68th & Carr: ACTION NEEDED

ACTION NEEDED City Staff and others have reviewed the developer's application materials and provided feedback to the developer. Once the application is complete (which may be very soon), City Staff will use specific "Approval Criteria" to make one of three recommendations: approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application. The application--and Staff's recommendation--then will be given to the Planning Commission. This is a critical point, where our action is needed. Staff's recommendation influences the Planning Commission, which influences City Council. A recommendation to deny the application at this stage may encourage denying it in the next two stages. So how do we influence Staff's recommendation? We explain to Staff how rezoning and/or townhouses do not meet the Acceptance Criteria. Pay special attention to criteria numbers 1 and 8. #1. The Comprehensive Plan. All development in Arvada must uphold this plan. No need to read the whole thing, but do look over the policies and goals relating to neighborhoods, and take notes on those that townhouses don't meet. Get the Plan here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_F_f2izZdrYaUZoTG5fU1FYR2M #8. Adjacent Properties. Make note of any "significant adverse impacts" that townhouses would cause your property. For example, blocked views that would reduce the value of your house. Remember, the decision-makers need to perceive the impacts as 'significant' and 'adverse.' If possible, take pictures to support your claim. Compile your notes into an email to Rob Smetana: rsmetata@arvada.org. If townhouses would not meet criteria other than #1 or #8, in your perspective, feel free to contact Rob about those, as well. All 9 criteria are below. Neighbors, City Staff must give a recommendation--and soon. Only one of those recommendations results in blocking the townhouses. Staff usually recommends approval on new development. Don't wait and let Staff recommend approval because they didn't hear from you in time. Today or tomorrow, send Rob your perspective on how this development would not meet the Approval Criteria. Michael ArvadaHills@gmail.com From Arvada's Land Development Code (3.8.2.H.) Approval Criteria. A Preliminary Plat may be approved only if the City Council finds that all of the following criteria have been met: 1. The subdivision is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 2. The subdivision is consistent with any precedent approved PUD Outline Development Plan or other required plan. 3. The subdivision is consistent with and implements the intent of the specific zoning district in which it is located. 4. The general layout of lots, roads, driveways, utilities, drainage facilities, and other services within the proposed subdivision is designed in a way that minimizes the amount of land disturbance, maximizes the amount of open space in the development, preserves existing trees/vegetation and riparian areas, protects critical wildlife habitat, and otherwise accomplishes the purposes and intent of this Code. 5. The subdivision complies with all applicable use, development, and design standards set forth in Articles 5, 6, and 7 of this Code that have not otherwise been modified or waived pursuant to this Article. Applicants shall avoid creating lots or patterns of lots in the subdivision that will make compliance with such development and design standards difficult or infeasible. 6. The subdivision complies with all applicable regulations, standards, requirements, or plans of the federal or state governments and other relevant jurisdictions, including but not limited to wetlands, water quality, erosion control, and wastewater regulations. 7. The subdivision will not result in significant adverse impacts on the natural environment, including air, water, noise, stormwater management, wildlife, and vegetation, or such impacts will be substantially mitigated. 8. The subdivision will not result in significant adverse impacts on adjacent properties, or such impacts will be substantially mitigated. 9. Adequate and sufficient public safety, transportation, utility facilities and services, recreation facilities, parks, and schools will, prior to development, be available to serve the subject property, while maintaining sufficient levels of service to existing development.