[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6051501,"mediaKeyId","3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931","parentId",3443908,"title","Fort Collins staff propose code changes for commercial corridors, TOD and Harmony; council debates drive‑thru limits and parking rules","audioSeconds",6223,"startMs",3043025,"endMs",9266410,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931&start=3043&end=9266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931/thumbnail_3043025.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6051501/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Fort-Collins-staff-propose-code-changes-for-commercial-corridors-TOD-and-Harmony-council-debates-drivethru-limits-and-parking-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051501-4c5ca5968a2f3871ff747025093a62dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=lj2GOfBXUyhDv6KYlYA60f3fAbeyzp37voi0tcBH6ukMpcBv9hAfbylcUktkGbWUqrFxWPAO9wJeQmkV60-a9oLhPFUzbkK8fhDaMDIznjdbLE4Izx1Y5gSK0n8dYHj9D0cSWBtr3QUuVdJ0xjqSc9gszo9BvqZXFdI2ksMVaD7devBYMt3MNw9Ha57i2YnxJcxO8xHLdlIybq25X0dAE9TWSsidXIQLu7C2JZW7CgLDe7iL6AZUepr5bAxOupkNpbDDF3pTPd4VkPntp5Paj6v2xhuqtmnoJWdmZP4kfY9M-myMmhz~zgQrSgdC1G6cBqCeSXrVwyUx-MM5cBfl0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fort Collins CO","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","City planning staff returned to Fort Collins City Council with proposed directions to rewrite parts of the land use code that govern commercial corridors and centers, seeking to align zoning and review processes with recent policy plans and goals such as the 15‑minute city concept and expanded transit service.

‘‘We are really focused on the portions south of Prospect of the TOD overlay, and evaluating whether existing incentives produce the mixed‑use, denser development we want,’’ Clay Fricke, planning manager, said during the work session. Staff said the existing Transit‑Oriented Development overlay (built around the Mason Corridor/MAX) allows additional stories in exchange for mixed use, affordable units or structured parking but that market conditions—soft commercial rents and construction costs—have not produced the intended dense mixed‑use development.

Key recommendations and council feedback

• TOD overlay and parking: Staff recommended adjusting height and density bonuses to encourage stand‑alone residential development near frequent bus service and suggested lowering surface parking minimums (or setting parking maximums) for commercial uses to reduce auto‑centric redevelopment. Councilors generally supported reducing parking minimums and said the city should explore incentives outside the land use code (for example, tax increment financing or urban renewal tools) to make desired projects feasible.

• Drive‑throughs and auto‑centric uses: Staff suggested limiting additional low‑intensity and drive‑through uses inside TOD areas, noting several council members said drive‑through lanes along College Avenue have created backups and safety issues. Council discussion was lively: some members urged a moratorium or stricter limits on new drive‑throughs, while others noted equity and access concerns for people who rely on curbside service; staff said public feedback on drive‑throughs had been mixed.

• Harmony Corridor and employment zones: Staff proposed relaxing a strict primary/secondary use split (currently 75/25 in some areas) that prioritizes office and other primary employment uses, arguing market demand for primary uses has softened and that allowing more secondary uses or residential in proximity would make centers more resilient. Several councilors supported adding flexibility; others urged caution and suggested clarifying how proposed changes would interact with existing sub‑area plans.

• Form‑based and non‑residential building types: Staff proposed developing visual, form‑based standards for commercial and mixed‑use building types (similar to recent residential updates) to improve predictability and reduce reliance on dense text references. Councilors and focus‑group participants generally supported visuals and clearer massing standards, while asking for consistent interpretation and staff training to prevent uneven enforcement.

• Change‑of‑use process: Staff reported many small businesses and property owners are deterred by an ‘‘all‑or‑nothing’’ approach to site upgrades during a change of use. Proposed changes would clarify which upgrades are mandatory, allow smaller projects to avoid full upgrade requirements, and explore proportional requirements (for example, limiting upgrades to a share of project cost) so change‑of‑use reviews become more predictable. Council members urged proportionality and better internal coordination among departments so applicants are not bounced between reviewers.

• Process, sub‑area plans and appeals: Several councilors raised concerns about overlapping sub‑area plans and the possibility of appeals based on plan versus code conflicts. Staff said sub‑area plans are guidance and not zoning but agreed to return with clearer crosswalks and to identify potential conflicts before adoption.

Next steps: Staff will return with a draft code this summer for public review and council discussion; if council supports the overall direction they will bring formal code language and an adoption schedule later in the year. Staff also said they will run pro forma analyses to test what adjustments would realistically deliver mixed‑use development in the TOD overlay.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to refine proposals on drive‑throughs, TOD boundary questions (for example, West Elizabeth and North College corridors identified in state TOC mapping), neighborhood center definitions, and clearer rules for change‑of‑use reviews before the draft code goes to public review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Collins City Council Work Session 4/22/25","oneSentenceSummary","City planners proposed revisions to Fort Collins' land use code for commercial corridors and centers that would adjust TOD incentives, reduce parking minimums, limit some drive‑through and low‑intensity uses, and add non‑residential form‑based standards to improve predictability and deliver more housing and mixed use near transit.","taxTitle","Fort Collins City, Larimer County, Colorado","taxId",5777,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051511,"Fort Collins expands systematic school traffic inspections; city estimates full cycle by 2034",965,90450,1056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931&start=90&end=1056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931/thumbnail_90450.jpg","/articles/6051511/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Fort-Collins-expands-systematic-school-traffic-inspections-city-estimates-full-cycle-by-2034","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051511-f8a03626239130b0fd10281d4892b231/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=bjNqF2XK5Yc~wWaETADKOwuYWwcEFzPyz~ip-Q0YQsD56kW1wb0TEG3o7s3TJ1JfS83x7hVGP4tjO61fUf38Tzr64-Tk2apRttXrwdB6dK4M7R~cgFupyzDVLXtiMD~RlZLVLXjl4NELIX07OgH497vqilq~r0HLIhkhhVMw2k7PnR-7GkRetbEUOb4X1e9AtlSvIcXP37kNMJc2C5FzF3WsD3uWwbdC10~zFHDC6OFt4c8ih6~0bKzfFBtCVR9mFJfEM72Hpcwflv152HlL-vxafVeRTcPXmjY7X5nJMW39xpQkRtoe2QJJTAgteASsnt2~1CX6Rf7wveHoDUADGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nell Davis, technical project manager in Traffic Operations, told the Fort Collins City Council on the evening the city has launched a systematic school traffic safety inspection program that combines field observations, local outreach and engineering studies to recommend safety improvements around schools.

The program aims to standardize how the city evaluates pickup/drop‑off, pedestrian and bicycle routes, signage and driver behavior. \"The goal of the program is to do a systematic inspection of all aspects of transportation around a school to look at every mode of travel and the behaviors of everyone involved,\" Davis said.

Why it matters: City staff told council the program replaces an older complaint‑driven patchwork approach so improvements are applied more evenly across schools. Staff described recommendations ranging from education and enforcement to small operational fixes and larger infrastructure projects that require grant funding or capital work.

Davis outlined the program steps: meet school staff and district leaders, station observers at arrival and dismissal times, conduct traffic counts and corridor studies, inventory signs and pavement markings, and survey parents and students. The city integrates education (for students, parents and school staff), enforcement coordination, maintenance, and operational changes; larger projects are pursued through grants.

The presentation included early results and examples. Davis said the program has completed studies at six elementary schools and one middle school so far. She described Zach Elementary as a relatively complex case; the report recommended converting two intersections to a full signal and installing a rapid rectangular flashing beacon. Staff said grant funding has been secured and construction is scheduled for the coming summer. By contrast, Davis said Lopez Elementary already used many good practices; staff supported smaller, lower‑cost measures such as speed humps and curb extensions and partnered with the Safe Routes to School coordinator on kindergarten walking education.

Council members asked about prioritization and pace. Davis said the city uses a simple scoring rubric that counts points for factors such as presence of younger students, schools near high‑speed roads, public or school district interest, and nearby scheduled resurfacing projects so improvements can be bundled with other work. Davis said the list is finalized each summer after consultation with the school district.

On timing and staffing, Davis said the program currently inspects roughly four schools a year with existing staff, and that a single project manager (Davis) currently leads the effort. \"At a rate of about four schools a year, which is what I can sustain on my own, it'll take until 2034 to get through roughly 50 city schools,\" Davis said; Councilor Kelly Olsen later said that implied a first‑grader studied now would be a junior in high school when the city completes its first full cycle.

Council reaction and next steps: Several council members praised the program and urged staff to identify options to accelerate the work. Multiple councilors said they would support adding staff or contractor funding in midyear budget discussions to speed inspections and implementation. Councilors also emphasized pursuing grant funding for capital work and coordinating program timing with nearby resurfacing projects so infrastructure improvements can be bundled.

Davis said this school year the program is studying two elementary schools, two middle schools and, for the first time, a high school (Rocky Mountain High) to test lessons for high‑school contexts. Davis said staff plan to continue refining the prioritization criteria each summer with district input.

Ending: Staff did not present a final budget request at the session but said they will return with options if council wants to accelerate the inspection schedule. \"We can look at that whole picture,\" the city manager said after council members requested alternatives to speed the program's rollout.","Nell Davis, technical project manager in Traffic Operations, told the Fort Collins City Council the city has launched a systematic school traffic safety inspection program that combines field observations, local outreach and engineering studies to recommend safety improvements around schools.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051498,"Fort Collins leaders begin multi‑phase update to noise rules; police to tighten vehicle noise enforcement and planners to study amplified sound",3214,9528595,12743270,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931&start=9528&end=12743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931/thumbnail_9528595.jpg","/articles/6051498/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Fort-Collins-leaders-begin-multiphase-update-to-noise-rules-police-to-tighten-vehicle-noise-enforcement-and-planners-to-study-amplified-sound","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051498-c968e7dafd248108f4a26d7ebad7120a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=g2NApT0IQmovrDS7mXDAf7V58oz2T1f41oSfFc2EARlNARfiZtNLr-QX2qO2kSm9of7-tOYC-n805p-CoYbiVG4fQ4G-zfzvtCxXQCHhF5ZnCiyo~hvczgOvLTx-~dSc5kJb8u9IseHV7x5-nF2qKhuoUDvD9ZfgrZqcFDUmOL~caGeaAdAniEydEr-oAM1Np3d9pnVmcrh-d9X1nSU2DthD2FV9sRMWPbaaG3Q1Ud6e7ENWvkEu5lKNF1McNh-3-0q~V0zq85jJYLyO4Oa12JVALUZW6uQfTrNsXPlaEbpIawezeOeM5n4Rq5CpmknNE38SWulnwW6CJvyOfBWNgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a staged plan to update Fort Collins’ noise regulations, combining immediate, enforceable measures police say will improve outcomes with a longer research and outreach process to manage ambient and amplified sound in parks, entertainment venues and neighborhoods.

Phase 1 — near term enforcement changes: Rupa Venkatesh, assistant city manager, and Sergeant David Lindsey of police services described four priority near‑term items: clarify the municipal code’s agricultural exemption to mirror state statute definitions (so agricultural operations are more clearly defined), add or tighten an unreasonable traffic noise provision in the traffic code, clarify and, where appropriate, enhance the muffler ordinance to improve enforceability, and adjust fireworks enforcement tools so officers and code compliance can hold property holders accountable for after‑the‑fact violations.

Sergeant Lindsey said police analyzed noise citations and arrests from 2023–24 and found a rise in vehicle‑based noise complaints late in 2024. Of citations in the period studied, around 82 percent were for unreasonable noise (residences, gatherings, vehicles) and most enforcement to date relied on the muffler or unreasonable‑noise provisions. Officers recommended creating a consolidated, traffic‑code provision to address vehicle noise specifically and to make evidence and enforcement processes more efficient.

Phase 1 timeline: Staff said they intend to bring ordinance amendments to council for first reading in May and second reading in June, but requested a slightly later docket date (May 20 first reading) to account for pending state legislation (HB 1147, described by staff as pending at the time) that could affect municipal court penalties.

Phase 2 — ambient and amplified sound review: Lori Schwartz, director of Community Development and Neighborhood Services, and Eileen May, director of Cultural Services, described a broader review to define how the city regulates ambient and amplified sound in public spaces. Staff noted changes in city life since the noise rules were last updated in 2008: population growth, more cars, new parks and event venues (for example Twin Silo Park and Whitewater Park) and growing cultural programming such as events at The Gardens On Spring Creek. Eileen May said existing limits (for example the Gardens' prior restrictions) can unintentionally curtail community and cultural programming and that a review should seek a balance between vibrancy and livability.

Noise measurement and context: Staff showed examples from field sound meters and explained how normal traffic and trains can push ambient background levels near or above the ordinance thresholds in some places. They said the next phase will include surveys, focused neighborhood outreach (for instance around The Gardens) and technical analysis of ambient noise, timing rules and amplified sound standards, plus benchmarking against peer cities.

Council input and concerns: Councilors generally supported clearer rules on vehicle mufflers, fireworks and enforcement, asked staff to consult with CSU and surrounding neighborhoods on stadium or campus event impacts, and urged caution when considering raising ambient decibel thresholds because of potential neighborhood impacts. Several councilors also asked staff to provide benchmarks from comparable cities, to tie time‑of‑day rules to specific places and uses rather than a single citywide schedule, and to ensure enforcement resources and cross‑department coordination are in place before adopting new standards.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with Phase 1 ordinance language and education plans, and launch Phase 2 outreach and technical work through the summer with a target of draft recommendations in the autumn.","City staff proposed a two‑phase approach to update Fort Collins' noise rules: near‑term, enforceable changes (agricultural exemption wording, vehicle noise/muffler clarifications and fireworks enforcement) and a broader mid‑term review of ambient noise limits and amplified sound rules for venues, parks and festivals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6051506,"Poudre Fire Authority reports growth in EMS calls, capital planning and outreach; chief highlights training and new station",1193,1078840,2272820,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931&start=1078&end=2272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443908-b9591ffe353739a65e9bedc6fb95f931/thumbnail_1078840.jpg","/articles/6051506/Fort-Collins-City/Larimer-County/Colorado/Poudre-Fire-Authority-reports-growth-in-EMS-calls-capital-planning-and-outreach-chief-highlights-training-and-new-station","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051506-ccc0a9a892b11fdc57168bd6ee4ac608/orig.mp4?Expires=1770924375&Signature=aPf~aT6yogk0acVGwR-e5vudy-~pmtHvSPZIlFhyu5JhYMXVAtSRGyOBpMT~mhl8Ri5m-mAswodm2i1h4Gw2zmwltOP7EQXYBbK2apOvWoXNKJQv7765N8A-tV8wG19yXAQhzzMYbqshaCHWgrzO5GULeg7lQhkkJbM2xXd6zC3qA6hLI5DaUgd0dqL7iS8Qd4aebShuks~Luz6Dx6ELF0UnxEen2C3QUjPlSng3hOqW2BytOuOikiKBZD6TMQz~sKA1bF~i1qrOwMfuMYR~MckhMoKul2MjJ85fF0hqLiNpENS9Q2yEuXgv-WSdzOLEFSkf7TF837vhU4BD8KkaTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) Chief Derek Bergson told Fort Collins City Council the authority's 2024 annual report emphasizes training, capital planning and community health work while reporting that emergency medical services remain the largest call type.

At the start of his presentation, Bergson described PFA as an independent consolidated agency governed by multiple boards and funded jointly by the city and the Poudre Valley Fire Protection District. \"We do not have taxing authority, and both governing entities provide funding that makes up our budget,\" he said.

What's in the report: Bergson said PFA employed 248 full‑time staff at the time of the report (207 uniformed personnel and 41 civilian positions), operates two volunteer stations (stations 9 and 11) and continues to use seasonal staff for peak holiday coverage. He told council PFA completed 44,000 hours of training during the prior year, ran regional programs including fire camp and Fire Ops 101 for elected officials, and deployed personnel on eight federal wildland and three federal urban search and rescue missions.

On incidents and prevention: The authority logged more than 17,000 EMS and rescue calls and an overall total near 21,000 incidents in the city portion of its service area; Bergson said the district accounted for roughly 4,000 incidents. He said the organization inspected roughly 57,800,000 square feet of buildings in its jurisdiction (figure supplied in the report) and that EMS prevention is a growing focus. Bergson described a community health program coordinated with UCHealth that seeks to identify and help high‑need patients through home visits and referral to primary care; he said 311 cases were closed last year and 17 exist as ongoing clients.

Capital planning and facilities: Bergson said the board has prioritized capital investments, including apparatus replacement (an item listed in the presentation as $2,800,000 for apparatus replacement) and facility work. PFA reported $16.3 million in reserves across funds to cover high‑cost capital items like radios and breathing apparatus; the chief listed new equipment on order including a new tower, engines and brush apparatuses and noted station 7 would open imminently with a community celebration planned.

Training and workforce development: Bergson highlighted training as a new division focus and said that PFA promoted 50 personnel the prior year, ran a recruit academy with 11 current recruits, and uses volunteer and seasonal positions as a recruiting tool that has led to internal promotions.

Council reaction: Council members praised PFA's regional deployments, training programs and community outreach events such as an EMS survivor celebration. Council questions focused on replacement cycles for apparatus (Bergson said engines have roughly a 10‑year frontline life followed by 3–5 years in reserve and ladders have ~15‑year frontline life) and the timeline for replacing white apparatus with red liveries; Bergson said replacement purchases now take 2.5–3 years from order and that a full fleet transition to red livery is expected around 2029–2030.

Ending: Bergson thanked council and acknowledged long‑serving staff due to retire, and council members expressed continued support for PFA's regional deployments, training and capital priorities.","Fire Chief Derek Bergson presented Poudre Fire Authority's 2024 annual report, noting 248 full‑time positions, an emphasis on training, capital investments including apparatus and stations, EMS prevention work with UCHealth, and volunteer stations; councilors praised regional deployments and community programs","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fort Collins staff propose code changes for commercial corridors, TOD and Harmony; council debates drive‑thru limits and parking rules

Fort Collins expands systematic school traffic inspections; city estimates full cycle by 2034

Fort Collins leaders begin multi‑phase update to noise rules; police to tighten vehicle noise enforcement and planners to study amplified sound

Poudre Fire Authority reports growth in EMS calls, capital planning and outreach; chief highlights training and new station