Boulder

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Boulder - February 16, 2007

GET READY FOR RESIDENTIAL FAR DEBATE

City Council has been hearing from citizens opposed to large homes being built in established neighborhoods, especially Newlands Neighborhood. And, Council is beginning to discuss taking the issue on. Two years ago Council adopted a citywide maximum residential FAR of .8 (allows 80% lot coverage). Since that time many expansions have go up to the .8 limit prompting official to consider if the FAR encourages owners to build to the limit rather than what they might otherwise have done without the maximum being identified. Citizen activists have begun lobbying to lower the residential FAR to .4 or half of the current maximum as a way to preserve neighborhood character and promote energy conservation. Some believe that the .8 FAR standard should simply be repealed and allow building processed to address home size within current regulations that use setbacks, height limits and solar access to determine allowable bulk. No formal process for consideration of revising the FAR has been established as yet, but observers say it won’t be too far off, probably no later than early summer if not sooner. We’re keeping an eye on this one. Stayed tuned.

TRANSIT VILLAGE INVESTMENTS CONSIDERED

The Boulder City Council recently discussed possible city investments in the Transit Village as a way to spur redevelopment within the 160-acre planning area. Initial study suggest that as much as $10 million is city funds could be used for construction of paths and plazas in the area surrounding the 11-acre Transit village site at 30th and Pearl, an area being called Junction Place. The area is the future home of a train depot, bus transfer facility and an affordable housing complex. Property owners and developers are expected to invest tens of millions in improvements to infrastructure as property redevelops. The city is still considering whether to offer financial incentives, but since a number of sites, mostly industrial zones, will be significantly up-zoned, financial incentives may not be required. The process for adoption of the Transit Village Area Plan is still scheduled for early May despite some objections from some property owners and a recent critical review by the city Planning Board.