During a recent city council meeting, Commerce City officials unanimously approved an ordinance to amend the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zone document for the Commons, allowing for additional land uses including sit-down restaurants with drive-throughs, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and retail stores. This amendment pertains to a 6.97-acre area located at the southeast corner of East 100 and 4th Avenue and Potomac Street.

The council also held a public hearing on the draft Commerce City 2045 Comprehensive Plan, presented by Interim Community Development Director Jeff Raswell. The comprehensive plan aims to serve as a guiding document for the city's development over the next two decades, focusing on land use, mobility, infrastructure, and economic development. Raswell emphasized that while the plan is advisory and not regulatory, it will inform future regulations and spending priorities.

The comprehensive plan was developed through a robust community engagement process initiated in 2020, involving numerous public meetings and workshops. Key themes from community feedback included the importance of uniting Commerce City, promoting diverse housing options, and ensuring compatibility between industrial and residential developments.

The plan is structured into 13 chapters, covering background data, vision statements, core principles, and specific frameworks for various topics such as housing, transportation, and public facilities. The overarching vision for Commerce City is to be a thriving, economically strong, and environmentally sustainable community.

The Planning Commission has recommended the adoption of the comprehensive plan with some revisions for clarity and usability. If approved by the city council, staff will work on these changes and ensure that the plan remains a living document, subject to periodic evaluation and updates as necessary.