Guiding Development

City Council heard public feedback on the proposed Phase 2 changes for the R-2 and R-3 zone districts and voted to approve the changes. These changes include the following: Allowable encroachments into the new bulk plane standards for normal rooftop features like eaves and mechanical equipment for the home; Restrictions on Minor Subdivisions to prevent the manipulation of lot lines to increase developable area on a property; Special Use Permits for residential structures in commercial zone districts must now follow R-3 residential zoning requirements.

Restrictions on rooftop decks were discussed but not adopted into code, although it is possible an amended version will be brought forward at a later date.

• Ordinance 2114 - Amended
• Phase 2 - R2 and R3 Zoning Amendments

Planning Commission held a study session on June 5 and discussed Phase 2 changes for the R-2 and R-3 residential zone districts. Commission elected to recommend several of these additional code changes to Council, including new regulations for Minor Plats, minor encroachments into the bulk plane of the new graduated setbacks (Phase 1), upper and lower roof decks, and lower density standards for projects that require a residential Special Use Permit.

• June 6 Planning Commission Memo

City Council set June 13 as the date for second reading and public hearing to amend parts of Chapters 18.12, 18.28 and 18.40 of the Golden Municipal Code regarding Phase 1 of the lot and bulk standards for residential developments in the R-2 and R-3 zone districts. The memo summarizes what the phase 1 changes are and the process leading up until this point.

• May 23 Council Memo

City Council discussed the Phase 1 changes proposed for the R-2 and R-3 residential zone districts at study session on May 16, 2019, in advance of the related ordinance that will be heard on June 13, 2019. Staff presented the main elements of the changes under consideration, and Council asked for clarifications and some further background information in advance of the actual hearing. Council also requested additional code language for consideration related to graduated setbacks for lots 70 feet or greater in width.

• May 16 Council Study Session Memo

Planning Commission held a study session meeting to discuss Phase 2 of proposed changes impacting the R-2 and R-3 residential zone districts. Commission requested draft code language, based on their discussion, for rooftop and inset decks, allowable encroachments into the proposed new graduated setbacks, as well as new rules for Special Use Permits that allow up to 100% residential uses in mixed use (commercial) zone districts. They also requested more research and continued discussion on new minor plat regulations (lot splits and assembly) and incentives to preserve existing structures when adding new units to a property, in order to reduce the number of scrape-off developments and preserve community character.

• May 15 Planning Commission Study Session Memo

City Council reviewed and discussed an implementation report covering all the neighborhood plans developed since 2007. This discussion will help guide City efforts in ways other than development codes. The link below documents the implementation status of each of those plans.

• February 17 Implementation Update Memo

Planning Commission met and finalized recommendations for an initial round of zoning code amendments to be drafted in coming weeks and presented to Council.

• April 3 Planning Commission packet memo

City Council gave formal consideration to a community request to consider needed zoning code amendments and to enact a temporary moratorium on certain land use and construction activities. On March 21st, Council approved Ordinance 2104 enacting a moratorium on the processing and issuance of building permits for duplex structures in the R2 and R3 zone districts, and the acceptance and processing of applications for Special Use Permits for 100% residential buildings in commercial zone districts, for site development plans for multi-family developments, and for variances related thereto. The moratorium extends until August 1st, 2019, unless terminated earlier, or extended longer.

• Combined packet for the ordinance consideration

Based upon earlier resident requests, City Council had a study session discussion about current concerns about the bulk, mass, and impact of in-fill development in neighborhoods, and the request for a temporary moratorium. Council provided direction to proceed with drafting a moratorium ordinance.

• Staff memo for the discussion
• City Attorney memo with background legal information about moratoriums

The North Neighborhoods Guiding Golden survey provided the base information for many of the code changes discussed thereafter.

• View information about the survey here