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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/06/2015 - Planning And Zoning Board - Agenda - Work SessionPlanning & Zoning Board Work Session Agenda Friday, February 6, 2015 281 N. College Ave – Conference Room A Web users: Documents for the Consent and Discussion items shown below can be found online under the February 12, 2015, Hearing agenda. 12:00 – 5:00 pm Consent: 1.) January 15, 2015, Draft P&Z Minutes / January 9, 2015 Draft Special Meeting Minutes 2.) Main Street Health and Wellness Suites (Beals) 3.) LUC Revision of Fugitive Dust (Hovey/Shepard) 4.) CSU Bay Farm Horticulture Center Site Plan Advisory Review (Mounce) Discussion: 5.) LUC Amendment for Local Street Proportion for Publicly-Conserved Lands (Stokes) Item #5 Removed from Agenda 6.) Landmark Residences (Mapes) 7.) Global Village Academy Public Charter School, Phase Two, Site Plan Advisory Review, #SPA150001 (Shepard) 8.) Review of City Projects (Kadrich) 9.) Sigma Phi Epsilon Renovation & Addition Nonconforming Use (Mounce) Board Topics:  Nature in the City Update (Ex/Sharton) Policy and Legislation:  WCAP – Draft Plan (Shepard/Lewin/Everette)  Type I versus Type II projects (Kadrich)  APF Ordinance (Kadrich) MEMORANDUM Date: January 29, 2015 To: Planning and Zoning Board Thru: Laurie Kadrich, CDNS Director From: Lindsay Ex, Interim Customer and Administrative Services Manager Justin Scharton, Environmental Planner Re: Nature in the City – Introduction to the Strategic Plan Staff is pleased to provide an introduction to the Nature in the City Strategic Plan at the February 6 Work Session. The goal of this presentation is to solicit the Board’s feedback on the project’s overall plan and specifically on the proposed vision, goals, policies, and implementation strategy. Staff plans to release the Draft Plan for review by the public (online) on February 9. However, we wanted to share four chapters with the Planning and Zoning Board during this Work Session to solicit early feedback from the Board prior to the planned outreach in February and P&Z Hearing in March. Questions for the Board: More specifically, staff is seeking feedback from the Board related to the following questions: • Are there any policies that appear to be missing? • Does the Board have suggestions for effective implementation of these policies or on the proposed cost estimates? • Are there any areas where the wording or organization could be improved? • Are these sections understandable and easy to use? Chapters Provided for the Board’s Review: The four chapters attached to this memo are as follows: • Chapter 1: Introduction • Chapter 2: Vision and Goals • Chapter 3: Policies • Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Each of these chapters is briefly described below. Chapter 1: Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to set the context for Nature in the City: why it was undertaken, the planning efforts that Nature in the City builds upon, the public engagement process associated with the plan, and a summary of the project’s Inventory Planning, Development and Transportation Planning Services 281 North College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.221.6750 970.224.6134 - fax fcgov.com/currentplanning 2 and Assessment (or Phase 1). This chapter closes with a section on “how to use this plan.” Chapter 2: Vision and Goals The project’s vision and three main goals are as follows: Vision: “A connected open space network accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences and functional habitat for the City’s people, plants, and wildlife.” Goals: • Easy Access to Nature: Ensure every resident is within a 10-minute walk to nature from their home or workplace. • High Quality Natural Spaces: Conserve and enhance natural spaces to provide diverse social and ecological opportunities. • Land Stewardship: Shift the landscape aesthetic to more diverse forms that support healthy environments for people and wildlife. Chapter 3: Policies To achieve the vision and goals outlined in the plan, this chapter details 28 policies in five policy areas: • Connectivity (six policies); • Land Use and Development (ten policies); • City Practices and Policy Coordination (ten policies); • Long-term Monitoring (five policies); and • Funding and Incentives (two policies). These policy areas, and their detailed policies, will be outlined during the Work Session. Note that Land Use Code-related policies are contained within the Land Use and Development policy area. Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation This chapter is separated into two sections: plan evaluation and implementation. Plan evaluation includes a set of proposed performance indicators, two of which can begin to be measured in 2015 and others that will need to be developed after specific implementation items are complete. Plan implementation is divided by short-term (2015-2016); mid-term (2017-2020), and long-term (2021 and beyond) actions. Based on feedback from the business community during the outreach process, estimated costs are also included for each implementation strategy. Next Steps The Nature in the City Strategic Plan is scheduled for adoption with City Council on March 17. Staff will seek a recommendation on the Strategic Plan from the Planning and Zoning Board at the March 12 hearing. A final plan will be presented to the Board prior to the March 6 Work Session. For more information about the project, please see our website at fcgov.com/natureinthecity. 3 Table of ConTenTs exeCuTive summary Overview Vision Goals Policies Implementation 1. inTroduCTion Overview Planning Process Previous Plans and Existing City Efforts Public Engagement Inventory and Assessment Summary How to Use this Plan 2. vision and Goals Vision Goals 3. PoliCies Policy Areas Connectivity Land Use and Development City Practices and Policy Coordination Long-term Monitoring Funding and Incentives 4. Plan evaluaTion and imPlemenTaTion Overview Performance Indicators Implementation Strategy Short-term (2015-2016) Mid-term (2017-2020) Long-term actions (2021 and Beyond) aPPendiCes A. Glossary B. Inventory and Assessment B1. Precedents B2. Literature Review B3. Outreach Summary B4. Survey Summary B5. Ecological Data Collection C. Definition of Nature D. Rationale for the 10-minute walk E. Potential Funding Sources 4 5 Acknowledgments City Council Karen Weitkunat, Mayor Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6 Bob Overbeck, District 1 Lisa Poppaw, District 2 Gino Campana, District 3 Wade Troxell, District 4 Ross Cunniff, District 5 Planning and Zoning Board Jennifer Carpenter Jeff Hanson Gerald Hart Emily Heinz Michael Hobbs Kristin Kirkpatrick Jeffrey Schneider Project Executive Sponsors Bruce Hendee, Chief Sustainability Officer Karen Cumbo, Planning, Development, and Transportation Laurie Kadrich, Community Development and Neighborhood Services Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager Project Management Team Lindsay Ex, Project Manager, Social Lead Justin Scharton, Strategic Plan Co-Project Manager Megan Bolin, Economic Lead Colin Day, Colorado State University, Living Wall and Design Guidelines Project Manager Suzanne Jarboe-Simpson, Project Facilitator Kate Rentschlar, Environmental Lead Amy Resseguie, Communications Lead Interdisciplinary Project Team Liba Pejchar, Colorado State University Sarah Reed, Colorado State University and Wildlife Conservation Society Brian Dunbar, Colorado State University Colin Day, Colorado State University Susan Beck-Ferkiss, Social Sustainability Marcus Bodig, IT Shane Boyle, Utilities Scott Carman, Urban Lab Michelle Finchum, Utilities Clay Frickey, Planning Kurt Friesen, Park Planning Kristin Fritz, Fort Collins Housing Authority Sam Houghteling, Economic Health CJ Housley, Utilities Melissa Hovey, Environmental Services Pete Iengo, Utilities Aaron Iverson, FCMoves Robin MacDonald, Neighborhood Services Travis Machaelek, City Manager’s Office Karen Manci, Natural Areas Aran Meyer, Natural Areas Ginger Purvis, Utilities Bill Whirty, Parks Citizens Advisory Committee Kim Barman, Coalition for Activity and Nutrition to Defeat Obesity Michael Baute, Spring Kite Farm Lorin Bridger, Waterwise Landscapes Edgar Dominguez, Vida Sana Trace Evans, Colorado State University Nick Haws, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce and Northern Engineering Dave Leatherman, Local Expert Bob Mann, Natural Resources Advisory Board Rob Novak, Larimer County Joe Piesman, Natural Resources Advisory Board Rick Schroeder, former president of the local Audubon Society Chapter; retired biologist Roger Sherman, BHA Design, Inc. Michael Spearnak, Poudre School District Todd Spiller, Harvest Park Homeowners Association Joann Thomas, Senior Advisory Board Bryan Tribby, Colorado State University Boards and Commissions Commission on Disability Economic Health Commission Land and Conservation Stewardship Board Natural Resources Advisory Board Parks and Recreation Board Planning and Zoning Board Senior Advisory Board Project Partners Colorado State University, Center for Public Deliberation Colorado State University, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Colorado State University, Institute for the Built Environment Colorado State University, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Urban Lab Wildlife Conservation Society Additional Acknowledgments All City Boards and Commissions who have provided feedback throughout this process Over 1,000 citizens who engaged in the Nature in the City planning process Residents who submitted photos in association with the Nature in the City photo contest 7 8 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 9 8 Nature In The City Chapter 1: Introduction Introduction Background. From its humble beginnings in the 1860s as an Army outpost, Fort Collins has grown to more than 150,000 residents encompassing 55 square miles. Now, Fort Collins is transitioning from a suburban town to a small urban city with a projected buildout population of 225,000-250,000 residents. As the city transitions from suburban to urban and densities increase, informal natural areas and features within the urban core will become more important for both people and wildlife. Purpose of this Plan. Building upon the work that Natural Areas, Parks, Stormwater, and others have created, Nature in the City will help facilitate a connected system of public and private lands, with an ultimate goal of weaving together the natural elements and systems throughout our City. Developing this plan now ensures ample opportunities exist to integrate Nature in the City elements into new developments and site redevelopments as well as to stimulate restoration of existing sites. Creating a high quality, interconnected open space network as Fort Collins moves towards buildout ensures the City’s ability to preserve, enhance, and add to those natural places within our community that are so important to creating our sense of place and to make sure we always provide nature within Fort Collins. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, almost 80% of people living in the United States live in an urban setting. That means now more than ever, people are experiencing nature in an urban environment. City Plan City Plan, the City’s comprehensive plan, serves as the foundation for all operations and planning efforts in Fort Collins. As Nature in the City is interdisciplinary in nature, numerous Principles and Policies in the Environmental Health and Community and Neighborhood Livability section align with this project’s vision. Policy LIV 14.1 of City Plan encourages the inclusion of nature in the urban environment: In addition to protecting existing natural features, encourage integration of unique landscape features into the design and architecture of development and capital projects. These unique features may range from informal and naturalized to highly structured and maintained features. Some examples include tree groves within a project, stormwater facilities that become Chapter 1: Introduction Nature In The City 9 Citywide 2015-2016 Strategic Plan Similarly, the City’s 2015-2016 Strategic Plan delves into the Principles and Policies set forth in City Plan with more strategic metrics and outcomes. Numerous Nature in the City Policies achieve Key Strategic Outcomes and Strategic Objectives in the Strategic Plan, with the most important objectives as follows: Policy Area Objective Community & Neighborhood Livability: Provide a high quality built environment and support quality, diverse neighborhoods Objective 1.4 – Preserve and provide responsible access to nature Objective 1.6 – Promote health and wellness within the community Culture & Recreation: Provide diverse cultural and recreational amenities Objective 2.5 – Plan, design, and implement citywide park, recreation and trail improvements Objective 2.7 – Promote a healthy community and responsible access to nature Economic Health: Promote a healthy, sustainable economy reflecting community values Objective 3.5 – Sustain high water quality to support the community and water-dependent businesses Objective 3.7 – Support sustainable infill and redevelopment to meet climate action strategies Environmental Health: Promote, protect and enhance a healthy & sustainable environment Objective 4.1 – Improve and protect wildlife habitat and the ecosystems of the Poudre River and other urban streams Objective 4.10 – Conserve and restore biodiversity and habitat Safe Community: Provide a safe place to live, work, learn and play Objective 5.4 – Protect life and property with natural, aesthetically pleasing flood mitigation facilities through building codes and development regulations Transportation: Provide for safe and reliable multi-modal travel to, from and throughout the City Objective 6.3 – Fill the gaps for all modes of travel and improve the current transportation infrastructure while enhancing the aesthetic environment Objective 6.6 – Support efforts to achieve climate action goals by reducing mobile emissions and supporting multiple modes of transportation 11 10 Nature In The City Chapter 1: Introduction Existing City Programs and Policies The City of Fort Collins has a rich history and a strong commitment to protecting the natural areas and habitats both within the City and throughout the region. From the early tax initiatives in 197 and 1984, and through subsequent initiatives, the City’s Natural Areas Department has become an award-winning conservation program that protects the highest quality natural areas in Fort Collins, both for the species that inhabit them and the citizens who use them. More recently, the Stormwater Repurposing Effort has expanded the program’s focus to emphasize not only runoff capture but also to mimic natural processes. Similarly, the City’s Parks Department has designed and constructed new parks incorporating a combination of passive and active uses that better support a balance of natural spaces and habitat with recreation. The City also has a Land Use Code that requires developments to protect, enhance, and buffer natural resources on private lands. Each of these efforts has led to a community that values the natural environment, along with a high quality built environment. Existing Plans and Policies There are a number of policies and plans that already protect and incorporate nature into City operations, providing opportunities for Nature in the City to leverage resources to make even more impact. Plans and Policies that incorporate nature include: • City Plan • City 2015-2016 Strategic Plan • Natural Areas Master Plan • Our Lands Our Future Study (Larimer County) • Paved Trails Recreational Master Bicycle Plan • Parks and Recreation Policy Plan • Land Use Code 12 Chapter 1: Introduction Nature In The City 11 Other Efforts to Incorporate Nature into the Urban Environment Numerous communities have successfully incorporated nature into the urban fabric in creative and interesting ways. New York City’s Forever Wild program has protected more than 50 of the most ecologically valuable lands within the five boroughs, allowing visitors to connect to nature in their urban context. Vancouver, British Columbia has defined a goal of being the Greenest City in the World and is setting out to accomplish that goal with its 2020 Action Plan. Additionally, the city-state of Singapore has invested in integrating nature into the built environment, a great example being the Gardens by the Bay, which allows visitors to engage with a cloud forest, gardens and lakes all within the urban environment. Nature in the City breaks new ground in weaving nature into the urban environment in the following ways: • The extensive public, private, and academic partnerships forged through the development of the plan that will continue to be forged in its implementation; • The explicit commitment to the Triple Bottom Line (social, environment and economic) aspects of nature; and • The acknowledgment that both public and private lands contribute to the City’s natural values and the identification of policies that apply to both of these types of lands. 6gZVhL^i]^cV&%"B^cjiZLVa`d[VEVg` HdjgXZ/CN89Zei#d[EVg`hVcYGZXgZVi^dc 6G:6L>I=>C&%"B>CJI:L6A@D;E6G@>C'%%, 6G:6L>I=>C&%"B>CJI:L6A@699:9H>C8:'%%, 6G:6CDIL>I=>C&%"B>CJI:L6A@D;E6G@ A6C9;>AAH!6>GEDGIH6G:6H:MA8J9:9;GDB6C6ANH>H The images above represent a greenway corridor in Vancouver, a map illustrating the 10-minute walk distance to nature in New York City, and a canopy walk in Singapore. Photo credits: City of Vancouver, New York City, and the City/ State of Singapore. 13 12 Nature In The City Chapter 1: Introduction Public Engagement Nature in the City initiative has engaged 14 City Departments, Colorado State University, and a 15-member Citizens Advisory Committee. Public engagement strategies included open houses, visioning workshops, farmers markets, and focus groups with the business community, private and public schools, seven City Boards and Commissions, and the Hispanic community through La Familia/ The Family Center. Two public workshops were held to engage citizen feedback, and since the project was initiated, over 1,000 residents engaged in a dialogue to formulate the vision and strategic plan for achieving the initiative’s goals. For the full results of all outreach efforts see Appendix X. Inventory and Assessment Summary In addition to outreach, Phase One of Nature in the City was focused on inventory and assessment. A triple bottom line (social, economic, and environmental) approach served as the foundation for this effort. The purpose of this phase was to collect and analyze data to assess existing natural assets/gaps from a triple bottom line perspective. Staff began the project by collecting examples (precedents) from the United States and abroad (Appendix XX). For each perspective of the triple bottom line (social, economic, and environmental), staff conducted a literature review and collected local data. While the literature review is described in Appendix XX, a summary of the local data from each of these perspectives is described below. Social Inventory and Assessment A survey was utilized to gather feedback about the use and value of nature in our community. Surveys were given to 365 participants between March and September 2014. Demographic data were collected to ensure that the findings were relevant across a broad range of factors. Below: Participants at a Nature in the City visioning workshop facilitated by the Center for Public Deliberation (CSU): Photo credit: Martin Carcasson. Boards and Commissions involved in the Nature in the City project include: • Commission on Disability • Economic Advisory Commission • Land Conservation Stewardship Board • Natural Resources Advisory Board • Parks and Recreation Board • Planning and Zoning Board Chapter 1: Introduction Nature In The City 13 Key findings of the survey include: • Residents in Fort Collins strongly value access to nature (92 percent of respondents indicated nature was important or very important to them). • Most residents feel they have easy access to nature (78 percent agree or strongly agree), but note that a lack of time (94 respondents ) and lack of easy access (48 respondents ) are the two biggest barriers to open space access. • When asked what this project should focus on, given our current strengths and weaknesses, four priorities emerged: 1. Provide opportunities to escape from the urban environment 2. Increase connectivity and opportunities for wildlife and plants (especially trees) to thrive in the community 3. Provide places to find beauty, peace, and relaxation 4. Provide more opportunities for personal and group exercise or play, with an emphasis on a connected network of these opportunities. The full survey results are available in the Appendix XX. Respondents answer to the question: “Considering our current strengths and weaknesses, which of these values should this project focus on the most for the city overall?” In this question, the opportunity to escape from the urban environment moves to the top most preferred value to focus on, with wildlife, plants, and trees being the second most preferred item. Of note is that these priorities were consistent overall based on demographics, but that males wanted the project to focus on personal exercise or play as their second priority for the project. 15 14 Nature In The City Chapter 1: Introduction Ecological Inventory and Assessment From the inception of the project, a key component of Nature in the City is to conduct long-term monitoring on the condition and value of Fort Collins’ urban habitat and the abundance and diversity of its species. In collaboration with CSU and the Wildlife Conservation Society, staff conducted the following efforts to begin collecting a baseline condition in the summer of 2014: • Staff sampled 166 sites throughout Fort Collins from May–August 2014 for birds, butterflies and vegetation. • Field data were collected across nine land use types – Parks, Natural Areas, schools, trails, ditches, urban agriculture, residential open space, non- residential or institutional open space, and Certified Natural Areas/Natural Habitat Buffer Zones. • 88 species of birds and 33 species of butterflies were observed. • Data analysis suggests land use, site area, distance to Growth Management Area and percent of disturbed habitat are the strongest drivers for the abundance and diversity of bird and butterfly species observed this past year. A full summary of results and the methods used for the surveys can be found in Appendix XX. This map illustrates the 166 sites sampled throughout the City for birds, butterflies, and vegetation. Sampling design was developed in collaboration with CSU and the Wildlife Conservation Society. 16 Chapter 1: Introduction Nature In The City 15 Economic Inventory and Assessment The City’s Economic Health Office met with a significant number of business community organizations, primary employers, and ClimateWise partners to assess how access to nature enhances business attraction and retention in Fort Collins (see Appendix XX for a full list). In summary, the following is the feedback from the business community: • City is attractive and considered to provide high quality of life. • Nature does help with businesses recruitment and employee retention. • Residential sales price premiums for close proximity to nature in Fort Collins are approximately 10 percent). • The project should be mindful of added costs to development/business. • The business community encouraged staff to look for ways to “soften” commercial areas (e.g., Downtown flowers). • Identify incentives and other partnerships to beautify commercial areas. • Connections to natural spaces/recreation are important. Photo credit: Mrp 2863198 Using the Plan The Plan has been organized to provide quick and easy access to the Vision, Goals, Policies and Implementation strategy this multi-faceted approach to achieve the key outcomes identified in this Plan. Chapter 2 – Vision and Goals: This chapter presents the overall vision and three goals for Nature in the City. Chapter 3 – Policies: -- This chapter discusses the 28 policies the City will pursue to accomplish the broader goals and vision of Nature in the City. Each policy contains a key outcome that will occur as a result of policy implementation. Each of the policies is categorized into five policy areas for ease of reading: • Connectivity (six policies) • Land Use and Development (ten policies) • City Practices and Policy Coordination (ten policies) • Long-term Monitoring (five policies) • Funding and Incentives (two policies) Chapter 4 – Plan Evaluation and Implementation: -- This chapter is separated into two sections: plan evaluation and implementation. Plan evaluation includes a set of performance indicators, two of which can be measured as soon as 2015 and others that will need to be developed after specific implementation items are complete. 18 CHAPTER 2: VISION AND GOALS 19 18 Nature In The City Chapter 2: Vision and Goals 2015 Chapter 2: Vision and Goals vision: “A connected open spAce network Accessible to the entire community thAt provides A vAriety of experiences And functionAl hAbitAt for people, plAnts And wildlife.” Goals People value nature for many different reasons, but these conversations can be distilled into the following three key goals that help us achieve the Nature in the City vision: • Easy Access to Nature: Ensure every resident is within a 10-minute walk to nature from their home or workplace. • High Quality Natural Spaces: Conserve, create and enhance natural spaces to provide diverse social and ecological opportunities. • Land Stewardship: Shift the landscape aesthetic to more diverse forms that support healthy environments for all species. 20 2015 Chapter 2: Vision and Goals Nature In The City 19 Easy Access to Nature “92% of respondents to the 2014 Nature in the City survey said they strongly value access to nature” Easy Access. Throughout the public outreach process, residents cited easy access to nature as a key priority. In a public survey conducted during the March-July 2014 outreach, 92 percent of respondents said they strongly value access to nature. One of the Nature in the City goals is to ensure easy access to nature in perpetuity. One measure of easy access is the distance or amount of time it takes to get to nature. A 10-minute walk has been selected as the target, as it is a nationally accepted standard (see Appendix X for more information). For example, Vancouver, British Columbia and New York City have both embraced a short walk to experience nature. These cities have set 5-minute and 10-minute walking goals, respectively, and are actively acquiring property and restoring sites throughout their communities to achieve these goals. Access to nature, especially within 10 minutes, has been shown to have many positive health and social benefits. Studies suggest the following impacts: • Increased cognitive health • Increased learning • Decrease in body mass index (BMI) • Decrease in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder • Positive impact on children with special needs who have access to nature-based, therapeutic interventions • Faster recovery after surgeries and overall healthcare cost savings • Creating a sense of place and culture • Making cities aesthetically pleasing • Increased opportunities for recreation, community gatherings and refuge from the urban settings 21 20 Nature In The City Chapter 2: Vision and Goals 2015 Connectivity. Connectivity is a very important factor in providing access to nature, as smaller natural spaces can connect to larger or higher quality natural spaces such as Parks and Natural Areas. One study suggests that the foraging distance of native bees in Texas is roughly the same as a 10-minute walk, underscoring the co-benefits of a connected, easy to access open space network. Key Access Outcomes: • Connectivity analysis to identify gaps in residents’ access to nature within a 10-minute walk, as well as gaps in wildlife habitat connectivity. • Land Use Code open space requirements that provide flexible options for natural spaces during a project’s development or redevelopment. • Neighborhood-scale projects, especially in priority areas where connectivity barriers for residents or wildlife exist, to create or enhance natural spaces. “The foraging distance for some native bees is roughly the same as the 10-minute walk, underscoring the co-benefits of a connected, easy to access open space network.” High Quality Natural Spaces High quality natural spaces are beneficial to all species, human and wildlife alike. The quality of natural spaces is as important as the quantity. This goal protects existing high quality natural spaces, creates new natural spaces to provide connectivity, restores lower quality spaces to provide habitats for local species and enhances opportunities for recreation and rejuvenation. While providing high quality natural spaces is a key goal of Nature in the City, not every space has to provide all of the benefits of nature. Some spaces are more sensitive than others and may not be conducive to human access, whereas others are highly appropriate for humans and should not be designed for highly sensitive species. Balancing these needs will be critical to the long-term success of the connected, open space network within the community. Benefits to Humans. According to Nature in the City outreach surveys, respondents value high quality spaces to engage in personal exercise or play, experience peace and beauty, and escape urban settings. Survey respondents indicate they most often experience such high quality natural spaces in the City’s Parks, Natural Areas, streams and trails. 22 2015 Chapter 2: Vision and Goals Nature In The City 21 HIGH LOW HIGH LOW ECOLOGICAL SOCIAL Benefits for Plants and Wildlife. For plant and animal species, high quality spaces provide habitat through the appropriate combination of shelter, food sources, water availability, and natural features such as trees or rock outcrops. Key Quality Outcomes: • Sites throughout Fort Collins are enhanced and restored in partnership with existing neighborhoods and property owners. • A greater diversity of open spaces in new developments and redevelopments are achieved through amendments to the Land Use Code. • Existing dark sky locations are protected, baseline and trends in regional night sky brightness are monitored, and regulatory changes to facilitate best practices for dark skies are adopted and implemented. • A citywide goal for ecosystem services provided by natural spaces in the community is established and tracked. • A biodiversity goal is established and monitored. This graphic illustrates the variety of types of nature that can be found within Fort Collins. Residents that staff met with indicated that they desire a variety of experiences when they are accessing nature. Some places have greater ecological value, e.g., the Poudre River and Natural Areas, whereas places have greater value for people, e.g., City Parks, trails, and residential open spaces. Where appropriate, Nature in the City can help to enhance the value of existing spaces to help achieve the ultimate objective of a site. 23 22 Nature In The City Chapter 2: Vision and Goals 2015 Land Stewardship Many residential and commercial landscapes in Fort Collins look similar: a landscape dominated by turf with shade trees and ornamental shrubs and flowers within. While these landscapes provide benefits, there are ample opportunities to integrate more diverse landscapes that contribute to greater social and ecological health and well-being. Landscape Preferences. In the Visual Preference Survey conducted during outreach efforts, respondents consistently rated diverse landscapes higher than less diverse forms. When shown images of different natural spaces that could occur throughout Fort Collins, respondents typically preferred images that featured natural landscapes intermixed with manicured features. With the knowledge that people prefer a more diverse landscape, the land stewardship goal provides guidance as to what diverse forms might be appropriate in certain locations, as well as how to successfully install and maintain those spaces. Benefits of Diverse Landscapes. Diverse landscapes can be more resilient, consume less water, and provide ecological value to the surrounding area. Yet, installing and maintaining these spaces requires a different approach than a typical manicured lawn. Over a project’s lifespan, the benefits of a more diversified landscape will outweigh training and site establishment requirements. Key Stewardship Outcomes: • Create Design Guidelines for designing, installing, and maintaining more diverse landscapes. • Align City departments’ mowing procedures to increase tall grass areas and create more diversity. • Where appropriate, adapt the streetscape to include naturalistic landscaping that incorporates pollinator- friendly plant materials, while minimizing wildlife conflicts, as well as provide diverse streetscapes for resident and visitor interactions. As a part of the Nature in the Neighborhoods program in Portland, Oregon, this site provides opportunities for wildlife and people. This is an example of the types of places that people preferred in the Visual Preference Survey, as there is both a natural element (the wetland) and a manicured space (the seating area). (Photo credit: Megan Bolin). 24 Chapter 2: Vision and Goals Nature In The City 23 25 26 CHAPTER 3: POLICIES 27 26 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature in the City builds upon many policies in City Plan and other existing plans within the City and elsewhere, and is designed to be additive to the work already done. The vision of Nature in the City is: A connected open space network accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences and functional habitat for the City’s people, plants and wildlife. The major goals to achieve this vision are as follows: • Easy Access to Nature: Ensure every resident is within a 10-minute walk to nature from their home or workplace. • High Quality Natural Spaces: Conserve, create and enhance natural spaces to provide diverse social and ecological opportunities. • Land Stewardship: Shift the landscape aesthetic to more diverse forms that support healthy environments for people and wildlife This chapter is organized into five policy areas, which detail specific actions the City will take to strategically accomplish those goals: • Connectivity • Land Use and Development • City Practices and Policy Coordination • Long-term Monitoring • Funding and Incentives Access Quality Stewardship Easy Access to Nature High Quality Natural Spaces Land Stewardship Throughout this chapter, each of the Plan goals addressed by a recommendation is indicated using the icons below. 28 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 27 During the outreach conducted for Nature in the City, the issue of connectivity, or the ability for people and wildlife to access nature without the interruption of development, arose again and again. While definitions of connectivity vary, regardless of age, income level, geographic location or ethnic background, the community expressed a strong desire to enhance the connectivity between the natural spaces we have, not only for people but for wildlife as well. The following objectives are designed to achieve that goal. C1: Increase connectivity for plant and wildlife species The impacts of fragmented, or disconnected, natural systems include reduced genetic diversity, invasive species establishment and overall ecosystem health decline. The City will protect connections between existing natural spaces and capitalize on opportunities to reconnect disconnected spaces with appropriate habitat to provide travel corridors, shelter, food and adequate hunting habitat for numerous species. Outcome: A system of connected natural spaces that wildlife can access with minimal fragmentation. This graphic illustrates a continuum from landscapes that are connected to ones that are more fragmented, or disconnected. The top image illustrates two land areas that are connected by a corridor. The middle image illustrates the two land areas with various size patches in between them, but they lack a connected corridor. The bottom image also illustrates fragmentation by showing how roadways can bisect a connected corridor. For some species, e.g., birds and butterflies, the top or middle image may still be perceived as a connected landscape, whereas for other species, e.g., mammals and reptiles, a fully connected landscape is preferred for movement. PoliCy area 1: ConneCTiviTy: address ConneCTiviTy for boTh PeoPle and wildlife ThrouGhouT The CiTy Access Quality Stewardship HABITAT FRAGMENTATION whaT is habiTaT fraGmenTaTion? 29 28 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 C2: Increase connectivity for residents to ensure a 10-minute walk to nature for all City residents Residents’ ability to easily access nature within a 10-minute walk is important due to the numerous health, social, educational and recreational benefits nature can provide. One way to measure easy access is to set a distance or time it takes to get to nature. For Nature in the City, a 10-minute walk has been selected as the target, as it is a nation standard for willingness to walk to transit and is quickly becoming a standard for easy access to nature. At the same time, the distance associated with a 10-minute walk may pose a challenge for some residents. Thus, other policies, such as C5 below, will increase accessibility to all nature spaces within the City regardless of walking ability. The City will complete a connectivity analysis to identify barriers preventing access to nature for the typical resident within 10 minutes. Barriers may include inaccessible private land, arterial streets or a lack of sidewalks or paths. Where gaps or barriers exist, the City will seek opportunities to provide access through land acquisition, access easements, or installing new infrastructure (e.g., pedestrian underpasses beneath arterial streets). Outcome: Accessible network of connected natural spaces for all City residents within a 10-minute walk. Access 30 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 29 A v e r y P o n d S p r i n g C r e e k L a r i m e r C o u n t y C a nal # 2 New M e rc e r Dit c h Lari m e r Co u n t y C a nal #2 Shel d on L ake Sprin g Creek R o l l a n d M o o r e P o n d ³I S Shields St S Taft Hill Rd W Drake Rd S College Ave W Mulberry St W Prospect Rd W Elizabeth St W Laurel St S Mason St S Howes St S COLLEGE AVE BAY RD 30 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 C3: Prioritize transportation infrastructure to increase access to nature where barriers exist While current City planning processes take into account access considerations, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, access to nature should also be considered during the planning and construction of transportation infrastructure projects. The City will include access to nature as one consideration for transportation infrastructure projects. Including this consideration in the overall prioritization of projects can provide opportunities to minimize barriers to accessing nature, e.g., arterial streets. Continued collaboration among the City’s Streets, Engineering, Parks, FC Moves and Natural Areas departments is important to ensure success of this tactic. Outcome: Access to nature is prioritized in transportation planning and capital projects. C4: Provide public transit connections to nature The City of Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan envisions a community that provides safe, affordable and convenient mobility options for all ages and abilities. While one of the goals of Nature in the City is to provide nature within a 10-minute walk of residents’ home or work, not all Fort Collins residents may be able to walk to these nearby natural spaces. In these situations, Fort Collins’ public transportation system can fill the gap for many residents by providing transit service to the natural areas or parks. One way to address this gap is by considering access to nature in future Transfort bus stop upgrade priorities and future routing alignments. In addition, bus stops and their associated amenities should be upgraded to meet the American with Disabilities Act standards to ensure accessibility for all residents. For example, 57% of the bus stops adjacent to the City’s Parks and Natural Areas currently have accessibility challenge, see Table X below. Outcome: Accessible natural spaces through the City’s public transit system. Transfort Bus Stop Assessment Number of Stops Percentage of Total Accessibility Challenges 171 57% Partially Accessible 40 13% Fully Accessible 81 27% No Data 8 3% Total Bus Stops within 1/8 mile 300 100% Table X: City of Fort Collins Transfort Bus Stop Assessment adjacent to City Parks and Natural Areas (Data Source: Transfort) Access Access 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 31 The bus stop adjacent to Rolland Moore Park has accessibility challenges due to the slope of the ramp leading to the bus stop. (Photo credit: Emma Belmont). C5: Provide innovative wayfinding and informational resources to help people benefit from the presence of nature in the city The City will build upon existing wayfinding efforts to assess opportunities to highlight natural spaces within the community, guide people to destinations, and provide information about individual open spaces and the open space network. Methods could include appropriate signage that dovetails into existing sign systems for trails, natural areas, and parks while avoiding sign clutter; and other special aids such as sidewalk pavers, phone apps, podcasts, hard copy and online maps, and walking tours, to aid users’ navigation and understanding. Outcome: Integrate wayfinding and interpretive information into the City’s existing sign systems for trails, natural areas, and parks; and where appropriate, add innovative new methods of conveying information to people about NIC. C6: Continue to make the Cache la Poudre River a conservation priority The Cache la Poudre River is in many ways the lifeblood of the City; the river serves as the most significant form of connectivity throughout the City, both for humans and for wildlife. The City has developed around the river due to its multiple values, including water delivery, ecological importance, recreation and economics. The community and the region ask a lot of the Poudre, which poses challenges for the future ecological condition of the river, as well as its capacity to provide various services, such as flood water conveyance and water supply. Because the river is well recognized in numerous City plans as a valuable resource for residents and wildlife, river protection and restoration should remain a high priority in the future. The City will continue efforts to support the ecological functions essential to a sustainable, healthy and resilient river. Access Stewardship Access Quality Stewardship 33 32 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 This broad spectrum of efforts includes acquiring land in the floodplain; working to protect minimum and enhanced in- stream flows; reconnecting the river to its floodplain to support riparian habitats, nutrient cycling and pollutant filtration; managing the floodplain to promote native species removing barriers to aquatic life passage; restoring tributaries ; engaging in collaborative efforts to maintain a resilient upper watershed; and providing diverse and high quality recreational opportunities. Outcome: The Poudre River remains a vibrant, connected, and thriving ecosystem that continues to support the social, ecological, and economic values it does today. 34 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 33 PoliCy area 2: land use and develoPmenT Fort Collins’ population is projected to grow from its current 155,000 residents to between 230,000 and 250,000 by 2035. Throughout the Nature in the City outreach efforts a strong desire to preserve the small-town feel of Fort Collins while accommodating this additional growth was prevalent. This desire is also well documented in the City’s 2015- 2016 Strategic Plan. The Land Use Code, which governs new developments and areas that redevelop, is a critical tool for addressing this balance. In addition, there are many neighborhoods, businesses and districts in the City not poised to redevelop, but that have expressed an interest in incorporating greater access or higher quality experiences with nature. The following policies are designed to help meet this need for both properties that redevelop and those that wish to enhance their natural spaces. LU1: Revise Land Use Code open space standards to provide clarity on open space requirements and to encourage greater diversity in open space design The City’s Land Use Code is a regulatory document that guides orderly land development consistent with community values as set forth in City Plan. Currently, there are specific requirements in the Code with regard to open space in new developments, such as full tree stocking, defining the diameter of trees planted in development projects, and a section on protecting and enhancing existing natural resources within the City. While these requirements protect existing natural resources, and provide shading and a uniform urban tree canopy, additional standards are needed to encourage the creation of habitat-friendly landscapes and more diverse natural spaces. To achieve these goals, Land Use Code changes should be designed to provide flexibility to allow site-specific solutions based on context, scale and objectives. For example, high intensity zoning districts (e.g., the High-Intensity Mixed-Use Neighborhood and the Community Commercial zone districts) may have different requirements than lower density zone districts (e.g., Low- Density Mixed-Use Neighborhoods). Further, the standards should be designed to include a mix of qualitative and quantitative requirements similar to existing resource protection standards outlined in Section 3.4.1 of the Land Use Code. Overall, the Land Use Code changes should facilitate functional 34 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 The two images above illustrate how open space is typically provided within a multi-family development (top image), e.g., lawn area ringed by shade or ornamental trees. In the bottom image, the open space has been diversified to include pathways, native landscaping, a community garden, and other natural play spaces. The proposed Land Use Code amendments will be designed to encourage a greater diversity in the types and composition of open spaces within multi-family and other development types. Image to be updated 36 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 35 LU2: Develop Land Use Code changes regarding multiple tree sizes and diversity within new developments Currently, the Land Use Code has standard tree size requirements for shade, ornamental and evergreen trees, as well as for shrubs and perennials as well as minimum diversity requirements for trees. While these standards create the optimum uniform environment for creating an urban tree canopy, in natural landscapes a diversity of vegetation sizes a greater variety in species may be preferred. Thus, this objective is designed to more explicitly encourage multiple plant sizes when incorporating Nature in the City principles into a design (e.g., in a public plaza, courtyard, or larger open space as discussed in Policy LU1). Further, greater emphasis shall be placed on encouraging native species, e.g., cottonwood and boxelder trees, and species that provide wildlife habitat, e.g., linden and honey locust trees. To ensure access, these code changes should be developed with the Land Use Code change team as well as with Natural Areas and Forestry staff with expertise in installing natural landscapes. Outcome: Land Use Code requirements that support diverse tree, shrub and perennial structure and composition within natural spaces. Uniform tree canopy Naturalized landscape In the top image, a uniform tree canopy has been installed. In the bottom image, the landscape has a greater diversity in vegetation types and structure, which is the intention behind Policy LU2. LU3: Create design guidelines to guide development, redevelopment and site restoration One of the most frequently asked questions during Nature in the City outreach efforts was how to incorporate nature into the increasingly urban environment. In practice, establishing native or wildlife-friendly landscapes requires more expertise than establishing typical lawns. One key product of Nature in the City will be a suite of Design Guidelines to provide technical and practical guidance on how to design native or wildlife-friendly landscapes. Quality Stewardship Quality Stewardship 37 36 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 82 SAN FRANCISCO GREEN CONNECTIONS TOOLKIT ELEMENT: DIAGONAL DIVERTERS Diagonal diverters are landscaped areas that bisect an intersection diagonally. They prevent vehicles from traveling through a given intersection by forcing all vehicles at the intersection to turn. This reduces the use of the Green Connection street as well as the cross street for through traffic. Diagonal diverters can also provide oppor- tunities to add greening and enhance urban ecology. Motorists who drive through a neighbor- hood – rather than to a local destination – can cause congestion on residential streets, detracting from the neighborhood feel and reducing the comfort level for people bicycling or walking on that street. Diagonal Diverters can significantly reduce the volume of this “cut-through” traffic. LOCATION CRITERIA: When a Green Connection crosses a residential street with low traffic volumes or when two Green Connections cross. The design guidelines will include an evaluation of the Triple Bottom Line benefits of each potential design option, which will aid in ensuring landowner objectives can be met. For example, a landowner seeking to create wildlife habitat will be able to quickly scan the guidelines to explore which options maximize wildlife habitat (ecological values) and be able to assess feasibility based on cost (economic values) both from an installation and maintenance perspective. Design guidelines will also provide information on establishing and maintaining natural landscapes. Outcome: Design Guidelines document illustrating how to incorporate nature into the urban environment; residents, developers, business owners, and other property owners will be able to more easily establish diverse natural landscapes in the urban environment. LU4: Develop training resources for the installation and ongoing maintenance of diverse landscapes Homeowners, landscapers and business owners may need additional training and resources to properly install and maintain the more diverse landscapes encouraged in the Design Guidelines (Policy LU2). The City will leverage partnerships with internal and external programs that already provide these types of trainings and will develop new resources to fill any gaps. Training resources may include in-person trainings, educational publications, and 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 37 LU5: Coordinate and incentivize natural space improvements at the neighborhood scale One property developing more diverse landscapes in a neighborhood is beneficial, but a whole neighborhood engaged in a coordinated effort to shift the landscape aesthetic of the neighborhood can have much more impact. The City will encourage neighborhood-scale nature projects by engaging HOAs or other neighborhood advocates, especially in priority areas, to partner in projects to create or enhance natural spaces in their neighborhood. Specific projects could include converting grass detention ponds or greenbelts to more diverse landscapes, converting backyards to provide landscaping beneficial to local wildlife, constructing trails through neighborhoods to connect to other natural spaces, and more. These efforts will complement existing programs, such as the Natural Areas Department’s Certified Natural Areas program, and will lend themselves to new programs, such as Austin, Texas’s “Neighborwoods” program that partners on a neighborhood scale to provide free shade trees in locations that could support them. Outcome: Neighborhood-scale projects are implemented and/or incentivized, especially in priority areas where connectivity barriers for residents or wildlife exist, to create or enhance natural spaces. LU6: Support and protect the multiple values of the City’s ditch system While the primary role for the ditches is to deliver water, the City has grown up around this private irrigation network which also provides wildlife habitat and movement corridors through the developed environment. Additionally, ditches provide informal access points for people to connect to nature. The ditches themselves create small lush oases, and often support riparian vegetation. This can occur along the banks or in areas that experience high ground water. This policy directs the City to seek opportunities to partner with ditch companies to: • Keep ditches daylighted (see below) • Remove barriers to aquatic species passage at diversion structures • Remove barriers to wildlife along the ditch • Implement water delivery agreements • Implement wildlife habitat projects • Provide appropriate access for people while avoiding or minimizing impacts to wildlife 38 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 Ditch Daylighting: Access to open water is a critical resource for wildlife in Colorado, and encouraging ditches to remain open, i.e., water is conveyed on the surface, is a key tool for ensuring the ecological function of ditches is protected. As areas surrounding ditches redevelop, the City will actively engage the project developer and ditch company to develop mutually beneficial scenarios that allow the ditch to remain open where possible. If a ditch is already underground via a pipe, the City will pursue daylighting the ditches where appropriate. Re-alignment of the ditches to achieve the goals outlined in this policy and the specific site development goals should be considered when the ecological value on the site can either be protected or enhanced. Opportunities to incentivize daylighting ditches, as well as to achieve the other goals listed above, should be considered. Outcome: A vibrant ditch system that largely remains intact and daylighted, and that maintains the diverse values inherent to the system. LU7: Level of Service for Nature in the City Level of Service is a commonly accepted standard in Transportation Planning to indicate the quality of a given roadway or pedestrian environment. This policy directs the development of a Level of Service standard or guideline for nature to aid developers, property owners, and City government in deciding which type of restoration or design is appropriate for a given space. For example, some spaces may require a great emphasis on social values, e.g., neighborhood parks and trails, while others may benefit from greater emphasis on ecological values. This metric or standard should be evaluated at a Citywide level, to ensure spaces throughout the City provide a wide range of benefits for all residents and species. Outcome: High quality natural spaces are provided throughout the City, with a diversity of social and ecological opportunities provided for the benefit of all residents and species. Quality 40 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 39 LU8: Update and adopt the stormwater basin guidelines to include Nature in the City principles In 2009, the City developed Landscape Design standards Standards and Guidelines for Stormwater and detention Detention Facilities. While these guidelines were cutting edge at the time of their development, it is timely to revisit these standards and assess how the principles outlined in the Nature in the City Strategic Plan (e.g., connectivity for people and wildlife, habitat, urban agriculture, etc.), can be incorporated. These guidelines should also be translated into regulatory standards, either through the Land Use or City Codes, to ensure consistency in application. Outcome: A set of design standards for new and retrofitted stormwater and detention facilities that promote the ecological and social values outlined in this document. LU9: Encourage natural drainages to be re-created Historically, natural drainages in urban areas in the Western United States have been reshaped to meet the needs of the community and that of land development. This policy directs future projects, redevelopments or retrofits to consider historical drainage patterns and recreate natural drainages where feasible. Outcome: Streams, drainages and irrigation corridors throughout the City would be restored to their natural drainages; this would include daylighting previously piped streams or ditches, preserving existing drainages that still remain, and re-creating historic drainage patterns where feasible. Quality Access Quality 41 40 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 LU10: Promote and preserve urban agriculture to support social and ecological values A vibrant local food system has significant ecological, social and economic values. Urban agriculture, which includes small- scale agricultural operations that often use organic or holistic farming practices, can help maintain a sustainable economy by providing food and jobs for those in the community. Urban agriculture also keeps land open, serving as habitat for wildlife and access connections for wildlife and people. Results from data collection at urban agriculture sites during Phase I of Nature in the City showed that these sites are important ecologically for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The City will pursue partnerships with organizations (e.g., the Northern Colorado Local Food Cluster and others) to provide land, funding, education and resources to further urban agriculture in the City. These partnerships will help create a toolkit to encourage urban agriculture projects that support a triple bottom line approach. It will also be important to inventory existing and potential urban agriculture sites, as well as explore agricultural preservation options both via the City and through partnerships with other organizations and agencies. Finally, City efforts to encourage urban agriculture should also seek ways to enhance the biological diversity at these sites, whether through perennial crops, reduced water use or beneficial crops for species. Outcome: Urban agriculture operations that can sustainably operate from a triple bottom line perspective in partnership with Access Quality Stewardship the City and other entities. 42 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 41 PoliCy area 3: CiTy PraCTiCes and PoliCy CoordinaTion The purpose of this policy area is to ensure the integration of Nature in the City principles into existing City Programs and to incorporate these principles into future planning efforts. One of the major charges of Nature in the City, like any project that intersects with numerous areas and groups in the community, is to seize upon opportunities to coordinate with development, infrastructure, and other plans and policies to incorporate nature where appropriate, while also ensuring these coordination efforts continue as plans and policies are updated. The following policies address these topics. CP1: Align City mowing and weed control policies to support local species while balancing public safety and aesthetics through applicable regulations Several City departments have responsibilities to mow or apply herbicide and other chemicals to vegetated areas on City properties. In addition, City Code dictates the management requirement for some of these actions on both public and private lands. Currently each department, with their individual mandate, manages vegetated areas in different ways. While each department utilizes a set of leading best management practices, including integrated pest management, some of these management actions can have unintended consequences for wildlife or plant species depending on the timing, location and method. As different types of properties have different needs, the purpose of this policy is to ensure departments retain the flexibility to achieve their site management objectives, while also minimizing impacts to wildlife and plants. Thus, through this policy, the City will assess current policies, plans and practices regarding mowing and applying chemicals such as herbicides on City properties to identify differences and develop a unified approach that balances unique management needs, aesthetics and public safety with needs of wildlife and plant communities. Additionally, education and outreach to residents should be developed to illustrate why areas are not mowed or mowing frequency has changed, e.g., for habitat, cost purposes, etc. Finally, revisions to City Code may be necessary to allow taller vegetation in appropriate areas to provide habitat for local species, and to provide flexibility to allow longer establishment of diverse landscapes. Outcome: City mowing and spraying policies 42 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 CP2: Monitor night sky brightness in the City and keep night skies dark Dark night skies are an important, yet sometimes overlooked value of nature. The absence of a dark night sky that all living organisms have evolved with over time can have myriad negative impacts. Wildlife are impacted by brighter night skies by having altered circadian rhythms, seeking out or avoiding human caused light thinking it is the moon (e.g., moths), and nocturnal predator/prey relationships are altered. Human circadian rhythms are impacted by bright nights as well, and lack of quality sleep has myriad health consequences. Beyond health concerns, a loss of the ability to view the night sky impacts stargazers, community heritage, and a small-town feel. The City will establish regional partnerships to work on night sky brightness issues, including the National Park Service Night Skies program and adjacent communities in Northern Colorado and Wyoming. A regional regulatory environment that fosters a dark night sky will be essential to deal with the regional scale of this issue. An already established citizen science program to monitor night sky brightness across the City annually will provide a baseline condition and show trends in night sky brightness. Additionally, review and alignment of existing City Land Use and Building Codes related to lighting will be conducted to reflect best practices to best use exterior lighting and minimize light waste. The City will incorporate night sky pollution to standards regarding lighting intensity, temperature and frequency. Finally, in important locations where the night sky is still relatively dark (e.g., Soapstone Prairie Natural Area), the City will seek certification of these areas as International Dark Sky locations. Eventually, the City should seek a certification for a dark sky community. Outcome: Create a darker night sky by protecting existing dark sky locations, monitoring regional baseline and trends in night sky brightness, and implementing regulatory changes to facilitate best practices. Quality Stewardship 44 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 43 CP3: Expand the City’s tree inventory to include wildlife habitat The City’s urban tree canopy contains almost 50,000 trees on developed City property and contributes significantly to our community’s sense of place and quality of life. In 2013, the City embarked on an inventory effort to locate, identify and quantify every City-owned tree on developed public property. The purpose of this policy is to provide additional funding for City to allow the collection of data regarding wildlife habitat provided by the tree cover in the urban environment. These data will help aid the City in understanding the contribution the City’s urban forest provides to the community’s overall wildlife habitat in order to make better site-specific recommendations on how to best protect trees for ecological values, in addition to traditional urban tree assessment tools such as tree health. Outcome: A complete dataset of wildlife habitat in the public urban tree canopy. CP4: In the implementation and monitoring of the City’s Streetscape Standards, consider pollinator and bird- friendly habitats, where appropriate Within the City of Fort Collins, significant attention is given to the role streetscapes play in providing an attractive network that knits the city together. Accordingly, the City has developed a set of Streetscape Standards as an accompaniment to the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards that outlines how parkway strips (the area between the curb and the sidewalk), and medians should be treated. This policy directs staff and interested citizens to consider the habitat value that streets can provide to the community in addition to the aesthetic and social values. Potential habitat value will vary with street size, type, and surrounding context. As street retrofits occur to create more complete streets (e.g., through the Green Streets effort, by adding bulbouts or additional tree canopy along streets), there is new opportunity to also consider habitat aspects of these spaces. For example, vegetation can be added that attracts pollinators, such as edible or flowering plants. Careful consideration must be paid to balance habitat value in the streetscape with ensuring that wildlife conflicts are not created. Outcome: Where appropriate, the streetscape is adapted to include naturalistic landscaping that incorporates pollinator- friendly plant materials while minimizing wildlife conflicts, as well as providing diverse 44 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 CP5: Provide quiet spaces in the City to escape from the urban environment A walk into nature can be quickly impacted by loud noise from a busy street or other activities. Similar to a brighter night sky, a louder environment can have negative impacts to residents and wildlife. Sounds of the urban environment affect circadian rhythms and can prevent deep sleep, which can have negative consequences. Loud noises from vehicles, equipment or other sources can cause wildlife to abandon habitat, and a louder environment negatively affects predator/prey interactions by not allowing either to hear the other as readily as in a quiet location. The City will mitigate the sounds of an urban area by implementing a multi-faceted approach including incorporating best practices into the City’s noise ordinance and other regulatory documents, incorporating vegetation berms and other design elements into new development to reduce noise, installing quiet pavement in new paving projects where appropriate, and educating residents about the impacts of urban noise and the benefits of mitigation. Outcome: A quieter City for people and wildlife CP6: Amend the City’s Stream Rehabilitation Program to incorporate Nature in the City Principles In 2012, City Council approved an update to the City of Fort Collins’ Stormwater Master Plan in accordance with Stormwater Repurposing goals to incorporate environmentally-focused projects, such as stream rehabilitation and water quality best management practice (BMP) regional projects and retrofits. This policy directs staff to update this program in two ways: 1) With more than $53.4 million in stream restoration projects throughout the City, a Multi-Criterion Decision Analysis (MCDA) tool was created to provide a flexible, rational and transparent means to rank and prioritize projects. This tool should be updated to incorporate the principles of Nature in the City (e.g., connectivity for people and wildlife as well as access); and 2) To develop a separate tool or incorporate into the MCDA a mechanism to optimize the overall benefits of a project instead of maximizing them. The existing MCDA model prioritizes projects based on their overall impact, which typically includes high-dollar significant impact projects. Instead, this policy would encourage the Stormwater program and their partners 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 45 CP7: Continue the City’s current policies related to nature in our community and coordinate Nature in the City initiatives with future planning and policy updates The City has numerous plans and policies that relate to Nature in the City efforts. Nature in the City is designed to complement and build upon these existing plans and policies, as well as to seek opportunities to include Nature in the City objectives where possible in new or updated plans and policies. Current examples include incorporating the design guidelines into the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan update, and adding Nature in the City principles into the stormwater restoration program’s decision- making criteria. Over time, numerous plans and policies will be updated with Nature in the City objectives in mind. Outcome: New and existing policies involving nature will be coordinate with Nature in the City. CP8: Coordinate with all applicable City planning processes over time to ensure opportunities to implement Nature in the City efforts and initiatives are included While some Nature in the City projects may be implemented in the short run, a majority of initiatives will evolve over decades as opportunities arise through regular planning updates and redevelopment. It is therefore essential that staff coordinate on planning as these plans, policies and projects are developed, so that Nature in the City initiatives are implemented where appropriate. Nature in the City will be included in the newly- created Sustainability Analysis Tool to ensure every item presented to City Council has an opportunity to assess the potential inclusion of Nature in the City policies. Additional tools should be explored, as needed, to ensure goals continue to be met in perpetuity. Outcome: All projects that are approved by City Council will have an assessment of the potential to include Nature in the City components. CP9: Update Nature in the City Strategic Plan On a regular basis, the Nature in the City Strategic Plan will need to be updated to encompass new projects, the evolution of policies and practices within the City, and changing needs based on demographics, changing development patterns, and strategic direction for the City. Outcome: A relevant planning strategy that reflects current conditions and efforts. Access Quality Stewardship Access Quality Stewardship 46 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 CP10: Celebrate nature in the urban environment The City of Fort Collins passed its first open space sales tax in 1972, and since that time, almost 40,000 acres of land have been conserved through the Natural Areas program, City Parks have been established throughout the City, a strong Land Use Code protects open spaces on private lands, and private landowners throughout the City are increasingly incorporating natural spaces into their projects. This policy directs staff to acknowledge these successes and seek opportunities to celebrate the natural environment within our community. Key opportunities include the following: • Build upon the annual Nature Fair and monthly Natural Areas events by partnering with other entities, e.g., the Sustainable Living Association, Gardens on Spring Creek, Audubon Society, Save the Poudre, etc. to celebrate nature within the urban environment; • Consider annual events such as a chimney swift walk to highlight the unique biodiversity found within the urban environment. Chimney swifts are a bird species that nests within chimneys in Old Town Fort Collins. • Recognize excellent examples of Nature in the City through the Urban Design Awards or other recognition programs • Develop walks or events to celebrate ditches and other historical resources to highlight their value to our community and to the Fort Collins’ open space network Outcome: Increased recognition of the unique role nature plays in the Fort Collins urban environment. Stewardship 48 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 47 PoliCy area 4: lonG-Term moniTorinG The Nature in the City Strategic Plan is designed to be a living document that guides how the community incorporates natural spaces into the increasingly urban environment over the next 100 years and more. Accordingly, while the prior policy areas focus on needs that can largely be addressed in the next three to ten years, these policies envision a longer-term application and evaluation of the Nature in the City principles. Thus, the following policies encourage the development of specific targets and long-term monitoring programs to aid the City in assessing whether it is on track to achieving the goals established in this plan and what additional policies may need to be developed in order to achieve the Nature in the City vision. The policies also encourage citizen engagement in long-term monitoring to ensure ownership of this plan by all community members. LT1: Set a Citywide biodiversity goal One of the City’s existing sustainability goals is focused on the percentage of native and non-native vegetation cover in Natural Areas. This policy suggests that a biodiversity goal should be comprehensive to the entire City and include both public and private lands. In addition, the current goal metric is limited to percentage of native versus non-native plant cover. The City should consider expanding this goal to include a suite of biodiversity goals that targets a level of plant and animal species richness, abundance and diversity; percentages of native vs. non-native species; and more to allow decision makers to better assess the City’s performance in achieving its vision for natural spaces, and the wildlife and plants that inhabit them. Outcome: Updated biodiversity goal that includes both public and private lands and evaluates a more comprehensive set of metrics. Quality 49 48 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 LT2: Establish the value of ecosystem services to the City and track the value added by existing and new projects Functioning ecosystems provide services such as soil erosion prevention, stormwater conveyance and water quality filtering, to name a few. These services have an economic value; disturbances to the ecosystem functions have negative economic as well as ecological impacts, just as new or restored sites provide additional economic and ecological value. The Natural Areas Department has adopted the concept of ecosystem services and has implemented mitigation requirements for impacts to these services in the Natural Areas and Open Lands Easement Policy (2012). While research has been done on a statewide level, no research has been completed on a regional or community scale. The City will partner with researchers to provide more local information about the ecosystem services in the City to better assess the impact development or conservation projects have on the ecological and economic conditions in the City. Outcome: Community or regional standards for economic value provided by ecosystem services in the community. LT3: Establish monitoring for carbon sequestration to support greenhouse gas emission reduction goals Live vegetation and healthy soils can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it as carbon, a process known as carbon sequestration. Depending on the carbon storage capacity, certain land use categories can be an important resource for offsetting carbon emissions or establishing carbon credits and can be preserved, maintained, or enhanced to increase their ability to store carbon. The City will develop or partner with other entities to establish baseline carbon sequestration data for different land use categories; acquire parcels with high carbon sequestration potential that also have other values such as habitat, access, and connectivity; and support Forestry and other departments’ efforts in vegetation monitoring and sequestration modeling. Close coordination in planning (see Policy P1) with the City’s Climate Action Plan and Green Built Environment programs and other departments within the City will be essential to the success of this Policy. Outcome: Support the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals of the Climate Action Plan 2015 Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 49 LT4: Evaluate and monitor open spaces for air quality improvement in accordance with the Air Quality Plan Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can improve air quality by absorbing or filtering air pollutants, producing oxygen, and providing a cooling effect which can decrease the formation of ozone. In addition, vegetated areas can provide respite from heat, smog, smoke, and noise. The City will develop or will partner with other entities to define air quality characteristics for select areas of nature within the City. The characteristics could be used in assessing the air quality improvement value of preserving, maintaining, or acquiring key parcels. Assessment of air quality benefits will align with the Air Quality Plan. Outcome: Support the air quality improvement goals of the Air Quality Plan. LT5: Establish a long-term monitoring program for the City’s biodiversity using citizen science projects Phase I of Nature in the City included establishing a network of locations across the City to collect data regarding bird, butterfly and vegetation abundance and diversity. This effort supplements other existing data collection efforts to provide a baseline condition for the City’s nature at the beginning of the project. However, long-term monitoring of important key indicators will be essential to identify trends in wildlife and plant communities. Additionally, in public outreach efforts, participants often mentioned their desire to engage in data collection related to this project. Engaging residents in citizen science projects to collect this data leverages City resources and increases citizen buy-in, giving them a vested interest in the success of these projects. The City will establish and maintain data collection on a regular basis (as well as partner with other organizations who collect similar data) to assess the health of identified key indicators to measure the overall health of nature in the community. This will include developing: • Indicator plant and wildlife species that can provide important information about impacts of development and climate change. • A unified City plant list, as part of the Design Guidelines and via other publications, to help developers, landscaping companies, landowners, HOAs and the City coordinate on plants that can provide numerous ecological, social and economic values. 50 Nature In The City Chapter 3: Policies 2015 PoliCy area 5: fundinG and inCenTives During the public outreach for Nature in the City, participants said they would like to incorporate nature into their homes or businesses, but didn’t have the technical knowledge to do so, and perceived increased costs as a barrier. Financial and other types of incentives are important to help overcome these barriers. Additionally, identifying, coordinating and managing all the potential projects Nature in the City may have a nexus with will require ongoing funding for the program. The following policies address these issues. F1: Explore a diverse set of funding options to implement Nature in the City A reliable and diverse set of funding sources is vital to fully implementing the goals of Nature in the City. Possible sources include federal and state grants, private and non- profit grants, Building on Basics 2.0 capital improvement funds, Budgeting for Outcomes funding, and others. In order to develop this set of funding sources, the City will identify likely internal and external funding sources and pursue appropriate sources on a project- by-project basis. Additionally, since native landscapes are more challenging to establish, ongoing operations and maintenance costs need to be considered in addition to capital costs. Outcome: Ongoing funding for program support and project-specific capital improvements is secured and maintained. F2: Implement incentives that can be incorporated into new development and redevelopment projects Offering different incentives to new developments and redeveloped properties, as well as for existing neighborhoods, businesses or other properties not poised to redevelop, can increase the likelihood that Nature in the City features are implemented in these projects. Incentives can be financial, such as rebates, discounts on materials, or competitive grant programs. An additional option to consider is the development of a Design Assistance Program, similar to the Landmark Preservation Design Assistance Program, whereby developers can apply for technical assistance for how to include Nature in the City principles into the developments. This program also could be used to help landscaping companies become familiar with best practices for establishing and maintaining native or naturalized landscapes. Opportunities to partner with outside agencies Chapter 3: Policies Nature In The City 51 53 54 CHAPTER 4: PLAN EVALUATION AND IMPLEMENTATION 55 54 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation This Chapter contains two key elements: how the plan will be evaluated and a proposed implementation strategy. Implementing Nature in the City will require dedicated resources, policy and code updates, and coordination amongst internal and external stakeholders in the years to come. The following sections of this Chapter outline a strategy to achieve the coordination required to achieve the vision and goals set forth in this plan. Plan Evaluation A common way to evaluate a plan is through the use of performance indicators. Performance indicators are tools that are used to track and evaluate progress of implementation over time. Performance indicators are most effective when they are aligned with the key outcomes a project is seeking to achieve. For Nature in the City, the performance indicators are designed to measure whether the vision, goals, and policies outlined in the plan are being achieved. As the vision for Nature in the City is meant to be implemented over time, two phases of indicators are proposed: 1. Indicators to Implement Immediately: These indicators can be implemented upon completion of the connectivity analysis (planned for 2015) and are designed to evaluate the plan in its entirety: • Access to Nature. This measure will evaluate the percentage of parcels within the City that have access to nature within a 10-minute walk (1/4 – 1/3 mile, or approximately 1,200-2,000 feet). • Connected Habitat Network. This measure will build upon the connectivity analysis for wildlife and evaluate the proportion of the habitat network that is connected. 2. Longer-term Indicators: These indicators can be implemented upon completion of specific actions contained within the implementation strategy, see below, and may change over time based on the needs of the community. As the plan implementation evolves, specific indicators tied to the plan’s goals may be developed. Examples of these measures include the following: • Neighborhood Engagement. This measure is an example of how an indicator could tie to a specific Nature in Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Nature In The City 55 data collected through this project and in future efforts to establish a target for biodiversity, e.g., species diversity and abundance. A commitment to regularly monitor the City’s wildlife will be critical to long-term measurement of the City’s biodiversity. Additional measures will be identified by an interdisciplinary team and be displayed in a transparent and accessible manner to the public, e.g., through the Community Dashboard, to ensure all residents can track implementation progress. Plan Implementation The actions identified on the following pages have been divided in two ways: 1. Timeframe – The timeframes below indicate when a particular item will be initiated, but note that many of the items outlined in the plan will continue beyond the specific timeframe, e.g., seeking funding and demonstrating the principles of Nature in the City will occur throughout all three time frames. • Short-term (2015-2016): These items were identified as concurrent actions that should be completed with or shortly thereafter the adoption of the Nature in the City Strategic Plan. • Mid-term (2017-2020): These items are high priority items that should be developed and implemented in alignment with the next budget (BFO) cycles. • Longer-term (2021 and Beyond): These items are generally items requiring ongoing coordination and implementation beyond a specific timeframe to achieve the Nature in the City objectives. 2. Type of Action required • City Council Action Items: These items will require action by City Council, whether by Resolution or Ordinance or through the approval of funding; • Administrative items: These items will not require action by City Council. In each of the actions, the key City departments or external stakeholders or partners have been identified to implement the action item. Top priority items have been identified by the project team based on citizen feedback and general estimates about staff resources and City Council time availability. Nature in the City Vision: A connected open space network accessible to the entire community that provides a variety of experiences and 56 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Short-term Actions: 2015-2016 Short-Term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Land Use Code Amendments (PRIORITY) Open Spaces • Develop clarification on open space requirements; ensure standards allow for site-specific solutions based on context, scale, and objectives Alternative Vegetation Sizes and Composition • Develop standards to allow for a diversity of tree, shrub, and grass sizes and species to be installed with the goal of creating more diverse, natural landscapes Ditches • Craft standards that encourage ditch corridors, which contribute to important ecological functions, to continue to remain daylighted, i.e., retain surface conveyance • LU1 • LU2 • LU6 Planning, City Attorney’s Office, Forestry, Park Planning, Natural Areas, Utilities, e.g., Stormwater Existing staff resources Climate Action Plan (PRIORITY) Incorporate Nature in the City principles into the Climate Action Plan update, including carbon sequestration goals (Scheduled for adoption in February 2015) • CP7 • LT3 Environmental Services, Planning Existing staff resources 58 57 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Short-term Actions: 2015-2016 Short-Term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Comprehensive Night Skies Policy and Regulatory Updates (PRIORITY) • Conduct an assessment of existing City policies surrounding night skies and where gaps in policies may existing based on current best practices; from this analysis, develop a comprehensive night skies policy • Incorporate this policy into regulatory updates, e.g., the 2015 International Building Code update and the Annual Land Use Code amendments • CP2 All City Service Areas, e.g., Utilities, Traffic, Building, Planning, Natural Areas; National Park Service Existing staff resources Acquire parcels, as needed, to achieve the goals contained within this Strategic Plan (PRIORITY) Acquisitions should target a) sites that ensure all residents have access to nature within a 10-minute walk from their homes, or b) sites that fill gaps from a species connectivity perspective. • C1 • C2 Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater, Private Property Owners, e.g., Homeowners Associations Estimated $1-1.5 million over 10 years based on initial analysis West Central Area Plan Incorporate Nature in the City principles into the West Central Area Plan; strong staff coordination on the Open Space Network portion of the WCAP has been occurring (Scheduled for adoption in March 2015) • CP7 Planning, FCMoves Existing staff resources Support the City’s efforts to evaluate the multiple values of 58 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Short-term Actions: 2015-2016 Short-Term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Update the Stormwater Basin Guidelines Update the standards for new and retrofitted stormwater and detention facilities to promote the ecological and social values outlined in Nature in the City. These guidelines should also be translated into regulatory standards, either through the Land Use or City Codes, to ensure consistency in application. • LU8 • C1 • C2 • CP7 Stormwater, Natural Areas, Planning, City Attorney’s Office Existing staff resources Administrative Action Items (no City Council action required): Connectivity Analysis – Wildlife (PRIORITY) Conduct connectivity analysis to identify fragmented natural systems in the City; identify priority areas and fill in gaps for species connectivity • C1 Planning, Natural Areas, GIS, Colorado State University Funded via Nature in the City ($8,000) Connectivity Analysis – People (PRIORITY) Conduct connectivity analysis to identify locations with a walk to nature longer than 10-minutes, identify priority areas and fill gaps for access to nature for all residents. • C2 Planning, GIS, Park Planning, FCMoves Existing staff resources Design guidelines (PRIORITY) Develop a set of design guidelines for how to incorporate “Nature in the City” principles into a range of settings, from private backyards and existing businesses to new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments • LU3 Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater, Light and Power, Environmental 59 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Short-term Actions: 2015-2016 Short-Term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Install the living wall (PRIORITY) Through funding from the City’s Innovation Fund, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and the Urban Lab, install the community’s first living, or green, wall • LU5 Planning, Urban Lab, Parks, Operation Services, Gardens on Spring Creek, Utilities, Colorado State University Funded via Nature in the City, the Innovation Fund, and the DDA ($30,000) Establish citizen- science or City- based programs to monitor biodiversity (PRIORITY) Develop a long-term monitoring program that establishes a baseline over three years and then collects biodiversity data, e.g., birds and butterflies, data every 2-3 years thereafter. Key indicators should be developed to track long-term progress of Nature in the City implementation. • LT5 Natural Areas, Planning, Colorado State University Estimate $50- 75,000 to develop; estimate $10- 25,000 for ongoing management Support the Northern Colorado Food Cluster’s efforts to develop a strategic plan As the Northern Colorado Food Cluster develops the regions first strategic plan around resilient, local food system, continue to support these efforts where they align with the principles of Nature in the City • LU10 • CP7 Planning, Economic Health, Gardens on Spring Creek, Natural Areas, Northern Colorado Food Cluster 60 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Short-term Actions: 2015-2016 Short-Term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Adapt the Sustainability Assessment Tool (SAT) to incorporate Nature in the City The Sustainability Assessment Tool is a method for evaluating how projects incorporate the Triple Bottom Line (environment, economy, and social); the tool should be adapted to include a line-item for Nature in the City to ensure all City planning processes will be coordinated with the principles outlined in this Strategic Plan. • CP8 Environmental Services, Planning Existing staff resources Collaborate with other ongoing air quality assessments Environmental Services staff are conducting air quality sampling in accordance with the Air Quality Plan; collaborate with these efforts to also include sampling in open spaces throughout the City • LT4 Environmental Services, Natural Areas, Planning Existing staff resources Collect baseline data on the carbon sequestration values of the City’s tree canopy Forestry and other departments will conduct data collection in the summer of 2015 on approximately 200 plots throughout the City to assess carbon sequestration values of the tree canopy, amongst other metrics, e.g., health. • LT3 Forestry, Environmental Services, Natural Areas, Planning Estimated $70,000 (approved through 2015-2016 BFO Offer 99.3) Incorporate Nature in the City into the City’s Strategic Plan In the update to the 2015-2016 City Strategic Plan, specific language should be 61 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Continue to acquire parcels, as needed, to achieve the goals contained within this Strategic Plan (PRIORITY) Acquisitions should target a) sites that ensure all residents have access to nature within a 10-minute walk from their homes, or b) sites that fill gaps from a species connectivity perspective. • C1 • C2 Planning, Natural Areas, Parks Planning, Stormwater, Private Property Owners, e.g., Homeowners Associations Will vary based on need; Estimated $1-1.5 million over 10 years based on initial analysis Align City mowing and weed control policies while balancing public safety and aesthetics (PRIORITY) Assess City regulations, policies, plans, and practices to identify differences and align around unified best management practices that balance management needs, aesthetics, and public safety with the needs of wildlife and plant communities. • CP1 Natural Areas, Parks, Neighborhood Services, Planning, Streets, Utilities, e.g., Stormwater, Light and Power, etc. Existing staff resources Nature in the City Funding (PRIORITY) Support the ongoing coordination and implementation of Nature in the City through City-based funding, e.g., capital projects, future budgeting cycles, etc. • F1 Planning, Natural Areas, Sustainability Service Area, City Manager’s Office 62 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: City Plan Update Incorporate Nature in the City principles into the next City Plan update • CP7 Planning, Natural Areas Adapt into the plan scope Transportation Master Plan Incorporate Nature in the City principles into the next Transportation Master Plan update, including transit access and wayfinding to nature and include access to nature within transportation improvement plans • C3 • C4 • CP7 FCMoves, Transfort, Engineering, and Planning Adapt into the plan scope Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Incorporate Nature in the City principles into the next Parks and Recreation Policy Plan update, including design guidelines and access to nature standards, and updates to Best Management Practices • CP7 Park Planning, Planning Adapt into the plan scope Subarea Plan Updates Incorporate Nature in the City principles into future subarea plan updates, including Downtown Plan, Old Town Neighborhoods Plan, etc. • CP7 Planning Adapt into the plan scope Assess policies related to sound Conduct an assessment of existing policies surrounding sounds, e.g., the noise ordinance, landscaping requirements, etc., to assess how noise impacts near nature can be mitigated • CP5 Planning, Natural Areas, Neighborhood Services, Police Existing staff resources 64 63 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Administrative Action Items (no City Council action required): Neighborhood- scale program to incorporate Nature in the City (PRIORITY) Develop a coordinated neighborhood-level program, e.g., Sustainable Neighborhoods (Lakewood, CO) or Neighborwood (Austin, TX), that implements projects in neighborhoods where gaps (in access or species connectivity) have been identified to create or enhance natural spaces. • LU5 Neighborhood Services, Planning, Natural Areas $50,000 to pilot the program; estimate $10- 25,000 for ongoing management Nature in the City Funding (PRIORITY) Support the ongoing coordination and implementation of Nature in the City through outside funding such as grants, private sector sponsorships, etc. • F1 Planning, Natural Areas, Sustainability Service Area, City Manager’s Office Will vary based on need; estimate full- time staff member to coordinate efforts Update the Stormwater Stream Rehabilitation Program to Optimize Project and Funding Distribution (PRIORITY) Evaluate the outputs of the MCDA decision making tool of the stream rehabilitation program to compare the relative value of all possible projects and to make decisions based on results and equity throughout the City, specifically where small projects can significantly improve neighborhoods access or quality of experiences. • C1 • C2 • CP6 • CP7 Stormwater, Planning, Natural Areas, Park 64 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Transit Connections to Nature Identify appropriate access points to natural spaces on existing and future transit routes and develop a plan to provide accessible access to open spaces throughout the City. Upgrade bus stops where appropriate. • C4 Transfort, Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater Existing staff resources for the planning analysis; average cost of $10,000 per bus stop to ensure accessibility, though cost will vary based on site-specific conditions. Wayfinding to Nature Develop a comprehensive and consistent wayfinding system throughout the City using innovative wayfinding that aides to minimize sign pollution. • C5 Planning, FCMoves, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater Will vary based on need; Directional signs - $75-200/ sign Interpretive signs - $500-1200/sign Training Resources for the Installation and Maintenance of Natural Spaces Coordinate an interdisciplinary project team to develop a suite of training resources for landowners, business owners, and landscapers to allow the successful installation and maintenance of diverse landscapes. • LU4 • LU5 Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater, Private Sector Businesses, e.g., landscaping companies, Colorado State University, Homeowners Associations 65 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Monitor the living wall Monitor the living wall to assess energy efficiency, benefits to habitat, water use, etc. to guide future demonstration projects • LU5 • LT3 • LT4 • LT5 Parks, Planning, Environmental Services Estimate $2- 5,000 per year for monitoring Identify pilot or demonstration sites to illustrate Nature in the City principles In addition to the living wall, identify and install additional demonstration projects to illustrate how nature can be incorporated into the increasingly urban environment • LU5 Planning, Homeowners Associations, Business Associations Will vary based on need, estimate of $5-30,000 per project Continue to support the City’s efforts to evaluate the multiple values of ditches Implementation of this action item could include the development of a Master Plan for the Ditches within the City of Fort Collins, pilot projects to demonstrate how ditches can continue to convey irrigation water while also enhancing the other values they provide, etc. • LU6 All City Service Areas, Ditch Companies, Private Landowners Will vary based on need; plan cost estimated at $150- 250,000 Continue monitoring baseline and trends in night sky brightness in the region Continue to monitor existing sites within Fort Collins and the region and extend this monitoring to include new sites based on 66 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Mid-Term Actions: 2017-2020 Mid-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Establish a Citywide biodiversity goal The City’s Sustainability Goals currently focus on biodiversity, e.g., diversity and abundance of wildlife, on public lands. This goal should be updated to reflect goals for the City as a whole, i.e., both public and private lands. • LT1 Environmental Services, Planning, Natural Areas, Colorado State University Estimate of $10-15,000 for professional expertise to develop an appropriate goal Establish monitoring for carbon sequestration Collect data to estimate the overall carbon sequestration in the City and develop targets to evaluate future progress in accordance with the Climate Action Plan • P1 • LT3 Environmental Services, Forestry, Planning, Natural Areas Melissa/ Ralph Z. Partner with other entities to celebrate nature within the urban environment Collaborate with key partners to develop annual events surrounding urban nature, e.g., a walk through downtown to observe the chimney swift populations or a walk along the ditches and other historical resources to highlight their value to the community • CP10 Planning, Natural Areas, Gardens on Spring Creek, Environmental Organizations, Property Owners Existing staff and partnership resources; minimal marketing costs 68 67 Nature In The City Chapter 4: Plan Evaluation and Implementation Longer-Term Actions: 2021 and Beyond Longer-term Action Item Description Related Policies Responsibility Estimated Cost City Council Action Items: Update the Nature in the City Strategic Plan (PRIORITY) To ensure the plan continues to function and serve the community well over time, the plan must be reviewed, revised and updated periodically. Plan evaluation should occur on an annual basis with comprehensive updates taking place every 5-10 years. • CP9 Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Utilities, Sustainability Service Area, Colorado State University Annual monitoring – existing staff resources; 5-year update - $25- 50,000 Continue to acquire parcels, as needed, to achieve the Strategic Plan goals (PRIORITY) Acquisitions should target a) sites that ensure all residents have access to nature within a 10-minute walk from their homes, or b) sites that fill gaps from a species connectivity perspective. • C1 • C2 Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning, Stormwater, Private Property Owners, Will vary based on need and accomplishments to date. Establish the value of ecosystem services to the City and track the value of existing and new projects Current ecosystem services valuations are based on statewide assessments; this item develops a localized assessment of ecosystem services to track the value of the City’s ecosystem services over time • LT2 Natural Areas, Planning, Colorado State University Estimate of $100,000 Develop Level of MEMORANDUM RE: West Central Area Plan – Draft Plan PURPOSE: The purpose of this Work Session item is to discuss and receive feedback from the Board on the latest draft of the West Central Area Plan. SUMMARY: Attached you will find the latest draft of the West Central Area Plan, an update to the 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan. This document was developed through an extensive public outreach process and reflects the hard work of a Technical Advisory Committee, Stakeholder Committee, staff, and consultant team over the past year. The latest version of the Plan is still preliminary in nature and includes several, but not all, of the chapters and appendices that will comprise the Draft Plan that is presented to the public and eventually to City Council. The following chapters are included for the Board’s review: • Executive Summary • Current Context • Land Use & Neighborhood Character • Transportation & Mobility • Open Space Networks QUESTIONS FOR THE BOARD: Staff is seeking feedback from the Board related to the following questions: • Are there any policies, projects, or programs that appear to be missing? • Does the Board have suggestions for effective implementation of any of these items? • Are there areas where the wording or organization could be improved? • Are these sections understandable and easy to use? ATTACHMENT: 1. West Central Area Plan – January 26, 2015 Draft 70 71 Acknowledgments Members of the Technical Advisory Committee Fort Collins City Council Project Management Team City of Fort Collins Departments: Other Agencies: • Karen Weitkunat, Mayor • Bob Overbeck, District 1 • Lisa Poppaw, District 2 • Gino Campana, District 3 • Wade Troxell, District 4 • Ross Cunniff, District 5 • Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6 • Ted Shepard, Chief Planner • Amy Lewin, Transportation Planner • Rebecca Everette, City Planner • Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager • Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Program Manager • Clay Frickey, Associate Planner • City Manager’s Office • Communications and Public Involvement • Economic Health Office • Engineering Services • Environmental Services • FC Moves • Forestry • Gardens on Spring Creek • Historic Preservation • Natural Areas • Neighborhood Services • Colorado State University (CSU) • CSU Research Foundation (CSURF) • Fort Collins Housing Authority • University of Colorado Health - CanDo In collaboration with the public, and: • Operations Services • Parks • Park Planning & Development • Parking Services • Planning Services • Police Services • Social Sustainability • Streets • Traffic Operations • Transfort • Utilities Services • Lindsay Ex, Environmental Planner • Mark Jackson, Planning, Development and Transportation Deputy Director • Tim Kemp, Engineering Capital Projects • Martina Wilkinson, Traffic Operations • Emily Allen, Community Liason • Laurie Kadrich, Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 iii 72 City Boards and Commissions Members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee • Air Quality Advisory Board • Bicycle Advisory Committee • Commission on Disability • Parks and Recreation Board • Planning and Zoning Board • Senior Advisory Board • Transportation Board • Affordable Housing Board • Natural Resoures Advisory Board • Landmark Preservation Commission • Parks and Recreation Board • Land Conservation Stewardship Board • Parking Advisory Board • Susan Ballou • Rick Callan • Susan Dominica • Becky Fedak • Colin Geret • Carrie Ann Gillis • Per Hogestad • Ann Hunt • Greg McMaster • Kelly Ohlson • Tara Opsal • Jeannie Ortega • Jean Robbins • Steve Schroyer • Andy Smith • Logan Sutherland • Lloyd Walker • Nicholas Yearout Consultant Team Russell + Mills Studios Fehr & Peers • Craig Russell, Principal, Project Manager • Paul Mills, Principal • John Beggs, Senior Planner/Landscape Architect • Shelley La Mastra, Landscape Architect • Darren Duroux, Landscape Architect • Mary Taylor, Landscape Architect • Ann Bowers, Principal, Traffic Engineer • Charlie Alexander, Traffic Engineer • Carly Sieff, Transportation Planner • Nell Conti, GIS Specialist iv DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 73 Executive Summary What is the West Central Area Plan? Why Does the Plan Need to be Updated? How to Use this Plan Planning Process Community Engagement Summary Vision Policies Current Context About the West Central Area 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan Need for Plan Update Relationship to City Plan / Plan Fort Collins Related Planning Efforts Overview Study Area Change Over Time Study Area Context Land Use and Neighborhood Character Vision Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development Policies Transportation and Mobility Vision Proposed Roadway Projects Proposed Intersection Projects Policies Shields Corridor Open Space Networks Vision Potential Open Space Improvements & Additions Policies Prospect Road Corridor Vision Overall Approach Alternatives Development & Evaluation Draft Design Implementation & Action Items Implementation Summary Phasing Funding Table of Figures TBD Appendices Appendix A: Community Engagement Summary Appendix B: Transportation Existing & Future Conditions Appendix C: Prospect Corrdor Alternatives Appendix D: Prospect Corridor 30% Design Appendix E: Shields Corridor Analysis Appendix F: CSU On-Campus Stadium Table of Contents WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/28/15 v 74 Executive Summary 75 Executive Summary What is the West Central Area Plan? The predecessor to this plan, the West Central Neighborhoods Plan, was adopted in 1999. The plan establishes a vision and goals for the area, as well as specific policies and implementation actions related to land use, housing, transportation, historic preservation, parks and open lands, public services, and other topics. The plan was developed through significant effort by a Citizens Advisory Committee, with support from City staff. Why Does the Plan Need to be Updated? Now, 15 years since the plan was developed, this area hosts several new development projects, with varying degrees of impact. Given City Plan’s emphasis on infill versus sprawl, CSU’s enrollment projections, and the development of a new on- campus stadium, it is now time to re-assess plans and policies so the quality of life and character of the West Central Area are preserved and enhanced. The purpose of the plan update is to revisit the original vision and goals, policy directives, and implementation actions based on emerging issues and trends. The update will incorporate new information from related planning efforts in the area, including the Student Housing Action Plan, Land Use Code amendments regarding compatibility, City Code amendments regarding historic preservation, and new Colorado State University initiatives. How to Use this Plan This plan is intended to coordinate local stakeholder needs with the larger community’s purpose (as represented in City Plan). The recommendations contained within this plan are intended to be used by City Staff, the Planning & Zoning Board, the Transportation Board and City Council to assist in understanding where the community, local leaders, and elected officials should focus their efforts. Developers, residents and other stakeholders should refer to the plan for guidance in terms of land use and character and coordination with policies and recommendations. 2 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN West Central Area Boundary 76 Phase 1: Existing and Future Conditions Evaluation Phase 2: Update Vision Phase 3: Outline Plan and Develop Prospect Design Alternatives Phase 4: Policies, Action Items and Draft Plan Phase 5: Plan Adoption and Implementation Planning Process The West Central Area Plan represents a 12-month planning process consisting of five phases of plan development: Community Engagement Summary The Community Engagement process for the overall project consisted of the following: Phase 1: Existing/Future Conditions (January – June 2014) • Postcard mailing (all property owners and tenants in the West Central Area) • 4 listening sessions – 175 total attendees • 20 neighborhood walking tours – 83 total attendees • Online “Wiki Map” – 41 users and 248 total comments • Citywide Planning and Transportation Projects Open House – 154 attendees • Air Quality Advisory Board Public Forum – 25 attendees Phase 2: Update Vision (January – June 2014) • Postcard mailing • 2 visioning events – 74 total attendees • Online Visioning Survey – 337 respondents • ·Outreach at the Drake Road Farmers’ Market, CSU Lagoon Concert Series, and Gardens on Spring Creek events • Presentations to advisory boards and commissions Phase 3: Outline Plan and Develop Prospect Corridor Design Options (July – October 2014) • Postcard mailing • City Council Work Session (August 26) • Open House – 85 attendees • Online Survey – 263 respondents • Prospect Corridor Design Survey – 303 respondents • Two Prospect Corridor Workshops – 69 total attendees • Outreach to property owners along the Prospect Corridor (phone calls and letters) • Presentations to advisory boards and commissions Phase 4: Develop Policies and Action Items (November 2014 – January 2015) • City Council Work Session (November 25) • ·Presentations to advisory boards and commissions Phase 5: Plan Preparation and Adoption (January – March 2015) • Postcard Mailing • Draft Plan Open House • Presentations to advisory boards and commissions City Boards and Commissions • Planning & Zoning Board (January, August, and December 2014; January, February and March 2015) • Transportation Board (April and August 2014; February 2015) • Parking Advisory Board (April 2014) • Affordable Housing Board (September 2014) • Air Quality Advisory Board (September 2014) • Senior Advisory Board (September 2014) • Parks and Recreation Board (September 2014; February 2015) View along Prospect Road Neighborhood Projects Open Space Networks Land Use & Neighborhood Character Transportation & Mobility Prospect Corridor Design IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Vision diagram for the West Central Area Plan Vision Given the area’s history and diverse character, envisioning a unifying and cohesive future character was one of the first priorities in the planning process. The intent of the vision is to reflect: • The features that are most valued by residents and stakeholders, and should be preserved for the future; • Opportunities to improve the current state of the area and better support quality of life; and • Reflect citywide goals and policies that are relevant to the West Central area. Land Use & Neighborhood Character Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life. LU Transportation & Mobility A connected network that supports people safely walking, biking, or using public transit as a primary way to travel while balancing the need for efficient auto travel throughout the area. T Open Space Networks A functional network of public and private lands that connects wildlife, plants, and people. OS Prospect Corridor Attractive and functional, well-integrated, mixed-use corridor that serves the mobility needs of nearby neighborhoods, CSU, and the community. P The Vision categories represent the three primary focus areas of the plan as well as the vision for Prospect Corridor. The three primary vision categories represent a unified and holistic vision for the overall project, however, there is a level of overlap between each area. For example, access to nature and high quality open space is a critical component for the creation of desirable neighborhood character, as is safe, convenient multi-modal access to key destinations to and from the neighborhood. The three primary focus areas of the vision statements provide a framework for structuring the implementation plan including neighborhood programs and projects as well as the design for the Prospect Corridor. Policies Land Use & Neighborhood Character Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development Four general areas of potential development or redevelopment have been identified: Significant New Development or Redevelopment These include areas where significant new development/ redevelopment is anticipated on vacant parcels potentially resulting in change of use or intensity. Examples of these areas include: High Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood District - zoned H-M-N (North of Prospect Road between Whitcomb Street and Shields Street); Vacant 20 acres south of Prospect Road and East of Shields Street; Various vacant or under-utilized parcels along arterial streets. Some New Development or Redevelopment These include areas where some market driven infill and redevelopment is likely to occur. An example of these areas includes: Campus West – zoned C-C, Community Commercial. Neighborhood Enhancements These area areas where some reinvestment in infrastructure is necessary and potential additions/renovations are likely to occur. Examples of these areas include: Neighborhoods south of mulberry to west Prospect Rd. west of Shields St. Areas of Stability These area areas that are stable and unlikely to change significantly. Some reinvestment in infrastructure will likely be necessary, however, strong efforts should be made to preserve the overall neighborhood character. Physical improvements for all areas include: street lighting, neighbor hood entry signage, street tree plantings, ditch crossings, sidewalk improvements. The following list provides a summary of the overall Land Use and Neighborhood Character policies and are organized under three categories of Code Enforcement and Education, Neighborhood Services and Neighborhood Character: Code Enforcement and Education 1.1 Promote good property maintenance and lawn care practices for both owner-occupied homes and rental properties to contribute to attractive, desirable neighborhoods 1.2 Maintain the livability of neighborhoods for a variety of residents through occupancy limits 1.3 Support programs and initiatives that seek to educate renters, landlords and property managers, and long-time residents about living as part of a diverse community Neighborhood Services 1.4 Ensure that the West Central area remains a safe place to live, work, travel, and play for all ages 1.5 Construct new public improvements and upgrade obsolete infrastructure to better serve neighborhood residents 1.6 Maintain streets to support neighborhood aesthetics and environmental quality. 1.7 Maintain employment opportunities and access to amenities Neighborhood Character 1.8 Ensure appropriate, compatible development occurs in areas of development 1.9 Encourage CSU involvement in neighborhood planning and development efforts Transportation And Mobility Transportation and mobility policies emphaze the importance of providing safe, efficient, multi-modal access to destinations throughout the area, with specific improvements related to street retrofitting, Prospect Road and Shields Corridor. Many of the policies directly support other City Planning efforts such as the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan, Street Maintenance Program (SMP) and Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study (AIPS). The policies are organized under five categories of Safe Routes, Multi-Modal Options, Street Retrofitting, and Implementation Strategies: Safe Routes 2.1 Prioritize improvements that support safe routes to schools and community facilities 2.2 Provide safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians during snow events Multi-Modal Options 2.3 Encourage safe travel behavior for all modes through infrastructure improvements, education, and enforcement 2.4 Support car and bike sharing 2.5 Ensure high quality, comfortable first- and last-mile connections to transit 2.6 Explore shared parking opportunities for transit and other uses 2.7 Provide additional transit service and amenities to encourage transit use Implementation Strategies 2.8 Support completion of the low-stress bicycle network, per the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan 2.9 Coordinate with other ongoing city programs (e.g., Street Maintenance Program (SMP)) to make improvements in a cost-effective and efficient manner 2.10 Pursue sustainable funding strategies for all modes 2.11 Work towards achieving Climate Action Plan goals 2.12 Support implementation of the Pedestrian Plan through the Pedestrian Needs Assessment 2.13 Support implementation of performance measures and evaluation to assess impacts of projects Street Retrofitting 2.14 Pursue opportunities to implement street retrofitting to beautify and screen/buffer adjacent land uses, as well as for traffic calming Parking 2.15 Minimize parking congestion in neighborhoods to preserve quality of life 2.16 Ensure adequate parking is provided to serve new development and redevelopment projects 2.17 Encourage the use of car storage and shared parking to meet parking needs 2.18 Manage special events to minimize traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods Narrow, uncomfortable sidewalks exist throughout the neighborhoods Protected bike lanes are recommended on Lake St. and Shields St. 6 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 80 fcgov.com/westcentral P Prospect Corridor VISION Attractive and functional, well-integrated, mixed-use corridor that serves the mobility needs of nearby neighborhoods, CSU, and the community Draft - 11/12/2014 Prospect Rd. - Shields Street to College Avenue - Draft Design Prospect Road - View looking west near Prospect Lane intersection 6’ Tree lawn 10’ Shared bike/ped path Pedestrian/bicyclist activated crossing Potential street light gateway banners 6’ Tree lawn Raised, planted median 10’ Travel lane, typical 8’ Sidewalk Prospect Road Corridor Based on the input on the alternatives that were developed for Prospect Road and Lake Street, as well as technical and operational analyses of the various options, draft designs have been developed for both streets. These designs were developed using elements from the alternatives, and were further refined based on feedback from property owners and residents at a workshop in October. Overall Design Strategy: • Provide holistic designs so that Prospect and Lake are connected and complement each other as one corridor • Develop a custom cross-section for Prospect that is narrower than the standard cross-section, while still providing improved facilities • Maintain the curb along the south side residential area of Prospect to minimize construction costs and ROW impacts • Focus Prospect ROW impacts on areas likely to redevelop (primarily on the north side) • Coordinate with CSU’s master plans and other plans for redevelopment Prospect Road - Design Elements: • Four travel lanes • Center turn lane/median • Tree lawn • Detached sidewalk/shared bike and pedestrian path • Mid-block bike/pedestrian crossing • Transit stops/pullouts Lake Street - Design Elements: • Two travel lanes • On-street parking • Protected bike lanes with planted buffer • Detached sidewalk • Tree lawn (select locations) • Transit stops Open Space Networks Open Space Networks policies emphasize providing access to open space, parks and a variety of recreational activities. The Plan provides guidance for development of new areas of open space but also ensures connections to existing open space. A variety of comprehensive and system scale stormwater Current Context 82 Current Context About the West Central Area The West Central Area consists of several neighborhoods and commercial centers bounded by: Mulberry Street to the north, Shields Street and the Mason Corridor to the east, Drake Road to the south, and Taft Hill Road to the west. The area is adjacent to, but excludes, the Colorado State University (CSU) main campus. There are many distinct neighborhoods and districts included within the West Central Area Plan boundaries, which range in character, land use, and pattern of development. The mix of neighborhoods has evolved over 150 years of incremental development, transitioning from a predominantly agricultural area to more urban and suburban community core. At one point in time, Prospect Road and the CSU main campus formed the southern edge of the City of Fort Collins; however, the West Central area is now located in the heart of the city. The University is, and will remain, a major influence on the area’s land use, transportation circulation, open space network, and overall character. The CSU main campus anchors the northeast corner of the planning area, while the south campus and Veterinary Teaching Hospital anchors the southeastern corner. CSU’s influence is felt in several ways, including: • The need for housing and services in close proximity to the campus • The effect of the campus on transportation patterns for all modes of travel • The release of large acreages of the former agricultural portions of the campus for private development • Contributions to the city’s population growth through the addition of students, faculty, staff, employees of related agencies, and families of these groups over time; • The wide cultural diversity the University provides • The University’s role as the principal economic generator to the area. The addition of higher density multi-family developments designed to accommodate students and other renters has further shaped the area, and will continue as CSU enrollments grow and City policies encourage infill development and redevelopment within the community. Accommodating this growth will continue to require additional support services (police, fire, emergency medical, commercial, retail, and other services); infrastructure (utilities, stormwater management, parking, sidewalks, and street upgrades); and parks and open space to adequately serve current and future residents. 1999 West Central Neighborhoods Plan The predecessor to this plan, the West Central Neighborhoods Plan, was adopted in 1999. The plan establishes a vision and goals for the area, as well as specific policies and implementation actions related to land use, housing, transportation, historic preservation, parks and open lands, public services, and other topics. The plan was developed through significant effort by a Citizens Advisory Committee, with support from City staff, a set the stage for a number of programs and improvements in the West Central area. The following vision statement was included in the 1999 Plan: • Maintain and enhance the diverse character of the West Central Neighborhoods, comprised of long- and short- term residents such as families, senior citizens, and students, City Structure Plan Need for Plan Update In the 16 years since the West Central Neighborhoods Plan was initially adopted, a number of changes have occurred and issues have arisen that require new approaches and updated policy guidance. Several new development projects have been approved and constructed in the area, with varying degrees of benefit and impact to the surrounding neighborhoods. Given City Plan’s emphasis on infill development rather than sprawl, CSU’s enrollment projections, and plans for an on- campus stadium, it is now time to re-assess plans and policies so the quality of life and character of the West Central area are preserved and enhanced for years to come. The purpose of the plan update is to revisit the original vision and goals, policy directives, and implementation actions based on emerging issues and trends. The 2015 West Central Area Plan incorporates new information from related planning efforts in the area and provides updated direction related to a number of topics. Relationship to City Plan / Plan Fort Collins Plan Fort Collins - 2011 Vision: Through innovation, sustainability, and connections the City of Fort Collins aspires to create a vibrant, world-class community. The City of Fort Collins is committed to providing leadership and exceptional service to citizens, but recognizes that the entire community must be involved to achieve the vision. General Goals Land Use and Character • Promote infill development in active areas • Consider adjacency, scale and buffering in the design of welcoming neighborhoods • Encourage volunteerism, Community Service • “Promote acceptance, inclusion & respect for diversity” • Promote “Collaboration” & “Strong Partnerships Transportation and Mobility • Expanded public transit system for high frequency transit service along all major arterials • Ensure land use & transportation are “fully integrated” • Create safe, reliable, convenient, effective, multi-modal transportation networks • Encourage overall healthy lifestyles through opportunities in recreation and active transportation Open Space Networks • Form “multi-purpose” open lands • Stormwater Development: “Green Streets” & Low Impact Development • Protect/Restore Watersheds & Streams • Form a strong network of parks and open space 10 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 84 Transportation Master Plan (2011) Vision: A Connected Community • Land use and transportation will be fully integrated, both locally and regionally, to create an affordable, accessible, low energy, low impact, and efficient transportation system. • Multiple modes of safe, affordable, easy, and convenient travel will ensure mobility for people of all ages and abilities. Multiple travel modes will make it easy to choose transportation options that support a healthy lifestyle. Innovative travel modes will be accommodated through flexibility in the transportation system. • The transportation system will provide safe, reliable, convenient, and effective vehicular mobility and access. • Travel infrastructure will be high quality and recognized as world class by residents, visitors, and peers. • People will be aware of the impact that their travel choices have on the transportation system, the environment, and the community. They will have travel options to choose that help Fort Collins achieve its overall vision of being a world class community. Related Planning Efforts Overview The primary related planning efforts influencing the West Central Area include the following: • Transportation Master Plan • Student Housing Action Plan • Revised Neighborhood Compatibility, Transistion & Preservation Standards • Natural Areas Master Plan • Nature in the City Transportation Master Plan Action Items Master Street Plan • Change street classifications to align with new land-use patterns • Designate Corridor/Street Segments in need of “Context Sensitive Solutions” • Update street standards to address need for “Urban Arterial” & “Green Street” concepts as well as “Context Sensitive Design” Pedestrian Plan • Educate: Increase Bike/Pedestrian Safety Programs • Update LOS Methodology for signalized street crossings • Designate Transportation/Commuter Trails vs. Recreational Trails and/In Natural Areas • Evaluate missing connections and need for ADA ramps Bike Plan • Continue to improve connections & accessibility • Improve multi-modal connectivity and expand opportunity for bike-transit/bike-pedestrian/bike-automobile links Transfort: Strategic Operating Plan • Relocate South Transit Center (Along Mason) and add a North Transit Center At Harmony & Timberline • Realign existing routes along Elizabeth, University, Horsetooth, & Drake • Add Mason BRT service along the Mason Corridor • Improve Service frequencies and provide extended hours and weekend service • Improve access and provide dedicated routes to local schools • Transition to grid route configuration • Provide regional service to Denver and eventually Boulder, Berthoud, and Longmont City of Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan Ram’s Village apartment complex The District at Campus West apartment complex The Grove apartment complex Ram’s Pointe apartment complex Student Housing Action Plan (2011) Vision:“The Student Housing Action Plan strives to develop community driven strategies that encourage and provide quality student housing while maintaining neighborhood quality and compatibility.” Student Housing Action Plan Action Items Land Use and Character • All multi-family housing developments outside of the TOD are to be zoned for Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhoods • Type two hearings are required for “any multi-family project greater than 50 units or 75 bedrooms” • Clearly define and promote “compatibility” of new development with existing. • Establish parking and landscape standards for defined setback in amended Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (MMN) district • Specify and define distinct types of multi-family housing and utilize variations to create architectural “gradients” between multi and single family housing developments • Enforce Noise Control and Party Registration Program • Educate parents and students on off-campus neighborhood living guidelines • CSU will “strive to provide on-campus housing for all first year students as well as 25% of returning students” and “incentivize students to live on campus for a second year and beyond.” Transportation & Mobility • Build a pedestrian crossing (Above or Below Grade) near Shields and Elizabeth Streets • Increase and implement multi-modal transportation connections as defined by Plan Fort Collins and assess pedestrian impact on intersections and trails 12 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 86 Revised Compatibility, Transition & Preservation Standards (2013) The revised Compatibility, Transition and Preservation Standards address the following land use and preservation concepts: Landscape Elements • Ensure buffering between incompatible uses & activities (Separation/Screening, Establish Privacy, Landscape Shaping • Interrelationship between new and existing elements Building & Project Compatibility • Ensure height, size, mass, bulk and scale are similar to existing designs • If different, visually integrate through details and form Land Use Transition • Form transition zones between distinct and potentially adverse adjacent land uses • Implement buffer yards and passive open space between Operational/Physical Compatibility • Hours, Lighting, Noise, Loading/Delivery Zones, Parking (# of Spaces & Location), Trash Determining A Historically Significant Structure • Historic Importance • Architectural Importance • Geographical Importance New Construction & Development Regulations • City approval is required for the demolition of structures and proper procedure followed for structures over fifty years of age. • Historic elements must be incorporated into new development and any alterations may not “adversely affect the integrity of the historic resource” • New buildings in historic districts reflect historic character through the following: Reflection of Roof Lines, Patterns, Material Choices, Door & Window Placement, & Characteristic Entry Features • “[The Commission will] provide advice and written recommendations” for development plans of historic sites and/or adjacent areas Natural Areas Master Plan Vision: “Through the work of the Natural Areas Department, a diverse system of conserved and restored lands will connect community members to nature. These conserved lands will protect nature and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our community.” Natural Areas Master Plan Priorities • Land and water conservation including water rights acquisition to enhance and sustain habitat. • Improve water quality, quantity and overall health of the Cache La Poudre River ecosystem. • Connect people to nature through education, outreach and volunteer coordination. • Manage resources to complete grassland restoration in southwest Fort Collins and foothills natural areas;, reintroduce endangered native species and create “Wilderness in the City” oriented spaces. • Maintain high quality Ranger and Visitor Services. • Construct and maintain high quality recreation, public improvements and facilities. • Conserve and restore cultural resources. • Conserve working agricultural lands with prime soils and water. Legend - Land Use Change 1974 - 1999 Study Area Boundary Spring Creek Trail Arterial Road New Institutional New Parks and Open Space Study Area Boundary Spring Creek Trail Arterial Road New Institutional New Parks and Open Space New Residential Development New Mixed-Use Development New Commercial Development Stormwater Management New Residential Development New Mixed-Use Development New Commercial Development Stormwater Management N N Aerial 1974 Study Area Boundary Aerial Road Prospect Road Shields Street Taft Hill Road Drake Road CSU Mulberry Street Prospect Road Shields Street Taft Hill Road Drake Road CSU Mulberry Street Prospect Road Shields Street Taft Hill Road CSU Mulberry Street 14 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN Study Area Change Over Time Historic Aerials The following aerial photographs illustrate the change in land use over time in the West Central Area. Aerial photos begin with 1974 conditions and illustrate changes from 1974 to1999, followed by changes from 1999-2014. 1974 Conditions A substantial portion of the area north of Prospect Rd. and south of Mulberry St. was built out as it currently exists. The single family residential neighborhoods south of Elizabeth St. existed as they do today, as did many of the student housing oriented multi-family developments north of Elizabeth St. The remainder of the land south of Prospect Rd. existed primarily in agricultural use. Notable exceptions include the Roland Moore West single family residential neighborhood near the corner of Taft Hill Rd. and Drake Rd., and the Sheely- Wallenberg neighborhood east of Shields St. and South of Prospect Rd. To the east of this neighborhood, Aggie Village Legend - Land Use Change 1999 - 2014 Mason Corridor Development Corridor Development Study Area Boundary Spring Creek Trail Bike Route/Lane Arterial Road New Institutional New Parks and Open Space New Residential Development New Mixed-use Development New Commercial Development New Religious Development Stormwater Management N Study Area Context The character of the area’s individual neighborhoods has been shaped historically by several forces: the original agricultural utilization of land in the area; incremental expansion of the city to the south and west; Colorado State University’s growth and changes to its campuses; increased residential, commercial, and institutional development beginning in the 1950’s; and continued expansion of services to this core area of the city. The earliest of the subdivisions and planned developments in the West Central area dates to 1911, though very little development occurred before World War II. Many of the post-war subdivisions were planned and built with their own distinct features, creating a variety of development patterns, architectural design styles, and character. A number of commercial and institutional development projects have enhanced the West Central area over time: the Campus West commercial district, Drake Centre Shopping Center, Centre for Advanced Technology, Raintree Plaza, and Spring Creek Medical Center provide retail, restaurants, medical care, and other services to neighborhood residents. A number of grocery stores are located around the perimeter, though outside the boundary, of the West Central area. However, since the failure of the Steele’s Market near Drake Road and Shields Street, there is no longer a grocery store within convenient walking or bicycling distance for many residents in the area. Land Use & Neighborhood Character The West Central Area is comprised of several stable neighborhoods at the edge of the Colorado State University Campus with a variety of housing types and densities throughout. The neighborhoods are directly influenced by student population growth, student behavior and travel to and from campus. As the need for additional student housing has grown, these neighborhoods have expressed concern for preserving their character and livability. Plans for a new CSU on-campus stadium and other facilities have further increased the perception of multiple pressures for residents of neighborhoods along campus edges. The West Central area is characterized in part by its population density. The area has the highest concentration of residents of any area in Fort Collins, with a resident population of approximately 20,556 . With a land area of approximately 3.6 square miles, the West Central presently houses about 14.2% of the City’s entire population (144,3291) on 6.7% of its total land area . Based on the latest North Front Range indicates a demand for additional residential development and redevelopment in this area. Moreover, CSU anticipates adding approximately 8,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff by 2024, which will impact the demand for housing and public and private services in this area. CSU houses only a portion of its students on-campus, so the remaining students must find housing elsewhere in the city. Over time, this has resulted in the conversion of many single- family dwellings into rental units. This often leads to short-term occupancy and associated challenges related to property maintenance, renter behavior, differing lifestyles, and over- occupancy of homes within neighborhoods. Maintaining the affordability and desirability of these neighborhoods for a range of residents, including students and families, has long been a priority for the West Central area. Current zoning, notably the High Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood (H-M-N) and Neighborhood Conservation Buffer (N-C-B) districts, allows for increased density on key properties within the West Central area; however, there are ongoing concerns that infill and redevelopment will impact the character and desirability of existing neighborhoods and may have an impact on adjacent historic structures. Areas of potential redevelopment and infill are likely to change more substantially over time than stable, intact neighborhoods, where preserving the existing character is a higher priority. The provision of adequate neighborhood services, upgrading outdated infrastructure, and creating a stronger sense of neighborhood pride and identity are primary concerns in the area, as well. Several historic structures and one historic district, the Sheely Neighborhood, exist within the West Central area. Preserving the integrity of these historic features has become a concern for many residents and others as pressure from new development increases. Furthermore, there are many additional structures that could be recognized for their historic characteristics in the coming years. Transportation & Mobility Due to the incremental growth and development of the West Central area, roads, sidewalks, and other transportation facilities have been developed inconsistently and to various standards over time. Constrained, high traffic arterial roads, such as Prospect Road and Shields Street, are perceived as barriers for crossing to and from campus, schools, community facilities, shopping centers, or other destinations. Bike and pedestrian facilities along these corridors typically do not meet current City standards and feel unsafe or uncomfortable to users. Discontinuous sidewalks, a lack of safe crossings along arterial roads, and lack of sufficient traffic calming within neighborhoods present challenges for residents and commuters alike. Alternative routes and connections for bikes and pedestrians are often lacking, so there is a need for a more effective multi-modal network of bike and pedestrian facilities in order to provide safe, easy, and convenient alternatives to driving. The high population density and concentration of schools and destinations in the area results in higher transit ridership than other areas of the city. Routes along the West Elizabeth corridor have the highest ridership, and CSU has helped fund additional routes and service to better meet the demand of students commuting to campus in recent years. At the same Open Space Networks There is a concentration of parks, recreation, open space, and trail amenities within the West Central area, including Rolland Moore Park, Avery Park, Red Fox Meadows Natural Area, Ross Natural Area, Senior Center, Gardens on Spring Creek, the Spring Creek Trail, and the Mason Trail. The Spring Creek is a primary open space corridor for both wildlife habitat and recreation, and is an important connection between other parks and open spaces. Three major irrigation ditches traverse the area: New Mercer Canal, Larimer County Canal Number 2, and the Arthur Ditch. These serve multiple functions, providing habitat, managing stormwater, and delivering water to customers, and there may be future opportunities to improve recreational access in some locations. The open space network also includes a number of stormwater detention areas within the West Central area, located on both public and private property, which also present opportunities for future enhancement. As development occurs, it is important to maintain an adequate amount of open space to provide wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for current and future residents. Residents have expressed a desire to ensure new development continues to provide adequate access to high quality parks and open space. Recent open space improvements in the West Central area include: • Red Fox Meadow Natural Area: After the 1997 flood exposed deficiencies in storm water management in the area, the CIPO project created the Natural Area to correct stormwater management deficiencies, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide access from adjacent neighborhoods by multi-use trails. • Scarborough Garden at the Scarborough Drive access from the Rolland Moore West Neighborhood to the Spring Creek Trail and Rolland Moore Park provides a wildlife and people-friendly landscape of native plants. • Enhanced plant diversity and wildlife habitat in the stormwater wetland in Ross Natural Area. Prospect Corridor Prospect Road was an early transportation corridor in the city, and was developed in an agricultural setting. Early, incremental housing development along this corridor constrained the public right-of-way, which is now inadequate to meet existing transportation needs. This high-traffic corridor is unsafe and uncomfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel along and across, and requires a number of improvements to meet the needs of all users – vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit users. There are opportunities to improve both Prospect Road and Lake Street to better serve residents and commuters, accommodate through-traffic, and connect to the MAX bus rapid transit line. Red Fox Meadows Natural Area Lack of pedestrian facilities along Prospect Rd. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 17 Current Context 91 LUCharacter Land Use and Neighborhood 92 LU1 LU2 LU3 LU4 LU5 LU6 Land Use and Neighborhood Character Vision Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life Desirable, safe, and affordable neighborhoods that are a source of pride Conveniently located parks, trails, open space, services and employment New development that is compatible with existing development and accommodates future growth A range of incomes and a variety of housing options Well-integrated campus community A collaborative design process that respects neighborhood concerns 50 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 93 Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development Four general areas of potential development or redevelopment have been identified: Significant New Development or Redevelopment Significant new development/redevelopment anticipated on vacant parcels potentially resulting in change of use or intensity High Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood District - zoned H-M-N (North of Prospect Road between Whitcomb Street and Shields Street): This area represents an edge condition and provides a transition from the Sheely neighborhood into the CSU main campus. The location provides easy access to the main campus. This area is expected to build out in accordance with existing zoning, with residential density at a minimum of 20 dwelling units per acre. While five story buildings are allowed, height, mass, and scale will be critically evaluated to achieve compatibility with adjacent development and positively impact the neighborhood and community. The allowable density and proximity to campus create opportunities for mixed-use buildings. Various vacant or under-utilized parcels along arterial streets: These parcels are scattered throughout the plan area and are generally under pressure to redevelop in a manner greater than would otherwise be allowed by the current parameters of the R-L, Low Density Residential, or N-C-B, Neighborhood Conservation Buffer zone districts. Such redevelopment will be carefully evaluated so that new uses protect neighborhood character, are well-designed, and mitigate traffic impacts. Collaboration with surrounding neighbors is expected to result in land uses that are appropriate and design that is sensitive to the surrounding context. Some New Development or Redevelopment Some market driven infill and redevelopment likely to occur Campus West – zoned C-C, Community Commercial: Strengthen this commercial center as the West Elizabeth (Campus West). This area is expected to build out with a high degree of urban character in accordance with the current C-C zone district. Redevelopment is encouraged to provide street- facing patios and other features that animate the streetscape. Pedestrian and bicycle amenities will be required for traffic calming and pedestrian safety. Mixed-use development is strongly encouraged to provide housing opportunities above commercial space. Corporate prototype design will be discouraged or modified so the district remains distinct and builds upon its unique character. Vacant parcel in M-M-N zone looking southwest from Prospect Rd. Vacant parcel in H-M-N zone along Prospect Rd. Existing Campus West commercial center looking west from Elizabeth St. Vacant 20 acres south of Prospect Road and East of Shields Street: This area represents the largest undeveloped tract in the Plan area and incudes two zone districts. The N-C, Neighborhood Commercial zone is about ten acres and acts as the core of the parcel with exposure along Shields Street. This area is expected to develop in an urbanized commercial manner that provides the desired mix of goods and services that will benefit the neighborhood. Opportunities for dwelling units above commercial space abound. The M-M-N, Medium Density Mixed-Use Neighborhood zone surrounds the commercial core and is intended to offer a variety of housing options as well as act as a compatible land use transition for Neighborhood Enhancements Some reinvestment in infrastructure and potential additions/renovations The neighborhoods designated as “areas of neighborhood enhancements” are identified on the Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development Map. The neighborhoods south of Elizabeth and north of Prospect were generally developed over the decades following World War II, typically as one story ranch style residences exhibiting typical characteristics of sinmple roof lines with simplified footprints and some minor material variation. Many of the residences in this area are currently rental units and it’s anticipated that this area is likely to experience renovations and remodels as housing prices in Fort Collins increase. Infrastructure improvements to roadways and street-lighting will be prioritized in this area as well. The neighborhoods north of Elizabeth consist of a dominant multi-family student housing land-use with post World War II single family residential dominating the area around Mulberry St. Infrastructuer improvements to roadways and street-lighting will be prioritized here as well. Areas of Stability Stable areas unlikely to change significantly The neighborhoods designated as “areas of stability” are identified on the Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development Map. These neighborhoods were generally developed sequentially, from north to south, over the decades following World War II and, therefore, demonstrate unique attributes and character. These neighborhoods feature a variety of housing styles along quiet, tree-lined streets. These neighborhoods will be preserved and enhanced, with infrastructure improvements where needed. While stable, these neighborhoods are under pressure due to the high number of rental houses, the transient nature of the tenants, and an overall increase in population and traffic in the West Central area. There are no proposed land use changes or re- zonings for the stable neighborhoods. Existing stable neighborhood in Rolland Moore West Typical single family residential structure in area south of Campus West 52 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 95 LU Land Use & Neighborhood Character VISION Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life fcgov.com/westcentral Draft - 11/10/2014 N Ave * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Legend POTENTIAL CSU STADIUM Drake Rd Areas of Stability, Enhancement, & Development SPRING CREEK TRAIL MASON TRAIL Shields St WHOLE FOODS/ KING SOOPERS CSU VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER SENIOR CENTER ROLLAND MOORE PARK ROSS NATURAL AREA FISCHER NATURAL AREA RED FOX MEADOWS NATURAL AREA AVERY Policies 1.1 Code Enforcement and Education - Promote good property maintenance and lawn care practices for both owner-occupied homes and rental properties to contribute to attractive, desirable neighborhoods The Plan calls for a variety of efforts emphasizing the importance of strengthening neighborhoods. Neighborhoods should be desirable, safe, affordable and a source of pride for all residents. Residents of the West Central area will have convenient access to parks, trails, open space, services and employment via all modes of transportation. The Plan provides guidance for new development to ensure compatibility with existing neighborhoods and yet accommodate future growth. A variety of housing types will ensure that residents from all socio-economic levels may find suitable housing in the area. The following policies are organized under three categories of Code Enforcement and Education, Neighborhood Services and Neighborhood Character: Code Enforcement and Education 1.1 Promote good property maintenance and lawn care practices for both owner-occupied homes and rental properties to contribute to attractive, desirable neighborhoods 1.2 Maintain the livability of neighborhoods for a variety of residents through occupancy limits 1.3 Support programs and initiatives that seek to educate renters, landlords and property managers, and long-time residents about living as part of a diverse community Neighborhood Services 1.4 Ensure that the West Central area remains a safe place to live, work, travel, and play for all ages 1.5 Construct new public improvements and upgrade obsolete infrastructure to better serve neighborhood residents 1.6 Maintain streets to support neighborhood aesthetics and environmental quality. 1.7 Maintain employment opportunities and access to amenities Neighborhood Character 1.8 Ensure appropriate, compatible development occurs in areas of development 1.9 Encourage CSU involvement in neighborhood planning and development efforts 1.10 Encourage a variety of housing types so that residents from all socio-economic levels may find suitable housing in the area 1.11 Maintain established, mature neighborhoods as areas of stability 1.12 Emphasize and respect the existing heritage and character of the neighborhoods through a collaborative design process that allows for a neighborhood dialogue Intent • Continue to pursue a proactive approach to identifying, monitoring, and responding to code violations. • Continue to prevent recurring code violations on individual properties through increased fines or other escalating enforcement measures • Continue efforts to educate and improve the maintenance and management of rental properties should focus on both landlords and renters. 1.2 Code Enforcement and Education - Maintain the livability of neighborhoods for a variety of residents through occupancy limits Intent • Continue enforcement of the City’s occupancy ordinances, commonly referred to as “U+2” or “three-unrelated.” Programs & Projects • Expand education efforts related to the impacts and requirements of occupancy limits in partnership with CSU and Front Range Community College. Implementation & Action items • Develop a strategy for the escalation of fines or other enforcement measures for repeat occupancy limit violations. • Update the City Code to clarify the enforcement violations related to dead grass and bare dirt in front yards. What We Heard “Residents in the West Central neighborhoods generally support the existing occupancy ordinance (U+2) and greater accountability for landlords” 1.3 Code Enforcement and Education - Support programs and initiatives that seek to educate renters, landlords and property managers, and long-time residents about living as part of a diverse community Intent • Improve education of renters, including CSU and FRCC students, prior to the occurrence of violations. • Allow for participation in education programs as part of the penalties associated with public nuisance, occupancy, drug and alcohol, code violations, and other offenses. For example, students issued a ticket off-campus are required to attend a class about living in the community. Explore a program that requires landlords to attend a class on rental property management in response to public nuisance ordinance violations. • Improve communication with property owners and neighborhood residents about the codes that are in place, how they are enforced, and how residents can help. Efforts should be taken to ensure that residents and code compliance staff have similar expectations about how code enforcement will occur in neighborhoods. Programs & Projects • Continue to partner with CSU to reinforce education, outreach and messaging related to city ordinances. • Explore a program that requires landlords to attend a class on rental property management in response to public nuisance ordinance violations. • Focus mandatory community service on neighborhoods in which the violations frequently occur. Implementation & Action Items • Governmental Partnerships – Neighborhood Services, Police Services, Planning, CSU Off-Campus Life, CSU Police Department, Associated Students of CSU (student government), and Front Range Community College. • Community Partnerships – Neighborhood organizations and leaders, homeowners associations, landlords and property managers, tenants, property owners. • Funding for an additional staff position to support the Community Liaison position. Such a position would assist with the implementation of CSU Off-Campus Life events Community welcome group 1.5 Neighborhood Services - Construct new public improvements and upgrade obsolete infrastructure to better serve neighborhood residents Intent • Upgrade existing bridges to include sidewalks and safety railings, particularly over irrigation ditches. • Add street trees, particularly along Prospect Road west of Shields Street, along collector roads, and at entrances to neighborhoods. • Improve neighborhood identity and aesthetics with entry signage. • Trim tree branches that block sight distance at intersections and stop signs. • Add shelters to existing and future bus stops. • Widen existing attached sidewalks where feasible. Fill in missing gaps in sidewalks within neighborhoods. • Explore locations for physical traffic calming or radar speed indicators. Implementation & Action Items • Regularly maintain curb paint to prevent parked cars from blocking driveways and interfering with sight distance at intersections. What We Heard “There is a need for upgraded infrastructure within neighborhoods such as sidewalks, bridges and other safety measures as well as aesthetic upgrades such as street trees.” LU1 LU4 T4 1.4 Neighborhood Services - Ensure that the West Central area remains a safe place to live, work, travel, and play for all ages Intent • In order to enhance safety, public street lighting should be added to fill existing gaps along public streets and bring illumination levels up to current standards. • Monitor crime incidents and trends in the West Central area to determine if additional patrols, safety features, or other resources area needed. • Monitor and maintain all public services in order to retain neighborhood vitality for all ages and income groups Programs & Projects • Pursue the establishment of a Police Services sub-station within the West Central area. Such a center could also include community-oriented services, such as a shared community room, office space for CSU and community organizations, or other amenities. • Coordinate with the Light & Power department to map gaps in lighting and opportunities to bring existing light fixtures up to current standards along major streets and within neighborhoods. Implementation & Action Items • Identify locations where additional lighting, sidewalk connections, and other neighborhood safety improvements are needed. What We Heard “There is a need for additional lighting as a neighborhood safety measure. Street lighting throughout the neighborhoods seems inadequate. ” Top three desired amenities for a neighborhood center from WCAP survey Neighborhood Services - Maintain streets to support neighborhood aesthetics and environmental quality LU1 Intent • Routine street sweeping and maintenance will beautify neighborhood streets, reduce flooding impacts, and support public health and safety. Implementation & Action Items • Properly notify neighborhood residents of routine street sweeping operations to ensure that street parking is cleared so debris can be effectively removed. • Explore strategies for better informing residents of the street sweeping schedule and the need to move vehicles from the street during sweeping operations. • Continue to implement the citywide Street Maintenance Program within the West Central area to ensure that aging infrastructure is repaired as needed. Neighborhood Services - Maintain employment opportunities and access to amenities LU1 Intent • Maintain the existing employment and service mix within the area. If gaps in employment or amenities materialize, work with the development community to encourage those gaps to be filled. Monitor the feasibility of a new neighborhood center and work with the community to ensure any new neighborhood center fills gaps in housing, employment and amenities. Implementation & Action Items • Maintain the Neighborhood Commercial zone district to allow for future development of a mixed-use neighborhood center near Shields and Prospect. • Encourage businesses to locate in existing, underutilized commercial buildings in the West Central area whenever possible. Filling vacant commercial real estate will be prioritized for new commercial opportunities. What We Heard The results of two online surveys indicate the need for additional services (e.g., grocery store) within the West Central area. 1.6 1.7 Routine street sweeping and maintenance needs Vacant parcel zoned Neighborhood Commercial WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 57 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 100 1.8 Neighborhood Character - Ensure appropriate, compatible development occurs in areas of development LU2 Intent • New development should be pedestrian oriented, mixed use and contribute to a vibrant streetscape. • The height, mass, and scale of new development in the HMN zone district and other areas of significant new development or redevelopment should be compatible with adjacent development and sensitive to the context of the area. Implementation & Action Items • Update the Land Use Code standards for the HMN zone district to clarify requirements related to mass, scale, and building design. What We Heard “It is important to residents that new multi-family developments should match the character of the neighborhoods in which they are built.” Ground floor transparency with windows for at least 75% of facade Horizontal, vertical and building edge modulation - step back upper stories and divide buildings into modules with material variation Provide plazas, gathering spaces and courtyards Street-wall variation - provide courtyards as articulation/open space Mixed Use Design Guidelines - The following design guildelines provide guidance to developers and decision makers and are intended to complement the Fort Collins Land Use Code standards. Design guidelines are intended to provide some level of flexibility in their implementation illustrating only what’s important or critical. Though less stringent than the Fort Collins Land Use Code standards, utilizing the guidelines should allow development applicants a greater level of support from Planning and Zoning staff and should assist in gaining neighborhood approval. Mixed-Use development should be explored in the HMN zone district under the following guidelines: Emphasize height and mass transitioning to upper stories; horizontal, vertical and edge modulation and material variation; ground floor transparency; and provide courtyards, plazas and open space both for gathering areas and as a means of further breaking down the perceived scale of structures. 58 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU Transition heights to provide taller stories at middle of project - reducing impact to neighboring residential land use 101 4 Lots Large front setback from main road Consolidate driveway access South facing courtyards Establish east-west bike/ ped connections Main Road 2 Lots Single building fronting street Large front setback from main road Articulation of building facade Fifth story setback Establish east-west bike/ ped connections Main Road 6 Lots Promote north-south bike/ped connections Southern facing courtyards Encourage parking behind buildings and shared between lots Encourage access from minor collector road Main Road Parking Minor Collector 8 Lots Southern facing courtyards Consolidate driveway access Parking drive on property line connects to other lots Encourage parking behind buildings and shared between lots Main Road Potential Redevelopment Scenarios in the HMN Zone The HMN zone is comprised primarily of small lots varying in size, where, in many cases a single lot is not large enough to accommodate higher density redevelopment. To accommodate new development and redevelopment successfully, lots will likely need to be consolidated. A shared central parking strategy will likely be necessary where lots are consolidated longitudinally, as illustrated in the 6 lot scenario below. The examples below illustrate a variation of lot consolidation scenarios addressing access, parking, setback and modulation strategies to assist with breaking up the overall mass of structures. Providing larger south facing courtyards and/or upper story setbacks will help avoid a monotonous street wall and create a perception of a series of smaller structures. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 59 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 102 Goals Pedestrian Plazas/Amenities focused on internal open space Increased setback along Lake St as a transitional area to CSU Establish east/west bike/ped connections Greenspace Buffer Large front setback frontage for Prospect Rd and transition to Sheely neighborhood Building faces street with parking behind Reduce driveway access points from Prospect Road Encourage parking behind buildings, shared lots for larger full block development Establish bike/ped connections between Prospect Rd and Lake St Potential Access Points Potential Access Points Centralized Parking Potential 5 Story Building with south facing courtyards Centralized Parking Centralized Parking Centralized Parking Prospect Road Lake Street CSU S Whitcomb Street Prospect Buildings: Potential 5-Story building envelope with stepped back top two floors and south facing courtyards to transition to single family housing to south N Legend Greenspace Buffer Setback Amenities Potential Access Point Pedestrian/Bike Connections Existing Trail • Provide a unified development approach to the HMN zone • Create wider Prospect Road frontage as transition to southern neighborhood • Provide connections from Prospect Rd to Lake St and east to west • Limit driveway access from Prospect Rd to two main entrances for larger unified development • Orient buildings to address street frontages • Create internal parking behind building Site Influences and Opportunities - HMN Zoned Parcel As redevelopment or new development occurs in the HMN zone, access points along Prospect Rd. and Lake St. should be minimized to alleviate traffic safety and congestion. Some access of these streets will likely be necessary, and located strategically and from Whitcomb St. as shown in the diagram below. A centralized parking core should be encouraged, or, where development occurs on the north or south side, provisions for a future centralized parking area should be encouraged. North/ South pedestrian/bicycle access to and from CSU should be encouraged as well as shown below. Setbacks should be significant to help maintain the park-like edge that has been established along Prospect in many cases. All buildings should face roadways and development should be broken into segments, consolidating lots where possible. 60 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 103 1.9 1.10 Neighborhood Character - Encourage CSU involvement in neighborhood planning and development efforts Intent • Ensure that CSU faculty, staff and students are involved in long-range planning efforts that are relevant to the university. Programs & Projects • Encourage CSU to engage neighborhood residents in the university’s plans for long-term growth and new development projects. Implentation & Action Items • Governmental Partnerships – Neighborhood Services, Police Services, Planning, CSU Off-Campus Life, CSU Police Department, Associated Students of CSU (student government), and Front Range Community College. • Community Partnerships – Neighborhood organizations and leaders, homeowners associations, landlords and property managers, tenants, property owners. • Form a joint City-CSU commitee that meets regularyly to assist with communication and coordination related to the on-going planning efforts of both entities. What We Heard “CSU leadership is important in mitigating the impacts of campus growth on the surrounding neighborhoods.” Neighborhood Character - Encourage a variety of housing types so that residents from all socio-economic levels may find suitable housing in the area Intent • Student-oriented housing should be in close proximity to CSU and FRCC campuses and should be accessible by walking, bicycling or transit. While residents may have cars, access to most destinations should be gained without sole reliance on an automobile LU3 LU5 LU3 LU4 • Student-oriented housing should not be so specialized as to preclude other populations in the future. Such housing should be adaptable to serve various demographic groups and not preclude amenities that would attract a variety of occupants. Housing relying solely on units that rent by the bedroom should be discouraged. • Housing types should be designed to accommodate multiple generations. Housing variety is encouraged in order to attract and retain families as well as allowing seniors to age in place. A diverse mix of occupants contributes to neighborhood stability. • Parcels that are zoned R-L, Low Density Residential, and along arterial streets with limited access into the surrounding area, may be likely to redevelop. A variety of housing types may be suited for these areas. Key vacant parcels include: The H-M-N zone; the northwest corner of Shields Street and Birch Street; the former Elderhaus site at Shields Street and Myrtle Street; the 20-acre parcel at Shields Street and Spring Creek. A variety of housing types, densities and mix of bedrooms should be developed on these parcels to ensure that there is diversity and choice 1.12 Neighborhood Character - Emphasize and respect the existing heritage and character of the neighborhoods through a collaborative design process that allows for a neighborhood dialogue about the compatibility of new development Intent • Design attributes for new development are intended to contribute to livable neighborhoods. Programs & Projects • The neighborhoods are characterized Craftsman, Prairie and Mid-Century Modern architectural styles (and their various derivations). These styles are well-accepted and should serve as a starting point for achieving neighborhood compatibility. Styles that differ radically from the established character will be discouraged. • New development adjacent to the Sheely Historic District will be required to demonstrate sensitivity to established character of the historic homes. • Sites that have structures that are potentially eligible to be designated as local, state or national historic landmarks will be encouraged to informally consult with the Landmark Preservation Commission, or their Design LU3 LU6 1.11 Neighborhood Character - Maintain established, mature neighborhoods as areas of stability LU1 Intent • Stable neighborhoods that are zoned R-L should not be considered for further housing densification by allowing existing houses to convert to duplexes or by adding accessory dwelling units. Density that exceeds three dwelling units per acre should be steered to the L-M-N, M-M-N, N-C-B and H-M-N zone districts. • Improve safety features and infrastructure as needed in stable neighborhoods. Stable neighborhoods should be preserved Review Subcommittee, in order to gain valuable feedback. In addition, applicants will be encouraged to apply for the Design Assistance Grant Program, which offers financial assistance for specialized professional architectural services. • All new development will be encouraged to contribute to a sense of unity, yet without replication, with the prevailing patterns and character of the surrounding area. New development is expected to be distinctive and not a formulaic prototype so that the as the area grows, individual neighborhood character is enhanced and not diminished. New development that appears to be imported from outside the region without consideration to local neighborhood character will be discouraged. • Extensive neighborhood collaboration is expected to be a key part of the design review process. Implementation • Update relevant sections of the Land Use Code to require variety in the number of bedrooms provided in multi-family developments. The following principles should guide new development in the West Central area: • Design of new development must be sensitive to the general context and overall character of the neighborhood, Rear addition w/ cross gable porch/entry Before & After Examples Expansion into previous garage w/ covered porch/carport at new entry Cross-gable porch/entry addition w/ xeriscape enhancements Before addition/renovation After: Preserve articulation w/ 2nd-story cross- gables After: Preserve horizontality w/ 2nd-story cross- gable addition After: Addition as single story cross gable projections Before addition/renovation Before addition/renovation 2nd-story addition w/ preservation of horizontal dominance Neighborhood Enhancement Examples - Single-Family Residential Additions/Renovations Many of the neighborhoods areas of enhancement shown on the Areas of Stabilty, Enhancement and Development map offer a convenient location with an affordable price point, likely requiring additions or renovations. As single family residential neighborhoods in the West Central Area require additions or renovations, thoughtful approaches which locate additions to the side or rear of the existing structure should be strongly encouraged. Two story additions which preserve much of the existing horizontal roof line dominance found in these neighborhoods can be compatible with their context, as well as other approaches that extend cross gables or other similar features. The examples below illustrate concepts that should be encouraged such as cross gable entry/additions, emphasizing vertical additions near the middle of structures and preserving horizontal planes, rear additions and expanding/renovating garage space where appropriate and providing car ports for vehicle parking. The examples are intended to provide guidance to owners or builders: WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 63 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 106 LU Land Use & Neighborhood Character VISION Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life fcgov.com/westcentral NOT THIS NOT THIS NOT THIS NOT THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS Draft - 12/9/201 Design Guidelines for Multifamily Redevelopment/Infill Consistent fenestration and residential detailing Roof line variation and articulation Roof line variation/ nested gables Corbels/brackets provide residential scale and detailing Scale and massing variation Massing and scale variation, articulation and residential character Front porches, color and materials with residential character Consistent roof pitch and balcony style with residential character LU Land Use & Neighborhood Character VISION Vibrant and diverse neighborhoods that provide a high quality of life fcgov.com/westcentral NOT THIS NOT THIS NOT THIS NOT THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS Draft - 12/9/2014 Design Guidelines for Multifamily Redevelopment/Infill onsistent fenestration and residential detailing Roof line variation and articulation Roof line variation/ nested gables Corbels/brackets provide residential scale and detailing cale and massing variation Massing and scale variation, articulation and residential haracter ront porches, color and materials with residential character onsistent roof pitch and balcony style with residential haracter Design Guidelines for Multifamily Redevelopment/Infill Multifamily redevelopment and infill should emphasize compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods and relate to a dominant residential character. The guidelines emphasize means of articulation/modulation to reduce large, monotonous masses and feel more residential in scale. In addition, consistent, yet varied rooflines, front porches, human scale detail such as brackets/corbels and consistent fenestration patterns are encouraged. Commercial type multifamily structures lacking in these elements are discouraged. TTransportation 108 Transportation Vision A connected network that supports people safely walking, biking, or using public transit as a primary way to travel while balancing the need for efficient auto travel throughout the area. Safe routes to school, CSU, and other major destinations Safe, reliable, arterial streets that are easy to cross and serve residents and commuters Option for residents to live without a car Reshaped and retrofitted streets that meet the needs of all ages, abilities, and modes Safe and efficient travel by car with adequate, convenient parking Improved transit service and convenient stops Easy access to transit (including MAX) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 2 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 109 Safe Routes 2.1 Prioritize improvements that support safe routes to schools and community facilities 2.2 Provide safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians during snow events Multi-Modal Options 2.3 Encourage safe travel behavior for all modes through infrastructure improvements, education, and enforcement 2.4 Support car and bike sharing 2.5 Ensure high quality, comfortable first- and last-mile connections to transit 2.6 Explore shared parking opportunities for transit and other uses 2.7 Provide additional transit service and amenities to encourage transit use Street Retrofitting 2.8 Pursue opportunities to implement neighborhood street retrofitting to improve aesthetics, provide a buffer from adjacent land uses, and to calm traffic 2.9 Pursue opportunities to implement arterial street retrofitting to improve aesthetics, minimize crossing distances, and increase comfort for all users Parking 2.10 Minimize parking congestion in neighborhoods to preserve quality of life 2.11 Ensure adequate parking is provided to serve new development and redevelopment projects. 2.12 Encourage the use of car storage and shared parking to meet parking needs. 2.13 Manage special events to minimize traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods. Transportation and mobility policies emphasize the importance of providing safe, efficient, multi-modal access to destinations throughout the area, with specific improvements related to street retrofitting, Prospect Road and Shields Corridor. Many of the policies directly support other City Planning efforts such as the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan, Street Maintenance Program (SMP) and Arterial Intersection Prioritization Study (AIPS). The policies are organized under four categories of Safe Routes, Multi-Modal Options, Street Retrofitting and Parking: Policies Proposed Roadway Projects The proposed roadway projects are outlined on the maps on the following pages. These maps help to identify proposed roadway projects located within the West Central Area. Near Term Projects The near term projects have been identified to be completed in 5-10 years. The majority of these projects have been identified through the West Central Area plan development. Long Term Projects The longer term projects have been identified to be completed 10 years and beyond. All of these projects have been identified through the development of the West Central Area Plan. They range from bike retrofitting to the Prospect and Shields Road Corridor plans. Proposed Intersection Projects The proposed intersections projects are outlined on the maps on the pages following the roadway projects and tables. These maps help to identify proposed intersection projects Proposed Roadway Projects Legend N R-13 R-15 R-17 R-16 R-18 R-12 R-9 R-11 R-10 R-7 R-8 R-6 R-5 R-4 R-3 R-2 R-1 West Central Area Boundary Prospect Detailed Design Near-Term Project Long-Term Project The map below identifies roadway projects within the West Central Area. It identifies the near and long term projects that are needed within the West Central Area. These projects range from bike retrofit and median implementation to the Prospect and Shields corridor designs. 4 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 111 Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Roadway  Segment  Table 1/26/15  3:14  PM Project ID Project Location Issue(s) Project Description Cost Category Source R-4 Shields between Laurel & Prospect See Shields Corridor Design section WCAP R-8 Springfield between Taft Hill & Shields See TAP application, Bike Plan, and WCAP retrofit WCAP R-9 Lake between Shields & College See Prospect Corridor Design section WCAP R-10 Prospect between Taft Hill & Shields See WCAP median improvements WCAP R-11 Prospect between Shields & College See Prospect Corridor Design section WCAP R-13 Taft Hill between Stuart & Sheffield* Compromised visibility, accidents during permissive phases BP: Add median BP Notes: 1. Items from Bike Plan with spot improvements identified in 2020 Low-Stress Network (*) were categorized as Near-Term Project ID Project Location Source R-1 Mulberry between Crestmore & City Park WCAP R-2 City Park between Mulberry & Elizabeth WCAP R-3 Shields between Mulberry & Laurel WCAP R-5 Elizabeth between City Park & Shields WCAP R-6 Taft Hill between Elizabeth & Prospect WCAP R-7 Castlerock between Elizabeth & Prospect WCAP R-12 Shields between Prospect & Hobbit WCAP R-14 Constitution between Stuart and Drake WCAP R-15 Taft Hill between Valley Forge & Drake WCAP R-16 Shields between Centre/Raintree & Drake WCAP R-17 Drake between west of Raintree & Worthington WCAP R-18 Drake between Research & Mason Trail WCAP Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Roadway  Segment  Table 1/26/15  3:14  PM Project ID Project Location Issue(s) Project Description Cost Category Source R-4 Shields between Laurel & Prospect See Shields Corridor Design section WCAP Proposed Intersection Projects Legend N I-1 I-5 I-8 I-11 I-14 I-23 I-2 I-4 I-3 I-6 I-7 I-9 I-10 I-12 I-13 I-15 I-16 I-22 I-21 I-25 I-26 I-27 I-24 I-17 I-18 I-19 I-20 I-28 West Central Area Boundary Prospect Detailed Design Near-Term Project Long-Term Project Near-Term (Interim) Project & Longer term Project The map below identifies intersection projects within the West Central Area. It identifies the near and long term projects that are needed within the West Central Area. These projects range from bike and pedestrian crossing improvements to lane re- configuration and re-aligning associated with the intersection. This map should be used in conjunction with the Proposed Roadway Projects map to help identify high priority intersection projects within the West Central Area. 6 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 113 Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Intersec(on  Table 1/26/15  3:20  PM Project ID Project Location Issue(s) Project Description Related Bus Stop Improvement Street Maintenance Program (SMP) Cost Category Source I-2 City Park & Mulberry* Bike/pedestrian conflicts; lack of east side crosswalk BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Yes-MULBERRY & CITY PARK N/A $ BP I-4 Crestmore & bridge Sight distance around blind corner, parking Paint curb red** N/A N/A $ WCAP I-5 Taft Hill & Orchard* Lack of south side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-6 Shields & Laurel (interim) Lack of south side crosswalk; access to CSU BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A N/A $ BP, WCAP I-7 Shields & Plum Transit vehicle delay from shared WB thru/LT; high crash location See F&P suggestion N/A N/A $ WCAP I-10 Shields & Elizabeth (interim) High crash location; poor vehicle operations; bike/ped conflicts See F&P suggestion N/A N/A BP, WCAP I-11 Taft Hill & Clearview* Lack of north side crosswalk Crossing improvements per TAP grant Yes-TAFT HILL & CLEARVIEW Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-12 Shields & Pitkin/Springfield* (interim) No bike/ped crossing treatment Crossing improvements per TAP grant N/A N/A $ BP Protected bike lane Signalized crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists Prioritize snow removal along bike routes Ensure snow removal occurs along bike lanes and paths 2.1 2.2 Safe Routes - Provide safe routes for bicyclists and pedestrians during snow events Intent • Prioritize snow removal on key routes for bicyclists and pedestrians and make those routes known. Implementation & Action Items • Establish Priority 1 routes for snow removal by Streets • Establish Priority 1 routes for snow removal with enforcement by Code Compliance and education on property owner responsibilities by Neighborhood Services • Communicate routes to CSU and the public T1 T2 T3 T7 Safe Routes - Prioritize improvements that support safe routes to schools and community facilities Intent • When implementing transportation improvement projects, consider whenever possible prioritizing improvements that support safe walking and biking to key destinations, such as schools and activity centers. Implementation & Action Items • Support implementation of the Pedestrian Plan through the Pedestrian Needs Assessment • Support implementation of performance measures and evaluation to assess impacts of projects • Refer to Key Destinations Map on following page T1 T2 T3 8 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 115 Ave * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Potential CSU Stadium Drake Rd Spring Creek Trail Mason Trail Shields St Whole Foods/ King Soopers CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital Natural Resources Research Center Senior Center Rolland Moore Park Ross Natural Area Fischer Natural Area Red Fox Meadows Natural Area Avery Park Potential Neighborhood Center City Park CSU Campus Core Bennett Elementary School Lab/Polaris School Blevins Middle School Potential Elizabeth “Main Street” College Ave Commercial Center Commercial Center Commercial Center Pedestrian refuge island integrated with median Bike rental station Zip Car rental area Pedestrian and bike underpass 2.3 2.4 Multi-Modal Options - Support car and bike sharing Intent • Bike sharing and car sharing programs provide convenient transportation options by providing a system of cars and bikes available on-demand and for short-term use. Car and bike share systems offer people the freedom to travel around town without needing to own a personal vehicle while supporting a truly multi-modal transportation system. Implementation & Action Items • Look at incorporating options into Development Review • Identify and provide strategically placed car sharing spaces • Refer to Map from Bike Share Business Plan T3 Multi-Modal Options - Encourage safe travel behavior for all modes through infrastructure improvements, education, and enforcement Intent • Encouraging safe travel behavior for everyone will require a multi-faceted approach, involving infrastructure improvements that increase predictability and visibility of users, as well as education and effective enforcement. Implementation & Action Items • Support completion of the low-stress bicycle network, per the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan • Education: coordinate with CSU, continue SRTS efforts • Enforcement: assess needs, coordinate with Police • Coordinate with other ongoing city programs (e.g., Street Maintenance Program (SMP)) to make improvements in a cost-effective and efficient manner • Pursue sustainable funding strategies for all modes • Work towards achieving Climate Action Plan goals What we heard “Need for traffic calming on collector streets through neighborhoods” T1 T2 T7 10 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T T5 117 !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G !G West Elizabeth Campus West Moby Center South Campus CSU Transit Center University MAX Station Laurel MAX Station Mountain MAX Station Library Old Town Square Odell Brewing New Belgium Brewery Discovery Museum Downtown Transit Center Olive & College Lincoln Center Poudre Valley Hospital CSU Veterinary Hospital The Gardens at Spring Creek North College ³I ÕZYXW ÉZYXW Drake Rd Spring Creek Trail Shields St College Ave Lake St Prospect Rd Taft Hill Rd Mulberry St CSU Laurel St West Central Area Boundary Paved Trails / Shared Paths Bike Lane Buffered Bike Lane Protected Bike Lane Priority Shared Lane Two-Way Sidepath Segment Add Median Signal Improvement Planned Bike Share Station School source: Bicycle Master Plan (2014) Legend N Mason Trail The map below identifies existing sidewalk, trail and roadway conditions for bikes and pedestrians within the West Central Area. The map also identifies areas of enhancement varying from signal improvement to median implementation to beautify streets. This map should be used as a guide for implementation for future projects and programs. 12 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T Bicycle Master Plan - Full Build Network (WCAP Area) 119 Sidewalk to MAX Bus Bike parking at MAX Station Pedestrians leaving bus stop station 2.5 2.6 2.7 Multi-Modal Options- Ensure high quality, comfortable first- and last-mile connections to transit Intent • It is important to consider a transit user’s whole trip, including access to and from the transit stop. When implementing transportation improvement projects, consider whenever possible prioritizing improvements that support safe and comfortable walking and biking to transit. T3 T6 T7 Multi-Modal Options - Explore shared parking opportunities for transit and other uses Intent • Providing adequate parking along transit routes can reduce congestion and parking impacts in the West Central area while increasing transit use. Implementation & Action Items • Refer to Future Transit Vision Map on following page. T5 T6 T7 Multi-Modal Options - Provide additional transit service and amenities to encourage transit use Implementation & Action items • Refer to Bus Stop Improvements Map on following page. T6 T7 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 13 Transportation 120 The map below outlines future transit improvements within and outside the West Central Area. The map identifies the area in need of additional transit service, a future enhanced travel corridor, improved connections to MAX and potential east-west bus crossing improvements. The map helps to inform the need for bus stop and pedestrian/bike access to transit stops as well weekly and annal service schedules. 14 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T Future Transit Vision 121 The map below identifies and catergorizes bus stops within the West Central Area. The bus stop rating takes into account shelter and bench condition, lighting and trash availability, ADA condition and the location on the arterial. The ratings range from very low to very high with very high being a desireable bus stop Very Low Low Medium High Very High Not Rated Bus Stop Rating Legend WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 15 Transportation Bus Stop Improvements 122 Current intersection condition - Springfield Dr and Constitution Ave Retrofit bulb-outs at intersection condition - Springfield Dr and Constitution Ave (Maintains existing flowline) Current street condition - Springfield Dr and Constitution Ave Retrofit tree islands at midblock condition - Springfield Dr and Constitution Ave (Maintains existing flowline) Curb extensions at crossing facilitate safe pedestrian movement 2.8 Street Retrofitting - Pursue opportunities to implement neighborhood street retrofitting to improve aesthetics, provide a buffer from adjacent land uses, and to calm traffic Intent • Support the Transportation Master Plan of reshaping streets, this effort would rethink and reshape existing streets to emphasize lower vehicle speeds and encourage walking, bicycling, and transit modes in the existing cross- sections of roadways and trails. Implementation & Action Items • Refer to Springfield retrofitting diagrams below T4 New retrofit bulb-outs at intersections Maintains existing flowline New retrofit tree islands at mid-block Maintains existing flowline Potential bus stop Springfield Dr Bryan Ave Constitution Ave N Before Plan Before After After 16 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 123 Planted median improvements help to beautify the street 2.9 Street Retrofitting - Pursue opportunities to implement arterial street retrofitting to improve aesthetics, minimize crossing distances, and increase comfort for all users Intent • Supporting the Transportation Master Plan of reshaping streets, this effort would rethink and reshape existing arterial streets to improve the safety and comfort of all modes of travel. Example improvements include median treatments, pedestrian refuges, buffered bike lanes, and road diets. Implementation & Action Items • Refer to Potential West Prospect Road medians below • Refer to Shields medians to the right Access point, typ Planted median, typ Heatheridge Rd Foxbrook Ln Bryan Ave Lynnwood Dr N The diagram below identifies potential locations for median improvements along Prospect Road west of Shields Street. The median locations were determined by access points to private lots as well the existing roadway network intersecting Prospect Road. The improvements include planted medians to smaller concrete medians that could provide pedestrian refuge points at the Shields and Taft Hill intersections. The diagram below identifies potential locations for median improvements along Shields Street from Prospect Road to Laurel Street. The locations of the potential medians were determined by access points to private lots as well as the existing roadway network intersecting Shields Street. Concrete median - Curb and gutter Concrete median - Curb and gutter Potential Median Implementation Potential Median Access Point Median trees Travel Lane - Upright/Columnar Planted understory Legend T4 Planted median, typ Access point, typ Elizabeth St University Ave South Dr Westward Dr Pitkin St Springfield Dr Shields St N WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 17 Transportation West Prospect Potential Median Implementation Shields Potential Median Implementation 124 Parking demands for redevelopment should not strain parking needs for adjacent land uses Coordinate with CSU to minimize parking in adjacent neighborhoods Special event parking will need to be monitored to minimize parking in adjacent neighborhoods Evaluate existing parking lots to determine where additional capacity is possible 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Parking - Minimize parking congestion in neighborhoods to preserve quality of life Intent • Ensure that adequate parking is provided in neighborhoods to support a variety of land uses and housing types. Implementation & Action Items • Monitor issues and complaints related to residential parking on a day-to-day basis, and consider the application of the Residential Parking Permit Program (RP3) or other approaches to reduce impacts, as warranted. • Determine a consistent strategy for applying the RP3 program and other parking management strategies to existing and new multi-family developments. • Coordinate with CSU to implement the CSU Parking & Transportation Master Plan, with a focus on minimizing the impacts of student, faculty, staff, and visitor parking in neighborhoods. Parking - Ensure adequate parking is provided to serve new development and redevelopment projects Intent • Evaluate the parking demand created by new multi- family developments to ensure that adequate parking is provided. • Ensure that new development complies with the recently adopted Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone parking standards, where applicable. Parking - Encourage the use of car storage and shared parking to meet parking needs Intent • Explore and promote opportunities for shared parking and car storage to support multi-family developments, mixed- use projects, special events, and CSU campus parking demand. Implementation & Action Items • Identify parking lots that generally have additional capacity at certain times or days of the week. • Facilitate public-private partnership arrangements that allow for shared parking or car storage arrangements. Parking - Manage special events to minimize traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods Intent • Coordinate with special events providers (e.g., CSU stadium, Gardens on Spring Creek) to minimize parking and traffic impacts in neighborhoods. Implementation & Action Items • Work with City’s Special Events Coordinator to ensure that event management plans include provisions for adequate parking and traffic control. OS Open Space Networks 126 Open Space Networks Vision A functional network of public and private lands that connects wildlife, plants, and people. Access to nature, recreation, and environmental stewardship opportunities Parks and open spaces that offer a variety of settings and experiences Attractive urban landscape that supports habitat, character, and shade Preserved and enhanced wildlife habitat corridors Comprehensive and ecological approach to stormwater management OS1 OS2 OS3 OS4 OS5 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 87 Open Space Networks 127 Open space adjacent to neighborhood 3.1 OS1 OS2 Access - Ensure that residents are adequately served by parks and open space as infill and redevelopment occurs Intent • As development and redevelopment activities add increased population and commercial uses into the West Central area, acceptable Levels of Service for parks and open space should be maintained, both in quality and quantity of open space provided, for existing and future residents. This is particularly relevant in the LMN, MMN, HMN, NCB, and NC zoning districts. Programs & Projects • Engage neighborhood organizations and homeowners associations to assist with the stewardship of open space. Implementation & Action Items • Coordination with City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, Stormwater, Neighborhood Services, Planning, FC Moves • Update open space standards in the Land Use Code to add clarity for developers and decision-makers related to the amount and type of open space desired in conjunction with new development and redevelopment. (Short-term, in coordination with Nature in the City) • Through the implementation of Nature in the City, develop incentives and design guidelines for incorporating natural features and open space into new and existing developments. • Evaluate recent development contributions for parks and determine how to best apply available funds to new or enhanced parks in the West Central area. • Identify funding mechanisms for acquisition of new parks, open space and trails. • Through the Nature in the City project and other planning efforts identify opportunities for additional open space, both public and private, in select locations. Pocket parks and courtyards may be included within new development projects and are generally privately managed. Neighborhood parks and Natural Areas serve multiple residential areas and are generally publically managed What we heard “Ensure the area still has access to open space as more development occurs.” Policies Access 3.1 Ensure that residents are adequately served by parks and open space as infill and redevelopment occurs. 3.2 Continue to develop a connected network of parks and open space. 3.3 Ensure that parks and open space are easily accessible by all modes of transportation and for all ages and abilities. 3.4 Appropriate access along and across irrigation ditches Quality 3.5 Provide for a variety of settings, experiences, and recreational opportunities in parks and open space 3.6 Improve safety in public parks, open spaces, and along trails 3.7 Explore the multiple ecological values that ditches provide, Habitat enhancement along a trail 3.2 Access - Continue to develop a connected network of parks and open space Intent • Identify opportunities for new trail connections to improve connectivity between neighborhoods and open space areas and from one open space area to another. Prioritize trail connections to parks, schools, Natural Areas, and other destinations. • Create spur trails that better connect neighborhoods to the Spring Creek Trail, Mason Trail, and designated bike routes. Programs & Projects • Develop a new open space to serve residents in the Campus West area. The existing, City-owned stormwater detention area on the northeast corner of Skyline and West Elizabeth should be improved to provide additional opportunities for passive recreation in a natural setting. Wildlife habitat improvements should be included alongside any recreational enhancements. • Identify opportunities to improve wayfinding for parks and open space. Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Planning, FC Moves. • Funding mechanisms for improvements to existing parks, open space and trails. What we heard “Improve connectivity between existing parks and open spaces.” OS1 OS4 3.3 Access - Ensure that parks and open space are easily accessible by all modes of transportation and for all ages and abilities Intent • Ensure all residents have access to nature within a 10-minute walk of their home. • Identify gaps in transit service near existing or future parks and open space. Consider access to open space when making changes to Transfort bus routes. • Improve wayfinding for parks, trails, and open space. Programs & Projects • Add/improve connections to Spring Creek Trail, Mason Trail, and other existing trail corridors. • Improve underpass at the crossing of Shields and the Spring Creek Trail to improve visibility for bicyclists and reduce flooding issues. • Improve underpass at the crossing of Centre Ave. and the Spring Creek Trail. Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Planning, FC Moves and Transfort. • Identify gaps in transit service near existing or future parks and open space. Consider access to open space when making changes to Transfort bus routes as part of the next update to the Transfort Strategic Plan. OS1 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 89 Open ditch adjacent to neighborhood Trail along open ditch Ditch crossing connecting neighborhood to open space 3.4 Access - Appropriate access along and across irrigation ditches Intent • Construct ditch crossings in key locations to improve pedestrian connectivity. • Coordinate with ditch companies to allow for appropriate access along ditches. Additional public access should primarily be focused along segments of ditches that cross public property (e.g., Rolland Moore Park), rather than private property (e.g., private backyards). Programs & Projects • Ditch crossing at Whitcomb and Wallenberg to connect the neighborhood to the Spring Creek Trail • Ditch crossing at Westview Ave. to improve neighborhood connectivity. • Ditch crossing near Bennett Elementary to enhance Safe Routes to School. Implementation & Action Items • Remove obstacles for wildlife movement along ditches. • Remove old fencing with wildlife friendly fencing. • The City of Fort Collins standard ditch crossing process: OS1 Service Area Requests Site Survey Real Estate Research Neighborhood Meeting(s) Identify Project Owner Ditch Crossing Agreement Preliminary Design Final Design Ditch Crossing Payment (+-$5,000) Construction (Pre-Approved Contractor) +- 2 Months Construction Management (Design Consultant) Accept Ditch Crossing (City of Fort Collins) Structural City Review (Parks Department) Transportation Coordination Meeting Contract Design Consultant (Parks Department) Community garden within neighborhood Playground adjacent to neighborhood 3.5 OS1 OS2 Quality - Provide for a variety of settings, experiences, and recreational opportunities in parks and open space Intent • Focus on the unique characteristics and type of experiences offered by individual parks and open space. Program parks and open spaces in a way that fits the character of the place and serves the surrounding neighborhoods. Consider the role each area serves within the greater open space network. • Focus public park and open space improvements at the neighborhood scale. Prioritize the acquisition of sites for new parks and open space that would benefit the surrounding neighborhoods. • Improve existing parks, open spaces and trails in select locations to better protect wildlife habitat, serve the surrounding neighborhoods, and provide ecosystem services (such as stormwater management and air quality improvement). Ensure that a range of natural settings are provided throughout the West Central area, including: • Highly natural settings with an emphasis on wildlife habitat and limited recreational access • Passive, unprogrammed open space with opportunities to quietly enjoy nature • Areas that include playgrounds, fields, or other recreational amenities • Highly programmed common areas that allow for social gathering and sports (e.g., community pools) • Larger parks and open space that accommodate multiple settings and experiences (e.g., Rolland Moore Park) • Provide for opportunities for the enjoyment of nature, passive recreation, exercise, sports, social gathering, urban agriculture/community gardening, off-leash dog areas, and other recreational activities within the overall open space network. • Provide trail amenities within and between parks and open space areas. In some settings, soft surface paths may provide a more desirable experience than paved trails. • Ensure that recreational access in open space is sensitive to and does not conflict with the ecological and habitat values that open space provides. Programs & Projects • Gardens on Spring Creek • Reconfigure Lilac Park to better serve the nearby neighborhoods and complement the Gardens on Spring Creek, wetland improvements on adjacent CSU property, and the proposed relocation of the CSU Plant Environmental Research Center (PERC) facility to the north of the park. • Support the establishment of community gardens in public areas or areas managed by neighborhood organizations or HOAs. Implementation & Action Items Enhanced stormwater area adjacent to neighborhood High traffic recreational trail Well lit recreational trail 3.7 Quality - Explore the multiple ecological values that ditches provide, including irrigation, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat Intent • Recognize the importance of ditches for stormwater conveyance and flood management. • Ditches serve as important wildlife movement corridors, and they provide a unique opportunity for creating a more connected network of high-quality wildlife habitat in the West Central area. • Improve habitat and the recreational value in stormwater detention areas. Programs & Projects • Skyline and Elizabeth • Taft Hill and Glenmoor Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, Stormwater, Neighborhood Services, Planning, FC Moves • Partner with ditch management companies to protect and improve wildlife habitat along ditches. What we heard “Streams, creeks and canals are a top priority to residents and stakeholders.” OS4 3.6 Quality - Improve safety in public parks, open spaces, and along trails Intent • TBD Projects & Programs • Identify locations along the Spring Creek Trail that would benefit from additional lighting, call boxes, and other safety features. • Monitor complaints and crime reports in City of Fort Collins Parks, Natural Areas, and along trails to improve law enforcement and ranger patrols in those areas. Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Police Services. OS1 OS2 92 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN OS 132 Enhanced stormwater area Enhanced detention area near neighborhood development Stormwater planting area adjacent to street 3.8 Quality - Protect and enhance wildlife habitat in the West Central area Intent • Recognize the importance of the Spring Creek and its tributaries for wildlife habitat and stormwater management. Ensure that recreation improvements do not compromise the Spring Creek’s role in flood control. Identify sections the Spring Creek corridor where stormwater management and/or wildlife habitat could be improved. • New development and redevelopment should be designed in such a way that minimizes impacts on the area’s natural areas, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. • Renovate existing stormwater detention areas to improve wildlife habitat and aesthetics. Where appropriate, consider including soft surface trails and other recreational amenities. Programs & Projects • Nature in the City Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, Stormwater, Planning. OS4 3.9 Quantity - Approach stormwater management comprehensively and at the system scale Intent • Plan stormwater improvements at the drainage basin level, while recognizing the impacts of localized conditions on the stormwater system. • Encourage Low Impact Development (LID) techniques as part of new development and capital projects. • Account for the impacts and stormwater management needs related to high-density infill and redevelopment. Ensure stormwater is adequately addressed through the development review process. Ensure that future development in vacant areas does not compromise the Spring Creek Basin’s Storm Drainage Plan. • Regularly review the adequacy of stormwater protection and provide additional stormwater protection where needed. Programs & Projects • Raise the bridge on the spur trail to the west of the Sheely/ Wallenberg neighborhood to mitigate flooding of the trail. Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, Stormwater, Neighborhood Services, Planning, FC Moves OS5 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 93 Open Space Networks 133 Mature street tree canopy in neighborhood Street tree planting in new development Tree lawn buffer in neighborhood 3.10 Quantity -Enhance and add to the urban tree canopy along streets and within neighborhoods where gaps exist Intent • Recognize the importance of an expanded urban tree canopy in reducing heat island effects, improving air quality, supporting wildlife habitat, and providing shade. • Continue current policies for including street trees as part of all new developments and City capital projects. • Encourage the creation of tree stands with a mix of sizes, ages, and species of trees to support a more diverse and attractive landscape. • Retrofit existing streetscapes to include additional shade canopy trees. • Preserve and enhance the tree canopy in neighborhoods by incentivizing the planting of new trees on residential property. Programs & Projects • Support neighborhood grant applications that seek to improve parks, open space, and tree canopy within the West Central area. • Coordinate with the Forestry Department and local nurseries to develop and implement a residential tree canopy grant program. Implementation & Action Items • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, and Planning. • Identify funding mechanisms for improving habitat and urban tree canopy on private property. What we heard “Preservation/enhancement of trees/urban tree canopy is a top priority for residents and stakeholders.” OS3 OS4 T4 94 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN OS 134 Legend Areas of Potential Open Space Improvements & Additions OS Open Space Networks VISION A functional network of public and private lands that connects wildlife, plants, and people fcgov.com/westcentral West Central Area Boundary Arterial Road Existing Open Space Existing Park Existing Water Body Existing Fort Collins Natural Area Existing Irrigation Canal and Habitat Major Paved Multi-Use Trail Minor Paved Multi-Use Trail Natural Surface Trail CSU Property Opportunity for Open Space Improvements & Additions Schools Opportunity for Open Space/ Pocket Parks Provided by Development N 0 1/2 MILE 1 MILE Draft - 11/10/2014 Ave POTENTIAL CSU STADIUM RED FOX NATURAL AREA AVERY PARK ROSS NATURAL AREA FISCHER NATURAL AREA GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK Drake Rd Taft Hill Rd Shields St Mulberry St College Ave BLEVINS MIDDLE SCHOOL LAB/POLARIS SCHOOL Lake St Laurel St SPRING CREEK TRAIL MASON TRAIL Elizabeth St Prospect Rd FUTURE LILAC PARK IMPROVEMENTS BENNETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DATE: STAFF: January 27, 2015 Karen Cumbo, Director of PDT Rick Richter, Director of Infrastructure Services WORK SESSION ITEM City Council SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Status of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to discuss the status of Land Use Code (LUC) Section 3.7.3 - Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APF) in order to review the APF requirements and identify the next steps in exploring revisions to the ordinance. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED Discussion of next steps. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION In 1997, the City adopted Section 3.7.3 of the Land Use Code in order to establish an ongoing mechanism that ensured that public facilities and services needed to support development are available concurrently with the impacts of such development. Ordinances governing “concurrency” of public facilities such as transportation, utilities, and others generally operate in conjunction with specific land use requirements related to development. In Fort Collins, APF provisions are in addition to other requirements for infrastructure that are needed to serve a particular development. For transportation, the adoption of the APF Ordinance was intended to strengthen an already existing Street Oversizing Program (SOP) that was established in 1979. The SOP continues today and is a capital expansion fee program that collects revenue from new developments specifically to mitigate communitywide traffic impacts. The SOP collects revenues intended to be used for the design and construction of arterial and collector streets citywide, and is in addition to obligations for local street improvements needed for development. The system improvements necessary to build the Master Street Plan are intended to be funded by a combination of funding sources including City of Fort Collins Capital Funding (to address existing deficiencies and broader, system-wide improvements not directly related to development) and developer contributions (to address new impacts as identified in Traffic Impact Studies). Developer contributions are addressed by collecting Street Oversizing fees at the time of development and by requiring certain road improvements to be built by the developer at their cost. The collection of Street Oversizing fees cannot be used to address existing deficiencies that are not related to development. There have been questions raised about the implications of the APF ever since it was adopted. Staff files include memos and notes from 2000, 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2014. A memo was sent to Council in September 2014 that recommends consideration of these issues:  Updating of the Street Oversizing Program to verify the basis for assessing the proportional cost of transportation improvements (including new standards for sidewalks, landscaping, etc.);  Evaluation of how redevelopment and infill impacts on public facilities differ from “greenfield” development and incorporate the differences into new requirements;  Evaluation and drafting of alternative compliance methods like demand management strategies or other methods that would reduce the need for traditional infrastructure improvements; 136 January 27, 2015 Page 2  Identification of a funding/financing strategy for the construction of existing deficiencies and costly projects such as the above-grade crossing at Vine and Lemay or Timberline and Lemay improvements. A strategy is needed since a portion of these improvements were needed at the time the APF Ordinance was enacted; however a current funding source has not been identified. Because the need for these long-standing projects is not entirely tied to development impacts, financial responsibility cannot be assigned solely to development. ATTACHMENTS 1. Memo re: Adequate Public Facilities, September 11, 2014 (PDF) 137 138 139 140 141 142 NEW MERCER DITCH LARIMER COUNTY CANAL NO. 2 ROLLAND MOORE PARK West Central Area Boundary Arterial Road Existing Open Space Existing Park Legend Major Paved Multi-Use Trail Minor Paved Multi-Use Trail Natural Surface Trail Existing Water Body Existing Ft. Collins Natural Area Existing Irrigation Canal and Habitat Opportunity for Open Space Improvements & Additions Opportunity for Open Space/ Pocket Parks Provided by Development Schools N WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 95 Open Space Networks Areas of Potential Open Space Improvements & Additions 135 • Coordinate among City Departments to align priorities: Parks, Park Planning & Development, Natural Areas, Forestry, Stormwater, Neighborhood Services, Planning, FC Moves. What we heard “Access to recreational amenities, including parks, is a top priority for residents and stakeholders.” WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 91 Open Space Networks 131 City Manager Approves Project & Allocates Funding What we heard “Additional/improved public access across and along ditches and canals is a top priority for residents and stakeholders.” 90 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN OS 130 Open Space Networks 129 including irrigation, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat 3.8 Protect and enhance wildlife habitat in the West Central area Quantity 3.9 Approach stormwater management comprehensively and at the system scale 3.10 Enhance and add to the urban tree canopy along streets and within neighborhoods where gaps exist The Plan calls for a variety of efforts emphasizing the importance of providing access to open space, parks and a variety of recreational activities. The Plan provides guidance for development of new areas of open space but also ensures connections to existing open space. A variety of comprehensive and system scale stormwater principles will guide opportunities for recreation areas while protecting valuable habitat and wildlife corridors. The following policies are organized under three categories of Access, Quality and Quantity: 88 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN OS 128 18 DRAFT 1/21/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN T 125 S Shields St E Vine Dr S Taft Hill Rd S College Ave S Timberline Rd E Drake Rd E Prospect Rd E Horsetooth Rd Ziegler Rd Laporte Ave W Drake Rd N Shields St W Mulberry St W Prospect Rd E Lincoln Ave Riverside Ave W Horsetooth Rd N College Ave Country Club Rd W Harmony Rd Remington St N Taft Hill Rd N Lemay Ave E Mulberry St E Harmony Rd W Vine Dr W Elizabeth St N Timberline Rd S Le m a y A v e E W i l l o x L n W Willox Ln Mountain Vista Dr S Summit View Dr Giddings Rd Turnberry Rd Landings Dr W Vine Dr N Taft Hill Rd S Lemay Ave I 0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Bike Share Station Planning Map !G Future Expansion Phase 1 Proposed Station Locations Trails Parks fcgov.com/bikeshare The map below outlines the proposed bike share locations outlined in phase 1 of the program. The proposed stations are centered around high use private and public locations. The map also identifies the potential expansion of the program to an area south of Drake and further east along Harmony. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 11 Transportation Bike Share Station Planning Map 118 Commercial Center Commercial Center Lake St Prospect Rd Gardens on Spring Creek Moby Arena Taft Hill Rd Safeway Shopping Center King Soopers * Mulberry St Elizabeth St Laurel St * * The map below identifies key destinations within the West Central Area. The destinations include schools, parks, community centers and various other community amenities. This map should be used to help identify transportation projects within the project area by prioritizing improvements that support a safe multi-modal network. * * West Central Area Boundary Arterial Road Parks & Open Space CSU Property Major Trails Schools Key Destinations Potential Elizabeth “Main Street” Potential Key Destinations Legend N WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 9 Transportation Key Destinations Map 116 I-13 Shields & Lake (interim) Bikes traveling on wrong side of road AIPS: Add bike lane signing and possible RTOR restrictions; see F&P suggestion N/A N/A AIPS I-15 Lynnwood & Prospect* Lack of east side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Maybe-PROSPECT & LYNNWOOD? Maybe- Heatheridge $ BP I-16 Shields & Prospect (interim) Compromised visibility, accidents during permissive phase AIPS: Add 5-section heads to left side poles for N/S lefts N/A N/A $ AIPS I-17 Whitcomb & Prospect Narrow landing area for peds; sight distance blocked by spruce tree, parked cars; See Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & WHITCOMB Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design WCAP I-18 Center & Prospect High bike/ped crossings; offset lanes; NB bike lane ends Underpass + see Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & CENTRE Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-20 College & Prospect (interim) Operations See Prospect Corridor Design N/A Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-23 Taft Hill & Stuart* No bike/ped crossing treatment BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-24 Centre & Rolland Moore Sight distance; speeding? Yes-CENTRE & ROLLAND MOORE N/A WCAP I-25 Constitution & Valley Forge Visibility of crosswalk N/A Yes-Village West WCAP I-27 Raintree & Drake Safety of LT onto Drake; no bike/ped crossing treatment Traffic signal? Don't know rating N/A WCAP I-28 Research/Meadowlark & Drake Need to accommodate truck movements to Vet School; need to improve bike/ped crossing Yes-CSU VET SCHOOL N/A CSU, BP Notes: 1. Items from Bike Plan with spot improvements identified in 2020 Low-Stress Network (*) were categorized as Near-Term 2. As of January 2015, Crestmore Bridge is on the citywide Bridge list as long-term replacement (i.e., greater than 20 years) 3. Items from AIPS were only those with identified improvements carried over through Phase 2 4. Bike/ped crossing improvement likely to be either 1) additional crosswalk and push-button signal or 2) two-way sidepath to facilitate usage of one crosswalk and push-button signal $ < $250,000 $$ $250,000 - $1,000,000 $$$ $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 $$$$ $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 $$$$$ $10,000,000 - $20,000,000 $$$$$$ > $20,000,000 Project ID Project Location Source I-1 Taft Hill & Mulberry BP I-3 Shields & Mulberry BP I-6 Shields & Laurel WCAP I-8 Taft Hill & Elizabeth BP I-9 City Park & Elizabeth AIPS, BP I-12 Shields & Pitkin/Springfield BP I-13 Shields & Lake/Bennett AIPS I-14 Taft Hill & Prospect AIPS I-16 Shields & Prospect WCAP I-19 Mason Trail & Prospect BP I-20 College & Prospect BP I-21 Shields & Stuart AIPS I-22 Constitution & Stuart WCAP I-26 Shields & Raintree AIPS Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Intersec(on  Table 1/26/15  3:20  PM rms:Projects:2014  West  Central  Area  Plan:Produc(on:Reports:Images/Graphics:Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Page  1 Project ID Project Location Issue(s) Project Description Related Bus Stop Improvement Street Maintenance Program (SMP) Cost Category Source I-2 City Park & Mulberry* Bike/pedestrian conflicts; lack of east side crosswalk BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Yes-MULBERRY & CITY PARK N/A $ BP I-4 Crestmore & bridge Sight distance around blind corner, parking Paint curb red** N/A N/A $ WCAP I-5 Taft Hill & Orchard* Lack of south side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-6 Shields & Laurel (interim) Lack of south side crosswalk; access to CSU BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A N/A $ BP, WCAP I-7 Shields & Plum Transit vehicle delay from shared WB thru/LT; high crash location See F&P suggestion N/A N/A $ WCAP I-10 Shields & Elizabeth (interim) High crash location; poor vehicle operations; bike/ped conflicts See F&P suggestion N/A N/A BP, WCAP I-11 Taft Hill & Clearview* Lack of north side crosswalk Crossing improvements per TAP grant Yes-TAFT HILL & CLEARVIEW Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-12 Shields & Pitkin/Springfield* (interim) No bike/ped crossing treatment Crossing improvements per TAP grant N/A N/A $ BP I-13 Shields & Lake (interim) Bikes traveling on wrong side of road AIPS: Add bike lane signing and possible RTOR restrictions; see F&P suggestion N/A N/A AIPS I-15 Lynnwood & Prospect* Lack of east side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Maybe-PROSPECT & LYNNWOOD? Maybe- Heatheridge $ BP I-16 Shields & Prospect (interim) Compromised visibility, accidents during permissive phase AIPS: Add 5-section heads to left side poles for N/S lefts N/A N/A $ AIPS I-17 Whitcomb & Prospect Narrow landing area for peds; sight distance blocked by spruce tree, parked cars; See Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & WHITCOMB Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design WCAP I-18 Center & Prospect High bike/ped crossings; offset lanes; NB bike lane ends Underpass + see Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & CENTRE Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-20 College & Prospect (interim) Operations See Prospect Corridor Design N/A Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-23 Taft Hill & Stuart* No bike/ped crossing treatment BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-24 Centre & Rolland Moore Sight distance; speeding? Yes-CENTRE & ROLLAND MOORE N/A WCAP I-25 Constitution & Valley Forge Visibility of crosswalk N/A Yes-Village West WCAP I-27 Raintree & Drake Safety of LT onto Drake; no bike/ped crossing treatment Traffic signal? Don't know rating N/A WCAP I-28 Research/Meadowlark & Drake Need to accommodate truck movements to Vet School; need to improve bike/ped crossing Yes-CSU VET SCHOOL N/A CSU, BP Notes: 1. Items from Bike Plan with spot improvements identified in 2020 Low-Stress Network (*) were categorized as Near-Term 2. As of January 2015, Crestmore Bridge is on the citywide Bridge list as long-term replacement (i.e., greater than 20 years) 3. Items from AIPS were only those with identified improvements carried over through Phase 2 4. Bike/ped crossing improvement likely to be either 1) additional crosswalk and push-button signal or 2) two-way sidepath to facilitate usage of one crosswalk and push-button signal $ < $250,000 $$ $250,000 - $1,000,000 $$$ $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 $$$$ $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 $$$$$ $10,000,000 - $20,000,000 $$$$$$ > $20,000,000 Project ID Project Location Source I-1 Taft Hill & Mulberry BP I-3 Shields & Mulberry BP I-6 Shields & Laurel WCAP I-8 Taft Hill & Elizabeth BP I-9 City Park & Elizabeth AIPS, BP I-12 Shields & Pitkin/Springfield BP I-13 Shields & Lake/Bennett AIPS I-14 Taft Hill & Prospect AIPS I-16 Shields & Prospect WCAP I-19 Mason Trail & Prospect BP I-20 College & Prospect BP I-21 Shields & Stuart AIPS I-22 Constitution & Stuart WCAP I-26 Shields & Raintree AIPS Intersec(on-­‐Roadway  Project  Tables.xlsx Intersec(on  Table 1/26/15  3:20  PM Project ID Project Location Issue(s) Project Description Related Bus Stop Improvement Street Maintenance Program (SMP) Cost Category Source I-2 City Park & Mulberry* Bike/pedestrian conflicts; lack of east side crosswalk BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Yes-MULBERRY & CITY PARK N/A $ BP I-4 Crestmore & bridge Sight distance around blind corner, parking Paint curb red** N/A N/A $ WCAP I-5 Taft Hill & Orchard* Lack of south side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-6 Shields & Laurel (interim) Lack of south side crosswalk; access to CSU BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A N/A $ BP, WCAP I-7 Shields & Plum Transit vehicle delay from shared WB thru/LT; high crash location See F&P suggestion N/A N/A $ WCAP I-10 Shields & Elizabeth (interim) High crash location; poor vehicle operations; bike/ped conflicts See F&P suggestion N/A N/A BP, WCAP I-11 Taft Hill & Clearview* Lack of north side crosswalk Crossing improvements per TAP grant Yes-TAFT HILL & CLEARVIEW Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-12 Shields & Pitkin/Springfield* (interim) No bike/ped crossing treatment Crossing improvements per TAP grant N/A N/A $ BP I-13 Shields & Lake (interim) Bikes traveling on wrong side of road AIPS: Add bike lane signing and possible RTOR restrictions; see F&P suggestion N/A N/A AIPS I-15 Lynnwood & Prospect* Lack of east side crosswalk; access to school BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement Maybe-PROSPECT & LYNNWOOD? Maybe- Heatheridge $ BP I-16 Shields & Prospect (interim) Compromised visibility, accidents during permissive phase AIPS: Add 5-section heads to left side poles for N/S lefts N/A N/A $ AIPS I-17 Whitcomb & Prospect Narrow landing area for peds; sight distance blocked by spruce tree, parked cars; See Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & WHITCOMB Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design WCAP I-18 Center & Prospect High bike/ped crossings; offset lanes; NB bike lane ends Underpass + see Prospect Corridor Design Yes-PROSPECT & CENTRE Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-20 College & Prospect (interim) Operations See Prospect Corridor Design N/A Maybe-Prospect 2016? See Prospect Corridor Design BP I-23 Taft Hill & Stuart* No bike/ped crossing treatment BP: Bike/ped crossing improvement N/A Yes-Taft Hill 2 $ BP I-24 Centre & Rolland Moore Sight distance; speeding? Yes-CENTRE & ROLLAND MOORE N/A WCAP I-25 Constitution & Valley Forge Visibility of crosswalk N/A Yes-Village West WCAP I-27 Raintree & Drake Safety of LT onto Drake; no bike/ped crossing treatment Traffic signal? Don't know rating N/A WCAP I-28 Research/Meadowlark & Drake Need to accommodate truck movements to Vet School; need to improve bike/ped crossing Yes-CSU VET SCHOOL N/A CSU, BP Notes: 1. Items from Bike Plan with spot improvements identified in 2020 Low-Stress Network (*) were categorized as Near-Term 2. As of January 2015, Crestmore Bridge is on the citywide Bridge list as long-term replacement (i.e., greater than 20 years) 3. Items from AIPS were only those with identified improvements carried over through Phase 2 4. Bike/ped crossing improvement likely to be either 1) additional crosswalk and push-button signal or 2) two-way sidepath to facilitate usage of one crosswalk and push-button signal $ < $250,000 $$ $250,000 - $1,000,000 $$$ $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 $$$$ $5,000,000 - $10,000,000 $$$$$ $10,000,000 - $20,000,000 $$$$$$ > $20,000,000 Project The table below outlines the near and long term intersection projects located within the West Central Area. The table outlines the location, issue, items to alleviate the issue and a cost range associated with each intersection. These projects were identified through several City studies and the development of the West Central Area Plan. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 7 Transportation Proposed Intersection Projects Tables Near Term Projects (5-10 years) Long Term Projects (10+ years) 114 R-8 Springfield between Taft Hill & Shields See TAP application, Bike Plan, and WCAP retrofit WCAP R-9 Lake between Shields & College See Prospect Corridor Design section WCAP R-10 Prospect between Taft Hill & Shields See WCAP median improvements WCAP R-11 Prospect between Shields & College See Prospect Corridor Design section WCAP R-13 Taft Hill between Stuart & Sheffield* Compromised visibility, accidents during permissive phases BP: Add median BP Notes: 1. Items from Bike Plan with spot improvements identified in 2020 Low-Stress Network (*) were categorized as Near-Term Project ID Project Location Source R-1 Mulberry between Crestmore & City Park WCAP R-2 City Park between Mulberry & Elizabeth WCAP R-3 Shields between Mulberry & Laurel WCAP R-5 Elizabeth between City Park & Shields WCAP R-6 Taft Hill between Elizabeth & Prospect WCAP R-7 Castlerock between Elizabeth & Prospect WCAP R-12 Shields between Prospect & Hobbit WCAP R-14 Constitution between Stuart and Drake WCAP R-15 Taft Hill between Valley Forge & Drake WCAP R-16 Shields between Centre/Raintree & Drake WCAP R-17 Drake between west of Raintree & Worthington WCAP R-18 Drake between Research & Mason Trail WCAP The table below identifies the near and long term roadway projects located within the West Central Area. These projects have been identified through issues and studies conducted during the development of the West Central Area project. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 5 Transportation Proposed Roadway Projects Tables Near Term Projects (5-10 years) Long Term Projects (10+ years) 112 located within the West Central Area. Near Term Projects The near term projects have been identified to be completed in 5-10 years. The projects outlined as near term projects have been identified through several City studies and master plan documents. Long Term Projects The longer term projects have been identified to be completed 10 years and beyond. Both the near and long term projects range from simple bike and pedestrian crossing improvements to lane re-configuration and re-aligning associated with the intersection. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/21/15 3 Transportation 110 64 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 107 influenced by local attributes, and demonstrate cohesiveness with adjacent properties. Out-of-scale development will not be allowed. • Compatibility can be achieved through careful site planning so that mass and scale are mitigated and located away from existing houses. Careful use of open space, yards and building setbacks, within an urban context, will help with density transitions. • Building entrances should be oriented toward public streets. • Height should be stepped back and buildings set back so that taller buildings do not loom over the street and shadowing of private property is minimized. • Parking lots should be located to the side and rear of buildings. • Building forms are expected to be responsive to the individual context of the site. • Each site will relate to the street by a plaza, courtyard, entry feature or other ground floor amenities that enliven pedestrian interest and enhance the public streetscape. • Additions and renovations to all properties are encouraged to be toward the side and rear and follow the Secretary of Interior Standards for the preservation of historic properties. What We Heard “Residents feel a sense of pride in the historic character of the Sheely Historic District, located south of Prospect Road along Sheely Drive.” 62 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 105 for all income levels. Multi-family options should include both rental units and owner-occupied units. Single-family attached housing should act as a transition adjacent to established neighborhoods. Avoiding dominance of a single housing type creates opportunity for housing for all income levels and multiple generations. Programs & Projects • Protect the health and safety of tenants in rental housing, particularly where remodeling and building additions have occurred. • Explore the creation of a landlord registration or licensing program as a means to improve building safety, improve compliance with City codes, and increase accountability for property management. Such a program would require contact information for landlords, tenants an property managers to improve communication. Implementation & Action Items • Community Partnerships – Neighborhood organizations and leaders, homeowners associations, landlords and property managers, tenants, property owners. • Form a joint City-CSU committee that meets regularly to assist with communication and coordination related to the on-going planning efforts of both entities. What We Heard “There is a need to protect affordability of Fort Collins neighborhoods, including those in the West Central Area.” WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 61 Land Use and Neighborhood Character Student-oriented housing should not preclude other populations 104 LU1 Fill in missing gaps in sidewalks Provide safety railings where at bridges 56 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 99 and programs. What We Heard “Need for better renter education on an annual basis is a top priority to residents and stakeholders.” LU1 LU4 Example of nuisance property requiring code enforcement Signs of occupancy ordinance violation WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 55 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 98 • Improve education of renters on the responsibilities of living in a neighborhood, how to be a good neighbor, and how to get involved in neighborhood organizations. Programs & Projects • Promote the annual Neighborhood Services Landlord Training Program, offered by the City of Fort Collins and CSU, offering landlords and property management firms an opportunity to stay current with all applicable building and property maintenance codes. Adopt a “Preferred Landlord” credential for participants and incentivize participation. • Encourage neighborhood tenants’ participation in a Training Program and adopt a “Preferred Tenant” credential for participants. Utilize the CSU Off-Campus Life education programs as a starting point for tenant certification. Rent discounts or priority access for renters to available units could provide additional incentives for participation. • Explore the creation of a landlord registration or licensing program as a means to improve building safety, improve compliance with City codes, and increase accountability for property management. Such a program would require contact information for landlords, tenants an property managers to improve communication. • Continue to strengthen the effective enforcement of nuisance ordinances. Focus enforcement efforts on neighborhoods with proportionately higher number of violations. Implementation & Action Items • Develop a strategy for the escalation of fines or other enforcement measures for repeat code violations. • Update the City Code to clarify the enforcement violations related to dead grass and bare dirt in front yards. What We Heard “Management and maintenance of rental properties has been an ongoing concern for neighborhood residents.” LU1 54 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN LU 97 PARK CITY PARK POTENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER POTENTIAL KEY DESTINATION COMMERCIAL CENTER COMMERCIAL CENTER CSU CAMPUS CORE BENNETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LAB/POLARIS SCHOOL BLEVINS MIDDLE SCHOOL POTENTIAL ELIZABETH “MAIN STREET” College Ave COMMERCIAL CENTER COMMERCIAL CENTER COMMERCIAL CENTER Lake St Prospect Rd GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK * Significant New Development/Redevelopment - Significant new devel- * opment/redevelopment anticipated on vacant parcels potentially resulting in change of use or intensity Some New Development/Redevelopment - Some market driven infill and redevelopment likely to occur Neighborhood Enhancements - Some reinvestment in infrastructure and potential additions/renovations Areas of Stability - Stable areas unlikely to change significantly Parks & Open Space Major Trails CSU Property Potential Elizabeth “Main Street” Existing Elements Potential Opportunities Schools Key Destinations West Central Area Boundary Potential Key Destinations AREAS OF STABILITY, ENHANCEMENT & DEVELOPMENT: Arterial Road MOBY ARENA Taft Hill Rd SAFEWAY SHOPPING CENTER KING SOOPERS * Mulberry St Elizabeth St Laurel St * Legend * Significant New Development/Redevelopment - Significant new devel- * opment/redevelopment anticipated on vacant parcels potentially resulting in change of use or intensity Some New Development/Redevelopment - Some market driven infill and redevelopment likely to occur Neighborhood Enhancements - Some reinvestment in infrastructure and potential additions/renovations Areas of Stability - Stable areas unlikely to change significantly West Elizabeth “Main Street” ExistingOpportunities Elements Potential West Central Area Boundary Arterial Road Parks & Open Space CSU Property Major Trail Schools Key Destinations Potential Key Destinations AREAS OF STABILITY, ENHANCEMENT & DEVELOPMENT: N Areas of Stability, Enhancement & Development The map below designates areas of Stability, Enhancement and Development representing a vision for where the greatest future change over time should occur, where enhancements are needed and where current stable areas should be protected and preserved. Developers and decision makers should refer to the map as an indication for support for efforts such as conditional rezoning or Additions of Permitted Use. Many policies, programs and implementation strategies are specific to the areas as well. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 53 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 96 the Sheely neighborhood to the east. There is potential for a well-designed cohesive development that will promote a viable mix of uses that both captures arterial traffic and attracts bikes and pedestrians from the surrounding residents. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 51 Land Use and Neighborhood Character 94 time, there is still unmet demand and opportunity to improve transit service and connections, particularly to the MAX, in the West Central area. Maintaining adequate parking in neighborhoods, particularly close to the CSU campus and for multi-family developments, is an ongoing challenge for the area. The Residential Parking Permit Program has been successful since it was recently implemented in the Sheely and Wallenberg neighborhoods, and could eventually be applied to other neighborhoods to address parking concerns. Pedestrian overpass allowing access from the NRRC to nearby shopping The District - a recently completed student oriented multi-family project 16 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 90 Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) data, the population growth in the West Central Area is expected to outpace growth citywide between now and 2035, which WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 15 Current Context Prospect Road Shields Street Taft Hill Road Drake Road CSU Mulberry Street 1999 - 2014 Land Use Change The construction of Center Ave. launched associated infill surrounding this corridor with the construction of Gardens on Spring Creek, expansion and build out of the area around the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and commercial development directly to the west. In addition, the Grove student oriented multi-family housing was completed in this area as well. Red Fox Meadows Natural Area represents a significant city project that created wildlife habitat and enhanced the natural qualities of this stormwater detention basin. Multi-family student oriented housing continued to expand within the area north of Prospect Rd. and Mulberry St. Bike lanes striping occured on many of the neighborhood collector and local streets as well as West Elizabeth St. The development of the Max Bus Rapid-Transit and the Mason Trail represents a significant improvement to the overall transit network and bike/pedestrian facilities, acting as a primary north-south connector. 89 South and existing commercial land uses near College Ave. and Prospect Rd. had been constructed. 1974 - 1999 Land Use Change Significant infill occurred between 1974 - 1999 within the previous agricultural land south of Prospect Rd. This included residential neighborhood development south of Prospect Rd. and east of Shields St. as well as the Hill Pond neighborhood south of the Spring Creek Trail and east of Shields St. In addition, student housing oriented multi-family development occurred north of Elizabeth St. Commercial development was focused around the area surrounding Drake Rd. and Shields St. as well as the “Rite- Aid Shopping Center” at Prospect Rd. and Shield St. Some additional commercial development occured in the Campus West area and near Prospect Rd. and College Ave. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital began CSU’s development of the South Campus, and a major stormwater detention facility was constructed near the corner of Prospect Rd. and Taft Hill Rd. The development of Rolland Moore Park represented a significant open space and recreational asset to the area. 88 • Prepare or update management plans for all natural areas. Nature in the City Purpose: “The purpose of Nature in the City is to ensure that, as our community grows to its build out population, all residents have access to high-quality, natural spaces close to where they live and work..” The three key objectives of Nature in the City include: • Ensure every resident is within a 10-minute walk to nature from their home or workplace. • Have natural spaces that provide diverse social and ecological opportunities. • Continue to shift the landscape aesthetic from lawns to more diverse landscapes that support healthy environments for all species. Example of a City of Fort Collins Natural Area within city limits WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 13 Existing and Future Conditions 87 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 11 Existing and Future Conditions 85 as well as small businesses, schools, and public/ private institutions and facilities. Strengthen the collaboration between the City, Colorado State University, and the West Central Neighborhoods. • Continue to provide housing opportunities, infrastructure, and lifestyle options to meet the needs of this diverse group of neighborhoods. • Facilitate and improve existing transportation systems to allow all residents to have good, safe, convenient, and multi-modal transportation options. Adapt to meet the needs of the dynamic and ever-changing West Central Neighborhoods and provide balanced opportunities in development, redevelopment, and maintenance. Goals, policies, and implementation actions were divided into three categories: Neighborhood Character, housing, and transportation. The recommendations and lessons learned from the 1999 Plan form the basis of this plan update. Hill Pond neighborhood near the Spring Creek Trail and Shields St. WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 9 Current Context 83 principles will guide opportunities for recreation areas while protecting valuable habitat and wildlife corridors. The following policies are organized under three categories of Access, Quality and Quantity: Access 3.1 Ensure that residents are adequately served by parks and open space as infill and redevelopment occurs. 3.2 Continue to develop a connected network of parks and open space. 3.3 Ensure that parks and open space are easily accessible by all modes of transportation and for all ages and abilities. 3.4 Appropriate access along and across irrigation ditches Quality 3.5 Provide for a variety of settings, experiences, and recreational opportunities in parks and open space 3.6 Improve safety in public parks, open spaces, and along trails 3.7 Explore the multiple ecological values that ditches provide, including irrigation, stormwater management, and wildlife habitat 3.8 Protect and enhance wildlife habitat in the West Central area Quantity 3.9 Approach stormwater management comprehensively and at the system scale 3.10 Enhance and add to the urban tree canopy along streets and within neighborhoods where gaps exist Open spaces should provide a variety of settings and experiences Prospect Corridor design concept looking west WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 7 Executive Summary 81 1.10 Encourage a variety of housing types so that residents from all socio-economic levels may find suitable housing in the area 1.11 Maintain established, mature neighborhoods as areas of stability 1.12 Emphasize and respect the existing heritage and character of the neighborhoods through a collaborative design process that allows for a neighborhood dialogue Neighborhood character should be preserved throughout the area WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 5 Executive Summary 79 4 DRAFT 1/23/15 WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN 78 • Commission on Disability (October 2014) • Landmark Preservation Commission (October 2014) • ·Natural Resources Advisory Board (October 2014; February 2015) • Land Conservation Stewardship Board (February 2015) External Presentations • UniverCity Connections Transportation and Mobility Task Force (April 2014) • limate Wise Biz Ed Group (June 2014) • Board of Realtors Government Affairs Committee (August 2014) • ·Chamber of Commerce Local Legislative Affairs Committee (November 2014) WEST CENTRAL AREA PLAN DRAFT 1/23/15 3 Executive Summary West Central Area Boundary 77 Service standards for Nature in the City As the data collected on pilot projects begins to emerge, a Level of Service for nature within the community (for public and private sector projects) should be developed to ensure higher quality nature spaces are installed within the community. • LU7 Planning, Park Planning, Natural Areas, Stormwater, Engineering, Sustainability Service Area Estimate of $75,000- $100,000 to develop the Level of Service standards Administrative Action Items (no City Council action required): Encourage natural drainages to be re-created Streams, drainages, and irrigation corridors would be restored to their natural drainages; this would include daylighting previously piped streams or ditches, preserving existing drainages that still remain, and recreating historic drainage patterns where feasible. • LU10 • C1 • C2 Planning, Natural Areas, Stormwater, Parks Will vary based on need; should be incorporated into the development review process to the extent feasible. 69 night skies policy • CP2 Natural Areas, National Park Service Existing staff resources Update the City’s tree inventory to include wildlife habitat As the City’s tree inventory is updated, collect a complete data set of wildlife habitat in the urban tree canopy to inform future decisions. • CP3 Forestry, Planning, Natural Areas, Parks, Colorado State University To be determined, as collecting these types of data are not within a standard protocol. 67 Estimate $30- 50,000 to develop; estimate $5- 10,000 for annual implementation 66 Planning Existing staff resources Incentivize incorporating Nature in the City principles into community projects Create a variety of incentives to provide more opportunities for landowners, businesses, and others to implement Nature in the City projects. • F2 Planning, Natural Areas, Sustainability Service Area, Gardens on Spring Creek, ClimateWise, Property Owners Will vary based on need, estimate $1.5-2 million over 10 years 65 (Grant Specialist) Will vary based on need; estimate full- time staff member to coordinate efforts Develop a Design Assistance Program to train contractors and assist designers with incorporating nature into the urban environment Similar to the Historic Preservation Design Assistance Program, this action could create a technical assistance program for developers who wish to incorporate naturalized landscaping into their developments; alternatively, it could assist landscaping companies with training for establishing and maintaining native or naturalized landscapes. • F2 Planning, Natural Areas, Parks, Stormwater Estimate $30- 50,000 to develop; estimate $5- 10,000 for annual implementation 63 added to reflect the implementation of the Nature in the City Strategic Plan. • CP8 City Manager’s Office, Sustainability Service Area, Planning Existing staff resources Consider pollinator and bird-friendly habitats in the City’s Streetscape Standards Interdisciplinary Streetscape Standards staff team should consider where and when habitat value can be added to City streets while minimizing wildlife conflicts. • CP6 Planning, Parks, Park Planning, Streets, Engineering, FCMoves Existing staff resources 62 Existing staff resources Update the Stormwater Program’s Multi-Decision Criteria Analysis Tool to incorporate Nature in the City principles In 2012, the City’s Stormwater Program developed a multi-decision criteria analysis tool to prioritize stream restoration efforts across the City; this tool should be updated to include Nature in the City principles, including connectivity for people and for wildlife • C1 • C2 • CP6 • CP7 Stormwater, Planning, Natural Areas, Park Planning Existing staff resources 61 Services, Communications and Public Involvement Office, Neighborhood Services, Parks, Colorado State University Funded via Nature in the City ($25,000) 60 irrigation ditches In accordance with the 2015-2016 BFO Offer 130.1, support the City’s efforts to conduct a scoping effort for a Ditch Master Plan • LU6 All City Service Areas, Ditch Companies, Private Landowners Existing staff resources 59 functional habitat for the city’s plants and wildlife. Goals: 1. Access - Ensure every resident is within a 10-minute walk to nature from their home or workplace 2. Quality/Experience - Conserve, create and enhance natural spaces to provide diverse social and ecological opportunities 3. Stewardship - Continue to shift the landscape aesthetic to more diverse forms that support healthy environments for all species. 57 the City goal; in this case, neighborhood engagement is tied to the Stewardship goal. This measure will assess the number or percentage of neighborhoods engaged with Nature in the City projects. Key to this indicator will include evaluating how equitably engagement is distributed across the City, the demographics of the neighborhoods engaged, and a target for how often neighborhoods should be engaged over time, e.g., once every five or ten years. • Biodiversity Goal. This measure is an example of how an indicator could tie to a specific action item. As preserving functional habitat for wildlife and plants is a key goal of Nature in the City, this measure builds upon the ecological 56 (e.g., the Colorado State Forest Service or the Master Gardener program), should be explored. Finally, the incentives could be recognition based such as those used in LEED certification or Climate Wise. One important consideration will be to dovetail with existing incentive programs that are offered by other entities within the community, such as the Audubon Society’s backyard habitat program, CSU Master Gardeners, and others. Outcome: A variety of incentives that provide more opportunities for landowners, businesses and others to implement Nature in the City projects. Access Quality Stewardship Access Quality Stewardship 52 Long-term monitoring efforts could include, but are not limited to, the following: • Butterfly abundance • Bird abundance • Percentage of native plants in Natural Areas • Regional night sky darkness • Sound levels in nature areas Outcome: A long-term monitoring program that tracks key indicator species and assists the City in evaluating its progressing in achieving the principles outlined in the Nature in the City Strategic Plan. Quality Quality Stewardship 51 Quality Stewardship 50 Access Quality Stewardship 47 to consider how lower-cost projects can complement the higher-cost projects and achieve greater connection to more neighborhoods and areas throughout the community. Outcome: (1) Updated MCDA tool that incorporates Nature in the City principles and (2) stream rehabilitation projects are equitably distributed throughout the City to achieve both high priority goals and greater access and value of these areas for all residents. Quality Access Quality Stewardship 46 streetscapes for residents and visitors to interaction. Quality Stewardship Quality Stewardship 45 are aligned to provide aesthetics and public safety while allowing habitat to remain, ; residents are more aware of the benefits of less frequent mowing patterns, and City Code amendments surrounding these issues allow taller vegetation for habitat where appropriate, and more time to establish more diverse landscapes. Quality Stewardship 43 • Enhance connectivity for people and wildlife where appropriate The City is currently in the scoping process of a Citywide analysis of the ditch system to identify challenges and opportunities related to a variety of considerations such as engineering, long-term maintenance, and development adjacent to ditches. This analysis is the first strategic step in implementing this policy. Quality Stewardship Access Quality Stewardship 39 certification programs for landscapers, websites, webinars and more. Topics could be wide-ranging in order to educate residents, and to create positive perceptions and reasonable expectations about more diverse landscapes. Outcome: A suite of training resources for homeowners, landscapers and business owners to successfully install and maintain diverse landscapes. Stewardship San Francisco has developed a set of design guidelines for how to improve their streetscapes for wildlife, aesthetics, and pedestrian benefits. 38 natural spaces in new and redevelopment projects (e.g., as illustrated in Figure X). Outcome: Land Use Code open space requirements that provide flexible options to provide functional natural spaces during a project’s development or redevelopment. Access Quality Stewardship 35 32 W MULBERRY ST W PLUM ST MAX GUIDEWAY W STUART ST S MASON ST CENTRE AVE W ELIZABETH ST W LAUREL ST W MAGNOLIA ST W OLIVE ST SPRINGFIELD DR W OAK ST CITY PARK AVE SOUTH DR EAST DR W PITKIN ST SKYLINE DR MERIDIAN AVE HULL ST S GRANT AVE S LOOMIS AVE CRESTMORE PL HASTINGS DR S MELDRUM ST VALLEY FORGE AVE SHELDON DR ORCHARD PL S WHITCOMB ST CONSTITUTION AVE CLEARVIEW AVE SHEELY DR CANYON AVE FRONTAGE RD CASTLEROCK DR SHIRE CT HILLCREST DR AKIN AVE SCOTT AVE WORTHINGTON AVE MANCHESTER DR HILL POND RD CITY PARK DR CENTER AVENUE ML BIRKY PL HAMPSHIRE RD S BRYAN AVE COOK DR WINFIELD DR BRIARWOOD RD WAYNE ST JACKSON AVE SUFFOLK ST DOVER DR JUNIPER LN BENNETT RD HANOVER DR RESEARCH BLVD KILLDEER DR ESSEX DR DAVIDSON DR SCARBOROUGH DR W MYRTLE ST HEATHERIDGE RD AVOCET RD HOBBIT ST OVAL DR FAIRVIEW DR GORDON ST CENTER AVE BALSAM LN WESTWARD DR GLEN HAVEN DR A ST UNIVERSITY AVE MCCLELLAND DR WALLENBERG DR FLICKER DR VILLAGE LN MOBY DR MEADOWLARK AVE FREEDOM LN LONGWORTH RD AYRSHIRE DR ROMNEY AVE BAY DR BROADVIEW PL GLENMOOR DR OLD MAIN DR RIDGEWOOD RD BIRCH ST CRAGMORE DR MEADOWBROOK DR RAVEN VIEW RD SUNSET AVE PERENNIAL LN DALZELL ALY NEWPORT DR SHAMROCK ST CONCORD DR RAMBOUILLET DR JAMES CT MANTZ PL PROSPECT LN CORVID WAY SPRING CT EDISON DR LAKEWOOD DR LEXINGTON CT BRAIDEN DR BLUEBELL ST SUMMER ST WIND TRL W PLUM ST W MYRTLE ST CRESTMORE PL ORCHARD PL W PITKIN ST S BRYAN AVE SKYLINE DR W OAK ST S WHITCOMB ST FRONTAGE RD W STUART ST BRIARWOOD RD West Central Area Plan Public and Private Open Space CITY OF FORT COLLINS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAP PRODUCTS These map products and all underlying data are developed for use by the City of Fort Collins for its internal purposes only, and were not designed or intended for general use by members of the public. The City makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy, timeliness, or completeness, and in particular, its accuracy in labeling or displaying dimensions, contours, property boundaries, or placement of location of any map features thereon. THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR WARRANTY FOR FITNESS OF USE FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THESE MAP PRODUCTS OR THE UNDERLYING DATA. Any users of these map products, map applications, or data, accepts them AS IS, WITH ALL FAULTS, and assumes all responsibility of the use thereof, and further covenants and agrees to hold the City harmless from and against all damage, loss, or liability arising from any use of this map product, in consideration of the City's having made this information available. Independent verification of all data contained herein should be obtained by any users of these products, or underlying data. The City disclaims, and shall not be held liable for any and all damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from these map products or the use thereof by any person or entity. Printed: January 27, 2015 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Miles © Legend West Central Area Streams WaterBodies Public Open Space* Private Open Space Designated Trails Natural Surface Minor Trail Paved Minor Trail Natural Surface Major Trail Paved Major Trail *Public Open Space includes Parks, Natural Areas, Schools, and Stormwater lands Map to be updated to show 10-minute walk within West Central Area Plan) 31 Plan implementation is divided by short- term (2015-2016), mid-term (2017-2020), and long-term (2021 and beyond) actions. Costs, timelines, stakeholders and more are detailed in this section. 17 • Senior Advisory Board 14 naturalized over time, walls with vines, drainageway enhancements, and other small, uniquely landscaped spaces. 10 Jill Wuertz, Parks Ralph Zentz, Forestry Document Layout and Design Spencer Branson, Planning 6