Longmont to incentivize higher density housing with code changes

Gov't watch: Jan. 15, 2025

By Boulder Weekly Staff - Jan. 15, 2025
Longmont-Council-Chambers-scaled
Courtesy: City of Longmont

Longmont City Council

On Jan. 14, council:

  • Updated the city building codes and construction standards to allow for higher density housing in new developments. Among the changes are allowances for narrower streets and alleys, as well as the option to build electric-only developments to reduce utility corridors between structures. 
  • Approved an economic incentive agreement with Stored Energy Systems, a power systems manufacturer, worth up to $330,000. The city is extending rebates on development fees and utilities for new facility space that the company says will create upwards of 268 jobs in the city.

Boulder City Council 

Council’s meetings will be virtual until at least mid-February after council voted 7-2 on Jan. 9 in favor of moving meetings online amid public commenters and protests during meetings demanding a Gaza ceasefire resolution in ways council members have called disruptive. Read more.

At the Jan. 23 study session, council will discuss:

  • The Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS) and Transportation Demand Management (TDM). The project is projected to be completed this summer. AMPS was adopted by council in 2014 to “improve Boulder’s approach to multimodal access and parking management.” The discussion is slated to include parking minimums and maximums, on-street parking management and a TDM ordinance to increase multimodal access and “stimulate travel behavior change.”  
  • The city’s role in behavioral health, which includes mental health and substance use disorders. The discussion will include an update on the Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program, which began in 2023 and includes behavioral health professionals who can respond to 911 calls that don’t require a police officer.

Boulder County Commissioners

Boulder County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Tuesday, Jan. 21, commissioners will: 

  • Hold a virtual town hall to discuss homelessness solutions in the county. There will be a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Attend: boco.org/BOCCTownHall

Wednesday, Jan. 22, commissioners will: 

  • Hold an executive session at 1 p.m. following an administrative meeting. Executive session topics are typically announced at the business meeting preceding the session. 

Thursday, Jan. 23, commissioners will: 

  • Hold a public hearing and discussion before adopting building code changes and amendments for unincorporated Boulder County. Among the changes are a number of new energy efficiency, sustainability, and ignition resistance construction requirements, including requirements for structures to be “solar ready” and “electric ready.” Sign up to speak virtually (boco.org/BOCC-Jan23AM) or in person (boco.org/InPerson-Jan23AM).  

Louisville

Top government officials from Aspen, Commerce City and Routt County are among the four finalists named in Louisville’s search for a new city manager. 

Deputy City Manager Samma Fox has been serving in the role since July 2024 when former manager Jeff Durbin resigned amid investigation into an undisclosed matter.

Community members are invited to meet the finalists and provide feedback at a Jan. 22 meet-and-greet. 

The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center (900 West Via Appia Way). City council will discuss the finalists and make a selection on Monday, Jan. 27, according to a city press release. Read about the finalists: bit.ly/LouisvilleCityManagerBW.

On Jan. 14, council:

  • Discussed the 2025 work plan, which includes an update of the city’s Comprehensive Plan; adoption of a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code; and an update of inclusionary housing rules.

All agenda items are subject to change.

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