Boulder County

TDR REVISIONS SET STAGE FOR HOME SIZE LIMITATIONS

On May 23rd the BOCC discussed an expanded transfer of development rights (TDR). Essentially this voluntary program has two components: 1) the ability to transfer Development Rights from vacant land; and 2) the ability to transfer Development Credits between developed parcels. Properties in both the mountains and the plains will be eligible for this program. Development Rights and Credits could be transferred from the mountains to the plains, but not from the plains to the mountains. Owners of developed properties, or vacant land which they intend to develop, could sell Development Credits and deed restrict the property. The purpose of this act would be to permanently restrict the size of development and promote housing stock diversity. In order to facilitate the transfer of Development Rights and Credits, a Development Rights Bank will be established. Besides facilitating the transfer of Rights and Credits, the bank will also establish the market value of the Development Rights based on the past sales of vacant lands in the mountains and in the plains. Planner Michelle Krezek says the draft of this very complex proposal is more of an outline and is intended to provide the commissioners with a framework for discussion.

COUNTY TO PRESENT CODE AND TDR PLANS AT BARA

The most important land use and development regulation changes in years are under review by the Board of County Commissioners. The so-called BulidSmart regulations include extensive and substantial NEW CODE REQUIREMENTS for energy efficiency and sustainability elements in new construction, expansions and redevelopment on building sites throughout Boulder County. HOME SIZE RESTRICTIONS are being reviewed as part of a complex Transferable Development Rights program that will require the purchase of development rights/credits in order to build above specified square footage limits/thresholds. Home size limits/thresholds under review are: mountain areas--2600SF; plains areas--4000SF; special character areas in the mountains--1000SF capped at 1500SF; and special character areas in the plains--1500SF capped art 2000SF. The only exemptions for these limitations are covered porches. Michelle Krezek, Land Use Department Staff, will present information, answer questions and take input on FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2007 FROM 9:00AM TO 11:00AM AT THE BARA OFFICES. To RSVP and reserve your seat please RSVP to jacquie@barastaff.com. Don't miss this opportunity to get informed on these pending regulatory changes. Adoption by the County Commissioners is anticipated for late summer or early fall.