordability is questionable given
the constrained housing supply relative to demand.
7.4-2-12 Conversion of Residential Uses in the Community.
The city will evaluate and revise its land 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. (See Policy 2.16 Preservation of Existing Residential Uses.)
Rationale: Regulations which discourage or encourage conversion may be broader
than land use regulations.
7.4413 Integration of Pen'rianently Affordable Housing.
Permanently affordable housing, whether publicly, privately or jointly financed will be designed
as to be compatible, dispersed, and integrated with housing throughout the community.
7.4-544 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. A
variety of mitigation requirements ' ti e considered. Available relocation assistance options in
the community will continue to be offered to displaced low-income persons.
5
199 Agenda Item 6A Page 75 of 118
8 u,lmnn ReN ,Community
Well-Being
Boulder, like all communities, 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 environment. Boulder is a center of active living, attracting residents, businesses
and visitors who value community and individual health. The city is committed to
continuing to be a national leader in promoting the physical health and welfare of the
community as well as promoting civil and human rights.
Boulder is a fluid, growing community, with changing demographics. The city and county
proactively anticipate and plan for emerging demographic trends and social issues,
including:
• Needs of a growing older adult population and their family caregivers;
• Healthy child and youth development and opportunities to be contributing members
of the community;
• Support and inclusion of immigrants into the community;
• Impacts of a large university population on housing and other infrastructure;
• Need for ongoing support of services and facilities for basic needs such as food,
health care, shelter, child care, elder care, and education and training;
• Support for community non-profits; and
• Accessibility and affordability of basic health and human services.
In providing human services, the vision for Boulder is to create and support a
comprehensive safety net of services for residents, through coordinated regional planning,
service delivery, and integrated partnerships. Generally, Boulder County provides state and
federally mandated programs, entitlement programs and county-wide services. The city
provides services identified as important to the Boulder community including safety net
services and early intervention and prevention services to meet critical human service
needs.
The policies in this section support the city's and county's goals related to:
• Human Services
• Social Equity
• Community Health
• Community Infrastructure and Facilities
P~;eg~261?15 that 60~e Abl' PeoPle ~s Pkisieal and "Ielital health, eeemonlie well being and seeia
planning and decision niakiifg piweess. The role of hitinan sef=vi . ees i . n the eonTi,ehensive plan
200 Agenda Item 6A Page 76 of 118
Many residents stfuggle with ineemes that are insuffieient to meet basic needs. High leeal
hotising eests and escalating health ear-e eests, eembined with low wages, leave many . . .
without sufficient fesewees to cover- essential needs, sueh as food, housing, health ear-e, chi!
care and transportation. These factors place a heavy demand on local human systems.
While overty is eleaFly a risk factor fi4r- m-any problems, it is by ne M-e-p-n-s the, sole,
abuse a-..-' '_'A' Vi-I'Mee, SE)eial isolation and other issues impact all members o
seiwices e4en give pFiefity to low ineeme residents and these with 6ht:Efflic disabilities.
A-iff in-c-Feasingly diverse community, the aging E)f the population, incefflO ElispaFity afflEfflg
residents, the high percentage of parents in the labor- force, and issues of concern for- )
eeenomy, availability of significant events, and leeal Fegulatiefts.
comini nit), and inclusion in problem solving
The fundamental goal of human se. I I*- to linpr-ove life cofiditions by responding to eeeflemle,
fVi-
social and health needs, espeeially in time of crisis. To attain this geal, Irafflaft Se
designed to assist individuals and fitmilies in meeting primary needs, with the ultimate goal 0
*Physieal and mental health eafe
•Sustaining gainfi l employment (e.g., ay-pill-able. ch lrn- eared
•
eNlanagement of chronic or siWational disabilities (e.g., care and tr-eatmeR4)
*Access to tayailc ble-, appropriate services (e.g. transportation and information)
funding. which problems are addfessed using local resetifees. Both of these factors afe pafticular-!~
~nt dwing times of diminished state and federal char-aeteF and quality of life of the entire eommunity, not just those r-eeeiving seEvioes. Fef
example, child care assistance helps eniploye-es of local business retain jobs, and the availability
e
Human Services
8.01 Providinge for a Broad Spectrum of Human Needs
201 Agenda Item 6A Page 77 of 118
The city and county will develop and maintain human service programs that provide for the broad
spectrum of human needs, where gover-fli-an-efita-1 is ° iat from safety net
services to early intervention and prevention programs which mitigate more costly, long-
term interventions and forestall the most basic needs for food, health and shelter- t -ougL
worsening social conditions-aid
tom. Services balance meeting immediate needs with long-term solutions to critical
social issues.
Rationale: Updates existing policy to reflect current practice and clearly define city and
county service programs
8.02 New Policy - Regional Approach to Human Services
The city will continue its collaborative role in human services planning and funding through
partnerships with other agencies and local governments. The city and county will
coordinate a regional approach such as that articulated in the Ten-Year Plan to Address
Homelessness and the Human Services Strategic Plan. The city will seek to address the
disproportionate burden placed on Boulder as a key regional service center.
Rationale: Replaces existing regional cooperation policy.
Social Equity
8.03 New Policy - Equitable Distribution of Resources
The city will work to ensure that basic services are accessible 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 and ensure impacts and costs of
sustainable decision making do not unfairly burden any one geographic or socio-economic
group in the city. The city and county will consider ways to reduce the transportation
burden for low income and disabled populations, enabling equal access to community
infrastructure.
Link to 6.05 Accessibility
Rationale: Articulates current practice and longstanding community values.
8.04 New Policy - Addressing Community Deficiencies
The city will identify barriers to provision of important basic human services and work to
find solutions to critical social issues such as lack of housing options for very low income
and special needs populations, access to and affordability of basic services, and limited
availability of affordable retail products.
Rationale: City staff recognize that there are key community deficiencies affecting
community well-being and by including these as a comprehensive plan policy we may
be able to Zook for opportunities to address them and they would get attention on the
BVCP action plans.
8.05 New Policy - Diversity
The community values diversity as a source of strength and opportunity. The city and
county will support the integration of diverse cultures and socio-economic groups- in the
physical, social, cultural and economic environments; promote opportunities for community
engagement of diverse community members; and promote formal and informal
representation of diverse community members in civic affairs.
Rationale: This is a long-standing community value and needs to be reflected in
comprehensive plan policies.
202 Agenda Item 6A Page 78 of 118
Community Health
8.06 New Policy - Physical Health
The city and county strive to ensure that this community continues to be a leader in
promoting physical health and welfare of community members. The city recognizes that
physical activity is essential to health and well-being. The city will support opportunities for
people to exercise. Neighborhood and community design will encourage physical activity by
establishing easy access to parks and trails, and locating activity centers close to where
people live, work and attend school. The city will support community health programs such
as: obesity prevention, outdoor education, safe routes to school, and healthy eating.
Link to 2.22 Commitment to a Walkable and Accessible City
Rationale: Promoting community health is a key part of many of the community design
and transportation goals but it is important to state this goal on its own and show the
relationship with other goals.
8.07 New Policy - Safety
The city will promote safety by fostering good neighborhood relations, building a sense of
community pride and involvement, and promoting safe and attractive neighborhoods. The
city and county will provide police, fire protection and emergency management services and
preparedness education to ensure a safe community.
Rationale: some of these concepts are covered in the built environment section but the
intent here is to include a policy about public safety related to community well-being in
general.
9.02 City Human Service Program Funding.
in
Heiising and Human Sefviees Master- Plan! pr-ametion E)f healthy, nuftefi_g families prenatal
through adolescenee; pr-Ovision of home, sehool and eommunity based sefviees; PF-OV . Sion of
eenVr-eheftsive, intensive and flexible services; and a balance ameng pr-evention, intelwentiA-4-1 afid
tr-eatment strategies. Appr-apr-iate adjustments will be made to Feflect changing Elemegr-aphics andd
Community needs.
Rationale: Recommend removal - too focused on master plan and not appropriate at
comprehensive plan level.
8.03 Community Engagement.
engaged, will be inciuded in the development of human se is to meet COMM-Unity
needs.
Rationale: 8.03 recommended for removal because the policy appears in section 1.
8.04 n ceess to Services
The city and eetinty will enstife that all residents have aceess to infeffflation en available hufflan
nity Needs.
203 Agenda Item 6A Page 79 of 118
. . In of serviees to address the eurr-ent and relevant social concerms of the cofflmunit-~-.
8.06 Periodic Evaluation of Program Ef feetiveness.
The, civy and coufAy will develop and malataill a PeA.'all-l-At-i-A-4n Ralf afl
aFf ~t;.rA„Aro f ---an Programs.
8.07 Regional Geopefation.
The city and eounty will eneour-age eeopefation between publie, private, and nenpr-efi
- . ations through the development of commonly acknowledged goals and coordination o
WEYWC-S Where RPPFE)Pr-iaW, fOF the; public good, to leveFage --so-ces and strengthen systeMs E)
mss.
Families.
8.08 Suppei4 of Children, Youth and support children, youth and families to achieve their full potential and become self reliant,
Rationale: 8.04-8.08 recommended for removal because they are directed at the human
services master plan and too detailed for the comp plan level. Support for Children,
Youth and Families as well as seniors is reflected in the intro to the section.
Community Infrastructure and Facilities
Elementary and Secondary Schools
3.23 Planning for School Sites and Facilities
The city and eounty will assist the Boulder Valley School Distriet in obtaining usable Sites
foF new schools and modifying existing BouldeF Valley School District sites and fac4litties as
community needs ehange. The eity and county will eonsider- eurrent and projected sehool
enrollment and available school capacities when appFoving the type, scale and
residential development. The c t" n my `:.;11 also sider- tiransp in°tio agtr
when planning foF school sites and facilities.
8.08 Support for Schools
The city and county support a strong system of neighborhood schools and encourage the
school district to maintain a good geographic distribution of school facilities located to serve
the population in the long term.
The city will work with the Boulder Valley School District to cooperatively plan for joint
facilities and shared use of parkland, recreation and outdoor facilities, meeting rooms and
classrooms, branch libraries and other facilities and services.
8.09 3-.24 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.
204 Agenda Item 6A Page 80 of 118
Community Facility Needs
8.10 3-.~ Support for Community Facilities
The city and county recognize the importance of educational and non-profit community agencies
that provide vital services to the residents of the Boulder Valley and will work collaboratively
with these agencies to reasonably accommodate their facility needs and consider location based
on transportation accessibility.
Parks and Trails
8.1122 Parks and Recreation
Park and recreation facilities and services of the city or other service entities will provide an
adequate range of exercise and recreational opportunities forts residents. Such facilities and
services will be designed in a manner that responds to the needs of the intended users. City park
and recreation facilities will provide a variety of landscape types as amenities and recreational
resources for urban dwellers, including irrigated green spaces, low water -need plantings and
natural vegetation areas.
8.1233.13 Trail Functions and Locations
Trails serve a variety of functions such as exercise, recreation, transportation, education and/or
environmental protection. Trails should be designed and managed to minimize conflicts among
trail users. Trailheads should be located so they are convenient and safe for those arriving by
alternate modes of transportation as well as automobiles. In order to provide environmental
protection, informal trails and user widening of trails should be discouraged by ensuring that
formal trails are well designed, monitored and adequately maintained. Trail and trail-head
locations and alignments should avoid enviromnentally sensitive areas and minimize
environmental impacts.
Link to 2.24 Paths and Trails
8.1344 Trails Network
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 conservation easement agreements, trail connections will be
developed to enhance the overall functioning of the trails network.
Culture
8.145 Libraries
Library facilities and services of the Boulder Valley will be responsive to the needs of all
populations, providing an adequate range of inforinational, educational and intellectual
opportunities for all residents.
815-3.16 Information Resource/Community Center
The city will provide 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
multi-cultural and special populations. Other community gathering spaces and information
sources include the city and county websites, municipal buildings, and recreation and senior
centers.
205 Agenda Item 6A Page 81 of 118
8.16-4.17 Education Resource
The city will seek to provide educational and literacy resources and services 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.
8-4.179 Performing and Visual Arts
The city, recognizing the need to enhance the personal development of the public and to build a
sense of community by providing for cultural needs, will encourage the provision of facilities for
the performing and visual arts and the provision of art in public buildings and spaces.
Link to 5.09 Role of Arts and Cultural Programs
8-4.198 The Arts
The city and county recognize and support the arts. They are central to the cultural life for
children, youth and adults of the Boulder community and; a clean industry that contributes
significantly to the Boulder economy. -and -the me-m€n* and tr-aEtiea ofthe- Boil~er
cerlmunit~,.-They present significant quality of life advantages to the Boulder community through
education, entertainment and the aesthetic environment and provide a vehicle to bring together
people of all walks of life and diverse ages, genders, religions, abilities, opinions, races,
ethnicities, classes, and economic means for better communication and mutual understanding.
8-4.1929 A ftistie Elements i Public Pfegeets Public Art
The city and county will incorporate artistic elements in public projects whenever possible.
8-3.20-1 Canyon Boulevard Cultural Corridor
The city will encourage public and private projects within the Canyon Boulevard Cultural
Corridor to have an arts focus and to incorporate public art.
206 Agenda Item 6A Page 82 of 118
9. Agriculture and Food - new section
A strong local food system can positively impact the health, economy and environment of the
Boulder Valley and surrounding region. Food choices and their method of production represent
one of the most significant impacts that humans have on the world around us. 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
desire for a year-round farmers market are all indications of people's growing interest 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 robust agricultural economy and ensuring everyone
has access to food.
• Support for Agriculture
• Local Food Production
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices
• Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System
• Urban Gardening & Food Production
• Access to Locally Produced Food
9.01 Support for Agriculture
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.
Link to 2.06 Preservation of Rural Areas and Amenities
The city and county will promote a viable agricultural eeenomy fef the Boulder- Valley and beyond by
wer4ing together- and with the agr-ieult~ur-al eammu
2.09 Agrieultural Land.
The city and eounty will encourage the preset-~,atien and sustainable use of agricultuf a! lands as a eurfent
and fenewable sour-ee of both food and fuel and fef their- contr-ibtttien to cultufal, envir-onmental an
eeenomic diver-sity. The city and county will encouf age the; protection of significant agr-icukufal areas an
related water- supplies and facilities, including the historic; and existing ditch systems, through a variety o
means, which may include public. ae"isition, land use; planning, and sale eF le-a-se Af for- agr-icultuFa4
usea.
207 Agenda Item 6A Page 83 of 118
5.13 Role of AgFicultuFe.
ThO G45' alld GOUHt)' Will and- assist coati-m-ledd agr-icultur-al i-n- the, BA41.1dox-Valloy. A
products.
providing an opportunity to grow anWer- market locally pr-edueed food, fiber- and horticultural Rationale: Combined existing policies 1.14, 2.09 and 5.13 into new policy
Support for
Agriculture above.
9.02 Local Food Production
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.
9.03 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, have low environmental impact, 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.
9.04 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.
9.05 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.
9.06 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.
208 Agenda Item 6A Page 84 of 118
ATTACHMENT B
Su #ainable ul r
2010 Major Update to the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
Area III-Planning Reserve and
the Service Area Expansion
Process
Policy Briefing Paper and Potential
Changes
February 2011
Prepared by City of Boulder Comprehensive Planning and Boulder County Land Use staff
209 Agenda Item 6A Page 85 of 118
Area III-Planning Reserve and
Service Area Expansion Process Briefing Paper
1. Introduction & History
The Service Area concept and the
creation of Areas I, II, and III is one of
the keystones of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP). In Ild
combination with joint city/county car
decision-making, it distinguishes the as
plan from many others in the state and
IL
country. Area I (the city) and Area II
(the area planned for annexation and wrhI
service provision) form the city's Arapahoe
Service Area. The Service Area is the _
area which the city plans to provide
urban facilities and services. Area III
was defined in 1977 as the area that
would not accommodate urban
development and where the rural
Arta I. Araa 11I Lmvx ICty LlSl
character should be preserved and
Nea II -Service Area
protected.
Artla III AlanMn~ Rsrivc
0
The Planning Areas remained as rvealll Rural R,esermion area
originally defined until 1993, at the conclusion of the Area III Planning Project. The Area III
Planning Project was a three-year joint effort of the city and county planning departments.
The city and the county had been receiving incremental requests for Area III to II changes,
particularly along the Jay Road corridor and East Arapahoe, and the plan did not provide
guidance as to where such a change would be appropriate. The goal was to determine where
and when urban growth might and might not be acceptable in the future, prior to considering
Service Area expansions.
The following studies were completed as part of the project:
(1) Land Use Suitability Analysis;
(2) Urban Services Feasibility Analysis;
(3) Vacant, Redevelopable and Underdeveloped Land Inventories in the existing Service
Area;
(4) Potential Service Area Expansion/BVCP Policy Compatibility Analysis; and
(5) Gunbarrel Policy Analysis.
At the conclusion of the project, city and county decision-makers 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.
210 Agenda Item 6A Page 86 of 118
The final report states:
"Service Area expansion is not desirable simply to provide additional land supply
for future development; it must provide a broad range of community benefits....
conceptual planning should provide an analysis of cumulative impacts and whether
the carrying capacity of the Boulder Valley can absorb this additional growth and
should also provide an evaluation of trade-offs in meeting conflicting community
goals."
After a series of public hearings the four approval bodies (City Planning Board, City Council,
County Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners) agreed in the fall of
1993 to:
• Designate 680 acres in the "West Portion-Northcentral Area" as Area III-Planning
Reserve because it presented very limited environmental constraints, was proximate
to urban services, and was of sufficient overall size to potentially accommodate the
conclusions of the future vacant land needs analysis.
• Designate the remainder of Area III as "Area III- Rural Preservation Area."
The procedures for amending the plan were changed following the project to set in place a
process for Service Area expansions that would be initiated by the city and county, and
provide for comprehensive planning of the Planning Reserve as opposed to incremental
changes.
The policy direction for determining the procedures for amending the Area III/II change
process was described in 1993 as the following:
1. Consider limited Service Area expansion to include land in the Planning Reserve
Area if the benefits to the community outweigh costs and negative impacts.
2. Revise the Area III to II change process from an incremental, reactive, applicant
driven process to a process based on comprehensive planning of growth areas and
city-initiated Area HIM changes. The revised Area II/11 change process and
criteria must establish greater community control over the location, type, acreage,
and timing of development.
3. Service Area expansion is not desirable simply to provide additional land for
future development-it must provide a broad range of community benefits.
4. Area III to II changes should be large to cohesively plan and annex by
neighborhoods (which should have a diversity of land uses) and to build logical
increments for infrastructure.
5. To achieve community goals and policies, the city should be more directive in
determining what actually gets built both for development in the existing Service
Area and for any new growth areas (in Area III).
6. Require that new growth (in Areas II and III) provide needed land uses that
compliment existing subcommunities and implement a broad range of community
goals. Development of land in new growth areas should be phased over many
years in order to enhance growth management, encourage appropriate infill and
redevelopment in the existing Service Area, and preserve development options for
the future.
211 Agenda Item 6A Page 87 of 118
The procedures that were developed based on this policy direction are still found in the
plan today, including:
• Area III to II changes only apply to lands in the Area III-Planning Reserve, not the
Area III-Rural Preservation Area, unless the change can qualify as a minor
amendment to the boundary.
• A process for expanding the Service Area boundary was established
• A Service Area Expansion Plan process was created, with a list of what the plan
must contain, and the criteria that the plan must meet.
• The role of property owners in the Service Area expansion process is established.
Although key elements of the process for expanding the Service Area into the Planning
Reserve have not changed since original adoption, revisions have been made to the Planning
Reserve boundary and process. In 2000, a land use suitability study was conducted as part of
the major update to the BVCP and, as a result, 182 acres of land were moved from the Area
III-Planning Reserve to Area III-Rural Preservation. Since the 2000 major update, the size of
the Planning Reserve has remained at approximately 500 acres. Approximately 190 acres of
the Planning Reserve was purchased by the Parks and Recreation Department for a regional
park.
Two changes occurred in 2005, when additional text was added to further clarify "sufficient
merit" to authorize the development of a Service Area expansion plan, and a new criterion for
approval of a Service Area expansion plan was added requiring that the change provides for a
"priority need that cannot be met within the existing Service Area." These were added to
strengthen the intent of the Service Area expansion process as a comprehensive, city initiated
process. The result of these two changes was the addition of an initial community process to
identify a list of unmet needs prior to considering whether to authorize a Service Area
expansion plan. This process is further explained in the following section.
In researching other communities, many utilize an urban Service Area or growth boundary,
and some have vacant lands designated for specific land uses while others have no future use
identified. Of the communities researched, none had a provision for future land reserved for
the undefined future needs of the community, such as described in the BVCP.
The closest example of a system similar to that of the Area III-Planning Reserve in the BVCP
is the Urban Reserves program recently established by the Oregon Metro Regional
Government. Metro's program is on a regional scale, and has identified lands in Clackamas,
Multnomah and Washington counties that are appropriate for future urban development, and
lands for rural preservation. The time horizon of the urban reserves is 50 years. The system
was established to eliminate the incremental, site-specific decision making that was required
as part of urban growth boundary changes under Oregon state law. The guidelines and
policies for how an urban reserve can be considered for urban development includes a
comprehensive planning process, much like the Service Area expansion plan process in the
BVCP.
212 Agenda Item 6A Page 88 of 118
II. How is the Service Area Expansion Process for the Area III-Planning Reserve
currently addressed in the Comprehensive Plan?
The process to develop land in the Area III-Planning Reserve has very distinct steps, and
joint decision-making points. The process is outlined in the flow chart below. As
articulated in the background section above, the intent of the Area III-Planning Reserve is
not to serve as additional land supply for general development, but rather potentially
provide land for community needs if they cannot be met within the Service Area. The
criteria and process to expand the Service Area intentionally set a high threshold, to
ensure that if land is to be moved from Area III, the net benefits to the community
outweigh the impacts.
To begin the Service Existing Service Area Expansion Process
Area expansion process,
all four bodies must
determine that "sufficient FShould blic Hearing on Service Area Expansion:
City study if sufficient merit (unmet need in
merit exists to authorize a Area) exists to develop expansion plan?
Service Area expansion
plan." To determine
whether "sufficient merit
exists," it must be YES NO
demonstrated that a desired
community need cannot be
Identify range of community
met within the existing needs, and if they cannot be
Plan Cannot be
Service Area. met within the Service Area.
until next Major
Fpdate
Preparation of a Service
Area expansion plan is a Four-body Public Hearings:
significant joint city-county Sufficient Merit to Authorize NO
planning effort. The BVCP Expansion Plan? (Any One Body)
outlines what the plan must
include. See Exhibit A for
a copy of the current plan YES
text. (All Four Bodies)
After the plan is completed, Prepare Expansion Plan
all four bodies consider
whether to approve the
plan, based on criteria listed Four-body Public Hearings:
in the BVCP. If approved, Approve Proposed Plan?
the area is moved from
Area III-Planning Reserve
to Area II. Property owners YES NO:
may then begin the (All Four Bodies) (Any one Body)
annexation and
development process Property Moves from Area III to Area II (Eligible for Annexation)
according to the phasing
213 Agenda Item 6A Page 89 of 118
identified in the expansion plan and the extension of city infrastructure.
III. What issues and challenges have been identified for the Area III-Planning
Reserve Service Area expansion process?
As part of the 2010 Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, all four
approval bodies have discussed the Service Area expansion process. Based on those
discussions, and input from the community, property owners, and focus group, the following
issues and challenges have been stated:
1. The current description, process, and criteria for requesting, processing, and approving
a Service Area expansion is not contained in one section of the plan, but is scattered in
several sections and confusing to follow.
2. The plan intends for a Service Area expansion decision to be proactive, yet the process
is reactive, with a request process for landowners in the Planning Reserve to submit
requests before the threshold interest in expanding the Service Area has been made.
3. The city would like more flexibility to respond to special opportunities and not limit
the ability to look at the Area III - Planning Reserve only during the major update
(every five years).
4. The process to consider a Service Area expansion is lengthy, including the number of
four-body approval/decision steps.
5. Now that the city has little vacant land remaining, consideration of a Service Area
expansion has become more of a reality. However, the definition of the Area III-
Planning Reserve (Policy 2.1 Ob) states that the area maintains both rural preservation
or urban development options, creating an unclear intent for the future of the area,
resulting in differences in understanding or interpreting the purpose and intent of the
use of the Planning Reserve.
6. The threshold of a "community need that cannot be met within the existing Service
Area" is hard to define and there is not clear guidance on how to meet it.
7. The current Service Area expansion process is written such that the entire planning
reserve will be planned and considered for service area expansion. The concern is that
this will prematurely plan for an area not desired for full development to accommodate
a single proposal deemed to meet a community need.
8. No advanced planning has been done for service expansion into the Area III-Planning
Reserve, making it difficult to know what basic urban service needs and upgrades
would be required and cost for various intensities of development.
214 Agenda Item 6A Page 90 of 118
IV. What are the objectives for changes based on the identified issues?
Staff has identified the following objectives for revisions to the Service Area expansion
process:
1. Clarify intent of the Planning Reserve, including that incremental development over
time may be appropriate, and what circumstances would warrant consideration of
expanding the service area.
2. Keep the process changes consistent with the original policy direction from 1993 that
the Planning Reserve:
• Be used to meet community needs that cannot be met in the service area, not
just additional land for development;
• Provide for a broad range of community benefits that outweigh costs and
negative impacts
• Expansion process should be a proactive, city/county-initiated process
• Be appropriately phased over time, to ensure adequate services can be
provided
3. Provide for additional opportunities for when a Service Area expansion can be
considered; more than just the 5-year major update.
4. Provide clear criteria for what constitutes a community need that cannot be met in the
Service Area.
5. Provide a clear and understandable process for considering a Service Area expansion,
and preparing a Service Area expansion plan.
6. Provide for a more streamlined process that positions the city to respond to a great
idea in a shorter timeframe.
V. Potential changes to the Service Area expansion process
1. What is the intent of the Area III-Planning Reserve?
The Area III-Planning Reserve is currently defined in BVCP Policy 2.10:
"The Area III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA) is that portion of Area III with rural
land uses where the city intends to maintain the option of limited Service Area
expansion. The Area III-Planning Reserve Area classification maintains both
rural preservation and urban development options until the city and county decide
the ultimate land use. The location and characteristics of this land make it
potentially writable for new urban development, based on the apparent lack of
sensitive areas, hazard areas, the feasibility of efficient urban service extension,
215 Agenda Item 6A Page 91 of 118
and contiguity to the existing Service Area, which maintains a compact
community. "
As part of the discussions during this update, it was acknowledged that the intent or purpose
of the Area III-Planning Reserve is not clear, and is spread out through several sections.
Based on those discussions, a slightly revised intent statement for the Area III- Planning
Reserve is proposed that:
• More clearly indicates the Planning Reserve is an area where the city maintains the
option of limited expansion for urban development.
• Clarifies that incremental development may be appropriate over time.
• Explains what a service area expansion could be authorized for.
The following proposed statement would replace policy 2.10:
The Area III-Planning Reserve is that portion of Area III with rural land uses where the city
intends to maintain the option of limited Service Area expansion for future urban
development in response to significant opportunities or community needs that cannot be met
within the existing Service Area. The Area III-Planning Reserve classification maintains both
rural preservation and urban development options until the city and county decide the ultimate
land use. The location and characteristics of this land make it potentially suitable for new
urban development, based on the apparent lack of sensitive areas, hazard areas, the feasibility
of efficient urban service extension, and contiguity to the existing Service Area, which
maintains a compact community. While Service Area expansion into the Area III-Planning
Reserve may occur over time in several separate actions, it is a significant action and must
result in a logical expansion of the Service Area (determined by factors such as more efficient
service provision, a more identifiable edge to the urbanized area or neighborhood, a more
functional boundary based on property ownership parcel lines or defining natural features).
This area is limited in size, and the needs of future generations should be considered any time
a Service Area expansion of the Planning Reserve is contemplated.
2. What should the threshold be for considering a Service Area expansion?
The current threshold to consider a Service Area expansion is based on a "desired community
need" that cannot be met in the existing Service Area. However, there is not a definition or
criteria as to what constitutes a "desired community need." Based on discussions as part of
the update process and focus group input, two reasons have been suggested that might warrant
a Service Area expansion: for a priority community need or for a special opportunity.
Therefore, it is recommended that the existing category of "community need" be clarified,
and a new category of "significant community opportunity " be created and defined. Proposed
definitions are below:
A. Significant Community Opportunity - A significant community opportunity for the
Area III-Planning Reserve is a unique use that would have a lasting and positive
benefit for multiple generations, and requires a large, contiguous location that cannot
be achieved through redevelopment within the existing Service Area. Past examples
of such community opportunities include the Chautauqua, Federal Labs (NOAA,
NIST), NCAR and the University of Colorado.
216 Agenda Item 6A Page 92 of 118
a. To be considered as a significant community opportunity for Service Area
expansion, the City, in consultation with the County, must determine that it
would:
i. Have a lasting positive benefit for multiple generations of people
within the Boulder Valley; and
ii. Further the overall policies of the Comprehensive Plan; and
iii. Significantly further the environmental, social, and economic
sustainability policies in the Comprehensive Plan; and
iv. Not be able to be accommodated through redevelopment in the existing
service area.
b. A Service Area expansion for a significant community opportunity may be
considered at any time.
B. Community needs - Boulder's growth management policies have created a distinct,
separate and compact community with a unique sense of place. There is limited
vacant land remaining in the Service Area and new development will occur primarily
through redevelopment. Community needs change over time, and to achieve the
community's desired long-term vision and the core values articulated in the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan, it may be desirable to expand the service area. The Area
III-Planning Reserve is that "safety-valve" location to achieve a priority community
need that cannot be met within the existing Service Area.
a. For consideration of a Service Area expansion to meet a community need, the
City, in consultation with the County, must determine that the need:
i. Is a priority for residents in the Boulder Valley; and
ii. Will address a long-term community value as articulated in the
Comprehensive Plan; and
iii. Will significantly further the environmental, economic, and social
sustainability policies of the Comprehensive Plan; and
iv. Cannot be met within the existing Service Area because there is not
suitable existing or potential land/service capacity; and
v. Will benefit the existing residents, and will have a lasting benefit for
future generations.
b. A Service Area expansion may be considered for a priority community need
only at the mid-term or major updates to the Comprehensive Plan.
3. What should the steps be for a Service Area Expansion`?
The following process is proposed, as shown in the flow chart on page 12.
Step 1: Baseline Urban Service Study
The process would begin with a baseline urban service study of the Area III-Planning
Reserve. The purposes are to prepare an initial assessment of service provision needs and
requirements in the area, identify how those services could be provided, and to calculate
the potential costs. The study is not a commitment to provide services but a tool to help
inform decision-making.
The study would include but is not limited to the following items:
217 Agenda Item 6A Page 93 of 118
• Existing infrastructure
• Requirements, feasibility and costs to meet the urban service criteria and standards in
the BVCP for new urban development under various scenarios (such as needed
upgrades to the water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities and distribution system,
additional fire stations/ vehicles and police protection needs, transportation network
connections, urban parks); and
• Identification of logical Service Area expansions (areas and/or phasing).
This study would be completed prior to consideration of a Service Area expansion. The
BVCP states that "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..." (Policy 3.03), and the outcome of study will inform
next steps. If the baseline study outlines the needs and costs and they can be addressed
reasonably through the CIP, annexation and development exactions, then considerations for a
Service Area expansion may proceed.
The baseline study meets the objectives for the revisions to the Service Area expansion
process by providing an incremental step forward and providing needed information, thereby
streamlining the next steps in the process.
The city would authorize a Baseline Study of the Area III-Planning Reserve, and this step
would need to occur prior to any other action related to a Service Area expansion. This study
should only be conducted if
there is interest within the
15-year planning period to
potentially expand the FR' orize Baseline i"rban
Service Area into the Area Se11161 stuck No
Council Public Hearui,.
III-Planning Reserve for ouu iei1datio1i from PB
the right uses, and there is a
desire to position the city to
be able to react in a shorter Baseline Intr-astructtue Stud-
timeframe to a significant of Area III-Plaiuihis Reserve 6_12
community opportunity or \Iou111s
a community need. If a
baseline study is Accept Study and allow for
conducted, the study will a service area expansion to
be referred to the county, be considered? SeiAice ,Area
and the study would be City Cotuicil Public Hearing. Expansion play not
presented to the City Recommendation frown PB be considered
Council for acceptance. If a
baseline study has not been
completed and accepted, no Service Area
consideration of the Area expansions may be
III-Planning Reserve may considered
occur.
218 Agenda Item 6A Page 94 of 118
Step 2: Service Area expansion process
Two potential alternative ways to trigger a Service Area expansion (significant
community opportunity or existing community need), are proposed:
a. Significant Community Opportunity
it is anticipated that a significant community opportunity would be one user needing a
large contiguous space. The proponent would submit evidence that the use meets the
criteria for a significant community opportunity, triggering a request for a hearing by
the city. Prior to the hearing, the request would be referred to the Planning
Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Staff would make a
recommendation on whether the use/user represents a significant community
opportunity, warranting consideration of a Service Area expansion plan. The Planning
Board and City Council must both find that the request is a significant community
opportunity and authorize a service area expansion.
If approved, a service area expansion plan would be prepared by the city with
assistance from the county. The plan would include, but not be limited to:
1. The location and amount of land area needed for the proposal;
2. What compatible uses are needed or desired based on the proposal;
3. Conceptual land use and infrastructure plans, to ensure adequate facilities and
services can be provided to the proposal;
4. Key annexation requirements to ensure compliance with the comprehensive
plan goals and policies, and to ensure compatibility with the existing
development context and surrounding area;
5. Requirements for the city and the private sector for development, impact
mitigation and offsets (both on-site and off-site); and
6. Anticipated development phasing.
Since the expansion plan would be in response to a specific user, it is anticipated that
much of the study cost and work would be completed by the user, similar to an
annexation or development proposal. The plan would be presented to all four approval
bodies for consideration of an Area III to Area II change. This process is estimated to
take 9-12 months.
b. Priority Community Need
A Service Area expansion for an existing community need may only occur at a mid-
term or major update to the BVCP. At the beginning of each BVCP update, the
Planning Board and City Council would hold a public hearing to determine if there is
interest in considering a Service Area expansion as part of that update. If both bodies
express interest, the BVCP update would be limited in scope, as a Service Area
expansion would require significant resources. If there is not interest in a Service
Area expansion, no expansion is considered until the next update, and the regular
process for that update continues.
If the city is interested in a Service Area expansion, a planning effort would begin.
This planning effort would be similar to an area plan. The first step would be to solicit
and identify priority community needs that meet the definition. The city would then
determine whether the identified needs are priority community needs and warrant
219 Agenda Item 6A Page 95 of 118
preparation of a Service Area Expansion Plan. Prior to the decision by the city, the
identified needs would be referred to the Planning Commission and Board of County
Commissioners. The Planning Board and City Council would hold public hearings
and decide whether to authorize a Service Area expansion plan. If the service area
expansion plan authorized, the needs which were considered by the city to be a
priority would then be analyzed along with compatible surrounding uses, and the
context of the area. The plan would include, but not be limited to:
1. The location and amount of land area needed;
2. What compatible uses are needed or desired based on the identified needs;
3. Conceptual land use and infrastructure plans, to ensure adequate facilities and
services can be provided;
4. Key annexation requirements to ensure compliance with the comprehensive
plan goals and policies, and to ensure compatibility with the existing
development context and surrounding area;
5. Requirements and conditions for the city and the private sector for
development, including on-site and off-site impact mitigation and offsets; and
6. Anticipated development phasing
This option allows the city and county to proactively determine when a Service Area
expansion should occur, what area is most logical to consider, and the needs to be
addressed, rather than reacting to a specific idea or proposal. The plan is presented to
all four approval bodies for consideration. If approved, the area moves into Area lI,
and is eligible for annexation according to the phasing in the plan. This process is
estimated to take 18-24 months.
To approve a service area expansion plan and change from Area III-Planning Reserve
to Area II, the approval bodies must find the change meets all the following criteria:
(a) Consistency with thresholds for expansion: The plan must addresses a significant
community opportunity or desired community need consistent with the thresholds
for authorizing a service area expansion plan.
(b) Minimum Plan area: The minimum size of the area proposed for a service area
expansion should be at least forty acres in order to cohesively plan and annex
logical areas of the service area.
(c) Minimum Contiguity: The area proposed 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.
(d) Logical extension of the service area: The area proposed for a service area
expansion must be a logical boundary, which results in 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; and
(e) Compatibility with the surrounding area and comprehensive plan: The plan and
area proposed for service area expansion must be compatible with the surrounding
area and 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.
(g) Appropriate timing for annexation and development: A reasonable time frame for
annexation is projected within the planning period is the expansion is approved.
220 Agenda Item 6A Page 96 of 118
A proposed process flow chart for a service area expansion, following completion of a
baseline urban service study is below.
7Significant Community Desired Community \eed
nity (At I\1id-Tei ar 1~lajar
ans time) Update)
0
NONE-
W
F(2-BodN service area expansion be No
ed as pturt of this B-.'('P
o'
ublic Heariugs. rcferfal to PC'
,
o ;-6
Study ofiuimet needs Mouth,
~a
e
Authorize Service Area
xpansion Plan?
o'
-Bode- Public Heariuias: No
to PC' & BGCC)
Prepare Service
Area Expansion
Plan
ro
6-18
o"
FExpansion ove Service Area Months
Plan" 40 No
. dy Public Hearings)
SttlCiv area mo-,7es fi°om Area III to Area IT
(Eligible for Annexation)
221 Agenda Item 6A Page 97 of 118
Focus Group Notes:
A focus group consisting of representatives of various civic and neighborhood groups
provided feedback to city staff on a preliminary draft of the briefing paper. The group met
once in January of 2011. Below is a list of focus group participants:
Ruth Blackmore
Alan Boles
Aaron Brockett
Dan Cohen
Michael Deragisch
Terry Palmos
Dan Powers
Bill Roettker
Adrian Sopher
Key Themes:
• It is not only about needs, it's about opportunities too.
• Ok to plan in parts
• Some land should be kept for future needs
• Need opportunities for good ideas
• Need expressed values and criteria, a threshold for deciding to expand
• Agree with Baseline infrastructure analysis
• Ok to plan around something special, aka "game changer"
• Study should be about sections or phases
• Whatever the process, it must blend with the park and OS land beyond it.
• The BVCP already articulates the broad needs and values
• Bottom line is that clarity and certainty is needed
Meeting Notes:
• Biggest issues are 4-body review, the standard of a need that "cannot be met in the Service
Area boundary", and the timing of only at 5 year updates.
• Can't look at in community need isolation, look at the full county
• Define what a community need is
• Values of what the community needs change over time
• Must consider what is taken away from future generations if developed
• "need" may be too narrow, what about a more broad approach to "opportunity"
• Is the # of years correct or still relevant? Clarify when it could be developed. Ask every 5
years or more often.
• If the horizon of development is not within 15 years of plan timeframe, such as 50 years,
change the plan
• Split the private and public ownership - public land should be held to a different standard,
the definition of the two are different.
• Presuming a new definition of community need or benefit, conceptual development types
would likely be the result of what is needed, one development would not likely fit or
achieve the need
• Might have a need identified, expansion would meet that need and some subsequent
projects would continue compatible uses. Agree that one "mega use" is not likely.
222 Agenda Item 6A Page 98 of 118
• Question on how to deal with range - whole down to parcels, likely need to choose one or
the other.
• It is ok to plan the area in parts
• North Boulder Subcommunity Plan is a good example of a plan - do we do a similar plan
- or set aside part for if a good idea comes.
• Doing a plan now will take away options for the future - should keep some of the area for
future needs
• Don't want to plan similar to Boulder Junction or Subcommunity plan - it limits
opportunities for good ideas.
• Need expressed values in criteria and standards to get over the threshold to develop the
area.
• Set the bar high for threshold - but be clear
• Access to and from the area needs to be rolled into the mix before it goes too far.
• Agree with the infrastructure analysis - for developed properties need to know the costs
and requirements for service provision needs
• Still too many questions to jump into real analysis - need more info
• Nature of city edge and major highway, and gateways. No other part of the city has a
similar mix/lack of uses. Other major highways all have development on both sides.
Need a comprehensive view of this area as a city edge - use of the infrastructure.
• Speed issue - need different uses, character to slow and knit the two sides together
• The public lands might not be in the best place - which is a problem.
• Land not "all created equally"
Thoughts on Community Need
• What do people leave town to get, what jobs are lacking
• Community needs change over time - implies we need to set the time as they wioll keep
shifting
• This is the last piece of land for development - implies putting off development as long as
possible and get it right for the future generations
• If it's the last chance, only use it for something special ("game changer") - people in town
will not likely know what that is - likely to come from outside - eq: IBM, NCAR -
possible it wont be, but might
• Scale - game changer could be on much smaller part than whole reserve, and land is not
assembled.
• Ok to plan around game changer
• Does not have to be all or nothing
• Study needs to be about sections or phases
• Consider possibility of park land changing
• Don't put the cart before the horse - need to identify need first (not consensus)
• What to we prove/parameters to be a game changer?
o something that will shift the economy in a way people are comfortable with, new
direction
o will change from what we have instead of building on what we have
• See small business opportunities expand
o Some not sure we need the Planning Reserve for this
223 Agenda Item 6A Page 99 of 118
• Use must blend with the park and open space beyond it. Need to develop corridor, to
transition
• Who defines community need, how and when. Just look to PB and CC? Look to
Community?
• Have to use the political process and need a way for a variety of perspectives
• Mistake to pin down too specifically and the role for officials
• Maybe at annual CC goal setting they list priority needs?
• The BVCP already articulates needs and values
• Bottom line is that clarity and certainty are needed
• Must think about whole community needs, set some aside for the future, develop some,
but must reach broader community.
224 Agenda Item 6A Page 100 of 118
Exhibit A: Planning Reserve and Service Area Expansion process -
Existing BVCP Language
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. Departmental master plans project the provision of services to this area
within the planning period. Area IIA is the area of irmnediate focus within the first three years, and Area IIB is
available to accommodate development within the balance of the planning period.
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 1, II, III Map and Policy 2.10 Delineation of Rural Lands.)
2.10 Delineation of Rural Lands.
Area III consists of the rural lands in the Boulder Valley, outside 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 (RPA) or
the Area III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA). The boundaries of these two areas are shown on the Area III-Rural
Preservation Area and Area I. II, III Map. The more specific Area III land use designations on the
comprehensive plan map indicate the type of non-urban land use that is desired as well as recognize those county
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:
rural 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 III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA) is that portion of Area III with rural land uses where the city intends
to maintain the option of limited Service Area expansion. The Area III-Planning Reserve Area classification
maintains both rural preservation and urban development options until the city and county decide the ultimate
desired land use. The location and characteristics of this land make it potentially suitable for new urban
225 Agenda Item 6A Page 101 of 118
development, based on 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,
which maintains a compact community.
Service Area Expansion Process: The Procedures for the Five Year
Review
(3)Changes from Area III-Planning Reserve to Area II
During each five-year review, the city and county may assess whether or not sufficient merit exists to authorize a
service area expansion plan. The determination of sufficient merit will be based on demonstration that a desired
community need cannot be met within the existing service area. If the city and county find that sufficient merit
exists, the city and county may authorize a planning effort to develop a joint city county service area expansion
plan for the area proposed to be brought into the service area in consultation with Area III property owners and
the public. The Service Area Expansion Plan must address the following:
(a) the types of development needed to meet long term community needs;
(b) key requirements to ensure compliance with community goals and policies, and to ensure compatibility with
the existing development context and surrounding area,
(c) conceptual land use and infrastructure plan components;
(d) requirements for development impact mitigation and offsets (both on-site and off-site); and
(e) development phasing.
(1) Service Area expansions (Area III-Planning Reserve to Area II changes)
Following preparation of a service area expansion plan (see Sections 3.c.3 below), the city and county must
determine that the proposed change from Area III - Planning Reserve to Area II meets the following criteria:
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
(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 iicrement for
extending urban services; a desirable community edge and neighborhood boundary: and a location that
contributes to the desired compact urban form.
(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 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.
226 Agenda Item 6A Page 102 of 118
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ATTACHMENT E
Boulder Matters Public Input on the BVCP Update
The BVCP Update was featured in three of the five Boulder Matters events:
• Thursday, Oct. 28, at the East Boulder Community Center (16 attendees)
• Saturday, Nov. 6, at Foothill Elementary School (37 attendees)
• Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the West Boulder Senior Center (89 attendees)
The following public input was received on the BVCP Update:
Comments Forms:
• Move Hogan/Pancost from Area II to III.
• Eliminate "affordable housing" buy-outs.
• Think in a targeted way about how needs of an aging population and children
intersect and where separation is appropriate. In general, identify how initiatives
can serve several city goals at a time: e.g. bike paths/children's independent
mobility to school/habitat for biodiversity/nearby parks.
• My concern is the time and money needed to get through Boulder Planning Dept.
Although renovation of this dept. is difficult, I highly encourage a return to
common sense, simplicity, less bureaucracy and a process more conducive to
working together for a sane and sensible future in regards to homes and
community. Thank you.
Wall Chart:
• Keep flexibility once a plan is activated. Something planned and realized 10
years later may not fit a neighborhood's environment or inhabitants anymore.
• Boulder needs to do all it can to assure that the level of K-12 education is the very
best and includes excellent training in critical thinking skills.
• In Boulder's provision of enough choices for affordable housing - plan for
cultural and economic diversity
Community Design/Urban Form Presentation "Clicker" Responses - next pages
229 Agenda Item 6A Page 105 of 118
Turning Results by Question
Session Name: BVCP 10-28-2010 7-07 PM
1.) Are you familiar with the BVCP? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 81.82% 9
No 18.18% 2
Totals 100% 11,
2.) Did you attend any previous BVCP events? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 63.64% 7
No 36.36% 4
Totals 100% 11
3.) Where do you live? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
North Boulder 10% 1
Palo Park 0% 0
Gunbarrel 0% 0
East Boulder 0% 0
Crossroads 0% 0
Central Boulder 30% 3
CU 0% 0
South Boulder 10% 1
Southeast Boulder 50% 5
Not in Boulder 0% 0
Totals 100% 10
4.) In which category is your age? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Younger than 18 0% 0
18 - 30 8.33% 1
31 - 40 8.33% 1
41 - 50 16.67% 2
51 - 60 33.33% 4
61 - 74 25% 3
75+ 8.33% 1
Totals 100% 12
Page 1 of 3
230 Agenda Item 6A Page 106 of 118
5.) How long have you lived in Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Less than 1 year 9.09% 1
1-2 years 9.09% 1
3-5 years 9.09% 1
5-10 years 0% 0
10-20 years 9.09% 1
Over 20 years 63.64% 7
F Totals 100% 11
6.) Are you familiar with the Area III-Planning Reserve? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 50% 5
No 50% 5
Totals 100% 10
7.) Do these definitions capture all the key elements of a sustainable urban form for
Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 85.71%1 6
No 14.29% 1
Totals 100% 7
8.) Do these definitions capture all the key elements of a sustainable urban form for
Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 71.43% 5
No 28.57% 2
Totals 100% 7
9.) Do the city structure maps adequately illustrate the current and desired future form
of Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 30% 3
No 70% 7
Totals 100% 10
Page 2 of 3
231 Agenda Item 6A Page 107 of 118
10.) Do the city structure maps adequately illustrate the current and desired future form
of Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Yes 33.33% 3
No 66.67% 6
Totals 100% 9
11.) The Mobility Grid map articulates a policy to extend the street grid east to improve
connectivity, walkability and character. Is this important to you? (multiple choice
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 72.73% 8
No 27.27% 3
Totals 100% 11
12.) How important is the proposed inclusion of the Public Realm map in helping defining
Boulder's character? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Very Important 54.55% 6
Somewhat Important 45.45% 5
Not Important 0% 0
Totals 100% 11
Page 3 of 3
232 Agenda Item 6A Page 108 of 118
Turning Results by Question
Session Name: BVCP 11-6-2010 11-55 AM
1.) Are you familiar with the BVCP? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 5625% 9
No 43.75% 7
Totals 100% 16
2.) Did you attend any previous BVCP events? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Yes 14.29% 2
No 85.71% 12
Totals 100% 14
3.) Where do you live? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
North Boulder 12.50% 2
Palo Park 0% 0
Gunbarrel 6.25% 1
East Boulder 0% 0
Crossroads 625% 1
Central Boulder 12.50% 2
CU 56.25% 9
South Boulder 0% 0
Southeast Boulder 625% 1
Not in Boulder 0% 0
Totals 100% 16
4.) In which category is your age? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Younger than 18 0% 0
18 - 30 56.25% 9
31 - 40 6.25% 1
41 - 50 0% 0
51 - 60 25% 4
61 - 74 6.25% 1
75+ 625% 1
Totals 100% 16
Page 1 of 3
233 Agenda Item 6A Page 109 of 118
5.) How long have you lived in Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Less than 1 year 11.76% 2
1-2 years 47.06% 8
3-5 years 11.76% 2
5-10 years 0% 0
10-20 years 5.88% 1
Over 20 years 23.53% 4
F Totals 100% 17
6.) Are you familiar with the Area III-Planning Reserve? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 29.41%1 5
No 70.59% 12
Totals 100% 17
7.) Do you think it is time for the city to consider potential expansion into the Planning
Reserve Area? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 47.06% 8
No 52.94% 9
Totals 100% 17,
8.) What do you think would be the highest priority "community need"? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Affordable Housing 43.75% 7
Retail 0% 0
Renewable Energy 12.50% 2
Other 12.50% 2
No change now 31.25% 5
Keep rural forever 0% 0
Totals 100% 16
9.) Do these definitions seem on track to capture the key elements of a sustainable urban
form for Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 88.89% 16
No 11.11% 2
Totals 100% 18
Page 2 of 3
234 Agenda Item 6A Page 110 of 118
10.) Is there one area that resonates with you most? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Compact 15% 3
Connected 30% 6
Complete 5% 1
Green, Attractive, Distinct 5% 1
Inclusive 0% 0
No - All are important 45% 9
Totals 100% 20
11.) Do you think that this is the right direction for redevelopment in Boulder? (multiple
choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Yes 85% 17
No 15% 3
Totals 100% 20
12.) Which Briefing Paper are you most interested in reading? (multiple choice
Responses
(percent) (count)
Community Design 55.56% 10
Social Sustainability 27.78% 5
Economic Sustainability 5.56% 1
Local Food Sustainable Agriculture 5.56% 1
Energy and Climate Action 0% 0
None of them 5.56% 1
Totals 100% 18
Page 3 of 3
235 Agenda Item 6A Page 111 of 118
Turning Results by Question
Session Name: BVCP 11-10-2010 6-43 PM
1.) Are you familiar with the BVCP? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 5526% 21
No 44.74% 17
Totals 100% 38
2.) Did you attend any previous BVCP events? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Yes 27.50% 11
No 72.50% 29
Totals 100% 40
3.) Where do you live? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
North Boulder 11.90% 5
Palo Park 4.76% 2
Gunbarrel 0% 0
East Boulder 0% 0
Crossroads 11.90% 5
Central Boulder 30.95% 13
CU 1429% 6
South Boulder 9.52% 4
Southeast Boulder 11.90% 5
Not in Boulder 4.76% 2
Totals 100% 42
4.) In which category is your age? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Younger than 18 0% 0
18 - 30 44.19% 19
31 - 40 4.65% 2
41 - 50 11.63% 5
51 - 60 13.95% 6
61 - 74 13.95% 6
75+ 11.63% 5
Totals 100% 43
Page 1 of 3
236 Agenda Item 6A Page 112 of 118
5.) How long have you lived in Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Less than 1 year 7.14% 3
1-2 years 38.10% 16
3-5 years 9.52% 4
5-10 years 4.76% 2
10-20 years 16.67% 7
Over 20 years 23-81%1 10
Totals 100% 42
6.) Are you familiar with the Area III-Planning Reserve? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 38.10% 16
No 61.90% 26
Totals 100% 42
7.) Do you think the process should be revised to add flexibility to react to a priority need?
(multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 79.41 % 27
No 20.59% 7
Totals 100% 34
8.) What do you think would be the highest priority "community needs?" (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Affordable Housing 32.56% 14
Retail 0% 0
Renewable Energy 30.23% 13
Other 18.60% 8
No change now 11.63% 5
Keep rural forever 6.98% 3
Totals 100% 43
9.) Do these definitions seem on track to capture the key elements of a sustainable urban
form for Boulder? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Yes 93.02% 40
No 6.98% 3
Totals 100% 43
Page 2 of 3
237 Agenda Item 6A Page 113 of 118
10.) Is there one area that resonates with you most? (multiple choice)
Responses
(percent) (count)
Compact 6.82% 3
Connected 18.18% 8
Complete 4.55% 2
Green, Attractive, Distinct 18.18% 8
Inclusive 6.82% 3
No - All are important 45.45% 20
Totals 100% 44
11.) Do you think that this is the right direction for redevelopment in Boulder? (multiple
choice)
Responses
(percent) count
Yes 92.68% 38
No 7.32% 3
Totals 100% 41
12.) Which Briefing Paper are you most interested in reading? (multiple choice
Responses
(percent) (count)
Community Design 42.50% 17
Social Sustainability 7.50% 3
Economic Sustainability 10% 4
Local Food Sustainable Agriculture 20% 8
Energy and Climate Action 17.50% 7
None of them 2.50% 1
Totals 100% 40
Page 3 of 3
238 Agenda Item 6A Page 114 of 118
ATTACHMENT F
Plan Organization Outline
Goals:
• Consolidate the BVCP document to make it more concise and easier to navigate
and digest.
• Make the BVCP accessible via an interactive, web-based product.
• The web interface is graphically exciting with user-friendly pages that will be
specifically designed and linked so as to highlight the interrelationships among
policies and themes.
• Paper copies would no longer be printed for mass distribution; however, users
will be able to request a paper copy or print out part, or all, of the plan from the
Web.
Recommended changes to the current structure:
1. Change the name of the "Community Design" section to "Built Environment".
2. Move and revise some policies to create an "Energy and Climate" section and a
"Agriculture and Food" chapter.
3. Move policies and change the focus of the "Human Services" section to a
"Community Well-Being" section.
4. Eliminate "Facilities and Services" section and move policies to sustainability
policies (general policies) and community well-being section.
Proposed new plan structure:
Core Values, Sustainability Framework and General Policies
Core Values
Sustainability Framework
Plan Timeframe and Updates
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Growth Management
Framework for Annexation and Urban Service Provision
Utilities
Built Environment
Definition of City Structure and Sustainable Urban Form
Community Identity / Land Use Pattern
Rural Lands Preservation
Neighborhoods
Mixed Use and Higher Density Development
Activity Centers
Urban Design Linkages
Community Conservation
Design Quality
Natural Environment
Biodiversity and Native Ecosystems
239 Agenda Item 6A Page 115 of 118
Urban Environmental Quality
Geological Resources and Natural Hazards
Water & Air Quality
Energy and Climate (new section)
Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Land Use & Building Design
Waste and Recycling
Sustainable Purchasing
Economy
Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment
Diverse Economic Base
Quality of Life
Sustainable Business Practices
Job Opportunities; Education and Training
Transportation
Complete Transportation System
Land Use Integration
Air Quality
Boulder Municipal Airport
Housing
Community Housing Needs
Housing Choices
Diversity
Growth and Community Housing Goals
Community Well-Being
Human Services
Social Equity
Physical Health
Community Infrastructure and Facilities
Agriculture and Food
Support for Agriculture & Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Local Food Production & Urban Gardening
240 Agenda Item 6A Page 116 of 118
Criteria for Editing the Plan
Part of the discussion ftom the Oct. 12, 2010 joint City Council/Planning Board study
session was direction to reduce the "sprawl " that the BVCP policies and text have
developed over the last 30 years. To help facilitate the editing process, staff has
developed a set of criteria for edits to policies:
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)
• Revision (updating to current status, new direction )
• Remaining the same
Reasons for elimination
• 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.)
• Existing city or state law.
241 Agenda Item 6A Page 117 of 118
• Goal or direction is covered in a master plan and better described there. (e.g. funding
priorities).
• Goal or direction is too general to be useful (concept may be revised if more
specificity can be added).
• 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.
242 Agenda Item 6A Page 118 of 118