HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 Application_Part1TCI Lane Ranch – Preliminary Plan / PUD
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................4
LIST OF DRAWING SHEETS ...................................................................................................7
PROJECT TEAM ...................................................................................................................9
1 Existing Conditions.....................................................................................................11
1.1 Structures .......................................................................................................................... 12
1.2 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................... 12
1.3 Water ................................................................................................................................1 2
1.4 Topography ........................................................................................................................ 13
1.5 Adjacent Land Uses............................................................................................................. 13
1.6 Utilities .............................................................................................................................. 13
1.7 Access ................................................................................................................................1 3
2 Project Description ....................................................................................................14
2.1 Design Intent ...................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Key Findings ....................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Land Use Summary ............................................................................................................. 17
2.4 Design with Regard to Natural & Cultural Resources ............................................................ 18
2.4.1 Natural Resources ...................................................................................................... 18
2.4.2 Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................... 20
2.5 Residential Neighborhood Design ........................................................................................ 21
2.5.1 Neighborhood A ......................................................................................................... 23
2.5.2 Neighborhood B ......................................................................................................... 24
2.5.3 Neighborhood C ......................................................................................................... 25
2.5.4 Neighborhood D ......................................................................................................... 26
2.5.5 Neighborhood E ......................................................................................................... 27
2.5.6 Neighborhood F ......................................................................................................... 28
2.6 Affordable Housing ............................................................................................................. 29
2.7 Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Production ............................................................... 31
2.7.1 Introduction to Bonsai Communities ............................................................................ 31
2.7.2 Renewable Energy Production ..................................................................................... 32
2.7.3 Efficient, Sustainable & Healthy Building ...................................................................... 32
2.7.4 Efficient Building Practices .......................................................................................... 34
2.8 Access & Circulation ........................................................................................................... 35
2.8.1 Access Points ............................................................................................................. 35
2.8.2 Vehicular Circulation & Parking.................................................................................... 35
2.8.3 Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation .................................................................................. 35
2.9 Community Amenities ........................................................................................................ 36
2.9.1 Community Center ..................................................................................................... 36
2.9.2 Pedestrian Bridge & Trail System ................................................................................. 36
2.9.3 Parks ......................................................................................................................... 37
2.9.4 Landscape Enhancements ........................................................................................... 37
2.10 Utilities .......................................................................................................................... 38
2.10.1 Water & Wastewater .................................................................................................. 38
2.10.2 Natural Gas ................................................................................................................ 39
2.10.3 Electric ...................................................................................................................... 39
2.10.4 Communications ........................................................................................................ 39
2.11 Phasing .......................................................................................................................... 40
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3 Conformance with County Comprehensive Plan ..........................................................41
3.1 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 1, Public Participation........................................ 41
3.2 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 2, Housing......................................................... 43
3.3 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 3, Transportation .............................................. 45
3.4 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 4, Commercial and Industrial ............................. 46
3.5 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 5, Recreation and Open Space ........................... 47
3.6 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 6, Agriculture .................................................... 49
3.7 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 7, Water and Sewer Services .............................. 50
3.8 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 8, Natural Resources ......................................... 51
3.9 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 9, Natural Resource Extraction ........................... 52
3.10 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 10, Urban Area of Influence........................... 52
4 Conformance with County PUD Guidelines ..................................................................54
5 TCI Lane Ranch PUD Guide .........................................................................................67
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LIST OF APPENDICES
A. Vicinity Maps, Current Zoning Map, Adjacent Land Uses Map, Adjacent Parcels Map
B. Site Inventory and Proposed Site Plan
C. Preliminary Plat
D. Garfield County Visual Corridor Map, Slope Hazard Profile Map, Soil Hazard Profile Map, USDA
Soil Designations Map
E. Deed of Trust
F. Statement of Authority and Title Commitment
G. Deed for Water Rights
H. Mineral Rights Documentation
I. Garfield County Resolution PC‐2007‐05: Comprehensive Plan Amendment
J. Meeting Minutes from Garfield County Planning Commission Hearing July 11, 2007 regarding TCI
Lane Ranch Sketch Plan review
K. Sketch Plan Extension Letters
L. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Commitment to Serve Letter, February 14, 2007
M. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: County Approvals for Expansion of Service
N. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Proposed Infrastructure Improvements, December 11, 2008
O. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Utility Easements and Permits, December 29, 2008
P. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Water Supply Documentation, December 29, 2008
Q. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Water System Master Plan, August 2008
R. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment Report
S. Wetland Determination Report
T. Geotechnical Study
U. Radiation Survey
V. Drainage Report
W. Traffic Impact Study
X. CDOT State Highway Access Permits
Y. Roaring Fork Conservancy: Letter of Engagement
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Z. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions
AA. Affordable Housing – Proposed Deed Restriction
BB. TCI Lane Ranch Open House Invitations, Invitees, Sign‐In Sheets and Comments
CC. RFTA Board Meeting Minutes & Letter of Support from Waldorf School
DD. Utility Provider Commitment Letters
EE. List of Property Owners within 200’ of TCI Lane Ranch
FF. Letter of Owner’s Representation
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LIST OF DRAWING SHEETS
(Separately Bound)
1. COVER SHEET
2. NOTES
3. NOTES AND LEGEND
4. SITE PLAN
5. DEMOLITION PLAN
6. GRADING PLAN (1 OF 4)
7. GRADING PLAN (2 OF 4)
8. GRADING PLAN (3 OF 4)
9. GRADING PLAN (4 OF 4)
10. DETAILED GRADING PLAN
11. MASTER UTILITY PLAN (1 OF 3)
12. MASTER UTILITY PLAN (2 OF 3)
13. MASTER UTILITY PLAN (3 OF 3)
14. EROSION CONTROL (1 OF 3)
15. EROSION CONTROL (2 OF 3)
16. EROSION CONTROL (3 OF 3)
17. RIVERSTONE DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 4)
18. RIVERSTONE DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 4)
19. RIVERSTONE DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (3 OF 4)
20. RIVERSTONE DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (4 OF 4)
21. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 6)
22. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 6)
23. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (3 OF 6)
24. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (4 OF 6)
25. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (5 OF 6)
26. HAYSTACK DRIVE PLAN AND PROFILE (6 OF 6)
27. SUNLIGHT TRAIL PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 2)
28. SUNLIGHT TRAIL PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 2)
29. STARLIGHT WAY ROAD PLAN AND PROFILE
30. WINDROW WAY ROAD PLAN AND PROFILE
31. EARLY ROSE COURT PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 2)
32. EARLY ROSE COURT PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 2)
33. MAYFLY BEND PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 2)
34. MAYFLY BEND PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 2)
35. STONEFLY BEND PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 2)
36. STONEFLY BEND PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 2)
37. FIREFLY LOOP PLAN AND PROFILE (1 OF 2)
38. FIREFLY LOOP PLAN AND PROFILE (2 OF 2)
39. DRAGONFLY SPUR PLAN AND PROFILE
40. TYPICAL ROAD SECTIONS
41. UTILITY DETAILS 1
42. UTILITY DETAILS 2
43. UTILITY DETAILS 3
44. DRAINAGE DETAILS
45. EROSION CONTROL DETAILS
46. BOX CULVERT DETAILS
47. WATER FEATURE DETAILS
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PLAN ‐ SHEET 1
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PLAN – SHEET 2
L‐1 LANDSCAPE PLAN
L‐2 REVEGETATION PLAN
87B563 LIFT STATION DRAWING – SHEET 1
87B565 LIFT STATION DRAWING – SHEET 2
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PROJECT TEAM
Applicant
TCI Lane Ranch, LLC
401 Tree Farm Drive
Carbondale, CO 81623
Land Planning & Owner’s Representation
Noble Design Studio
Contact: Jon Fredericks, ASLA
401 Tree Farm Drive
Carbondale CO 81623
970.963.7027
Energy & Renewables Consulting
Bonsai Communities, LLC
Contact: Paul Spencer
401 Tree Farm Drive
Carbondale, CO 81623
970.963.5696
Engineering ‐ Primary
Drexel, Barrell & Co.
Contact: Mark Hageman
1800 38th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
303.442.4338
Engineering – Water & Wastewater
Zancanella & Associates, Inc.
Contact: Tom Zancanella, P.E.
1011 Grand Avenue
PO Box 1908
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
970.945.5700
Engineering – Pedestrian Bridge
Loris and Associates, Inc.
Contact: Peter Loris, P.E.
2585 Trail Ridge Drive East
Lafayette, CO 80026
303.444.2073
Engineering ‐ Traffic
Drexel, Barrell & Co.
Contact: Mark Hageman
1800 38th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
303.442.4338
Architecture
DNM Architect
Contact: David Marlatt, AIA
161 Natoma Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.348.8910
Wildlife, Vegetation & Wetlands Consulting
Rocky Mountain Ecological Services
Contact: Eric Petterson
0222 Bobcat Lane
Redstone, CO 81623
970.963.2190
Geotechnical Consulting
Hepworth ‐ Pawlak Geotechnical, Inc.
Contact: Steven Pawlak, P.E.
5020 County Road 154
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970.945.7988
Surveying
Drexel, Barrell & Co.
Contact: Mark Hageman
1800 38th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
303.442.4338
Legal Consulting
Garfield and Hecht, P.C.
Contact: E. Michael Hoffman
601 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
970.544.3442
And
Patrick, Miller & Kropf, P.C.
Contact: Scott C. Miller
Ste. 200
730 East Durant Ave.
Aspen, CO 81611
970.920.1028
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1 Existing Conditions
The Project site is a parcel of land located at 16411 Old Highway 82, 100.52+/‐ acres in size that
is currently zoned Agricultural/ Residential/ Rural Density (A/R/RD).
(Items listed below in bold are those that are proposed uses in TCI Lane Ranch.)
Uses by right in this Zone include:
Agricultural including farms, garden, greenhouse, nursery, orchard, ranch, small animal
farm for production of poultry, fish, fur‐bearing or other small animals and customary
accessory uses including buildings for shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or
property employed in any of the above uses, retail establishment for sale of goods
processed from raw materials produced on the lot; guiding and outfitting, and park;
single‐family dwelling and customary accessory uses. Accessory dwelling unit approved
as a part of a public hearing or meeting on a subdivision or subdivision exemption or
guesthouse special use approved after 7/95 and meeting the standards in Section
5.03.02; pipeline.
Conditional Uses in this Zone include:
Aircraft landing strip, church, community buildings, day nursery and school; group
home for the elderly. Boarding or rooming houses, studio for conduct of arts and crafts,
home occupation, water impoundments.
Special Uses in this Zone include:
Airport utility, feedlot as principal use of the lot, crematorium, agriculture related
business, resorts, kennel, riding stable, and veterinary clinic, shooting range facility,
two‐family dwelling, camper park, ski lift and trails; broadcasting studio,
communication facility, corrections facility, storage, storage of heavy equipment, golf
course driving range, golf practice range and accessory facilities, commercial recreation
facility/park, mass transit facility, public gatherings; storage of oil and gas drilling
equipment; site for extraction, processing, storage or material handling of natural
resources; utility lines, utility substations; recreational support facilities and guest
house. Accessory dwelling unit meeting the standards in Section 5.03.02 for any lot not
created after a public hearing or meeting after 7/95, kennel, Group Residential Facility
for Children & Youth.
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Please see Appendix B for a map of items discussed below.
1.1 Structures
Current and historic uses of the property include
ranching with irrigated meadows, and residential
dwelling. There are four existing residences on
the property. Three of these are aging and of poor
quality, while one is a new modular home.
Various outbuildings also exist that were at one
time associated with typical ranching operations;
included in these are three log structures which
will be preserved. In addition, the property is
laced with a series of barbed‐wire and other types
of fences.
1.2 Vegetation
The property is dominated by two primary vegetation communities.
Irrigated pasture comprises approximately half of the site, while
cottonwood galleries dominate the other half. The majority of the
cottonwood galleries are adjacent to the Roaring Fork River where
they are associated with smaller quantities of spruce, ponderosa
pine, and juniper. Some of the isolated upland cottonwood galleries
are the result of many decades of water diversions to areas that
would otherwise be dry. Another notable vegetation community is
areas of gambel oak groves. These are limited in area, generally
occurring on the northern half of the property, but are generally in
good health.
1.3 Water
Both natural and diverted water courses exist on
the property. The property’s southern boundary is
formed by the centerline of the Roaring Fork
River, except where adjacent to an isolated parcel
of BLM‐administered land. Three primary
irrigation ditches also traverse the property
including the Basin Ditch, Middle Ditch (aka Blue
Creek Ditch), and the Lower Ditch. There are also
several lateral ditches existing on the property.
Historically, the ditches were used to flood
irrigate the pastures on the property. Wetlands
also exist on the property as detailed in Appendix
S, Wetland Determination Report.
ROARING FORK RIVER (RIO GRANDE TRAIL IN
BACKGROUND)
PONDEROSA PINE NEAR RIVER
EXISTING LOG STRUCTURE TO BE PRESERVED
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1.4 Topography
The site is generally level with an overall East‐West gradient of 0.8%, and an overall north‐south
gradient of 1.0%. A portion of this topographical change is located in a bench that bisects the
property from east to west through the properties mid‐section. The riparian forest adjacent to
the river is composed of a series of undulating channels, presumably created as the Roaring Fork
River historically migrated from north to south in the area. The property generally drains from
northeast to southwest at an overall grade of 1.4%, changing in elevation approximately 43
vertical feet.
1.5 Adjacent Land Uses
Surrounding land uses are varied, but are
primarily residential. To the west of TCI
Lane Ranch is Blue Creek Ranch PUD, with
an overall density of one unit per 1.6 acres,
with the development concentrated on 40%
of the 81 acres. To the northwest, the
Catherine Court property contains 8
dwellings on one acre. This residential
community primarily consists of mobile
homes. To the north of TCI Lane Ranch is
the CDOT Right‐of‐Way for Old Highway 82,
and State Highway 82, respectively. North
of the CDOT ROW is a 40‐acre parcel of
vacant land that at the time of this writing is
listed for sale. To the east lies the Waldorf School, with their school building and associated
accessory facilities and playfields. TCI Lane Ranch is bordered on the south by both the RFTA
ROW with the Rio Grande Trail, and also BLM‐administered lands that represent the northern
most portion of an area known as The Crown.
1.6 Utilities
A high‐pressure gas main bisects the property within a 50’ easement held by Rocky Mountain
Natural Gas Co., Inc. (now Source Gas). Holy Cross Electric holds a 20’ easement into the
property from Old Highway 82 to the location of the existing residences. Overhead electric lines
exist along the northern property boundary, adjacent to Old Highway 82. Qwest
Communications provides existing phone service to the property. All wastewater is currently
contained in septic systems. There are four existing domestic water wells on the property for
potable water. Irrigation water is provided via ditches previously described.
1.7 Access
There is one existing access point to the site. This access is located on the northern property
boundary connecting to/from Old Highway 82 (CDOT). The current access is a gravel driveway
leading to the existing residences. The property has no direct connection to any County road.
BLUE CREEK RANCH PUD
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2 Project Description
2.1 Design Intent
The overall design intent for TCI Lane Ranch is centered on Randall Arendt’s concept of rural
clustering, allowing for the preservation of the majority of the site as open space. Great
considerations were given to the creation of six distinct neighborhoods, each with its own
character and variety of housing types. The land plan and neighborhood matrix has limited the
segregation of housing types as is commonly seen in many developments. Each neighborhood
was designed to be attainable to a variety of income levels. Affordable housing units, duplexes,
and smaller lots are distributed throughout the neighborhoods, as opposed to the typical
scenario of clustering similar housing types together into one particular location.
Another major goal of the design team was to preserve the public view corridor from Highway
82, and to provide a conservation easement buffer zone adjacent to the Roaring Fork River for
protection of water quality, wildlife, and to preserve the recreational experience of the river
corridor.
TCI Lane Ranch will also attempt to set a new benchmark in Colorado and possibly the United
States for energy efficient building practices and renewable energy production. Design
guidelines will set the construction standards of high‐performance homes and alternative
energy production methods. Additionally, a proposed 300‐Kilowatt solar farm within the
community will be the largest private solar array in the State, offsetting all of the electrical
needs of the community and distinguishing TCI Lane Ranch as one of the first, if not the first true
net‐zero community in the Nation.
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2.2 Key Findings
The proposed Preliminary Plan/ PUD Plan key findings:
• TCI Lane Ranch was granted a Comprehensive Plan Amendment on July
11, 2007 by the Garfield County Planning Commission via Resolution PC‐
2007‐05, which provided a designation of Residential High Density for
the property.
• The TCI Lane Ranch Sketch Plan was reviewed by the Garfield County
Planning Commission on July 11, 2007 with mostly favorable comments
and recommendations. The design team took the initial concerns of the
public and the recommendations of the Planning Commission to heart
and removed a controversial commercial tree nursery from the plan.
The current plan has been well‐received by the neighbors of this
proposed community.
• This plan proposes one of the first net‐zero communities in Colorado, if
not the Nation. Through the construction of a 300‐Kilowatt community
solar farm, TCI Lane Ranch will produce as much electricity as it
consumes. This community will also set a new standard for energy
efficient buildings that will exceed ENERGY STAR, and LEED standards.
• The project features a transit‐oriented location along Highway 82 that
encourages efficient use of public transportation to and from this
destination, including the incorporation of a direct trail to the existing
RFTA stop near Catherine Store.
• Affordable housing will be provided at 16%; 1.6 times the required
mitigation amount. Affordable housing units will be distributed
throughout the community, not relegated to one area of the project.
• The Preliminary Plan has incorporated a wide variety of housing sizes to
be intermixed throughout each neighborhood of the community. The
proposed zoning plan (PUD Guide) designates various maximum house
sizes, and distributes these housing sizes throughout the community.
• A clustering of development onto just 32% of the 100‐acre property,
which reduces potential development impacts to sensitive areas and
provides significant blocks of open space. The Conservation Easement
and Open Space tracts comprise 68% of the PUD.
• Each neighborhood has direct access to its own neighborhood park as
well as trails connecting to larger open space parcels. A community
center and park are also centrally located and easily accessible.
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• TCI Lane Ranch includes a public pedestrian trail and bridge that crosses
the Roaring Fork River to access the Rio Grande Trail. This bridge
connection has been conceptually approved by RFTA, and a public
Recreational Path Easement will be dedicated to the Garfield County
Board of County Commissioners through TCI Lane Ranch to the Rio
Grande Trail. Additional provisions have been made for public fishing
access and parking.
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2.3 Land Use Summary
OVERALL LAND USE BREAKDOWN
Total Land Area........................................................................................................100.52 acres +/‐
Total Developed Area (PUD Zones)
Single Family Residential; Duplex Residential;
Community Utility .............................................................................................. 31.74 acres +/‐
Total Open Space Area (PUD Zones)
Community Center; Common Open Space; Conservation Easement................. 68.78 acres +/‐
Total Number of Residential Lots...................................................................................................89
Total Number of Dwelling Units.....................................................................................................89
Total Area of Proposed Non‐Residential Floor Space
Community Center (1,450 sf); Ranch Cabin (650 sf); Log Shed (250 sf).........................2,350 sf
Total Number of Proposed Off‐Street Parking Spaces (1 space per BR, min.)....................200 ‐ 506
Total Proposed Density ..............................................................................1.13 acres/dwelling unit
RESIDENTIAL LOT BREAKDOWN
Unit Type / Max. Sq. Ft. Max. Sq. Ft. Quantity
Half‐Duplex 1900 sf 10
Half‐Duplex Affordable 1900 sf 8
Single Family 2600 sf 10
Single Family Affordable 2600 sf 6
Single Family 3800 sf 38
Single Family 5500 sf 17
TOTAL UNITS 89
ZONE DISTRICT SUMMARY
Zone District (per PUD Guide) Total Acres by Zone
Single Family Residential 26.730
Duplex Residential 4.034
Community Utility 0.978
Community Center 3.092
Private Common Open Space 33.297
Conservation Easement 32.391
TOTAL ACRES 100.52 +/‐
OPEN SPACE SUMMARY
Zone District (per PUD Guide) Total Acres by Zone
Conservation Easement (Tract B) 32.391
Private Common Open Space (Tracts
C, D, & E) 33.297
Community Center (Tract F) 3.092
TOTAL OPEN SPACE ACRES 68.78 +/‐
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2.4 Design with Regard to Natural & Cultural Resources
A thorough evaluation of natural and cultural features was completed prior to commencing site
planning for TCI Lane Ranch. This site inventory and site analysis created the overall framework
for the community site plan. The design team utilized this framework to determine where
development would have the least impact on the project site, and which areas should be
preserved as Open Space and Conservation Easement.
2.4.1 Natural Resources
2.4.1.1 Floodway Area
Areas within the Floodway are proposed only for passive recreational uses, including
soft‐surface trails. One structure is proposed within the Floodway, which is a bridge
connecting TCI Lane Ranch to the Rio Grande Trail (RFTA). This bridge would provide
public pedestrian and bicycle access to and from the Rio Grande Trail, providing an
alternate transportation route for neighbors, residents and Waldorf School employees
and students. The bridge plans are located in the separately bound set of drawings.
2.4.1.2 Wetland Areas
A formal wetland delineation for the property occurred during the summer of 2007,
with a subsequent site verification by the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) in June of
2008. The Wetland Determination Report is included as Appendix S. In total, the
property contains 9.44 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. The majority of the wetlands are
the result of and associated with the Middle Ditch (aka Blue Creek Ditch). This Plan was
designed to minimize wetland impacts, and is proposing less than one‐half acre of
wetland disturbance. This disturbance will be mitigated through the construction of up
to one acre of wetlands within the community in accordance with the ACOE via Section
404 of the Clean Water Act permitting process. The Preliminary Plat includes some lots
that contain areas of designated wetlands. These wetlands are protected though the
Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions included as Appendix Z. Wetlands
that are located on individual lots are further protected by a 20’ buffer from any
building envelope.
2.4.1.3 Upland & Meadow Areas
Approximately half of the property is
comprised of meadow and upland areas.
Historically, most of these meadows have
been irrigated through a system of lateral
ditches located on the property. All of the six
proposed neighborhoods are located in the
upland or meadow areas to minimize
disturbance to mature stands of vegetation
and wildlife habitat. Five of the six
neighborhoods provide a central open space
area that will preserve a portion of these meadows within each neighborhood.
TYPICAL MEADOW AREA
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2.4.1.4 Forested Areas
The majority of the forested areas will remain
intact and preserved. In some neighborhoods,
lots are designed to allow homes to be
constructed within the forest fringe in order
to minimize visual impacts, and provide a
variety of lot types. Lots and building
envelopes in these areas have been designed
to utilize existing clearings, minimizing the
need to remove existing trees. The most
contiguous forested area on the property is
located within the proposed Conservation
Easement, and thus will not be impacted by
development. In other areas of the property, neighborhoods have been designed to
protect and utilize forests for screening.
2.4.1.5 Riparian Corridor
A voluntary riparian buffer zone was utilized in the design process in order to protect
water quality, wildlife habitat, and the recreation experience of the Roaring Fork River.
All areas of the property near the river will be dedicated Conservation Easement with no
lot coverage. Lots adjacent to this buffer will have building envelopes that limit home
construction to the front portion of the lots. Major vegetation species in the riparian
corridor include cottonwood, willow, spruce, juniper, pinion, and ponderosa.
2.4.1.6 Open Space
Open Space will comprise 68.78 acres
(68.4%) of TCI Lane Ranch. The majority of
dedicated Open Space within TCI Lane
Ranch is located along the north and south
boundaries. Along the river will be a
dedicated 32.39 acre Conservation
Easement to be managed by the Roaring
Fork Conservancy. Please see Appendix Y
for a Letter of Engagement with the
Conservancy. Along the northern property
boundary is a dedicated Open Space
corridor that will preserve visual resources from a public perspective of travelers on
Hwy 82. This corridor provides a 310’ to 410’ buffer from the CDOT Right‐of‐Way and is
directly compatible with the existing Open Space corridor on Blue Creek Ranch. The
central Open Space area of the plan contains the Blue Creek Ditch, a community center
and a large open park area. The Blue Creek Ditch will be improved by developing a more
naturalistic stream course, planting native vegetation, wetlands creation, constructing a
pedestrian trail and providing amenities such as benches and pet stations. The entire
PROPOSED OPEN SPACE ALONG HWY 82
TYPICAL AREA OF FOREST COVER
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length of the Blue Creek Ditch within the property is located within community Open
Space. Near the center of the Project, the linear park widens to include a community
center and park. The community center will be provided by restoring an existing barn
where it is currently located. The park area will contain a multi‐use field, children’s play
area, community gardens and naturalistic amenities. The community center, park and
Blue Creek Ditch are accessible to all neighborhoods via the Project trail network.
2.4.2 Cultural Resources
2.4.2.1 Existing Structures
Three existing structures will be
preserved on the property. These
include a timber barn, which will
become the Community Center
building, providing residents a place
to hold community meetings and
events, and will also serve as a small
recreation center and HOA office.
Two other minor log structures within
sight of Highway 82 will be preserved
as a visual resource and utilized as
storage facilities. Three small residences currently existing on the property are in poor
condition from a health and safety standpoint, and this plan proposes to have them
razed.
2.4.2.2 Adjacent Land Uses
The TCI Lane Ranch site plan takes into
consideration adjacent land uses through a
design that respects existing development
patterns and land uses. Adjacent to Blue
Creek Ranch, homesites have been designed
to respect the existing pattern of
development. Open Space areas associated
with the two projects create a consistent
visual buffer for travelers of Hwy 82 for 3500
linear feet. Similarly on the east side of the
project, the site plan respects existing
development patterns with a large Open Space area adjacent to the Waldorf School
building. On the south side of the site, a large Conservation Easement adjoins the
adjacent public lands and recreational Rio Grande Trail. Restricting development in this
area protects the recreational experiences for users of the Trail and the Roaring Fork
River.
EXISTING TIMBER BARN TO BE PRESERVED
ADJACENT WALDORF SCHOOL
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2.5 Residential Neighborhood Design
Great care was taken to create a “rural cluster” style development pattern with distinct
neighborhoods separated by preserved Open Space areas, while providing housing types within
each neighborhood that are available to a variety of income groups. In order to create distinct
neighborhoods and preserve significant Open Space, lot size has been capped at 27,000 sf (just
over 1/2 acre). The Project site has been designed to accommodate a wide range of residential
dwelling sizes. Lot “Class” designations have been established that limit the allowable floor area
to be built on each lot. These designations were established to create a diversity of housing sizes
in each neighborhood, and to limit disturbance on lots that area adjacent to environmentally
sensitive areas. Lot classifications are as follows:
Lot Classifications
Lots Class Category Quantity Maximum Allowable Floor
Area (as defined in PUD Guide) Lot Description
1 10 1900 Square Feet Half‐Duplex
1‐A (Affordable) 8 1900 Square Feet Half‐Duplex Affordable
2 10 2600 Square Feet Single Family
2‐A (Affordable) 6 2600 Square Feet Single Family Affordable
3 38 3800 Square Feet Single Family
4 17 5500 Square Feet Single Family
Five of six neighborhoods have been designed with central Open Space and Park areas. Trail
systems connect to other common areas within and adjacent to the Project, allowing for an
efficient transportation system as an alternative to automotive travel.
Design Guidelines relating to the architectural character will promote contemporary and rustic
styling, with designs that blend with the existing landscape in colors, textures, materials, and
uniqueness. Specific energy efficiency design goals and guidelines have been established and are
included in Section 2.7.
The County Zoning Resolution requires that 10% of units be deed‐restricted and resident‐
occupied affordable housing units. This Plan includes 16% of the units as affordable housing
which will be dispersed throughout the community to promote diversity within each individual
neighborhood. Fourteen of the 89 total units will be deed‐restricted affordable units. Section 2.6
specifically addresses Affordable Housing.
Due to the sensitivity of lands within TCI Lane Ranch, building envelopes have been utilized to
establish structure locations. Building envelopes were specifically crafted on a site by site basis,
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taking into consideration the existing drainage, vegetation, and topography of each lot. In many
cases, building envelopes were the precursor to lot delineation in the design process.
The overall density of TCI Lane Ranch is 1.13 acres per dwelling unit (100.52 acres / 89 dwelling
units). This density is compatible with surrounding land uses and the Residential High Density
designation of the Comprehensive Plan.
The following are detailed descriptions of each neighborhood. This section is best reviewed in
tandem with the Proposed Site Plan located in Appendix B.
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2.5.1 Neighborhood A
Located in a meadow area adjacent to an existing Cottonwood gallery and Gambel Oak
grove, this neighborhood is comprised of 15 lots. A significant Open Space buffer has
been provided to the north and west of this neighborhood in order to protect the
privacy of residents in both Blue Creek Ranch and TCI Lane Ranch, and to preserve the
rural visual character from Highway 82. Additionally, the neighborhood provides a
centrally‐located park area for residents to recreate. This neighborhood matrix is as
follows:
• 2 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 2 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 2 Class 2 Lots Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 1 Class 2A Lots Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 7 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 1 Class 4 Lot Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 15 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “A” LAYOUT
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2.5.2 Neighborhood B
Located in an existing pasture area adjacent to Blue Creek Ranch, this neighborhood is
comprised of 26 lots. An Open Space buffer has been provided along the west property
boundary in order to protect the privacy of residents in both Blue Creek Ranch and TCI
Lane Ranch. Several of the lots in this neighborhood overlook the proposed
Conservation Easement to the south. Additionally, the neighborhood provides a
centrally‐located park area and pond for residents to recreate. This neighborhood
matrix is as follows:
• 2 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 4 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 2 Class 2 Lots Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 1 Class 2A Lot Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 12 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 5 Class 4 Lots Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 26 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “B” LAYOUT
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2.5.3 Neighborhood C
Located between two upland benches near the existing residential dwellings, this
neighborhood is comprised of 11 lots. Neighborhood C utilizes natural topography and
vegetation to embrace and screen the homesites. A small central neighborhood park is
also provided. This neighborhood matrix is as follows:
• 2 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 2 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 1 Class 2 Lot Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 1 Class 2A Lot Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 4 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 1 Class 4 Lot Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 11 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “C” LAYOUT
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2.5.4 Neighborhood D
The southernmost neighborhood in TCI Lane Ranch, this neighborhood is comprised of
13 lots. The neighborhood is focused around a large central open space meadow, and
also contains a public parking area for river access by foot. The neighborhood is fringed
and screened around the perimeter by stands of cottonwood trees and heavily forested
areas. This neighborhood matrix is as follows:
• 0 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 0 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 0 Class 2 Lots Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 0 Class 2A Lots Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 5 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 8 Class 4 Lots Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 13 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “D” LAYOUT
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2.5.5 Neighborhood E
Located in the southeastern area of TCI Lane Ranch, this smallest neighborhood is
comprised of 8 lots. The majority of the lots are located near the woodland fringe, while
the remainder back to common Open Space along the Blue Creek Ditch. This
neighborhood matrix is as follows:
• 0 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 0 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 3 Class 2 Lots Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 1 Class 2A Lot Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 4 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 0 Class 4 Lots Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 8 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “E” LAYOUT
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2.5.6 Neighborhood F
Located on the eastern edge of the property near the existing Waldorf School playfield,
this neighborhood is comprised of 16 lots. The neighborhood is arranged around a large
common central open space, with a single‐loaded street system. The neighborhood is
geographically separated from the others by topography and vegetation to the north,
and the Blue Creek Ditch to the south. A path connection provides access for Waldorf
school students and teachers though TCI Lane Ranch to the pedestrian bridge over the
Roaring Fork River. This neighborhood matrix is as follows:
• 4 Class 1 Lots Half Duplex up to 1900 SF
• 0 Class 1A Lots Half Duplex Affordable up to 1900 SF
• 2 Class 2 Lots Single Family up to 2600 SF
• 2 Class 2A Lots Single Family Affordable up to 2600 SF
• 6 Class 3 Lots Single Family up to 3800 SF
• 2 Class 4 Lots Single Family up to 5500 SF
• 16 Total Dwelling Units
NEIGHBORHOOD “F” LAYOUT
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2.6 Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing within TCI Lane Ranch will be provided per section 4.07 of the Garfield
County Zoning Resolution. The affordable housing units within the PUD will be dispersed and
incorporated throughout the individual neighborhoods, encouraging a mix of housing types and
socio‐economic intermingling.
Calculation of Affordable Housing Requirement:
89 total units x 10% = 8.9 (rounded = 9 units required)
These nine (9) units are to be resident occupied and deed restricted per the Definitions
set forth in section 4.07.14 of the Zoning Resolution. The proposed Deed Restriction is
included as Appendix AA. The following proposed affordable housing agreement is in
complete compliance with 4.07.14 (3) as listed below:
(3) Management ‐ Ongoing management of the deed restrictions will be administered by
the Garfield County Housing Authority, or another approved housing agency, according
to an agreement brought forward by the applicant and approved by the County
Commission. That agreement will also stipulate the means of determining the allocation
of units, any proposed fees to fund the management agreement, and any other
necessary terms. The agreement will be adopted as part of the final plat. The County will
maintain a list of approved housing agencies in the Planning Director's office.
Pursuant to this section of the Resolution, the nine (9) required designated affordable
housing lots are as follows:
• Units to be conveyed to and administered by Garfield County Housing Authority:
Lots 1, 10, 11, 24, 25, and 28
• Unit to be conveyed to and administered by Roaring Fork Conservancy (local
quasi‐public employer and project partner): Lot 81
• Unit to be conveyed to and administered by Roaring Fork Transportation
Authority (local quasi‐public employer and project partner): Lot 38
• Unit to be conveyed to and administered by Holy Cross Energy (local quasi‐
public employer and project partner): Lot 27
Each of the above listed units shall be deed restricted in accordance with the Garfield
County Zoning Resolution. The proposed Deed Restriction is included as Appendix AA.
The entities to which they are conveyed shall retain the right of first refusal to buy back
the unit or to re‐sell to another qualified employee. If the managing entity does not
exercise those rights, the unit(s) shall be turned over to the Garfield County Housing
Authority. Based on the required computation of affordable housing units (Section
4.07.15.03 of Zoning Resolution), at least 16 bedrooms will be provided in these nine (9)
units, with a minimum of one (1) bedroom per unit. These nine (9) units will be
constructed at a rate that is proportional to the construction of market rate units within
the community, which will be a minimum of 10% affordable to 90% market rate at any
given time.
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In addition to the nine (9) required affordable housing units, TCI Lane Ranch intends to
provide five (5) additional affordable housing units that will be perpetually deed
restricted and managed by the applicant for employees. These lots are as follows:
• To be administered by applicant, or conveyed to and administered by other
applicant‐owned entity: Lots 17, 36, 37, 66, and 89
In total, 16% of the units within TCI Lane Ranch will be provided as affordable housing.
This exceeds both the requirements of the current Zoning Resolution (10%) and those of
the future Unified Land Use Resolution (15%) which becomes effective in 2009.
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2.7 Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Production
2.7.1 Introduction to Bonsai Communities
As a sister company to TCI Lane Ranch, LLC (the applicant), Bonsai Communities will be
the majority homebuilder for TCI Lane Ranch and has been involved in the layout and
composition of the development from an efficiency, energy and environmental
requirements perspective. Bonsai Communities focuses on building sustainable, healthy
and energy efficient communities and homes that are backed with detailed scientific
analysis, and measured in reality to ensure the intended goals are met.
Each Bonsai Communities project, whether an entire community development or an
individual home, is built upon stringent healthy, sustainability, efficiency and quality
standards. These deep green standards are planned, quantified and measured in
practice as opposed to theoretical guidelines without implementation. The pillars of this
‘deep green’ focus include:
Energy – substantial reliance on onsite energy production and energy
efficiency
Water – efficient use through structured plumbing, fixtures, appliances
and landscaping
Sustainable Materials – utilizing local, sustainable, recycled and reduced
content materials
Healthy Living – superb indoor air quality, daylighting practices, CO2
offset programs and natural inclusion into the surrounding environment
Site Planning – maximize solar south orientation, community spaces,
minimizing habitat disturbance and eco‐transportation accessibility
Building Processes – energy efficient building practices with well
constructed, insulated and equipped homes and offices
A sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly community starts with well
thought‐out planning and design considerations, interwoven with the existing physical
attributes of the site itself. Some of the considerations made in the TCI Lane Ranch site
plan include:
• utilizing natural heating, cooling and daylighting of the homes by
maximizing southern exposure
• carefully planning building placement to minimize storm water runoff,
minimize habitat disturbance, protect open spaces and reduce erosion
risks
• design and placement of road systems and parking, pedestrian trails,
and bicycles to reduce the need for motorized transportation
• where possible, locating driveways, parking and entrances on the
buildings’ south side to reduce snow and ice build‐up
• minimizing visual impacts through the use of natural vegetation and
designs which meld with the surrounding environment and diminish the
visual impact of the homes and their imposition on the landscape
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• considerable investment in trees and shrubs to reduce heat island
effects through providing shade, while also enhancing visual
appearance, offsetting CO2, providing increased air quality, and creating
a healthy living environment
2.7.2 Renewable Energy Production
TCI Lane Ranch will utilize a variety of energy production and efficiency practices to
eliminate the energy impact of its existence. Most notable, is the construction of a 300‐
Kilowatt photovoltaic solar farm on site, the largest private solar farm in the state of
Colorado. This installation of solar will be located in one central solar array as
designated on the site plan for optimal performance and long term maintainability to
remain effective. On average, this solar system would produce in excess of 1.6
Megawatts of power each day, representing an estimated 100% of each home’s daily
energy consumption.
A site‐specific solar radiation study was conducted by DNM Architect in order to analyze
the most productive location for a community solar farm. This analysis takes into
account latitude, topography, average sun angles throughout the course of the year and
satellite radiation data from NASA. The results of this study led to the location of the
solar farm within TCI Lane Ranch.
2.7.3 Efficient, Sustainable & Healthy Building
All homes within the community will be built and measured to strict self‐imposed
energy efficiency standards, exceeding those of the LEED rating system. Additionally, TCI
Lane Ranch will exceed ENERGY STAR compliance on 100% of its homes. Bonsai
Communities is an ENERGY STAR certified developer with 100% designation. This means
we have committed to 100% of the buildings we construct to meet or exceed the
ENERGY STAR efficiency standards.
Bonsai Communities prides itself on eclipsing the highest standards of energy efficiency,
sustainability and healthy living. TCI Lane Ranch dwellings will meet a very high standard
of efficiency, sustainability and healthy living in 5 key areas: electricity, gas (heating),
water, sustainable material use and healthy living standards. Each structure will be
designed, built and continually measured against the following minimal standards. If a
structure does not meet these stringent criteria during its post‐construction use, an
analysis will be conducted and an appropriate mitigation plan will be followed to regain
compliance. Bonsai Communities’ efficiency standards are achieved through following
our detailed design guidelines.
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Following are the Bonsai Communities’ standards for each residential unit within TCI
Lane Ranch as compared to an average U.S. home, based on current statistics as of
11/1/2008:
Building Standards
100% less electricity
0 (zero) kWh of net electricity use per day as compared to the national average
of 29.19 kWh per day according to the U.S. Department of Energy, taking into
consideration a more efficient home and use thereof, as well as substantial
onsite alternative energy production offsets. Demand reductions will be
achieved through 90%+ daylighting designs to minimize electrical lighting use,
90%+ use of ENERGY STAR certified appliances, and energy efficient designs and
practices such as passive solar and shading designs to naturally minimize
heating and cooling loads.
50% less gas (heating)
62 million BTU per year compared to 124 million BTU per year average based on
Zone 1 climate information from the U.S. Department of Energy, achieved
through passive solar design, superior heating efficiency (radiant heat, high
efficiency boilers and thermostatically controlled on‐demand hot water
heaters), a tight and increased insulation thermal envelop. Passive designs
include considerations such as solar exposure and orientation, window
placement and glazing, appropriately sized and positioned overhands and decks,
heating masses such as dense floors and walls, solar chimneys to stack hot air
into the home, carefully planned cross drafting and air movement, and ideal
floor plans to optimize solar exposure in key areas throughout the day.
40% less water
210 gallons per day compared to 350 gallons of daily use for the average
household according to the American Water Works Association, achieved
through efficient fixtures, appliances and irrigation practices.
80%+ Sustainable materials ‐ criteria for sustainable materials:
Recycled content (> 15% depending on the type of material)
Renewable (as certified by an independent third party)
Resource efficient manufacturing (use of considerably less water,
energy or materials)
Proximity of materials and supply (within 800 miles)
Reduced content (> 10% less by volume)
Packaging (> 75% recyclable by weight)
Durability (variable depending on material type)
Healthy living standards
90%+ IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) materials
90%+ daylighting
Significant additional annual CO2 reduction through planted trees and
shrubs
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Recycling centers will be installed in each home as well as in central
locations in the community to encourage sustainable living practices.
A community composting center will be centrally located for community
use
Community gardens will be located near the community center to
encourage community participation and self reliance on organic, local,
produce.
2.7.4 Efficient Building Practices
TCI Lane Ranch’s focus on minimal environmental impact will not be lost during the
construction process, arguably the most resource inefficient period of any development
project. Bonsai Communities starts with smart, efficient building designs to minimize
their overall material use and environmental impact. Structures are designed to be
visually appealing while minimizing unnecessary features such as elaborate dormers and
non‐structural items like heavy timber beams for enhanced appearance.
Offsite construction will be leveraged to the highest extent possible. Offsite means that
the structures will be custom built in a controlled factory environment; up to 95%
complete, and will then be transported to TCI Lane Ranch for placement and finish.
Offsite design and construction offers a number of unique opportunities to minimize
environmental impacts. The control available in a factory environment allows Bonsai
Communities to be extremely precise with material planning and use – less than 5%
waste is accomplished as compared to up to 40% through standard onsite construction
techniques. We are able to drastically reduce pollution, traffic, and wear and tear from
transportation to and from the building site by utilizing bulk material delivery in the
factory (normally by train), shortened construction timelines in the controlled
environment, close proximity of workers, and the delivery of a small number of
completed modules to the site. Finally, the physical disturbance of the building site can
be minimized, for there is no need to stage and store large amounts of material onsite
for extended periods or provide significant space for machinery and jobsite parking. In
many cases, we are able to clear only the building footprint itself and enough room to
deliver the completed modules. The offsite construction process also allows us to build a
better quality, tighter and more energy efficient structure through the use of pneumatic
tools, refined production practices and advantageous factory apparatus such as jigs and
hoists, all leveraged within a controlled building environment without the adverse
effects of inclement weather conditions on the structures during the construction
process.
For onsite construction, onsite recycling will be mandated to reduce the amount of
landfill waste. Carpooling, public transportation and efficient building supply delivery
will be encouraged to further reduce onsite transportation impacts.
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2.8 Access & Circulation
2.8.1 Access Points
A total of three access points are proposed for TCI Lane Ranch. The two vehicular access points
are from Old Highway 82 on the north of the property. Access permits have been obtained from
CDOT and are included as Appendix X. These two primary access points from Old Highway 82
help to distribute traffic throughout the community while also allowing for secondary
emergency ingress and egress. It is presumed that some of the traffic generated by this project
will utilize the County Road 100 controlled access to Hwy 82, while some will utilize Old Highway
82 to the east of the project, connecting to Hwy 82 at Valley Road. A complete Traffic Impact
Study is included as Appendix W.
A third access point is from Blue Creek Ranch, via an existing 50’ access and utility easement
that was created by this applicant during that project’s development. This third access point will
be limited to emergency, pedestrian, and bicycle use only. Knock‐down bollards will be placed
that allow vehicular passage in the event of emergency. This access is being proposed as two
eight‐foot lanes (paved & Semi‐Primitive pursuant to 9:35, Subdivision Regulations). This third
access will serve to connect the two neighborhoods for emergency services and to provide
continuity in community circulation and pedestrian access.
2.8.2 Vehicular Circulation & Parking
All roads within TCI Lane Ranch have been designed per County standards as indicated in section
9:35, Subdivision Regulations, and meet minimum design criteria for emergency vehicles per
County and Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Standards. The road system within TCI
Lane Ranch PUD will be un‐gated and within private road and utility easements. Lot lines within
each neighborhood will extend to the centerline of roads. The road circulation pattern has been
designed to quickly disperse traffic into each of the six neighborhoods, helping to minimize
traffic volumes on any one road. Road construction sections and details are included in a
separately bound set of drawings accompanying this application.
2.8.3 Pedestrian & Bicycle Circulation
The Proposed Site Plan promotes multimodal travel within and from the community, providing
connections to a variety of points within and surrounding the community, including to RFTA’s
Rio Grande Trail. A hierarchy of trails has been created for a variety of uses including paved
asphalt trails, compacted soft‐surface trails, and natural surface primitive trails. The low‐volume
street system within TCI Lane Ranch also serves as a secondary trails system for both bicycles
and pedestrians. The Proposed Site Plan in Appendix B details the trail system for TCI Lane
Ranch. Also please see section 2.9.2 Pedestrian Bridge & Trail System for more information on
trail amenities.
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2.9 Community Amenities
2.9.1 Community Center
An existing timber barn on the property will be renovated to become the centerpiece of TCI
Lane Ranch as a HOA community center building, and will be surrounded by a park and
community gardens on 3+ acres of Open Space. The community center building will provide
residents with a place to hold community meetings and events, and will also serve as a small
recreation center and HOA office. It is anticipated that indoor facilities may eventually include a
meeting room, exercise facilities, office, kitchen, and restroom on the two floors of the 1450 SF
structure. A small parking area provides space for up to 14 vehicles, including one accessible
space. The existing structure has been evaluated for structural integrity and has been deemed
appropriate for this use. The original architectural character and appearance will be kept intact
through the renovation process. The building will likely serve as a sales and management office
throughout construction phases, prior to being conveyed to the HOA. The community center will
provide an important amenity for residents and will foster community‐wide participation in
various events and programs.
2.9.2 Pedestrian Bridge & Trail System
As discussed in Section 2.8.3, a comprehensive system of trails has been designed as both a
recreational amenity and to promote efficient alternatives to motorized transportation. Specific
trail links have been provided to both the RFTA transit stop at County Road 100 and Hwy 82, and
also to the Rio Grande Trail via a pedestrian bridge to be constructed over the Roaring Fork
River.
The pedestrian bridge has been conceptually approved by RFTA’s Board of Directors, as
evidenced by the meeting minutes provided in Appendix CC. This pedestrian bridge has also
been endorsed by the Waldorf School of the Roaring Fork, as it will allow a direct connection
from that school’s campus through TCI Lane Ranch to the Rio Grande Trail. This connection will
reduce the need for students and teachers to bike or walk on County Road 100 or Old Highway
82. The Waldorf School has provided a letter of support also located in Appendix CC. This bridge
would be managed in coordination with RFTA’s management plan including seasonal closures,
and will be open to the public by way of a public Recreation Path Easement dedication to
Garfield County as indicated on the Preliminary Plat, Appendix C. Construction sections and
details of the pedestrian bridge are included in a separately bound set of drawings
accompanying this application.
Other proposed trails provide connections offsite to Blue Creek Ranch and the Waldorf School,
and to various destinations within the community. A hierarchy of trails has been created for a
variety of uses including paved asphalt trails, compacted soft‐surface trails, and natural surface
primitive trails. The low‐volume street system within TCI Lane Ranch also serves as a secondary
trails system for both bicycles and pedestrians. The Proposed Site Plan in Appendix B highlights
the trail system, while the Conceptual Landscape Plan included in a separately bound set of
drawings provides trail construction details.
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2.9.3 Parks
Parks are provided at both the neighborhood and community levels. Each neighborhood will
have a small dedicated open space park, except for Neighborhood E which is adjacent to the
larger community park. The neighborhood open space parks contain aesthetic irrigation features
which also function as wetlands and stormwater retention. Neighborhood open space parks will
provide central areas for residents to pursue passive recreation activities in a neighborhood
format.
A centrally‐located 3+ acre community park will serve as the central identifying node of TCI Lane
Ranch and will provide a gathering place for larger community events. The Community Center
building is located within the community park. This park will also contain community gardens,
ponds, constructed wetlands, playground facilities, sports fields/open turf areas, facilities for
other outdoor sports, and landscaping. The community trail system allows for easy access to this
destination from each individual neighborhood. A small parking area provides space for up to 14
vehicles, including one accessible space.
2.9.4 Landscape Enhancements
TCI Lane Ranch will provide landscape enhancements with a focus on sustainability, proper
screening, stormwater treatment and recharge, and suitable plant materials with respect to
long‐term maintenance requirements and reducing potential wildlife impacts. A Conceptual
Landscape Plan and Revegetation Plan are included in a separately bound set of drawings as
Sheets L‐1 and L‐2.
The site and landscape character has been developed to compliment the local environment.
Specific site elements were designed with respect to climate, aspect, elevation, soil conditions,
and proposed uses. A strong emphasis is placed on incorporating ecologically‐sensitive and
socially‐conscious design features throughout the project, including the following:
• Utilize native and drought‐tolerant vegetation
• Promotion of infiltration of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces
• Limited use of irrigated turf
• Selection of plant material with regard to wildlife
• Creation of outdoor use areas that carefully consider the elements of solar orientation,
prevailing winds, shade, views, public safety and accessibility
• Promotion of a healthy, pedestrian‐friendly environment with opportunity for
exploration, discovery, and education
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2.10 Utilities
2.10.1 Water & Wastewater
Sewer and water service will be provided by the Mid Valley Metropolitan District (MVMD). The
commitment to serve letter, County approvals, off‐site infrastructure improvement plans, and
easement exhibits are included in Appendix L, M, N & O, respectively. On‐site sewer and water
infrastructure plans are included in a separately bound set of drawings accompanying this
application.
The Mid Valley Metropolitan District has agreed to annex TCI Lane Ranch into its service area
boundary and provide service to this community. This annexation does not constitute a material
modification of the District’s Service Plan, as evidenced by supporting documentation from both
Eagle County and Garfield County located in Appendix M.
MVMD has assured TCI Lane Ranch and Garfield County that it has adequate legal and physical
water in place to serve the development. In compliance with the application requirements of HB
1141, CRS 29‐20‐305(2), Appendix P & Q provide documentation from MVMD’s general counsel
describing their legal and physical water sources, yields, Master Plan and drought year scenario.
The extension of MVMD service would begin from the Cerise Ranch development east of TCI
Lane Ranch, where existing MVMD easements allow for a connection to the State Highway 82
Right of Way (ROW). From this point, service will extend westward along the CDOT ROW, then
under Highway 82 via boring to reach TCI Lane Ranch. The accompanying plans and easement
exhibits in Appendix N & O provide detail on the alignment and sizing of these improvements.
TCI Lane Ranch will have two on‐site wastewater lift stations that will be built by the developer
and then conveyed to Mid Valley Metropolitan District for perpetual ownership and
management.
MVMD, as the responsible entity, will be obtaining such necessary permit(s) and authorizations
to extend their infrastructure to TCI Lane Ranch. Appendix O, a letter from Mid Valley
Metropolitan District’s general counsel, further explains their plan for obtaining a CDOT permit
and describes (with drawings) their planned utilization of their private easements within Cerise
Ranch for the water/sewer infrastructure extension.
Four wells with domestic underground water rights currently exist on the property, as described
by deed in Appendix G. The existing wells are all located within common open space on the site
plan, and will be capped with the Common Interest Community maintaining the rights to those
wells. The MVMD will also require the reservation of a new augmentation well site within TCI
Lane Ranch which will be provided in the location indicated on plans in Appendix N.
TCI Lane Ranch also owns significant water raw water rights from several ditches, as described
by deed in Appendix G. These water rights will be maintained and conveyed to the Common
Interest Community, with the exception of a portion that will be dedicated to the proposed
Conservation Easement for use in preserving and maintaining the conservation values of that
Tract. A letter of engagement for the Conservation Easement is included as Appendix Y. The
remainder of the raw water will be utilized to provide irrigation support of common areas and
residential lots within the community, including constructed wetlands. Irrigation for individual
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lots will be provided by a separate raw water irrigation system that is fed by a centralized wet
well and pressurized pump station from one of the project’s ditches. The Design Guidelines will
prescribe maximum areas for spray irrigation within each lot.
2.10.2 Natural Gas
Rocky Mountain Natural Gas Co. (now Source Gas) maintains a 50’ east‐west easement on the
property for their high‐pressure gas main, which also provides service to the existing residences.
Future natural gas service will be accommodated by the same source. A commitment to service
letter from Source Gas is provided in Appendix DD.
2.10.3 Electric
Holy Cross Energy currently provides power via overhead lines into the property. There is an
existing overhead power line running east to west in the CDOT Right of Way, adjacent to the
northern property boundary of TCI Lane Ranch. The existing overhead line within the property
will be moved, while the main east‐west transmission line will remain. All electrical lines within
the community will be buried. A commitment to service letter from Holy Cross Energy is
provided in Appendix DD.
TCI Lane Ranch and Bonsai Communities have been working extensively on a mutual agreement
with Holy Cross Energy to provide power to their grid via the proposed 300‐Kilowatt solar farm.
Under the initial terms of these discussions, produced power will be metered and supplied from
the TCI Lane Ranch solar farm directly to the grid. Holy Cross Energy will then provide rebates
back to the HOA and community members. The solar farm and this program will allow TCI Lane
Ranch to be a net‐zero community: power consumed will equal power produced. This proposed
agreement between TCI Lane Ranch and Holy Cross Energy is detailed in Appendix DD.
2.10.4 Communications
Telephone communication service will be provided to TCI Lane Ranch by Qwest
Communications. All Qwest communication lines will be buried within the community. Qwest
has indicated that they have adequacy to accommodate this plan, as evidenced by their
commitment to service letter in Appendix DD.
Cable communication service will be provided to TCI Lane Ranch by Comcast. All Comcast
communication lines will be buried within the community. Comcast has indicated that they have
adequacy to accommodate this plan, as evidenced by their commitment to service letter in
Appendix DD.
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2.11 Phasing
The construction of infrastructure improvements is proposed to begin in summer of 2009. The
intent is to install the project’s entire infrastructure (roads, utilities, drainage, etc.) in one
continuous phase throughout 2009, with asphalt paving to occur prior to closing of local asphalt
plants in the fall of 2009. Trails, landscaping, revegetation and the pedestrian bridge are planned
to occur primarily during the 2010 construction season.
Homebuilding is planned to begin by the applicant in 2010. The existing gravel access road into
the property will be maintained during the preliminary vertical construction phase to
accommodate construction traffic and material staging.
It is anticipated that approximately 15‐25 homes will be constructed per year until buildout.
Under this scenario, full buildout is expected between 2013 and 2015. This plan is of course
subject to market conditions and will be adjusted accordingly.
Affordable housing will be built concurrently and proportionately with free market housing in
accordance with the Garfield County Zoning Resolution.
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3 Conformance with County Comprehensive Plan
The Applicant believes the proposed project is in general conformity with the County
Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). The Project is located within Comprehensive Plan Study Area
1.
The following section presents the Goals and Objectives from Section III of the Comprehensive
Plan and provides a response as to how the project meets these Goals and Objectives.
3.1 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 1, Public Participation
GOAL:
An integral part of County land use planning is the opportunity for
citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process.
OBJECTIVES:
1.1 To develop and maintain a citizen involvement program that clearly
defines the procedures by which the public can be involved in land use
and policy decisions.
1.2 To ensure that there will be continuity of citizen involvement.
1.3 To ensure that citizens have access to information that enables the
identification and comprehension of issues.
1.4 To ensure that the citizen involvement program complies with
statutory requirements.
1.5 The Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Commission and
Planning Staff should be responsive to issues raised in the planning
process.
1.6 To ensure that all regions of the County are allowed equal
representation and participation into the planning process.
RESPONSE: The design team held two open houses at key stages of the design process to discuss
the proposed project with neighbors and land owners in the vicinity. The first open house was
held on February 13th 2007 at the Village Smithy restaurant in Carbondale. The second open
house was held on June 18th 2008 at the Noble Design Studio in El Jebel. The goals of these open
houses were threefold:
- Provide a forum for neighbors to share their hopes, vision and concerns regarding how
the site will be developed.
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- Provide an opportunity for the design team to present the project program at various
stages and assure attendees that the team is conscious of their circumstances
- Allow the design team to gain a sense of how TCI Lane Ranch can work with neighboring
developments
The design team believed that by inviting the public to participate in the Project, citizens would
gain a deeper understanding of the team’s vision and motivations. By providing a forum for
citizens to interact directly with the design team, a sense of trust could was established as local
residents were included in the process.
The open house invitee lists, invitation letters, sign‐in sheets, and comments are provided in
Appendix BB.
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3.2 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 2, Housing
GOALS:
To provide all types of housing that ensures current and future residents
equitable housing opportunities which are designed to provide safe,
efficient residential structures that are compatible with and that protect
the natural environment.
Housing at cost of no more than 30% of gross median income.
Designate appropriate areas.
Encourage mix of housing types within a development.
Deed restrictions placed on the title to fix increase in value of a home.
Address the challenge of lack of public support.
Designate and encourage growth‐favorable zones adjacent to community
limits.
Objectives
2.1 – To encourage adequate, integrated housing at a reasonable cost to
residents throughout Garfield County.
2.2 To ensure construction of quality housing by continued enforcement
of the County's building code.
2.3 – Residential development should be designed and located to ensure
compatibility with existing and future adjacent development.
2.4 – The County should encourage the development of energy efficient
design, including solar access
2.5 – Residential development should respect the natural characteristics
of a particular site, including topography, vegetation, water features,
geology and visual relationships with surrounding land uses and view
sheds.
2.6 The County should coordinate efforts with the Garfield County
Housing Authority and respective municipalities to foster regional
housing goals.
RESPONSE: The Applicant believes in creating integrated communities and for this reason, the
Project exceeds the County’s affordable housing requirement. According to the Code, the
project is required to provide 9 units of affordable housing; however the Project proposes 14
units. Furthermore, the Project provides free market lots ranging from less than ¼ acre to ½
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acre, helping to ensure that homesites will be attainable for a variety of income levels. The
neighborhoods have been designed such that affordable, duplex and smaller units are
distributed throughout the Project and not relegated to a specific area. Each lot within the
community is also has a designated Maximum Allowable Floor Area, to encourage diversity of
home sizes.
The Project is compatible with surrounding land uses. Blue Creek Ranch, to the west of the
Project, is a residential community with a density of one dwelling unit per 1.6 acres.
Additionally, the two projects are very compatible in terms of contiguous open space, public
river access and trails, and providing a visual buffer to Highway 82. Further west, the Aspen
Equestrian Estates has one dwelling unit per 1.2 acres. TCI Lane Ranch as proposed will have a
density of one dwelling unit per 1.13 acres. Development on the Waldorf School property,
directly East of TCI Lane Ranch, is concentrated to an area adjacent to Old Highway 82. Under
the proposed plan, land immediately west of the school would remain as open space.
The Applicant is a strong advocate of ecologically‐based design and ‘green’ construction. It is
hoped that this project will serve as a demonstration for sustainable design and construction. To
attain this goal, the Design Guidelines for TCI Lane Ranch will contain strict minimum
requirements for energy efficiency and green building practices for all homes constructed within
the development. The proposed lot layout ensures that each home will have adequate solar
access.
TCI Lane Ranch has been carefully planned to avoid impact to the significant natural features of
the site. A large portion of the most valuable habitat is contained within a proposed
Conservation Easement area adjacent to the Roaring Fork River. Mature tree stands have also
been preserved in open space areas or are located outside proposed building envelopes. The
middle ditch, aka Blue Creek, will be located within an open space area which will be improved
with pedestrian trails and trees for the enjoyment of residents.
Open space provides a visual buffer between the developed portions of the site and Highway
82. This open space buffer is similar and contiguous to an open space parcel on Blue Creek
Ranch. The two parcels together will provide a significant visual buffer to users of Highway 82.
As with Blue Creek Ranch, ranching activities are anticipated to continue within this open space
area which will help maintain the rural character of the site.
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3.3 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 3, Transportation
GOALS:
Ensure that the County transportation system is safe, functional,
appropriately designed to handle existing and future traffic levels and
includes options for the use of modes other than the single‐occupant
automobile.
Determine appropriate nodes and collector points for public
transportation.
A bus system extended beyond Glenwood Springs should be supported.
Explore rail/bus combination within Study Area I.
Work cooperatively with City of Rifle to develop a Park and Ride facility.
Support public transit services to seniors, youth, and minorities.
OBJECTIVES:
3.1 To encourage the development of a regional public transit system
that respects the interaction between emerging land use patterns and
travel behavior in the Valley.
3.2 To encourage the use of modes other than the automobile.
3.3 Proposed developments will be evaluated in terms of the ability of
County roads to adequately handle the traffic generated by the proposal.
3.4 Proposed developments will include street designs that will reduce
adverse impacts on adjacent land uses, respect natural topography and
minimize driving hazards.
3.5 Proposed developments will provide a minimum number of access
points on through streets and highway corridors.
3.6 Proposed commercial and industrial development will direct traffic to
roadways capable of handling projected traffic.
3.7 Street extensions will be required to occur in a logical manner.
RESPONSE: The proposed development is located near a RFTA park‐and‐ride facility, making it
convenient for residents to commute by bus. Proposed trails within the development would
connect to the Blue Creek Ranch trail located on the south side of Old Highway 82 and provide
direct non‐motorized access to this transit facility. The project also proposes the construction of
a pedestrian bridge across the Roaring Fork River to connect directly to the Rio Grande Trail
which will facilitate easy bicycle travel to the Town of Carbondale and points up valley. A
dedicated public Recreation Path Easement will connect this bridge through TCI Lane Ranch to
Old Highway 82 and maintain access for the public in perpetuity.
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The development does not directly connect to a County maintained roadway, but rather
connects to Old Highway 82 which is owned and maintained by CDOT. The Traffic Impact Study
is included as Appendix W. Access permits have been obtained from CDOT for the two proposed
access points from Old Highway 82. These permits are included in Appendix X.
The Project has been designed such that the proposed internal roadways avoid impact to the
natural features of the site. The site does not contain steep topography that would restrict the
proposed road layouts. All roadways have been designed to minimize driving hazards. The
Project does not propose access points in excess of those needed to provide adequate
circulation and emergency service. The proposed road connection to Blue Creek Ranch has been
designed as an emergency and pedestrian access only.
3.4 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 4, Commercial and Industrial
This section has been omitted as the project is not seeking approvals for commercial or
industrial land uses.
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3.5 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 5, Recreation and Open Space
GOALS:
Garfield County should provide adequate recreational opportunities for
County residents, ensure access to public lands consistent with
BLM/USFS policies and preserve existing recreational opportunities and
important visual corridors.
Interconnect trail system through the county with community trail
systems.
Extend trail system along river corridors.
Obtain rights‐of‐way and address private land issues.
Look to the communities to be the centers for community activity with
county guidance.
Work with the communities to develop a Colorado River trails and
preservation plan.
Determine the appropriate location for the Fairgrounds.
OBJECTIVES:
5.1 Encourage the location of active recreational opportunities that are
accessible to County residents.
5.2 The County will support and encourage the creation of open space,
through the development and implementation of zoning, subdivision and
PUD regulations designed to retain and enhance existing open space
uses.
5.3 Access to public lands will be expanded and maintained.
5.4 Rafting and fishing access will be strongly encouraged during the
development review process.
5.5 Visual corridors are considered an important physical attribute of the
County and policies will reflect the need to carefully plan these areas.
5.6 Noise, parking and accessibility will be major concerns.
5.7 Encourage interaction between county/community.
RESPONSE: The proposed Project retains 68.4% of the site as permanent open space. The
majority of this open space will remain in a natural, undeveloped state. There are three main
open space areas within the Project; a proposed 32.4 acre Conservation Easement adjacent to
the Roaring Fork River, a linear park associated with Blue Creek Ditch in the middle of the site,
and a large pasture area adjacent to Highway 82. There are also five smaller open space areas
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which serve as neighborhood parks. An extensive trail network connects the neighborhoods to
the open spaces and the river, and provides alternate pedestrian routes through the site.
All of the open space adjacent to the Roaring Fork River will be within a Conservation Easement
to be held by the Roaring Fork Conservancy (see Appendix Y). This open space will provide a
visual buffer to users on the Rio Grande Trail, fishermen and boaters. Some primitive trails will
be located within this open space. This trail network significantly increases public fishing access
along this portion of the Roaring Fork River. In addition, the Applicant is proposing the
construction of a pedestrian bridge across the river to connect directly with the Rio Grande Trail.
The bridge will be accessible via a public Recreation Path Easement from the Rio Grande Trail
through TCI Lane Ranch to Old Highway 82. The bridge will be subject to the same seasonal
wildlife closures as the Rio Grande Trail. A public parking area is included in the southern portion
of the site to facilitate river access.
The central open space area contains Blue Creek Ditch, a community center, community
gardens, and a non‐programmed open park area. Blue Creek Ditch will be improved by
developing a more naturalistic stream course, planting native vegetation, constructing a
pedestrian trail and providing amenities such as benches and pet stations. The entire length of
Blue Creek Ditch within the property is located within community open space. Near the center
of the Project, the linear park widens to include a community center and park. The community
center will be provided by restoring an existing barn where it currently exists. The community
center will provide residents a place to hold community meetings and events, and may also
serve as a small recreation center. The park area will contain a multi‐use field, children’s play
area, community gardens and naturalistic amenities. The community center, park and Blue
Creek Ditch are accessible to all neighborhoods via the Project trail network.
A large open space area has been provided adjacent to the Highway 82 corridor. This open
space is intended to preserve the rural viewshed along Highway 82. It is anticipated that
ranching activities will continue on this parcel, which will maintain the rural qualities of the
property. This open space is contiguous with a similar open space parcel on Blue Creek Ranch.
These two open space parcels provide a significant continuous visual buffer to development as
viewed from Highway 82.
The five neighborhood parks are designed to provide residents a convenient place to participate
in active or passive recreation. These small open spaces also contribute to a more open and
rural neighborhood feel.
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3.6 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 6, Agriculture
GOAL:
To ensure that existing agricultural uses are allowed to continue in
operation and compatibility issues are addressed during project review.
Consider the use of Transfer of Development Rights.
Join farmers and ranchers together to develop a land use plan for
agriculture.
Consider land trusts and conservation easements.
OBJECTIVES:
6.1 Ensure the compatibility of development proposals with existing
farms and ranches.
6.2 Ensure that active agricultural uses are buffered from higher‐intensity
adjacent uses.
6.3 Developments adjacent to agricultural uses should be reviewed in a
manner that allows for flexibility in resolving compatibility conflicts with
adjacent uses.
RESPONSE: The Project proposes to maintain ranching activities on the site in the open space
area adjacent to Highway 82, and partially within the Conservation Easement. A similar open
space parcel on Blue Creek Ranch has mostly been used as a fall/spring grazing area. The TCI
Lane Ranch open space has been designed so that it can be easily connected to the Blue Creek
Ranch agricultural parcel. These two parcels will provide access in perpetuity to ranch land,
which will become a more valuable resource in the future. The ranch use on this parcel will be
buffered from the residential areas by stands of existing mature trees and newly planted trees.
The project also includes a central community garden, which will provide residents with an
opportunity to grow vegetables in collaboration with neighbors in a resource‐efficient manner.
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3.7 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 7, Water and Sewer Services
GOALS:
To ensure the provision of legal, adequate, dependable, cost‐effective
and environmentally sound sewer and water services for new
development.
OBJECTIVES:
7.1 Development in areas without existing central water and sewer
service will be required to provide adequate and safe provisions for these
services before project approval.
7.2 Development located adjacent to municipalities or sanitation districts
with available capacity in their central water/sewer systems will be
strongly encouraged to tie into these systems.
7.3 Projects proposing the use of ISDS will be required to assess the site's
capability to accommodate these systems prior to project approval.
7.4 Development will be required to mitigate the impact of the proposed
project on existing water and sewer systems.
7.5 Garfield County will strongly discourage the proliferation of private
water and sewer systems.
7.6 High‐density development, defined as exceeding one (1) dwelling unit
per one (1) acre, will be required to assess the potential of connecting
into existing central water and sewer facilities.
RESPONSE: The Project will be served by connecting to the Mid Valley Metropolitan District
sewer and water service. A letter from Mid Valley Metro District indicates that the District has
existing capacity to accommodate TCI Lane Ranch. Details of this service provision are included
in Appendix L.
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3.8 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 8, Natural Resources
GOALS:
Garfield County will encourage a land use pattern that recognizes the
environmental sensitivity of the land, does not overburden the physical
capacity of the land and is in the best interests of the health, safety and
welfare of Garfield County.
Enhancement of the river corridor.
The reclamation of land after extraction processes.
Protection of watersheds and flood plains.
Control of drainage that impacts the communities.
OBJECTIVES:
8.1 The County of Garfield reserves the right to deny a project based on
severe environmental constraints that endanger public health, safety or
welfare.
8.2 Proposed projects will be required to recognize the physical features
of the land and design projects in a manner that is compatible with the
physical environment.
8.3 Garfield County will ensure that natural drainages are protected from
alteration.
8.4 River‐fronts and riparian areas are fragile components of the
ecosystem and these areas require careful review in the planning
process.
8.5 Development proposals will be required to address soil constraints
unique to the proposed site.
8.6 Garfield County will ensure that natural, scenic and ecological
resources and critical wildlife habitats are protected.
8.7 Development will be encouraged in areas with the least
environmental constraints.
RESPONSE: TCI Lane Ranch has been carefully planned to avoid impact to significant natural
features of the site. A large portion of the most valuable habitat is contained within the
proposed Conservation Easement area adjacent the Roaring Fork River. A majority of existing
mature trees on the property have been purposely located within open space areas or lay
outside proposed roadways and lots. The Middle Ditch, aka Blue Creek Ditch, will be located
within an open space area which will be improved with pedestrian trails and trees for the
enjoyment of residents.
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Lots have been arranged so that there is a major buffer between the riverbank and the rear of
lots. Building envelopes will further restrict construction towards the front of the lots in this
area. The natural drainages on the property are generally located within open space or are
outside building envelopes. The Applicant is proposing a large open space parcel adjacent to
Highway 82 in order to preserve the view corridor from that roadway.
3.9 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 9, Natural Resource Extraction
This section has been omitted as the project is not seeking approvals for resource extraction
land uses.
3.10 Comprehensive Plan Section III, Subsection 10, Urban Area of Influence
GOALS:
Ensure that development and overall land use policies occurring in the
County that will affect a municipality are compatible with the existing
zoning and future land use objectives of the appropriate municipality.
Establish an Intergovernmental Agreement between the county and the
communities.
Share Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission
members when issues cross county‐community boundaries.
Allow for comments on community impacts including cases which fall
outside the community’s sphere of influence.
Promote development in and around existing communities.
Grandfathering or time limiting early plan approvals.
Periodically hold Planning Commission meetings in the west end of the
county.
OBJECTIVES:
10.1 County land use policies will be consistent with local land use
policies and objectives.
10.2 Development that requires urban Services will be encouraged to
locate in areas where these services are available.
10.3 Development in an Urban Area of Influence will have street patterns
that are compatible with the affected municipality.
10.4 Preservation of airport area for commercial and industrial sites.
10.5 Retain rural character outside of community limits.
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10.6 Enough land area within community limits to accommodate growth
for the next twenty years without annexation.
RESPONSE: The Project is not located within an Urban Area of Influence. However, the Project is
located adjacent to or nearby residential developments of similar density. The Project will rely
on rural and District services and will not require municipal services.
It is anticipated that a majority of urban services will be provided by the El Jebel commercial
area. The Carbondale and Glenwood Springs areas will also provide many urban conveniences.
Additional conveniences are provided by Catherine’s Store, which serves as a neighborhood
commercial center.
The proposed open space adjacent to the Highway 82 corridor will help preserve the rural
qualities of the site (see Recreation and Open Space, Section 3.5).
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4 Conformance with County PUD Guidelines
Introduction
The following section demonstrates the project’s specific conformance with the PUD Guidelines
as set forth by the Garfield County Zoning Resolution.
Zoning Resolutions
4.04 CONSISTENCY WITH THE MASTER/COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
RESPONSE: TCI Lane Ranch was granted a Comprehensive Plan Amendment on
July 11, 2007 by the Garfield County Planning Commission via Resolution PC‐
2007‐05, which provided a designation of Residential High Density for the
property.
4.06 INTERNAL COMPATIBILITY OF PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
RESPONSE: The Project contains housing, recreation, open space, and a
photovoltaic solar farm in a highly compatible format.
The TCI Lane Ranch site plan also takes into consideration adjacent land uses
through a design that respects existing development patterns and land uses.
Adjacent to Blue Creek Ranch, homesites have been designed to respect the
existing pattern of development. Open Space areas associated with the two
projects create a consistent visual buffer for travelers of Highway 82 for 3500
linear feet. Similarly on the east side of the project, the site plan respects
existing development patterns with a large Open Space area adjacent to the
Waldorf School building. On the south side of the site, a large proposed
conservation easement adjoins the adjacent public lands and recreational Rio
Grande Trail. Restricting development in this area protects the recreational
experiences for users of the Trail and the Roaring Fork River.
4.07 STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
4.07.02 The number of off‐street parking spaces for each use in each PUD shall not be
less than the requirements for like uses in other zoning districts, except that
the County Commissioners may increase or decrease the required number of
off‐street parking spaces in consideration of the following factors:
(1) Estimated number of cars owned by occupants of dwellings in the PUD;
(2) Parking needs of non‐dwelling uses;
(3) Varying time periods of use whenever joint use of common parking areas is
proposed.
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RESPONSE: Parking requirements will be met by providing all residential spaces
within driveways or garages (up to 506 spaces, depending on dwelling size and
bedrooms built). No on‐street parking will be provided. The community center
will provide 14 spaces, including 1 accessible space. A public river access parking
area will provide another 8 spaces.
4.07.03 The PUD shall meet the following site plan criteria unless the applicant can
demonstrate that one (1) or more of them is not applicable or that a practical
solution has been otherwise achieved:
(1) The PUD shall have an appropriate relationship to the surrounding area,
with unreasonable adverse effects on the surrounding area being minimized.
RESPONSE: The Project is compatible with surrounding land uses. Blue Creek
Ranch, to the west of the Project, is a residential community with a density of
one dwelling unit per 1.6 acres. Additionally, the two projects are very
compatible in terms of contiguous open space, public river access and trails, and
providing a visual buffer to Highway 82. Further west, the Aspen Equestrian
Estates has one dwelling unit per 1.2 acres. TCI Lane Ranch, as proposed, will
have a density of one dwelling unit per 1.13 acres. Development on the Waldorf
School property, directly east of TCI Lane Ranch, is concentrated to an area
adjacent to Old Highway 82. Under the proposed plan, land immediately west of
the school would remain as open space.
(2) The PUD shall provide an adequate internal street circulation system
designed for the type of traffic generated, safety, separation from living areas,
convenience and access. Private internal streets may be permitted, provided
that adequate access for police and fire protection is maintained. Bicycle
traffic shall be provided for when the site is used for residential purposes.
RESPONSE: All roadways have been designed to minimize driving hazards. The
Project does not propose access points in excess of those needed to provide
adequate circulation and emergency service. The proposed road connection to
Blue Creek Ranch has been designed as an emergency and pedestrian access
only. Proposed trails within the development would connect to the Blue Creek
Ranch trail located on the south side of Old Highway 82 and provide direct non‐
motorized access to the RFTA transit facility. The project is also pursuing the
construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Roaring Fork River to connect
directly to the Rio Grande Trail which will facilitate easy bicycle travel to the
Town of Carbondale and points up valley. Bicycles may also use the street
system within the community.
(3) The PUD shall provide parking areas adequate in terms of location, area,
circulation, safety, convenience, separation and screening.
RESPONSE: A public parking area is included in the southern portion of the site
to facilitate river access. The central open space area will also include a parking
area to serve the Community Center, park, and community garden users.
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(4) The PUD shall provide Common Open Space adequate in terms of location,
area and type of the Common Open Space, and in terms of the uses permitted
in the PUD. The PUD shall strive for optimum preservation of the natural
features of the terrain.
RESPONSE: The proposed PUD retains 68.4% of the site as permanent open
space. A majority of this open space will remain in a natural, undeveloped state.
There are three main open space areas within the project; an area adjacent to
the Roaring Fork River, a linear park associated with Blue Creek Ditch in the
middle of the site, and an area adjacent to Highway 82. There are also five
smaller open space areas which serve as neighborhood parks.
All of the open space adjacent to the Roaring Fork River will be open to the
public and provides river access. This open space provides a visual buffer to
users on the Rio Grande Trail, fishermen and boaters.
The central open space area contains Blue Creek Ditch, a community center and
a non‐programmed open park area. Blue Creek Ditch will be improved by
developing a more naturalistic stream course, planting native vegetation,
constructing a pedestrian trail and providing amenities such as benches and pet
stations. The entire length of Blue Creek Ditch within the property is located
within community open space. Near the center of the project, the linear park
widens to include a community center and park. The community center, park
and Blue Creek Ditch are accessible to all neighborhoods via the community trail
network.
A large open space pasture has been preserved adjacent to the Highway 82
corridor. This open space is intended to preserve the rural view corridor along
Highway 82. It is anticipated that ranching activities will continue on this parcel,
which will maintain the rural qualities of the property. This open space is
contiguous with a similar open space parcel on Blue Creek Ranch. These two
open space parcels provide a significant continuous visual buffer to
development as viewed from Highway 82.
The five neighborhood parks are designed to provide residents a convenient
place to participate in active or passive recreation. These small open spaces also
contribute to a more open and rural neighborhood feel.
(5) The PUD shall provide for variety in housing types and densities, other
facilities and Common Open Space.
RESPONSE: The Project provides lots ranging from less than ¼ acre to ½ acre,
helping to ensure that homesites will be attainable for a variety of income
levels. The neighborhoods have been designed such that affordable, duplex and
smaller units are distributed throughout the Project and not relegated to a
specific area.
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The central open space area contains Blue Creek Ditch, a community center and
a non‐programmed open park area. The entire length of Blue Creek Ditch within
the property is located within community open space. Near the center of the
Project, the linear park widens to include a community center and park. The
community center will provide residents a place to hold community meetings
and events, and may also serve as a small recreation center. The park area will
contain a multi‐use field, children’s play area, community gardens and
naturalistic amenities. The community center, park and Blue Creek Ditch are
accessible to all neighborhoods via the community trail network.
(6) The PUD shall provide adequate privacy between dwelling units.
RESPONSE: All building envelopes are set back a minimum of 15’ from lot lines,
creating a minimum 30’ buffer between adjacent building envelopes.
(7) The PUD shall provide pedestrian ways adequate in terms of safety,
separation, convenience, and access to points of destination and
attractiveness.
RESPONSE: An extensive trail network connects the neighborhoods to the open
spaces and the river, and provides alternate pedestrian routes through the site.
Proposed trails within the development will connect to the Blue Creek Ranch
trail located on the south side of Old Highway 82 and provide direct non‐
motorized access to the transit facility. A pedestrian bridge across the Roaring
Fork River will connect directly to the Rio Grande Trail which will facilitate easy
bicycle travel to the Town of Carbondale or points up valley.
(8) If centralized water and/or wastewater facilities are proposed within the
PUD, they shall be provided for in a separate utility zone district that shall
contain its own performance standards. No land within any utility zone district
shall apply toward any category of open space calculation or requirement. The
PUD shall demonstrate how common water and wastewater facilities will be
controlled or governed by the future owners within the PUD. (A. 97‐109)
RESPONSE: No centralized water or wastewater facilities are proposed within
the PUD.
(9) Any disturbance of slopes in excess of 40% shall be the minimum necessary
to meet the development needs, with a revegetation and geotechnical plan
submitted with the PUD application. (A. 97‐109)
RESPONSE: The property does not contain any slopes in excess of 40%.
10) If community facilities are proposed to be contained or allowed in the
PUD, the application shall discuss who or what entity shall be responsible for
the provision of and payment for the proposed facilities. The facilities shall
also be included within the overall common infrastructure requirements of the
PUD, to include water, wastewater and parking requirements. (A. 97‐109)
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58
RESPONSE: Two community facilities are proposed within the PUD; a
community center with park, and a photovoltaic solar farm. The ownership and
management of these facilities will be conveyed to the Home Owners
Association (HOA) as detailed in the proposed Declaration of Covenants,
Conditions, and Restrictions, Appendix Z.
4.07.04 The maximum height of buildings may be increased above the maximum
permitted for like buildings in other zone districts in relation to the following
characteristics of the proposed building:
(1) It’s geographical location;
(2) The probable effect on surrounding slopes and mountainous terrain;
(3) Unreasonable adverse visual effect on adjacent sites or other areas in the
immediate vicinity;
(4) Potential problems for adjacent sites caused by shadows, loss of air
circulation or loss of view;
(5) Influence on the general vicinity, with regard to extreme contrast, vistas
and open space; and
(6) Uses within the proposed building.
(7) Development supportive of mass transit operations in a TPUD. (added
2002‐12)
RESPONSE: The PUD is not seeking an increase to the maximum allowable
building height.
4.07.05 The maximum lot areas and the minimum setback restrictions may be
decreased below and the maximum lot coverage may be increased above
those applicable to like buildings in other zone districts to accommodate
specific building types with unusual orientation on the lot or relationship
between buildings. The averaging of lot areas shall be permitted to provide
flexibility in design and to relate lot size to topography, but each lot shall
contain an acceptable building site. The clustering of development with
useable common open areas shall be permitted to encourage provision for,
and access to, common open areas and to save street and utility construction
and maintenance costs. Such clustering is also intended to accommodate
contemporary building types which are not spaced individually on their own
lots but share common side walls, combined service facilities or similar
architectural innovations, whether or not providing for separate ownership of
land and buildings. Architectural style of buildings shall not be a basis for
denying approval of a PUD application.
RESPONSE: The PUD is not seeking exception to maximum lot areas or
minimum setback restrictions.
4.07.06 The overall residential density shall be no greater than two (2) dwelling units
per gross acre within the PUD; provided, however, that the County
Commissioners may allow an increase to a maximum of fifteen (15) dwelling
units per gross acre in areas where public water and sewer systems, owned
and operated by a municipal government or special district (as defined by
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59
Section 32‐1‐103(20), C.R.S.) are readily available and the prior zoning
classification allowed residential densities greater than two (2) dwelling units
per gross acre, such increased densities shall nevertheless comply with the
maximum lot coverage, minimum setback, maximum floor area ratio,
maximum building height and parking standards of such prior zoning
classification. The overall average residential density shall be calculated by
summing the number of residential dwelling units planned within the
boundary of the PUD and dividing by the total gross area expressed in acres
within the boundary of the PUD. The density of dwelling units in any particular
area may be greater than the maximum permitted for a like use in other zone
districts. Averaging and transferring of densities within the PUD shall be
allowed upon a showing of conformance with the purposes of this section
through appropriate design features within the PUD that will achieve high
standards of design and livability. (A. 83‐93, A. 96‐87, A. 97‐109) (amended
2002‐12) Where the application is a TPUD, and showing of conformance with
the purposes of this section is deemed appropriate by the board, limitations
set on previously zoned density of under two dwelling units per gross acre
may be removed and the applicant may propose higher overall densities and
exceed standard building height limitations otherwise specified herein,
provided only that standards specified in 4.07.04 are considered. Special
attention shall be given to fire protection and equipment needs triggered by
such a proposal. Any proposal requesting a density above 5 dwelling units per
gross acre within 2000 feet of a proposed or developed mass transit station or
terminal shall provide 10% additional affordable housing units (In Study Area
One, a total of 20%) with those units being within 2000 feet of the proposed
station or terminal, even though previous zoning did not allow that level of
density for those developments within 2000 feet. The intent of this section of
the Resolution is to permit both the PUD allowance of increased density
provided that 10% of the proposed units are affordable units, and an
additional increased density, where increased density is proximate to and
supports a transit station or terminal, and that higher density within 2000 feet
of the transit station or terminal. The applicant must show a concentration of
affordable units equaling 20% of the proposed housing stock where density
exceeds five units per acre in Study Area One. (A. 83‐93, A. 96‐97, A. 97‐109)
(amended 2002‐12)
RESPONSE: The PUD proposes 89 Units on 100.52 acres which establishes a
gross density of only 1.13 dwelling units per acre.
4.07.07 The minimum number of acres that may comprise a PUD is two (2) acres.
RESPONSE: The proposed PUD comprises 100.52 acres.
4.07.08 All uses, which are permitted in the underlying zone district or consistent with
the land use designations in the Comprehensive Plan, or approved as an
amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, may be permitted in PUDs. (A. 95‐
043, A. 97‐109) The uses, which shall be permitted in any particular PUD shall
be those permitted by the resolution zoning the particular area PUD.
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60
RESPONSE: Single family dwelling, agricultural, farm, garden, and ranch land
uses are uses by right in the A/R/RD Zone District. Community buildings and
water impoundments are Conditional Uses in this Zone. Two‐family dwellings
(duplexes) and utility substations (solar farm) are Special Uses in this Zone.
4.07.09 Twenty‐five percent (25%) of the total area within the boundary of any PUD
shall be devoted to Common Open Space. Not more than twenty‐five percent
(25%) of the Common Open Space shall be an area of water classified as
commercial open space. Of the 25% open space requirement within PUDs, no
more than 40% of the 25% total required, shall be limited use open space,
with the balance being retained as one or more of the remaining open space
categories, listed above. Provided, however, that the County Commissioners
may reduce such requirement if they find that such decrease is warranted by
the design of, and the amenities and features incorporated into the Plan, and
that the needs of the occupants of the PUD for Common Open Space can be
met in the proposed PUD. (A. 97‐109)
RESPONSE: The proposed PUD retains 68.4% of the property as open space. The
proposed Conservation Easement comprises 32% of the PUD, while Common
Open Space comprises 36% of the PUD.
4.07.11 Findings of the Planned Unit Development Regulations Section: (2001‐44) It is
essential and necessary for the preservation and for the maintenance of the
health, welfare, safety, and quality of life in Garfield County to ensure the
provision of affordable housing, which mitigates the impact of new
development. Recognizing that new development generates additional
employment needs, and being consistent with a desire to have new
development mitigate impacts attributable to such development, the County
finds it necessary to require new development to provide affordable housing.
Housing must be affordable to the local labor force in order for the local
economy to remain stable and to grow in a healthy manner. (amended 2002‐
12)
RESPONSE: Fourteen (14) of the eighty‐nine (89) total units within the PUD will
be deed‐restricted affordable units. This is an affordable housing rate of 16%.
4.07.15.01 For Lands Designated High Density Residential:
(1) Planned Unit Developments ‐ All Planned Unit Development proposals, and
Planned Unit Development Amendment requests which results in an increase
in density, must provide that at least 10% of the housing mix are affordable
housing units. Providing 10% affordable housing units will not, by itself, be
sufficient to fulfill the PUD requirement for a variety of housing types and
densities [Section 4.07.03(5)].
RESPONSE: The PUD includes 16% of the housing mix as affordable housing
units. This equates to 14 total deed‐restricted affordable units.
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61
(2) Off‐site ‐ Given that these lands have been planned for two or less acres
per dwelling unit, these are the locations most suited for affordable housing.
Off‐site proposals will only be approved by the County Commissioners if the
applicant can demonstrate circumstances that would justify an off‐site option.
In any event, the applicant must show that affordable housing units meet the
requirements of these regulations and the Garfield County Affordable Housing
Guidelines, and that these housing units will actually be built in Study Area 1.
No cash‐in‐lieu payment will be accepted.
RESPONSE: Off‐site housing mitigation is not proposed.
4.07.15.03 Computation of Required Affordable Housing Units and Mix of Housing Units:
(1) Determination of Number of Units ‐ To comply with the requirement to
provide the above percentages of affordable housing units, the applicant shall
multiply the number of affordable units required by 2.6 (the average number
of persons in a household) and divide the result by 1.5 (the U. S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development criteria of persons per bedroom). The
figure derived from this formula shall be the minimum number of bedrooms,
which the applicant must build, in affordable housing units. The mix of
housing types will be decided by the applicant. Any proposal for a unit with
more than 3 bedrooms may be approved, but only after a special review to
determine a need.
RESPONSE: Based on the required computation of affordable housing units, at
least sixteen (16) bedrooms will be provided in the nine (9) required affordable
housing units, with a minimum of one (1) bedroom per unit.
(2) Determination of the Mix of Units ‐ The mix of affordable housing units for
purchase shall average a price affordable to households at 80% of the Area
Median Income (AMI), as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) and published annually. The affordable price will
be calculated based on principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and homeowner
association dues not to exceed 33% of gross household income. The
calculation will assume a 95% loan‐to‐value, 30‐year mortgage at prevailing
interest rates. The average may be achieved by providing units affordable to
households between 81% and 120% of the AMI in combination with units
affordable to households between 60% and 80% of the AMI.
RESPONSE: The PUD will provide affordable housing for sale in compliance with
the above regulations, with pricing to be determined by the Area Median
Income requirements at the time of sale.
(3) Affordable Housing for Rent ‐ The mix of affordable housing types may be
satisfied by affordable housing for rent if the entity managing the property has
an interest in the property. The affordable housing for rent shall have gross
rents (rents plus utilities) not to exceed 30% of gross household income. The
total affordable housing units provided must average a rent affordable to
households at 80% of the AMI as determined by the department of HUD and
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62
published annually. The average may be achieved by providing units
affordable to households between 81% and 100% of the AMI in combination
with units affordable to households below 80% of the AMI. (added 2002‐12)
Any fractional affordable housing units created by the above formulas will be
rounded up to the next highest number. The applicant, at the time of
submittal, must present for review the proposed location of the affordable
housing units, the proposed mix to satisfy the above formulas, all documents
necessary to comply with this regulation, the Garfield County Affordable
Housing Guidelines, and a proposed schedule of when the affordable housing
units will be constructed and completed in relation to the entire project. It is
the intent of these regulations that affordable housing units for sale and for
rent are built and available for sale or rent at the same time that the other
houses are available for sale or rent. The county shall require of the applicant
security in a reasonable amount to insure that the affordable units are
constructed, or some other requirement such as issuing building permits for
ten free‐market houses only after the issuance of a building permit for one
affordable housing unit. The applicant must satisfactorily demonstrate that
she/he understands and will comply with these regulations and the Garfield
County Affordable Housing Guidelines.
RESPONSE: The PUD request does not include affordable rental units.
4.08 PUD PROCESSING
4.08.01 The approval of a PUD constitutes a Zone District Amendment. An application
for subdivision Preliminary Plan may be considered simultaneously with the
PUD application; however, the PUD zoning decision shall be made prior to the
subdivision Preliminary Plan decision. A PUD is established by rezoning an
area in an existing zone district to PUD, pursuant to the provisions of this
Zoning Resolution and may include an application to subdivide the property,
consistent with all applicable provisions of Title 30, Article 28 and Title 24,
Article 67, C.R.S. and Section 3:00 of the Garfield County Subdivision
Regulations of 1984, as amended. The County Commissioners are hereby
declared to be the board authorized to review PUD applications pursuant to
Section 24‐67‐104 (1)(c), C.R.S. Each PUD application shall be reviewed and
approved, disapproved or conditionally approved by the County
Commissioners within one hundred twenty (120) days of its determination of
technical compliance by the Planning Department. The approved PUD zoning
and the approved PUD Plan are inseparable and a PUD shall not be established
without the approval of the related PUD Plan. The approved zoning and the
approved PUD Plan together establish the uses permitted in lieu of the zone
district regulations which were theretofore applicable. If PUD and Subdivision
Preliminary Plan are considered simultaneously, the approved Preliminary
Plan must include the entire PUD. Subsequent final plats may be phased, in
accordance with the approved phasing plan. (A. 97‐ 109) The above‐
referenced one hundred twenty (120) day period shall commence when the
Planning Department determines the PUD application to be in technical
compliance with all information required by applicable rules and regulations.
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63
The Planning Department shall review the PUD application for technical
compliance with all information required by applicable rules and regulations
within thirty (30) working days of submittal.
If, due to the scope of the application, the workload imposed by other pending
applications or for any other reasonable cause the Planning Department is
unable to complete the review within the time stated above, the Planning
Department may request an extension of time from the Board of County
Commissioners for such review not to exceed an additional thirty (30) working
days.
If the Planning Department determines the application is not in technical
compliance, the Planning Department shall notify the applicant in writing of
any additional information needed for technical compliance and the
application shall be suspended in the review process until such information is
provided.
Following receipt of a noncompliance letter, an applicant may request a
conference with the Planning Department to review the identified
deficiencies. Such conference shall be scheduled at a reasonable time
following the date of the noncompliance letter but in any event not later than
ten (10) working days after such receipt, unless an extension of time is
mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the Planning Department.
Following the receipt of a noncompliance letter, an applicant may furnish
additional information to remedy any identified deficiency. Based on such
additional information, the Planning Department then shall determine
whether the deficiency in question has been remedied or not.
A written notice of such a determination shall be sent to the applicant not
later than ten (10) working days after receipt of the additional information,
unless an extension of time is mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the
Planning Department.
An applicant may appeal to the Garfield County Zoning Board of Adjustment
for a determination of technical compliance at any time in accordance with
Sections 9.0401 and 9.04.02 of the Garfield County Zoning Resolution.
An applicant shall have six (6) months after the date of the noncompliance
letter to remedy any deficiency and, if not provided within such time, the
application will be considered terminated.
A determination of technical compliance by the Planning Department shall not
be deemed a recommendation of approval, a finding of adequacy of the
application or a finding of general compliance with any goal or objective of
this resolution.
The express intention of this section is to process only PUD applications in
technical compliance with all information required by applicable rules and
regulations; however, the Planning Department reserves the right to request
additional, pertinent information throughout the PUD review process.
If an amendment to the Master/Comprehensive Plan is proposed as a part of
the PUD application, then the Planning Commission shall take action on the
proposed amendment to the Master/Comprehensive Plan prior to the PUD
application. The Planning Commission's action on an amendment to the
Master/Comprehensive Plan shall be after a public hearing, with at least
fifteen (15) days notice, in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the
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County, and may be considered at the same meeting that the PUD application
is considered. (A. 97‐109 & A. 2000‐68)
RESPONSE: The Preliminary Plan subject area and PUD subject area are one and
the same.
4.08.02 An applicant may process their application for PUD zoning under this Zoning
Resolution separate from and in advance of their application or applications
for subdivision platting under the Garfield County Subdivision Regulations.
RESPONSE: This application is for both PUD and Subdivision platting (Preliminary
Plan). The applicant requests that these items to be processed simultaneously in
the County land use review.
4.08.03 The plan shall show where within the PUD each type of use will be located and
shall indicate the total acreage which will be devoted to each use, where no
subdivision of the property is proposed as a part of the PUD. The precise
location of each use and the location of lots, blocks or other parcels within
each area devoted to each use shall be shown as that area is subdivided and
platted in accordance with the Garfield County Subdivision Regulations. (A.
79‐132, A. 97‐ 109)
RESPONSE: The proposed PUD Preliminary Plat includes this required
information and is located in Appendix C.
4.08.04 The uses by right, conditional uses, minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage,
minimum setbacks, maximum height of buildings, and all other use and
occupancy restrictions applicable to any area zoned as PUD shall be those
which are approved by the County Commissioners at the time such area is so
zoned.
RESPONSE: All areas within the proposed PUD are designated as Zone Districts
within the PUD Guide, Section 5, which details the above requirements and land
uses.
4.08.05 Where a Preliminary Plan application is included with a PUD application the
Subdivision Regulation requirements will supersede the following PUD
requirements where the same information or more detailed information is
required as a part of a subdivision application. The applicant shall include with
the written request for PUD zoning which does not include a subdivision
Preliminary Plan application the following information:
(1) A statement of the ownership interest in the property to be included in the
PUD and the written consent of all of the owners;
(2) A PUD Plan indicating the broad concept of the proposed development.
Such Plan shall clearly indicate:
(a) The maximum number of dwelling units proposed within the
overall area;
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65
(b) The minimum acreage which will be dedicated to Common Open
Space;
(c) The type of uses proposed and the acreage devoted to each use;
(d) Major internal circulation systems;
(e) The acreage, which will be dedicated for school, sites;
(f) The general nature and location of commercial and industrial uses,
if any, to be located in the PUD;
(g) Provision for water, sewer, telephone, electricity, gas and cable
television, if applicable; and
(h) Other restrictions proposed by the applicant such as building
setbacks, height limits, access requirements and grade or slope
restrictions to be applied to particular areas, written in the form of a
zone district text the same as, or in similar form to, the Garfield
County Zoning Resolution; and
(i) If more than one phase is proposed, a phasing plan shall be
included in the application that delineates the proposed phasing of
the development. (A. 97‐109)
(3) A regional location map showing the relationship of the site to connecting
roadways, public facilities, commercial and cultural facilities and surrounding
land uses;
(4) A site map illustrating site boundaries, acreage, existing structures and the
existing zoning;
(5) A site topographic map showing at least five‐foot contour intervals, major
vegetation elements, streams, rivers, ditches and areas subject to 100 Year
flooding;
(6) A legal description of the area that the applicant wishes to include in the
PUD;
(7) A written statement containing the following information:
(a) An explanation of the objectives to be achieved by the PUD;
(b) A development schedule indicating the approximate dates when
construction of the various stages of the PUD can be expected to begin
and be completed;
(c) Copies of any special covenants, conditions and restrictions, which
will govern the use or occupancy of the PUD; provided, however, that
the applicant may impose additional covenants, conditions and
restrictions on any particular area in connection with the platting of
such area;
(d) A list of the owners of properties located within two hundred (200)
feet of the boundaries of the PUD and their addresses;
(e) A statement by a licensed engineer, with supporting calculations
and
documentation, which shall provide evidence of the following: (A. 97‐
109)
(i) The proposed water source legally & physically adequate to
service the PUD;
(ii) The proposed method of sewage treatment legally and
physically adequate to service the PUD. If the PUD application
proposes to utilize existing, central facilities, the application
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66
shall contain a letter from the district or provider that
adequate excess capacity currently exists and will be devoted
to accommodating the development, or that the capacity will
be expanded to adequately accommodate the development;
(A. 97‐109)
(iii) The proposed method in which storm drainage will be
handled, demonstrating that adjoining property owners would
not be damaged by the development; and (A97‐109)
(iv) The proposed method in which provision will be made for
any potential natural hazards in the area such as avalanche
areas, landslide areas, flood plain areas, and unstable soils,
and the extent and mitigation of such hazard(s); (A. 97‐109)
(f) Easements showing vested legal access for ingress and egress from
a public road to the PUD and/or documentation demonstrating access
shall be acquired across a public right‐of‐way or easement within two
(2) years of any PUD approval and said access shall be vested prior to
final platting of any property subject to the easement across the right‐
of‐way; (A. 97‐109) and
(g) Evidence that the PUD has been designed with consideration of the
natural environment of the site and the surrounding area and does not
unreasonably destroy or displace wildlife, natural vegetation or
unique natural or historical features.
RESPONSE: This Preliminary Plan/ PUD application includes all of the required
materials as specified above. These materials are located either in the main
body of the application, the appendices, or in the separately bound set of
drawing sheets accompanying this binder.
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5 TCI Lane Ranch PUD Guide
TCI Lane Ranch Planned Unit Development
Proposed Zone District Designations
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Development Guide is to define the zone districts within the TCI Lane Ranch
PUD. The zone districts contained herein shall serve as the governing land use regulations within
the PUD.
The Guide replaces the current applicable zoning provisions of Garfield County with project
specific regulations that are more appropriate to the goals and objectives of the TCI Lane Ranch
PUD. The zone districts contained in this PUD Guide establish a comprehensive framework for
the development of TCI Lane Ranch, including residential, open space, trails and access, and
special utility uses.
ENFORCEMENT
The provisions of this Guide are enforceable by the authority and powers of Garfield County as
defined by law.
EXISTING ZONING: A/R/RD ‐‐ AGRICULTURAL/RESIDENTIAL/RURAL DENSITY:
A. Uses by Right: Agricultural including farms, garden, greenhouse, nursery, orchard,
ranch, small animal farm for production of poultry, fish, fur‐bearing or other small
animals and customary accessory uses including buildings for shelter or enclosure of
persons, animals or property employed in any of the above uses, retail establishment
for sale of goods
Guiding and outfitting, and park;
Single‐family dwelling and customary accessory uses. (A. 86‐09)
Accessory dwelling unit approved as a part of a public hearing or meeting on a
subdivision or subdivision exemption or guesthouse special use approved after 7/95 and
meeting the standards in Section 5.03.02.
B. Uses, conditional: Aircraft landing strip, church, community buildings, day nursery and
school; group home for the elderly. (A. 97‐60)
Pipeline (Subject to review and approval per procedure and requirements of Section
9.07)
(Added 2005‐53)
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Boarding or rooming houses, studio for conduct of arts and crafts, home occupation,
water impoundments. (A. 86‐09;87‐108)
C. Uses, special: Airport utility, feedlot as principal use of the lot, crematorium, agriculture
related business, resorts, kennel, riding stable, and veterinary clinic, shooting range
facility(A.98‐108);
Two‐family dwelling, camper park, ski lift and trails; broadcasting studio, communication
facility, corrections facility, storage, storage of heavy equipment, golf course driving
range, golf practice range and accessory facilities, commercial recreation
facility/park;(A. 97‐60; 97‐112) Mass Transit Facility (added 2002‐12)
Public gatherings; storage of oil and gas drilling equipment; Site for extraction,
processing, storage or material handling of natural resources; utility lines, utility
substations; recreational support facilities and guest house. (A. 79‐132; 80‐64; 80‐180;
80‐313, 81‐145;
81‐263; 84‐78; 86‐9; 86‐84; 86‐106; 87‐73; 99‐025)
Accessory dwelling unit meeting the standards in Section 5.03.02 for any lot not created
after a public hearing or meeting after 7/95.
Kennel
Group Residential Facility for Children & Youth (Add 2004‐62)
D. Minimum Lot Area: Two (2) acres; except as otherwise approved in a Cluster Option.
E. Maximum Lot Coverage: Fifteen percent (15%).
F. Minimum Setback:
1. Front yard:
a. Arterial streets:
i. Seventy‐five (75) feet from street centerline or fifty (50) feet from front lot
line, whichever is greater.
b. Local streets:
i. Fifty (50) feet from street centerline or twenty‐five (25) feet from front lot
line, whichever is greater.
2. Rear yard: Twenty‐five (25) feet from rear lot line.
3. Side yard: Ten (10) feet from side lot line, or one‐half (1/2) the height of the
principal building, whichever is greater.
G. Maximum Height of Buildings: Twenty‐five (25) feet.
H. Additional Requirements: All uses shall be subject to the provisions under Section 5
(Supplementary Regulations).
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TCI Lane Ranch PUD LAND USE
OVERALL LAND USE BREAKDOWN
Total Land Area............................................................................................................100.52 acres +/‐
Total Developed Area (Zones)
Single Family Residential; Duplex Residential; Community Utility ...........................31.74 acres +/‐
Total Open Space Area (Zones)
Community Center; Common Open Space; Conservation Easement........................68.78 acres +/‐
Total Number of Residential Lots......................................................................................................89
Total Number of Dwelling Units........................................................................................................89
Total Area of Proposed Non‐Residential Floor Space (existing buildings)
Community Center (1,450 sf); Ranch Cabin (650 sf); Log Shed (250 sf)...............................2,350 sf
Total Number of Proposed Off‐Street Parking Spaces (1 space per BR, min.).......................200 ‐ 506
Total Proposed Density .................................................................................1.13 acres/dwelling unit
RESIDENTIAL LOT BREAKDOWN
Unit Type / Max. Sq. Ft.Max. Sq. Ft.Quantity
Half‐Duplex 1900 sf 10
Half‐Duplex Affordable 1900 sf 8
Single Family 2600 sf 10
Single Family Affordable 2600 sf 6
Single Family 3800 sf 38
Single Family 5500 sf 17
TOTAL UNITS 89
PUD ZONE DISTRICTS
Zone District Gross Acres +/‐
Single Family Residential 26.730
Duplex Residential 4.034
Community Utility 0.978
Community Center 3.092
Private Common Open Space 33.297
Conservation Easement 32.391
TOTAL ACRES 100.52 +/‐
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DEFINITIONS
A. Maximum Allowable Floor Area: The total net square footage permitted to be built
on a Lot. The net square footage calculation shall include: heated living space,
mechanical, stairways, and other traditionally non‐habitable space, as measured from
the exterior walls. Garages or accessory building(s), heated or non‐heated, attached or
detached, up to a combined total of 650 square feet shall be exempt from the maximum
allowable floor area calculation. Any floor area of these elements in excess of the
exempt 650 square feet shall be included in the maximum allowable floor area
calculation. Patios, decks, balconies, porches and exterior stairways shall not count
towards the maximum allowable floor area unless the total square footage of these
features is greater than 20% of the net square footage, in which case the excess of the
20% shall be counted towards the maximum allowable floor area. Landscaped terraces,
trellises, and pergolas shall not be counted towards the maximum allowable floor area.
TCI Lane Ranch PUD ZONE DISTRICTS
A. Single Family Residential Zone District (Lots 1, 4 ‐ 9, 12, 13, 16 ‐ 23, 26, 29, 30,
33 ‐ 35, 38 – 82, 85, 88, 89)
1. Uses by Right: Detached, single‐family dwelling and customary accessory uses
2. Development Standards
a. Setbacks: All structures shall be located within building envelopes as
identified on the Final Plat.
1) Building foundations shall be fully contained with the platted
building envelope.
2) Roof overhangs shall be permitted to extend a maximum of
three (3) feet beyond the platted building envelope.
3) Up to 350 square feet of covered porch may extend ten (10’)
beyond the platted building envelope when said porch fronts
the street from which the lot is accessed.
b. Maximum Height of Structures: Twenty‐five (25) feet
c. Minimum Lot Area: As defined on Final Plat.
d. Maximum Allowable Floor Area:
1) Lots 1, 4, 12, 17, 18, 35, 38, 52, 66, 67, 71, 73, 80, 81, 82, 89: 2600 Square
Feet
2) Lots 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47,
48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 56, 59, 62, 68, 69, 70, 72, 74, 77, 78, 79, 85, 88: 3800
Square Feet
3) Lots 6, 20, 41, 42, 45, 46, 50, 55, 57, 58, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 75, 76: 5500
Square Feet
e. Off‐Street Parking: One (1) space per bedroom, minimum two (2) spaces
required per lot. Garage, carport and driveway parking shall count toward
off‐street parking requirement.
TCI Lane Ranch – Preliminary Plan / PUD
December 2008
71
B. Duplex Residential Zone District (Lots 2, 3, 10, 11, 14, 15, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32,
36, 37, 83, 84, 86, 87)
1. Uses by Right: Attached, single family dwelling and customary accessory uses
2. Development Standards
a. Setbacks: All structures shall be located within building envelopes as
identified on the Final Plat.
1) Building foundations shall be fully contained with the platted building
envelope.
2) Roof overhangs shall be permitted to extend a maximum of three (3)
feet beyond the platted building envelope.
3) Up to 350 square feet of covered porch may extend ten (10’) beyond
the platted building envelope when said porch fronts the street from
which the lot is accessed.
b. Maximum Height of Structures: Twenty‐five (25) feet
c. Minimum Lot Area: As defined on Final Plat.
d. Maximum Allowable Floor Area: 1900 square feet
e. Off‐Street Parking: One (1) space per bedroom, minimum two (2) spaces
required per lot. Garage, carport and driveway parking shall count toward
off‐street parking requirement.
C. Community Utility Zone (Tract A – 0.938 Acres +/‐, Tract G – 0.021 Acres +/‐,
Tract H – 0.019 Acres +/‐)
1. Uses by Right
a. The construction, operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of
community utilities and related facilities and structures.
b. To provide centralized utility facilities to benefit members of the TCI Lane
Ranch Homeowners Association and other parties to whom the Association
may decide to provide such service or conduct business with.
c. Installation and maintenance of photovoltaic panels, arrays, or other solar
power generating systems or equipment.
d. Wastewater lift station(s).
e. Landscaping and irrigation.
f. Vegetation management necessary to facilitate construction and
maintenance of community utilities.
g. Fencing.
2. Development Standards
a. Minimum Lot Area: 0.15 Acres +/‐
b. Minimum Setbacks:
1) From Easements: Five (5) feet
2) From Lot Lines: Five (5) feet, except as noted below
3) From Residential Lots: Fifteen (15) feet
c. Maximum Height of Structures: Twenty‐five (25) feet.
d. Per Garfield County Supplementary Regulations 5.03, Conditional and
Special Uses, 5.03.17 Solar Power Generating Systems, all proposed solar
structures shall demonstrate the following :
TCI Lane Ranch – Preliminary Plan / PUD
December 2008
72
1) No impact to wildlife and domestic animals through the creation of
hazardous attractions, alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade
of migration routes, use patterns or other disruptions.
2) Separated by sufficient distances, such use from abutting property
which might otherwise be damaged by operations of the proposed
use(s).
3) Comply with the volume of sound standards set forth in the Colorado
Revised Statutes.
4) The facility shall be operated that the ground vibration inherently and
recurrently generated is not perceptible, without instruments, at any
point of any boundary line of the property on which the use is located.
5) The proposed facility will be operated so that it does not emit heat,
glare, radiation or fumes which substantially interfere with the existing
use of adjoining property or which constitutes a public nuisance or
hazard.
6) Any repair and maintenance activity requiring the use of equipment
that will generate noise, odors or glare beyond the property boundaries
will be conducted within a building or outdoors during the hours of 8
a.m. to 6 p.m.
7) Any lighting of the facility shall be pointed downward and inward to the
property center and shaded to prevent direct reflection on adjacent
property.
D. Conservation Easement (Tract B – 32.391 Acres +/‐)
1. Uses by Right
a. Private trails for the benefit of the Association, their assigns and guests.
b. Public trails, as signed for said access, being paved or unpaved
c. Bridges for pedestrian and bicycle use
d. Interpretive signing, displays and installations
e. Actions intended to benefit wildlife and/or native species, such as habitat
restoration, vegetation management and seasonal closures.
f. Agriculture, the keeping of livestock and accessory uses and structures
related to said uses.
g. Drainage improvements
h. Fencing
2. Development Standards
a. Paved trails shall not exceed ten feet (10’) in width
b. Paths constructed with a aggregate surface, such as crusher fines, shall be a
maximum of six feet (6’) wide
c. Natural surfaced trails shall be a maximum of two feet (2’) wide
d. Fencing shall be “wildlife friendly”, according to standards developed by the
Colorado Division of Wildlife
TCI Lane Ranch – Preliminary Plan / PUD
December 2008
73
E. Private Common Open Space (Tract C – 31.747 Acres +/‐, Tract D – 0.493 Acres
+/‐, Tract E – 1.057 Acres +/‐)
1. Uses by Right
a. Agriculture, the keeping of livestock and accessory uses and structures
related to said uses.
b. Non‐organized recreation
c. Pedestrian and bicycle trails
d. Public parking for the purposes of access to public fishing trails
e. Bridges crossing ditches and drainage improvements
f. Limited public access (restricted to designated trails/routes only)
g. Community entry features/monumentation/ signage
h. Preservation/restoration/maintenance of existing log shed structure and
ranch cabin
i. Ponds and irrigation ditches
j. Wetlands; maintenance and enhancements to existing wetlands and
creation of new wetlands
k. Landscaping and irrigation
l. Mail box facilities for the purposes of centralized mail drop‐off and
collection
m. Picnic shelter or gazebo
n. Barbecue
o. Drainage improvements
p. Utilities
2. Development Standards
a. Minimum Lot Area: as depicted on Final Plat
b. Minimum Setbacks: Ten (10) feet from adjoining tracts, lots, and easements
c. Maximum Height of Structures: Eighteen (18) feet
F. Community Center Zone (Tract F – 3.092 Acres +/‐)
1. Uses by Right
a. Building and/or buildings, including the following uses:
1) Meeting/gathering space
2) Office space for use by the Association
3) Recreational/fitness equipment, workout space and locker rooms
4) Swimming pool (indoor or outdoor)
5) Kitchen facilities
6) Restroom facilities
b. Sports fields/open turf areas
c. Facilities for other outdoor sports, such as volleyball, par course, running
trail, etc.
d. Facilities for tennis or other court‐based sports
e. Community gardens and accessory uses and structures
f. Storage and maintenance of equipment and materials used during, or to
maintain, recreational and community garden uses; nonresidential
structures for persons and equipment engaged in said activities
g. Playground/play equipment
h. Landscaping and irrigation
i. Ponds and irrigation ditches
TCI Lane Ranch – Preliminary Plan / PUD
December 2008
74
j. Wetlands; maintenance and enhancements to existing wetlands and
creation of new wetlands
k. Pedestrian pathways
l. Parking
m. Drainage and utility improvements
n. Footbridges over irrigation ditches
o. Fencing
2. Development Standards
a. Building Setbacks
1) From Access Easements: twenty five (25) feet
2) From Residential Lot Lines: twenty five (25) feet
b. Maximum Height of Structures: Twenty‐five (25) feet
c. Minimum Lot Area: as depicted on Final Plat
d. Maximum Allowable Floor Area: None
e. Minimum Off‐Street Parking: fourteen (14) spaces, including one (1)
accessible space
f. Additional Off‐Street Parking: future community facilities, or expansion of
existing facilities, if any, shall provide a minimum of one (1) space per five
hundred (500) square feet additional net floor area
APPENDICES
A through FF
A. Vicinity Maps, Current Zoning Map, Adjacent Land Uses Map,
Adjacent Parcels Map
B. Site Inventory and Proposed Site Plan
C. Preliminary Plat
D. Garfield County Visual Corridor Map, Slope Hazard Profile
Map, Soil Hazard Profile Map, USDA Soil Designations Map
E. Deed of Trust
F. Statement of Authority and Title Commitment
TITLE COMMITMENT
G. Deed for Water Rights
H. Mineral Rights Documentation
I. Garfield County Resolution PC‐2007‐05: Comprehensive Plan
Amendment
1111~IIII·~'I ~~i,',r-Ij~It~'It~'Il-lfl~r.~~~l~I~~UII",'~I~1IIII
Reception#:739330 ,
12/14/2007 01 :27:16 PM Jean Rlberico
1 of 1 Rec Fee:$0.00 Doc Fee:0,00 GRRFIELD COUNTY CO
RESOLUTION NO.2007-PC-_Pc.~;)007 -0 S
RESOLUTION CONCERNED WITH AN AMENDMENT TO THE GARFIELD
COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN,
STUDY AREA I,BY THE GARFIELD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION.
(parcel No.239131100033)
WHEREAS,Garfield County is a legal and political subdivision of the State of Colorado,for
which the Board of County Commissioners is authorized to act;and
WHEREAS,pursuant to law,the Board of County Commissioners of Garfield County has
appointed the Garfield County Planning Commission;and
WHEREAS,Colorado Statutes at Section 30-28-106,CR.S.,as amended,authorize and
require the Garfield County Planning Commission to adopt a comprehensive master plan for the
unincorporated area of Garfield County,Colorado;and
WHEREAS,on November,2000,the Garfield County Planning Commission adopted the
Garfield County Comprehensive Plan,Study Areas I;and
WHEREAS,TCI Lane Ranch,LLC,requested that the Planning Commission amend the
Proposed Land Use Districts Map for Study Area I from Residential Low Density to Residential
High Density for land legally described on Exhibit A,attached hereto;and
WHEREAS,the Garfield County Planning Commission conducted a public meeting on July
11th,2007 upon the question of whether the proposed amendments to the Garfield County
Comprehensive Plan,Study Area I should be adopted,modified,or whether any action should be
taken on this matter;and
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,by the Garfield County Planning Commission,
that the Proposed Land Use Districts Map for Study Area I,is amended,by a vote of 5 to 0,to
designate properties described in Exhibit A,attached hereto,as Residential High Density.As such,
the property described more fully in Exhibit A,shall be designated as Residential High Density on
the Land Use Districts Map for Study Areas I of the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan of 2000.
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the Garfield County Planning Commission on the
July 11th,2007.(~'.0~\\,,St."''-\,-)~~Philip Vaughan,Chairman Garfie d County Planrung
Commission
J. Meeting Minutes from Garfield County Planning Commission
Hearing July 11, 2007 regarding TCI Lane Ranch Sketch Plan
review
1
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES FROM JULY 11, 2007
PC Members Present S t a f f P r e s e n t
Phil Vaughan Fred Jarman, B&P Director
Cheryl Chandler David Pesnichak, Planner
Steve Reynolds Craig Richardson, Planner
Sean Martin Michael Howard, Assistant
Terry Ostrom County Attorney
Roll call was taken and the following members are absent tonight: Jock Jacober, Bob
Fullerton and Shirley Brewer.
All members present tonight are considered regular voting members.
Sean Martin made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 14, 2007 Planning
Commission Meeting as written and Steve Reynolds seconded the motion. A vote was
taken and all approved motion.
A request was made to move item #7 on the agenda to item #4. No objection was made
from the Commission. Item #7 Public Hearing for Lexie Meadows Estates Subdivision
will be presented next. Request is to review a Preliminary Plan Application for Lexie
Meadows Estates. The property is located on Miller Lane (CR 227) across from
Antonelli Lane (CR 216). The applicant is proposing to subdivide approximately 76.19
acres into 37 lots. The applicant is Jim Bob Ventures, LLC.
The applicants representative, Davis Farrar has submitted a letter dated 7/3/2007
requesting this application be continued to the September 26, 2007 Planning Commission
Meeting. (Exhibit Q)
Phil Vaughan reviewed the process we will follow on this item. We will open the public
hearing, swear everyone in and review the public notice requirements for tonight’s
hearing.
Michael Howard will review the noticing with Davis Farrar who is here tonight
representing Jim Bob Ventures and he will answer questions related to the noticing.
Davis Farrar is the Applicants Planner. Davis used the County Assessor records on
5/15/07 to obtain the owner names within 200’ of this property. Identified public, private
and mineral owners. Mailed notice certified return receipt to all names on the list
provided. Mailing was done on May 23rd and return receipts were started to be returned
on May 24th. Notice was published in the Glenwood Post Independent on May 22, 2007.
Proof of publication was provided. Property was posted with gold card provided by the
Planning Department on May 16th and was posted facing Miller Lane within County
right-of-way. Have not been by the property lately to see if notice sign is still in place or
2
not. Michael Howard reviewed the documents and stated that notice appears to be
accurate and it is okay to proceed tonight.
Phil Vaughan swore in all speakers. Phil Vaughan read letter of July 3, 2007 from the
applicant’s representative into the record. Applicant is requesting a continuance to the
September 26, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Applicant will need to waive any
deadlines and follow up with a letter to the Planning Department. Michael Howard stated
you may want to re-notice the hearing with the new date since it will be a couple of
months away.
Terry Ostrom made a motion to continue this Preliminary Plan Application to the
September 26, 2007 Planning Commission meeting with a new notice. Cheryl Chandler
seconded the motion. Davis Farrar clarified the motion that it included re-noticing in
paper, mailing and posting. Phil Vaughan said that is correct. A vote was taken and all
approved unanimously.
The next item of discussion on the agenda is a public meeting request to review an
application for a Zone District Amendment from Agricultural Residential Rural Density
(A/R/RD) to Light Industrial (L/I). The property is located on CR 352, west of the
Garfield County Airport and is known as Parcel A of the Amaya/Madrid Exemption. The
Applicant is Eye-Seventy, LLC.
Stephen Carter is the Attorney here tonight representing the Applicant. Also present is
Richard Swane (? Couldn’t understand name or title on recording)
Michael Howard will review the noticing requirements and Mr. Carter will respond to his
questions. There is no public notice required. This is a public meeting and no notice is
required.
Craig Richardson is the County Planner and he will present the project information and
staff comments. This property is surrounded by three properties that have already been
re-zoned. Two parcels were rezoned from A/R/RD to L/I and the other is part of the
Airport Industrial Park which is zoned PUD. The Comprehensive Plan designates this
area as Outlying Residential. Two criteria must be looked at in order to approve since
rezoning request is not incompliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The first is that an
error was made in establishing the current zoning, or that second there has been a change
in the condition of the neighborhood that supports the requested zone change. It is staffs
opinion that there was no error in zoning when the zoning was established. The
Applicant believes the conditions of the area have changed and the existing uses found on
adjacent properties are more industrial in nature. If approved to rezone, the applicant
will need to obtain an SUP for the existing residence if this is approved for Light
Industrial (L/I) zoning. Staff finds that adjacent uses constitute a change in the
conditions of the neighborhood. This change supports the request for a change in zoning
on the subject property owned by Eye-Seventy, LLC and staff recommends that the
Planning Commission make a recommendation of approval to rezone this parcel from
A/R/RD to L/I to the BOCC.
3
Terry Ostrom asked how we handle the existing house. Craig Richardson stated that the
Applicants will need to apply for a Special Use Permit for the residence and that will be a
condition of approval on this application.
Cheryl Chandler asked, do they have height restrictions in the L/I zone district? Fred
Jarman responded that the building height limit is 35’.
Stephen Carter spoke next. There were four parcels that were created to make up the
Amaya/Madrid Exemption. There are industrial operations in the airport area. Other
parcels in this exemption are already rezoned to L/I. This is the last remaining parcel and
should be rezoned to L/I. The desirability of the A/R/RD zone district is not there any
more.
Cheryl Chandler asked how tall the beige ones that are out there now are. Richard Swane
said those are Frac Tanks and he doesn’t know the height of those. Cheryl thinks they are
about 48’ tall. Richard said he would look into height.
Moved out to the public for comments next and none were received so that portion of
hearing is closed.
Steve Reynolds made a motion to accept the staff recommendations to approve the
rezoning request from A/R/RD to L/I. Cheryl Chandler seconded the motion. A vote
was taken and all approved.
The next item on the agenda is a public meeting request to review an application to
amend the Text of the West bank Ranch Filing 4 PUD, Residential/Multi-Family
Fourplex District. Applicant is KN Energy, Inc. (Rocky Mountain Natural Gas
Company)
Present for the Applicant is Chris Stryker, Littleton, CO.
David Pesnichak is the County Planner on this proposal and he will present the project
information and staff comments. An application was submitted for an amendment to the
text of the West bank Ranch PUD filing 4. KN Energy currently operates a gas
distribution facility on the property described as Lot 63 of the West bank Ranch PUD
filing 4. The parcel is zoned residential/multi-family, fourplex district (R/M.F.4). Lot 63
is the only lot with this zoning in West bank Ranch PUD filing 4. The applicant proposes
to amend the text under Paragraph A & G of Section III R/M.F.4 in order to allow for the
installation of a multi user Telecommunication Facility.
This parcel sits on CR 109. A zoning map of the PUD was shown. The Comprehensive
Plan identifies this area as Subdivision. The applicant has discussed this request with the
HOA and they have revised the covenants to allow. The proposed location of this facility
would be on the northern portion of the lot. Slides of the property and surrounding area
were also shown.
4
The staff recommendations and suggested findings were read into the record. (page 4 &
5 of staff report) Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval
of the proposed amendment to text of the Residential/Multi-family, Fourplex District
(R/M,F,4) zone district within the West bank Ranch Filing 4 PUD to the BOCC with an
alteration to include “that the text be changed to allow a communication facility as a Use
by Right within the R/M,F,4 zone district of the West bank Ranch Filing 4 PUD” and to
request approval of the requested building height as well.
Moved out to the applicant’s representative Chris Stryker for his comments. He has done
research for about two years on this request. Kinder Morgan expressed interest to lease
some of this lot for the use being requested. Had to get approval from the HOA to amend
their covenants and to amend the PUD.
Moved out to the public for comments next and none were received so that portion of
hearing is closed.
Terry Ostrom made a motion to approve the requested text amendment with the staff
conditions and clarification. Sean Martin seconded the motion. A vote was taken and all
approved.
BEGIN TCI LANE RANCH REVIEW:
The next item of discussion on the agenda is a public hearing request to review an
application to amend the Comprehensive Plan of 2000 for Study Area 1 on property
located South of the Town of Carbondale along State Highway 82 from Residential Low
Density to Residential High Density and a Public Meeting to review a Sketch Plan
Application for this 100.52 acre parcel to subdivide into 80 lots. The Applicant is TCI
Lane Ranch, LLC.
Present for the Applicant are Jon Fredricks and Louis Wilsher of Noble Design Studio.
Michael Howard will review the noticing requirements and Jon Fredricks will respond.
Jon Fredricks is the Manager for Noble Design Studio and he has the authority to
represent owners of this property. Notice to amend the comprehensive plan was
published in the Glenwood Post Independent on June 25, 2007. Michael said notice
appears to be proper and it is okay to proceed.
Phil Vaughan swore in all speakers for this item.
Craig Richardson is the County Planner for this proposal and he will present the project
information and staff comments. Craig Richardson entered the following exhibits into
the record:
Exhibit A listed is not required for this item.
Exhibit B: Proof of Publication
Exhibit C: Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978, as amended
Exhibit D: Garfield County Subdivision Regulations of 1984, as amended
Exhibit E: Garfield County Comprehensive Plan of 2000
Exhibit F: Staff Report
5
Exhibit G: Application for Preliminary Plan
Exhibit H: Memo from Garfield County Road & Bridge Department, dated May 30,
2007
Exhibit I: Letter from Carbondale Fire Protection District, dated July 3, 2007
New Exhibit submitted tonight:
Exhibit J: Letter from Paul Anderson, dated July 10, 2007
Exhibits A – J are accepted into the record.
Craig Richardson will talk about Comprehensive Plan request first. The applicant is
seeking approval from the Planning Commission for land use approvals to develop a
property into a residential development. The property is situated in Study Area 1 of the
Comprehensive Plan of 2000 and is identified as Low Density Residential. The applicant
is requesting that the Land Use Designation Map for this area be changed to High
Density Residential. The ultimate goal of the Applicant is to submit a PUD for approval.
A PUD must generally conform to the Comprehensive Plan. The applicant has identified
a proposed Sketch Plan which demonstrates general conformity with most of the polices
identified in the Comprehensive Plan.
• Protecting Visual Corridors: The proposed design includes preservation of
resources and open space protecting the identified visual corridor.
• Affordable Housing: Applicant is proposing 16 affordable housing units when
only 9 are required.
• Open Space: 60% open space is proposed.
• Public transportation: This is next to a Park & Ride on Highway 82.
Constraints on property:
• Septic constraints. High water table.
• Residential development will not encroach the identified 100-year floodplain.
Some development will occur with flood fringe. Floodplain mitigation can
occur.
• Methodology. The Comprehensive Plan Matrix identifies development
constraints and land use considerations.
Staff finds that the subject property can conform to the methodology used to determine
land use designations within Study Area 1. Staff finds the property can be mitigated to
determine high density residential. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
approve the proposed amendment to the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan of 2000
changing the designation of the subject property on the Proposed Land Use Districts,
Study Area 1 Map from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential.
Moved to the applicant for their presentation next. Also present for the applicant tonight
are Dave Marrs, Yancy Nichols and Tom Zancanella. Jon Fredericks will speak first.
The proposed land use designation map was shown. This proposal is compatible with
other subdivisions in the area. Blue Creek Ranch was developed by the same developers
as the TCI Lane Ranch. Applicant pointed out other subdivisions in the area that have
been approved. Land use considerations were made when Blue Creek Ranch was
6
developed for future expansion and development of the TCI Lane Ranch. Applicant is
proposing an emergency access use of 50’. There is an easement in place for Blue Creek
Ranch.
Moved out to the public for comments next. The first speaker is John Blatz and he lives
at 11 Pinon Lane in the Blue Creek Ranch Subdivision. Mr. Blatz has spoke to Noble
Design about commercial landscaping business they want to have on the TCI Lane
Ranch. We as neighbors in Blue Creek, this will not help in the value of their property at
all. There will be dust and additional noise with this business and Mr. Blatz would like to
know what’s going on with that.
Ann Bickley lives at 30 Pinon Lane in Blue Creek Ranch and she will speak next. Mr.
Lane did a great job in developing Blue Creek ranch. She is concerned with the location
of the commercial parcel in TCI Lane Ranch. Owner/developer has plans to work with
school and training and that is reason it is close to residence. Her house is one house
away from this project. Why can’t they move commercial activity farther away?
Mrs. Blatz, 11 Pinon Lane would like to speak next. Have met with developer and
applicant has not followed through. Hours of operation are a concern. Move commercial
closer to the Waldorf School. Nobody in Blue Creek Ranch wants an access road.
Emergency access needs to be clearly marked and possibly gated.
David Evans of 45 Pinon Lane will speak next. Compounding trouble at intersection.
Already tough situation at intersection at Catherine’s Store Road.
Paul Anderson lives at 201 Ponderosa Pass in the Blue Creek Ranch Subdivision.
Landscaping aspect is incompatible with residential and PUD. So much of this land is in
a floodplain. Think using Aspen Equestrian Estates as a comparison is a mistake. A lot
of this property really isn’t build able. Service road, having a commercial operation on
that road is the wrong way to go.
Judy Evans lives at 45 Pinon Lane and she will speak next. Promises were made at
meeting with developer. Unusable wetlands on property. Doesn’t seem that a tree farm
is residential. She rides the bus and parks at the Park & Ride at this intersection and the
lot is full everyday. Intersection is already dangerous and miserable. Unacceptable to
add in that much more traffic.
Joe Enzer, President of the HOA for Blue Creek ranch spoke next. Not here to deny
development. Ace Lane is a good developer and Blue Creek Ranch is proof of that. Not
the case in this situation for TCI Lane Ranch. None of the objections or concerns that
were discussed with the developer showed up in this plan. Comprehensive Plan of 2000
matrix determines density. One of those is road conditions. Work has not been
completed nor a time schedule has been produced to complete those items. Road system
cannot handle high density on this parcel. Sewer and water are other key issues. Tree
farm is incompatible with residential PUD.
7
Ms. Colby of 33 Gamble Oak Way spoke next and one of her concerns with the project is
the tree farm and not being compatible to residential use. Commercial business would
need a lot more water. Water will encourage other growth. Keep residential use only in
this area. Traffic issues also a concern.
No further public comments were made so that portion of hearing is closed.
Phil Vaughan restated some of the questions from the public. There were questions about
the commercial operation and placement. Jon Fredericks responded that this is not a tree
farm it is a tree nursery and that trees are brought in. Jon said they did hold an open
house for neighbors to discuss this development. Did take some of those comments into
consideration. Moved some building envelopes back. Adequate amount of room for
privacy. Did examine moving nursery to east towards Waldorf School. Would go into
the visual corridor if they did move. This location is closest to RFTA bus top. Would
put berm around nursery to screen. They will water trees 2-3 times a day and that will
keep the dust down. A traffic analysis will be done at the Preliminary Plan stage.
Another reason for not locating the nursery by the Waldorf School is that their operating
hours and the nursery operating hours would be one in the same so its kind of a non-
compatible use.
Sean Martin asked if Mr. Lane is moving tree nursery from El Jebel to this property. Jon
Fredericks said yes.
Steve Reynolds asked what the status on water agreement is. Jon Fredericks responded
they have a letter from the district to serve. Sean Martin asked where metro district line
ends. Tom Zancanella said to Cerise Ranch across the road.
Terry Ostrom asked if the issue with nursery was a Sketch Plan item. Phil Vaughan said
we are talking about density only at this time.
Sean Martin thinks the density is done right and this goes along with the Blue Creek
Ranch development. Goes with the flow to increase the density.
Steve Reynolds made a motion to approve an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan of
2000 Study Area 1 changing the designation of the subject property on the Proposed
Land Use District Map from Low Density Residential to High Density Residential. Terry
Ostrom seconded the motion.
Phil Vaughan commented with adjacent parcels this makes sense with development in
this area and having water and sewer availability. Growth is happening all over the
county.
A vote was taken and all approved motion unanimously.
8
Phil Vaughan reviewed the process we would follow on the Sketch Plan Application
review. Craig Richardson is also the County Planner on this portion of application.
Sketch Plan comments are good for one year from tonight’s meeting date. (7/11/2008)
Applicants are requesting 80 residential lots and 1 commercial lot for the nursery.
Single-family and multi-family (duplex units) are proposed. Slides were shown of the
proposed site plan. The applicant has chosen to develop the property utilizing the cluster
design. A central water system may be utilized to serve the proposed development. The
subject property currently has four existing wells on site. Property has been conditionally
approved by the Mid Valley Metro District to provide water and sewer for up to 90
dwelling units on the subject property. Three access points are proposed. The primary
access will be from Old Highway 82, west of the existing entrance. A Colorado
Department of Transportation Access Permit may be required.
An internal road system will be constructed and design must comply with standards
identified in Section 9:00 of the Garfield County Subdivision Regulations. ADT figured
at 790 trips per day.
The southern portion of the subject property is located within an identified 100-year flood
plain. The applicant has not proposed any residential construction within the flood plain.
A number of recommended plat notes are included in the staff report. Sketch Plan
comments are good for one year from tonight’s meeting date.
No questions were asked of staff at this time so we moved out to the applicant for their
presentation next. Louis Wilsher spoke first. A site plan of the existing conditions was
shown. A variety of slides were also shown of the property and the surrounding area.
50’ setback will be maintained from both sides of the ditch. Large meadows exist on the
property. Will try to keep some agricultural area on the property for horses or cattle.
Louis reviewed their design philosophy.
• Conserve Open Space
• Exceed Affordable Housing Requirements
• Visual Corridor
• Cluster Development
• Nursery Area
• Five Residential Areas
• 200’-900’ Setbacks from river for residences
• Preserve Wildlife Habitat
• Provide for a variety of housing types
• Connect to trail network
For the commercial parcel, they are proposing five employee housing units on site.
Nursery will have its own dedicated access point.
Proposing a lot of trails, a number of amenities are proposed such as open space, playing
fields, and trail system with river access.
9
Dave Marrs spoke next in regards to the nursery. Thinks trees in nursery have benefits.
Will remove some of the emission from Highway 82 traffic. Buffers homes in Blue
Creek Ranch & TCI Ranch. Valley needs trees. Will re-establish some of the
Ponderosa’s.
Louis Wilsher mentioned nursery is only 9 acres and not a lot of open space on that lot.
Will do some berming and screening from residential area. They would not propose a
nursery on the property if they did not feel it was compatible.
Moved back to the Planning Commission for questions. This is a Sketch Plan application
and only comments are made tonight. No decisions or vote taken tonight.
Steve Reynolds wants a clarification. Nursery is a right to farm correct? Craig
Richardson responded that a nursery is a use by right in the A/R/RD zone district. Steve
Reynolds said he lived in this area before Blue Creek Ranch Subdivision was even there.
Jon Fredericks said when the traffic study is done a lot will come out. Will need to
address the intersection at Highway 82 and CR 100. That intersection is at a nexus of
several jurisdictions.
Phil Vaughan stated that the traffic study will be submitted to CDOT and he’s sure
nothing will be missed when they do their review.
Cheryl Chandler told applicant she likes the way they laid out the houses.
Craig Richardson sated that the applicant did a great job incorporating affordable housing
within the neighborhood. Craig read request about road design into the record.
Developer is trying to abide by required regulations.
Terry Ostrom asked about number of affordable housing units. Employee housing not
included in affordable housing requirements. Development requires 9 affordable housing
units and applicant is proposing 11.
Sean Martin said development is happening in the area and this is a good laid out
proposal. Concerning nursery, work with Blue Creek Subdivision and he doesn’t think
noise or dust will be an issue.
Steve Reynolds asked what estimated truck traffic is. Jon Fredericks said that no
estimate has been made yet but may be 20-30. Dave Marrs responded that the trucks get
loaded in the morning and then head out to make their deliveries.
Moved out to the public for comments next. The first speaker is Paul Anderson and he
lives at 301 Ponderosa Pass. He asked is the applicant guaranteed the tree nursery. Phil
Vaughan responded that this is a Sketch Plan application and it is only for comments at
this time. Applicant will need to come back with a PUD Application and a Preliminary
10
Plan Application for future development. Mr. Anderson finds it ironic that nursery has to
be moved next to the residences to avoid the Waldorf School. Don’t think you can
mitigate nursery, noise, and dust. Truck traffic is also a problem. Nursery is totally
incompatible with residential.
The next speaker Ann Bickley was told nursery would not be retail operation. She heard
that the Tree Nursery has to move from El Jebel location. Hours of operation are mostly
morning and afternoon. How does that impact school more than residence?
Joe Enzer, President of Blue Creek Ranch HOA spoke next in regards to tree operation.
Small trucks take trees out and large semi’s bringing them in. Traffic at Highway 82 is a
big issue.
Mr. Evans lives at 45 Pinon Lane and he says this is a bad situation already and this will
only make it worst. Don’t think we should just have to take it.
Judy Evans lives at 45 Pinon Lane and she thinks this is premature. We don’t know what
is going to happen at Highway 82 intersection and CR 100. 800 vehicle trips a day. Tree
farm is not consistent with residential. This looks like light industry to me. Phil
Vaughan reiterated that we are only commenting tonight and no approval or denial will
be made tonight.
Mrs. Blatz lives at 11 Pinon Lane and she stated traffic is traffic and noise is noise, and
dust is dust. Hours of operation would affect home owners during the day. Not everyone
in Blue Creek Ranch wants foot traffic on path. No noise study has been done. Houses
next to tree farm will be priced lower than others in subdivision.
No further public comments were made so that portion of hearing is closed.
Terry Ostrom said he encourages applicant to relocate the tree farm. Great job with plan
except the tree farm.
Phil Vaughan said Blue Creek Ranch is a beautiful subdivision. This development can be
well done too based on what he sees now. Emergency access through Blue Creek Ranch
needs to be worked out. Connectivity of trails is excellent. Not sure if tree nursery is
appropriate here. Would rather see some neighborhood commercial instead of a nursery.
Mitigation will be up to you all to bring back to the Planning Commission. CDOT will
take your traffic study and make applicant come up with improvements that are
necessary. Fisherman’s easement is excellent.
Terry Ostrom understands that trees are sold to landscapers only but his interpretation is
that homeowners could buy a tree from them. Applicant wouldn’t advertise. Jon
Fredericks stated operation as it exists now is not set up for retail.
No other comments were made so that hearing is closed.
END TCI LANE RANCH REVIEW:
11
Concerning other business, a motion was made by Cheryl Chandler to sign the Resolution
of approval for parcel number 2179-101-00-018 concerning Comprehensive Plan Map
Land Use Designation in Study Area II & III and Sean Martin seconded the motion to
allow the Chairman to sign. All approved motion.
The next scheduled code re-write work session is July 16, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
K. Sketch Plan Extension Letters
19351 HWY 82 - CARBONDALE, COLORADO 81623 - 970.963.7027
June 16, 2008
Craig Richardson, Senior Planner
Garfield County
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
RE: TCI Lane Ranch Preliminary Plan/ PUD Application
Dear Mr. Richardson,
As you are aware, we are currently in the completion process of our Preliminary Plan/
PUD Application submittal for TCI Lane Ranch. As we prepare to submit our plan, we
are also nearing the one-year anniversary of the Planning Commission’s Sketch Plan
comments from July 11th, 2007.
The Garfield County Subdivision Regulations applicable to this situation state:
3:25 The Sketch Plan comments shall be valid for a period not to exceed one (1)
year from the date of the Planning Commission review. If a Preliminary Plan for
the proposed subdivision is not presented to the Garfield County Planning
Commission within this period, the applicant shall submit an updated Sketch Plan
application to the Planning Department for review and comparison with the
original application.
In representation of TCI Lane Ranch, LLC., we are requesting that you review our
Sketch Plan as compared with our current Preliminary Plan to determine whether you
will require us to re-submit another Sketch Plan application per the above language.
We believe that our Preliminary Plan is very consistent with the overriding design goals
and intent of the original Sketch Plan, and is also substantially improved. Additionally,
we have considered and executed the vast majority of the comments received by both
the Planning Commission and the public at the July 11th 2007 hearing. The major item
receiving negative comment at the Sketch Plan hearing was the inclusion and location of
a commercial tree nursery in the project. We have eliminated this commercial operation
entirely and replaced it with an additional residential neighborhood, with only a minor
increase in overall density.
19351 HWY 82 - CARBONDALE, COLORADO 81623 - 970.963.7027
The following table provides a land use comparison of the two plans.
Land Use Comparison
SKETCH PLAN PRELIMINARY PLAN
Total Residential Units 84 (1.2 AC per unit density) 89 (1.1 AC per unit density)
Employee Rental Units 5 0
Affordable S.F. Units 5 6
Affordable Duplex Units 6 8
Duplex Units 12 10
Small-Sized S.F. Units 19 10
Medium-Sized S.F. Units 22 38
Large-Sized S.F. Units 15 17
Affordable Housing 13% (11 units) 16% (14 units)
Commercial Nursery Acreage 9 0
Commercial Nursery SF 10500 0
Community Center Building SF 2000 2000
Total Open Space Acreage 61 66
Please refer to the attached Sketch Plan and Preliminary Plan maps for additional
comparison.
At this time, we are anticipating that we will be fully prepared to submit the TCI Lane
Ranch Preliminary Plan/ PUD application in July. We would like to request
documentation of the County’s willingness to allow us to continue with submittal of our
Preliminary Plan/ PUD application.
Please provide us with a response at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Noble Design Studio/
TCI Lane Ranch, LLC
Jon Fredericks, ASLA
Director of Land Planning
Enc. 2007 Sketch Plan Graphic, 2008 Preliminary Plan Graphic
Cc: Fred Jarman, Garfield County
L. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Commitment to Serve
Letter, February 14, 2007
M. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: County Approvals for
Expansion of Service
From: Keith Montag [mailto:Keith.Montag@eaglecounty.us]
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 10:17 AM
To: Loyal E. Leavenworth
Cc: Ray Merry; Bob Narracci
Subject: RE: Potential Garfield County Service Plan
Lee,
Upon review of the letter dated February 15, 2008 regarding Mid Valley service of a property in
Garfield County, Eagle County is in agreement that a 1041 Permit will not be necessary nor will a
service plan amendment be required so long as you don’t pump directly from a lift station to the
sewer plant necessitating “… a small stretch of the force main located in Eagle County” as
described in your letter. Our interpretation is based on the following:
x All property to be served by the proposed lift station is located in Garfield County that will
pump to either or both the Dakota lift station or the Cerise Ranch lift station, both of which
are in Garfield County.
x No new water and sewer infrastructure would be required in Eagle County that has not
already been approved in the existing Mid Valley 1041 permit and approved service plan.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Ray Merry at 970-328-8757
ray.merry@eaglecounty.us or myself.
Sincerely,
Keith P. Montag, AICP
Community Development Director
Eagle County Government
P.O. Box 179, 500 Broadway
Eagle, CO 81631
970.328.8733 p
keith.montag@eaglecounty.us
1
JULY 21, 2008
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GARFIELD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners began at 8:00 A.M. on Monday, July 21, 2008 with
Chairman John Martin and Commissioners Tresi Houpt and Larry McCown present. Also present were County
Manager Ed Green, County Attorney Don DeFord and Jean Alberico, Garfield County Clerk and Recorder.
CALLTOORDER
Chairman Martin called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M.
NOTE TO REVIEWER: THIS RECORD HAS BEEN FORESHORTENED TO DISPLAY ONLY THOSE
ITEMS PERTAINING TO TCI LANE RANCH.
COUNTY ATTORNEY UPDATE: DON DEFORD
EXECUTIVE SESSION – LITIGATION UPDATE AND LEGAL ADVICE
Don would like to make inquiry of the Board; he does not have a particular need to have executive session or to provide
legal advice on this issue. Everything is already in your public discussion packet. If the Board or any members of the
Board wish to have legal advice on the issue concerning the expansion of Mid Valley Metropolitan District; then we
will do that first. Otherwise begin the discussion, which is what the Board did.
DISCUSSION/DIRECTION RE: 6/24/08 LETTER FROM MID VALLEY METROPOLITAN DISTRICT’S
ATTORNEY LEE LEAVENWORTH AND BILL REYNOLDS
Don DeFord reported that in preparation for your meeting with Lee Leavenworth, counsel for the Mid Valley
Metropolitan District today, he had reviewed the files of the Clerk & Recorder, the County Attorney’s Office and
selected documents from the Building and Planning Department concerning previous requests to expand Mid Valley
Metropolitan District into Garfield County. I have attached documents to this transmittal letter that appear to bear
directly on the question of “material modification of the service plan”. I have not included all documents obtained from
each department. These documents are submitted to assist the Board in its consideration of Mid Valley Metropolitan
District’s request, to allow expansion to service TCI Lane Ranch, without the need for a full public hearing and formal
approval by the BOCC for such expansion. The substance of the Mid Valley Metropolitan District request is set forth in
the June 24, 2008 correspondence of Mr. Leavenworth to Mr. Jarman, a copy of which is also attached to this letter for
your reference.
The initial document in this packet relates to a 1994 request to expand service to “Arnold Meadows”. In that
correspondence, Mr. Leavenworth specifically represents that the decision on “material modification” will not be
binding on the BOCC regarding future additional expansions and further, at the time of that request, the District Board
of Directors had no intent to extend boundaries in Garfield County beyond “Arnold Meadows”. Subsequent
correspondence was received in 1997, relating to a more substantial expansion. In his May 1, 1997 letter, Mr.
Leavenworth specifically references the “Dakota property” in which a finding of no material modification was rendered
by both Eagle and Garfield County. However, Mr. Leavenworth also notes that both counties indicated any further
expansion would be considered a material modification. Attached to Mr. Leavenworth’s correspondence is a very
useful map showing the then current boundaries of the Mid Valley Metropolitan District, as well as Dakota and Cerise
Ranches which were subsequently served by the District. The map and correspondence indicates that the Metropolitan
District was seeking a position from Garfield County concerning expansion into the entire area between El Jebel and
Carbondale.
Ultimately, this larger expansion issue came before the Board at a noticed public hearing on July 7, 1999. From the
Clerk’s office, I am providing a copy of the minutes of that meeting, together with the exhibits still maintained in that
office and provided to the County Attorney. You will note from the minutes and the Resolution that the requested
expansion was unanimously denied by the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners. The basis for that
position is set forth in the minutes.
Finally, in 2003, Mr. Leavenworth submitted another request for a smaller incremental expansion of Mid Valley
Metropolitan District into Garfield County. That request related to Cerise Ranch. The basis for avoiding a public
hearing and a finding of no material modification of the service plan appears to be based on the need for a quick
decision to provide central sewer as opposed to individual sewage treatment systems to that subdivision. The
subdivision had already been approved with ISDS systems. Mr. Leavenworth’s office represented that there was
insufficient time for the Board to conduct a public hearing to fully consider the issue of material modification (see page
3 correspondence of Nicole Garrimone).
In summary, through numerous requests, three (3) times the Board of County Commissioners has approved incremental
expansion of the Mid Valley Metropolitan District based on representations that no further expansion would take place
2
and that such approval set no precedent for subsequent expansion requests. On the one (1) occasion in which an overall
plan was considered for the general area between Carbondale and El Jebel, expansion was rejected. The current request
would be the fourth (4th) incremental request to expand the District along the Highway 82 corridor.
Lee – Spoke about when the district was formed in 1982 by the approval of a service plan by the Board of County
Commissioners in Eagle County. The plan contemplated that the district would provide centralized water and sewer
service in the Mid Valley area. They have recently received approval to expand the plant to 1 million gallons a day and,
as the Board is aware, at one point they came to the Board and said; we have the Dakota Subdivision partly in Eagle
County, partly in Garfield County; is it okay if we serve them and the Board agreed. They also agreed at that time that a
service plan amendment was not required. Similarly, Cerise ranch was approved following an effort by the district to
build a regional plant down valley and serve the entire valley floor, which turned into a disaster. As a result Cerise
Ranch was approved on ISDS; they came to us and said we really would rather have service from you and the Board
agreed we could provide the service. We agreed each time; any further service in Garfield County would require your
approval. We have received a request from TCI Lane to provide service to them. We are here to ask whether you agree
with me that this is not a material modification of our service plan, requiring a service plan amendment. He feels there
are three (3) options; one (1), let us provide that service with the express understanding that no further service would be
provided in Garfield County without us coming back to you again; two (2) you could require us to do a service plan
amendment, which would involve us preparing a service plan amendment and holding a public hearing on that
amendment. Three (3) you could tell us no and they could do a package plant like Blue Creek Ranch did. We are
willing to provide service down there; we have the capacity and it would involve a lift station and pump back to our
current plant.
Don stated from the prospective of his office; most of Lees comments, Don agrees with those statements. Slight
difference on the last point, he doesn’t know if this Board today could not say you can’t expand. Your options today; to
say this does not require a public hearing and is not a material modification, and accept the representation that any
future expansions would be given the opportunity as Lee explained. Or to require they file a service plan amendment
and conduct a full public hearing. You have the history in your packets and I do not know if there is a hard and fast
answer as to whether or not this is a material modification. This has come in front of the Board several times, not just
with Mid Valley; but with others and the statute is not real clear on what happens when the boundaries are expanded. It
is clear in that the boundary expansion itself is not a material modification; but if that expansion entails the construction
of capital facilities and expenditure of district funds, then he thinks it is an open question and the Board could require a
hearing.
Commissioner Houpt stated she would like to hear from Fred.
Fred Jarman asked them to look at a map in the packet, showing where the district boundaries appear showing, at least
in this exhibit, it encompasses Dakota. The lightening rod issue is one of the reasons that we have contemplated in the
planning office, on the extension of a service well into the lower Roaring Fork Valley floor down to Catherine’s Store
ultimately. Lee is correct; you do have a private package plant with Blue Creek; there is a catch 22 going on here
because, the County in one sense has approved by way of the comprehensive plan changes, higher densities that could
accommodate or be better served by Central Services. TCI Ranch being one of those; the planning commission has now
approved the high designation on them. The question is; if you build it will they come by extending Central Services
down that whole corridor. The question he has as he is looking at this; the boundaries themselves, by extending the
boundaries, are you providing service to Cerise outside of your boundary or has the boundary been amended to include
Cerise. Would you do the same thing if you went to TCI, how would you draw that map?
Lee stated they would be required to file a petition for inclusion; just like Cerise Ranch did. He wanted to make one (1)
thing very clear; if you allow us to serve TCI, we would size lift the station solely for that project. It would obviously
be expandable to serve other areas; but it makes no economic sense to serve with Central Sewer. My board has no
interest in becoming a land use lightening rod again, and frankly we probably would not file a service plan if we are
required to do so.
Bill stated they do see a lot of value in providing centralized water and sewer and protecting the water.
Commissioner Houpt stated this is a very difficult discussion, because the point Fred raised, about making sure we are
not having a district drive, the development instead of the comprehensive plan she things is very important. We have
hit a point in this County where we really need to update the comprehensive plan and make sure that we know where we
want to go with the rest of the valley floor. If you look through this stack of documents and the history of how the
district has grown, it’s been in a piecemeal way and that is not consistent with the comprehensive plan; but that’s where
you are because of what you are referring to as a lightening rod discussion.
Lee stated we are in a catch 22. We are in the business of providing water and sewage and we are prepared to do that
for this subdivision.
Commissioner Houpt stated; and this is a subdivision that has come in front of the planning commission…and we don’t
even know today whether that is going to be a reality or not. That is not even part of the discussion today; the
discussion is how do you as a district move forward. Not with a specific application, but if you want to move through
this valley are we going to do that in a manner that has more planning attached to it, so that we know that you fit into
the grand scheme of things.
3
Lee stated; what you are asking for today is a determination of whether it is us providing service to TCI constitutes a
material modification in our service plan. That is all we are asking. If you want us to do a service plan; we probably
won’t and we will probably never provide service farther into Garfield County.
Commissioner Houpt stated to Lee that is a very definite answer; you’re not saying they would never do that. What if
we went through another comprehensive plan and you fit well into that because you were at the table.
Lee said they would consider coming back at that point; but we are not going to do a service plan in advance of your
revising the comprehensive plan. We can’t do a service plan that makes any sense given your current comp plan
densities.
Commissioner Houpt said she was uncomfortable making a determination of whether one (1) application is required or
not for a land use application that hasn’t even been in front of this Board. She doesn’t know the density, doesn’t know
if she would agree with the density, she doesn’t know if she would find that it would be material to the discussion, and
require a formal application. How can she answer those questions when she doesn’t have that in front of her?
Commissioner McCown stated; the one thing you have to answer is, without adequate water or sewer, they could not
come before this Board. By that single fact; you are disapproving that.
Commissioner Houpt stated on the flip side what am I approving by saying, sure you can just keep rolling on down.
Commissioner McCown stated they would have access to this service. There is no guarantee to approval, if approved
they would have access to the service.
Commissioner Martin stated it has to go through the public hearing process. These folks are just saying we can serve,
we will serve, but it will have a capital cost to us.
Commissioner Houpt stated we don’t have details on what infrastructure this would have to be placed in.
Commissioner Martin stated that is Larry’s point; this is a letter they can and will serve if necessary, if it is approved.
Commissioner Houpt said she thinks the question is; how much infrastructure do you allow to be placed before it
actually becomes, by default, a plan for the entire valley floor. You have so many infrastructures in place, you really
could provide for high density throughout the valley. If they are putting a new lift station in, does that drive the
comprehensive plan?
Lee stated there was another development that came in for an amendment that was denied. We were willing to serve
them, if you approve it, you did not. The capitol infrastructure that would be constructed is part of this project; it will
come before you as part of their submittal. You will be able to see exactly what we will be building; dedicated to the
district.
Bill stated the capital improvements we are talking about are not astronomical. We are not talking about expanding our
waste water treatment plant to service this particular project.
Don stated that Lee is looking for a determination that the proposal in front of you is not material modification of the
service plan. You (the Board) need to take action one way or the other on that request.
Commissioner McCown – I make a motion we accept the offer of service from Mid Valley Metro District and not be
deemed as a material modification of the service plan, given the testimony today, it is solely for this one land use
activity and any further service that would be granted would require further hearing and/or an amendment to the service
plan.
Commissioner Houpt – Second. Commissioner Houpt is having a problem with this because she does not agree with
how they have rolled through this without really having a great plan for the valley floor. She doesn’t believe it was it
was the districts fault. Yet they are in a difficult position, because we don’t have an updated comprehensive plan and
she hopes when the process is started they will be at the table.
Lee stated they will not come further down valley until the comprehensive plan is done.
In favor: Houpt – aye McCown – aye Martin – aye
N. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Proposed Infrastructure
Improvements, December 11, 2008
glenwood springs
118 w. 6th, suite 200
glenwood springs, co 81601
970-945-1004
fx: 970-945-5948
aspen
p.o. box 2155
aspen, co 81612
970-925-6727
fx: 970-925-4157
crested butte
p.o. box 3088
crested butte, co 81224
970-349-5355
fx: 970-349-5358
I:\1981\01501\C\177 - TCI Lane Ranch\Correspondance\L 20081211 Tom Zancanella.doc
December 11, 2008
Via E-mail: tzancanella@za-engineering.com
Mr. Tom Zancanella
Zancanella and Associates
RE: MVMD – TCI Lane Ranch – Offsite Infrastructure
Dear Tom,
SGM is the engineer of record for the Mid Valley Metropolitan District. We received your letter
dated December 11, 2008 regarding offsite District owned infrastructure that will provide sanitary
sewer and domestic water service to the TCI Lane Ranch project. We have reviewed the letter
and associated drawings on behalf of the District and the proposed infrastructure appears to meet
the intent of the District’s rules and regulations. Please let this letter serve as approval of the
offsite water and sewer infrastructure required to serve the TCI Lane Ranch project.
Before construction can be approved the following items need to be completed:
1. The development needs to petition and be included in the District’s service area
2. A line extension agreement with the District needs to be signed
3. Construction drawings will need to be submitted, reviewed and approved
If you have any questions, please call.
Sincerely,
SCHMUESER GORDON MEYER, INC.
Chris Lehrman, E.I.
Cc e-mail: Jon Fredericks, TCI Lane Ranch
MVMD Staff
O. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Utility Easements and
Permits, December 29, 2008
P. Mid Valley Metropolitan District: Water Supply
Documentation, December 29, 2008