HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Boulder Valley Comprehensive PlanIntroduction
2010 Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Planning History ...................................................................................... 4
• Plan Implementation . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... . . .. .. ... .. .. . . .. ... .. . . . . ... . . .. .. . 5
• Boulder Today and Tomorrow ................................................................. 7
• 2010 Update ............................................................................................ 8
I. Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Policies
Section 1: Core Values, Sustainability Framework and General Policies
• Core Values . . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. ... .. .. .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
• Sustainability Framework ........................................................................ 9
• Plan Timeframe and Updates .................................................................. 11
• Intergovernmental Cooperation ............................................................... 11
• Growth Management ............................................................................... 12
• Framework for Annexation and Urban Service Provision ........................ 13
• Utilities .................................................................................................... 17
Section 2: Built Environment
• Background -City Structure and Projected Growth ................................ 18
• Sustainable Urban Form Definition ......................................................... 25
• Community Identity/ Land Use Pattern .................................................... 26
• Rural Lands Preservation ........................................................................ 27
• Neighborhoods ........................................................................................ 28
• Mixed Use and Higher Density Development .......................................... 29
• Activity Centers ....................................................................................... 29
• Urban Design Linkages ........................................................................... 29
• Community Conservation ........................................................................ 30
• Design Quality ......................................................................................... 31
Section 3: Natural Environment
• Biodiversity and Native Ecosystems ....................................................... 34
• Urban Environmental Quality ................................................................. 35
• Geologic Resources and Natural Hazards .............................................. 36
• Water and Air Quality .............................................................................. 38
Section 4: Energy and Climate
• Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions .................................... .40
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy ........................................ .40
• Land Use and Building Design ............................................................... .41
• Waste and Recycling ............................................................................. .41
• Sustainable Purchasing ......................................................................... .41
Section 5: Economy
• Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment ...................... .42
• Diverse Economic Base ........................................................................ .43
• Quality of Life ......................................................................................... 43
• Sustainable Business Practices ............................................................ .44
• Job Opportunities, Education and Training ........................................... .44
Section 6: Transportation
• Complete Transportation System .......................................................... .46
• Land Use Integration ............................................................................. .47
• Air Quality ............................................................................................... 48
• Boulder Municipal Airport ...................................................................... .48
Section 7: Housing
• Local Support for Community Housing Needs ....................................... .49
• Housing Choices .................................................................................... 50
• Diversity ................................................................................................. 50
• Growth and Community Housing Goals ................................................. 51
Section 8: Community Well-Being
• Human Services ...................................................................................... 52
• Social Equity ........................................................................................... 53
• Community Health .................................................................................. 53
• Community Infrastructure and Facilities ................................................. 54
Section 9: Agriculture and Food
• Support for Agriculture ........................................................................... 56
• Local Food Production ............................................................................ 56
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices ........................................................... 56
• Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System ....................................... 57
• Urban Gardening and Food Production ................................................. 57
• Access to Locally Produced Food .......................................................... 57
II. Amendment Procedures -in process of being updated, as of January
2012; please check back later this year
• · Changes at Any Time ............................................................................. .
• Mid-Term Review Changes .................................................................... .
• Five-Year Review ................................................................................... .
• Area Ill-Planning Review ........................................................................ .
• Notification ............................................................................................. .
• Errors .................................................................................................... .
Ill. Land Use Map Descriptions
• Land Use ................................................................................................. 59
• Open Space and Parks ........................................................................... 62
IV. Implementation
• Subcommun ity and Area Planning .......................................................... 63
• Master Plans ........................................................................................... 70
• Trails Map ............................................................................................... 78
V. Referral Process ......................................................................................... 81
VI. Urban Services Criteria and Standards .................................................... 82
Maps
• Land Use ................................................................................................ 89
• Area 1,11,111 ............................................................................................... 90
• Trails ..................................................................................................... 91
• Natural Ecosystems .............................................................................. 92
Introduction
Since 1970, the City of Boulder and Boulder County have jointly adopted a
comprehensive plan that guides land use decisions in the Boulder Valley. The Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan seeks to protect the natural environment of the Boulder
Valley while fostering a livable, vibrant and sustainable community. The current plan
was first adopted in 1977. Since then, six major updates have been completed: 1982,
1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010.
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan provides a general statement of the
community 's desires for future development and preservation of the Boulder Valley. The
principle of sustainability drives the overall framework of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan.
The core components of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan are:
• The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan policies guide decisions about growth,
development, preservation, environmental protection, economic development,
affordable housing, culture and the arts, urban design, neighborhood character and
transportation. The policies also inform decisions about the manner in which
services are provided, such as police, fire , emergency medical services, water
utilities, flood control and human services.
• The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Area I, II, III Maps
define the desired land use pattern for the Boulder Valley regarding location, type
and intensity of development.
The planning area encompasses the Boulder Valley, which is generally defined as those
areas bounded by the mountain backdrop on the west, 95th Street on the east, Davidson
Mesa and the Coal Creek drainage on the southeast, the south county line on the south,
Mineral Road on the northeast and Neva Road and Niwot Road on the north, as
delineated on the approved Area I, II, III Map.
Boulder Planning History
Boulder enjoys a long history of community planning. Some key planning milestones
include:
• In 1910, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. developed plans for parks and street
improvements.
• In 1959, Boulder voters approved a 'blue line' charter amendment that limited
water extensions above an elevation of 5, 750 feet to preserve the mountain
backdrop.
• In 1967, Boulder was the first city in the nation to institute a dedicated sales tax to
purchase open space lands.
• In 1971 , voters approved a 55-foot building height limit.
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• In 1974, the city adopted the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which has been
instrumental in preserving and encouraging rehabilitation of historic buildings and
districts.
• In 1976, city voters instituted one of the nation's more restrictive residential
growth-management ordinances.
• In 1977, the city and county approved an intergovernmental agreement and the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan to concentrate urban development in the city
and preserve the rural character of lands outside the city service area.
• In 1982, the city adopted the Solar Access Ordinance to ensure residential
buildings have access to sunlight.
• In 1986, the Downtown Plan and Downtown Design Guidelines were adopted.
• In 1992, the Wetlands Protection Ordinance was adopted, regulating development
within a buffer area of streams and wetlands in the city.
• In 1993 , with the amount of vacant land in the city diminishing, a community
visioning exercise called the Integrated Planning Project focused on "what's best
for what's left" and resulted in a set of goals and action items that included
reducing the non-residential development potential within the city.
• Also in 1993, after an analysis of the development potential of Area III, the
Planning Area III-Rural Preservation Area and Area III-Planning Reserve
designations were created.
• In 1995, the city adopted its first subcommunity plan, the North Boulder
Subcommunity Plan.
• In 1997, the city reduced projected job growth through a combination ofland
purchases, rezoning, and floor area limitations in industrial zones.
• In 1999, an inclusionary zoning ordinance was adopted, requiring 20 percent of
new residential development in the city to be permanently affordable for low-and
moderate-income households.
• The 2000 major update to the Comprehensive Plan resulted in policy and land use
changes to promote additional housing and mixed use development in appropriate
locations. Also, the size of the Planning Reserve was reduced by 200 acres and
some properties on the eastern edge of Boulder were moved from Area II to Area
III-Rural Preservation Area.
• In 2004, implementation of the 2000 major update and the city's Jobs: Housing
Project included land use regulation changes to allow residential uses in industrial
zones, a new high density residential zone district and rezonings in certain areas
to higher residential densities and mixed use.
• In 2009, the Compatible Development Ordinance revised regulations on house
form and mass to protect the character of established single-family home
neighborhoods.
Plan Implementation
Planning for the Boulder Valley does not end with the adoption of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan. More detailed planning puts the vision into practice. The diagram
below shows subsequent steps for implementing the Comprehensive Plan.
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Operating
Budget
Capital Improvements
Program
Development
Standards
and Zoning
The following implementation tools translate the Comprehensive Plan into action:
Subcommunity and Area Plans
Subcommunity plans and area plans provide direction for specific geographic areas.
They provide a link between the broad policies of the Comprehensive Plan and more
detailed zoning, development review and capital improvement programming decisions.
Master Plans
City departmental master plans are developed to be consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan. They establish detailed policies, priorities, service standards, facility and system
needs and capital budgeting for the delivery of specific services and facilities provided by
each city department. The plans identify three levels of funding or investment strategies:
fiscally constrained, action and vision.
Zoning District Regulations
Whereas the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map provides a generalized picture of
desired future uses in the Boulder Valley, the city zoning map assigns every parcel of
land in the city a zoning district. This regulates allowable uses, density, setbacks, height,
affordable housing requirements, solar access protection and more. The county's zoning
code regulates parcels within the Boulder Valley not annexed to the city.
Programs and Services
Many of the Comprehensive Plan policies are implemented through city programs and
services. Funding for these is allocated annually through the city budget, using a model
of priority-based budgeting, which reflects the core mission of the city and individual
departments.
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Capital Improvements
Capital improvements carry out the Comprehensive Plan's policies of orderly and
efficient provision of urban facilities and services. Funding for capital improvements are
planned on a six-year timeframe through the Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
Departmental master plans and subcommunity and area plans help guide prioritization of
improvement projects.
Development Review
All new development or redevelopment projects must conform to land use and zoning
regulations, which are developed and amended to be consistent with the goals and
policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Action Plan
The Comprehensive Plan Action Plan outlines the actions needed to implement
Comprehensive Plan policies that are not currently addressed through other plans or
programs. The action plan establishes the timing and priorities for new program
initiatives, planning projects and regulatory changes; ongoing programs or projects are
not included. The plan is developed to be flexible and responsive to city goals and
resources.
The action plan is adopted by City Council and revisited at each annual update to the
Comprehensive Plan. The county is sent a referral and invited to identify those actions,
projects or other activities in the action plan in which they wish to participate. The county
may also propose new or additional collaborative actions to the city for its consideration
during the action plan review as part of the annual update.
The city and county have been remarkably successful in working together to implement
the vision set forth in the 1977 Comprehensive Plan, most notably in channeling growth
to the city's service area, preserving lands outside the urban growth boundary, keeping
the community compact, intensifying the core area, providing for affordable housing, and
improving alternative transportation modes.
Boulder Today and Tomorrow
As of January 2010, the City of Boulder (Area I) had approximately 43,400 housing
units, 97,500 residents and 97,000 jobs. The remainder of the Service Area (Area II) had
approximately 6,000 housing units, 12,000 residents and 3,000 jobs. About 30,000
students attend the University of Colorado.
Over the next 25 years, Area I is projected to add about 6,000 housing units, 15,000
residents and 19,000 jobs. CU student enrollment could increase by 5,000 to 15 ,000 by
2030. Most of the growth that will occur in Area II will follow annexation to the city and
therefore is included in the projection numbers for Area I. Since there is little vacant land
left in the city's Service Area, most of this growth will occur through redevelopment.
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The 2010 Major Update
Some key trends point to changing conditions in the community and provide the context
for the 2010 major update.
1. Demographic challenges. Boulder's population is aging, and the county population of
age 60 and over is expected to more than double by 2020. The majority of Boulder
households are now non-family households, and the poverty rate for local households
is continuing to increase. These trends will likely result in a higher demand for
human services and a wider range of housing types. Also, Boulder continues to lack
adequate amounts of housing for low and moderate income households. Both
affordable and market rate housing will increasingly occur in commercial and
industrial areas, which will require new services and amenities to create livable
neighborhoods.
2. Ramped up climate action. The urgency of the need to reduce our greenhouse gas
emissions and dependence on fossil fuels has intensified, and so has the city's efforts
to be both a leader and a partner in the community in reducing local energy demand,
improving energy efficiency and moving toward more renewable energy. This calls
for strengthening policy direction on climate action and related factors in
transportation, land use, agriculture, urban forestry and waste reduction.
3. Economic challenges. The city's competitive position in retail development and job
growth has changed as neighboring communities have developed retail and
employment centers of their own. This combined with a recent national economic
downturn has meant that city revenues have not kept pace with the rising costs of
providing public services and facilities. The effect is that economic vitality efforts
are more important than ever.
To respond to these trends and other concerns, two broad focus areas were identified for
the 2010 major update: 1. Sustainability policies encompassing social equity,
environmental health and economic vitality, and 2. Urban form and community design.
Also identified for 2010 update was the need to simplify and clarify the process for
considering service area expansion into the Area III-Planning Reserve.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 8
1. Core Values, Sustainability
Framework and General Policies
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is a joint plan between the City of Boulder and Boulder
County to inform and guide their shared responsibility for planning and development in the
Boulder Valley. This section of the plan sets forth the plan's core values and sustainability
framework, and provides overall planning guidance for intergovernmental cooperation, growth
management, annexation and provision of urban facilities and services.
Core Values
Many of the key policies in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan stem from long-standing
community values and represent a clear vision of our community and our commitment to:
• Sustainability as a unifying framework to meet environmental, economic and social
goals
• A welcoming and inclusive community
• Culture of creativity and innovation
• Strong city and county cooperation
• Our unique community identity and sense of place
• Compact, contiguous development and infill that supports evolution to a more
sustainable urban form
• Open space preservation
• Great neighborhoods and public spaces
• Environmental stewardship and climate action
• A vibrant economy based on Boulder's quality oflife and economic strengths
• A diversity of housing types and price ranges
• An all-mode transportation system to make getting around without a car easy and
accessible to everyone
• Physical health and well-being
Applying a sustainability framework to decision-making in Boulder means considering the issues
of environment, economy and social equity together. An action or decision in any one of these
areas will have consequences on the others. The policies in this plan outline the future vision of
the community, focusing on the built environment and its relationship to environmental,
economic and social well-being and overall community livability. At the intersection of all these
areas is the community's ability to sustainably meet its needs now and in the future.
Sustainability Framework
1.01 Sustainability Principles
The city and county recognize that:
a) There are critical interrelationships among economic, social and environmental health;
b) The way we produce, trade and consume impacts our ability to sustain natural resources;
c) Social and cultural equity and diversity creates valuable human capital that contributes to
economic and environmental sustainability;
d) The built environment has an impact on social, economic and environmental conditions; and
e) The quality of our environmental, economic and social health is built upon the full
engagement and involvement of our community.
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Therefore, the city and county seek to maintain and enhance the livability, health and vitality of
the Boulder Valley and the natural systems of which it is a part, without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs, anticipating and adapting to changes in community
needs and external influences.
1.02 Principles of Environmental Sustainability
The city and county will strive to preserve and protect the natural resource base and
environmental quality on which life depends by:
a) Maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity and productivity of ecological systems;
b) Ensuring the efficient use of natural resources in a manner that does not deplete them over
~ime; and
c) Reducing and minimizing the use of non-renewable resources.
1.03 Principles of Economic Sustainability
The city and county will strive to develop and maintain a healthy, adaptable economy that is vital
to the community's quality of life and high level of services and amenities by:
a) Promoting a diverse economy that supports the needs of all community members;
b) Promoting a qualified and diversified work force that meets employers' needs and supports a
range of jobs; and
c) Providing for and investing in a quality of life, unique amenities, and infrastructure that
attracts, sustains, and retains businesses and entrepreneurs.
1.04 Principles of Social Sustainability
The city and county will strive to promote a healthy community and address social and cultural
inequities by:
a) Respecting and valuing cultural and social diversity;
b) Ensuring the basic health and safety needs of all residents are met; and
c) Providing infrastructure and services that will encourage culturally and socially diverse
communities to both prosper within and connect to the larger community.
1.05 Community Engagement
The city and county recognize that environmental, economic and social sustainability are built
upon full involvement of the community. The city and county therefore support the right of all
community members to play a role in governmental decisions, through continual efforts to
maintain and improve public communication and the open conduct of business. The city and
county will continue to support programs and provide opportunities for public participation and
neighborhood involvement. Efforts will be made to use effective technologies and techniques for
public outreach and input, remove barriers to participation and involve community members not
usually engaged in civic life. Emphasis will be placed on notification and engagement of the
publ-ic in decisions involving large development proposals or major land use decisions that may
have significant impact on or benefits to the community.
1.06 Indicators of Sustainability
The city and county will establish indicators of sustainability specific to the Boulder Valley to
measure progress in the health and well-being of the community, environment and economy. The
choice of indicators will be based on their ability to provide feedback that support and strengthen
efforts taken to achieve the community's sustainability principles in a reasonable period of time.
Efforts will be made to develop indicators to measure changes related to elements of sustainable
urban form.
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1.07 Leadership in Sustainability
The city and county will act as leaders and role models for others in stnvmg to create a
sustainable community. Through their master plans, regulations, policies and programs, the city
and county will strive to create a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community for future
generations.
1.08 Consideration of Environmental, Economic and Social Impacts
The city and the county will consider social, economic and environmental impacts in decision
making for all city services, processes and facilities and in development review.
Plan Time Frame and Updates
1.09 Planning Time Frame
The time horizon for the plan is approximately 15 years. This has been determined to be a
reasonable length of time for which to plan and was arrived at after weighing a combination of
facts and policy considerations: land use and land use projections, Service Area projections, the
capacity of the city to fund capital improvements, the growth rate, and the desires of the
community in regard to accommodating growth. Each five-year review of the plan extends the
planning period approximately five years.
The city and county recognize that some issues require consideration of impacts over a longer
time period, and when appropriate, the plan may analyze trends and impacts over longer time
periods.
1.10 Plan Update
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed at least every five years for possible
amendments to reflect changes in circumstances and community desires.
Intergovernmental Cooperation
1.11 Regional and Statewide Cooperation
Many of the problems and opportunities faced by Boulder and other jurisdictions, particularly
providing affordable housing, addressing the jobs-housing imbalance, creating a healthy
economy, improving regional transportation, protecting the environment, managing open space,
delivering human services and managing growth can only be dealt with effectively through
regional or statewide cooperation and solutions.
Therefore, the city and county will actively pursue cooperative planning opporturut1es,
intergovernmental agreements, broader information exchange and communication, collaborative
initiatives and closer cooperation with each other and with other entities in the region and state.
This may include other cities, counties, unincorporated communities, the University of Colorado,
the school districts, regional organizations and other policy-making bodies. These entities will be
encouraged to identify and address issues of shared concern for which a multi-jurisdictional
perspective can best achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
1.12 Policy Assessment
The city and county will assess and be responsive to the external effects of their policies on other
entities and jurisdictions. Consequences and tradeoffs will be considered before making decisions
on them.
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1.13 Collaboration in Service Delivery
The city and county will support consolidation and collaboration among service providers to
reduce duplication of efforts, maximize economic and resource efficiencies and provide the
public with reliable and equitable levels of service.
1.14 Compliance with Land Use Regulations
With regard to public facilities owned and operated in the other's jurisdiction, the city and county
will respect and abide by existing land use regulations insofar as reasonably practicable.
Growth Management
1.15 City's Role in Managing Growth and Development
In order to achieve community goals and policies, the city will develop and implement urban
design and growth management tools that control the scale, location, type, intensity and timing of
new development and redevelopment. Where appropriate, the county will work with the city in
developing and implementing growth management tools.
1.16 Adapting to Limits on Physical Expansion
As the community expands to its planned physical boundaries, the city and county will
increasingly emphasize preservation and enhancement of the physical, social and economic assets
of the community. Cooperative efforts and resources will be focused on maintaining and
improving the quality of life within defined physical boundaries, with only limited expansion of
the city.
1.17 Growth Projections
In order to ensure that past and projected growth impacts can be better mitigated or avoided, , the
city will develop projections for population and employment for twenty five years in the future.
Projections will be used to evaluate long-term trends, analyze problems and opportunities that
could occur during this period, project long-term infrastructure needs, and coordinate Boulder
Valley growth projections with regional and county-wide projections.
1.18 Growth Requirements
The overall effect of urban growth must add significant value to the community, improving
quality of life. The city will require development and redevelopment as a whole to provide
significant community benefits, achieve sustainability goals for urban form, and to maintain or
improve environmental quality as a precondition for further housing and community growth.
1.19 Jobs:Housing Balance
Boulder is a major employment center, with more jobs than housing for people who work here.
This has resulted in both positive and negative impacts including economic prosperity, significant
in-commuting, and high demand on existing housing. The city will continue to be a major
employment center and will seek opportunities to improve the balance of jobs and housing while
maintaining a healthy economy. This will be accomplished by encouraging new housing and
mixed use neighborhoods in areas close to where people work, encouraging transit-oriented
development in appropriate locations, preserving service commercial uses, converting industrial
uses to residential uses in appropriate locations, improving regional transportation alternatives
and mitigating the impacts of traffic congestion.
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Framework for Annexation and Urban Service Provision
1.20 Definition of Comprehensive Planning Areas I, II and III
The Boulder Valley Planning Area is divided into three major areas.
Area I is that area within the City of Boulder, which has adequate urban facilities and services
and is expected to continue to accommodate urban development.
Area II is the area now under county jurisdiction, where annexation to the city can be considered
consistent with policies 1.16 Adapting to Limits on Physical Expansion, 1.18 Growth
Requirements, & 1.24 Annexation. New urban development may only occur coincident with the
availability of adequate facilities and services and not otherwise. Master plans project the
provision of services to this area within the planning period.
Area III is the remaining area in the Boulder Valley, generally under county jurisdiction. Area III
is divided into the Area III-Rural Preservation Area, where the city and county intend to preserve
existing rural land uses and character and the Area III-Planning Reserve Area, where the city and
county intend to maintain the option of future Service Area expansion. (See Area I, IL III Map
and Policy 2.07 Delineation of Rural Lands.)
1.21 Preclusion of New Incorporated Places
The city and county will oppose the establishment of new incorporated communities within the
Boulder Valley.
1.22 Definition of New Urban Development
It is intended that 'new urban development,' including development within the city, not occur
until and unless adequate urban facilities and services are available to serve the development as
set out in Section lV.D. Urban Service Criteria and Standards. 'New urban development' is
defined to include:
a) All new residential, commercial and industrial development and redevelopment within the
city; or
b) Any proposed development within Area II subject to a county discretionary review process
before the Board of County Commissioners, provided the county determines that the proposed
development is inconsistent with the land use projections, maps or policies of the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan in effect at that time.
1.23 Over-Intensive Rural Development
The Area III-Rural Preservation Area is that portion of Area III where rural land uses and
character are to be maintained and preserved. A variety of land use activities are permitted by
county zoning pursuant to examination through one or more of the review processes enumerated
in the Boulder County Land Use Code. A preliminary analysis may conclude that an otherwise
permitted land use proposal would have an impact of urban intensity and thus be considered an
over-intensive rural development.
Criteria to be examined in making an over-intensive determination may include, but are not
limited to traffic, structure size, number of users, hours of operation, outside lighting, water needs
and wastewater flows, impacts extending outside of the property boundaries, compatibility with
surrounding land uses, and the availability or lack of other more appropriate sites for the proposed
activity. Any application for a land use that triggers an over-intensive rural development analysis
will be referred to the City of Boulder for comment.
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1.24 Annexation
The policies in regard to annexation to be pursued by the city are:
a) Annexation will be required before adequate facilities and services are furnished.
b) The city will actively pursue annexation of county enclaves, Area II properties along the
western boundary, and other fully developed Area II properties. County enclave means an
unincorporated area of land entirely contained within the outer boundary of the city. Terms of
annexation will be based on the amount of development potential as described in ( c ), ( d), and ( e)
of this policy. Applications made to the county for development of enclaves and Area II lands in
lieu of annexation will be referred to the city for review and comment. The county will attach
great weight to the city's response and may require that the landowner conform to one or more of
the city's development standards so that any future annexation into the city will be consistent and
compatible with the city's requirements.
c) Annexation of existing substantially developed areas will be offered in a manner and on terms
and conditions that respect existing lifestyles and densities. The city will expect these areas to be
brought to city standards only where necessary to protect the health and safety of the residents of
the subject area or of the city. The city, in developing annexation plans of reasonable cost, may
phase new facilities and services. The county, which now has jurisdiction over these areas, will be
a supportive partner with the city in annexation efforts to the extent the county supports the terms
and conditions being proposed.
d) In order to reduce the negative impacts of new development in the Boulder Valley, the city will
annex Area II land with significant development or redevelopment potential only if the
annexation provides a special opportunity or benefit to the city. For annexation considerations,
emphasis will be given to the benefits achieved from the creation of permanently affordable
housing. Provision of the following may also be considered a special opportunity or benefit:
receiving sites for transferable development rights (TDRs), reduction of future employment
projections, land and/or facilities for public purposes over and above that required by the city's
land use regulations, environmental preservation, or other amenities determined by the city to be
a special opportunity or benefit. Parcels that are proposed for annexation that are already
developed and which are seeking no greater density or building size would not be required to
assume and provide that same level of community benefit as vacant parcels unless and until such
time as an application for greater development is submitted.
e) Annexation of substantially developed properties that allows for some additional residential
units or commercial square footage will be required to demonstrate community benefit
commensurate with their impacts. Further, annexations that resolve an issue of public health
without creating additional development impacts should be encouraged.
f) There will be no annexation of areas outside the boundaries of the Boulder Valley Planning
Area, with the possible exception of annexation of acquired open space.
g) Publicly owned property located in Area III and intended to remain in Area III may be annexed
to the city if the property requires less than a full range of urban services or requires inclusion
under city jurisdiction for health, welfare and safety reasons.
h) The Gunbarrel Subcommunity is unique because the majority of residents live in the
unincorporated area and because of the shared jurisdiction for planning and service provision
among the county, the city, the Gunbarrel Public Improvement District and other special districts.
Although interest in voluntary annexation has been limited, the city and county continue to
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support the eventual annexation of Gunbarrel. If resident interest in annexation does occur in the
future, the city and county will negotiate new terms of annexation with the residents.
1.25 Assimilation of Special District Facilities and Services
Where the provider(s) of the facilities and services is (are) other than the city, the county and the
city will take all reasonable and legal steps to facilitate assimilation of facilities and services by
the city upon annexation.
1.26 Provision of Urban Services in the Boulder Valley
The city is an adequate provider of facilities and services. These facilities and services will
continue to be supplied to Area I, and the city will make them available to Area II within the
planning period pursuant to the city's annexation policies and Capital Improvements Program.
The city and county intend that new urban development not occur until adequate urban facilities
and services are available to serve the development. The county experience indicates that
provision of the full range of urban facilities and services by a municipality is preferable to
provision of urban facilities and services by special districts and private groups in part because
municipalities have politically accountable leadership, general police power and the ability to
coordinate provision of adequate urban facilities and services. Therefore, it is hereby presumed
that adequate facilities and services can be provided only by the City of Boulder. The city will
extend, furnish or provide such services at such time as it can provide them all as provided under
paragraph l.27(a) below and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
However, it is not the intent to preclude the development and use of alternative facilities and
service systems for new urban development so long as they are adequate as provided under
paragraph l.27(b) and the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this plan.
1.27 Definition of Adequate Urban Facilities and Services
a) The city provides adequate facilities and services for new urban residential, commercial and
industrial development within the planning area. Adequate facilities and services for:
(i) All development include: public water, public sewer, stonnwater and flood
management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police
protection, urban transportation; and
(ii) Residential development also includes developed urban parks and schools.
b) The availability and adequacy of urban facilities and services as set forth in subparagraph (a)
above will be determined based upon the Urban Service Criteria and Standards section of this
plan.
c) In order to make efficient use of existing infrastructure and investment, new development and
redevelopment will be located in areas where adequate public services and facilities presently
exist or are planned to be provided under the city's Capital Improvements Program.
d) Due to size, location and other unique requirements, some city facilities that do not
require the full range of urban services will be located in Areas II and III. Extending a
limited range of urban services to such city facilities is appropriate when extension is
consistent with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan or otherwise necessary for the
city to provide another urban facility and service to Area I.
1.28 Phased Extension of Urban Services/Capital Improvements Program
a) The city and county agree that extensions, furnishing, or provision of less than adequate
facilities and services for new urban development would be injurious to the public health, safety
15
and welfare because it would seriously impair the county's efforts implementing the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan through reasonable land use and development regulations in the
unincorporated areas of the county.
b) The county requests that the city accompany any extension of facilities and services to urban
development outside the boundaries of the city with concurrent annexation to the city of the land
served. The city agrees not to extend or furnish facilities and services to new urban development
outside the boundaries of the city without annexing to the city the land to be served, except as
indicated in Policy 1.36 Out-of-City Utility Service.
c) The city and county recognize that certain properties within the Boulder Valley have filed for
subdivision approval with Boulder County prior to June 13, 1977, the date on which the county
approved amendments to its subdivision regulations that require compatibility of applicants for
subdivision approval with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and have previously been
granted water and sewer by the city. The development of these particular properties may be
permitted to occur without a full range of urban facilities and services provided that such
development is otherwise in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and existing Boulder
County land use regulations at the time of submission of the application.
d) The city will use the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) process, within the framework of a
responsible budget of balanced revenues and expenditures, to plan for the funding of an adequate
range of urban services and facilities within Area I and Area II as annexation occurs during the
planning period .. The CIP is a tool to direct the location and timing of growth by coordinating
and targeting public capital expenditures.
1.29 Channeling Development to Areas with Adequate Infrastructure
In order to protect and use past investments in capital improvements, new development and
redevelopment will be located in areas where adequate public services and facilities presently
exist or are planned to be provided under the city's Capital Improvements Program.
1.30 Growth to Pay Fair Share of New Facility Costs
Since the public costs of annexation and developing several areas concurrently could prove
excessive, the city will limit said costs to those, which can reasonably be accommodated within
the Capital Improvements Program and are compatible with anticipated revenues. When
permitting additional development or redevelopment, the city will consider whether public
facilities and services are adequate to reasonably maintain current levels of service or service
standards given the impacts of such additional development or committed funding sources for
such adequate facilities are sufficient to ensure their provision in a timely fashion. Growth will be
expected to pay its own way, with the requirement that new development pay the cost of
providing needed facilities and an equitable share of services including affordable housing, and to
mitigate negative impacts such as those to the transportation system.
1.31 Adjacency of Open Space/Utility Impacts
The city and county will consider the impacts of open space management and utility installation
on abutting property.
1.32 Multi-Purpose Use of Public Lands
Multi-purpose use of public lands, facilities and personnel services will be emphasized. However,
in consideration of potential use of parks and open space lands, only activities consistent with the
original intent of acquisition will be considered.
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Utilities
1.33 Consistency of Utility Extensions with Comprehensive Plan
The installation and extension of all utilities will be consistent with the provisions of the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan and with the responsibilities of the respective utility providers.
1.34 Efficient Extension of Utilities
Nothing within the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan will prohibit the city from denying the
provision of utility services to any property within the Boulder Valley for utility-related reasons.
1.35 Utility Provision to Implement Community Goals
The city will consider the importance of the other objectives of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan in the planning and operation of the water, wastewater, stormwater and
flood management utilities. These other objectives include in-stream flow maintenance,
enhancement of recreational opportunities, water quality management, preservation of natural
ecosystems, open space and irrigated agricultural land, and implementation of desired timing and
location of growth patterns.
1.36 Out-of-City Utility Service
In furtherance of policies 2.01, 2.02, 2.03 , 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, and not withstanding Policy 1.28, the
city and county agree that it is appropriate for the city to: a) Decline support for utility provision
in Area III and Area II when its provision would defeat Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
goals.
b) Extend limited utility service in Area III and Area II in circumstances that further Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan goals. c) Evaluate opportunities for cooperation with other utility
service providers, in concert with the county, to further Comprehensive Plan goals.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 17
2. Built Environment
Boulder's compact, interconnected urban form helps ensure the community's environmental
health, social equity and economic vitality. It also supports cost-effective infrastructure and
facility investments, a high level ofmultimodal mobility, and easy access to employment,
recreation, shopping and other amenities, as well as a strong image of Boulder as a distinct
community.
Background
Elements That Define Boulder's City Structure
Boulder's distinctive 'sense of place' and compact size did not happen by accident. It has taken
creative public policies and pragmatic planning decisions over many years to produce and
preserve Boulder's unique character and physical beauty. Elements that define Boulder's city
structure and support its continuing evolution to a more sustainable urban form are described
below.
1. Natural Setting
Boulder's natural setting defines its size and shape.
The two most important factors that shape the City of Boulder are its mountain backdrop and
surrounding greenbelt. These natural features form a clearly-defined edge that separates the urban
18
area from the open countryside. Creeks and ditches have also shaped the layout of the city.
Natural Setting
2. Individual Character Areas
Different parts of Boulder are distinguished by their individual character. Boulder's city
structure is also defined by the individual character and distinctive qualities of its different areas,
drawing on each area's unique history, development pattern, land uses, amenities and other
factors. Some of the more distinctive character areas within the city are: the downtown historic
core and surrounding pre-World War II residential neighborhoods, the 28th/30th Street regional
retail corridor, the University and federal lab campuses, the industrial areas in East Boulder and
Gunbarrel, the post-World War II residential neighborhoods and the North Boulder neo-
traditional/New-U rbanist neighborhoods.
19
lnd.ividual Character Ara.as
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3. Activity Centers
Activity centers concentrate activities into nodes at a variety of scales.
Boulder's commercial, entertainment, educational and civic centers are focused in concentrated
nodes of activities at a variety of scales distributed throughout the community.
At the highest level of intensity are the city's three regional centers. They form a triangle at
Boulder's geographic center: the Historic Downtown, the Boulder Valley Regional Center
(BVRC), and the University of Colorado (CU) with the University Hill business district, which
also serves as a neighborhood center for the surrounding area. Each regional center has a distinct
function and character, provides a wide range of activities and draws from the entire city as well
as the region.
20
The next tier of intensity is neighborhood activity centers. In addition to serving as neighborhood
gathering places, these centers also provide goods and services for the day-to-day needs of nearby
residents, workers and students, and are easily accessible from surrounding areas by foot, bike
and transit.
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4. Mobility Grid
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Boulder's 'mobility grid' interconnects the city.
Boulder's 'mobility grid'-the system of streets, alleys, transit corridors, multi-use and greenway
paths-interconnects the city and both serves and reflects the city's land use pattern. Networks
for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and transit-sometimes shared, sometimes separate-overlay
the city and create a lacework of movement between and within regional centers, neighborhood
centers, and residential and employment areas. In general, the western historic neighborhoods of
the city have a fine-grained, walkable and bikeable street grid, whereas other parts of the city, for
example, East Boulder, have larger, more car-oriented super-blocks. Over time, the city seeks to
extend a more pedestrian and bike-frie ndly mobility grid to all parts of the community.
20 I 0 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 21
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5. The Public Realm
The public realm provides key functions and strongly influences character and aesthetics.
The public realm includes the city's streets, sidewalks and paths, ditches, parks, plazas and other
urban outdoor spaces. It comprises a large portion of Boulder's land and represents a substantial
public investment. The design of the public realm plays a major role in defining the character,
identity and aesthetic quality of the city overall and individual neighborhoods. It also serves a
variety of important functions: transportation, passive and active recreation, gathering places,
opportunities to connect to nature, enhancement of air and water quality, and mitigation of urban
heat island effects.
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Projected Growth
Over 30% of land
In the public realm
This diagram illustrates where housing and jobs could be added within the city Service Area
through development of vacant parcels and redevelopment of properties under current plans and
regulations. The Built Environment policies help shape the form and quality of future growth, in
24
addition to protecting hi storic and environmental resources and preserving established
neighborhood character.
Future ProjKtlon Map
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Sustainable Urban Form Definition
The city's urban form is shaped by the location and design of streets, paths and open spaces; the
mix of uses and activities that are allowed in each area of the city; and the design and intensity of
development and public improvements. The city's goal is to evolve toward an urban form that
supports sustainability. Thjs "sustainable urban form" is defined by the foll owing components:
Compact:
• A compact development pattern with density in appropriate locations to create and
support viable, long term commercial opportunities and high frequency public transit.
25
Connected:
• An integrated multimodal system with abundant, convenient and pleasant ways to get
around on foot, by bike, and by local and regional transit service.
• Opportunities for people to connect to nature and natural systems.
Complete:
• Daily needs within easy access from home, work or school without driving a car.
• A quality oflife that attracts, sustains and retains diverse businesses, creative
entrepreneurs and investment in the local economy.
Green, Attractive and Distinct:
• Comfortable, safe, and attractive places to live, work, learn and recreate that have a
distinct, memorable character and high-quality design and that promote healthy, active
living.
• A public realm that is beautiful, well-used and enriched with art, trees and landscaping.
• Buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure that protect natural systems, minimize
energy use, urban heat island effects and air and water pollution, and support clean
energy generation.
• Preservation of agriculturally significant lands, environmentally sensitive areas and
historic resources.
Inclusive:
• A diversity of employment, housing types, sizes and prices, and other uses to meet the
needs of a diverse community.
• Welcoming, accessible public gathering spaces for interaction among people of all ages,
walks of life and levels of ability.
Community Identity/Land Use Pattern
2.01 Unique Community Identity
The unique community identity and sense of place that is enjoyed by residents of the Boulder
Valley and characterized by the community's setting and history will be respected by policy
decision makers.
2.02 Physical Separation of Communities
The city and county will strive to maintain and enhance an open land buffer that separates
development in the Boulder Valley from surrounding communities and contributes to distinct
community identities.
2.03 Compact Development Pattern
The city and county will, by implementing the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, ensure that
development will take place in an orderly fashion, take advantage of existing urban services, and
avoid, insofar as possible, patterns of leapfrog, noncontiguous, scattered development within the
Boulder Valley. The city prefers redevelopment and infill as compared to development in an
expanded Service Area in order to prevent urban sprawl and create a compact community.
2.04 Open Space Preservation
The city and county will permanently preserve lands with open space values by purchasing or
accepting donations of fee simple interests, conservation easements or development rights and
other measures as appropriate and financially feasible. Open space values include use of land for
urban shaping and preservation of natural areas, environmental and cultural resources, critical
ecosystems, water resources, agricultural land, scenic vistas and land for passive recreational use.
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2.05 Design of Community Edges and Entryways
Well-defined edges and entryways for the city are important because they support an
understanding and appreciation of the city's image, emphasize and preserve its natural setting,
and create a clear sense of arrival and departure. Natural features are most effective as edges, but
public open land, major roadways or heavy tree planting can also function as community edges.
As new areas are developed, the definition of a community edge will be a design priority. Major
entryways into the Boulder Valley will be identified, protected and enhanced.
Rural Lands Preservation
2.06 Preservation of Rural Areas and Amenities
The city and county will attempt to preserve existing rural land use and character in and adjacent
to the Boulder Valley where environmentally sensitive areas, hazard areas, agriculturally
significant lands, vistas, significant historic resources, and established rural residential areas exist.
A clear boundary between urban and rural areas at the periphery of the city will be maintained,
where possible. Existing tools and programs for rural preservation will be strengthened and new
tools and programs will be put in place.
2.07 Delineation of Rural Lands
Area III consists of the rural lands in the Boulder Valley, outside the Boulder Service Area. The
Boulder Service Area includes urban lands in the city and lands planned for future annexation and
urban service provision. Within Area III, land is placed within one of two classifications: the
Area III-Rural Preservation Area or the Area III-Planning Reserve Area. The boundaries of these
two areas are shown on the Area III-Rural Preservation Area and Area I, II, III Map. The more
specific Area III land use designations on the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan map indicate
the type of non-urban land use that is desired as well as recognize those county developments that
have or can still develop at other than rural densities and uses. The Area III-Rural Preservation
Area is intended to show the desired long-term rural land use; the Area III-Planning Reserve Area
is an interim classification until it is decided whether or not thi s land should be placed in the Area
III-Rural Preservation Area or in the Service Area.
a) Area III-Rural Preservation Area
The Area III-Rural Preservation Area is that portion of Area III where rural land uses and
character will be preserved through existing and new rural land use preservation techniques and
no new urban development will be allowed during the planning period. Rural land uses to be
preserved to the greatest possible extent include: rural town sites (Eldorado Springs, Marshall and
Valmont); existing county rural residential subdivisions (primarily along Eldorado Springs Drive,
on Davidson Mesa west of Louisville, adjacent to Gunbarrel, and in proximity to Boulder
Reservoir); city and county acquired open space and parkland; sensitive environmental areas and
hazard areas that are unsuitable for urban development; significant agricultural lands; and lands
that are unsuitable for urban development because of a high cost of extending urban services or
scattered locations, which are not conducive to maintaining a compact community.
b) Area III-Planning Reserve Area
The Area III-Planning Reserve Area (PRA) is that portion of Area III with rural land uses where
the city intends to maintain the option of limited Service Area expansion. The location and
characteristics of this land make it potentially suitable for new urban development, based on the
apparent lack of sensitive environmental areas, hazard areas, and significant agricultural lands,
the feasibility of efficient urban service extension, and contiguity to the existing Service Area,
which maintains a compact community.
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2.08 Rural Density Transfer
The city and county will jointly determine criteria and areas for transfer of development rights
(TDRs) within or in proximity to the Boulder Valley, in order to secure conservation easements
on valuable rural lands from which density may be transferred and shift those rural residential
densities to appropriate urban settings where the negative impacts of growth can be better
mitigated or avoided.
Neighborhoods
2.09 Neighborhoods as Building Blocks
The city and county will foster the role of neighborhoods to establish community character,
provide services needed on a day-to-day basis, fo ster community interaction, and plan for urban
design and amenities. All neighborhoods, whether residential areas, business districts, or mixed
land use areas, should offer unique physical elements of neighborhood character and identity,
such as distinctive development patterns or architecture; historic or cultural resources; amenities
such as views, open space, creeks, irrigation ditches, and varied topography; and distinctive
community facilities and business areas.
2.10 Preservation and Support for Residential Neighborhoods
The city will work with neighborhoods to protect and enhance neighborhood character and
livability and preserve the relative affordability of existing housing stock. The city will seek
appropriate building scale and compatible character in new development or redevelopment,
appropriately sized and sensitively designed streets and desired public facilities and mixed
commercial uses. The city will also encourage neighborhood schools and safe routes to school.
2.11 Accessory Units
Consistent with existing neighborhood character, accessory units will be encouraged in order to
increase rental housing options in single family residential neighborhoods. Regulations developed
to implement this policy will address potential cumulative negative impacts on the neighborhood.
Accessory units will be reviewed based on the characteristics of the lot, including size,
configuration, parking availability, privacy and alley access.
2.12 Preservation of Existing Residential Uses
The city will encourage the preservation or replacement in-kind of existing, legally established
residential uses in non-residential zones. Non-residential conversions in residential zoning
districts will be discouraged, except where there is a clear benefit or service to the neighborhood.
2.13 Protection of Residential Neighborhoods Adjacent to Non-residential Zones
The city and county will take appropriate actions to ensure that the character and livability of
established residential neighborhoods will not be undermined by spill-over impacts from adjacent
regional or community business zones or by incremental expansion of business activities into
residential areas. The city and county will protect residential neighborhoods from intrusion of
non-residential uses by protecting edges and regulating the impacts of these uses on
neighborhoods.
2.14 Mix of Complementary Land Uses
The city and county will strongly encourage, consistent with other land use policies, a variety of
land uses in new developments. In existing neighborhoods, a mix of land use types, housing sizes
and lot sizes may be possible if properly mitigated and respectful of neighborhood character.
Wherever land uses are mixed, careful design will be required to ensure compatibility,
accessibility and appropriate transitions between land uses that vary in intensity and scale.
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2.15 Compatibility of Adjacent Land Uses
To avoid or minimize noise and visual conflicts between adjacent land uses that vary widely in
use, intensity or other characteristics, the city will use tools such as interface zones, transitional
areas, site and building design and cascading gradients of density in the design of subareas and
zoning districts. With redevelopment, the transitional area should be within the zone of more
intense use.
Mixed Use and Higher Density Development
2.16 Mixed Use and Higher Density Development
The city will encourage well-designed mixed use and higher density development that
incorporates a substantial amount of affordable housing in appropriate locations, including in
some commercial centers and industrial areas and in proximity to multimodal corridors and
transit centers. The city will provide incentives and remove regulatory barriers to encourage
mixed use development where and when appropriate. This could include public-private
partnerships for planning, design or development; new zoning districts; and the review and
revision of floor area ratio, open space and parking requirements.
Activity Centers
2.17 Variety of Activity Centers
The city and county support a variety of regional, subcommunity and neighborhood activity
centers where people congregate for a variety of activities such as working, shopping, going to
school or day care, accessing human services and recreating Activity centers should be located
within walking distance of neighborhoods and business areas and designed to be compatible with
surrounding land uses and intensity and the context and character of neighborhoods and business
areas. Good multimodal connections to and from activity centers and accessibility for people of
all ages and abilities will be encouraged.
2.18 Role of the Central Area
The central area will continue as the regional service center of the Boulder Valley for office,
retail, financial, governmental, medical, cultural and university activities. As such, it will remain
the primary activity center and focal point of the Boulder Valley. The central area includes
distinct, interrelated activity centers such as the Downtown Business District, University of
Colorado, Canyon Boulevard Cultural Corridor, and Boulder Valley Regional Center. A variety
of land uses surrounds these activity centers, and transportation alternatives provide direct
connections between them.
Urban Design Linkages
2.19 Urban Open Lands
Open lands within the fabric of the city constitute Boulder's public realm and provide recreational
opportunities, transportation linkages, gathering places and density relief from the confines of the
city, as well as protection of the environmental quality of the urban environment. The city will
promote and maintain an urban open lands system to serve the following functions: active and
passive recreation, environmental protection, flood management, multimodal transportation,
enhancement of community character and aesthetics.
2.20 Boulder Creek, Tributaries and Ditches as Important Urban Design Features
Boulder Creek, its tributaries and irrigation ditches will serve as unifying urban design features
for the community. The city and county will support the preservation or reclamation of the creek
corridors for natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat and cultural resources; for recreation and bicycle
and pedestrian transportation; to provide flood management; to improve air and water quality;
29
and to provide a contrast to urban development. Path development will be sensitive to the
ecology, terrain and privacy of adjacent residents and surroundings.
2.21 Commitment to a Walkable and Accessible City
The city and county will promote the development of a walkable and accessible city by designing
neighborhoods and business areas to provide easy and safe access by foot to places such as
neighborhood centers, community facilities, transit stops or centers, and shared public spaces and
amenities. The city will consider additional neighborhood-serving commercial areas where
appropriate and supported by the neighbors they would serve.
2.22 Improve Mobility Grid
The walkability, bikeability and transit access should be improved in parts of the city that need
better connectivity and mobility, for example, in East Boulder. This should be achieved by
coordinating and integrating land use and transportation planning and will occur through both
public investment and private development.
2.23 Trail Corridors/Linkages
In the process of considering development proposals, the city and county will encourage the
development of paths and trails where appropriate for recreation and transportation, such as
walking, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding .. Implementation will be achieved through the
coordinated efforts of the private and public sectors.
Community Conservation
2.24 Preservation of Historic and Cultural Resources
The city and county will identify, evaluate and protect buildings, structures, objects, districts,
sites and natural features of historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural significance with
input from the community. The city and county will seek protection of significant resources
through local designation when a proposal by the private sector is subject to discretionary
development review.
2.25 Leadership in Preservation: City-and County-Owned Resources
The city and county will evaluate their publicly owned properties to determine their historical,
architectural, archaeological or cultural significance. Eligible resources will be protected through
local designation. Secondary structures that are part of and convey the cultural significance of a
site, such as a farm complex and alley structure, should be retained and preserved as well.
2.26 Historic and Cultural Preservation Plan
The city and county will develop a Boulder Valley-wide preservation plan in order to: integrate
historic preservation issues into the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan; ensure coordination
between preservation goals and zoning, land use, growth management, transportation and housing
goals; and ensure consistency among governmental policies that affect the community's historic,
archeological and cultural resources. Preservation plans will be developed with public and
landowner participation.
2.27 Eligible Historic Districts and Landmarks
The city has identified areas that may have the potential to be designated as historic districts. The
Designated and Eligible Historic Districts map shows areas with designation potential, as well as
areas that are already designated as historic districts. There are also many individual buildings of
, landmark quality both within and outside of these eligible areas. Additional historic district and
landmark designation will be encouraged.
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2.28 Historic Preservation/Conservation Tools
The city will develop a variety of tools that address preservation and conservation objectives
within the community. Specific tools that address historic preservation and conservation
objectives will be matched to the unique needs of specific areas. Preservation tools may include
incentives programs, designation of landmark buildings and districts, design review, and public
improvements. Conservation districts, easements and other tools may be applied in areas that do
not qualify as local historic districts but contain features that contribute to the quality of the
neighborhood or community. These could include historic resources that have lost integrity,
neighborhoods with significant character but that are not historically significant, and scattered
sites that share a common historic or architectural theme.
2.29 Preservation of Archaeological Sites and Cultural Landscapes
The city will develop a plan and processes for identification, designation and protection of
archaeological and cultural landscape resources, such as open ditches, street and alleyscapes,
railroad rights-of-way, and designed landscapes.
Design Quality
2.30 Sensitive Infill and Redevelopment
With little vacant land remaining in the city, most new development will occur through
redevelopment. The city will gear subcommunity and area planning and other efforts toward
defining the acceptable amount of infill and redevelopment and standards and performance
measures for design quality to avoid or adequately mitigate negative impacts and enhance the
benefits of infill and redevelopment to the community and individual neighborhoods. The city
will also develop tools, such as neighborhood design guidelines, to promote sensitive infill and
redevelopment.
2.31 Design of Newly-Developing Areas
The city will encourage a neighborhood concept for new development that includes a variety of
residential densities, housing types, sizes and prices, opportunities for shopping, nearby support
services and conveniently sited public facilities, including roads and pedestrian connections,
parks, libraries and schools.
2.32 Physical Design for People
The city and county will take all reasonable steps to ensure that public and private development
and redevelopment be designed in a manner that is sensitive to social, health and psychological
needs. Broadly defined, this will include factors such as accessibility to those with limited
mobility; provision of coordinated facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and bus-riders; provision of
functional landscaping and open space; and the appropriate scale and massing of buildings related
to neighborhood context.
2.33 Environmentally Sensitive Urban Design
For capital improvements and private development, the city and county will strive to ensure that
buildings, streets, utilities and other infrastructure are located and designed to protect natural
systems, minimize energy use, urban heat island effects and air and water pollution, and support
clean energy generation.
2.34 Importance of Street Trees and Streetscapes
The city and county will develop regulations and programs to encourage the planting and
maintenance of attractive, healthy street trees and streetscapes, which act as the primary
31
connection between the private and public realm and provide aesthetics, comfort and
environmental benefits for the public realm.
2.35 Outdoor Lighting/Light Pollution
The city and county will encourage the efficient use of outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution
and conserves energy while providing for public safety. The city will seek to provide a nighttime
environment that includes the ability to view the stars against a dark sky so that people can see
the Milky Way Galaxy from residential and other appropriate viewing areas. Measures such as
using more energy-efficient lights, ensuring that the level of outdoor lighting is appropriate to the
application, minimizing glare, and using shielding techniques to direct light downward will be
required.
2.36 Design Excellence for Public Projects
Public projects bear a special responsibility to exhibit design excellence. The city and county will
work to ensure that new capital projects and transportation facilities are visually attractive and
contribute positively to the desired community character.
2.37 Enhanced Design for Private Sector Projects
Through its policies and programs, the city will encourage or require quality architecture and
urban design in private sector development that encourages alternative modes of transportation,
provides a livable environment and addresses the elements listed below.
a) The context. Projects should become a coherent part of the neighborhood in which they are
placed. They should be preserved and enhanced where the surroundings have a distinctive
character. Where there is a desire to improve the character of the surroundings, a new character
and positive identity as established through area planning or a community involvement process
should be created for the area. Special attention will be given to protecting and enhancing the
quality of established residential areas that are adjacent to business areas.
b) Relationship to the public realm. Projects should relate positively to public streets, plazas,
sidewalks, paths, ditches and natural features. Buildings and landscaped areas-not parking
lots-should present a well-designed face to the public realm, should not block access to sunlight,
and should be sensitive to important public view corridors. Future strip commercial development
will be discouraged.
c) Transportation connections. Projects should provide a complete network of vehicular, bicycle
and pedestrian connections both internal to the project and connecting to adjacent properties,
streets and paths, including dedication of public rights-of-way and easements where required.
d) Human scale. Projects should provide pedestrian interest along streets, paths and public spaces.
e) Permeability. Projects should provide multiple opportunities to walk from the street into
projects, thus presenting a street face that is permeable. Where appropriate, they should provide
opportunities for visual permeability into a site to create pedestrian interest.
f) On-site open spaces. Projects should incorporate well-designed functional open spaces with
quality landscaping, access to sunlight and places to sit comfortably. Where public parks or open
spaces are not within close proximity, shared open spaces for a variety of activities should also be
provided within developments.
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g) Buildings. Buildings should be designed with a cohesive design that is comfortable to the
pedestrian, with inviting entries that are visible from public rights of way. Design innovation and
the use of high quality building materials are encouraged.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 33
3. Natural Environment
The natural environment that characterizes the Boulder Valley is a critical asset that must be
preserved and protected. It is the framework within which growth and development take place.
The city and county recognize that the Boulder Valley is a complex ecological system and that
there are inextricable links among our natural environment, the economy, the built environment
and community livability. The Boulder Valley is an open system in that our natural and human
systems are connected to the region as well as to the entire world. The city and county
acknowledge that regional and global changes can have a profound effect on the local
environment and that the local economy and bui lt environment can have adverse impacts on
natural systems beyond the Boulder Valley.
Boulder has been at the forefront of environmental protection and preservation for many years.
The vast amount of natural land protected by the city and county contributes to the high quality of
life for residents. The community's historic and on-going emphasis on clean air and water has
resulted in significant progress toward a sustainable and healthy urban environment.
The city places strong emphasis on being a leader and role model to other communities for its
exemplary environmental protection practices and accomplishments. The city will continue to
develop and implement state of the art environmental policies both community wide and within
the city government organization to further its environmental sustainability goals.
The policies in this section support the fo llowing city and county goals related to the conservation
and preservation of land, water, air resources and pollution prevention:
• Biodiversity and Native Ecosystems
• Urban Environmental Quality
• Geologic Resources and Natural Hazards
• Water and Air Quality
3.01 Incorporating Ecological Systems into Planning
The city and county will approach planning and policy decisions in the Boulder Valley through
an ecosystem framework in which natural regions like airsheds and watersheds are considered
and incorporated into planning.
3.02 Adaptive Management Approach
The city will employ an adaptive management approach to resource protection and enhancement.
An adaptive management approach involves ongoing monitoring of resource conditions,
assessment of the effectiveness of management actions, revision of management actions based on
new information from research, and learning from experience what works and what does not.
Biodiversity and Native Ecosystems
3.03 Natural Ecosystems
The city and county will protect and restore significant native ecosystems on public and private
lands through land use planning, development review, conservation easements, acquisition and
public land management practices. The protection and enhancement of biological diversity and
habitat for federal endangered and threatened species and state, county and local species of
concern will be emphasized. Degraded habitat may be restored and selected extirpated species
may be reintroduced as a means of enhancing native flora and fauna in the Boulder Valley.
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3.04 Ecosystem Connections and Buffers
The city and county recognize the importance of preserving large areas of unfragmented habitat
in supporting the biodiversity of its natural lands and viable habitat for native species. The city
and county will work together to preserve, enhance, restore and maintain undeveloped lands
critical for providing ecosystem connections and buffers for joining significant ecosystems.
3.05 Maintain and Restore Ecological Processes
Recognizing that ecological processes, such as wildfire and flooding, are integral to the
productivity and health of natural ecosystems, the city and county will work to ensure that, when
appropriate precautions have been taken for human safety and welfare, ecological processes will
be maintained or mimicked in management of natural lands.
3.06 Wetland and Riparian Protection
Natural and human-made wetlands and riparian areas are valuable for their ecological and, where
appropriate, recreational functions, including their ability to enhance water and air quality.
Wetlands and riparian areas also function as important wildlife habitat, especially for rare,
threatened and endangered plants, fish and wildlife. The city and county will continue to develop
programs to protect and enhance wetlands and riparian areas in the Boulder Valley. The city will
strive for no net loss of wetlands and riparian areas by discouraging their destruction or requiring
the creation and restoration of wetland and riparian areas in the rare cases when development is
permitted and the filling of wetlands or destruction of riparian areas cannot be avoided.
3.07 Invasive Species Management
The city and county will promote efforts, both public and private, to prevent the introduction or
culture of invasive plant and animal species and seek to control their spread. High priority will be
given to managing invasive species that have, or potentially could have, a substantial impact on
city and county resources.
3.08 Public Access to Public Lands
Certain city and county-owned or managed lands provide a means for educating users on the
importance of the natural environment. Public lands may include areas for recreation,
preservation of agricultural use, unique natural features, and wildlife and plant habitat. Public
access to natural lands will be provided for, except where closure is necessary to protect areas
from unacceptable degradation or impacts to agriculture, habitat or wildlife, for public safety, or
limits on access necessary to preserve the quality of the visitor experience.
Urban Environmental Quality
3.09 Management of Wildlife-Human Conflicts
The city recognizes the intrinsic value of wildlife in both the urban and rural setting. The city will
promote wildlife and land use management practices to minimize conflicts with residents and
urban land uses while identifying, preserving and restoring appropriate habitat for wildlife species
in the urban area. When a wildlife species is determined to be a nuisance or a public health
hazard, a full range of alternative wildlife and land use management techniques will be
considered by the city and county in order to mitigate the problem in a manner that is humane,
effective, economical and ecologically responsible.
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3.10 Urban Environmental Quality
To the extent possible, the city and county will seek to protect the environmental quality of areas
under significant human influence such as agricultural and urban lands and will balance human
needs and public safety with environmental protection. The city will develop community wide
programs and standards for new development and redevelopment so that negative environmental
impacts will be mitigated and overall environmental quality of the urban environment will not
worsen and may improve.
3.11 Urban Forests
The city will support, promote and, in some cases, regulate the protection of healthy existing trees
and the long term health and vitality of the urban forest in the planning and design of public
improvements and private development. The city will encourage overall species diversity, native
and low water demand tree species where appropriate.
3.12 Water Conservation
The city and county will promote the conservation of water resources through water quality
protection, public education, monitoring and policies that promote appropriate water usage. The
city will endeavor to minimize water waste and reduce water use during peak demand periods.
New development and redevelopment designed to conserve water will be encouraged.
3.13 Integrated Pest Management
The city and county will encourage efforts to reduce the use of pesticides and synthetic, inorganic
fertilizers. In its own practices, the city and county commits to the use of integrated pest
management principles, which emphasizes the selection of the most environmentally sound
approach to pest management and the overall goal of reducing or eliminating the dependence on
chemical pest-control strategies. When public or environmental health risks are identified, the city
will balance the impacts and risks to the residents and the environment when choosing control
measures.
Geologic Resources and Natural Hazards
3.14 Unique Geological Features
Due to its location at the interface of the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, Boulder Valley
has a number of significant or unique geological and paleontological features. The city and
county will attempt to protect these features from alteration or destruction through a variety of
means, such as public acquisition, land use planning and regulation, and density transfer within a
particular site.
3.15 Mineral Deposits
Deposits of sand, gravel, coal and similar finite resource areas will be delineated and managed
according to state and federal laws. Mineral deposits and other non-renewable resources will be
used with the greatest practical efficiency and the least possible disturbance to existing natural
and cultural resources.
3.16 Hazardous Areas
Hazardous areas that present danger to life and property from flood, forest fire, steep slopes,
erosion, unstable soil, subsidence or similar geological development constraints will be
delineated, and development in such areas will be carefully controlled or prohibited.
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3.17 Hillside Protection
Hillside and ridge-line development will be carried out in a manner that, to the extent possible,
avoids both negative environmental consequences to the immediate and surrounding area and the
degrading of views and vistas from and of public areas.
3.18 Wildfire Protection and Management
The city and county will require on-site and off-site measures to guard against the danger of fire
in developments adjacent to natural lands and consistent with forest and grassland ecosystem
management principles and practices. Recognizing that fire is a widely accepted means of
managing ecosystems, the city and county will integrate ecosystem management principles with
wildfire hazard mitigation planning and urban design.
3.19 Preservation of Floodplains
Undeveloped floodplains will be preserved or restored where possible through public land
acquisition of high hazard properties, private land dedication and multiple program coordination.
Comprehensive planning and management of floodplain lands will promote the preservation of
natural and beneficial functions of floodplains whenever possible.
3.20 Flood Management
The city and county will protect the public and property from the impacts of flooding in a timely
and cost-effective manner while balancing community interests with public safety needs. The city
and county will manage the potential for floods by implementing the following guiding
principles: a) Preserve floodplains b) Be prepared for floods c) Help people protect themselves
from flood hazards d) Prevent unwise uses and adverse impacts in the floodplain e) Seek to
accommodate floods, not control them. The city seeks to manage flood recovery by protecting
critical facilities in the 500-year floodplain and implementing multi hazard mitigation and flood
response and recovery plans.
3.21 Non-Structural Approach
The city and county will seek to preserve the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains by
emphasizing and balancing the use of non-structural measures with structural mitigation. Where
drainageway improvements are proposed, a non-structural approach should be applied wherever
possible to preserve the natural values of local waterways while balancing private property
interests and associated cost to the city.
3.22 Protection of High Hazard Areas
The city will prevent redevelopment of significantly flood-damaged properties in high hazard
areas. The city will prepare a plan for property acquisition and other forms of mitigation for
flood-damaged and undeveloped land in high hazard flood areas. Undeveloped high hazard flood
areas will be retained in their natural state whenever possible. Compatible uses of riparian
corridors, such as natural ecosystems, wildlife habitat and wetlands will be encouraged wherever
appropriate. Trails or other open recreational facilities may be feasible in certain areas.
3.23 Larger Flooding Events
The city recognizes that floods larger then the I 00-year event will occur resulting in greater risks
and flood damage that will affect even improvements constructed with standard flood protection
measures. The city will seek to better understand the impact of larger flood events and consider
necessary floodplain management strategies including the protection of critical facilities.
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Water and Air Quality
3.24 Protection of Water Quality
Water quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county will
protect, maintain and improve water quality within the Boulder Creek watershed as a necessary
component of existing ecosystems and as a critical resource for the human community. The city
and county will seek to reduce point and nonpoint sources of pollutants, protect and restore
natural water system, and conserve water resources. Special emphasis will be placed on regional
efforts such as watershed planning and priority will be placed on pollution prevention over
treatment.
3.25 Water Resource Planning and Acquisition
Water resource planning efforts will be regional in nature and incorporate the goals of water
quality protection, and surface and ground water conservation. The city will continue to obtain
additional municipal water supplies to insure adequate drinking water, maintain instream flows
and preserve agricultural uses. The city will seek to minimize or mitigate the environmental,
agricultural and economic impacts to other jurisdictions in its acquisition of additional municipal
water supply to further the goals of maintaining instream flows and preventing the permanent
removal of land from agricultural production elsewhere in the state.
3.26 Drinking Water
The city and county will continually seek to improve the quality of drinking water and work with
other water and land use interests as needed to assure the integrity and quality of its drinking
water supplies. The city and county will employ a system-wide approach to protect drinking
water quality from sources waters to the water treatment plant and throughout the water
distribution system.
3.27 Minimum Flow Program
The city will pursue expansion of the existing in-stream flow program consistent with applicable
law and manage stream flows to protect riparian and aquatic ecosystems within the Boulder Creek
watershed.
3.28 Surface and Ground Water
Surface and groundwater resources will be managed to prevent their degradation and to protect
and enhance aquatic, wetland and riparian ecosystems. Land use and development planning and
public land management practices will consider the interdependency of surface and groundwater
and potential impacts to these resources from pollutant sources, changes in hydrology, and
dewatering activities.
3.29 Wastewater
The city will pursue sustainable wastewater treatment processes to achieve water quality
improvements with greater energy efficiency and minimal chemical use. Pollution prevention
and proactive maintenance strategies will be incorporated in wastewater collection system
management. The county will discourage the installation of private on-site wastewater systems
where municipal collection systems are available or where a potential pollution or health hazard
would be created.
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3.30 Protection of Air Quality
Air quality is a critical health, economic and aesthetic concern. The city and county will seek to
reduce stationary and mobile source emissions of pollutants. Special emphasis will be placed on
local and regional efforts to reduce pollutants, which cause adverse health effects and impair
visibility.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 39
4. Energy and Climate
Boulder's efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy are essential to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and helping reduce the severity of future climate change, as are our
efforts to promote alternative transportation options and a compact city form. The objective is to
help address energy and climate goals and integrate them with other planning activities, such as
decisions regarding development patterns, infrastructure, transportation, economic development,
building and site design, and natural resources.
Changes in the dynamics of energy markets as well as the threat of climate change may
profoundly affect our community both economically and physically. A number of factors are
increasing uncertainty about future energy issues, but rapidly evolving technology and the
economic benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy are providing Boulder and Boulder
County with new opportunities to take charge of our energy future and make greater use of local
and regional energy resources.
The policies in this section support the city and county's goals of meeting energy needs, reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting to climate changes:
• Climate Action and Greenhouse Gases
• Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
• Land Use and Building Design
• Waste and Recycling
• Sustainable Purchasing
Climate Action and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
4.01 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The city and county will identify and implement innovative as well as cost-effective actions to
dramatically reduce the community's contribution to total global greenhouse gas emissions.
4.02 New Policy: Climate Adaptation Planning
The city and county will cooperatively develop and implement a climate change adaptation plan
to identify current vulnerabilities and determine strategies to protect the community against the
potential negative impacts associated with climate change. These challenges include droughts,
flash flooding, communicable diseases, heat waves, fire mitigation and fire protection and
increased road maintenance, among others. The city and county seek to improve the
community's ability to effectively and quickly respond to and recover from adversity and
disruptions.
Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
4.03 Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy
The city and county will implement innovative programs and opportunities for individuals,
businesses and organizations to reduce energy consumption and develop local energy generation.
The city will support private decisions to use renewable energy, develop local renewable energy
resources and preserve options for developing renewable energy in the future. The city will
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review and consider revi sions to regulations to support on-site energy generation, including solar
and wind.
The city and county will pursue an energy path that not only reduces carbon emissions, but also
promotes innovation, competition and economic vitality, and will set goals to ensure that the
community has access to reliable, competitively priced and increasingly clean energy.
Land Use and Building Design
4.04 Energy-Efficient Land Use
The city and county will encourage energy conservation through land use policies and regulations
governing placement, orientation and clustering of development.
4.05 Energy-Efficient Building Design
The city and county will pursue efforts to improve the energy and resource efficiency of new and
existing buildings. The city and county will improve regulations ensuring energy and resource
efficiency in new construction, remodels and renovation projects and will establish energy
efficiency requirements for existing buildings. Energy conservation programs will be sensitive to
the unique situations that involve historic preservation and low-income homeowners and renters
and will ensure that programs assisting these groups are continued.
Waste and Recycling
4.06 New Policy: Construction Waste Minimization
The city and county will encourage renovation of existing buildings over demolition and will
develop policies and programs that promote the reuse of materials salvaged after deconstruction.
4.07 Waste Minimization and Recycling
The city and county will pursue and support programs and activities that reduce the amount of
waste that must be landfilled and pursue Zero Waste as a long tenn goal. Policies, programs and
regulations will emphasize waste prevention, reuse, composting, recycling and the use of
materials with recycled content.
Sustainable Purchasing
4.08 Environmental Purchasing Policy
The city will maintain a robust Environmental Purchasing Policy for the city organization that
promotes the purchase of recycled and compostable products and encourages consideration of
materials, length of use, re-use and disposal options, as well as cost when procuring materials and
products.
Relevant Links:
CAP and Community Guide
Waste Reduction MP
Built Environment Policies -energy efficient land use
Economy: sustainable business practices
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 41
5. Economy
Boulder is recognized and respected throughout the world as a city where companies thrive and
people are constantly creating innovative businesses and products. Boulder is fortunate to have a
talented, highly educated workforce, world class institutions and a quality of life that allows
companies to attract capable employees. Home to a wide variety of small and mid-sized
businesses and several significant large employers, Boulder has a clear niche for environmentally
sustainable, technological, entrepreneurial, scientific and outdoor-oriented businesses. Economic
policies and programs are aimed at supporting and enhancing our community's unique,
entrepreneurial assets while achieving essential goals and livability.
Boulder recognizes the need to revitalize its older commercial and industrial areas, renovate
''tired buildings" and support renovation and business growth in these areas. As a mature,
compact city with little remaining vacant land, the city must engage in strategic planning for
redevelopment areas and ensure that economic benefit is a primary outcome. The city also
recognizes that economic growth can bring many benefits to the community, including greater tax
revenues, local job opportunities, increased diversity, a variety of services and business types and
physical improvements. The city will collaborate with the business community to facilitate
growth, development, and infrastructure improvements that benefit residents and businesses alike.
The policies in this section support the following goals related to maintaining a sustainable
economy:
• Strategic Redevelopment and Sustainable Employment
• Diverse Economic Base
• Quality of Life
• Sustainable Business Practices
• Job Opportunities, Education and Training
Strategic Redevelopment Opportunities and Sustainable Employment
5.01 Revitalizing Commercial and Industrial Areas
The city will develop specific strategies to optimize redevelopment opportunities, partner with the
private sector and proactively support redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas.
Examples of areas for revitalization that have been identified are Diagonal Plaza, University Hill
Commercial district and the East Boulder Industrial area.
The city will use a variety of tools to create public/private partnerships that lead to successful
redevelopment. These tools may include, but are not limited to, area planning, infrastructure
improvements, changes to zoning or development standards and incentives including financial
incentives, increased development potential or urban renewal authority.
5.02 Regional Job Center
The city is one of several job centers in the region, and significant additional employment growth
is projected in the future. The city will adopt policies and strategies that support the city's role as
a regional job center in the future consistent with sustainability goals. The city will support the
growth and success of existing businesses, including primary and secondary employers.
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Diverse Economic Base
5.03 Diverse Mix of Uses and Business Types
The city and county will support a divers ified employment base within the Boulder Valley,
reflecting labor force capabilities and recognizing the community's strengths in scientific,
professional, technological and related industries. The city will identify areas that should be
protected for industrial, service and office uses and will evaluate areas with non-residential
zoning to ensure that the existing and future needs of a rapidly changing and technologically-
oriented global economy and employment base are adequately accommodated. Where
appropriate, mixed use development will be encouraged incorporating residential uses and
support services for the employment base.
As an integral part of redevelopment and area planning efforts, the city acknowledges that
displacement and loss of service and affordable retail uses will be considered in the context of
redevelopment and planning goals.
5.04 Vital and Productive Retail Base
The city will develop and implement a retail strategy that will address the market opportunities
and shopping needs of the community, ensure an appropriate mix ofretail and identify strategies
to improve the retail base and the city's sales tax revenues including affordable retail.
5.05 Support for Local Business and Business Retention
The city and county recognize the significant contribution of existing businesses in the local
economy and will work to nurture and support established businesses and maintain a positive
climate to retain businesses. Business retention and expansion is a primary focus for the city. The
existing jobs that are in Boulder are the city's most important jobs.
5.06 Industry Clusters
The city will adopt an industry cluster approach to business development and consider special
financial and technical assistance programs and other tools to retain, expand and attract
businesses in those clusters. Cluster efforts focus on supporting multiple businesses in an
industry. Boulder's primary clusters include: the technological and scientific sectors, natural and
organic products, biosciences, active living I outdoor recreation, clean technology and creative
arts. Boulder acknowledges that these clusters will evolve and change over time.
Quality of Life
5.07 Funding City Services and Urban Infrastructure
The city will encourage a strong sustainable economy to generate revenues to fund quality city
services for the public that are consistent with community goals and character.
The city recognizes that urban infrastructure and amenities are important to the quality of life of
residents, employees and visitors to the community. A strong and complete transportation system
is essential to a thriving economy, helps attract and retain key businesses and employers and
provides regional access to global markets. The city will continue to plan for and invest in urban
amenities such as bike paths, parks, public spaces, quality gathering places as well as community
services.
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5.08 Role of Tourism in the Economy
Recognizing the unique qualities of Boulder, the city supports ongoing tourism efforts with
various partners including the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, study the existing and
future role of tourism in the community, track the impact of tourism on the economy and invest in
ways to enhance the sector.
5.09 Role of Arts and Cultural Programs
The city and county will support and encourage further development of arts and cultural programs
that can serve as attractors for new business investment and visitors to the city. The city values
the arts within the public realm and will work to enhance the capacity of arts and culture to act as
an economic generator.
5.10 New Policy: Communications
The city will support and facilitate the development of technologically-advanced communications
infrastructure and other improvements that will provide support to the community, help
businesses thrive and grow as well as facilitate the growth of emerging telecommunications
industries.
Sustainable Business Practices
5.11 New Policy: Sustainable Business Practices
The city will promote and encourage sustainable and energy efficient business practices. The city
will continue to establish and maintain programs to assist businesses and individuals in reducing
energy costs, employing sustainable practices, making building renovations to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and reducing transportation impacts.
5.12 New Policy: Home Occupations
The city will evaluate regulations for home based occupations to balance potential impacts to
residential neighborhoods and reflect the goal of allowing more flexibility to have home based
businesses, neighborhood services, and employment opportunities. The city supports the
entrepreneurial activity of residents who are in the very early stages of creating start up
companies or providing neighborhood services, supports people's efforts to reduce number and
length of trips and will revise its regulations to be responsive to new uses and types of businesses,
and neighborhood services that may be compatible with residential areas.
5.13 New Policy: Responsive to Changes in the Marketplace
The city recognizes that development regulations and processes have an impact on the ability of
business to respond to changes in the marketplace. The city will work with the local business
community to make sure regulations and development review processes provide a level of
flexibility to allow for creative solutions while meeting broader community goals. This could
involve modifying regulations to make them more responsive to emerging technologies, and
evolving industry sectors.
Job Opportunities, Education and Training
5.14 Employment Opportunities
The city and county will encourage local employers to provide employment opportunities for all
persons including the local unemployed and underemployed work force, and to implement equal
opportunity and workplace diversity programs in cooperation with various agencies providing
employment assistance programs.
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5.15 Business Partnerships
The efforts of the city and the private sector to enhance the economic prosperity of the
community are directly and indirectly supported by many organizations and entities. These
include the University of Colorado, Downtown Boulder Inc., Boulder Chamber, Boulder
Economic Council, Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boulder Innovation Center, the
Boulder Valley School District, the Boulder Independent Business Association and other groups.
Though each has an independent focus, their work contributes to the overall quality of life
enjoyed within the community.
5.16 Support for the University of Colorado and Federal Labs
The city and county understand the central role that the federal labs and the University of
Colorado play in our economy. The city will take an active role in efforts to preserve the state and
federal funding for these entities to ensure they remain in Boulder and will pursue mutually
beneficial partnerships. The city recognizes the importance of having strong institutions for
higher education, continuing education and workforce training thriving in the community. Also,
the seminal role of the University of Colorado, a world class research university, and the federal
labs in technology transfers, tech start ups and entrepreneurial business creation needs to be fully
understood, evaluated and enhanced. The city will work with CU to further the community's
goals for sustainable urban form as university owned land is developed or redeveloped.
5.17 New Policy: Diverse Workforce, Education and Training
The city and county will encourage and support the Boulder Valley School District as well as the
variety of post-secondary educational institutions to offer quality continuing education and
vocational training. The city will support efforts to add focused workforce vocational training
facilities, including those that provide training for "green" jobs.
Related Topics:
• See the Built Environment Section for policies related to infill/redevelopment priorities,
enhancing activity centers, mixed-use development, and historic preservation.
• See Community Well-Being Section for policies on community infrastructure and ability
of people to meet their basic needs.
• See Transportation Section for policies on improving the transportation system.
• See Energy and Climate Action for policies on support for sustainable practices and
buildings.
• See Local Food and Agriculture for policies on access to markets for food and
agricultural products.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 45
6. Transportation
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and the city's Transportation Master Plan (TMP) have
the fundamental premise that the transportation system be developed and managed in conjunction
with land use, social and environmental goals. A mature community like Boulder has little
opportunity or desire to add road capacity as widening streets and building new roads would have
significant negative environmental, community character and financial impacts. Consequently,
the strategies of the TMP center on maintaining and developing a balanced transportation system
that supports all modes of travel, on making the system more efficient in carrying travelers,
maintaining a safe system and on shifting trips away from the single-occupant vehicle.
Boulder's challenge is to manage and improve the existing system to accommodate increasing
demands for travel, both local and regional, through greater efficiency, better access, and by
providing a broader range of travel choices. Important issues and trends include:
• Limited funding for both new infrastructure and maintenance of existing resources at all
levels of government;
• Increasing importance of frequent and affordable regional transit; and
• Increasing energy costs with corresponding increases in the cost of travel.
The policies in this section support the following city and county goals related to providing a
balanced, multimodal transportation system:
• Complete Transportation System
• Integration of Land Use and Transportation
• Air Quality
• Boulder Municipal Airport
Complete Transportation System
6.01 All-Mode Transportation System
The Boulder Valley will be served by an integrated all-mode transportation system, developed
cooperatively by the city and county. This transportation system will include completed networks
for each mode, make safe and convenient connections between modes, and provide seamless
connections between the city and county systems. Improvements to the travel corridors network
will be made in a manner that preserves or improves the capacity or efficiency of all modes and
recognizes pedestrian travel as a component of all trips.
6.02 Reduction of Single Occupancy Auto Trips
The city and county will support greater use of alternatives to single occupancy automobile
travel. It is the city's specific objective to continue progress toward 'no long-term growth in
traffic' from 1994 levels through the year 2025 within the Boulder Valley. Both the city and
county are committed to reductions in green house gas emissions. These efforts will include other
communities and entities and will include developing and implementing integrated travel demand
management programs and new services. Within the city, new developments will be required to
include travel demand management to reduce the vehicle miles traveled produced by the
development.
6.03 Congestion
The city and county will strive to limit the extent and duration of congestion, defined as Level of
Service (LOS) F, to 20 percent of the roadway system within the Boulder Valley while providing
for increased mobility.
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6.04 Regional Cooperation
The city and county will work to develop regional consensus for multimodal improvements to
regional corridors, and work with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Regional
Transportation District (RTD) to develop high quality, high frequency transit service between the
communities of the region and between centers of employment and housing.
6.05 Accessibility
The city and county will develop a complete all-mode transportation system that accommodates
all users, including people with mobility impairments, as well as youth, older adults and low-
income persons. Efforts should focus on giving people options to live well without a car and may
include prioritizing affordable public transportation and transit passes.
6.06 Mobility Services
The city and county will increase their support for mobility services for older adults and people
with disabilities to reflect the expected increases in these populations.
6.07 Investment Priorities
To protect previous investments and ensure efficient use of existing travel corridors, the city and
county will prioritize their investment first to maintenance and safety improvements of the
existing systems. Second priority is given to capacity additions for the non-automotive modes and
efficiency improvements for existing road facilities that increase levels of service without adding
general purpose lanes.
6.08 Transportation Impact
Traffic impacts from a proposed development that cause unacceptable community or
environmental impacts or unacceptable reduction in level of service will be mitigated. All
development will be designed and built to be multimodal, pedestrian-oriented and include
strategies to reduce the vehicle miles traveled generated by the development. New development
will provide continuous pedestrian, bike and transit systems through the development and
connect these systems to those surrounding the development. The city and county will provide
tools and resources to help businesses manage employee access and mobility and support public-
private partnerships, such as transportation management organizations, to facilitate these efforts.
Land Use Integration
6.09 Integration with Land Use
Three intermodal centers will be developed or maintained in the downtown, Boulder Junction and
on the university's main campus as anchors to regional transit connections and as hubs for
connecting pedestrian, bicycle and local transit to regional services. The land along multimodal
corridors will be designated as multimodal transportation zones when transit service is provided
on that corridor. In these multimodal transportation zones, the city will develop a highly
connected and continuous transportation system for all modes, identify locations for mixed use
and higher density development integrated with transportation functions through appropriate
design, and develop parking maximums and encourage parking reductions. The city will
complete missing links in the transportation grid through the use of area transportation plans and
at the time of parcel redevelopment.
6.10 Managing Parking Supply
Providing for vehicular parking will be considered as a component of a total access system of all
modes of transportation -bicycle, pedestrian, transit and vehicular -and will be consistent with
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the desire to reduce single occupant vehicle travel, limit congestion, balance the use of public
spaces and consider the needs of residential and commercial areas. Parking demand will be
accommodated in the most efficient way possible with the minimal necessary number of new
spaces. The city will promote parking reductions through parking maximums, shared parking,
unbundled parking, parking districts and transportation demand management programs.
6.11 Transportation Facilities in Neighborhoods
The city and county will strive to protect and improve the quality of life within neighborhoods
while developing a balanced transportation system. Improving access and safety within
neighborhoods by controlling vehicle speeds or providing multi-modal connections will be given
priority over vehicle mobility. The city and county will design and construct new transportation
facilities to minimize noise levels. Neighborhood needs and goals will be balanced against the
community benefit of a transportation improvement.
6.12 Neighborhood Streets Connectivity
Neighborhood streets and alleys will be developed in a well connected and fine grained pattern to
facilitate public access, to effectively disperse and distribute vehicle traffic and promote bike and
pedestrian travel.
Air Quality
6.13 Improving Air Quality
The city and county will design the transportation system to minimize air pollution by promoting
the use of non-automotive transportation modes, reducing auto traffic, encouraging the use of fuel
efficient and alternatively fueled vehicles that demonstrate air pollution reductions and
maintaining acceptable traffic flow.
Boulder Municipal Airport
6.14 Municipal Airport
The Boulder Municipal Airport will continue as a small-scale general aviation airport. The city
will seek to mitigate noise, safety and other impacts of airport operation while assuring that new
development in proximity will be compatible with existing and planned use of the airport.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 48
7. Housing
The range of available housing opportunities helps to define a community. The social, economic and
environmental well-being of the community is enhanced when individuals and families are retained,
workforce housing is available, and existing residents with changing or special housing needs are served.
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which identifies desired locations, densities and types of housing
planned for Boulder, is an integral link in the community's housing strategy. Thro ugh a variety of policies,
programs and regulations, the type, number, and affordability of new and existing housing units can be
infl uenced, and programs and ass istance made available to those who have limited resources or special
needs.
The high cost of local housing results in many households pay ing a disproporti onate amount of their
income for housing or moving farther from their work in order to find housing that they can afford.
Households who are burdened by housing costs or by the combined costs of housing and transportation
have less money available for other necessities and may fi nd it difficult to actively participate in the
community, which can lead to additional demands on supportive human services and to an exclusion of key
members of our society from the civic infrastructure.
Emerging trends faci ng the commun ity include:
• Growth in the senior population;
• The addition of over 5,000 university students by 2030;
• The growing difficulty of providing affordable housing attractive to fa milies with children in a
land-constrained commun ity; and
• The need to evaluate regulations to creatively accommodate an expanding variety of household
types, including multi-generational households.
The policies in thi s section support the following city and county goals related to housing:
• Local Support for Community Housing Needs
• Preserve Housing Choices
• Advance and Sustain Diversity
• Integrate Growth and Community Housi ng Goals
Local Support for Community Housing Needs
7.01 Local Solutions to Affordable Housing
The city and county will employ local regulations, policies, and programs to meet the housing
needs of their low and moderate income households and workforce. Appropriate federal, state and
local programs and resources will be used locally and in collaboration with other jurisdictions.
The city recognizes that affordable housing provides a significant community benefit and
will continually monitor and evaluate its policies, programs and regulations to further the
city's affordable housing goals.
7.02 Permanently Affordable Housing
The city will increase the proportion of permanently affordabl e housing units to an overall goal of
at least ten percent of the total existing housing stock through regulations, financial subsidies and
other means. City resources wi ll also be directed toward maintaining existing permanently
affordable housing units and securing replacements for lost low and very low income units.
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7.03 Populations with Special Needs
The city and county will encourage development of housing for populations with special needs
including residences for people with disabilities, populations requiring group homes or other
specialized facilities, and other vulnerable populations where appropriate. The location of such
housing should be in proximity to shopping, medical services, schools, entertainment and public
transportation. Every effort will be made to avoid concentration of these homes in one area.
7.04 Strengthening Community Housing Partnerships
The city will create and preserve partnerships dedicated to the community's housing needs by
supporting private and nonprofit agencies that create and maintain permanently affordable
housing in the community, and fostering nonprofit and private sector partnerships. The city
recognizes the role of the university in the housing market and will encourage the University of
Colorado and other post-secondary institutions in their efforts to increase the amount of on-
campus housing.
7.05 Strengthening Regional Housing Cooperation
The city and the county will work to enhance regional cooperation on housing issues to address
regional housing needs and encourage the creation of housing proximate to regional transit routes.
Such efforts include the Regional HOME Consortium and the Ten Year Plan to Address
Homelessness.
Housing Choices
7.06 Mixture of Housing Types
The city and county, through their land use regulations and housing policies will encourage the
private sector to provide and maintain a mixture of housing types with varied prices, sizes and
densities, to meet the housing needs of the full range of the Boulder Valley population.
7.07 Preserve Existing Housing Stock
The city and county, recognizing the value of their existing housing stock, will encourage its
preservation and rehabilitation through its land use policies and regulations. Special efforts will
be made to preserve and rehabilitate existing housing serving low and moderate income
individuals and households.
7.08 Preservation and Development of Manufactured Housing
Recognizing the importance of manufactured housing as an option for many households,
the city and county will encourage the preservation of existing mobile home parks and the
development of new manufactured home parks, including increasing opportunities for
resident-owned parks. Whenever an existing mobile home park is found in a hazardous
area, every reasonable effort will be made to reduce or eliminate the hazard, when
feasible, or to help mitigate for the loss of housing through relocation of affected
households.
Diversity
7.09 Housing for a Full Range of Households
The city and county will encourage preservation and development of housing attractive
to current and future households, persons at all stages of life and to a variety of
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household configurations. This includes singles, couples, families with children and
other dependents, extended families, non-traditional households and seniors.
7.10 Balancing Housing Supply with Employment Base
Expansion of the Boulder Valley housing supply should reflect to the extent possible current
employer locations, projected industrial/commercial development sites, variety of salary ranges,
and the demand such developments bring for housing employees. Key considerations include
housing type, mix, and affordability. The city will explore policies and programs to increase
housing for Boulder workers by fostering mixed-use and multi-family development proximate to
transit, employment or services and by considering the conversion of commercial and industrial
zoned or designated land to residential use.
Growth and Community Housing Goals
7.11 Incorporate Mix of Housing in Future Service Area
In considering future expansion of the Service Area, the city will identify possible sites for
housing that serves low and moderate income households. Designation of land uses in new
growth areas will provide for a mixture of housing types and densities in order to meet the
diversity of housing needs.
7.12 Conversion of Residential Uses in the Community
The city will evaluate and revise its regulations to reduce the opportunities for the conversion of
residential uses to non-residential uses or to require mitigation for residential units lost through
the redevelopment of existing housing or the conversion of a · residential use to non-residential
uses.
7.13 Integration of Permanently Affordable Housing
Permanently affordable housing, whether publicly, privately or jointly financed will be designed
as to be compatible, dispersed, and integrated with housing throughout the community.
7.14 Minimizing Displacement
The city will evaluate its policies and regulations in order to minimize the negative effects of
displacement on low income persons when housing sites are redeveloped by the private sector.
Available relocation assistance options in the community will continue to be offered to displaced
low-income persons.
20 l 0 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 51
8. Community Well-Being
Boulder, like all communities, is much more than its physical form. It is composed of people as
well as the places where they live and work; it is as much a social environment as it is a physical
environment. Boulder is a center of active living, attracting residents, businesses and visitors
who value community and individual health. The city is committed to continuing to be a national
leader in promoting the physical health and welfare of the community as well as promoting civil
and human rights.
Boulder is a fluid, growing community, with changing demographics. The city and county
proactively anticipate and plan for emerging demographic trends and social issues, including:
• Needs of a growing older adult population and their family caregivers;
• Healthy child and youth development and opportunities to be contributing members of
the community;
• Support and inclusion of immigrants into the community;
• Impacts of a large university population on housing and other infrastructure;
• Need for ongoing support of services and facilities for basic needs such as food, health
care, shelter, child care, elder care, and education and training;
• Support for community non-profits; and
• Accessibility and affordability of basic health and human services.
In providing human services, the vision for Boulder is to create and support a comprehensive
safety net of services for residents, through coordinated regional planning, service delivery, and
integrated partnerships. Generally, Boulder County provides state and federally mandated
programs, entitlement programs and countywide services. The city provides services identified as
important to the Boulder community including safety net services and early intervention and
prevention services to meet critical human service needs.
The policies in this section support the city's and county's goals related to:
• Human Services
• Social Equity
• Community Health
• Community Infrastructure and Facilities
Human Services
8.01 Providing for a Broad Spectrum of Human Needs
The city and county will develop and maintain human service programs that provide for the broad
spectrum of human needs, from safety net services to early intervention and prevention programs
which mitigate more costly, long-term interventions and forestall worsening social conditions.
Services balance meeting immediate needs with long-term solutions to critical social issues.
8.02 Regional Approach to H uman Services
The city will continue its collaborative role in human services planning and funding through
partnerships with other agencies and local governments. The city and county will coordinate a
regional approach such as that articulated in the Ten-Year Plan to Address Homelessness and the
Human Services Strategic Plan. The city will seek to address the disproportionate burden placed
on Boulder as a key regional service center.
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Social Equity
8.03 Equitable Distribution of Resources
The city will work to ensure that basic services are accessible and affordable to those most in
need. The city and county will consider the impacts of policies and planning efforts on low and
moderate income and special needs populations and ensure impacts and costs of sustainable
decision making do not unfairly burden any one geographic or socio-economic group in the city.
The city and county will consider ways to reduce the transportation burden for low income and
disabled populations, enabling equal access to community infrastructure.
8.04 Addressing Community Deficiencies
The city will identify barriers to provision of important basic human services and work to find
solutions to critical social issues such as lack of housing options for very low income and special
needs populations, access to and affordability of basic services, and limited availability of
affordable retail products.
8.05 Diversity
The community values diversity as a source of strength and opportunity. The city and county will
support the integration of diverse cultures and socio-economic groups in the physical, social,
cultural and economic environments; promote opportunities for community engagement of
diverse community members; and promote formal and informal representation of diverse
community members in civic affairs.
Community Health
8.06 Safety
The city will promote safety by fostering good neighborhood relations, building a sense of
community pride and involvement, and promoting safe and attractive neighborhoods. The city
and county will provide police, fire protection and emergency management services and
preparedness education to ensure a safe community.
8.07 Physical Health
The city and county strive to ensure that this community continues to be a leader in promoting
physical health and welfare of community members. The city recognizes that physical activity is
essential to health and well-being. The city will support opportunities for people to exercise.
Neighborhood and community design will encourage physical activity by establishing easy access
to parks and trails, and locating activity centers close to where people live, work and attend
school. The city will support community health programs such as: obesity prevention, outdoor
education, safe routes to school, and healthy eating.
Community Infrastructure and Facilities
Elementary and Secondary Schools
8.08 Planning for School Sites and Facilities
The city and county will assist the Boulder Valley School District in its planning efforts to assure
that the number, size and location of school lands and facilities is adequate to serve the
population for the foreseeable future. The city and county will consider current and projected
school enrollment and available school capacities when approving the type, scale and timing of
residential development. The city and county will work with the school district to consider
transportation impacts when planning for school sites and facilities.
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8.09 Accessibility to Schools
The city and county will work with the Boulder Valley School District to develop safe and
convenient pedestrian, bicycle and transit access for students to existing and new schools. New
school facilities will be located so that school-age children have the opportunity to arrive safely
on their own.
Community Facility Needs
8.10 Support for Community Facilities
The city and county recognize the importance of educational, health and non-profit community
agencies that provide vital services to the residents of the Boulder Valley and will work
collaboratively with these agencies to reasonably accommodate their facility needs and consider
location based on transportation accessibility.
Parks and Trails
8.11 Parks and Recreation
Park and recreation facilities and services of the city or other service entities will provide an
adequate range of exercise and recreational opportunities for residents. Such facilities and
services will be designed in a manner that responds to the needs of the intended users. City park
and recreation facilities will provide a variety of landscape types as amenities and recreational
resources for urban dwellers, including irrigated green spaces, low water need plantings and
natural vegetation areas.
8.12 Trail Functions and Locations
Trails serve a variety of functions such as exercise, recreation, transportation, education and/or
environmental protection. Trails should be designed and managed to minimize conflicts among
trail users. Trailheads should be located so they are convenient and safe for those arriving by
alternate modes of transportation as well as automobiles. In order to provide environmental
protection, informal trails and user widening of trails should be discouraged by ensuring that
formal trails are well designed, monitored and adequately maintained. Trail and trailhead
locations and alignments should avoid environmentally sensitive areas and minimize
environmental impacts.
8.13 Trails Network
The city and county will coordinate with other trail providers and private landowners in trail
system planning, construction, management and maintenance. Where compatible with
environmental protection goals and conservation easement agreements, trail connections will be
developed to enhance the overall functioning of the trails network.
Culture
8.14 Libraries
Library facilities and services of the Boulder Valley will be responsive to the needs of all
populations, providing an adequate range of informational, educational and intellectual
opportunities for all residents.
8.15. Information Resource/Community Center
The city will provide access to information through a variety of formats providing materials,
technology and services to enhance the personal development of the community's residents. In its
role as the community's public and civic information center, the library will provide venues for
community group meetings and resources and services to meet the needs of the community's
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multicultural and special populations. Other community gathering spaces and information sources
include the city and county websites, municipal buildings, and recreation and senior centers.
8.16 Education Resource
The city will seek to provide educational and literacy resources and services for the community.
The city will develop and maintain resources to assist learners and students of all ages, including
support for formal education programs, and provide public workspaces and independent learning
resources. The city will develop collaborative relationships with community educational
institutions and function as a research center for residents.
8.17 Performing and Visual Arts
The city, recognizing the need to enhance the personal development of the public and to build a
sense of community by providing for cultural needs, will encourage the provision of facilities for
the performing and visual arts and the provision of art in public buildings and spaces.
8.18 The Arts
The city and county recognize and support the arts. They are central to the cultural life for
children, youth and adults of the Boulder community and a clean industry that contributes
significantly to the Boulder economy. They present significant quality of life advantages to the
Boulder community through education, entertainment and the aesthetic environment and provide
a vehicle to bring together people of all walks of life and diverse ages, genders, religions,
abilities, opinions, races, ethnicities, classes, and economic means for better communication and
mutual understanding.
8.19 Public Art
The city and county will incorporate artistic elements in public projects whenever possible.
8.20 Canyon Boulevard Cultural Corridor
The city will encourage public and private projects within the Canyon Boulevard Cultural
Corridor to have an arts focus and to incorporate public art.
20 10 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 55
9. Agriculture and Food
A strong local food system can positively impact the resiliency, health, economy and
environment of the Boulder Valley and surrounding region. Food choices and their method of
production represent one of the most significant impacts that humans have on the world around
us. Sustainable agricultural practices and short distances to transport food can help reduce energy
used to feed the community. Access to safe food, including locally grown food for all Boulder
residents is a top priority for our community. It is important that healthy food be available to
individuals and families in all neighborhoods, regardless of economic situation and location.
Roots in progressive food movements run deep in Boulder County and have contributed to the
dynamic and thriving natural foods industry. Many local restaurants specialize in providing local
ingredients in their food, garden to table processes have been developed in local schools, and the
desire for a year-round farmers market are all indications of people's growing interest and
demand for locally produced food.
The city and county have made significant contributions to the preservation of lands suitable for
agricultural production, and the water needed to use these areas for agriculture. Most agricultural
production in the Boulder Valley occurs on city and county open space.
The following policies on agriculture and access to local food guide public policy and decision-
making to move our community toward a more robust agricultural economy and ensuring
everyone has access to food.
• Support for Agriculture
• Local Food Production
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices
• Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System
• Urban Gardening and Food Production
• Access to Locally Produced Food
9.01 Support for Agriculture
The city and county will encourage the preservation and sustainable use of agricultural lands as a
current and renewable source of food and feed and for their contribution to cultural,
environmental and economic diversity. These areas are important for preserving the rural
character of Area III. The city and county will demonstrate and encourage the protection of
significant agricultural areas and related water supplies and facilities, including the historic and
existing ditch systems, through a variety of means, which may include public acquisition, land
use planning, and sale or lease of water for agricultural use.
9.02 Local Food Production
The city and county will encourage and support local food production to improve the availability
and accessibility of healthy foods and to provide other educational, economic and social benefits.
The city and county support increased growth, sales, distribution and consumption of foods that
are healthy, sustainably produced and locally grown for all Boulder Valley residents with an
emphasis on affordable access to food for everyone and long term availability of food.
9.03 Sustainable Agriculture Practices
The city and county will promote sustainable agricultural practices on publicly owned lands and
will encourage them on private lands. Sustainable practices include food production methods that
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are healthy, have low environmental impact, respectful to workers, are humane to animals,
provide fair wages to farmers and support farming communities. These can include a range of
production types that take into account land suitability, water availability, invasive species,
energy use and labor and capital needs.
9.04 Regional Efforts to Enhance the Food System
The city and county will participate in regional agricultural efforts and implement
recommendations at a local level to the extent appropriate and possible.
9.05 Urban Gardening and Food Production
The city will encourage community and private gardens to be integrated in the city. This may
include allowing flexibility and/or helping to remove restrictions for food production in shared
open spaces and public areas, encouraging rooftop gardens and composting and planting edible
fruit and vegetable plants where appropriate.
9.06 Access to Locally Produced Food
The city will support cooperative efforts to establish community markets throughout the
community and region. Such efforts include working to identify a location or develop facilities to
allow a year round farmers market and support sales of produce from small community gardens.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 57
11. Amendment Procedures
The Amendment Procedures chapter is in the process of being revised as part of the 2010
BVCP Major Update. Please check back later in 2012 for the final updated procedures.
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Ill.Land Use Map Description s
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map_provides a sketch plan of the desired
land use pattern in the Boulder Valley. Land use categories include residential, business,
industrial, public/semi-public, open space, and park use. The map also shows the location and
functional classification of roads. The following descriptions are meant to be used in interpreting
the map.
La nd Use
Residential Land Use and Densi ties
Residential land use areas on the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, for the most part, reflect
the existing land use pattern or current zoning for an area. The highest density areas are generally
located close to the University of Colorado or in areas planned for transit oriented redevelopment.
Medium density areas are generally situated near community shopping areas or along some of the
major arterials of the city. Mixed density areas surround the downtown and are located in some
areas planned for new development. Lower density areas in the older section of the city consist
predominantly of single-family detached structures. Many of the areas developed in the city and
the county over the last 30 years are characterized by a mixture of housing types ranging from
single-family detached to cluster and patio homes, townhouses and apartments. A variety of
housing types will continue to be encouraged in developing areas during the planning period of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Residential densities under the Comprehensive Plan range from very low density (two units or
less per acre); low density (two to six units per acre); medium density (six to 14 units per acre); to
high density (more than 14 units per acre). It is assumed that variations of the densities on a small
area basis may occur within any particular classification, but an average density will be
maintained for that classification.
Additionally, in older downtown neighborhoods that were developed with single family homes
but for a time were zoned for higher densities, a variety of housing types and densities are found
within a single block. The city's goal is to preserve current neighborhood character and mix of
housing types, and not exacerbate traffic and parking problems. Some new housing units may be
added. The average density in the downtown neighborhoods designated mixed density is in the
medium density range (six to 14 units per acre). The mixed density designation is also applied in
some areas planned for new development where the goal is to provide a substantial amount of
affordable housing in mixed density neighborhoods that have a variety of housing types and
densities. The density in the mixed density designation in newly developing areas is from six to
18 units per acre.
The manufactured housing designation is applied to existing mobile home parks. The intent of the
designation is to preserve the affordable housing provided by the existing mobile home parks.
Within certain residential areas, there is al so the potential for limited small neighborhood
shopping facilities, offices or services through special review.
Mixed Use-Residential development may be deemed appropriate and will be encouraged in some
residential areas. These areas may be designated Mixed Use-Residential. ln these areas,
residential character will predominate, although neighborhood scale retail and personal service
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uses will be allowed. Specific zoning and other regulations will be adopted which define the
desired intensity, mix, location and design characteristics of these uses.
Business Land Use and Intensity
Within the Boulder Valley there are five categories of business land use, based on the intensity of
development and the particular needs of the residents living in each subcommunity. The five
categories are: Regional, Community, General, Transitional and Mixed Use-Business.
The two major Regional Business areas of the Boulder Valley are the Downtown and the
Crossroads Area. Within these areas are located the major shopping facilities, offices, financial
institutions, and government and cultural facilities serving the entire Boulder Valley and
neighboring communities. These areas will continue to be refurbished and upgraded and will
remain the dominant focus for major business activities in the region.
A Community Business area is the focal point for commercial activity serving a subcommunity or
a collection of neighborhoods. These are designated to serve the daily convenience shopping and
service needs of the local populations and are generally less than 150,000 to 200,000 square feet
in area. Offices within the Community Business areas should be offices designated specifically for
residents of the subcommunity. Where feasible, multiple uses will be encouraged within these
centers.
The General Business areas are located, for the most part, at junctions of major arterials of the
city where intensive commercial uses exist. The plan proposes that these areas continue to be
used without expanding the strip character already established.
The Transitional Business designation is shown along certain major streets. These are areas
usually zoned for less intensive business uses than in the General Business areas, and they often
provide a transition to residential areas.
Mixed Use-Business development may be deemed appropriate and will be encouraged in some
business areas. These areas may be designated Mixed Use-Business where business or residential
character will predominate. Housing and public uses supporting housing will be encouraged and
may be required. Specific zoning and other regulations will be adopted which define the desired
intensity, mix, location and design characteristics of these uses.
Service Commercial areas provide a wide range of community and regional retail and service
uses generally not accommodated in core commercial areas and which generally require
automotive access for customer convenience and the servicing of vehicles.
Industrial Land Use and Intensity
The Comprehensive Plan projects five classifications of industrial use within the Boulder Valley:
General, Community, Light, Performance and Mixed Use-Industrial.
The General Industrial classification is shown where the more intensive and heavy industries are
located or planned.
The Community Industrial classification is shown for those areas where the predominant uses
provide a direct service to the planning area. These uses often have ancillary commercial activity
and are essential to the life of the Boulder community. These uses include smaller scale auto-
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related uses, small printing operations, building contractors, building supply warehouses, small
manufacturing operations and similar uses.
The industrial uses considered as 'Light' on the Comprehensive Plan are primarily research
and development, light manufacturing, large scale printing and publishing, electronics, or
other intensive employment uses. These uses are concentrated primarily in 'industrial parks'
located within the Gunbarrel area along the Longmont Diagonal, and along Arapahoe
Avenue between 33rd and 55th streets.
Mixed Use-Industrial development may be deemed appropriate and will be encouraged in
some industrial areas where industrial character will predominate. Housing compatible with
and appropriate to the industrial character will be encouraged and may be required.
Neighborhood retail and service uses may be allowed. Specific zoning and other regulations
will be adopted which define the desired intensity, mix, location and design characteristics of
these uses.
Public/Semi-Public Land Use Designations
Public/Semi-Public land use designations encompass a wide range of public and private non-
profit uses that provide a community service. This category includes municipal and public
utility services such as the municipal airport, water reservoirs, and water and wastewater
treatment plants. Public/Semi-Public also includes: educational facilities, including public
and private schools and the university; government offices such as city and county buildings,
libraries, and the jail; government laboratories; and nonprofit facilities such as cemeteries,
churches, hospitals, retirement complexes and may include other uses as allowed by zoning.
Agriculture Land Use Designation
An Agriculture land use designation identifies land in the Service Area that is planned to
remain in agricultural use. Uses that are auxiliary to agriculture, such as a home, a barn and
outbuildings and the incidental sales of farm or horticultural products are expected on land
with this designation. Given the urban nature of Boulder, the designation will be used rarely.
Environmental Preservation
The Environmental Preservation designation includes private lands in Areas I and II with
environmental values that the city and county would like to preserve through a variety of
preservation methods including but not limited to intergovernmental agreements,
dedications, development restrictions, rezonings, acquisitions, and density transfers.
Natural Ecosystem Overlay
In order to encourage environmental preservation, a Natural Ecosystem overlay is applied over
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations throughout the Boulder Valley Planning Area.
Natural ecosystems are defined as areas that support native plants and animals or possess
important ecological, biological or geological values that represent the rich natural history of the
Boulder Valley. The Natural Ecosystems overlay also identifies connections and buffers that are
important for sustaining biological diversity and viable habitats for native species, for protecting
the ecological health of certain natural systems, and to buffer potential impacts from adjacent
land uses.
A Natural Ecosystems overlay will not necessarily preclude development or human use of a
particular area or supersede any other land use designation but will serve to identify certain
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environmental issues in the area. The overlay will serve to guide the city and the county in
decisions about public acquisition, purchase of development rights or conservation easements,
promotion of private land conservation practices, density transfers, rezonings, development
review, annexations and initial zonings, rezonings, service area boundary changes, and
subcommunity and departmental master planning.
A description of the criteria used to identify lands suitable for a Natural Ecosystems designation
can be found in the environmental resources element of the plan on the web at:
www.boulderval/eycompplan.net.
Open Space and Parks
Open Space
Open Space designations on the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Map include the following
three categories of land:
Open Space -Acquired: Land already acquired by the city or Boulder County for open space
purposes;
Open Space -Development Restrictions: Privately owned land with conservation easements or
other development restrictions; and
Open Space -Other: Other public and private land designated prior to 1981 that the city and
county would like to preserve through various preservation methods including but not limited
to intergovernmental agreements, dedications or acquisitions.
Open Space designations are not intended to limit acquisition, but to be indicative of the broad
goals of the program. Other property that meets Open Space purposes and functions should be
considered and may be acquired. Open Space designations indicate that the long-term use of the
land is planned to serve one or more open space functions. However, Open Space designations
may not reflect the current use of the land while in private ownership.
Urban and Other Parks
Urban and Other Parks includes public lands used for a variety of active and passive recreational
purposes. Urban parks provided by the city include pocket parks, neighborhood parks,
community parks and city parks as defined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The specific
characteristics of each park depend on the type of park, size, topography and neighborhood
preferences. Neighborhood parks typically provide a children's playground, picnic facilities,
benches, walkways, landscaped areas and multi-use open grass areas. Other park uses may
include recreational facilities such as basketball or tennis courts, community gardens and natural
areas. There are three community park sites (Harlow Platts, East Boulder and Foothills) that are
fully or partially developed. Large multi-use city parks are planned for two locations: 1) the
Valmont Park site and 2) the Area III -Planning Reserve site, which will be held to meet future
recreational needs. The Boulder Reservoir is a regional park that provides opportunities for
fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, etc. Other public recreational facilities, including city
recreation centers, a golf course, swimming pools, ballfields, and the Eldorado Canyon State Park
are also included in this category.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
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IV . Implementation
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan policies provide overarching direction for planning,
development and programs in the Boulder Valley. Implementation tools that translate the plan
into action include:
• Subcommunity and Area Planning
• Master Plans
• Trails Map
Subcommunity and Area Plann ing
Subcommunity and area planning bridges the gap between the broad policies of the Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan and site specific project review (development applications or city
capital projects).
Subcommunity and area plans:
• Establish the official future vision of an area;
• Create a common understanding among residents, business and land owners, and city
departments of expected changes in the area;
• Determine the appropriate density, character, scale and mix of uses in an area, and
identify the regulatory changes needed to ensure or encourage appropriate development
compatible with its surrounding area;
• Define desired characteristics of an area or neighborhood that should be preserved or
enhanced;
• Define the acceptable amount of infill and redevelopment and determine standards and
performance measures for design quality to avoid or adequately mitigate the negative
impacts of infill and redevelopment and enhance the benefits;
• Identify the need and locations for new or enhanced pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular
connections;
• Identify the need and locations for new public or private facilities, such as shopping,
child care, schools, parks and recreation, library and transit facilities, so that daily needs
are close to where people live and work and to contribute to the livability, enjoyment,
and sense of physical and social identity of a subcommunity or area;
• Develop implementation methods for achieving the goals of the plan, which may
include: neighborhood improvement, trail, park or street projects; changes to the land use
regulations or zoning districts; or changes to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map.
Area plans typically address planning issues at a more detailed level than subcommunity plans.
The planning horizon for subcommunity and area plans is the same as that for the Comprehensive
Plan-15 years.
The subcommunity and area planning process includes:
• Identifying opportunities to address Comprehensive Plan goals;
• Developing criteria for decision-making that balance local area interests with those of the
broader community;
• Involving interested groups and individuals to identify issues and opportunities to be
addressed by the plan and establish a common vision for the future;
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• Identifying a range of appropriate techniques for determining the priority of, and means
of financing, plan elements; and
• Establishing a planning framework in which to review public projects, land use changes,
and development proposals to implement or ensure compliance with the plan.
Boulder County is involved in the development of plans that affect land in Area II or III.
Subcommunity and area plans are adopted by Planning Board and City Council and amended as
needed with the same legislative process as originally adopted.
Subcommunity Planning
There are nine subcommunity planning areas within the Service Area: Central Boulder,
Crossroads, the University of Colorado, East Boulder, Southeast Boulder, South Boulder, North
Boulder, Palo Park, and Gunbarrel.
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When the subcommunity and area planning program was instituted in 1990, the idea was to
develop plans for all of the subcommunities. The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was the first
because the area had the largest amount of vacant land in the city at the time and a significant
amount of change was anticipated. As the city becomes more fully developed, the need for
extensive planning at the subcommunity planning level has lessened, and it is now thought that
not all subcommunities will necessarily have subcommunity plans. If they do, they will address
fewer issues than were tackled in the North Boulder Subcommunity Plan. It is anticipated that
each subcommunity plan will be evaluated as needed and monitored annually through the Capital
Improvements Program (CIP) and the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Action Plan.
Area Planning
Area plans are developed for areas with special problems or opportunities that are not adequately
addressed by comprehensive planning, subcommunity planning or existing land use regulations.
Area planning is initiated as issues or opportunities arise.
Criteria for Selection
The criteria for selecting the priority for the development of subcommunity and area plans are:
• Extent to which the plan implements Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan goals;
• Imminence of change anticipated in the area;
• Magnitude of an identified problem;
• Likelihood of addressing a recurring problem;
• Cost and time effectiveness of doing the plan; and
• Extent to which plan improves land use regulations, the development review process and
the quality of public and private improvements.
Adopted Subcommunity and Area Plans
The city has adopted the following subcommunity or area plans:
• Boulder Plaza Subarea Plan, 1992
• North Boulder Subcornmunity Plan, 1995
• University Hill Area Plan, 1996
• Crossroads East/ Sunrise Center Area Plan, 1997
• Gunbarrel Community Center Plan, 2004
• Transit Village Area Plan, 2007
• Junior Academy Area Plan, 2009
North Boulder Subcommunity Plan
The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was adopted in 1995 to develop a vision for an area that
had considerable development potential. The plan aims to preserve the present character and
livability of the existing residential neighborhoods and ensure that future changes are beneficial to
both the subcommunity and the city as a whole. A new mixed use village center along Broadway
is envisioned to become the heart ofsubcommunity activity. New neighborhoods in the northern
portion of the subcommunity are meant to create a strong edge to the city and an attractive
entrance into Boulder.
Implementation of the Plan
The North Boulder Subcommunity Plan was the basis for re-zoning of a portion of the area in
1997. Five new zoning districts were created to implement the design guidelines in the plan,
including: a business main street zone, patterned after historic 'Main Street' business districts;
three mixed use zones that provide a transition between the higher intensity business 'Main
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Street' and surrounding residential or industrial areas; and a mixed density residential zone
district. The plan also established a street and pedestrian/bicycle network plan, to which
developing or re-developing properties must adhere.
Gunbarrel Community Center Plan
The Gunbarrel Community Center Plan, adopted in 2004 and amended in 2006, provides a
blueprint for transitioning the Gunbarrel commercial area from mostly light industrial uses to a
viable and vibrant, pedestrian-oriented commercial center serving Gunbarrel subcommunity
residents and workers. This will involve: expanding the amount of retail and allowing more
density in the retail area; adding new residential and some offices uses in proximity to the retail
core; and providing more vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle connections to and from and within
the center. The new connections will improve access, break down the existing "superblocks,"
provide better visibility to shops, and promote more pedestrian-scale architecture and outdoor
spaces. Spine Road between Lookout and Gunpark roads will become the 'Main Street' for the
retail area.
Implementation of the Plan
Implementation of the Gunbarrel Community Center Plan will occur over a long period of time
through a combination of actions from both the public and private sectors. Business associations,
such as the Gunbarrel Business Alliance, and neighborhood groups will play an important role in
promoting collaboration to successfully implement the plan. Land use changes were made in the
2005 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update to reflect the plan vision.
Transit Village Area Plan/ Boulder Junction
The Transit Village Area Plan guides development of an area that is within walking distance of a
future transit hub near 30th and Pearl streets, wruch will provide regional and local bus and rail
service. The plan recommends land use changes to transform this mostly industrial, low density,
automobile-oriented area into a more urban, higher density, pedestrian-oriented environment,
with a mixture of uses, including new retail and office, and new residential neighborhoods for a
diversity of incomes and lifestyles. Many of the existing service commercial and industrial uses
on the north and east side of the area, respectively, will continue. The plan also focuses on:
developing new, high-quality public spaces and streets; creating a new home for the rustoric
Union-Pacific train depot; and protecting and enhancing Goose Creek.
Implementation of the Plan
After adoption of the plan, the area was renamed Boulder Junction. Implementation will entail
significant public investment in the transit facilities, the adjacent pocket park and civic plaza, the
new north-south collector road, rehabilitation of the Depot, Goose Creek enhancements and the
city-owned site at the northeast corner of the 30th and Pearl intersection. Property owners will
contribute to construction of new streets, sidewalks and bicycle facilities when they develop their
properties. In 2010 and 2011 , land use and zoning changes were made on the west side of the
area, and a general improvement district was formed to manage parking and provide
Transportation Demand Management services. Land use changes and public improvements on
the east side of the area will occur later, after substantial redevelopment of the west side.
Central Area
The Downtown, the University and the Boulder Valley Regional Center areas constitute the three
primary activity centers within the Boulder Valley's central area.
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The Downtown is the heart of Boulder-a hub of civic, social, cultural, entertainment, spiritual,
professional and commercial activity. The Pearl Street Mall provides a unique pedestrian
experience, with surrounding historic residential neighborhoods, newer commercial and mixed
use buildings, the city's civic center and Boulder Creek in close proximity. Several documents
and districts work to maintain and enhance the Downtown environment:
• The Downtown Urban Design Guidelines, adopted in 1986 and revised in 2002 and
2011, guide the design quality of new construction and preservation and renovation
projects located downtown.
• The Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID), formed in 1970, provides
parking and related improvements and maintenance in a 35-block area encompassing the
Downtown.
• The Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID), formed in 1999,
provides enhancements and services (economic vitality, marketing and enhanced
maintenance) in the roughly the same area as CAGID to supplement services provided by
the city.
• The 2005 Downtown Strategic Plan recommends near-term strategies to keep
Downtown Boulder vibrant and successful, for example, supporting small businesses and
simplifying parking.
Boulder Valley Regional Center
The Boulder Valley Regional Center (BVRC) is a primarily commercial area, providing retail at a
range of scales, restaurants, offices, and hotels in the geographic center of Boulder. There is also
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some high-density housing, two parks and the Dairy Center for the Arts. The BVRC was
established as an urban renewal district in 1979 to revitalize the area, with public improvements
financed by bonds that were paid off in 2002. The following plans and guidelines continue to
guide redevelopment and evolution of the area into a more attractive, pedestrian-, bicycle-and
transit-friendly place:
• The Boulder Plaza Subarea Plan, 1992, and the Crossroads/Sunrise Center Area
Plan, 1997, provide guidance on specific improvements to circulation, the public realm
and building design in each area when redevelopment occurs.
• The BVRC Transportation Connections Plan, adopted in 1997 and updated in 1998
and 2002, shows where pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular transportation facilities should
be constructed or improved through redevelopment or the Capital Improvements
Program.
• The BVRC Design Guidelines, adopted in 1998, establishes design goals and guidelines
for development proposals in the BVRC, including site layout, circulation, buildings,
landscaping and open space, streetscape, and signs.
University of Colorado and University Hill
The University of Colorado-Boulder (CU-Boulder) is an important part of the Boulder Valley's
intellectual, cultural, social and economic life. The University's plans for expansion are set forth
primarily in these documents:
• The Flagship 2030 strategic plan seeks to position CU-Boulder for global leadership in
education, research, and creative works by the year 2030. It envisions an increase in the
number of undergraduate, graduate and professional school students and a corresponding
increase in faculty.
• The draft 2011 Campus Master Plan will provide guiding principles for developing
facilities over the next ten years in support of the Flagship 2030 vision. The plan
proposes development of the East Campus (generally bounded by 30th Street, Colorado
Avenue, Arapahoe Avenue, and Foothills Parkway) as a full campus, with higher density
building and a broad mix of programs. The Williams Village property will also continue
to be developed. Growth on Main Campus will be limited, and the South Campus will
continue to be reserved as a land bank for future generations. The final plan is expected
to be completed in 2011.
The University Hill business district, to the west of Main Campus across Broadway, serves both
the university population and the surrounding neighborhood, with restaurants, shopping and
entertainment. Efforts to revitalize and diversify uses on The Hill to include more housing, some
office, a broader range of retail offerings and increased cultural activities are guided by the
following:
• The University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID), created in 1970 and
expanded in 1985, provides parking, maintenance and aesthetic improvements to the
business district and also has played a leadership role in facilitating revitalization and
redevelopment on The Hill.
• The 1996 University Hill Area Plan initiated streetscape improvements and land use
regulation amendments to enhance the appeal and safety of public spaces, encourage
mixed use development, and support and strengthen The Hill's pedestrian-oriented, urban
village character
• Direction from City Council in 2010 to explore strategies for Hill revitalization, including
creation of a general improvement district for the surrounding high-density
residential neighborhood and an "innovation district" in the commercial area.
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Surrounding Neighborhoods
Goals for specific Central Area neighborhoods near the Downtown and the University are as
follows :
• The Pearl Street Corridor between 18th Street and Folsom links the Downtown with
the BVRC. The corridor is half a block wide along both sides of Pearl Street and is
separated from established residential neighborhoods by alleys. The vision for the
corridor is an interesting and varied mix of uses, combining urban-density housing with
small-scale retail uses and office space. The scale of new buildings will be sensitive in
use and design to adjacent residential uses. The challenge is to strengthen the pedestrian
environment along the street from Downtown to the BVRC and beyond to Boulder
Junction.
• The Community Hospital/Community Plaza neighborhood, just north of the
downtown along Broadway, includes the hospital, medical offices and two shopping
centers. The design of commercial expansions and physical improvements in the area
must incorporate special considerations to minimize impacts to adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
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Master Plans
City departments prepare master plans to provide a common framework for planning the
delivery and funding of city services, facilities and programs. These, in turn, provide the
basis for capital improvement programming and operational budgeting. Master plans are
developed to be consistent with the policies, plans, and population and employment
projections provided in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan.
Master plan summaries:
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Transportation
Fire/Emergency
Source Water
Wastewater
Library
Historic Preservation
Facilities and Asset Management
Waste Reduction
Each summary has a link to the full plans.
Open Space and Mountain Parks
Parks and Recreation
Green ways
Police
Treated Water
Flood and Stormwater
The Arts
Housing and Human Services
Airport
Climate Action
The 2005 Open Space and Mountain Parks Visitor Master Plan (VMP) serves as a
framework for how Open Space and Mountain Parks will provide high quality visitor
experiences while protecting and preserving significant natural areas and valuable
habitats for native plants and animals. The VMP contains goals, objectives, policy
guidance and an overview of strategies and investment programs that the city and
community intend to accomplish by the year 2015. Future planning for Open Space and
Mountain Parks will combine landscape level planning with protecting or restoring native
ecosystems, maintaining viable and functional plant and animal communities and
habitats, and maintaining sustainable historical land uses in the Boulder Valley. Priorities
will be consistent with the purposes of Open Space as specified in the City Charter.
Parks and Recreation
The 2006 Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a strategic guide for decision-making for
the department through 2016. The plan goals include: maintain and protect parks and
recreation facilities and programs; fill in the gaps in the parks and recreation system;
engage a broader range of the community, especially underrepresented populations; and
be a community leader in environmental sustainability. A major focus of the master plan
is financial sustainability and is based on three funding levels: fiscally constrained or
present budget level, action plan, and vision plan levels. The plan presents a vision for the
future, what the department intends to do within each funding level, including specific
recommendations for parks and recreation facilities, and the amount of funding each level
will require. Additionally, the plan identifies potential new funding sources to be
explored.
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Transportation
Since 1989, the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) has placed transportation plans and
programs within the context of the broader community goals to protect the natural
environment and enhance Boulders quality of life. The TMP recognizes that Boulder is
unlikely to build significant additional road capacity due to environmental, financial and
community constraints. The plan establishes the following goals:
• A transportation system supportive of community goals;
• An integrated, multimodal transportation system em phasing the role of the
pedestrian mode as the primary mode of travel;
• Sufficient, timely and equitable financing mechanisms for transportation;
• Public participation and regional coordination in transportation planning; and
• A transportation system supportive of desired land use patterns and functional,
attractive urban design.
These goals are measured according to the following objectives:
• Continued progress toward no growth in long term vehicle traffic;
• Reduction of single-occupant-vehicle travel to 25 percent of trips;
• Continued reduction in mobile source emissions of air pollutants;
• No more than 20 percent of roadways congested (at Level of Service F);
• Expansion of fiscally viable transportation alternatives for all Boulder residents
and employees, including the elderly and those with disabilities; and
• Increase in transportation alternatives commensurate with the rate of employee
growth.
The 2003 update to the TMP identified four focus areas for strategic action: multimodal
corridors, regional travel, transportation demand management (TDM) and funding. The
2008 update reflects the work of the FasTracks Local Optimization process, which
reaffirmed the policy direction of the plan, reflected changing financial conditions and
added the scaled down, strategic Complete Streets investment program.
Greenways
The 2001 Greenways Master Plan integrates multiple city objectives for Boulder's
riparian corridors:
• habitat protection
• water quality enhancement
• storm drainage and floodplain management
• trails and recreation, and
• cultural resources protection.
The basis of the plan is the understanding that stream corridors are a vital link in the
larger ecosystem and that each stream is an important natural and cultural resource in the
community. The plan includes baseline studies and recommended improvements for
each corridor, processes for project planning and public involvement, a maintenance
strategy and funding opportunities. Greenways projects are funded from a variety of
sources, and several boards are involved, under the auspices of the Greenways Advisory
Committee, in planning, reviewing and approving projects: the Water Resources
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Advisory Board, Transportation Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,
the Open Space Board of Trustees, Environmental Advisory Board and Planning Board.
An update to the master plan is expected to be completed in 2011.
Fire/Emergency Medical Service
The Fire Department is responsible for the protection of life and property through fire
prevention, education, fire suppression and emergency medical and rescue services. The
1996 Fire and Rescue Master Plan outlines the Fire Department's goals as:
• Minimize death, injuries, and losses due to fire and natural and technological
disasters;
• Minimize death and suffering for people experiencing sudden illness, accidents or
mJury;
• Minimize the number and adverse impact of hazardous materials releases;
• Provide cost effective fire protection and emergency services;
• Maximize public satisfaction; and
• Protect local ecosystems
The master plan includes the departmental philosophy, service standards, and fire
protection goals and objectives. An update to the plan is anticipated to be completed in
2011.
Police
The Boulder Police Department provides both service and safety and has adopted a
philosophical shift from a traditional 911-driven, purely reactive approach to an emphasis
on community-based, prevention-oriented police services. The department defines its
fundamental responsibilities as the following:
• Enforcing laws and preserving public safety and order;
• Reducing crime and disorder through prevention and intervention;
• Responding to community needs through partnerships and joint problem-solving;
• Investigating and reporting serious and non-serious crimes for prosecution;
• Providing information and service referrals; and
• Managing and administering departmental operations.
The 2001 Police Master Plan focuses on internal changes that continue earlier
improvements and do not require additional staffing or funding. An update to the plan is
anticipated to be completed in 2011.
Source Water
The 2009 Source Water Master Plan (SWMP) takes a broad watershed perspective to
guide source water management. The SWMP presents facility improvements to
Boulder's water supply system, including storage, conveyance, hydroelectric and
treatment, for the next 20 years. The plan also includes reliability standards for the water
provided by the city, based on the type of uses, ranging from those uses that require an
assured supply, such as drinking water and firefighting, to those that can tolerate
occasional restrictions, such as lawn irrigation and car washing. The plan anticipates that
the city will maintain a diversity of water supply sources (both East and West Slope
sources) to increase supply reliability and hedge against droughts. Extensive modeling
shows that the city has suffiyient supply holdings to meet the ultimate municipal water
72
needs of expected development levels within the city's water service boundaries. In
addition to residential and commercial consumptive uses, the city's raw water supply has
been used for maintaining streamflow and enhancing stream habitat in Boulder Creek and
its tributaries and for leasing to downstream agricultural and recreational users.
Treated Water Facilities
The Treated Water Master Plan was updated in 2000 to reassess the city's treated water
system and present a plan for future system development needs. The city's treated water
facilities include water treatment plants, reservoirs, pump stations, hydroelectric
facilities, pressure reducing station and the transmission/distribution lines (water mains).
Major items considered in the plan update included revisions to water quality regulations
and standards, changes to Boulder's land use and zoning, and completion of many facility
improvements. The plan also set reliability criteria for delivery of treated water. As a
result of the plan update, the city continued a moderate water conservation program
aimed at reducing the peak water demand and began aggressively replacing aging water
distribution pipes. The Utilities Division also developed a computerized hydraulic model
of the water delivery system. An update to the plan is expected to be completed in 2011.
Wastewater Utility
The 2009 Wastewater Utility Master Plan (WWUMP) presents key issues, programs,
policies and associated budgets for the wastewater collection system, wastewater
treatment plant, and water quality programs. The WWUMP is supported by three
primary planning documents: the Wastewater Collection System Master Plan (updated in
2009), the Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan (updated in 2007) and the Water
Quality Strategic Plan (updated in 2009).
The three guiding principles for the WWUMP are:
• Protect public health and safety
• Protect Boulder's natural resources and the environment, and
• Maximize the use of the Wastewater Utility's funds.
The wastewater treatment plant has recently undergone signjficant modifications to
increase the hydraulic capacity to 25 million gallons per day and meet future ammonia-
nitrogen limit requirements. The Wastewater Collection System Master Plan included
the development of a new GIS-based hydraulic sewer model.
Flood and Stormwater Utility
The Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Utility Master Plan, adopted in 2004, serves
as the framework for evaluating, developing and implementing various programs and
activities in the flood and storm water utility within the scope of the available budget. The
master plan outlines the following guiding principles for managing the utility:
Floodplain Management
• Preserve floodplains
• Be prepared for floods
• Help people protect themselves from flood hazards
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• Prevent adverse impacts and unwise uses in the floodplain
• Seek to accommodate floods, not control them
Stormwater Quality
• Preserve our streams
• Prevent adverse impacts from stormwater
• Protect and enhance stream corridors
Stormwater Drainage
• Maintain and preserve existing and natural drainage systems
• Reduce and manage developed runoff
• Eliminate drainage problems and nui sances
Library
The Boulder Public Library (BPL) contributes to social sustainability goals by providing
free library services that allow community members of all incomes, ages, and
backgrounds to stand on equal footing with regard to information access. BPL also
serves as a community center, providing spaces for a wide variety of public gatherings
and cultural events. The 2007 Library Master Plan identifies four strategic issues that
must be addressed for the library to continue to meet the needs of the Boulder
community:
• Libraries worldwide are in the midst of radical and rapid changes in how they
provide services;
• The demographics of Boulder are changing, resulting in a broader range of needs
to be served;
• BPL facilities are aging and are not easily adapted to provide flexible, responsive
and updated services;
• The quality of the BPL's services is not sustainable at current funding levels.
Master plan goals include:
• Provide welcoming community space in which all members of the public can
interact, exchange ideas, learn and build community, as well as read, think, work
and reflect;
• Provide resources that inform, educate, inspire and bring enjoyment to both
individuals and the community as a whole;
• Develop and maintain an information technology architecture that accommodates
the changing requirements of delivering library services in the 21st century;
• Engage the entire community to meet the unique and varying informational needs;
and
• Create a stable and sustainable funding model that honors the mission of
providing the community with free and equal access to information.
The Arts
The 2005 Cultural Master Plan was created by the Boulder Arts Commission and
provides an updated look at Boulder's accomplishments in the arts, the current strengths
74
and weaknesses of the arts community, and the economic benefit of the arts to the greater
community. The plan re-emphasizes the vision laid out in the original 1992 master plan:
to position Boulder as an important year-round center for the arts-with "the arts"
defined broadly to encompass all visual, literary, performing, traditional, experimental
and folk disciplines-and to ensure that art is inclusive of all peoples, ages and cultures.
The master plan is specifically crafted to respond to the financial challenges currently
faced by arts organizations. It contains goals and objectives in five key areas:
• Cultural facil ities development
• Positioning, marketing and promotion
• Arts education: Audience development and advocacy
• Organizational development
• Community and arts partnerships.
Historic Preservation
The city Historic Preservation program designates historic districts and individual
landmarks, lists structures or sites of merit, and reviews and approves proposed
alterations to historic properties, new construction in historic districts, and demolitions of
buildings over 50 years old, in addition to carrying out special projects. As of 2011, there
were ten designated historic districts in Boulder:
• Floral Park (established in 1977)
• Chautauqua Park (established in 1978)
• Mapleton Hill (established in 1984)
• West Pearl (established in 1994)
• Chamberlain (established in 1995)
• Downtown Boulder (established 1999)
• Hillside (established 2001)
• Highland Lawn (established 2005)
• University Place (established 2006)
• 16th Street (established 2006)
There are over 160 individual landmarks, most of which are located in the Central Area.
Some parts of the Downtown and University Hill neighborhoods have the potential to be
designated as historic districts, and each neighborhood has individual buildings of
landmark quality. Potential districts and individual landmarks have been identified
through surveys. Official district or landmark designation is typically initiated by the
property owners with support from the city. There are over sixty approved structures of
merit that are not currently landmarked but have historic, architectural or aesthetic merit.
75
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purposes and standards outlined in the historic preservation code and adopted design
guidelines. There are specific guidelines for a number of historic districts, as well as
general design guidelines that apply to all designated local districts and individual
landmarks.
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Housing and Human Services
The 2006 Housing and Human Services (HHS) Master Plan is a strategic guide for
decision-making and allocation of resources for the department through 2015. The plan
focuses on creating a healthy community by providing and supporting diverse housing
and human services to Boulder residents in need. The plan goals focus on three key city
roles:
• Leader and community partner: Works to build community capacity to provide
human services and build social capital through technical assistance, program
partnerships, regional planning and evaluation of and response to social issues.
• Funder: Provides funding to community nonprofits and organizations to provide
basic safety net services, early intervention and prevention programs, housing
programs and diversity and cultural funding to Boulder residents.
• Service Provider: Provides services where there is a demonstrated need in the
community that cannot be met by another sector or where community institutional
capacity, resources or leadership to develop or implement services do not
currently exist.
Through these three roles, the HHS Master Plan puts forth guiding principles that shape
HHS policies and programs to fulfill its mission in five priority areas: Housing; Children,
Youth, and Families; Senior Services; Office of Human Rights and Community
Relations; and Human Services Policy and Planning. The guiding principles provide for
program delivery that focuses on safety net services, community responsibility and social
equity, economic and social diversity, and self-sufficiency.
Facilities and Asset Management
The Facilities and Asset Management (FAM) workgroup in the city Public Works
Department maintains over 100 city facilities. The 2005 FAM Master Plan establishes
methods and performance measures for managing FAM facilities and assets and
promotes cost-effective programs that provide safe, clean and efficient environments for
the public and city staff. It reinforces the need for high quality design in municipal
projects and addresses environmental sustainability goals on all levels, for example,
proper waste management, selection of replaceable materials, installation of energy
efficient equipment, and maximizing renewable energy sources. The plan lays out goals
and objectives for the next 10 years, through 2014, and is based on the assumption that
resources from the General Fund will continue to be limited. An update to the master
plan is expected to be completed in 2011.
Airport
Boulder Municipal Airport (BMA) is a general aviation airport owned and operated by
the city. It has served the Boulder aviation community since 1928 and focuses on
recreational flying, local business-related flights, flight training, fire/rescue flights and
parachuting. The airport has 190 based aircraft, one runway and one glider strip. The
2006 Airport Master Plan Update assesses the current and anticipated needs of the
Airport and plans facility and management improvements for the next 20 years. It
outlines the following goals:
• Operate in a safe and efficient manner;
77
• Continue to serve the needs of the Boulder aviation community;
• Maximize compatibility with the community in regard to aircraft noise impacts;
and
• Maintain financial self-sufficiency.
The number of aircraft operations is forecasted to remain at current levels or at levels
experienced in the past 15 to 20 years. Major changes to the facility are not proposed;
improvements ai:e primarily focused on maintaining the facility and operations, as well as
meeting aircraft storage needs if the market demands.
Waste Reduction
The 2006 Master Plan for Waste Reduction identifies avenues for the Boulder community
to achieve zero waste at three different levels of funding, through a combination of
facilities, regulations, and services and programs provided by the city, the county and
partner nonprofits. Examples include: drop-off centers for recyclable, re-usable and
hazardous materials; mandatory construction and demolition material recycling; curbside
recyclable and compostable pick-up service; education programs; and rebates. An update
to the master plan is expected to be completed in 2011 .
Climate Action
The 2009 Community Guide to Boulder's Climate Action Plan is a roadmap for reducing
community greenhouse gas emissions. It updates and expands the 2006 Climate Action
Plan (CAP). The Community Guide lays out a set of strategies for the city to take to help
organizations, individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint in the six key
areas:
1. Reduce energy use
2. Improve energy efficiency in buildings
3. Augment renewable energy sources
4. Increase walking, biking and transit use and reduce vehicle emissions
5. Minimize landfill waste (which emits methane gas)
6. Protect and grow the urban forest
The CAP also initiated on-going measurement of Boulder's progress toward the goal of
reducing greenhouse gas emissions to seven percent below 1990 levels by 2012. And it
acted as a springboard for the city to re-examine its energy source options through the
Energy Future project initiated in 2010, based on an Energy Localization framework.
Trails Map
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Trails Map is a comprehensive guide for
existing and proposed trails and trail connections for the entire Boulder Valley. It shows
proposed trails that have been planned through departmental master planning or area
planning processes as well as trail connections that are important links in the Boulder
Valley and regional trails systems.
A color version of the trails map can be found at: http://www.bouldervalleycompplan.net
and click on Plans.
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Trails planning in the Boulder Valley involves balancing environmental, community and
mobility goals as well as resolving or mitigating trail impacts. The following Boulder
Valley Comprehensive Plan policies guide trails planning:
• Policy 2.30 Boulder Creek and its Tributaries as Important Urban Design Features
• Policy 2.32 Trail Corridors I Linkages
• Policy 8.12 Trail Functions and Locations 8.13 Trails Network
The Trails Map shows existing and proposed trails in the Boulder Valley that are or will
be administered by the city of Boulder Planning Department, Parks and Recreation
Department, Open Space and Mountain Parks Department, Transportation Division, the
Greenways Program and Boulder County Parks and Open Space and Transportation
Departments. This map is used by the city, the county, Boulder Valley citizens and other
concerned parties to understand, maintain and advance the network of trails that the city,
the county, and other public agencies now provide and hope to provide in the future and
should be used as a system planning tool.
Each department generates more detailed maps to meet their own needs and those of
trails users. Other maps (such as those in departmental master plans or specific area
plans) are used to show complete systems.
The Trails Map includes designated unpaved off-street paths, paved off-street paths,
multi-use paths that are paved and separated from but parallel to a road, and short, paved
off-street paths that connect to a larger trail or bike network and are part of an adopted
pedestrian or bike system plan. It does not include sidewalks, on-street bike lanes or bike
routes, paved road shoulders or low volume streets serving as bike lanes, routes, or
internal walkways.
Trails planning and implementation occur at several steps that get progressively more
detailed. The first step is to identify a need or desire for a trail or trail connection, a step
that usually occurs as part of departmental master plans. Interdepartmental coordination
on trails and trail connections occur as part of the master planning process. Proposed
trails may be further refined through other detailed planning processes, such as the
Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Trail Study Area (TSA) or Community and
Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP). Two kinds of trail designations are
included on the Trail Map--conceptual trail alignments and proposed trails. The primary
difference relates to the degree that the trail has been studied and whether or not a
specific trail alignment has been worked out. Specific definitions include:
Conceptual Trail Alignments
These trails are represented by bubbles or circles on the Trails Map. These bubbles show
the need or desire for the trail located in a conceptual trail corridor. The specific
alignment has not yet been selected, often because there are still issues that need to be
resolved. These issues may involve the need for further study or public process and
usually require resolution of environmental, ownership, neighborhood, or other concerns.
However, the concept for the trail is supported by the signatories of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan.
79
Proposed Trails
These trails are represented by solid lines on the Trails Map. These lines show the trail
need or desire, but they also show a more definite trail alignment accepted by the public
entities involved. There may still be issues to be worked out at the project planning step,
but the trail alignment is more certain.
Process for Changes to the Trails Map
At each mid-term or major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, an
interdepartmental staff group will assess the need to update the Trails Map. If changes are
warranted, staff will analyze the map and compile a list of recommended changes to be
included in the Comprehensive Plan update process. Changes to the map may occur when
there has been new information or changed circumstances regarding a proposed trail or
when an alternatives analys is and public process have occurred at the master planning or
area planning level and new trails plans have been adopted. Minor changes can be
incorporated into the Trails Map at any time without board adoption. These minor map
changes are limited to changes in factual information, which include map corrections and
changes in designation from proposed to existing trails (i.e., built). These minor map
changes will be identified for the boards at the Comprehensive Plan update process.
Any member of the public may propose changes to the Trails Map at a mid-term or major
update to the Comprehensive Plan. These requests should be made in the application
process established for the update. Staff will analyze these proposals and a
recommendation will be presented to the four adopting bodies along with other
applications. Changes to the Trails Map will be forwarded to the following advisory
boards for review and comment: Open Space and Mountain Parks Board of Trustees,
Greenways Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board, and the County Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee. Changes to
the Trails Map may also be forwarded to other advisory boards depending on issues
associated with a trail proposal. Recommendations and comments will be forwarded to
the adopting bodies. Changes to the Trails Map must be adopted by the city Planning
Board, City Council, the County Planning Commission, and the County Commissioners.
All recommendations for changes to the Trails Map will be evaluated by each of the
departments involved. Agreement by affected departments on the suitability of the trail
and trail alignment will be sought as part of the interdepartmental review.
2010 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 80
V. Referral Process
As part of the cooperative planning process, the City of Boulder and Boulder County have
established the following referral process for certain types of land use and public
improvements activity within the Boulder Valley. A referral is a written communication
from the Planning Department of either the city or the county to the Planning Department
of either the county or the city, respectively, in which there is contained either a request for
or a response to a request for review and comment on the above-described.
Responses to all referrals will be based upon the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, including all
applicable policies, maps, and implementation documents, and applicable codes, agreements, ordinances,
and resolutions of the respective jurisdictions.
All referral requests and responses of departments of the city and the county will be received,
reviewed and communicated through the respective planning departments, with the understanding that
referral responses may be reviewed by the Planning Board or Planning Commission and/or the City
Council or Board of County Commissioners at the referee's discretion.
Complete referral responses will be made promptly. The referrer will consider all referral responses or the
fact that there have been no responses before proceeding with the activity proposed.
The city will not grant or deny applications for out-of-city water and sewer permits for development
activities in Area II unless it has first received a referral response from the county.
81
VI. Urban Service Criteria and
Standards
Purposes of Urban Service Standards
The urban service standards set the benchmark for providing a full range of urban services in the Boulder Valley. A
basic premise of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan is that "adequate urban facilities and services" are a
prerequisite for new urban development and that, within the Boulder Valley, the city of Boulder is the provider of
choice for urban services since it can meet all the service provision requirements embodied in the urban service
criteria and standards.
These standards are intended to be minimum requirements or thresholds for facilities and services that must be
delivered to existing urban development, or new development and redevelopment to be considered adequate. These
adequacy standards allow the county to determine if an urban level of services is met prior to approving new urban
development in the unincorporated area, and they provide the city a basis for linking the phasing of growth to the
planned provision of a full range of urban services in Area II, annexation, and capital improvement decisions.
The urb an service standards for defining adequacy of urban services are included in this section of the
Comprehensive Plan. They provide a tool for implementing Policy 1.27 of the Comprehensive Plan. Adequacy
standards are included for those urban services that are required for urban expansion in Area II. These include:
public water, public sewer, stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care,
urban police protection, multimodal transportation, and developed urban parks.
Urban Service Criteria
Five criteria are to be used in the determination of the adequacy of proposed or existing urban facilities and services
consistent with Policy 1.27. The urban service standards are written within the framework of these criteria. They
include:
1. Responsiveness to Public Objectives
It is desirable and necessary that all urban service systems be coordinated and integrated with other service systems;
evaluated periodically for need, efficiency and cost effectiveness; and studied for possible duplication of other
service systems so as to be responsive to local public objectives and general public need as determined by the
governing body.
As public fu nds and resources are limited, primary emphasis must be given to an effective allocation system that, to
the greatest extent possible, effects a consistency of legislative intent; public policy; urban service programs
funding; a periodic assessment of the type, quantity and quality of various urban services; realistic estimates of
revenue sources and future income; maximization of the availability of outside funding sources (state, federal, etc.);
and consistency of the long-range program direction in accordance with a capital improvements plan. It has been
determined that the municipal budget of the city of Boulder is such an allocation system.
2. Sufficiency and Dependability of Financing
Financing for each urban service program must be based, to the greatest extent possible, on predictable annual
revenues that are broad enough to support initial improvements, maintenance, and extensions of facilities and
82
services in relation to, at least, minimum program requirements and unexpected contingencies. Where financing is
tied solely to users' fees, serious problems may result if and when the demand for such programs may diminish. At
the same time, programs relying heavily on real property revenues or state and federal supplemental funding could
be severely restricted if such sources of financing fall short of initial predictions. While no guarantees can be given,
financing from a variety of potential sources and spread over a broad base, including sufficient latitude so that
funding can be adjusted in the future as changing conditions occur, should be preferred over single-source revenue
programs.
3. Operational Effectiveness
Each urban service program may have distinct operational needs and a wide array of operational activities might be
considered. The end result is whether or not a given public program is able to function in a direct, efficient manner.
As an example, a volunteer fire department, depending upon personnel employed in other endeavors and scattered
throughout the area of service, may not respond as quickly and effectively as firefighting personnel located where
the fire suppression equipment is stored. Also, a small sewage treatment plant receiving only limited flows might not
be adequately financed to permit proper and continuous monitoring and management.
Measures of operational effectiveness include current and long range project forecasting, coordination with other
urban service programs, maximization of economies of scale in urban service provision, and the incorporation of
operational processes and organizational methods that have proven effective in similar situations.
4. Proficiency of Personnel
Conditions and factors that may affect the competency of personnel include the following: 1) education and
experience of personnel in meeting job demands; 2) interest and willingness of personnel to implement programs; 3)
on-the-job training opportunities; 4) working conditions and fringe benefits related to employees' effectiveness; 5)
the ability of the urban service agency to pay salaries commensurate with personnel requirements; and 6) the
effectiveness of recruitment programs. As with other criteria, extremes may be involved, but in general, the measure
of whether or not urban services are being provided must in part be determined by the skills of individuals carrying
out such programs. For each job a comparison should be made of qualifications of the individual employed or to be
employed, against personnel standards established by generally recognized public or technical agencies for similar
positions.
5. Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
This factor may be more easily measured than any other since "generally accepted standards" are involved. As an
example, as residences are located in closer proximity to each other, interest in developing neighborhood parks will
normally increase. As evidenced by recreation programs desired by similar population groupings, certain standards
for park areas, spaces and facilities may be predicted. In a similar manner, most of the other public services and
facilities described in this study have minimum locational space, equipment and building needs related to given
population groupings.
Urban Service Standards
The remainder of this section contains standards for necessary urban services, according to the five primary criteria
outlined above. The required urban services and facilities are as follows: public water, public sewer, stormwater and
flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police protection, multimodal
transportation, and developed urban parks. Each of the preceding seven services (together with schools) are
considered necessary for service to residential areas; the first six are required to serve industrial and commercial
areas.
Public Water
(1) Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Provide a sufficient degree of reliability for raw water, treated water, and an efficient
transmission/distribution system capacity to meet the demands of the population 24 hours per day.
83
(b)Provide full-time personnel 24 hours per day at the water treatment plant to assure water quality,
monitor equipment and make emergency repairs.
( c )Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for water service emergencies.
(2) Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for water related
materials, capital improvement projects, equipment, facilities and personnel.
(b )Use Plant Investment Fees as possible revenue for water rights acquisition, raw/treated water
storage, treatment plant improvements/expansions and construction of water mains.
(c)Be organized to request and receive state, federal, and Northern Colorado Water Conservancy
District funds, when available, for equipment, facilities and projects.
(d)Have the ability to obtain financing through the use ofrevenue bonds.
(3) Operational Effectiveness
(a)Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities and materials.
(b)Meet standard specifications as exemplified by the American Water Works Association.
(c)Meet or surpass acceptable levels of federal and state water quality standards.
(d)City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards should be used for standards for water main design
for the Boulder Valley.
( 4) Proficiency of Personnel
(a)All water treatment plants will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate Water
Operator Certification.
(b )All water maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate Water
Distribution System Certification.
(5)Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
(a)Have capacity to deliver sufficient treated water to maximum day demand conditions.
(b)Have existing treatment plant capacity with planned expansion that will be capable of serving projected
population of the Service Area.
(c)Plan and provide treatment capability to meet
required water quality standards.
(d)On the divided highways, place hydrants on each side of highway.
(e)In single family residential areas, fire hydrant spacing shall be no greater than 500 feet. No dwelling unit
shall be over 250 feet of fire department access distance from the nearest hydrant measured along public or
private roadways or fire lanes that are accessible and would be traveled by motorized fire fighting
equipment.
(t)ln multiple family, industrial, business or commercial areas, fire hydrant spacing shall not be greater than
350 feet. No exterior portion of any building shall be over 175 feet of fire department access distance from
the nearest hydrant measured along public or private roadways or fire lanes that are accessible and would
be traveled by motorized fire fighting equipment.
(g)Provide essential equipment and vehicles for water maintenance activities and emergency use.
Public Sewer
(!)Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Provide full-time personnel 24 hours per day at the wastewater treatment plant to assure treatment
quality, monitor equipment, and make emergency repairs on equipment and facilities.
(b)Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for sanitary sewer service emergencies.
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for wastewater-
related materials, projects, equipment, facilities, and personnel.
(b )Use Plant Investment Fees as possible revenue for construction of sanitary sewer mains
and wastewater treatment plant improvement or expansion.
(c)Be organized to request and receive state and federal funds, when available, for equipment
and facilities.
(d)Have capability to finance through the use ofrevenue bonds.
(3 )Operational Effectiveness
(a)Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities, and materials.
84
(b)Meet standard specifications as exemplified by standards of the Water Environment Federation.
(c)Meet standards established by the Colorado Water Quality Commission and enforced by the Colorado
Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency and as set forth in the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System Permit.
(d)City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards should be used for standards for sanitary sewer
design for the Boulder Valley.
( e )Require all new urban development to connect to the central sewer system.
( 4 )Proficiency of Personnel
(a)All wastewater treatment plants will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the appropriate
Wastewater Operator Certification.
(b )All wastewater maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel who have obtained the
appropriate Wastewater Collection System Certification.
(c)Provide a variety of equipment and vehicles for wastewater maintenance activities and
emergency use.
(5)Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
(a)Have treatment plant capacity with planned expansion capable of serving projected population of the
service area.
(b)Design central collection system for present and future growth.
(c)Provide easily accessible repair equipment and replacement equipment for emergency use.
Stormwater and Flood Management
( 1 )Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Have personnel on call 24 hours per day for stormwater and flood emergencies.
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Have revenue sources that are guaranteed so that revenues are available for stormwater and
flood management related projects, materials, equipment, facilities, and personnel.
(b )Be organized to request and receive Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, state and federal funds,
if available, for projects, facilities and equipment.
(3)0perational Effectiveness
(a)Use annual budget for personnel, equipment, projects, facilities and materials.
(b)Meet standards as exemplified by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District.
(c)Adopt regulations consistent with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(d)The following are standards for stormwater and flood management criteria for new urban development
within the Boulder Valley:
(i)Runoff analysis will be based upon proposed land use and will take into consideration all
contributing runoff from areas outside the study area.
(ii)Storm runoff will be determined by the Rational Method or the Colorado Urban Hydrograph
Procedure.
(iii)All local collection systems will shall be designed to transport the following storm frequency :
Single Family Residential -two (2) year storm All other area -five (5) year storm
(iv)The major drainageway system will be designed to transport the 100 year event or a modified
standard in an approved plan.
(v)Storm runoff quantity greater than the "historical" amount will not be discharged into irrigation
ditches without the approval of the flood regulatory authority or the appropriate irrigation ditch
company.
(vi)The type of pipe to be installed will be determined by the flood regulatory authority and will be
based upon flows, site conditions and maintenance requirements.
(vii)All new urban development in the Boulder Service Area, which will be annexed, will be
required to meet the intent of the adopted city of Boulder flood plain regulations.
(viii)Erosion and sedimentation control will be exercised. (ix)Detention storage
requirements will be reviewed by the flood regulatory authority.
85
( 4)Proficiency of Personnel
(a)All flood control maintenance crews will be staffed by personnel trained and capable of
operating the equipment necessary to maintain the stormwater and flood management system.
(S)Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
(a)Provide essential equipment and vehicles for stormwater and flood management maintenance activities.
Urban Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Care
(l)Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Provide fire protection 24 hours per day with full-time, trained personnel.
(b )Have response time to location of emergency that is normally six minutes or less in elapsed time from
the time the call is received by the communication center until the arrival of the first fire fighting apparatus.
Command vehicles will not be considered fire fighting apparatus for this purpose. If non-residential land is
annexed outside the six minute response limit but within eight minutes, structures must be protected by a
fire sprinkler system as provided in Boulder Revised Code, Title 10, Chapter 8 in effect at the time of the
annexation.
(c)Have the ability to respond with a minimum of three firefighters per pumper.
(d)Respond with firefighters trained in emergency medical assistance and rescue techniques. The standard
for Basic Life Support (BLS) response will be: 1) Ninety percent ofBLS calls will be responded to within
six minutes; and 2) All BLS calls will be responded to within eight minutes; and 3) Respond with
Advanced Life Support (ALS) to all calls within eight minutes.
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Have funds available to provide a consistent level of fire protection.
(b )Be organized to request and receive state and federal funds, when available, for equipment and facilities .
(3)0perational Effectiveness
(a)Use annual budget for personnel, equipment and facilities.
(b)See Public Water 3-d, i & ii.
(c)Adopt, administer and enforce fire prevention and life safety codes.
(d)Inspect building plans to ensure they meet applicable fire prevention and life safety
codes.
(e)Inspect commercial and industrial structures approximately once a year. (f)Upon
request, provide a voluntary home inspection program for potential fire hazards.
(g)Maintain an inventory of industrial hazardous material storage.
(h)Review the design of land development in relation to provision of fire protection.
(4)Location and Adequacy ofEquipment and Facilities
(a)Locate fire stations so that they are within a six-minute response time.
(b)See Public Water, Section 5 d, 5 e, 5 f.
Urban Police Protection
(!)Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Provide police protection, enforcement and investigative services 24 hours a day.
(b)Provide a comprehensive mix of patrol, investigative, community collaboration, problem
solving, and support services to meet community needs for proactive and responsive police services
and to maintain effective service levels.
(c)Provide response to the scene of any potentially life-threatening police emergency normally within four
and a half minutes from tbe time the call for assistance is received by the Communications center (however,
the range for that average within the established city shall not exceed six minutes).
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Plan and budget to meet community needs for police services and maintain levels of
service.
(b)Request and utilize state and federal funds, when available, to meet special needs or newly emerging
concerns.
86
(3)0perational Effectiveness
(a)Manage expenditures to accomplish budgeted goals and operate within budgetary
constraints.
(b)Enforcement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic laws.
( c )Provide routine patrol to residential, business and industrial areas.
(d)Maintain complete and accurate records of crimes, accidents, summonses and arrests to
ensure issuance of rel iab le reports, as required by the appropriate government agency and the
Federal Bureau oflnvestigation.
(4)Location and Adequacy ofEquipment and Facilities
(a)Ensure the availability and maintenance of police equipment, particularly that affecting
officer safety.
(b)Locate patrol districts so that they are within an average four and a half minute emergency response time
24 hours per day.
Multimodal Transportation
(!)Responsiveness to Public Objectives Implement the goals and objectives of the Transportation Master Plan
through the following:
(a)Develop a complete and connected street system of local, connector and arterial roads following the
Transportation Standards of the city's Design and Construction Standards.
(b)Minimize the traffic impacts of development through the traffic or transportation studies required in the
development review process as defined in the Boulder Revised Code.
(c)Develop the complete and connected bicycle, pedestrian and transit systems defined in the city's
Transportation Master Plan.
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a) Maintain the existing revenue sources that fund transportation activities and actively pursue new
sources to support the investment program contained in the city's Transportation Master Plan.
(3 )Operational Effectiveness
(a) Maintain and operate the transportation system to maximize the efficiency of all modes of travel and for
long term sustainability following the investment priorities of the city's Transportation Master Plan.
(4)Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
(a) New development and redevelopment projects will dedicate Rights of Way (ROW) and provide
transportation facilities as required through the development review process contained in the Boulder
Revised Code.
Developed Urban Parks
(l)Responsiveness to Public Objectives
(a)Provide full and part-time personnel for design, construction, maintenance, operations, and
programming of parks and recreation facilities and programs.
(b)Have key personnel on call 24 hours per day for special service needs.
(2)Sufficiency of Financing
(a)Pursue adequate funding, including state and federal sources, to ensure the timely
implementation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
(b)Use special fees from new residential development to acquire and develop parks to serve these
areas.
( c )Prior to implementation of new programs or facility development, ensure adequate operations and
maintenance funds are available.
(3)0perational Effectiveness
(a)Manage the annual budget for efficient use of personnel, equipment and facilities.
(b )Provide parks and recreation services by using appropriate equipment and trained personnel
on a continuing basis.
(4)Location and Adequacy of Equipment and Facilities
87
(a)Provide neighborhood parks of a minimum of five acres in size within one-half mile of the
population to be served.
(b )Provide community parks of a minimum of 50 acres in size within three and one-half miles of
the population to be served.
(c)Provide playground facilities for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children up through
age 12 within one-quarter to one-half mile of residents.
(d)Provide other park and recreation facilities accessible to the public and in quantities sufficient
to address public demand. Ensure availability of parks and recreation services to all economic
segments of the community.
(e)Schedule existing developed facilities for redevelopment as conditions and use dictate.
20 l 0 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
88
I Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation Map
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89
I Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Area I, Area II, Area Ill Map
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90
2010 BVCP Trails Map Adoption Dates·
Planning Board: May 2-4, 201
CjyCouncil: June7, 1
Plaming Commision: Aug. 2-4 2011
County Commissioner.i: Sept. , 2011
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91
LEGEND:
M AREA DESCRIPTOR BOUNDARY
0 GROUP ONE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS (PUBLIC & PRIVATE LANDS)
-GROUP TWO NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS (PUBLIC & PRIVATE LANDS)
0
0
Area Descriptors for the Boulder
Valley Natural Ecosystems Map
1) Great Plains Mixed Grass Prairie-North
Boulder Valley
2) Foothill Shrublands & Woodlands-North
/ Boulder Valley
3) Montane Woodlands/Great Plains Mixed
Grass Prairie
4) Great Plains Shortgrass & Mixed Grass
Prairie Complex-South Boulder
5) South Boulder Creek Floodplain
6) Boulder Creek Floodplain and
Associated Uplands
7) Great Plains Mixed Prairie-Northeast
Boulder
Map is not to scale 92
Issues: We believe certain facilities and design practices are needed to meet community objectives
(sidewalks, block length, connectivity, parks, etc)
Each of these add costs to development/building.
In the interest of keeping housing costs down what if we:
Lower costs where practical (for example parkland dedication)
Temporarily lower costs (building permits, plats, etc) by deferring fees
Push remaining fees to latest point possible in process to lower carrying costs to developer and to align
fees more with home builder (park fees collected at building permit versus plat for example)
We should use 2008 as the baseline for costs (in other words how much have costs gone up since then
and we try to defer those costs to the extent practical). This would avoid us compromising long-term
community objectives (walkability, connectivity, etc) without passing all costs on to home purchaser (the
deferred fees) and/or lowering costs (finished lot) to the developer.