EDITS

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“Whether the amendment is consistent with the intent, e cient development and preservation of the entire planned development” to “Whether the amendment is consistent with the e cient development of the entire planned development.” e proposed removal of some words — particularly “preservation” — raised some residents’ eyebrows.

But in a report to the county Planning Commission, county sta wrote that “planned developments are intended to be documents that may be amended from time to time.”

“ e word ‘preservation’ could be confusing and could be construed as keeping the planned development in (its current) state,” Matt Jakubowski, a chief planner on county sta , said during the April meeting.

But “by the very fact” that a developer ever proposes to amend a planned development, that inherently implies change, he said.

“ ey’re meant to be exible — they’re not meant to be a fossil,” Jakubowski said.

Asked whether the proposed language edits would lead to more new, high-density multifamily buildings in longtime single-family neighborhoods, Koster had told Colorado Community Media: “I don’t think it changes the probabilities around that happening, no.”

“ ere are more than just those two approval criteria,” Koster said. e concept of “preservation” is mentioned elsewhere in Douglas County’s zoning rules regarding planned developments, such as in saying: “Development within this district should be designed to … ensure that environmentally and visually sensitive areas are preserved.”

Extreme changes to a planned development wouldn’t depend on the language that county sta are proposing editing.

“ ere does come a point where the changes somebody wants to e 2023 First Fridays events include:

June 2 – No Limits | Neon Night 5K

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Aug. 4 – Doublewide | Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K make are too fundamental,” and then “we would say that the proper (process) is a full rezoning” rather than mere tweaks based on the planned development rules, Koster told CCM.

Before you indulge in the Friday fun, start the night o right with the First Fridays 5K. ese free, themebased run/walks are fun for the entire family. e uno cially timed races start at 5:30 p.m. right in Festival Park. Registration is available online or at the race tent.

Check out CRgov.com/FirstFridays for details on the entire season and 5K registration, or follow the event posts on the town’s Facebook page at facebook.com/crgov.

‘Back to the drawing board’

After the county heard concerns in April, county sta contemplated revisions to the proposed edits that were to come to the county commissioners.

“I think we did hear very loudly and clearly from those we serve about the consternation and maybe confusion about what was presented,” Laydon said at the May 9 meeting.

Jakubowski told the commissioners the edits were aimed at simplifying the development application process.

“From sta ’s perspective, the proposed changes were to provide some clari cation, making it easier for sta and (developers) to interpret the approval criteria,” Jakubowski said.

At a work-session meeting on May 1, the county commissioners discussed with sta the concerns raised by the public and the planning commission regarding the proposed edits, according to the county’s website. In response, sta was preparing revisions to the proposed edits for consideration by the planning commission and the county commissioners.

Sta had recommended that the county commissioners return the matter to the planning commission for a public-hearing meeting on June 5. Sta also recommended that the county commissioners postpone their vote on the edits to a publichearing meeting on June 27.

But when the matter might come back up for a decision is now uncertain.

“By tabling, it allows them to go back to the drawing board, not being under some arti cial calendar deadline by the board,” Teal said. ough omas was reluctant, the county commissioners voted unanimously on May 9, allowing sta to spend more time on the potential edits.

Help keep your community safe and beautiful. Adopt a road!

Gather your friends or neighbors and adopt a road for littler pickup. Douglas County’s road adoption process is now online and easier than ever. For details, visit douglas.co.us and search for Adopt a Road.

Help make your County Fair a success!

Energetic, friendly volunteers age 16 and older are needed during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo from July 28-Aug. 6. Serve your community, celebrate your County’s history and have fun all at the same time. Visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com and click on the Get Involved tab, to learn more and sign up.

Visit prehistoric times

More than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, mammoths roamed Douglas County. Learn all about it by taking a free tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve. Limited dates are available. Reserve your spot now at lambspring.org/free-tours

Are you prepared for Wildfire?

It only takes one spark to change your life forever – make sure you are ready for wildfire season. Learn about steps you can take today to reduce the risk to your family and property by visiting douglas.co.us and searching Protect Your Home. And sign up for free emergency notifications at DouglasCountyCodered.com to ensure you are aware if a wildfire or other emergency is happening near you.

Questions about road projects in your area?

Roads are a necessity and they have to be maintained. Here’s where you’ll find everything you need to know about them all. Visit DouglasRoadWork.com to find out what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2023. Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com