HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-127-09/16/1997-IGA NORTHERN COLORADO COMMUNITIES URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS RESOLUTION 97-127
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSISTING AND COORDINATING WITH THE COMMUNITIES
OF NORTHERN COLORADO
IN MANAGING AND PLANNING URBAN GROWTH PATTERNS
WHEREAS,the Cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Evans, Greeley; the Towns of Berthoud,
Windsor, Wellington, Milliken, Johnstown; and Larimer and Weld Counties (the "Participating
Jurisdictions")have participated in the Northern Colorado Regional Planning Study (the "Study"),
which was completed in June 1995 in cooperation with the State of Colorado Department of Local
Affairs; and
WHEREAS,the city councils,town boards and county commissioners for the Participating
Jurisdictions each appropriated funds for the purposes of cooperating in the completion of the Study;
and
WHEREAS, on September 19, 1995, the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted
Resolution 95-134 accepting certain recommendations contained in the Study and expressing the
Council's desire to continue to cooperate with the other Participating Jurisdictions in crafting a
regional framework for the implementation of those recommendations; and
WHEREAS,among the recommendations contained in the Study was a recommendation that
uniform intergovernmental agreements be approved by the Participating Jurisdictions to better
manage and address growth within the northern Colorado region; and
WHEREAS,City staff has worked with staff members of the other Participating Jurisdictions
to develop such an agreement (the "Agreement")a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit"A"
and incorporated herein by this reference; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement sets forth the understanding of the Participating Jurisdictions
with regard to the following regional concerns:
1. Community Growth Management Areas
2. City/Town/County Cooperative Planning Areas
3. Annexation
4. Planning& Planning Coordination; and
WHEREAS,by executing the Agreement,the Participating Jurisdictions accept the terms and
conditions stated therein, and concur that issues of planning, land use, transportation and natural
resources often have broader regional ramifications requiring regional solutions or approaches; and
WHEREAS,by executing the Agreement,the Participating Jurisdictions also agree that they
shall notify and conduct training for newly-elected officials and appointed managers/administrators
as to the terms of the Agreement, and the broader objectives of the Northern Colorado Regional
Cities, Towns, and Counties Group; and
WHEREAS, by executing the Agreement, the Participating Jurisdictions further agree to
engage a trained mediator to assist in resolving disputes regarding the concepts of Community
Growth Management Areas, Cooperative Planning Areas, and/or Community Influence Areas, or
other points contained within the Agreement.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby accepts the terms and conditions contained in the
Intergovernmental Agreement regarding the Northern Colorado Regional Planning Study, attached
hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by this reference, and expresses its intention to
continue to cooperate with the other Participating Jurisdictions in implementing the regional
framework of the Study.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to execute said Agreement.
Section 3. That the City Council agrees to consider, at a later date, action regarding the
balance of the recommendations as specified in Resolution 95-134.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held-this
16th day of September, A.D. 1997.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
INTRODUCTION TO
IlVT ME
ERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
FOR COOPERATION
ONMANAGING URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Development is occurring in the Region at a rapid pace. Some of the new development is
outside incorporated boundaries;much of it is in scattered patterns that are detrimental to efficient
service provision,to efficient travel within the Region, and to maintenance of individual
community identities. Prime agricultural lands and open lands, both of which are important to the
Region's economy as well as to its high quality of life, are threatened by scattered urban
development outside areas designated for urban growth. Processes for directing that growth are
seen to be necessary so as to maintain the identity of each community in the Region and protect
important regional resources in a manner that benefits all the jurisdictions.
The purpose of this intergovernmental agreement (IGA) is to establish a process of
interjurisdictional cooperation in order to a. manage the gro-,vth of the region in the public
interest, b. preserve open lands between communities, and c. achieve the recommendations of the
Northern Colorado Regional Planning Studv (NCRPS). The preparation and use of a standard or
uniform agreement is seen as an aid to achieving some consistency in terminology and definitions
and thereby helping the general public and those involved in development understand the policies
of the various jurisdictions relative to growth management.
The agreement reinforces the basic premise that property rights are important. Both the
United States and Colorado Constitutions prohibit governments from taking private property
without just compensation. Any actions associated with the IGA-,vill only be taken in a manner
consistent with the constitutional rights of all property owners, taxpayers and citizens of the
jurisdictions.
The agreement is guided by the eight principles shown below. Using the definitions
outlined in Section 1.0 of the IGA,these principles include the following:
I -August 8, 1997
1. Retention and enhancement of individual community identity is desired.
2. Visual and spatial separation of urban development between communities is desired and will
help retain and enhance community identity.
3. Preservation of agricultural land uses around urban areas is desired.
4. Preservation of natural areas such as streams,wetlands,wildlife habitat, and other such values
is desired.
5. Urban development should occur within or be incorporated into existing towns and cities.
6. Urban development should be accommodated where and when the full range of public services
can be provided by municipalities or other service providers.
7. Development in rural areas within the regional planning area should be limited and generally
related to or compatible with the rural character of the area.
8. The owners of private property affected by public policy decisions or other public actions
should be advised, consulted and appropriately involved in planning activities and properly
compensated for the taking of property rights resulting from such decisions or actions
according to law.
The IGA includes the following areas pertaining to land use: Community Growth Management
Area,Areas of Community Influence,Annexation, and Planning and Planning Coordination. The
purpose of each is as follows:
1. Community Growth Management Areas
Purpose: To encourage the location of urban development within appropriate areas
designated for the location of such development so as to help assure that a. urban facilities and
services can be provided and provided efficiently,b. separation among areas of urban
development is maintained, c. landowners and residents can more readily predict where growth
will occur.
2-August 8, 1997
2. City/Town/County Cooperative Planning Areas
Purpose: To provide a strategic planning area for the communities that could a.
eventually annex and provide urban services,b. provide a clear boundary for adjacent
communities to avoid future annexation disputes, and C. require that Waal development occurs in
such a way as to allow for urbanization in the more distant future.
3. Annexation
Purpose: To provide annexation procedures and standards that a. promote the location of
urban development within annexed areas and/or concurrently with existing urban development, b.
assure that urban development is adequately served by community facilities, and c. assure that
areas appropriate for annexation in the future will be annexed and are developed to the standards
of the respective municipality.
4. Planning and Planning Coordination
Purpose: To develop a process for planning coordination among local jurisdictions
throughout the Region which will achieve the goal of protecting the identity of each community as
well as the important resources of the Region. Provisions to achieve this goal include a.
Developing procedures and strategies for long-range planning and implementation of NCRPS
recommendations by local jurisdictions and for collaborative planning between and among the
jurisdictions so as to address the needs of these adjacent jurisdictions, b.,using whatever planning
and implementation tools(including incentives) are available to encourage the location of urban
development within areas designated for that use, and c. encourage the preservation and
maintenance of rural lands between areas of urban development.
3 -August 8, 1997
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
FOR COOPERATION
ON MANAGING URBAN DEVELOPMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this day of , 199_,by and between ,
COLORADO, and______, COLORADO,WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS,the Parties have determined that it is in their mutual best interests to preserve the
unique identities of communities in the Region, as described in the Northern Colorado Regional
Planning Study(NCRPS),by maintaining physical separation among these communities; and
WHEREAS, maintaining and enhancing separation between areas of urban development in a
thoughtful and deliberate way involves cooperation in land use and transportation planning,
implementation of growth management policies, and the identification and preservation of open
space and natural areas; and
WHEREAS, concentrating urban development in areas designated for such development affords
greater efficiency in the delivery of such services as water, stormwater, and sanitary sewer,
transportation, fire and police protection and other services and also affords a measure of
predictability to landowners and residents concerning where services will, in the future, be
provided and urban development will be permitted; and
WHEREAS, communication among local jurisdictions and property owners and other interested
parties is essential to accomplishing these ends; and
WHEREAS, an analysis was completed and recommendations were developed to achieve the
above stated objectives, as outlined in a report entitled Northern Colorado Regional Planning
4-August 8, 1997
Studv, dated May, 1995; and
WHEREAS,the Parties have accepted this report as providing guidelines and recommended
action steps as a basis for future cooperation and now desire to proceed with implementation
through Intergovernmental Agreements among the affected local jurisdictions;and
WHEREAS,pursuant to various statutes of the State of Colorado (including but not limited to
those indicated in Appendix A),local jurisdictions are authorized to regulate the location of
activities and developments,phase development of services and facilities, regulate development on
the basis of its impact on the community or surrounding areas, plan for and regulate the use of
land so as to provide planned and orderly use of land and protection of the environment;to
cooperate or contract with other units of government for the purpose of planning and regulating
the development of land, including but not limited to the joint exercise of planning, zoning,
subdivision, building, and related regulations and annexation of property, all in a manner
consistent with constitutional rights and statutory procedures; and
WHEREAS, planning and regulation of land use within the Region is the responsibility of
individual local jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, any provisions in this Agreement may be implemented only to the extent permitted
by law,
NOW, THEREFORE,in consideration of the covenants and obligations expressed herein, it is
agreed by and between the Parties as follows:
5-August 8, 1997
Section 1.0 Definitions
City/Town/County Cooperative Planning Area. A defined area that could in the future(beyond
the development of the Community Urban Growth Management Area)be annexed and used for
urban development. In the area, development is designed so as not to preclude future
urbanization.
Cluster Development. A development design technique that concentrates buildings on a part of
the site to allow the remaining land to be used for agriculture, recreation, common open space,
preservation of environmentally sensitive features, and other open land uses. Specific use and
definition of cluster development will be determined by the individual jurisdictions based on site
specific considerations including the impact on adjacent jurisdictions.
Community Growth Management Area. That area into which urban development shall be
directed (where appropriate) and within which urban services to support such urban development
are needed and are expected to be provided by the municipality either currently or in the future.
Community Influence Area. An area beyond the Community Growth Management Area for
which development proposals will be referred to adjacent municipalities.
Development. The division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels;the construction,
reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any
mining, excavation, landfill, or land disturbance; and any use or extension of the use of land.
Jurisdiction. Refers here to the Parties to this Agreement.
Minor Annexations. Annexations of ten or fewer acres or of enclaves within municipalities.
6-August 8, 1997
Mitigation. Appropriate measures to offset adverse impacts of a proposed development.
Northern Colorado Renal Planning Study(NCRPS). Study dated May 1995, and all
subsequent amendments thereto.
Open Lands. Land area not occupied by any structure or impervious surfaces.
Open Space. Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved,which is set aside,
dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and
enjoyment of owners, occupants, and their guests of land adjoining or neighboring such open
space.
Regional Corridors, Regional Gateways, Regional Linkages, Regional Resource Areas, and
Regional Separators. Those areas identified in concept in the Northern,Colorado Regional
Planning Study dated May 1995.
Rural Areas. Areas which are outside municipal boundaries and Community Growth
Management Areas, and typified by land uses such as agriculture, range lands,natural areas, and
low-density residential, and where residents may not expect to have the full range of urban
services such as central water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems, quick-response fire and
police protection,urban level street construction and maintenance,parks and recreation programs,
or other similar services(although rural areas may have some of these services), and which are
generally considered to be rural- These areas include development which is characterized by
densities lower than those typical of urban services areas as well as cluster development in
combination with adjacent dedicated open space.
Urban Development. Development which is characterized by the density of the development,
7-August 8, 1997
which is typical to urbanized areas, and by the types of services that are generally required to
support that development such as central water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems, quick-
response fire and police protection,urban level street construction and maintenance,parks and
recreation programs, and/or other similar services that are typically provided by cities and towns.
Section 2. Topics of Agreement
2.1. Community Growth Management Areas
2.1.1. The Parties agree that by January 1, 2001 they will jointly establish Community
Growth Management Area boundaries, identifying the area within which urban
development may be located within the next 20 years. These boundaries shall be based
upon population projections, estimated residential and nonresidential development, and
acreage requirements and assessment of the ability to provide municipal facilities and
services.
2.1.2 The affected jurisdictions agree to jointly designate the Community Growth
Management Area based upon projected land requirements as indicated in a Growth
Management Plan, hereafter the "Plan",which shall provide projected growth statistics for
a 20-year period (which shall be reevaluated every five years as indicated below). The
plan shall include all of the following items:
(a) Plan Elements:
(1) Estimates of population and employment growth and land requirements for
such growth.
(2) A map specifically designating the Community Growth Management Area.
(3) A plan, including an estimated timetable, for facility and service extension to
support the anticipated development.
8-August s, 1997
(4) A map of the areas to remain free of urban development so as to achieve the
recommendations of the Northern Colorado Regional Planning Stud v and the
municipalities' and counties' comprehensive plans.
(5) Identification of sensitive environmental lands that are to be excluded from the
boundaries or to be protected from development and the impacts of development.
(b) Planning Process
(1) The respective municipality and county or counties(and any other affected
municipalities,where appropriate)will jointly prepare or have prepared a draft
Growth Management Plan containing at a minimum, all of the elements shown
above in Section 2.1.2 (a).
(2) The planning process will include informing and providing the opportunity for
input from the property owners and residents within the Community Growth
Management Area and other residents of the municipality.
(3) Once the Plan is prepared, it will be incorporated into the Comprehensive
Plans of the municipalities and county or counties and the boundaries of the
Community Growth Management Area shall thereafter be established.
2.1.3 The Parties agree that urban services over which they have jurisdiction will not be
extended beyond the boundaries of the respective Community Growth Management Area.
2.1.4 The Municipalities have neither actual nor implied legal obligations to provide urban
level services throughout the Community Growth Management Area and therefore may
adopt policies of phased, concurrent service extensions based upon the availability of the
respective municipality's adequate services and its own and other service providers'
capability to extend public services.
2.1.5 The Parties agree that urban development within the boundaries of the Community
Growth Management Area,whether occurring before or after annexation,will be required
9 -August 8, 1997
to meet development standards for water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems, roads,
streets, and bridges,parks, landscape criteria,urban street design, or other standards as
agreed upon by the municipality and county or counties having jurisdiction.
2.1.6 The County agrees to encourage the location of urban development only in areas
designated for urban growth.
2.1.7 The County agrees to submit proposals for development within the Community
Growth Management Area,which is not eligible for annexation or has been rejected for
annexation by the municipality, to the municipality for review and comment at least 30
days before any public hearing or decision. If the municipality recommends against
approval and the County subsequently grants approval, the County agrees to provide a
written statement to the municipality outlining the reasons for approval.
2.1.8 The Parties agree that no new urban development will occur within the Community
Growth Management Area unless urban services can be provided by the respective
municipality or designated service providers.
2.1.9 The County agrees to solicit a recommendation from the municipality prior to the
establishment of any improvement district within the Community Growth Management
Area.
2.1.10 As a condition of service extension or connection,the parties agree to require from
the owner of parcels within the Community Growth Management Area a binding
agreement or commitment that said area will be voluntarily annexed at such time as the
area becomes eligible for annexation according to state annexation laws. Such agreement
will be provided by the owner to the property buyers and will be a binding condition of
development permit approval and shall run with the land and be placed of record in the
office of the Clerk and Recorder in county having jurisdiction.
10-August 8, 1997
2.1.11 The Parries agree that every five years, or sooner if conditions so indicate,they
will jointly reassess the population projections and land requirements to accommodate
these growth projections and, if necessary, adjust the boundaries of the Community
Growth Management Area.
2.1.12 The parties agree to adjust the Community Growth Management Area boundaries
either concurrently with or prior to annexation.
2.2. City/Town/County Cooperative Planning Area
2.2.1 On or before January 1, 2001 the Parties agree jointly to establish the following:
(a) The boundaries of a City/Town/County Cooperative Planning Area , beyond the
20-year Community Growth Management Area, creating a planning area within
which urban development may be accommodated in the future.
(b) The boundary beyond which the municipalities agree not to annex.
(c) A land use plan and implementation procedures for the Cooperative Planning Area.
2.2.2 The Parties agree that, prior to adoption,property owners and residents in the
Cooperative Planning Area will be informed of and have the opportunity for input to the
Cooperative Planning Area Plan and the implementing Intergovernmental Agreement.
2.2.3 The County agrees to require that development within the Cooperative Planning
Area be designed so as to allow for future urbanization.
11 -August 8, 1997
2.3. Annexation
2.3.1 The Parties agree to require the location of urban development within municipal
boundaries or annexable areas through planning, zoning, adequate facilities ordinances,
and/or incentives or other means that the jurisdictions may consider to be appropriate.
2.3.2 The municipalities agree to annex property only within their Community Growth
Management Area boundaries.
2.3.3 The municipalities agree to consider the annexation of only those parcels of land
that are contiguous with the municipal boundary or are needed for the extension of
municipal services and that are in accordance with the Land Use Plan and the
municipality's development standards.
2.3.4 Counties agree to submit development proposals to municipalities prior to action
on any rezoning, special review,planned unit development, special exception or
subdivision for property that is eligible for voluntary annexation to a municipality.
2.3.5 The Counties agree to withhold action on any request for urban development on
property that is eligible for voluntary annexation unless the petition conforms to the
Municipality's standard annexation conditions and is subsequently denied by that
Municipality. If such a petition is denied by the Municipality, the County may accept a
rezoning or development proposal on the property and, if appropriate, approve it in
accordance with the development criteria agreed upon by the two jurisdictions in their
Intergovernmental Agreement.
2.3.6 Except for Minor Annexations, a municipality considering annexation agrees to
conduct or obtain an annexation analysis that includes fiscal and other impacts on services
provided by the town, city, county, special districts, and any other jurisdictions and service
12-August 8, 1997
providers that may be affected by the annexation. The analysis shall also address such
services as water, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer systems, streets,roads and
highways,parks, schools and human services, and fire and police protection. As required
by State statute,the municipality will submit the proposal and the impact analysis for
review and comment to the county or counties in which the municipality is located and to
all other adjacent jurisdictions and affected service districts,including school districts,that
will be affected by the annexation. The municipality will consider the comments
ascertained from the above review before making a decision conceming annexation. If the
proposed annexation is shown to create negative impacts on another jurisdiction,the
annexing municipality will collaborate with the affected jurisdictions to reach agreement
on how those impacts can best be mitigated.
2.3.7 The municipality agrees to assess the availability of service capacity to meet the
demands of new urban development and require that essential public facilities, including
water, stormwater, and sanitary sewer systems, roads and/or other transportation means
or facilities, parks, and fire and police protection services, are available or will be available
to accommodate the impacts and needs of the development.
2.3.8 The municipality agrees to require that urban development on annexed land
conform to the municipality's development standards, as agreed upon by the municipality
and county appropriate for the area.
2.3.9 The County agrees to require a binding annexation agreement as a condition of
approval for any urban development requiring approval by the County and located within
the Community Growth Management Area but not yet eligible for voluntary annexation to
the municipality.
13 -August 8, 1997
2.4. Planning Coordination
2.4.1 The Parties agree to include in local comprehensive plans the ten recommendations
of the Northern Colorado Regional Plannine Studv as applicable to their jurisdictions and
to develop regulations, incentives, and/or other implementation measures in conformance
with such plans. As shown in the Study,the recommendations include:
1. Establish Regional Resource Areas.
2. Establish Regional Corridors
3. Establish Community Separators
4. Establish Community and Regional Gateways
5. Place Special Emphasis on Critical Regional Linkages
6. Establish Urban Growth Boundaries, Based Upon Appropriate Criteria
7. Establish Uniform Intergovernmental Agreements for growth management
8. Incorporate Key Elements Into Community Plans and Policies
9. Consider Regional Transportation and Infrastructure Linkages
10. Adopt a Community-based, Comprehensive Approach to Implementing
the Framework.
2.4.2 The Parties agree jointly to designate a Community Influence Area for the
Municipality. Such Areas could overlap those of other municipalities.
2.4.3 Within the Community Influence Area, the parties agree to submit Urban
Development proposals that have the potential to significantly impact other jurisdictions
for review to those impacted jurisdictions and, in the case of negative impacts, to require
the implementation of mutually-acceptable ways to mitigate the impacts.
2.4.4 Outside Community Growth Management Areas and Cooperative Planning Areas
or other areas specifically designated for urban growth,the County agrees to encourage
the maintenance of rural land uses and to discourage proposals for urban development.
2.4.5 The Parties agree to include in their land use development documents standards for
14-August 8, 1997
development which they consider appropriate for their respective jurisdictions.
2.4.6 The Parties agree to encourage the efficient use of land and to maintain sufficient.
land area for community separators.
2.4.7 The Parties agree to develop a process for collaborative planning among local
jurisdictions throughout the Region so as to assist each other to achieve the
recommendations of the Northern Colorado Regional Planning Stu dv and also their
respective local goals, including,but not limited to, economic development, growth
management, and the protection of important regional natural and cultural resources.
2.5. Notice and Training
2.5.1 The Parties to this Agreement shall annually notify newly-elected officials and new
managers of Parties to this Agreement of the existence of the Northern Colorado Regional
Study and this Intergovernmental Agreement.
2.5.2 The Parties shall conduct an annual training session for elected officials and
managers of the Northern Colorado Region regarding the Northern Colorado Regional
Study and its implementation.
Section 3. Other
3.1.1 If the Parties fail to reach agreement regarding Community Growth Management
Areas, Cooperative Planning Areas, and/or Community Influence Areas or other elements
in this Intergovernmental Agreement,the Parties agree to engage a trained mediator to
help them resolve the issue. This Agreement will not serve as the basis for initiation of
15-August 8, 1997
litigation between or among the Parties but shall not preclude the Parties' use of their
statutory remedies.
3.1.2 This Agreement shall not confer on any Parry standing to contest a land use
decision or action of the other.
3.1.3 This Agreement is between the Municipality and the County and no third party
rights or beneficiaries exist or are created hereby.
3.1.4 This Agreement maybe amended in writing, subject to approval of all Parties.
3.1.5 This Agreement shall remain in force and effect for a period of six years from the
date of its execution.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year first
above written.
Jurisdiction
By:
Attest:
Jurisdiction
By.,
Attest:
16-August 8, 1997
APPENDIX A
COLORADO STATUTES APPLICABLE TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
Pursuant to Title 29,Article 20, Colorado Revised Statues, as amended,the General Assembly of
the State of Colorado has found and declared that in order to provide for planned and orderly
development within Colorado and a balancing of the basic human needs of a changing population
with legitimate environmental concerns,the policy of the State of Colorado is to clarify and
provide broad authority to local governments to plan for and regulate the use of land within their
respective jurisdictions; and
Pursuant to Title 29,Article 20, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, the General Assembly of
the State of Colorado has designated certain powers to local governments, among them the power
to regulate the location of activities and developments which may result in significant changes in
population density, the power to provide for phased developments of services and facilities, the
power to regulate the use of land on the basis of the impact thereof on the community or
surrounding areas, and the power to otherwise plan for and regulate the use of land so as to
provide planned and orderly use of land and protection of the environment in a manner consistent
with constitutional rights; and
Pursuant to Title 29,Article 20, Colorado Revised Statutes, as amended, the General Assembly of
the State of Colorado has authorized and encouraged local governments to cooperate or contract
with other units of government for the purpose of planning and regulating the development of
land,including but not limited to the joint exercise of planning, zoning, subdivision,building, and
related regulations;and
Pursuant to the Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, municipalities have the authority to annex
property; and
17 -August 8, 1997
Municipalities are permitted to annex land only if a majority of landowners owning at least 50% of
the land petition for annexation,the area is entirely surrounded or owned by the municipality
seeking to annex, or voters in the area approve of the annexation as provided by Article I,
Section 30, Colorado Constitution.
18 -August 8, 1997
RESOLUTION 95-134
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
NORTHERN COLORADO REGIONAL PLANNING STUDY
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR FURTHER REGIONAL COOPERATION
WHEREAS, om June 7, 1994, the City Council adopted Resolution 94-90 endorsing the
Regional Planning Study ([lie Study) initiated by the Cities of Fort Collins, Loveland, Evans,
Greeley, the 'I'o),vns of Berthoud, Windsor, Wellington, )Milliken, Johnstown, Larimer and Weld
Counties, and the Stale of Colorado Department of Local Affairs (the "Participa(ing Jurisdictions");
and
WHEREAS, on October 18, 1994, Council also adopted Ordinance No. 149, 1994,
appropriating prior year reserves for the purpose of cooperating with the other Participating
Jurisdictions in the completion of the Study; and
WI IEREAS, the Study included an invenrtory of natural and agricultural areas, as well as an
inventory of growth nruuigemtenl policies of the Participating Jurisdictions; and
WI IEIZEAS, an analysis of growth tirnds suggests that a regional framework is needed in
address the Participating Jurisdictions' common interests of natural and agricultural resource
protection, to establish resource and Coll)III Lill ity linkages, to maintain separation of conumutilies,
to preserve and enhance the identity of each community, and maintain the character of the region;
and
WHEREAS, the Study has rcconmtemdcd the following priorities for consideration by the
Participating Jurisdictions:
• Establish regional resource areas
• Establish regional corridors
• Establish community separators
• Establish conuuumity and regional gateways
• Place special emphasis oil cultural regional linkages
• Establish urban growth boundaries based upon appropriate criteria
• Establish uniform intergovernmental agreements
• Incorporate key elements into community plans and policies
• Consider regional transportation and infrastructure linkages
• Adopt a community-based, comprehensive approach for Framework implementation
WHEREAS, the Participating Jurisdictions have indicated their desire to continue
cooperative efforts related to regional growth management, and have directed staff to continue
outreach relative to the details of the Study in the coming months.
NOW,T11EREFORE, BE, IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY Of-, FORT
COLLINS that, the City Council hereby accepts the reconunendalions outlined in the Norlhern
Colorado Regional Planning Study, and desires to continue to cooperate Willi the other Participating
.IUI-iSdiClionS in crafting a regional hamewoik for Ilse implementation of the aforcnientioned
recommendations. City Council further agrees to consider, at a later date, action regarding the
Cx�uuniUnent of funds to be used to pay for the City's share of the cost involved in hiring a Regional
Planning Coordinator to assist Ilse other Participating .lurisdictions in iniplenienting the
recommendations Of the Study.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of tile, of Fort Collins held his
19th day ol'September, A.D. 1995.
Mayor �
ATTEST:
J `° �D City Clerk
IX.
Summary of Recommendations
As previously noted, this study represents a beginning for coordination and
collaboration on land use issues amongst the communities in our region.Tlie primary
objective of this study was to generate potential opportunities and ideas for shaping the
future pattern of Northern Colorado that can be discussed by the Northern Colorado
communities both individually as well as collectively as a region. The following is a
summary of the recommendations contained in this report.
1 . Establish Regional Resource Areas
Regional Resource Areas (RRA) are areas that can serve as regional framework
elements with significant concentrations of agricultural and natural resources in a
common geographic setting. The following five Regional Resource Areas have been
identified:
• The Foothills Regional Resource Area
• Northern Reservoirs Regional Resource Area
• Plains Reservoirs Regional Resource Area
• Southern Reservoirs Regional Resource Area
• Fossil Creek Reservoir/Boyd Lake Regional Resource Area
2. Establish Regional Corridors
The following six regional corridors associated with waterways cross the study area
from west to east:
• Poudre River
• Big Thompson River
• Little Thompson River
• South Platte River
• Loveland and Greeley Canal
• Greeley Canal#2
These corridors have the potential to provide linkages among the communities,
regional resource areas, and in the case of the Big Thompson River, a connection with
Roosevelt National Forest. The rivers and associated floodplains provide wildlife
movement corridors, support extensive riparian communities, and six state wildlife
areas. The canals provide water to agricultural areas, and can provide additional links
between Greeley and Windsor to the western portion of the study area.
3 . Establish Community Separators
In order for communities to maintain their integrity and identity, the retention of areas
between communities'Oiat remain undeveloped should be encouraged. In some
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instances, areas specifically designated as potential community separators will rely on
maintaining large blocks of land in agricultural production. Community separators are j
delineated for Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Tinmath, Fort Collins, and Loveland.
4 . Establish Community and Regional Gateways
Gateways are areas along major travel corridors within the region which are important
shapers of community identity and character, and which contribute strongly to
Northern Colorado's image as an attractive region with a rural / agrarian heritage.
Gateways are envisioned as areas where clustered development within a matrix of
open and rural lands will help to preserve the character of the region. The following
regional and community gateways have been identified:
• Interstate 25 from the Weld County line to the Big Thompson River.
• A community gateway east of Greeley.
• A community gateway south of Berthoud along Highway 287.
• A community gateway east of Fort Collins, west of I-25 at Harmony Road.
5 . Place Special Emphasis on Critical Regional Linkages
Places where elements of the Regional Framework intersect— gateways, community
separators, linkages, and Regional Resource Areas—are identified as Critical Regional
Linkages. These represent opportunities to maximize the benefits of the individual
elements by placing special emphasis on opportunities to link together the various
elements of the Regional Framework.
6 . Establish Urban Growth Boundaries, Based Upon
Appropriate Criteria
Areas for urban growth should be designated around the communities in the region.
The establishment of these boundaries should be based upon rational criteria:
• Reasonable population projections and concomitant growth area
requirements;
• Consideration of sensitive environmental lands;
• Consideration of prime agricultural lands;
• Availability of services such as water, sewer, roads, parks, schools, etc.;
and
• Coordination with other service providers such as utility districts and
school districts.
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7 . Establish Uniform Intergovernmental Agreements
Several of the communities in the region have had Intergovernmental Agreements in
place with Larirner County for some time. However, all of these agreements are
scheduled to be updated in tiie next few years, and a number of communities are now
in discussions to establish agreements with Larinier County and Weld County. As this
process proceeds, it is important that there is some degree of consistency amongst the
various agreements. It may also be appropriate to include elements of the Regional
Frainework recommended by this study in these agreements.
8. incorporate Key Elements Into Community Plans and
Policies
In order to achieve the objectives of this study — natural area protection, linkages
between communities,community separation—the communities in the region will need
to incorporate a number of tools and approaches into their planning policies and
programs. Key elements include the following:
• Urban Growth Boundaries;
• Annexation Policies;
• Fiscal Impact Analysis and Policies;
• Open Space/Sensitive Lairds Protection and Linkages;
• Agricultural Land Protection; and
• Rural character preservation.
9. Consider Regional Transportation and Infrastructure
Linkages
A number of opportunities have been identified to achieve tine objectives of tlris study
through regional roadway and transportation projects.
10. Adopt a Community-based, Comprehensive Approach
to Implementing the Framework
As discussion of the recommendations contained in this study are discussed and as
efforts are put into place, it is important to emphasize that a comprehensive approach
must be taken if implementation is to be realized.The concepts proposed by this study
will need to be evaluated on the individual community level, and many of the steps
required to achieve the recommendations will need to be carried out by tine individual
jurisdictions. It is envisioned that a dialogue will continue oil a regional level as well,
in order to arrive at a shared vision for Northern Colorado that we can all share.
It is also important to recognize that implementation of these recommendations will
require a range of tools and resources. While regulations are an important part of an
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open space protection effort, more will be needed, particularly when property owners
interests are taken into consideration. Successful efforts invariably include a strong
acquisition element. Other creative means, such as TDR programs, development rights
acquisitions, and other approaches such as land trusts, will need to be encouraged and
incorporated. Programs which address the economics of agriculture, not just
preservation of the land base, will be necessary if the Framework is to be successful in
the long run.
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