Study of areas where commercial and industrial development abut residential areas under way; Town Council decides April 1 whether to suspend new land-use applications
In an effort to protect Castle Rock's small-town character, Town Council directed staff March 11 to begin a study of areas zoned for commercial and industrial development and adjacent to residential areas. Council directed the study, but didn't enact a suspension of new applications. Whether a suspension takes place during the study will be decided by Council on April 1.
The area being studied represents less than 10 percent of the land zoned for commercial and industrial development in the Town. The results of the study would affect only new land-use applications. Projects that are further along in the development process are not affected and can continue to move forward. Downtown Castle Rock is not included in the study area. The study also does not affect residential development.
"The study area affects a very small portion of the developable land in Town," said Development Services Director
Bill Detweiler. "Castle Rock is very much open for business."
While Town Council supports commercial development and supports a vibrant business community, the Town must ensure development happens in a manner that benefits residents and maintains Castle Rock's small-town character and family friendly atmosphere.
The study examines regulations for commercial and industrial zoning that abuts residential developments. The Town's Comprehensive Master Plan allows mixed-use developments that include residential, commercial and industrial uses. However, it includes the caveat that "It will be important to provide a transition between two different land-use types with differing intensities in order to protect individuals from a use that would impose adverse impacts."
If Council approves a suspension April 1, the suspension would go into effect 30 days later or immediately if adopted on an emergency basis, and new land use applications for the study area would be accepted beginning July 10. To view a map of the study area, visit www.CRgov.comand click on Development Services under the Town Services menu at the top of the page.
The April 1 Town Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St. The agenda packet for the Council meeting will be available online March 29 at www.CRgov.com by clicking on the Town Council Agenda Packet link in the left-side menu. For more information about the Council meeting, contact Town Clerk
Sally Misare, 303-660-1367 or smisare@CRgov.com.
Angela Copeland is community relations manager for the Town of Castle Rock.