Longmont City Council
On Feb 11, council:
- Gave direction to city staff on the implementation of new state legislation regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) effective June 30.
The new bill prohibits cities from requiring property owners to live on site, either in the primary home or the ADU. Longmont currently has this requirement. Council directed staff to draft into the new municipal code a requirement that ADU applicants must reside on the property before applying, and to allow short-term rentals — any tenancy less than 30 days — only if the property owner lives in the primary dwelling.
- Authorized the city to pursue legal action against Golden Triangle Construction, the contractor for the city’s police and museum storage facility located at 10916 Weld County Road 5. The city claims over $800,000 in water damage has occurred due to water leaks and roof deterioration since 2023. Construction on the building was completed in 2018.
Prior to the regular meeting, council held a closed-door executive session regarding the litigation. According to publicly available documents, the costs to file this civil suit are uncertain, however attorney fees could exceed $200,000.
Boulder City Council
On Feb. 13, in addition to a study session on homelessness, council will consider a motion to go into executive session to receive legal advice “on specific legal questions regarding emerging federal guidelines.”
On Feb. 20, council will:
- Hold a public hearing and decide whether to adopt the 2024 International Building Code, which the city says will simplify the code, streamline the permitting process, reduce construction costs, improve safety and “bring environmental benefits through reduced embodied carbon construction options.” The city adopts the latest version of the International Building Codes with local amendments every six years.
- Vote on amendments to the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan and whether to adopt form-based code, which sets certain design and architectural standards, in parts of the area. The changes are aimed at providing more attainable and affordable housing while also encouraging commercial and workspaces.
The discussion is a continuation from the Dec. 5 meeting and no public comment will be taken.
At the Dec. 5 meeting council and public commenters alike said they did not believe the proposed plan and code offered enough flexibility and deferred the vote to allow time for further discussion and modifications. Staff now recommends allowing future developments to opt-out of “the more objective” form-based code review process and use “the more discretionary” site review process.
Some business representatives and council members also expressed concerns about the requirement for General and Workshop buildings of a certain size to provide space for smaller local businesses. The rule was meant to address concerns that smaller, affordable business spaces would be lost when properties redeveloped, but some folks worried the rule could deter larger businesses from locating there. Staff suggested, rather than removing the requirement, adding in flexibility by allowing the smaller business space to be in-building or in separate structures onsite.
Despite similar concerns, staff still recommends requiring at least 50% residential floor area in general buildings that exceed 35,000 square feet for developments following the form-based code.
- Have a brief discussion and take a nod of five to revisit the city’s snow removal policy.
Louisville City Council
On Feb. 4, council:
- Reviewed a concept plan for Summit At Steel Ranch, an 87-unit development that is the latest attempt to develop the property on the southwest corner of Paschal Drive and Highway 42. Council expressed concerns about density and a lack of on-site affordable homes.
Developers will have to bring plans to the planning commission and city council for further review and final approval.
- Revised the city's goals on the inclusionary housing ordinance to include 12% of rentable units for less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) and 12% of sale units for 80-120% of AMI.
Council agreed on density, height, reduced parking, development fee reduction, development standards and inclusionary housing flexibility. Staff will bring back an ordinance with the package of incentives that will be available for 12% of affordable units.
Staff will rewrite the IHO ordinance to bring to the planning commission and city council for approval later in 2025. The expectation is that this will be before or in conjunction with the comprehensive plan update due in June/July for approval.
On Feb. 11, council:
- Approved the employment agreement for new city manager Diana Langley. Langley will be paid a base salary of $300,000 annually, plus benefits that include a $500/month automobile allowance. She will also receive a one-time bonus of 100 hours leave.
The city manager is required to become a resident of the city within six months and remain a resident throughout her tenure. Council voted to hire Langley on Jan. 27 after a six-month search.
- Approved for future traffic calming measures at strategic locations including Polk/Dahlia and Via Appia. Implementation and contracts for traffic calming measures will be subject to future meetings and approval.
Boulder County Commissioners
Boulder County offices will be closed Feb. 17 for Presidents Day. The public meeting of the Head Start Division for Feb. 18 as well as the Planning Commission meeting for Feb. 19 have been cancelled.
On Feb. 19, commissioners will:
- Conduct interviews for the Community Corrections Board. There are currently two positions to fill and interviews will continue Feb. 24.
- Attend the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Board of Directors meeting.
All agenda items are subject to change. Mark Cathcart contributed reporting.