HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 4/19/2016 - Memorandum From Tom Leeson, Cameron Gloss, And Delynn Coldiron Re: Summary Of Development Review Survey Results2
process. Community respondents were less likely to feel knowledgeable about the
review process both before and after than were developers.
• Process Changing: Better or Worse
For those who had been involved in more than one review process, more community
respondents thought the process was getting better (33%) than getting worse (25%).
More developer respondents thought the process was getting worse (43%) than getting
better (32%).
• Satisfaction with City Services and Resources
About two-thirds of community respondents and developer respondents were
“somewhat” or “very” satisfied with the services or resources provided by City staff.
• Satisfaction with Hearing Process and Final Decision
63% of community respondents and 96% of developer respondents felt the hearing
process and final decision were “somewhat” or “very” fair.
• Satisfaction with Final Project
56% of community respondents and 80% of developer respondents were “somewhat” or
“very” satisfied with the final constructed project. 27% of community members and 6% of
developers were “very” dissatisfied.
Next Steps
Staff is moving forward with several initiatives, described below, that will make the review
process more predictable and time-efficient while still maintaining the City’s high standards for
development. These initiatives range from internal process changes to the way that we
communicate with both community and developer interests. A complete review of the
development review survey results and our progress to date will be provided to City Council at
its July 12, 2016 Work Session.
• Create Development Review Advisory Committee - Quarterly meetings starting April
Tom Leeson, is convening a committee comprised of development community and
citizens to development review survey results and emerging issues.
• Neighborhood Connections Project – On-going
The Neighborhood Connections project is currently evaluating methods to build
leadership capacity and civic engagement in the community at a neighborhood scale.
• Internal Process Improvements – On-going
Internal process improvements include:
o Electronic plan review system
o Development Review Guide for Planners/Standard Operating Procedures
o Establish a more clear Historic Preservation policy
o Develop revised policy, review process and regulations pertaining to small
development applications
• City Council Work Session – July 12
• Development Review Survey Conducted – 2 year cycle
Attachment: Development Review Summary of Results, February 2016
1
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW SURVEYS
February 2016
Including:
A Comparison of Developer Survey Results
to Community Development Survey Results
Community Member Survey Results
Development Community Survey Results
Prepared by:
2955 Valmont Road • Boulder, Colorado 80301 • t: 303-444-7863 • f: 303-444-1145 • www.n-r-c.com
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
Table of Contents
Summary of Results .......................................................................................................................1
Background ................................................................................................................................1
Key Findings from Comparisons of the Community and Developer Survey Results ...............2
Key Findings from the Community Survey Results ..................................................................6
Key Findings from the Developer Survey ...............................................................................13
Appendix A: Comparisons of Developer Survey Results to Community Development
Survey Results ..............................................................................................................................17
Appendix B: Responses to Community Survey Questions .......................................................22
Appendix C: Comparisons of Community Survey Results by Selected Respondent
Characteristics..............................................................................................................................45
Appendix D: City of Fort Collins Development Review Survey of the Community .............81
Appendix E: Responses to Developer Survey Questions ..........................................................86
Appendix F: Comparisons of Developer Survey Results by Type of Hearing .....................102
Appendix G: City of Fort Collins Developer Survey ..............................................................108
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
1
Summary of Results
Background
The City of Fort Collins desired to learn more about how the community perceived the City’s
development review process. They contracted with National Research Center, Inc. to conduct
two surveys: 1) a community survey of owners of properties, residents and businesses near
recently completed projects who would have been notified within the last two years about the
projects when they were in development review; and 2) a developer survey of developers and
their consultants who had development review projects during the same period.
For the community survey, the City of Fort Collins had a list of nearly 17,000 mailing addresses
of contacts of properties, residents and businesses near recently completed projects; 2,000 were
randomly selected to receive the survey. For the developer survey, the City of Fort Collins
provided a list with email contact information of 92 developers, property owners or consultants
who had undergone one or more development review process in 2013 or 2014.
The questionnaires were developed through an iterative process between City staff and NRC
staff. A copy of the community survey can be found in Appendix D: City of Fort Collins
Development Review Survey of the Community starting on page 81, while a copy of the developer
survey is in Appendix G: City of Fort Collins Developer Survey starting on page 108.
For the community survey, selected recipients were contacted three times: with a pre-notification
postcard informing them to look out for the survey, mailed on October 8, 2015; the first wave of
the survey packet which included a cover letter signed by Thomas Leeson, Community
Development & Neighborhood Services Director, and a postage-paid reply envelope, mailed on
October 15; and a second survey packet mailed on October 22. Of the 2,000 postcards mailed,
303 were returned as “undeliverable” (generally because the addressee had moved), resulting in
1,697 estimated contacts who received the survey. Of these, 291 completed the survey, for a
response rate of 17%.
This developer questionnaire was programmed by NRC into Qualtrics, an online survey
application. This application was also used to manage the email contacts with the developers. An
initial invitation was sent on October 14, 2015, with reminder emails sent on October 19, 23 and
27. Those who had already completed the survey were not sent reminders. Emails to three
recipients “bounced” so that the total number of recipients who could complete the survey was
89. Of these, 32 completed the entire survey and 38 completed at least part of the survey for a
response rate of 43%.
Complete survey responses to the community survey can be found in Appendix B: Responses to
Community Survey Questions, while cross tabulations of selected survey results by respondent
characteristics can be found in Appendix C: Comparisons of Community Survey Results by
Selected Respondent Characteristics. A complete set of the developer survey responses can be
found in Appendix D: City of Fort Collins Development Review Survey of the Community, while
cross-tabulations of selected survey responses by the type of review process the developer most
recently went through are in Appendix E: Responses to Developer Survey Questions.
Many questions were identical or similar between the two surveys. A comparison of responses to
these questions can be found in Appendix A: Comparisons of Developer Survey Results to
Community Development Survey Results. Key findings from the surveys are summarized in the
following pages.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
2
0%
3%
37%
61%
11%
13%
39%
37%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
1
2
3
4
Key Findings from Comparisons of the Community and Developer Survey
Results
Community members and developers made significant knowledge gains about the
development review process after going through their most recent process.
• However, community members were less likely to feel knowledgeable about the review
process both before and after going through their most recent process than were developers.
(See Table 1 and Table 2 in Appendix A: Comparisons of Developer Survey Results to
Community Development Survey Results.)
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development review process
BEFORE/AFTER participating in your most recent review process?
Community Members Developers
When those who had been through more than one development process were asked
whether they thought the development process was getting better or getting worse,
divergent views were seen. More community members thought it was getting better
than thought it was getting worse, while among developers a greater proportion
thought the process was getting worse than thought it getting better. (See Table 4)
14%
31%
42%
13%
36%
33%
25%
6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all knowledgeable
A little bit knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
Very knowledgeable
Before
After
7%
36%
25%
25%
7%
5%
20%
43%
23%
10%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Getting much worse
Getting somewhat worse
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
3
About two-thirds or more of community and developer respondents were somewhat or
very satisfied with the various aspects of the services or resources provided by the City
during the development review process although community members were more likely
to be satisfied with the timeliness of service overall than were developers.
(See Table 7)
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate
your satisfaction with the following services or resources
65%
64%
69%
80%
73%
62%
63%
63%
73%
78%
78%
78%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Clarity of communication regarding the
development review process
Clarity of communication regarding the
specific project
Overall customer service provided by
City staff
Website resources for developers at
fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php
Printed materials provided by City staff
Timeliness of service overall
Percent of respondents with an opinion
who were "very" or "somewhat satisfied"
Community
Developer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
4
Over half of community respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with the outcome
of the final project, and 6 in 10 thought the hearing process and final decision were at
least somewhat fair. However, community members were less satisfied with the final
outcome and less likely to think the process was very fair than were the developers. (See
Table 9 and Table 11)
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how satisfied are you with
the outcome?
Developer: How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were?
Community: Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
6%
13%
35%
45%
27%
17%
31%
25%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Very satisfied
Percent of respondents
Community
Developer
0%
4%
32%
64%
19%
18%
37%
26%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all fair
A little bit fair
Somewhat fair
Very fair
Percent of respondents
Community
Developer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
5
For community members, mail, newsletters, email and brochures or other written
materials were the most preferred ways of communicating with the City regarding
development review proposals. (See Table 12)
However, developers had much different preferences than did community members.
While email was one of their top communication preferences, their other preferences
were for one-on-one meetings with City staff, the development review website and by
phone.
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins regarding development review
proposals?
28%
72%
94%
9%
75%
34%
97%
9%
16%
23%
25%
34%
37%
58%
62%
65%
71%
74%
75%
88%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Citizen Access (Accela)
Phone
One-on-one meetings with City staff
Developer: Social networking sites
Community: Nextdoor.com or other online tool
Public comments at a hearing
Development review website
Public comments/questions at a neighborhood
meeting
Brochures or other written materials
Email
Newsletters
Mail (USPS)
Percent of respondents who
"greatly" or "somewhat preferred" each method
Community
Developer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
6
Key Findings from the Community Survey Results
About half of respondents had participated in some way in a development review
process within the last two years.
• The most common ways in which respondents had participated in a development review
process were by attending a neighborhood meeting (32%), accessing information online
(27%) or asking questions or making comments at a neighborhood meeting (19%).(See
Table 13 in Appendix B: Responses to Community Survey Questions)
• Most of the respondents who had been involved in a development review process were
nearby resident owners (77%), while a few were nearby resident renters (4%), nearby
property owners (8%) or nearby business owners (9%). Some were residents or property
owners in Fort Collins with an interest in or concern about a development project, even if
they weren’t located nearby the project (16%). (See Table 21)
• Of those who had participated in a development review process, just under half had been
involved in only one development project, while over half had been involved in two or
more projects. (See Table 19)
• When asked what type of development review hearing was required for the process they
had been most recently involved in, over half of those who had participated in one did not
know what type it had been. Among those who thought they knew, about three times
more were Type 2 hearings than Type 1 hearings. (See Table 20)
• Those who had not participated in the development review process were asked why they
had not done so. Among those who had not participated, the most common reasons for
not doing so were not believing their input would have any impact on the project (35% of
the 51% who had not participated), not having seen information about a proposal in their
neighborhood (24%), not being concerned about the proposal (21%), or comfortable the
City’s review process would provide an acceptable outcome. (20%). (See Table 14)
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
7
Community members felt more knowledgeable about the City’s development review
process after their most recent review process than they did before it.
• The proportion of community member respondents saying they felt “very” or “somewhat
knowledgeable” about the City’s development review process increased from 31% before
they went through the process to 55% after going through the process. (See Table 15 and
Table 16)
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development review process
BEFORE/AFTER participating on a development team in your most recent review process?
Among those with an opinion, a slightly greater proportion of respondents felt the
development review process was getting better than felt it was getting worse.
• Among respondents with an opinion, about a third felt the development review process
was getting better compared to two years ago, while about a quarter felt it was getting
worse. Just over 40% thought it was about the same. (See Table 18)
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or getting worse
compared to two years ago, or is it about the same?
14%
31%
42%
13%
36%
33%
25%
6%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all knowledgeable
A little bit knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
Very knowledgeable
Before
After
5%
20%
43%
23%
10%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Getting much worse
Getting somewhat worse
About the same
Getting somewhat better
Getting much better
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
8
A large majority of respondents were satisfied with customer service provided by the
City during the development review process. However, barely half of respondents were
satisfied with the fairness of the hearing process, and less than half were satisfied with
the impact of the neighborhood concerns on the developer’s plans.
• Sixty percent or more of respondents with an opinion were somewhat or very satisfied
with the communication they had with the planner and other City staff members and with
the perceived fairness of staff during the neighborhood meeting. Nearly three-quarters of
respondents were satisfied with the value of the neighborhood meeting to identify
neighborhood concerns, and over 80% were satisfied with the timeliness of the notice for
the neighborhood meeting. (See Table 27)
• However, 52% of respondents with an opinion were satisfied with the fairness of the
hearing process, while 48% were dissatisfied with the fairness of the process.
• A majority (56%) of respondents with an opinion were dissatisfied with the impact of
neighborhood concerns on the developer’s plans, with 44% somewhat or very satisfied.
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate
your satisfaction with these aspects of the process.
44%
52%
54%
61%
63%
66%
73%
84%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Impact of neighborhood concerns on
developer’s plans
Fairness of hearing process
Communication with neighborhood
development review liaison
Communication with other staff members
Communication with planner
Perceived fairness of staff during neighborhood
meeting
Value of neighborhood meeting in identifying
neighborhood concerns
Timeliness of notice for neighborhood meeting
Percent of respondents with an opinon
"very" or "somewhat satisfied"
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
9
About two-thirds or more of community respondents were somewhat or very satisfied
with the various aspects of the services or resources provided by the City during the
development review process.
• Examples of these services/resources include website, printed materials, customer
service, solutions to neighborhood concerns raised, and clarity of communications. (See
Table 23)
• However, just over half of community members were satisfied with the proposed
solutions to neighborhood concerns raised, while just under half were dissatisfied.
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate
your satisfaction with the following services or resources
51%
63%
63%
73%
78%
78%
78%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Proposed solutions to neighborhood
concerns raised
Clarity of communication regarding the
development review process
Clarity of communication regarding the
specific project
Overall customer service provided by
City staff
Website resources for developers at
fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php
Printed materials provided by City staff
Timeliness of service overall
Percent of respondents with an opinion
who were "very" or "somewhat satisfied"
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
10
While a majority of respondents felt they understood the process and how they could
participate, nearly 6 in 10 respondents with an opinion disagreed that their perspectives
had an impact on the final project. (See Table 25)
• About three-quarters of respondents with an opinion agreed that they understood the
development review process and how they could participate.
• Over half (54%) of respondents with an opinion agreed that their perspectives were heard
and considered by staff during the review process.
• However, less than half (45%) of respondents with an opinion agreed that their
perspectives were heard and considered by decision makers during the hearing.
• And only 4 in 10 believed their perspectives had an impact on the final project.
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement.
• Male respondents were more likely than female respondents to agree with these statements
than were female respondents. (See Table 61 in Appendix C: Comparisons of Community
Survey Results by Selected Respondent Characteristics.) From 8% to 17% more males
agreed with these statements than females.
41%
45%
54%
74%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final
project
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered
by the decision maker (Planning and Zoning Board
or Hearing Officer) during the hearing
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered
by staff during the review process
I understood the process and how I could
participate
Percent of respondents with an opinion
who "strongly" or "somewhat" agreed
31%
39%
52%
70%
48%
53%
61%
78%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final
project
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by
the decision maker
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by
staff
I understood the process and how I could participate
Percent of respondents with an opinion
who "strongly" or "somewhat" agreed
Male
Female
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
11
Over half of community respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with the outcome
of the final project, and 6 in 10 thought the hearing process and final decision were at
least somewhat fair. (See Table 29 and Table 33)
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how satisfied are you with
the outcome?
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
27%
17%
31%
25%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Very dissatisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Very satisfied
Percent of respondents
19%
18%
37%
26%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all fair
A little bit fair
Somewhat fair
Very fair
Percent of respondents
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
12
For community members, mail, newsletters, email and brochures or other written
materials were the most preferred ways of communicating with the City regarding
development review proposals.
• Nearly 9 in 10 community member respondents somewhat or greatly preferred to
communicate with the city via mail, and three-quarters somewhat or greatly preferred
newsletters or email. (See Table 37)
• About two-thirds had a preference for brochures, neighborhood meetings and the
development review website.
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins regarding development review
proposals?
23%
25%
34%
37%
58%
62%
65%
71%
74%
75%
88%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Citizen Access (Accela)
Phone
One-on-one meetings with City staff
Developer: Social networking sites
Community: Nextdoor.com or other online tool
Public comments at a hearing
Development review website
Public comments/questions at a neighborhood
meeting
Brochures or other written materials
Email
Newsletters
Mail (USPS)
Percent of respondents who
"greatly" or "somewhat preferred" each method
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
13
Key Findings from the Developer Survey
Developers felt more knowledgeable about the City’s development review process after
their most recent review process than they did before it.
• The proportion of developers saying they felt “very knowledgeable” increased from 37%
before they went through the process to 61% after going through the process. (See Table
104 and Table 105 in Appendix E: Responses to Developer Survey Questions.)
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development review process
BEFORE/AFTER participating on a development team in your most recent review process?
A slightly greater proportion of respondents felt the development review process was
getting worse than felt it was getting better.
• Among respondents with an opinion, about a third felt the development review process
was getting better, while over 40% felt it was getting worse. About one quarter thought the
process had remained about the same. (See Table 107)
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or getting worse
compared to two years ago, or is it about the same?
0%
3%
37%
61%
11%
13%
39%
37%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Not at all knowledgeable
A little bit knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
Very knowledgeable
Before
After
7%
36%
25%
25%
7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Getting much worse
Getting somewhat worse
About the same
Getting somewhat better
Getting much better
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
14
A majority of respondents were satisfied with the services and resources from the City
during the development review process.
• Highest satisfaction levels were observed for the Citizen Access (Accela) online system
and the website resources. (See Table 111)
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate
your satisfaction with the following services or resources.
57%
61%
64%
65%
69%
73%
80%
80%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Flexibility in finding solutions to issues raised during
the review process
Timeliness of service overall
Clarity of communication regarding the specific
project
Clarity of communication regarding the development
review process
Overall customer service provided by City staff
Printed materials provided by City staff
Website resources for developers at
fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php
Citizen Access (Accela) online system
Percent of respondents "very" or "somewhat satisfied
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
15
Nearly all respondents at least somewhat agreed that the hearing process and the final
decision of the development review process were fair. (See Table 113)
• Over half of respondents agreed that each aspect of the various stages of the process were
satisfactory.
Thinking of your most recent review process, please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree
with each statement about the various stages of the review.
9%
59%
65%
68%
69%
72%
73%
74%
74%
78%
80%
82%
87%
91%
91%
96%
96%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
The size of the public notification area was too small
There was good communication with City staff
members during the review process
All major considerations for the project were clearly
identified at the conceptual review stage
The submittal process was easy to complete
Any major considerations were clearly identified at the
preliminary design review
The staff review meetings provided useful feedback for
the project
Neighborhood comments led to refinements of the
proposal
I/we received high quality service in planning our
submittal at the preliminary design review stage
I/we received high quality service during the
conceptual review stage
The neighborhood meeting was helpful in identifying
neighborhood concerns
There was good coordination between planning and
the customer service (front counter) staff during the…
Question #8 commentsThere was good communication
with City staff members as the hearing approached
Overall, the process of planning the meeting went well
City staff clearly explained our role and how to prepare
for the neighborhood meeting
City staff were fair and objective during the
neighborhood meeting
The hearing process was fair
The final decision was fair
Percent of respondents
who "strongly" or "somewhatt agreed
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
16
Nearly 8 in 10 respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with the outcome of the
final project.
• Over four in 10 (44%) were very satisfied. (See Table 115)
Over half of respondents thought the hearing process and final decision were very fair.
• An additional 28% thought they were somewhat fair. Only 3% thought they were only a
little bit fair, and none thought they were not at all fair .The remainder didn’t know. (See
Table 119)
Among respondents who had been through a development review process in another
city or county along the Front Range, about half thought the process in Fort Collins
was about the same as others, while about a quarter thought it was better and about a
quarter thought it was worse. (See Table 123)
• About 7 in 10 respondents had been though a development review process in another city
or county along the Front Range. (See Table 122)
How would you compare the development review process in the City of Fort Collins to other
jurisdictions along the Front Range?
Email and one-on-one meetings were by far the most preferred way of developers to
communicate with the City regarding development review proposals. (See Table 125)
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins regarding development review
proposals?
9%
14%
50%
18%
9%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Much worse than most
Somewhat worse than most
About the same as most
Somewhat better than most
Much better than most
0%
0%
0%
3%
7%
11%
28%
47%
81%
84%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Mail (USPS)
Newsletters
Public meetings
Social networking sites
Brochures or other written materials
Citizen Access (Accela)
Development review website
Phone
One-on-one meetings with City staff
Email
Percent of respondents who "greatly prefer"
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
17
Appendix A: Comparisons of Developer Survey
Results to Community Development Survey Results
Some questions were identical or similar on the developer survey and the community
development survey. Results to these similar questions from both surveys are shown in the tables
below.
Table 1: Common Question #1 by Type of Survey
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's
development review process BEFORE participating on a development
team in your most recent review process?
Developer Community
Very knowledgeable 37% 6%
Somewhat knowledgeable 39% 25%
A little bit knowledgeable 13% 33%
Not at all knowledgeable 11% 36%
Total 100% 100%
Table 2: Common Question #2 by Type of Survey
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City’s
development review process AFTER participating in your most recent
review process?
Developer Community
Very knowledgeable 61% 13%
Somewhat knowledgeable 37% 42%
A little bit knowledgeable 3% 31%
Not at all knowledgeable 0% 14%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
18
Table 3: Common Question #3 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Survey
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting
better or getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the
same?
Developer Community
Getting much better 5% 5%
Getting somewhat better 19% 12%
About the same 19% 21%
Getting somewhat worse 27% 10%
Getting much worse 5% 2%
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 24% 50%
Total 100% 100%
Table 4: Common Question #3 without "don't know" responses by Type of Survey
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting
better or getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the
same?
Developer Community
Getting much better 7% 10%
Getting somewhat better 25% 23%
About the same 25% 43%
Getting somewhat worse 36% 20%
Getting much worse 7% 5%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
19
Table 5: Common Question #4 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Survey
Did the project for the most recent development review process in
which you participated require a Type 1 hearing (before a Hearing
Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the Planning and Zoning Board)?
Developer Community
Type 1/Hearing Officer hearing 56% 47%
Type 2/Planning and Zoning Board hearing 42% 45%
Not sure 3% 8%
Total 100% 100%
Table 6: Common Question #4 without "don't know" responses by Type of Survey
Did the project for the most recent development review process in
which you participated require a Type 1 hearing (before a Hearing
Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the Planning and Zoning Board)?
Developer Community
Type 1/Hearing Officer hearing 57% 51%
Type 2/Planning and Zoning Board hearing 43% 49%
Total 100% 100%
Table 7: Common Question #5 by Type of Survey
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you
participated, please rate your satisfaction with the following services or
resources
Percent of respondents rating "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
Developer Community
Website resources for developers at fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php 80% 78%
Printed materials provided by City staff 73% 78%
Timeliness of service overall 62% 78%
Clarity of communication regarding the development review process 65% 63%
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 64% 63%
Overall customer service provided by City staff 69% 73%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
20
Table 8: Common Question #6 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Survey
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome? Developer Community
Very satisfied 44% 21%
Somewhat satisfied 34% 26%
Somewhat dissatisfied 13% 14%
Very dissatisfied 6% 23%
Don't know 3% 17%
Total 100% 100%
Table 9: Common Question #6 without "don't know" responses by Type of Survey
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome? Developer Community
Very satisfied 45% 25%
Somewhat satisfied 35% 31%
Somewhat dissatisfied 13% 17%
Very dissatisfied 6% 28%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
21
Table 10: Common Question #7 by Type of Survey
Developer: How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and
final decision were?
Community: Do you believe the hearing process and final decision
were:
Developer Community
Very fair 56% 19%
Somewhat fair 28% 26%
A little bit fair 3% 13%
Not at all fair 0% 13%
Don't know 13% 29%
Total 100% 100%
Table 11: Common Question #7 without "don't know" responses" by Type of Survey
Developer: How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and
final decision were?
Community: Do you believe the hearing process and final decision
were:
Developer Community
Very fair 64% 26%
Somewhat fair 32% 37%
A little bit fair 4% 18%
Not at all fair 0% 19%
Total 100% 100%
Table 12: Common Question #8 by Type of Review Process
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins
regarding development review proposals?
Percent of respondents who “greatly” or “somewhat prefer."
Developer Community
Email 97% 74%
Mail (USPS) 16% 88%
Phone 72% 25%
One-on-one meetings with City staff 94% 34%
Newsletters 9% 75%
Development review website 75% 62%
Developer: Social networking sites
Community: Nextdoor.com (social networking site for neighborhoods) or
other online tool
9% 37%
Brochures or other written materials 34% 71%
Citizen Access (Accela) 28% 23%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
22
Appendix B: Responses to Community Survey
Questions
Tables of survey results are shown below. Each of these tables shows the percent and number
(shown as “N=”) of respondents giving each response.
Table 13: Question #1
In what ways, if at all, have you participated as a residential neighbor, business
neighbor or a community member (not a developer) in a development review
process within the last two years?
(Please check all that apply.)
Percent* Number
Accessed information online about the project 27% N=73
Attended a neighborhood meeting 32% N=87
Asked a question or made a comment at a neighborhood meeting 19% N=52
Sent a letter or email to City staff with my comments or concerns about a project 9% N=23
Contacted City staff by phone or in person to make a comment 8% N=21
Attended a hearing 17% N=47
Asked a question or made a comment at a hearing 9% N=25
Other 7% N=19
Did not participate in any way in a development review process 51% N=137
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
Table 14: Question #1a
Why didn't you participate in the development review process?
(Only asked of those who had not participated in a development review
process) (Please check all that apply.)
Percent* Number
I don't remember seeing any information about a proposal in my neighborhood 24% N=40
The neighborhood meeting or hearing time was inconvenient 14% N=23
The neighborhood meeting or hearing location was inconvenient 5% N=9
I liked or was not concerned about the proposal 21% N=34
I was comfortable that City's review process would provide an acceptable
outcome 20% N=33
I was too busy with daily life 17% N=28
I didn't believe that my input would have any impact on the projects 35% N=58
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
23
Table 15: Question #2
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process BEFORE your most recent experience with the process? Percent Number
Very knowledgeable 6% N=10
Somewhat knowledgeable 25% N=42
A little bit knowledgeable 33% N=56
Not at all knowledgeable 36% N=60
Total 100% N=168
Table 16: Question #3
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process AFTER participating in your most recent review process? Percent Number
Very knowledgeable 13% N=21
Somewhat knowledgeable 42% N=66
A little bit knowledgeable 31% N=50
Not at all knowledgeable 14% N=22
Total 100% N=159
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
24
Table 17: Question #4 with “don’t know” responses
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Percent Number
Getting much better 5% N=8
Getting somewhat better 12% N=19
About the same 21% N=35
Getting somewhat worse 10% N=16
Getting much worse 2% N=4
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 50% N=81
Total 100% N=163
Table 18: Question #4 without "don't know" responses
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Percent Number
Getting much better 10% N=8
Getting somewhat better 23% N=19
About the same 43% N=35
Getting somewhat worse 20% N=16
Getting much worse 5% N=4
Total 100% N=82
Table 19: Question #5
Approximately how many development projects have you been involved in as a
neighbor or community member? Percent Number
One 47% N=68
Two or three 45% N=65
Four or more 8% N=11
Total 100% N=144
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
25
Table 20: Question #6
Did the project for your most recent development review process in
which you participated require a Type 1 hearing (before a Hearing
Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the Planning and Zoning Board)?
Percent Number
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 13% N=19
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board hearing 30% N=45
Not sure 57% N=84
Total 100% N=148
Table 21: Question #7
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you
participated, how would you characterize your relationship to that
project?
(Please check all that apply.)
Percent* Number
Nearby resident – owner 77% N=116
Nearby resident – renter/occupant 4% N=6
Nearby property owner, but lived elsewhere 8% N=12
Resident or property owner in Fort Collins with interest or concerns
about the development project 16% N=24
Nearby business owner 9% N=13
Other 5% N=7
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
26
Table 22: Question #8 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the most recent development review
process in which you participated, please rate your
satisfaction with the following services or resources.
Very satisfied Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
Website resources for community members at
fcgov.com/developmentreview/citizenreview.php 14% N=20 36% N=50 9% N=13 5% N=7 35% N=49 100% N=139
Printed materials provided by City staff 18% N=26 47% N=69 14% N=20 5% N=7 16% N=24 100% N=146
Timeliness of service overall 18% N=26 43% N=62 13% N=19 4% N=6 22% N=31 100% N=144
Proposed solutions to neighborhood concerns raised 14% N=21 27% N=39 18% N=26 21% N=31 19% N=28 100% N=145
Clarity of communication regarding the development
review process 15% N=22 41% N=59 21% N=30 12% N=17 12% N=17 100% N=145
Clarity of communication regarding the specific
project 17% N=25 39% N=56 22% N=32 11% N=16 10% N=15 100% N=144
Overall customer service provided by City staff 17% N=25 43% N=62 15% N=22 7% N=10 17% N=25 100% N=144
Table 23: Question #8 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which
you participated, please rate your satisfaction with the following
services or resources.
Very satisfied Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Website resources for community members at
fcgov.com/developmentreview/citizenreview.php 22% N=20 56% N=50 14% N=13 8% N=7 100% N=90
Printed materials provided by City staff 21% N=26 57% N=69 16% N=20 6% N=7 100% N=122
Timeliness of service overall 23% N=26 55% N=62 17% N=19 5% N=6 100% N=113
Proposed solutions to neighborhood concerns raised 18% N=21 33% N=39 22% N=26 26% N=31 100% N=117
Clarity of communication regarding the development review process 17% N=22 46% N=59 23% N=30 13% N=17 100% N=128
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 19% N=25 43% N=56 25% N=32 12% N=16 100% N=129
Overall customer service provided by City staff 21% N=25 52% N=62 18% N=22 8% N=10 100% N=119
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
27
Table 24: Question #9 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the most recent development review
process in which you participated, please rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each
statement.
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
I understood the process and how I could participate 18% N=26 50% N=72 17% N=25 7% N=10 8% N=12 100% N=145
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by
staff during the review process 12% N=17 28% N=40 16% N=23 17% N=25 27% N=38 100% N=143
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by
the decision maker (Planning and Zoning Board or
Hearing Officer) during the hearing
12% N=17 20% N=28 22% N=31 17% N=24 30% N=43 100% N=143
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final
project 8% N=12 20% N=28 17% N=25 24% N=34 31% N=44 100% N=143
Table 25: Question #9 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which
you participated, please rate the extent to which you agree or
disagree with each statement.
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree Total
% N % N % N % N % N
I understood the process and how I could participate 20% N=26 54% N=72 19% N=25 8% N=10 100% N=133
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by staff during the
review process 16% N=17 38% N=40 22% N=23 24% N=25 100% N=105
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by the decision
maker (Planning and Zoning Board or Hearing Officer) during the
hearing
17% N=17 28% N=28 31% N=31 24% N=24 100% N=100
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final project 12% N=12 28% N=28 25% N=25 34% N=34 100% N=99
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
28
Table 26: Question #10 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the most recent development review
process in which you participated, please rate your
satisfaction with these aspects of the process.
Very
satisfied
Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
Timeliness of notice for neighborhood meeting
(notices are required to be mailed 2 weeks prior to
the meeting date)
31% N=44 45% N=64 6% N=9 8% N=11 10% N=15 100% N=143
Value of neighborhood meeting in identifying
neighborhood concerns 22% N=31 39% N=56 14% N=20 9% N=13 16% N=23 100% N=143
Impact of neighborhood concerns on developer’s
plans 15% N=21 20% N=29 17% N=25 27% N=38 21% N=30 100% N=143
Perceived fairness of staff during neighborhood
meeting 19% N=27 32% N=46 16% N=23 10% N=14 23% N=32 100% N=142
Communication with planner 14% N=19 31% N=43 15% N=21 11% N=16 29% N=41 100% N=140
Communication with neighborhood development
review liaison 6% N=8 27% N=38 19% N=27 9% N=12 39% N=55 100% N=140
Communication with other staff members 7% N=10 28% N=40 17% N=24 6% N=8 42% N=59 100% N=141
Fairness of hearing process 16% N=23 21% N=29 18% N=25 16% N=23 29% N=41 100% N=141
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
29
Table 27: Question #10 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the most recent development review
process in which you participated, please rate your
satisfaction with these aspects of the process.
Very satisfied Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Timeliness of notice for neighborhood meeting
(notices are required to be mailed 2 weeks prior to the
meeting date)
34% N=44 50% N=64 7% N=9 9% N=11 100% N=128
Value of neighborhood meeting in identifying
neighborhood concerns 26% N=31 47% N=56 17% N=20 11% N=13 100% N=120
Impact of neighborhood concerns on developer’s
plans 19% N=21 26% N=29 22% N=25 34% N=38 100% N=113
Perceived fairness of staff during neighborhood
meeting 25% N=27 42% N=46 21% N=23 13% N=14 100% N=110
Communication with planner 19% N=19 43% N=43 21% N=21 16% N=16 100% N=99
Communication with neighborhood development
review liaison 9% N=8 45% N=38 32% N=27 14% N=12 100% N=85
Communication with other staff members 12% N=10 49% N=40 29% N=24 10% N=8 100% N=82
Fairness of hearing process 23% N=23 29% N=29 25% N=25 23% N=23 100% N=100
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
30
Table 28: Question #11 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Percent Number
Very satisfied 21% N=30
Somewhat satisfied 26% N=37
Somewhat dissatisfied 14% N=20
Very dissatisfied 23% N=33
Don't know 17% N=25
Total 100% N=145
Table 29: Question #11 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Percent Number
Very satisfied 25% N=30
Somewhat satisfied 31% N=37
Somewhat dissatisfied 17% N=20
Very dissatisfied 28% N=33
Total 100% N=120
Table 30: Question #12
Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the final project? Percent Number
No 60% N=84
Yes 40% N=55
Total 100% N=139
Table 31: Question #12 comments
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as written in by respondents.
??????????????????
1. CSU stadium- really?? This boondoggle will cost the city and CSU in the long run… bad project decision. 2.
Project development @ northeast corner Mountain Ave. and Shields Ave. Will degrade the quality and
quaintness of the area of Old Town.
A simple mailing that told what was going on in the new subdivision’s final plan.
All I’ve done is try to look up zoning status on fc/com- I had difficulty in finding the info. All my answers are in
reference to that
Apartments too tall for neighborhood, Timberline north of Trilby. Will need more traffic lights to be able to turn
north to Timberline, when these open, large volume of traffic already.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
31
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as written in by respondents.
As I said the project does not seem to change because of neighborhood input
Attractive single family homes as opposed to high density rental apartments as originally planned.
Before City Councils get involved project was reasonable fair. The final project by a stated "council" position
that they were unconcerned with what the majority of citizens wanted but wanted to be fair!!
Boring architecture. Everything is square and I am just like Boulder.
Could not answer #11, because project was postponed. I'm 80 years old. By the time it's built, I'll be too old to
enjoy it- or no longer living.
Developer made changes to satisfy our neighborhoods concerns.
Do they really listen? Is decision already made before input?
Felt like my comments were heard by city staff, and then glossed over by the developer. Other community
members agreed with my concerns/ developer said would be addressed in later meetings. I attended meetings,
but it never happened.
House built next to mother in law’s house blocks cell phone coverage, blocks sunlight all she could see out her
living room window was a two story wall
How many injuries have to happen b4 the city really does something that is right?
I believe the staff had made their own conclusions prior to meeting with neighbors. They, of course, wanted
approval.
I don’t know the final outcome- never notified
I face this proposed park- the parking for this project will be my back yard- very upset parking should be up by
Fossil Ridge HS.
I feel that community input is seen as a necessary evil and annoyance.
I feel the hearings are basically post facto; that is, decisions are made prior to hearings.
I personally don't like the stand alone stores @ the mall. When you say "mall" I picture an enclosed mall.
Where are the "high end" stores we were promised?
In conceptual stage so no valid comments regarding final.
It is still unclear what is being done by the developers on Timberline Rd. The CDS Temple got away with only
doing the south side of the Trilby-Timberline intersection, no idea what Meritage and Toll Brothers are
contributing beyond higher traffic
It seems as though the City of FTC planner, review board and hearing officer could care less about neighbors’
concerns. If a developer comes to town and is willing to put up multifamily or basically multi-student
apartments, then the city does everything it can to accommodate the developer, regardless of the neighbors’
concerns. And by the way many of those concerns have now come to fruition and the neighbors are the ones
having to deal with the problems while the developers and their investors live in a completely different state!
It seems more of a meeting to tells us what was going to happen, my concerns were basically ignored
Lowers the value of my property also causing congestion entering and exiting
Mormon Temple looks good and traffic pattern (north and west) looks reasonable// apartments on Timberline,
south of Bacon Elementary are too tall for the area and too dense of population. Road and traffic lights will not
handle volume
Neighborhood concerns are largely dismissed in my experience. Developers dominate the P & Z Board
No final project yet
None won’t do
Not completed yet
Not fully completed
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
32
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as written in by respondents.
Planners were going to go ahead with the project regardless of what the community said. A growth first
approach
Project did not go thru. I was very pleased.
Putting yet another building of tenants v homeowners is a bad idea in Old Town. We need community!
Somewhat satisfied in that the objections of the majority were addressed. Somewhat dissatisfied in that the
ideal is not what we perceived. Overall satisfied that a compromise was reached.
The City got in the way of the developers plans to make a significant improvement in a project. Resulting in the
developer backing out and no progress at this point.
The City had already made up its mind about this project and the meetings were a lip service to the community
to look like they were taking everyone’s opinion into account
The city planner involved in the process (Jason) was outstanding, helpful and professional throughout the entire
process!
The contribution of the project has taken too long and unnecessarily disrupted my business
The dund project was more or less what the developer wanted in the first place. Fear of the concerns of the
neighbors were addressed with final project, and only 1 p s….to those concerns was given
The final project is not final. Appears to be proceeding well. Should be an asset to the neighborhood
The neighbor did not want the project- but the city approved it. Why ask!!
The project should have been never given the owner' first plan. House too big for lot.
The project was going to happen, no matter what. It was modified.
The project was ultimately pulled
The review/ input process is a farce. All government is doing is going through required steps- then they do
whatever they want anyway
The staff was great! And most helpful.
There has been no follow-up that I know of. We took time to write a letter but were not kept in the loop of
subsequent actions.
This development undermines changes the neighborhood sense of community. A modern type of development
is exactly the opposite of the draw comfort of these established neighborhoods.
This project was denied and a less intrusive development was approved, although it is still too dense for the
space.
Too many variances granted to satisfy developers needs to maximize his investment
Traffic concerns Ziegler, Lady Moon, Kechter, people going to Windsor on Ziegler
Unsightly and obtrusive in the neighborhood.
Was very happy to see single family dwellings rather than large apartment complex.
Way too close!! Houses are way too close to each other, da!!
We voted it down- but the colformes (?) developer came back and build anyway
We want sidewalks not a sign stating our neighborhood name
What happened to the zoning that used to require a berm of trees planted between the building and or parking
lot? Bldgs. are being so close to streets now. And no trees will ever hide that hideous l. Bldg. on South College.
Because there is no berm and no trees!
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
33
Table 32: Question #13 with “don’t know” responses
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were: Percent Number
Very fair 19% N=28
Somewhat fair 26% N=40
Somewhat unfair 13% N=19
Very unfair 13% N=20
Don't know 29% N=44
Total 100% N=151
Table 33: Question #13 without "don't know" responses
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were: Percent Number
Very fair 26% N=28
Somewhat fair 37% N=40
Somewhat unfair 18% N=19
Very unfair 19% N=20
Total 100% N=107
Table 34: Question #14
Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the hearing
process and final decision? Percent Number
No 78% N=109
Yes 22% N=31
Total 100% N=140
Table 35: Question #14 comments
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the hearing process and final decision?
Responses as written in by respondents.
I thought everything was going well, though each time in the past two years I could not attend meetings
because I was either out of town, had previous commitments, or had just had surgery
As an ordinary citizen, I was unfamiliar with the relevant ordinances and their specific language thus was unable
to argue effectively against the developer's variance- requests I feel as though developers get all the variances
they want, and it hurts the character of historic neighborhoods.
At one meeting could not hear what was being asked or answered. They need a moving mike so all could hear
City officials involved were very helpful
Hearing process should be announced in the Coloradoan at least 3 days in a row!
It appears to me as a feeble effort by the City to say they enabled neighborhood input but in the end decisions
were already made. Another way to say "lip service"
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
34
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the hearing process and final decision?
Responses as written in by respondents.
It feels like decisions were already made. Our comments were heard but carried no weight.
It feels like except for the S. Neighborhood the developer always wins, in adding more of everything, stories,
rooms etc. And we "lose".
It seemed like the project was green lighted then the city un-did the progress. The hearing resulted in nothing.
Why did they bother having one? Very mis-representative
It took a lot of effort and help from a lawyer to get our point across that by granting a variance to an existing
zoning code you we actually changing the zoning which should go through different process.
It’s the board and they don't listen to the community anyway
Need to make sure that people are aware of the projects in neighborhood. Just because people don’t show up
to meetings doesn’t mean that they like what’s going on. Make times so people can attend meeting (not
around your schedule).
Not sure they listen - but this was a way to check off the list for the plan board.
Observed no project changes based on neighborhood input. Decisions were made by City Council/ City as what
they believed would be best.
People with the greatest fears made the majority of comments. People with the most to gain made the
rebuttals. Very little was heard from the centrist view
Project did not get to final hearing
Same as above-government will do what they want regardless of citizens input. Just maximize tax revenue
See #12
See #12 comments acknowledged- said to be addressed at a later point. By the time later meetings were over,
it was too late to have issues addressed.
See above
See above. I guess new property owners rights trump old property owners rights
See comments in #12. Too often input is asked for when final decision is already made.
Seemed like forgone conclusion to accept the project
The cities infilling plans and adherence to agenda 21. My reason to move out of Fort Collins
The City of FTC should just be honest and say what they want and are going to do because they could care less
what effect their planning has on neighbors and neighboring residents.
The decision was made prior to the hearing. We were all simply going through the motions to appear as if we
the people had a voice.
The football stadium in the middle of town is and will be a traffic drama. This was a political decision not a
rational one.
The P&Z is dominated by real estate & development interests who really don't care what the neighbors think
The process is designed to favor development
The structure has not been built. Don’t know what happened. Hearing action was postponed after I was there.
There was no information on the web site that Ii could find
Too hearing impaired for meeting - web site is my only contact
Traffic/parking/light concern. This will all lower my property value!
We are overdeveloping, traffic and train problems continue to be an issue and will only get worse
Why bother? Many talks and the project always moves forward
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
35
Table 36: Question #15 with “don’t know” responses
How would you prefer
to communicate with
the City of Fort Collins
regarding development
review proposals?
Greatly prefer Somewhat
prefer Do not prefer Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Email 38% N=81 36% N=75 24% N=50 2% N=5 100% N=211
Mail (USPS) 54% N=130 34% N=81 10% N=24 2% N=6 100% N=241
Phone 10% N=19 15% N=28 68% N=130 7% N=14 100% N=191
One-on-one meetings
with City staff 12% N=23 22% N=42 46% N=87 20% N=37 100% N=189
Newsletters 31% N=66 44% N=93 17% N=37 8% N=17 100% N=213
Development review
website 25% N=49 37% N=72 25% N=48 13% N=25 100% N=194
Brochures or other
written materials 30% N=62 41% N=85 20% N=41 9% N=18 100% N=206
Nextdoor.com (social
networking site for
neighborhoods) or other
online tool
10% N=19 26% N=49 41% N=75 23% N=42 100% N=185
Public
comments/questions at
a neighborhood meeting
30% N=58 35% N=67 26% N=50 10% N=19 100% N=194
Public comments at a
hearing 30% N=56 28% N=53 30% N=57 12% N=22 100% N=188
Citizen Access (Accela) 12% N=21 11% N=20 22% N=40 55% N=100 100% N=181
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
36
Table 37: Question #15 without "don't know" responses
How would you prefer to communicate
with the City of Fort Collins regarding
development review proposals?
Greatly prefer Somewhat
prefer Do not prefer Total
% N % N % N % N
Email 39% N=81 36% N=75 24% N=50 100% N=206
Mail (USPS) 55% N=130 34% N=81 10% N=24 100% N=235
Phone 11% N=19 16% N=28 73% N=130 100% N=177
One-on-one meetings with City staff 15% N=23 28% N=42 57% N=87 100% N=152
Newsletters 34% N=66 47% N=93 19% N=37 100% N=196
Development review website 29% N=49 43% N=72 28% N=48 100% N=169
Brochures or other written materials 33% N=62 45% N=85 22% N=41 100% N=188
Nextdoor.com (social networking site for
neighborhoods) or other online tool 13% N=19 34% N=49 52% N=75 100% N=143
Public comments/questions at a
neighborhood meeting 33% N=58 38% N=67 29% N=50 100% N=175
Public comments at a hearing 34% N=56 32% N=53 34% N=57 100% N=166
Citizen Access (Accela) 26% N=21 25% N=20 49% N=40 100% N=81
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
37
Table 38: Question #16
Are there other ways you would like to communicate with the City of
Fort Collins? Percent Number
No 94% N=240
Yes 6% N=15
Total 100% N=255
Table 39: Question #16 comments
What other ways would you like to communicate with the City of Fort Collins?
Responses as written in by respondents.
Newspaper- phone
By mail- no computer
Come to my home
Do phones work?
Door to door chats as plans start to firm up, for suggestions-opinions
Facebook, social media, make an event with comments, encouraged and shared
Hire better people
I do not feel the city listens to the citizens. Large organizations such as CSU, Poudre Valley Hospital and various
developers hold all the power.
I would appreciate more active participation in the neighborhoods - like staff walking with neighbors and
gaining street level perspective.
It really does not matter- government will re-zone, change regulations to meet their wants - citizens have no
impact. You have meetings just to make it look like you care - but nothing has ever changed. You tolerate mad
citizens for a few meetings then do what you planned on doing all along.
Mail
Not that I can think of right now
Not unless they really want input. Otherwise it's a waste of time
Please think of property values with all this traffic on Ziegler, people w. Through our Fossil neighborhood, our
streets are becoming bad. Lady Moon
Public television, we have watched city council meetings on local access TV.
Submit written questions to be read at public meetings or hearings.
The survey and card preceding the survey are confusing and too vague. Please identify the development you
are asking about! The vagueness and generic gravity of this survey give the impression that it's just paying lip
service to residents’ opinions and interests.
Yes, do a better job of listening.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
38
Table 40: Question #17
Do you have other comments about the City's development review
process? Percent Number
No 79% N=209
Yes 21% N=57
Total 100% N=266
Table 41: Question #17 comments
What are your comments about the City’s development review process?
Responses as written in by respondents.
A joke - You always do exactly what you want anyway. Why not stop wasting all of our time- Just do what you
are going to do anyway.
City seems to have their minds made up - this doesn't affect them directly like the citizens living on Long Creek
facing this park
Would like to feel the City staff is more of "a friend" to citizens instead of developers. If developers delay
addressing any subject, City staff needs to make sure it actually gets addressed at a later date.
Actually listen to your citizens and change developments based on existing neighbors not just follow and defend
the developer
Advance notice
Citizen input appears to have no value in the decision making process
City's concerns or attention for a full citizen participation before decision making (approval or disapproval) of
new developments in neighborhood is laudable. While this survey is designed to improve, their questionnaire is
flawed. First what is "a new development proposed in our neighborhood”? Without this information, how do
residents provide their specific comments? More likely, this introductory statement was not meant for
something specific, because the objective of this questionnaire was to hear residents, evaluation and comments
y. Improvement, for the City, development review process in general. What this questionnaire does not ask is
equally important. Who are the board members i.e. Planning-Zoning of the city and how are they qualified to
make judgment? Such a question is raised when we hear disputes emerging after development proposal was
approved or even after a project was completed. As an example, parking space (too small) issue erupted after
an apartment complex mostly for CSU students was built along College Ave. Near Spring Creek. Given the size of
the complex and the number of residents who need parking space it is mind boggling that City approved the
development near noisy street without provisions of sufficient parking space. Recently a memory care facility
for elderly was built near Horsetooth Ave. Another busy street, with limited parking space. Given the fact that
many such residents need emergency medical care frequently, traffic volume in and out to hospital would
increase in the relatively quiet neighborhood street. A new traffic light is necessary to handle emergency
vehicles. But the location of this care facility is such that installing another traffic light is not possible. Again how
city approved the facility in such a location is a big question. Overall this questionnaire was prepared in a
stereotypical style to collect the feelings of residents but needs further improvement as to what to ask and how
to collect. For example the space allocated for descriptive answers is too small. One idea to improve citizen
participation is to provide a summary of pros and cons of theoretical and or realistic problems and benefits of a
project development in a particular location prepared jointly by city staff community design specialists and
developers to residents similar to the summary on ballot issues in elections, knowing both sides of arguments
residents come up with far more focused comments which is beneficial for development review process
Decisions are made by people who don't live in area or are new to Ft. Collins. Listen when you ask for input
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
39
What are your comments about the City’s development review process?
Responses as written in by respondents.
Development also includes traffic flow? Now more lights-traffic signals. Move to roundabouts take out signals
Do not know enough about it
Drake and Lemay. Waste of time money talks, individuals don’t matter
End stormwater fees, now to stop projects which are no longer necessary!
Getting better, good job
Given how organized, motivated, and knowledgeable developers are, it is hard to feel heard at meetings and at
review hearings.
Giving the public too much input into other people’s private property rights is not a good idea
Growth at all costs! SE Fort Collins has no transport service, but continues to grow, no sidewalks, bike lanes!
Heavily influenced by a few real estate and developer interests. Staff ignores policy and planning documents in
order to champion developers
I appreciate the City gov't attempts to solicit comments and to inform neighbors
I have been to meetings but missed the last one, since it was not notified
I have generally trusted the process but was very surprised by the large modern home recently completed on
Mountain Ave. It just does not seem to fit w/ neighborhood.
I have no idea how this costly survey can be from benefit
I have opinions, but have not voiced them to the city
I hope they start respecting neighborhood concerns better than they did 4 years ago!
I once was at the P & Z office where I watched City staff taking from a large fancy fruit basket, behind the
counter with a large ribbon on it that said "kb homes" clear to me what side the staff I on since then
I see myself as an individual being irrelevant to your process because I'm not a part of a group
I think you’re all in too big of hurry to get things done without really looking into things
I've never known the review boundaries
If online communication is used anonymous comments should not be used or counted in official reports
If you want Fort Collins to become Boulder north, just keep doing what you've been doing.
Is it going to directly affect my property?
It always seems to me that variances are approved regardless of how bad or good. I'm disappointed with the
process in general
It is my opinion that the City will only do what the city wants. Citizens be damned!
It sucks
It would be nice to submit questions comments via email or website forms if possible. That way people don't
have to attend a meeting in order to participate.
It’s probably very good. You seem to work hard at it.
Keep up the good work! Thanks!
More study and long term problems need to be addressed, traffic to be specific
My experience is that the City and the developers decide what will be done, and then they invite citizen input to
make it seem that they care. There’s a lot of theater, and the result is that they do what they intended to do in
the first place.
My husband and I will be moving to Ft. Collins in the new year. We will be interested in you process then.
Need better web communication. Plans, status, timeline, etc.
Need neighborhood mini parks and playgrounds when houses and apts. Built
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
40
What are your comments about the City’s development review process?
Responses as written in by respondents.
No but I have a comment about this survey process- the postcard sent to me telling we would be receiving this
survey is a waste of money! Why not just put that info in bold letters on the outside of the survey envelope?
Not at this time! Maybe later
Not sure of the citizen (volunteer) committee. Neighborhood meetings were well organized. City staff were
very competent, polite, respectful.
Please keep the project on Olive and College to 4 stories and I'll believe you can listen!!
Projects are approved but then the design guidelines are not followed up with, changes are made with no
consequences or permission.
Reviews are ongoing for years on end with no action being taken
Seems like developers get their way no matter what citizens feel
Staff does not address parking and traffic issues fairly; uses irrelevant data (i.e. traffic flow when CSU and PSD
are not in session).
Stop pretending that we have a voice in your decision making.
Thank you for your service. Please be mindful all residents do not have big income, like me and my daughter
The answer you get and what you go ahead and do are 2 different things. S.E. corner of wash and mst north??
The City seems to have already made its mind up regarding how development will occur, regardless of citizen
input concerns. These review processes seem to be a lip-service so that citizens cannot legally challenge
decisions made.
The decision has already been made. Why do waste your time when you know it is just another item that needs
to be checked off to be in compliance with some law. The review system is a joke!!!
The review is more for the developer
The review process seems to greatly favor the developer over the neighborhood. Too few people seem to have
found say over the development.
There seems to be an authoritative bureaucracy. When there are developers that serve on the City Council and
have inside access to the City Planner, really? This just seems to be a few oligarchs controlling the city.
The varying timelines for varying projects approvals seem hard to track
Too much input from neighbors and length of time to go through the process
We perceive the process ns favoring developers' interests heavily over those of citizens. We feel pretty
powerless about negative impacts to our neighborhood. We are in a neighborhood with heavy and ongoing
development.
Well, all I have to say is, I am at 531 N. Loomis and I know there’s going to be a lot of traffic
Where is the follow up information?
You always do way "you" want in the end!
You do not hear people living in/near areas affected. You only seem to have ears for business.
You don’t care what residents want, just developers and realtors.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
41
Table 42: Question #18
Was this survey sent to your residence, or to your place of business? Percent Number
Residence 92% N=262
Business 8% N=24
Total 100% N=286
Table 43: Question #19
Do you live in Fort Collins? Percent Number
No 12% N=31
Yes 88% N=237
Total 100% N=268
Table 44: Question #19a
For about how many years have you lived in Fort Collins?
(Only asked of those who said they live in Fort Collins.) Percent Number
1 0% N=1
2 1% N=3
3 2% N=5
4 1% N=2
5 4% N=8
6 2% N=4
7 1% N=2
8 2% N=4
9 3% N=7
10 2% N=5
11 1% N=2
12 4% N=8
13 4% N=8
14 1% N=2
15 4% N=9
16 2% N=4
17 1% N=3
18 2% N=4
19 0% N=1
20 5% N=10
21 1% N=2
22 0% N=1
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
42
For about how many years have you lived in Fort Collins?
(Only asked of those who said they live in Fort Collins.) Percent Number
23 2% N=4
24 1% N=2
25 3% N=7
26 1% N=2
27 1% N=2
28 1% N=2
30 6% N=13
31 0% N=1
33 1% N=2
34 1% N=3
35 4% N=9
36 1% N=2
37 1% N=2
38 1% N=2
39 1% N=2
40 5% N=10
41 2% N=5
42 1% N=2
44 1% N=3
45 7% N=14
46 1% N=3
48 1% N=2
50 1% N=3
51 0% N=1
52 1% N=2
55 2% N=4
56 1% N=2
57 1% N=2
58 0% N=1
60 0% N=1
62 0% N=1
63 0% N=1
64 0% N=1
65 0% N=1
66 0% N=1
83 0% N=1
85 0% N=1
Total 100% N=212
AVERAGE 27.5 years
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
43
Table 45: Question #20
In what part of the city do you live?
(Only asked of those who said they live in Fort Collins.) Percent Number
West of College, North of Drake 23% N=59
West of College, South of Drake 12% N=31
East of College, North of Drake 16% N=41
East of College, South of Drake 39% N=101
Do not live in the city 11% N=28
Total 100% N=260
Table 46: Question #21
Do you rent or own your home? Percent Number
Own 99% N=264
Rent 1% N=2
Total 100% N=266
Table 47: Question #22
What is your employment status?
(Please check all that apply.) Percent* Number
Employed full time 37% N=98
Employed part time 8% N=21
Student 1% N=2
Retired 53% N=141
Not employed 4% N=10
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
44
Table 48: Question #23
What is your age? Percent Number
25-34 years old 2% N=7
35-44 years old 8% N=24
45-54 years old 15% N=43
55-64 years old 24% N=69
65-74 years old 27% N=77
75 or older 19% N=53
Prefer not to say 4% N=10
Total 100% N=283
Table 49: Question #24
What is your gender? Percent Number
Male 53% N=141
Female 47% N=125
Total 100% N=266
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
45
Appendix C: Comparisons of Community Survey
Results by Selected Respondent Characteristics
The following pages compare selected survey results by selected respondent characteristics.
Cells shaded grey indicated statistically significant differences between population subgroups
(p ≤ .05).
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
46
Table 50: Question #1 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
In what ways, if at all, have you
participated as a residential
neighbor, business neighbor or a
community member (not a
developer) in a development
review process within the last two
years?
(Please check all that apply.)
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Accessed information online about
the project 37% 55% 42% 27% 30% 11% 29% 31% 25%
Attended a neighborhood meeting 63% 76% 51% 32% 30% 14% 34% 35% 31%
Asked a question or made a
comment at a neighborhood
meeting
53% 43% 27% 20% 17% 11% 20% 22% 18%
Sent a letter or email to City staff
with my comments or concerns
about a project
26% 26% 9% 9% 9% 0% 9% 9% 8%
Contacted City staff by phone or in
person to make a comment 26% 17% 10% 7% 13% 4% 8% 11% 4%
Attended a hearing 63% 48% 19% 16% 39% 11% 18% 20% 18%
Asked a question or made a
comment at a hearing 42% 31% 5% 8% 26% 4% 9% 11% 8%
Other 11% 7% 10% 7% 4% 4% 8% 7% 8%
Did not participate in any way in a
development review process 16% 2% 22% 51% 48% 71% 48% 50% 48%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
47
Table 51: Question #1a by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Why didn't you participate in the
development review process?
(Please check all that apply.)
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
I don't remember seeing any
information about a proposal in my
neighborhood
20% 0% 17% 25% 9% 14% 27% 17% 28%
The neighborhood meeting or
hearing time was inconvenient 0% 29% 24% 13% 18% 14% 14% 11% 19%
The neighborhood meeting or
hearing location was inconvenient 20% 14% 10% 5% 9% 19% 3% 4% 9%
I liked or was not concerned about
the proposal 60% 29% 7% 20% 36% 19% 20% 25% 14%
I was comfortable that City's review
process would provide an
acceptable outcome
0% 29% 21% 19% 45% 29% 18% 23% 16%
I was too busy with daily life 20% 14% 7% 17% 27% 14% 17% 18% 20%
I didn't believe that my input would
have any impact on the projects 20% 14% 45% 36% 18% 29% 36% 29% 42%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
48
Table 52: Question #2 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
How knowledgeable would you
say you were about the City's
development review process
BEFORE your most recent
experience with the process?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very knowledgeable 11% 7% 5% 5% 19% 8% 5% 10% 3%
Somewhat knowledgeable 37% 27% 23% 27% 13% 25% 25% 30% 18%
A little bit knowledgeable 32% 38% 32% 33% 31% 17% 35% 35% 34%
Not at all knowledgeable 21% 29% 40% 36% 38% 50% 35% 26% 45%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 53: Question #3 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
How knowledgeable would you
say you were about the City's
development review process
AFTER participating in your most
recent review process?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very knowledgeable 21% 11% 13% 12% 25% 9% 13% 15% 13%
Somewhat knowledgeable 42% 56% 37% 44% 19% 45% 41% 46% 38%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
49
Table 54: Question #4 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Overall, would you say the
development review process is
getting better or getting worse
compared to two years ago, or is it
about the same?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Getting much better 11% 2% 6% 5% 6% 8% 4% 10% 0%
Getting somewhat better 11% 13% 12% 13% 6% 17% 12% 13% 13%
About the same 21% 22% 23% 23% 13% 17% 22% 20% 20%
Getting somewhat worse 11% 20% 6% 9% 13% 0% 10% 10% 7%
Getting much worse 5% 0% 2% 2% 6% 0% 3% 1% 3%
Don't know, don't have knowledge
to compare 42% 42% 51% 49% 56% 58% 49% 46% 57%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 55: Question #4 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Overall, would you say the
development review process is
getting better or getting worse
compared to two years ago, or is it
about the same?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
50
Table 56: Question #5 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Approximately how many
development projects have you
been involved in as a neighbor or
community member?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
One 37% 44% 51% 46% 47% 70% 44% 44% 52%
Two or three 47% 47% 45% 46% 47% 30% 48% 47% 42%
Four or more 16% 9% 4% 8% 7% 0% 8% 8% 6%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
51
Table 57: Question #6 with don’t know responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Did the project for your most
recent development review
process in which you participated
require a Type 1 hearing (before a
Hearing Officer) or a Type 2
hearing (before the Planning and
Zoning Board)?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 100% 0% 0% 12% 27% 17% 12% 19% 6%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board
hearing 0% 100% 0% 29% 40% 42% 28% 29% 32%
Not sure 0% 0% 100% 59% 33% 42% 60% 51% 62%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 58: Question #6 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Did the project for your most
recent development review
process in which you participated
require a Type 1 hearing (before a
Hearing Officer) or a Type 2
hearing (before the Planning and
Zoning Board)?
Type
1/Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type
2/Planning
and Zoning
Board
hearing
Residence Business
Do NOT live
in Fort
Collins
LIVE in Fort
Collins Male Female
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 100% 0% 28% 40% 29% 30% 40% 16%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
52
Table 59: Question #7 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the most recent
development review process in
which you participated, how
would you characterize your
relationship to that project?
(Please check all that apply.)
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Nearby resident – owner 58% 69% 87% 81% 40% 40% 81% 76% 77%
Nearby resident – renter/occupant 5% 4% 3% 5% 0% 10% 4% 4% 5%
Nearby property owner, but lived
elsewhere 16% 9% 6% 8% 13% 40% 6% 7% 9%
Resident or property owner in Fort
Collins with interest or concerns
about the development project
5% 24% 14% 17% 13% 20% 17% 12% 22%
Nearby business owner 16% 4% 8% 5% 40% 10% 5% 8% 11%
Other 11% 4% 3% 5% 7% 0% 5% 7% 3%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
53
Table 60: Question #8 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the most recent
development review process in
which you participated, please
rate your satisfaction with the
following services or resources.
Percent responding "very" or
"somewhat satisfied."
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Website resources for community
members at
fcgov.com/developmentreview/
citizenreview.php
83% 87% 74% 76% 83% 100% 73% 77% 86%
Printed materials provided by City
staff 88% 74% 79% 78% 79% 88% 75% 81% 79%
Timeliness of service overall 82% 71% 80% 78% 80% 75% 77% 77% 84%
Proposed solutions to
neighborhood concerns raised 56% 43% 57% 50% 64% 78% 47% 60% 46%
Clarity of communication regarding
the development review process 61% 60% 68% 62% 73% 63% 63% 69% 62%
Clarity of communication regarding
the specific project 67% 51% 72% 60% 79% 67% 61% 71% 60%
Overall customer service provided
by City staff 71% 66% 82% 72% 86% 75% 72% 79% 74%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
54
Table 61: Question #9 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the most recent
development review process in
which you participated, please
rate the extent to which you agree
or disagree with each statement.
Percent responding "strongly" or
"somewhat agree."
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
I understood the process and how I
could participate 84% 67% 76% 73% 73% 100% 69% 78% 70%
I felt my perspectives were heard
and considered by staff during the
review process
59% 46% 62% 54% 54% 88% 53% 61% 52%
I felt my perspectives were heard
and considered by the decision
maker (Planning and Zoning Board
or Hearing Officer) during the
hearing
61% 42% 45% 45% 53% 88% 41% 53% 39%
I felt my perspectives had an
impact on the final project 69% 34% 36% 39% 54% 57% 39% 48% 31%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
55
Table 62: Question #10 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the most recent
development review process in
which you participated, please
rate your satisfaction with these
aspects of the process.
Percent responding "very" or
"somewhat satisfied."
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Timeliness of notice for
neighborhood meeting (notices are
required to be mailed 2 weeks prior
to the meeting date)
89% 84% 82% 85% 87% 89% 83% 86% 87%
Value of neighborhood meeting in
identifying neighborhood concerns 83% 73% 71% 73% 75% 100% 71% 77% 73%
Impact of neighborhood concerns
on developer’s plans 63% 26% 50% 44% 50% 38% 44% 49% 42%
Perceived fairness of staff during
neighborhood meeting 78% 66% 64% 67% 64% 89% 62% 71% 67%
Communication with planner 71% 59% 60% 63% 67% 88% 59% 66% 63%
Communication with neighborhood
development review liaison 57% 55% 54% 55% 56% 80% 54% 59% 53%
Communication with other staff
members 75% 50% 65% 64% 50% 100% 57% 60% 65%
Fairness of hearing process 56% 43% 58% 53% 50% 71% 51% 62% 43%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
56
Table 63: Question #11 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the final project that
was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are
you with the outcome?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very satisfied 37% 20% 18% 20% 25% 33% 17% 23% 19%
Somewhat satisfied 26% 27% 24% 25% 38% 44% 25% 27% 25%
Somewhat dissatisfied 16% 18% 12% 15% 6% 11% 15% 12% 15%
Very dissatisfied 21% 20% 25% 22% 19% 0% 24% 22% 22%
Don't know 0% 14% 21% 18% 13% 11% 19% 16% 19%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 64: Question #11 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Thinking of the final project that
was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you
with the outcome?
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very satisfied 37% 24% 23% 24% 29% 38% 21% 27% 23%
Somewhat satisfied 26% 32% 30% 30% 43% 50% 31% 32% 31%
Somewhat dissatisfied 16% 21% 15% 18% 7% 13% 19% 15% 19%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
57
Table 65: Question #13 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Do you believe the hearing process
and final decision were:
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very fair 26% 23% 16% 17% 33% 33% 16% 24% 13%
Somewhat fair 32% 32% 25% 26% 33% 17% 28% 35% 20%
Somewhat unfair 11% 16% 10% 13% 7% 8% 14% 7% 16%
Very unfair 26% 11% 13% 13% 13% 0% 13% 12% 14%
Don't know 5% 18% 36% 32% 13% 42% 28% 23% 38%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 66: Question #13 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
Do you believe the hearing process
and final decision were:
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2/
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Very fair 28% 28% 24% 24% 38% 57% 22% 31% 20%
Somewhat fair 33% 39% 39% 38% 38% 29% 40% 45% 33%
Somewhat unfair 11% 19% 16% 19% 8% 14% 20% 9% 25%
Very unfair 28% 14% 20% 19% 15% 0% 19% 16% 23%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
58
Table 67: Question #15 by Type of Hearing, Residence or Business, Live in Fort Collins, and Gender
How would you prefer to
communicate with the City of Fort
Collins regarding development
review proposals?
Percent responding "greatly
prefer."
Type 1 /
Hearing
Officer
hearing
Type 2 /
Planning
and
Zoning
Board
hearing
Not sure Residence Business
Do NOT
live in
Fort
Collins
LIVE in
Fort
Collins
Male Female
Email 37% 33% 40% 41% 30% 37% 39% 40% 42%
Mail (USPS) 41% 46% 58% 55% 50% 64% 54% 50% 57%
Phone 19% 8% 19% 10% 21% 19% 9% 12% 10%
One-on-one meetings with City
staff 12% 23% 20% 13% 24% 8% 13% 18% 10%
Newsletters 13% 17% 35% 37% 0% 35% 36% 25% 45%
Development review website 19% 42% 28% 31% 18% 33% 29% 28% 32%
Brochures or other written
materials 27% 21% 36% 36% 13% 24% 37% 27% 39%
Nextdoor.com (social networking
site for neighborhoods) or other
online tool
13% 14% 13% 15% 0% 10% 15% 12% 16%
Public comments/questions at a
neighborhood meeting 32% 47% 45% 34% 19% 13% 35% 26% 44%
Public comments at a hearing 28% 54% 43% 36% 18% 20% 37% 28% 44%
Citizen Access (Accela) 33% 42% 29% 29% 10% 20% 29% 17% 32%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
59
Table 68: Question #1 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
In what ways, if at all, have you participated as a residential
neighbor, business neighbor or a community member (not a
developer) in a development review process within the last
two years?
(Please check all that apply.)
West of
College, South
North of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Accessed information online about the project 29% 20% 33% 31% 12%
Attended a neighborhood meeting 38% 37% 39% 30% 19%
Asked a question or made a comment at a neighborhood
meeting 25% 27% 25% 15% 12%
Sent a letter or email to City staff with my comments or
concerns about a project 24% 10% 8% 2% 0%
Contacted City staff by phone or in person to make a
comment 11% 10% 6% 6% 4%
Attended a hearing 29% 17% 17% 13% 8%
Asked a question or made a comment at a hearing 15% 13% 6% 5% 0%
Other 7% 3% 14% 6% 4%
Did not participate in any way in a development review
process 44% 53% 50% 46% 69%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
60
Table 69: Question #1a by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Why didn't you participate in the development review
process?
(Please check all that apply.)
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
I don't remember seeing any information about a proposal in
my neighborhood 21% 38% 25% 25% 26%
The neighborhood meeting or hearing time was inconvenient 21% 6% 13% 13% 11%
The neighborhood meeting or hearing location was
inconvenient 4% 6% 4% 3% 16%
I liked or was not concerned about the proposal 25% 25% 21% 20% 11%
I was comfortable that City's review process would provide an
acceptable outcome 7% 25% 29% 16% 26%
I was too busy with daily life 18% 0% 17% 21% 16%
I didn't believe that my input would have any impact on the
projects 32% 63% 29% 33% 32%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
Table 70: Question #2 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the
City's development review process BEFORE your most recent
experience with the process?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very knowledgeable 3% 6% 7% 5% 8%
Somewhat knowledgeable 29% 35% 18% 27% 17%
A little bit knowledgeable 34% 24% 43% 32% 25%
Not at all knowledgeable 34% 35% 32% 36% 50%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
61
Table 71: Question #3 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's
development review process AFTER participating in your
most recent review process?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very knowledgeable 6% 6% 19% 16% 9%
Somewhat knowledgeable 50% 44% 44% 35% 45%
A little bit knowledgeable 31% 38% 22% 35% 27%
Not at all knowledgeable 14% 13% 15% 15% 18%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
62
Table 72: Question #4 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Overall, would you say the development review process is
getting better or getting worse compared to two years ago,
or is it about the same?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Getting much better 5% 0% 4% 5% 8%
Getting somewhat better 13% 6% 14% 13% 17%
About the same 16% 19% 29% 24% 17%
Getting somewhat worse 16% 0% 4% 13% 0%
Getting much worse 5% 6% 0% 0% 0%
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 45% 69% 50% 45% 58%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 73: Question #4 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Overall, would you say the development review process is
getting better or getting worse compared to two years ago,
or is it about the same?
West of
College, South
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Getting much better 10% 0% 7% 10% 20%
Getting somewhat better 24% 20% 29% 23% 40%
About the same 29% 60% 57% 43% 40%
Getting somewhat worse 29% 0% 7% 23% 0%
Getting much worse 10% 20% 0% 0% 0%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
63
Table 74: Question #5 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Approximately how many development projects have you
been involved in as a neighbor or community member?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
One 35% 43% 48% 46% 64%
Two or three 58% 36% 44% 48% 36%
Four or more 6% 21% 8% 6% 0%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 75: Question #6 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Did the project for your most recent development review
process in which you participated require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the
Planning and Zoning Board)?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 19% 23% 8% 8% 17%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board hearing 25% 46% 42% 23% 25%
Not sure 56% 31% 50% 69% 58%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 76: Question #6 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Did the project for your most recent development review
process in which you participated require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the
Planning and Zoning Board)?
West of
College, South
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
64
Table 77: Question #7 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, how would you characterize your
relationship to that project?
(Please check all that apply.)
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Nearby resident – owner 94% 56% 65% 90% 36%
Nearby resident – renter/occupant 0% 13% 12% 2% 0%
Nearby property owner, but lived elsewhere 0% 6% 12% 6% 45%
Resident or property owner in Fort Collins with interest or
concerns about the development project 17% 19% 35% 8% 18%
Nearby business owner 3% 6% 12% 4% 9%
Other 3% 6% 12% 2% 0%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
65
Table 78: Question #8 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate your satisfaction with
the following services or resources.
Percent responding "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Website resources for community members at
fcgov.com/developmentreview/citizenreview.php 73% 70% 83% 73% 100%
Printed materials provided by City staff 68% 64% 81% 82% 90%
Timeliness of service overall 79% 64% 84% 75% 88%
Proposed solutions to neighborhood concerns raised 33% 36% 78% 46% 89%
Clarity of communication regarding the development review
process 57% 38% 73% 67% 88%
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 52% 62% 65% 63% 90%
Overall customer service provided by City staff 70% 50% 85% 74% 100%
Table 79: Question #9 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate the extent to which you
agree or disagree with each statement.
Percent responding "strongly" or "somewhat agree."
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
I understood the process and how I could participate 77% 54% 67% 71% 100%
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by staff
during the review process 36% 45% 64% 59% 100%
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by the
decision maker (Planning and Zoning Board or Hearing Officer)
during the hearing
30% 27% 53% 48% 100%
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final project 35% 10% 50% 44% 60%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
66
Table 80: Question #10 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate your satisfaction with
these aspects of the process.
Percent responding "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Timeliness of notice for neighborhood meeting (notices are
required to be mailed 2 weeks prior to the meeting date) 79% 100% 86% 83% 89%
Value of neighborhood meeting in identifying neighborhood
concerns 68% 77% 76% 70% 100%
Impact of neighborhood concerns on developer’s plans 32% 10% 58% 50% 63%
Perceived fairness of staff during neighborhood meeting 58% 42% 65% 73% 88%
Communication with planner 65% 30% 57% 70% 100%
Communication with neighborhood development review
liaison 47% 27% 60% 69% 75%
Communication with other staff members 53% 50% 56% 68% 100%
Fairness of hearing process 36% 25% 65% 65% 83%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
67
Table 81: Question #11 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome?
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very satisfied 15% 21% 15% 21% 30%
Somewhat satisfied 24% 7% 30% 27% 50%
Somewhat dissatisfied 15% 14% 19% 15% 10%
Very dissatisfied 30% 50% 11% 17% 0%
Don't know 15% 7% 26% 21% 10%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 82: Question #11 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome?
West of
College, South
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very satisfied 18% 23% 20% 26% 33%
Somewhat satisfied 29% 8% 40% 34% 56%
Somewhat dissatisfied 18% 15% 25% 18% 11%
Very dissatisfied 36% 54% 15% 21% 0%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
68
Table 83: Question #13 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very fair 6% 13% 23% 19% 33%
Somewhat fair 26% 13% 35% 31% 17%
Somewhat unfair 26% 20% 8% 6% 8%
Very unfair 15% 20% 4% 15% 0%
Don't know 26% 33% 31% 29% 42%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 84: Question #13 without “don’t know” responses by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
West of
College, South
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Very fair 8% 20% 33% 27% 57%
Somewhat fair 36% 20% 50% 43% 29%
Somewhat unfair 36% 30% 11% 8% 14%
Very unfair 20% 30% 6% 22% 0%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
69
Table 85: Question #15 by Type of Hearing, Location of Residence in Fort Collins
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort
Collins regarding development review proposals?
Percent responding "greatly prefer."
West of
College, North
of Drake
West of
College, South
of Drake
East of College,
North of Drake
East of College,
South of Drake
Do not live in
the city
Email 42% 26% 50% 39% 41%
Mail (USPS) 52% 50% 56% 53% 67%
Phone 8% 5% 13% 10% 18%
One-on-one meetings with City staff 16% 22% 26% 6% 8%
Newsletters 33% 32% 56% 33% 32%
Development review website 22% 24% 47% 32% 33%
Brochures or other written materials 28% 35% 52% 35% 28%
Nextdoor.com (social networking site for neighborhoods) or
other online tool 3% 6% 19% 23% 9%
Public comments/questions at a neighborhood meeting 33% 55% 32% 32% 13%
Public comments at a hearing 29% 55% 43% 33% 20%
Citizen Access (Accela) 29% 43% 30% 21% 33%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
70
Table 86: Question #1 by Employment Status and Age
In what ways, if at all, have you participated as a residential
neighbor, business neighbor or a community member (not a
developer) in a development review process within the last
two years?
(Please check all that apply.)
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Accessed information online about the project 32% 21% 57% 36% 28% 20% 24%
Attended a neighborhood meeting 38% 26% 29% 41% 31% 26% 47%
Asked a question or made a comment at a neighborhood
meeting 23% 14% 29% 24% 16% 17% 24%
Sent a letter or email to City staff with my comments or
concerns about a project 8% 7% 14% 9% 6% 7% 24%
Contacted City staff by phone or in person to make a
comment 9% 6% 14% 12% 5% 6% 12%
Attended a hearing 22% 13% 14% 23% 16% 16% 18%
Asked a question or made a comment at a hearing 8% 8% 14% 11% 9% 9% 0%
Other 7% 8% 0% 12% 5% 7% 0%
Did not participate in any way in a development review
process 46% 55% 43% 39% 52% 59% 41%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
71
Table 87: Question #1a by Employment Status and Age
Why didn't you participate in the development review
process?
(Please check all that apply.)
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
I don't remember seeing any information about a proposal in
my neighborhood 18% 30% 0% 21% 16% 32% 13%
The neighborhood meeting or hearing time was inconvenient 19% 10% 33% 15% 16% 10% 25%
The neighborhood meeting or hearing location was
inconvenient 2% 9% 0% 3% 2% 9% 0%
I liked or was not concerned about the proposal 24% 17% 0% 24% 21% 21% 13%
I was comfortable that City's review process would provide an
acceptable outcome 16% 22% 33% 21% 19% 19% 25%
I was too busy with daily life 31% 6% 67% 39% 19% 6% 0%
I didn't believe that my input would have any impact on the
projects 34% 36% 0% 27% 49% 30% 63%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
72
Table 88: Question #2 by Employment Status and Age
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the
City's development review process BEFORE your most recent
experience with the process?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very knowledgeable 6% 4% 0% 6% 8% 6% 0%
Somewhat knowledgeable 26% 24% 20% 19% 20% 29% 50%
A little bit knowledgeable 38% 29% 20% 48% 33% 26% 20%
Not at all knowledgeable 29% 43% 60% 27% 40% 38% 30%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 89: Question #3 by Employment Status and Age
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the
City's development review process AFTER participating in
your most recent review process?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very knowledgeable 15% 10% 20% 20% 13% 10% 0%
Somewhat knowledgeable 45% 38% 0% 43% 35% 48% 40%
A little bit knowledgeable 30% 32% 60% 27% 43% 23% 40%
Not at all knowledgeable 10% 20% 20% 9% 10% 18% 20%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
73
Table 90: Question #4 with “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Overall, would you say the development review process is
getting better or getting worse compared to two years ago,
or is it about the same?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Getting much better 4% 5% 20% 0% 8% 6% 0%
Getting somewhat better 8% 17% 0% 4% 5% 20% 18%
About the same 27% 15% 0% 22% 29% 17% 27%
Getting somewhat worse 12% 5% 0% 11% 16% 5% 18%
Getting much worse 3% 3% 0% 2% 0% 2% 18%
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 45% 55% 80% 60% 42% 50% 18%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 91: Question #4 without “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Overall, would you say the development review process is
getting better or getting worse compared to two years ago,
or is it about the same?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Getting much better 8% 12% 100% 0% 14% 13% 0%
Getting somewhat better 15% 38% 0% 11% 9% 41% 22%
About the same 50% 32% 0% 56% 50% 34% 33%
Getting somewhat worse 23% 12% 0% 28% 27% 9% 22%
Getting much worse 5% 6% 0% 6% 0% 3% 22%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
74
Table 92: Question #5 by Employment Status and Age
Approximately how many development projects have you
been involved in as a neighbor or community member?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
One 42% 51% 50% 54% 41% 53% 11%
Two or three 47% 44% 50% 32% 54% 45% 67%
Four or more 11% 5% 0% 15% 5% 2% 22%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 93: Question #6 with “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Did the project for your most recent development review
process in which you participated require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the
Planning and Zoning Board)?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 10% 13% 0% 17% 14% 13% 0%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board hearing 33% 25% 33% 26% 41% 27% 30%
Not sure 57% 61% 67% 57% 46% 61% 70%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 94: Question #6 without “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Did the project for your most recent development review
process in which you participated require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the
Planning and Zoning Board)?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
75
Table 95: Question #7 by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, how would you characterize your
relationship to that project?
(Please check all that apply.)
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Nearby resident – owner 78% 78% 75% 71% 77% 81% 80%
Nearby resident – renter/occupant 6% 3% 0% 5% 5% 4% 0%
Nearby property owner, but lived elsewhere 4% 13% 0% 7% 5% 12% 0%
Resident or property owner in Fort Collins with interest or
concerns about the development project 18% 18% 0% 10% 23% 16% 20%
Nearby business owner 9% 1% 25% 17% 8% 4% 0%
Other 3% 6% 25% 5% 0% 7% 0%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
76
Table 96: Question #8 by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate your satisfaction with
the following services or resources.
Percent responding "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Website resources for community members at
fcgov.com/developmentreview/citizenreview.php 75% 73% 100% 79% 83% 77% 50%
Printed materials provided by City staff 71% 82% 67% 75% 83% 84% 50%
Timeliness of service overall 70% 85% 50% 74% 79% 88% 50%
Proposed solutions to neighborhood concerns raised 44% 58% 0% 51% 52% 60% 22%
Clarity of communication regarding the development review
process 60% 69% 33% 60% 66% 70% 50%
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 63% 62% 50% 63% 63% 67% 44%
Overall customer service provided by City staff 68% 80% 50% 68% 76% 85% 40%
Table 97: Question #9 by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate the extent to which you
agree or disagree with each statement.
Percent responding "strongly" or "somewhat agree."
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
I understood the process and how I could participate 68% 80% 50% 68% 73% 83% 60%
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by staff
during the review process 55% 61% 33% 55% 52% 65% 22%
I felt my perspectives were heard and considered by the
decision maker (Planning and Zoning Board or Hearing Officer)
during the hearing
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
77
Table 98: Question #10 by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the most recent development review process in
which you participated, please rate your satisfaction with
these aspects of the process.
Percent responding "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Timeliness of notice for neighborhood meeting (notices are
required to be mailed 2 weeks prior to the meeting date) 80% 87% 100% 70% 97% 89% 70%
Value of neighborhood meeting in identifying neighborhood
concerns 71% 76% 50% 66% 84% 81% 30%
Impact of neighborhood concerns on developer’s plans 42% 48% 0% 38% 52% 57% 0%
Perceived fairness of staff during neighborhood meeting 62% 72% 50% 58% 74% 76% 40%
Communication with planner 65% 61% 50% 63% 63% 68% 44%
Communication with neighborhood development review
liaison 50% 61% 100% 46% 55% 70% 13%
Communication with other staff members 50% 73% 100% 58% 55% 78% 17%
Fairness of hearing process 44% 67% 50% 37% 58% 73% 11%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
78
Table 99: Question #11 with “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very satisfied 15% 23% 25% 18% 14% 31% 0%
Somewhat satisfied 30% 23% 0% 20% 36% 28% 9%
Somewhat dissatisfied 18% 13% 0% 15% 22% 7% 18%
Very dissatisfied 20% 20% 25% 30% 17% 15% 55%
Don't know 17% 20% 50% 18% 11% 19% 18%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 100: Question #11 without “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already
constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome?
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very satisfied 18% 29% 50% 21% 16% 39% 0%
Somewhat satisfied 36% 29% 0% 24% 41% 34% 11%
Somewhat dissatisfied 22% 16% 0% 18% 25% 9% 22%
Very dissatisfied 24% 25% 50% 36% 19% 18% 67%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
79
Table 101: Question #13 with “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
Employed
full or part
time
Retired or
not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very fair 10% 24% 0% 18% 14% 27% 0%
Somewhat fair 34% 21% 0% 25% 36% 23% 27%
Somewhat unfair 19% 7% 0% 20% 14% 5% 27%
Very unfair 10% 13% 0% 13% 14% 10% 36%
Don't know 25% 35% 100% 25% 22% 35% 9%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Table 102: Question #13 without “don’t know” responses by Employment Status and Age
Do you believe the hearing process and final decision were:
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Very fair 14% 37% --- 23% 18% 41% 0%
Somewhat fair 46% 33% --- 33% 46% 36% 30%
Somewhat unfair 26% 11% --- 27% 18% 8% 30%
Very unfair 14% 20% --- 17% 18% 15% 40%
Total 100% 100% --- 100% 100% 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
80
Table 103: Question #15 by Employment Status and Age
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort
Collins regarding development review proposals?
Percent responding "greatly prefer."
Employed
full or
part time
Retired
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Email 34% 44% 43% 42% 38% 41% 18%
Mail (USPS) 48% 61% 43% 43% 50% 64% 75%
Phone 6% 15% 29% 7% 9% 14% 10%
One-on-one meetings with City staff 8% 17% 43% 10% 9% 18% 25%
Newsletters 24% 47% 17% 21% 40% 40% 33%
Development review website 33% 27% 57% 31% 38% 19% 9%
Brochures or other written materials 27% 43% 29% 26% 30% 40% 40%
Nextdoor.com (social networking site for neighborhoods) or
other online tool 14% 17% 0% 14% 19% 11% 0%
Public comments/questions at a neighborhood meeting 30% 37% 43% 33% 29% 38% 18%
Public comments at a hearing 34% 36% 43% 34% 30% 38% 18%
Citizen Access (Accela) 16% 41% 50% 15% 29% 29% 20%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
81
Appendix D: City of Fort Collins Development Review
Survey of the Community
The following pages contain a copy of the questionnaire used for the City of Fort Collins Development
Review Survey of the Community.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
82
[REPLACE WITH PAGE 1 OF THE SURVEY]
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
83
[REPLACE WITH PAGE 2 OF THE SURVEY]
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
84
[REPLACE WITH PAGE 3 OF THE SURVEY]
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
85
[REPLACE WITH PAGE 4 OF THE SURVEY]
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
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Appendix E: Responses to Developer Survey
Questions
Tables of survey results are shown below. Each of these tables shows the percent and number
(shown as “N=”) of respondents giving each response.
Table 104: Question #1
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process BEFORE participating on a development team in your most
recent review process?
Percent Number
Very knowledgeable 37% N=14
Somewhat knowledgeable 39% N=15
A little bit knowledgeable 13% N=5
Not at all knowledgeable 11% N=4
Total 100% N=38
Table 105: Question #2
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process AFTER your most recent review process? Percent Number
Very knowledgeable 61% N=23
Somewhat knowledgeable 37% N=14
A little bit knowledgeable 3% N=1
Not at all knowledgeable 0% N=0
Total 100% N=38
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
87
Table 106: Question #3 with don’t know responses
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Percent Number
Getting much better 5% N=2
Getting somewhat better 19% N=7
About the same 19% N=7
Getting somewhat worse 27% N=10
Getting much worse 5% N=2
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 24% N=9
Total 100% N=37
Table 107: Question #3 without don’t know responses
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Percent Number
Getting much better 5% N=2
Getting somewhat better 19% N=7
About the same 19% N=7
Getting somewhat worse 27% N=10
Getting much worse 5% N=2
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 24% N=9
Total 100% N=37
Table 108: Question #4 with “not sure” responses
Did the project for your most recent review process require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the Planning and Zoning
Board)?
Percent Number
Type 1/Hearing Officer hearing 56% N=20
Type 2/Planning and Zoning Board hearing 42% N=15
Not sure 3% N=1
Total 100% N=36
Table 109: Question #4 without "not sure" responses
Did the project for your most recent review process require a Type 1 hearing
(before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2 hearing (before the Planning and Zoning
Board)?
Percent Number
Type 1/Hearing Officer hearing 57% N=20
Type 2/Planning and Zoning Board hearing 43% N=15
Total 100% N=35
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
88
Table 110: Question #5 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which
you participated, please rate your satisfaction with the following
services or resources
Very satisfied Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
Website resources for developers at
fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php 34% N=12 34% N=12 14% N=5 3% N=1 14% N=5 100% N=35
Printed materials provided by City staff 23% N=8 40% N=14 20% N=7 3% N=1 14% N=5 100% N=35
Timeliness of service overall 18% N=6 44% N=15 18% N=6 21% N=7 0% N=0 100% N=34
Flexibility in finding solutions to issues raised during the review
process 20% N=7 37% N=13 20% N=7 23% N=8 0% N=0 100% N=35
Citizen Access (Accela) online system 14% N=5 23% N=8 6% N=2 3% N=1 54% N=19 100% N=35
Clarity of communication regarding the development review process 29% N=10 34% N=12 17% N=6 17% N=6 3% N=1 100% N=35
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 34% N=12 26% N=9 11% N=4 23% N=8 6% N=2 100% N=35
Overall customer service provided by City staff 40% N=14 29% N=10 26% N=9 6% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=35
Table 111: Question #5 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you
participated, please rate your satisfaction with the following services or
resources
Very satisfied Somewhat
satisfied
Somewhat
dissatisfied
Very
dissatisfied Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Website resources for developers at fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php 40% N=12 40% N=12 17% N=5 3% N=1 100% N=30
Printed materials provided by City staff 27% N=8 47% N=14 23% N=7 3% N=1 100% N=30
Timeliness of service overall 18% N=6 44% N=15 18% N=6 21% N=7 100% N=34
Flexibility in finding solutions to issues raised during the review process 20% N=7 37% N=13 20% N=7 23% N=8 100% N=35
Citizen Access (Accela) online system 31% N=5 50% N=8 13% N=2 6% N=1 100% N=16
Clarity of communication regarding the development review process 29% N=10 35% N=12 18% N=6 18% N=6 100% N=34
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 36% N=12 27% N=9 12% N=4 24% N=8 100% N=33
Overall customer service provided by City staff 40% N=14 29% N=10 26% N=9 6% N=2 100% N=35
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
89
Table 112: Question #6 with “not applicable” responses
Thinking of your most recent review process, please rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each statement
about the various stages of the review.
Strongly agree Somewhat
agree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree Not applicable Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
I/we received high quality service during the conceptual review
stage 34% N=11 38% N=12 13% N=4 13% N=4 3% N=1 100% N=32
All major considerations for the project were clearly identified
at the conceptual review stage 16% N=5 47% N=15 16% N=5 19% N=6 3% N=1 100% N=32
I/we received high quality service in planning our submittal at
the preliminary design review stage 32% N=10 32% N=10 16% N=5 6% N=2 13% N=4 100% N=31
Any major considerations were clearly identified at the
preliminary design review 23% N=7 35% N=11 13% N=4 13% N=4 16% N=5 100% N=31
City staff clearly explained our role and how to prepare for the
neighborhood meeting 52% N=15 21% N=6 3% N=1 3% N=1 21% N=6 100% N=29
The size of the public notification area was too small 0% N=0 7% N=2 23% N=7 43% N=13 27% N=8 100% N=30
Overall, the process of planning the meeting went well 31% N=9 38% N=11 10% N=3 0% N=0 21% N=6 100% N=29
The neighborhood meeting was helpful in identifying
neighborhood concerns 10% N=3 52% N=15 17% N=5 0% N=0 21% N=6 100% N=29
Neighborhood comments led to refinements of the proposal 10% N=3 45% N=13 21% N=6 0% N=0 24% N=7 100% N=29
City staff were fair and objective during the neighborhood
meeting 52% N=15 21% N=6 3% N=1 3% N=1 21% N=6 100% N=29
The submittal process was easy to complete 13% N=4 53% N=17 13% N=4 19% N=6 3% N=1 100% N=32
There was good coordination between planning and the
customer service (front counter) staff during the submittal
process
38% N=12 38% N=12 9% N=3 9% N=3 6% N=2 100% N=32
There was good communication with City staff members during
the review process 44% N=14 16% N=5 28% N=9 13% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=32
The staff review meetings provided useful feedback for the
project 41% N=13 31% N=10 16% N=5 13% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=32
There was good communication with City staff members as the
hearing approached 41% N=13 31% N=10 6% N=2 9% N=3 13% N=4 100% N=32
The hearing process was fair 56% N=18 25% N=8 3% N=1 0% N=0 16% N=5 100% N=32
The final decision was fair 53% N=17 28% N=9 3% N=1 0% N=0 16% N=5 100% N=32
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
90
Table 113: Question #6 without "not applicable" responses
Thinking of your most recent review process, please rate the extent
to which you agree or disagree with each statement about the
various stages of the review.
Strongly
agree
Somewhat
agree
Somewhat
disagree
Strongly
disagree
Not
applicable Total
% N % N % N % N % N % N
I/we received high quality service during the conceptual review stage 35% N=11 39% N=12 13% N=4 13% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=31
All major considerations for the project were clearly identified at the
conceptual review stage 16% N=5 48% N=15 16% N=5 19% N=6 0% N=0 100% N=31
I/we received high quality service in planning our submittal at the
preliminary design review stage 37% N=10 37% N=10 19% N=5 7% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=27
Any major considerations were clearly identified at the preliminary
design review 27% N=7 42% N=11 15% N=4 15% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=26
City staff clearly explained our role and how to prepare for the
neighborhood meeting 65% N=15 26% N=6 4% N=1 4% N=1 0% N=0 100% N=23
The size of the public notification area was too small 0% N=0 9% N=2 32% N=7 59% N=13 0% N=0 100% N=22
Overall, the process of planning the meeting went well 39% N=9 48% N=11 13% N=3 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=23
The neighborhood meeting was helpful in identifying neighborhood
concerns 13% N=3 65% N=15 22% N=5 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=23
Neighborhood comments led to refinements of the proposal 14% N=3 59% N=13 27% N=6 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=22
City staff were fair and objective during the neighborhood meeting 65% N=15 26% N=6 4% N=1 4% N=1 0% N=0 100% N=23
The submittal process was easy to complete 13% N=4 55% N=17 13% N=4 19% N=6 0% N=0 100% N=31
There was good coordination between planning and the customer
service (front counter) staff during the submittal process 40% N=12 40% N=12 10% N=3 10% N=3 0% N=0 100% N=30
There was good communication with City staff members during the
review process 44% N=14 16% N=5 28% N=9 13% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=32
The staff review meetings provided useful feedback for the project 41% N=13 31% N=10 16% N=5 13% N=4 0% N=0 100% N=32
Question #8 comments. There was good communication with City
staff members as the hearing approached 46% N=13 36% N=10 7% N=2 11% N=3 0% N=0 100% N=28
The hearing process was fair 67% N=18 30% N=8 4% N=1 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=27
The final decision was fair 63% N=17 33% N=9 4% N=1 0% N=0 0% N=0 100% N=27
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
91
Table 114: Question #7 with “don’t know” responses
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Percent Number
Very satisfied 44% N=14
Somewhat satisfied 34% N=11
Somewhat dissatisfied 13% N=4
Very dissatisfied 6% N=2
Don't know 3% N=1
Total 100% N=32
Table 115: Question #7 without "don't know" responses
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Percent Number
Very satisfied 45% N=14
Somewhat satisfied 35% N=11
Somewhat dissatisfied 13% N=4
Very dissatisfied 6% N=2
Don't know 0% N=0
Total 100% N=31
Table 116: Question #8
Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the final project? Percent Number
No 69% N=22
Yes 31% N=10
Total 100% N=32
Table 117: Question #8 comments
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
A conflict with the ditch company became nearly insurmountable and held the project hostage for a political
/procedural issue between the two. / The discussion was positive about the existing development however the
enforcement of all current criteria was not adequately conveyed to the no-profit owner early. / The question
about proceeding with the physical remodeling of the property was routinely given lip service when in fact
became a leveraged restriction to the non-profit organizations progress.
I think the staff could have been a bit more sensitive to value engineering suggestions and were not as
concerned with cost relating to producing a cost effective housing project.
If you are referring to the final project being my building I am very satisfied with it - we do good work!
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
92
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
I owe everything to my final project getting approved. I would not have a business if it were not for the APU
process and ability to amend the LUC for my specific project. The neighbors who were initially concerned about
my business coming into the neighborhood have had nothing but good responses to the company in the past
year I have been open. It was a very difficult process to go through with the City, so it holds back people who
are not truly committed, which is a good thing. It was, however, so stressful that it gave me shingles (and I'm 27
years old). It was disappointing to me how unorganized staff seemed during the process-- I would need an
answer on something, and someone would tell me one thing and the next person would tell me another thing. I
would not get cohesive answers to anything which allowed me to pick and choose answers that I liked versus
answers that did not work to my favor. The process needs to be improved and staff has to be more on the same
level. Some of the requirements for approval of the amendments were outrageous considering the scope of the
project. For example, my change to the existing business was very minor (replacing queen beds with single beds
in a B&B, keeping occupancy the same but almost doubling bed #), and the city was going to make me pay
$150k on burying telephone lines 6 blocks down my alley. The fact that I had to fight for not having to do this
was ludicrous, considering the very minor change to my property. If I didn’t fight for it, I wouldn't have a
business. It was interesting, and I don't wish this process upon anybody because of the confusion, stress, and
overall complications dealing with the city. That being said, I am GRATEFUL it exists because I would not be
living my dream without it. I have a business that benefits thousands of visitors to Fort Collins and creates a
haven for CSU parents, families of locals, and professionals who can benefit from a comfortable & unique nights
rest. I am grateful for the process to amend the often outdated code for specific projects, but the cohesiveness
between members of the city government needs to be vastly improved and the requirements for approval of
each project need to be circumstantial, and appropriately correlate with the scope of each individual project.
Initially City staff authorized me to make a boundary line adjustment of the two lots that the project was
located on. At the time, I had multiple emails authorizing this action. Overnight, the City decided they would
no longer allow the boundary line adjustment. I was never given a reason for the change of heart. An insider
later told me that a new chief of zoning had been hired. / The meeting with my "adviser" during review, the
portion of the planning process where the City appoints an "approved" architectural consultant, was abhorrent.
The gentlemen I was assigned had never done a review, the second gentleman that had experience with the
process, never showed for the meeting. Therefore, I was left w/ an individual that had never seen the plan
before. He saw it for the first time at the meeting. He wasn't sure of zoning specifics, but he had an idea of
what he wanted. Keep in mind, my architect and I had been laboring over these plans for several months and
the adviser had never seen them. On a whim, he suggested that we make substantial and costly changes to the
plan. At this time, I was so invested in the project that I literally would have lost tens of thousands of dollars to
stop; therefore, I was coerced into continuing. The project is well overbuilt for its location. The City did not
allow me to build individual homes on each of my lots and as a result of the advisor's arbitrary yet mandated
comments, I own a home on an arterial street that no one will ever want to buy. The people of Fort Collins
would have been better served to build two reasonable (within zoning guidelines) homes that were congruent
with the surrounding neighborhood. My initial plan. / In summary, city planners have an agenda that most
likely does not correspond with a homeowner's idea for their property. My experience was that planners were
deceitful and coercive; this was especially true in the beginning of the process, in order to fulfill the City's
agenda. My suggestion to anyone wanting to build in Old Town would be to know the applicable zoning code
verbatim and hire a competent attorney, then settle in for a long drawn out process. With this approach, you
may get a home that resembles what you, and not the City, want.
Just takes too dang long to get through the process. Too much review time required between submittals.
The amount of struggle and poor communication between the people WITHIN the development process, let
alone then communicating that to us the customer BEFORE a final meeting, (instead we were constantly told
things wouldn't work from multiple different departments AFTER the item had been submitted). In short, if
someone were to ask me if they should move their small business to the City of Fort Collins, I would say no, not
worth the hassle and extra money it runs in your budget.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
93
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
The project was designed to meet zoning standards and planning department adopted guidelines, yet staff
assigned to the project lacked ability to convey this to the neighbors and general public. In addition planning
staff consistently relied on emotional characterizations in the architectural review such as 'feel' rather than
interpreting the adopted code.
This process was VERY difficult for a small business. The city staff was as helpful as possible in lots of ways, but
the PROCESS is so cumbersome. I heard late in our process that most of the time people have consultants
completing the process for them. It seems like bad practice to have a process which would require special
consultation. It felt a lot as though I was expected to know information that I would have no way of knowing,
short of reading the whole code book. Everyone was very willing to answer questions, but I often didn't know
what questions I should have been asking. There were also conflicting answers on things such as fees or who
had final answers about fire or other codes. These were minor compared to the other issues.
This survey was sent prematurely. I had just had the 2nd review meeting with City Staff and no Hearing Level 1
had been scheduled yet. We are close.
Table 118: Question #9 with “don’t know” responses
How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were? Percent Number
Very fair 56% N=18
Somewhat fair 28% N=9
A little bit fair 3% N=1
Not at all fair 0% N=0
Don't know 13% N=4
Total 100% N=32
Table 119: Question #9 without "don't know" responses
How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were? Percent Number
Very fair 64% N=18
Somewhat fair 32% N=9
A little bit fair 4% N=1
Not at all fair 0% N=0
Total 100% N=32
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
94
Table 120: Question #10
Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the hearing process and
final decision? Percent Number
No 91% N=29
Yes 9% N=3
Total 100% N=32
Table 121: Question #10 comments
What are your comments about your satisfaction with the hearing process and final decision?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
Overall, I believe the City of Fort Collins has outstanding personnel. I have worked with over 50 different
municipalities in the course of my development career, and I would rank Fort Collins as highly effective
compared to other cities.
The hearing process was a waste of time. Slowed down my project by at least a month. No one showed to the
hearing besides staff and myself. Having a hearing officer from outside of town sounds objective but they don't
understand nuances. The final insult was when the hearing officer waited the entire allotted time to type up a
letter when no one was at the meeting in the first place. They should have a form they can sign off and hand
you at that meeting when that is the case!
The written decision contained a variety of project requirements that were not included in the staff review. The
easement issues for the existing development generated tremendous post review effort and legal support.
Table 122: Question #11
Have you been through a development review process in another city or
county along the Front Range? Percent Number
No 31% N=10
Yes 69% N=22
Total 100% N=32
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
95
Table 123: Question #12
How would you compare the development review process in the City of Fort
Collins to other jurisdictions along the Front Range?* Percent Number
Much better than most 9% N=2
Somewhat better than most 18% N=4
About the same as most 50% N=11
Somewhat worse than most 14% N=3
Much worse than most 9% N=2
Total 100% N=22
* Question only asked of those who had been through a development review process in another city or county along the Front
Range
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
96
Table 124: Question #13 with “don’t know” responses
How would you prefer to
communicate with the City
of Fort Collins regarding
development review
proposals?
Greatly
prefer
Somewhat
prefer Do not prefer Don't know Total
% N % N % N % N % N
Email 84% N=26 13% N=4 3% N=1 0% N=0 100% N=31
Mail (USPS) 0% N=0 16% N=5 84% N=26 0% N=0 100% N=31
Phone 47% N=15 25% N=8 28% N=9 0% N=0 100% N=32
One-on-one meetings with
City staff 81% N=26 13% N=4 6% N=2 0% N=0 100% N=32
Newsletters 0% N=0 9% N=3 81% N=26 9% N=3 100% N=32
Development review
website 28% N=9 47% N=15 25% N=8 0% N=0 100% N=32
Social networking sites 3% N=1 6% N=2 81% N=26 9% N=3 100% N=32
Brochures or other written
materials 6% N=2 28% N=9 53% N=17 13% N=4 100% N=32
Public meetings 0% N=0 53% N=17 47% N=15 0% N=0 100% N=32
Citizen Access (Accela) 6% N=2 22% N=7 31% N=10 41% N=13 100% N=32
Table 125: Question #13 without “don’t know” responses
How would you prefer to
communicate with the City of Fort
Collins regarding development
review proposals?
Greatly prefer Somewhat
prefer Do not prefer Total
% N % N % N % N
Email 84% N=26 13% N=4 3% N=1 100% N=31
Mail (USPS) 0% N=0 16% N=5 84% N=26 100% N=31
Phone 47% N=15 25% N=8 28% N=9 100% N=32
One-on-one meetings with City staff 81% N=26 13% N=4 6% N=2 100% N=32
Newsletters 0% N=0 10% N=3 90% N=26 100% N=29
Development review website 28% N=9 47% N=15 25% N=8 100% N=32
Social networking sites 3% N=1 7% N=2 90% N=26 100% N=29
Brochures or other written materials 7% N=2 32% N=9 61% N=17 100% N=28
Public meetings 0% N=0 53% N=17 47% N=15 100% N=32
Citizen Access (Accela) 11% N=2 37% N=7 53% N=10 100% N=19
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
97
Table 126: Question #14
Are there other ways you would like to communicate with the City of Fort Collins? Percent Number
No 91% N=29
Yes 9% N=3
Total 100% N=32
Table 127: Question #14 comments
What other ways would you like to communicate with the City of Fort Collins?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
Electronic reviews (at least to some extent). Less paper.
I would like the ability to submit all application materials and drawings electronically, thereby eliminating the
need for multiple copies of hard copy drawings and documents. / Loveland has transitioned to this very
successfully.
This comment is in regard to communication between the applicant and City staff during the development
review process. It is inevitable that some projects will have issues that are not clear in how they do or do not
meet specific standards or achieve the intent of the City's Land Use Code. When the applicant and the City
staff are faced with such issues it is critical to gather all pertinent information and promote open, honest and
candid discussion regarding the issue. In the last few years it has become evident that the City staff often meets
as a group and determines their response to an issue without the benefit of having the applicant present at the
discussion. This can lead to decisions being made based on incomplete information or misunderstanding of the
actual situation or without understanding nuances of a specific proposal or the implications of a particular
decision. / The Wednesday morning staff review meetings (originally called DRT) were designed to remedy this
very situation. Now it seems that the City staff comes to the meeting with their minds already made up or they
decline to give an opinion until the staff has a chance to meet privately. I would encourage the City staff to
keep open communication and involve the applicant in critical meetings where decisions that affect the
applicant occur. Meeting as a group beforehand so that the staff can support each other in the meeting inhibits
the process. / To be fair, not all the development review team staff operate this way and I applaud those who
remain candid.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
98
Table 128: Question #15
Do you have other comments about the City’s development review process? Percent Number
No 72% N=23
Yes 28% N=9
Total 100% N=32
Table 129: Question #15 comments
What are your comments about the City’s development review process?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
It should not be a one size fits all business development process, because we are not all the same. The City of
Fort Collins needs to develop a SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN, because the one that is implemented
right now just isn't feasible, and is disheartening to any entrepreneur.
It took me approximately a year and a half to receive my permits. During that time I was lied to, forced to make
substantial adjustments to my plan (although they met all zoning guidelines), subjected to an arbitrary review
process (from an inexperienced individual that made his suggestions mandatory). My suggestion would be to
enforce zoning law/guidelines, and lose the agenda.
It's Hell. Run the other way. One city staff member needs to be assigned to each project and hand hold any
first timers through the entire process. The city has a reputation for city departments not talking to one
another. Add to that the owner or contractor are left to their own devices to seek out info from each
department on their own in order to put the puzzle pieces together and see the big picture so they can decide
whether to proceed with their project following Conceptual Review.
Paperless would be very nice. Most all governments I work with take pdfs. Fort Collins is lagging.
Some staff members have become more and more design opinionated, and have arguably exceeded their
purview on more than one occasion. There also appears to be a bit of underlying fear and anxiety regarding
potential citizen and/or City Council backlash, regardless of conformance to City Plan and the Land Use Code.
Subjective “compatibility” requirements are especially frustrating. / Other grievances have to do with instances
of conflicting code and/or City Departments, wherein the Applicant is the one forced to resolve the City’s own
discrepancies. / While it is not Staff’s duty to ensure timely or economic results, some of them can come off as
callous and unashamed of such negative impacts. This does not create a customer friendly atmosphere. / It can
be EXTREMELY onerous to try to ascertain the full City fees from initial concept through final certificate of
occupancy. The fees are significant, and it should not be so difficult to formulate an all-inclusive estimate
before jumping in with both feet.
The city needs to move toward paperless reviews similar to what Loveland has gone to. Fort Collins requires
more paper copies than any other municipality in Northern Colorado. This does not follow the mantra of
sustainability that is preached. / The new Low Impact Development code is arbitrary and capricious to say the
least. While I applaud the desire to be cutting edge, this code is not well thought out regarding design or
implementation.
The next chapter of Fort Collins as a unique innovative city is highly at risk due to a lack of ability and vision with
the Planning Dept. and LPC. The vague reliance on 'compatibility' is not preserving our history, instead creating
a watered down version of the past that as a result destroys our history and if left unchecked will result in Fort
Collins becoming a city with no identity.
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
99
What are your comments about the City’s development review process?
Responses as typed in by respondents.
The number of paper copies required is somewhat antiquated. Many other jurisdictions are going to an entirely
electronic submittal process during the review period. I am sure the City of Fort Collins has considered this
approach and should work toward implementing. It will have a huge environmental and monetary cost savings
for developers and consultants. / Thank you!
There seems to be a lot of competing interests within the different departments which sometimes causes the
developer gets stuck and held up in the process. / Love the timely-ness and the predictability of the review
process; other jurisdictions in NoCo do NOT have that, so the City gets an A+++! Same with the development
review staff - nothing but professional and courteous. / Consider reviewing the change of use/minor
amendment process - requiring folks who are just trying to improve an existing underutilized, vacant site or
building to do LID, pavers, expensive landscape improvements, raised islands and bringing sites up to current
code requirements is absolutely ridiculous. People are very frustrated with that process!
Table 130: Question #16
In what role did you participate in your MOST RECENT development review
process with the City of Fort Collins? Percent* Number
Property owner 34% N=11
Business owner 16% N=5
Developer 28% N=9
Consultant 63% N=20
Other (please specify) 0% N=0
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
100
Table 131: Question #17
For about how many years have you been involved in development review
processes with the City of Fort Collins? Percent Number
0 (less than 1) 3% N=1
1 9% N=3
2 16% N=5
3 16% N=5
4 6% N=2
7 3% N=1
8 6% N=2
13 3% N=1
15 3% N=1
16 6% N=2
17 3% N=1
20 3% N=1
25 6% N=2
28 3% N=1
30 3% N=1
32 3% N=1
34 3% N=1
35 3% N=1
Total 100% N=32
AVERAGE 12.4 years
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
101
Table 132: Question #18
Do you live in Fort Collins? Percent Number
No 22% N=7
Yes 78% N=25
Total 100% N=32
Table 133: Question #18a
If you live in Fort Collins, for about how many years have you lived in Fort
Collins? Percent Number
1 4% N=1
2 4% N=1
4 4% N=1
6 4% N=1
7 4% N=1
8 12% N=3
10 8% N=2
12 4% N=1
13 4% N=1
15 8% N=2
16 4% N=1
19 4% N=1
27 8% N=2
31 8% N=2
32 4% N=1
34 4% N=1
35 4% N=1
45 4% N=1
57 4% N=1
Total 100% N=25
AVERAGE 19.9 years
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
102
Appendix F: Comparisons of Developer Survey
Results by Type of Hearing
The following pages compare selected survey results by selected the type of hearing. Cells
shaded grey indicated statistically significant differences between population subgroups
(p ≤ .05). Very few statistically significant differences were found, but with such a small sample
size (n=37), differences would have to be fairly large to be marked as statistically significant.
Table 134: Question #1 by Type of Review Process
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process BEFORE participating on a development team in your most
recent review process?
Type 1 Type 2
Very knowledgeable 30% 47%
Somewhat knowledgeable 50% 27%
A little bit knowledgeable 10% 13%
Not at all knowledgeable 10% 13%
Total 100% 100%
Table 135: Question #2 by Type of Review Process
How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City's development
review process AFTER your most recent review process? Type 1 Type 2
Very knowledgeable 55% 67%
Somewhat knowledgeable 45% 27%
A little bit knowledgeable 0% 7%
Not at all knowledgeable 0% 0%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
103
Table 136: Question #3 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Review Process
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Type 1 Type 2
Getting much better 5% 7%
Getting somewhat better 20% 13%
About the same 15% 20%
Getting somewhat worse 35% 20%
Getting much worse 5% 7%
Don't know, don't have knowledge to compare 20% 33%
Total 100% 100%
Table 137: Question #3 without "don't know" responses by Type of Review Process
Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or
getting worse compared to two years ago, or is it about the same? Type 1 Type 2
Getting much better 6% 10%
Getting somewhat better 25% 20%
About the same 19% 30%
Getting somewhat worse 44% 30%
Getting much worse 6% 10%
Total 100% 100%
Table 138: Question #5 by Type of Review Process
Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you
participated, please rate your satisfaction with the following services or
resources
Percent of respondents rating "very" or "somewhat satisfied."
Type 1 Type 2
Website resources for developers at fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php 88% 71%
Printed materials provided by City staff 72% 75%
Timeliness of service overall 63% 57%
Flexibility in finding solutions to issues raised during the review process 58% 53%
Citizen Access (Accela) online system 80% 83%
Clarity of communication regarding the development review process 67% 60%
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project 61% 64%
Overall customer service provided by City staff 63% 73%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
104
Table 139: Question #6 by Type of Review Process
Thinking of your most recent review process, please rate the extent to which
you agree or disagree with each statement about the various stages of the
review. Percent of respondents rating as "strongly" or "somewhat agree"
Type 1 Type 2
I/we received high quality service during the conceptual review stage 76% 69%
All major considerations for the project were clearly identified at the conceptual
review stage 71% 54%
I/we received high quality service in planning our submittal at the preliminary
design review stage 87% 50%
Any major considerations were clearly identified at the preliminary design review 87% 40%
City staff clearly explained our role and how to prepare for the neighborhood
meeting 100% 83%
The size of the public notification area was too small 0% 18%
Overall, the process of planning the meeting went well 90% 83%
The neighborhood meeting was helpful in identifying neighborhood concerns 80% 75%
Neighborhood comments led to refinements of the proposal 80% 67%
City staff were fair and objective during the neighborhood meeting 90% 92%
The submittal process was easy to complete 82% 46%
There was good coordination between planning and the customer service (front
counter) staff during the submittal process 94% 62%
There was good communication with City staff members during the review
process 65% 50%
The staff review meetings provided useful feedback for the project 76% 64%
There was good communication with City staff members as the hearing
approached 80% 85%
The hearing process was fair 93% 100%
The final decision was fair 93% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
105
Table 140: Question #7 with “don’t know” responses by Type of Review Process
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Type 1 Type 2
Very satisfied 41% 43%
Somewhat satisfied 29% 43%
Somewhat dissatisfied 12% 14%
Very dissatisfied 12% 0%
Don't know 6% 0%
Total 100% 100%
Table 141: Question #7 without "don't know" responses by Type of Review Process
Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how
satisfied are you with the outcome? Type 1 Type 2
Very satisfied 44% 43%
Somewhat satisfied 31% 43%
Somewhat dissatisfied 13% 14%
Very dissatisfied 13% 0%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
106
Table 142: Question #9 by Type of Review Process
How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were? Type 1 Type 2
Very fair 65% 43%
Somewhat fair 18% 43%
A little bit fair 6% 0%
Not at all fair 0% 0%
Don't know 12% 14%
Total 100% 100%
Table 143: Question #9 without "don't know" responses by Type of Review Process
How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were? Type 1 Type 2
Very fair 73% 50%
Somewhat fair 20% 50%
A little bit fair 7% 0%
Total 100% 100%
Table 144: Question #11 by Type of Review Process
Have you been through a development review process in another city or
county along the Front Range? Type 1 Type 2
No 18% 43%
Yes 82% 57%
Total 100% 100%
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
107
Table 145: Question #12 by Type of Review Process
How would you compare the development review process in the City of Fort
Collins to other jurisdictions along the Front Range?* Type 1 Type 2
Much better than most 7% 13%
Somewhat better than most 14% 25%
About the same as most 43% 63%
Somewhat worse than most 21% 0%
Much worse than most 14% 0%
Total 100% 100%
* Question only asked of those who had been through a development review process in another city or county along the Front
Range
Table 146: Question #13 by Type of Review Process
How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins regarding
development review proposals?
Percent of respondents who "greatly” or "somewhat prefer."
Type 1 Type 2
Email 100% 100%
Mail (USPS) 12% 21%
Phone 82% 57%
One-on-one meetings with City staff 100% 86%
Newsletters 6% 14%
Development review website 88% 64%
Social networking sites 12% 7%
Brochures or other written materials 47% 21%
Public meetings 59% 43%
Citizen Access (Accela) 41% 14%
Table 147: Question #16 by Type of Review Process
In what role did you participate in your MOST RECENT development review
process with the City of Fort Collins? Type 1 Type 2
Property owner 29% 43%
Business owner 12% 21%
Developer 24% 36%
Consultant 71% 50%
Other (please specify) 0% 0%
* Note: Percents may add to more than 100% as respondents could check more than one answer
City of Fort Collins Community Development & Neighborhood Services Developer Survey
108
Appendix G: City of Fort Collins Developer Survey
We’d like to learn about your experiences and opinions from your perspective as a member of a development team. Please
answer these questions honestly – we want to continue to improve this process!
1. How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City’s development review process BEFORE participating on
a development team in your most recent review process?
Very knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
A little bit knowledgeable
Not at all knowledgeable
2. How knowledgeable would you say you were about the City’s development review process AFTER your most recent
review process?
Very knowledgeable
Somewhat knowledgeable
A little bit knowledgeable
Not at all knowledgeable
3. Overall, would you say the development review process is getting better or getting worse compared to two years ago,
or is it about the same?
Getting much better
Getting somewhat better
About the same
Getting somewhat worse
Getting much worse
Don’t know, don’t have knowledge to compare
4. Did the project for your most recent review process require a Type 1 hearing (before a Hearing Officer) or a Type 2
hearing (before the Planning and Zoning Board)?
Type 1/Hearing Officer hearing
Type 2/Planning and Zoning Board hearing
Not sure
5. Thinking of the most recent development review process in which you participated, please rate your satisfaction with
the following services or resources
Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Don’t
satisfied satisfied dissatisfied dissatisfied know
Website resources for developers at
fcgov.com/drg/introduction.php ................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Printed materials provided by City staff ......................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Timeliness of service overall .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Flexibility in finding solutions to issues raised
during the review process .......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Citizen Access (Accela) online system .......................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Clarity of communication regarding the development
review process ........................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Clarity of communication regarding the specific project ............... 1 2 3 4 5
Overall customer service provided by City staff ............................ 1 2 3 4 5
City of Fort Collins Community Development & Neighborhood Services Developer Survey
109
6. Thinking of your most recent review process, please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each
statement about the various stages of the review.
Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly Not
agree agree disagree disagree applicable
CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
I/we received high quality service during
the conceptual review stage ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5
All major considerations for the project were clearly
identified at the conceptual review stage ........................ 1 2 3 4 5
PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW (IF HELD)
I/we received high quality service in planning
our submittal at the preliminary design review stage ..... 1 2 3 4 5
Any major considerations were clearly identified at the
preliminary design review .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING (IF HELD)
City staff clearly explained our role and how
to prepare for the neighborhood meeting ....................... 1 2 3 4 5
The size of the public notification area was too small ........ 1 2 3 4 5
Overall, the process of planning the meeting went well ...... 1 2 3 4 5
The neighborhood meeting was helpful in identifying
neighborhood concerns ................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Neighborhood comments led to refinements
of the proposal ................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
City staff were fair and objective during the
neighborhood meeting .................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
SUBMITTAL
The submittal process was easy to complete ....................... 1 2 3 4 5
There was good coordination between planning
and the customer service (front counter) staff
during the submittal process ........................................... 1 2 3 4 5
REVIEW
There was good communication with City staff members
during the review process ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The staff review meetings provided useful feedback
for the project ................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
HEARING
There was good communication with City staff members
as the hearing approached .............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
The hearing process was fair ............................................... 1 2 3 4 5
The final decision was fair .................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
7. Thinking of the final project that was approved (or already constructed), how satisfied are you with the outcome?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Don’t know
8. Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the final project?
No
Yes → what are your comments? _______________________________________________________________
City of Fort Collins Community Development & Neighborhood Services Developer Survey
110
9. How fair, if at all, do you believe the hearing process and final decision were?
Very fair
Somewhat fair
A little bit fair
Not at all fair
Don’t know
10. Do you have comments about your satisfaction with the hearing process and final decision?
No
Yes → what are your comments?_______________________________________________________________
11. Have you been through a development review process in another city or county along the Front Range?
No → go to question #13
Yes
12. How would you compare the development review process in the City of Fort Collins to other jurisdictions along the
Front Range?
Much better than most
Somewhat better than most
About the same as most
Somewhat worse than most
Much worse than most
13. How would you prefer to communicate with the City of Fort Collins regarding development review proposals?
Greatly Somewhat Do not Don’t
prefer prefer prefer know
Email .................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Mail (USPS) .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Phone ................................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
One-on-one meetings with City staff ................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Newsletters .......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Development review website ............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4
Social networking sites ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4
Brochures or other written materials .................................................................................. 1 2 3 4
Public meetings .................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4
Citizen Access (Accela) ........................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4
14. Are there other ways you would like to communicate with the City of Fort Collins?
No
Yes → What other ways?
15. Do you have other comments about the City’s development review process?
No
Yes → What are your comments?
City of Fort Collins Community Development & Neighborhood Services Developer Survey
111
These last questions are about you as a participant in the development review process. Again, all of your responses to
this survey are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.
16. In what role did you participate in your MOST
RECENT development review process with the City of
Fort Collins?
Property owner
Business owner
Developer
Consultant
Other (please specify: _______________________)
17. For about how many years have
you been involved in development
review processes with
the City of Fort Collins? ........... ___________ years
18. Do you live in Fort Collins?
No
Yes → For about how many
years have you lived
in Fort Collins? ........ ___________ years
Thank you for completing this survey
City of Fort Collins Development Review Surveys
February 2016
7
38% 56% 50% 43% 39% 61% 0%
I felt my perspectives had an impact on the final project 29% 58% 33% 34% 44% 53% 0%
or not
employed
18-34
years old
35-54
years old
55-64
years old
65+ years
old
Prefer not
to say
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 24% 35% 0% 39% 25% 32% 0%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board hearing 76% 65% 100% 61% 75% 68% 100%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Type 1 / Hearing Officer hearing 43% 33% 15% 25% 40%
Type 2 / Planning and Zoning Board hearing 57% 67% 85% 75% 60%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Very dissatisfied 21% 24% 32% 27% 21% 0% 29% 26% 27%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
hearing 0% 100% 72% 60% 71% 70% 60% 84%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Male Female
Getting much better 18% 4% 12% 9% 14% 20% 8% 19% 0%
Getting somewhat better 18% 23% 24% 24% 14% 40% 24% 23% 30%
About the same 36% 38% 46% 45% 29% 40% 42% 37% 47%
Getting somewhat worse 18% 35% 12% 18% 29% 0% 20% 19% 17%
Getting much worse 9% 0% 5% 4% 14% 0% 6% 2% 7%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
A little bit knowledgeable 32% 31% 30% 30% 44% 27% 31% 26% 37%
Not at all knowledgeable 5% 2% 19% 14% 13% 18% 15% 13% 12%
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
About the same
Getting somewhat better
Getting much better
Percent of respondents
Community
Developer