[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6590539,"mediaKeyId","5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31","parentId",5499149,"title","County planners propose cluster‑neighborhood option for agricultural zones; board asks for workshop on incentives and definitions","audioSeconds",1811,"startMs",12118000,"endMs",13929000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31&start=12118&end=13929","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31/thumbnail_12118000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590539/Adams-County/Colorado/County-planners-propose-clusterneighborhood-option-for-agricultural-zones-board-asks-for-workshop-on-incentives-and-definitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590539-0168b93340c8faf3cfbff0ebd217b16c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486928&Signature=JVd5RcIp4tKRtgljIprAorh1iSXknql10Jo0Ci9CrhO-Dr04xIDYDxQbUQbJ7qHv-NuyMGP~eda-AMUt-7oFT7RQ2ISLxnV-uPbZi-7FBNzsaRPjdJ9GoRENEYttDmLreLEANtcySQ4SJVo7o2tMQOj4pljKjvuFTNYvMQCmhxxCmCgVbgpdxN50nGQgo32C9TfN2Lk4s8hpW6Erhny-oAHLkiqX9rHA7IfjWABL3cE0ag4XrOyClMoM8R-HyncwTDXF5H9N9dUET44utf1se7M40x06Etg91zG2hf4xE5yH~xqsjml001NTa9UK1xn7HQl7xn0M2hXmiykEQ8xrPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Adams County","date","2025-07-29T21:30:05Z","article","Community Development staff presented the final portion of a residential zoning update package focused on agricultural zone district standards and a new “cluster neighborhood” option. The change is intended to provide property owners an alternative way to subdivide large agricultural parcels while preserving larger contiguous open spaces, natural areas or community amenities.

What was proposed
Staff described three agricultural zone districts (A‑1, A‑2, A‑3) and a new cluster neighborhood type that can be selected instead of a conventional subdivision layout. Under the cluster approach staff proposed an amenity requirement expressed as a percentage of the parcel that must be set aside as usable amenity/open space; for example, the A‑1 cluster type would require 60% amenity set‑aside. To encourage natural preservation, staff proposed an amenity factor (natural areas counted at a higher multiplier, e.g., 1.5) so that conserved natural habitat reduces the acreage developers need to set aside to meet the amenity percentage.

Why the change
Staff said the cluster option promotes conservation of open land, reduces infrastructure footprints and concentrates dwelling units to preserve contiguous green or productive space. The approach is intended to give property owners flexibility in lot layout while retaining overall density caps (e.g., A‑1 density remains approximately 1 unit per 2.5 acres) so the change is largely form‑based rather than a big density increase.

Questions from the board
Commissioners asked for clarification of terms (open space, amenity, natural area), maintenance responsibilities for preserved land, wildfire and weed‑control considerations, and how the county will ensure that “natural area” does not become unmanaged debris or unmanaged vegetation that creates nuisance or fire risk. Commissioners also asked whether incentives (slight density bonuses) should be tied to active agriculture uses rather than passive natural areas and whether the county should pilot active‑ag incentives for productive uses (community farms, agrihood models).

Next steps
Planning staff said the topic would benefit from a dedicated workshop where commissioners and staff can test example layouts, review sample code language and examine how amenity multipliers and maintenance standards would be enforced. Staff will prepare a workshop packet with examples, definitions and sample covenant/performance language for board review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 29, 2025, Board of County Commissioners Study Session","oneSentenceSummary","County planners proposed adding a ‘cluster neighborhood’ subdivision option to agricultural zoning (A‑1/A‑2/A‑3) that preserves large contiguous amenity space by consolidating dwelling units, and suggested amenity multipliers that reward preserved natural areas.","taxTitle","Adams County, Colorado","taxId",4150,"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},6590544,"County outlines pilots for small‑business support: manufacturing assistance, community loan pool and façade grants",2497,14608000,17105000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31&start=14608&end=17105","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31/thumbnail_14608000.jpg","/articles/6590544/Adams-County/Colorado/County-outlines-pilots-for-smallbusiness-support-manufacturing-assistance-community-loan-pool-and-façade-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590544-84de81e71c90d1836675b11410f68360/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486928&Signature=nsDSqj6twUH9rzOhG6hCaE77gUyzjrKcMgCQBwkEqdIROt9tHAn6M4zUOoh5Im7MnlY4JJo5W0G6F4ZE7rQfMxQYNLjvDWTorW5T2HpQeeeiSBAxVCB61-Numf4HWRrd5ZdxfgpI~swbRNGWjkLsxasVmgpaWc2qMMF3e1hRieu4quIH9SpqVmqtB2IrYBzDbSg2enQVp8MF5I5MMbDM5rNN~r4rmgFjINLEeW7rKMFoPnqF52zAgU1dFN9xS~9Xj63LGrisR5G0DmoDCr2bWsXE6khGEz2VgXUP6GuDlobeDDcbW~JZ-Meh62uiNlqXnwGyT1qMc1JR29NGgEjqRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Economic development staff presented a set of incentive and support programs aimed at retaining and expanding local businesses and supporting corridor revitalization.

Manufacturing assistance pilot
Staff proposed testing a manufacturing assistance program modeled on a program used by other Colorado communities. The county would competitively select a nonprofit service provider (for example, Manufacturers Edge or a similar organization) to deliver technical assistance and cost‑sharing to small manufacturers (typically firms with 25 or fewer employees under similar programs). Staff suggested funding the pilot using residual, unclaimed rebate dollars that the county already budgets for incentive agreements; the board expressed support for piloting a program and asked staff to return with specific program parameters and an open competitive procurement approach.

Community loan pool (Colorado Enterprise Fund)
Staff reported on the county’s existing revolving loan pool managed by Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF). The pooled fund (total $4.2 million including county and municipal matches) has supported 211 loans since 2016, with roughly 101 active loans today and more than $12 million cycled through Adams County businesses. The program serves startups and small businesses with loans typically averaging about $57,000, paired with coaching through a Small Business Development Center. Staff said outcomes include job creation/retention and business stabilization in lower‑income and minority‑owned firms.

Construction wayfinding pilot
To help businesses affected by nearby road projects, staff launched a small construction wayfinding grant pilot. The program reimburses eligible businesses up to $2,500 for signs, communications or wayfinding that direct customers to open entrances during construction. Staff said seven businesses have received grants so far and the pilot aims to preserve visibility and sales while county crews work nearby.

Federal Boulevard façade/matching grant (CDBG pilot)
As part of a coordinated effort with housing and community development, staff described a CDBG‑funded, targeted façade and exterior improvement matching program for the Federal Boulevard corridor. The pilot uses $100,000 in CDBG funds to provide 1:1 matching grants up to $20,000 per project for exterior repairs, ADA access improvements and lighting. The program includes Davis‑Bacon wage requirements for construction paid with federal funds and requires applications to be reviewed by an interdepartmental committee before reimbursement.

Board response and next steps
Commissioners welcomed pilots but asked for clear performance metrics, return‑on‑investment measures and comparisons to peer programs. The board asked staff to bring back fine‑grained parameters and procurement language for the manufacturing assistance pilot, to continue tracking loan program outcomes and to provide before/after documentation for façade projects. Staff said they will return with formal program rules, NOFA language (for the manufacturing pilot) and a report on CEF loan performance later this year.","County staff described four tools to support local businesses: a proposed manufacturing assistance pilot (delivered by a contracted nonprofit), an update on the county’s Colorado Enterprise Fund revolving loan pool, a pilot construction wayfinding grant to help businesses during roadworks, and a CDBG‑funded façade/matching grant for Federal Boulevard.",{"_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},6590559,"Adams County to add ramp, upper‑level podium and dais pathway in public hearing room after board direction",1340,234000,1574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31&start=234&end=1574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31/thumbnail_234000.jpg","/articles/6590559/Adams-County/Colorado/Adams-County-to-add-ramp-upperlevel-podium-and-dais-pathway-in-public-hearing-room-after-board-direction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590559-19a89f53d8c1ceb87260b23335ded5c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486928&Signature=Q23EsTFxVmk8XuQuoOXQcXBxdYX9GziL8w3HQdkAMn5zKQkD3l~xwFMQRhL0P9nkIha12O9K6DnhOEqNsRlKIHW59B~oYmtujLOj8BODzaADSpkv9nXZmgtq9NwbawRjE49GJ1bYGzDm0kccFKQ6wimyXf7BeBFBA0C0FDr0zN0qbtTX3~cZ3dDOHwTNGfoFfy3xMwlXXrcK~Uv6EFliJpZnlJD8~-QP-ZOzbKGnJQ1km3xPhcs0JJLzvcWrJLbYcGyTMG9Vu1S99-u7vlfVKwgr1Kb8NShKUkBj2P-Xd6NKnTPnLL4qzZxKNSE1OeaerT7EDFTRA-547q5weCr9JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Adams County facilities staff returned to the Board of County Commissioners to present detailed designs and cost estimates for upgrades to the county’s public hearing room intended to improve accessibility and visitor experience.

The presentation outlined a base project previously approved by the board — a ramp on the east side of the room, four wheelchair‑compliant seating areas distributed around the room, signage and replacement of the existing lift — and new optional additions the board asked staff to study: a speaking podium at the upper (back) level plus an additional back row of ground‑level seats, and a new direct pathway from the commissioners’ dais to the wheelchair lift. The combined package would expand options for people with mobility limitations and create multiple routes between the levels.

Why it matters: staff said the room currently meets minimum ADA thresholds but lacks designated wheelchair spots on the upper level and provides a single, indirect route between the dais and the presentation floor. The more comprehensive design aims to improve dignity, sight lines and independent access for people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility needs.

Most important facts
- The board previously directed staff to pursue a comprehensive approach; staff returned with refined scope and options.
- Cost estimates: base scope (ramp, seating, lift replacement and signage) about $250,000; podium and added back row about $80,000; pathway from dais to lift about $50,000. Staff presented a total estimate of about $380,000 if all options are included.
- Funding: facilities maintains an ADA budget with an annual allocation of roughly $250,000; staff said remaining needs could be included in the 2026 budget and that the project can be staged across two budget years. They estimated an additional $150,000–$160,000 would be requested for 2026 depending on options chosen.
- Schedule: staff estimated three months to finish design, two to three months to procure a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC), and construction to start in 2026. Staff said final construction duration would depend on contractor input and whether the room must remain open during work.

Board direction and next steps
Facilities staff reported they would proceed with the base scope plus the two optional additions (podium/seating and dais‑to‑lift pathway) based on commissioners’ feedback at the study session. Staff said they would continue design with the county architect, finalize CMGC procurement documents, return with construction phasing options, and coordinate operations and accessibility during construction.

Questions and concerns raised
Commissioners and staff raised operational questions about public‑comment sign‑in and how the clerk’s functions would work from an upper‑level podium. Staff said they will coordinate with the clerk to test phone or digital sign‑in pathways and will pilot procedural changes before construction completes.

Several commissioners pressed for practical accommodations during hearings (subtle indicator lights, staffed run‑backs, and multiple microphones) and for attention to sight lines and lighting for the upper‑level podium. Commissioners also noted dignity and usability for elected officials who may need mobility accommodation and asked staff to consider door and egress weights, security and ADA compliance on access doors used by commissioners and staff.

What staff will return with
Staff said they will: complete final design details reflecting today’s guidance; develop a CMGC procurement package; produce options for operating the hearing room during construction (including temporary hearing room alternatives); and include cost‑and‑funding detail for incorporation into the 2026 budget process if the board confirms additional scope.

Speakers quoted in this report spoke during the facilities presentation and ensuing discussion. Direct attributions are limited to those named in the meeting record.","Adams County facilities staff won board direction to pursue a wider package of accessibility upgrades in the county’s public hearing room — including a ramp, four wheelchair‑compliant seats and replacement of the existing lift, plus two optional additions: an upper‑level speaking podium with added back‑row seats and a new pathway from the commissioners’ dais to the wheelchair lift.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590548,"Adams County staff outline $38.4 million fuels‑impact enterprise funds, urge rapid prioritization",0,9360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31&start=9360&end=9360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31/thumbnail_9360000.jpg","/articles/6590548/Adams-County/Colorado/Adams-County-staff-outline-384-million-fuelsimpact-enterprise-funds-urge-rapid-prioritization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590548-4f3e20ddefad5cee873d7b44672d4e24/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486928&Signature=jPZbjNMYu1sZRRDNmsnKG0vdhxkvNTRpl6FV59ikTmRlF0~7cZTr70cHu43w0vaKZCaMsLDi7GfYla-XIbm0ntDfNc4rRseYhhAJy1j0L3LTkH~dXG6bWT-ptYVoC2ufyiqlZZB9iek2RmEfthqu6HGi2tz2IPIUW7CfLpNjKvwA9pxLGvBbGwpnk05VMFpK~5SOoXEhvr8Exklme1g-HelhASJLA~JVNuEwQZ4MXiyfajUgurT0h0Pg5jbTaWul-A0dhmm8hvTICDWsL3ntmvn6SZBYbt7N1Td09KmuMDdjMS1YwlD2LctC-fF2S9ZGr0V2LUiArcN~hYOMAI~YPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Adams County staff presented an update on the state’s fuels impact reduction program and the county’s associated enterprise fund. The state allocation provides Adams County approximately $6.4 million per year; the county expects to receive roughly $38.4 million across the program period. Staff asked the board to provide prioritization guidance so the county can obligate funds and meet the state’s spending deadlines.

Key constraints and opportunities
Staff emphasized two legally binding dates from the state program: all county obligations must be made by January 1, 2029, and funds must be expended by December 31, 2029. The county may use the funds on freight corridors broadly; staff noted the program is intended to address safety, infrastructure durability, emergency response on freight corridors, and environmental mitigation associated with fuel transport.

Staff options and examples
Staff said the county could: 1) invest the funds in existing priority capital projects that serve freight corridors; 2) pursue collaborative projects with neighboring jurisdictions and CDOT to leverage additional funding; or 3) select smaller, shovel‑ready projects that can be obligated and spent quickly. Staff provided a long list of potential candidate projects and suggested a two‑track approach: identify quick, shovel‑ready safety/maintenance projects for early obligation and select larger, transformational projects for later years or paired funding.

Board concerns and direction
Commissioners stressed the importance of focusing funds on environmental mitigation and community health where freight impacts are greatest — particularly near Commerce City and other western portions of the county where fuel production activity is concentrated. Several commissioners asked staff to return with a curated, prioritized list and phasing recommendation rather than the full long list, and staff agreed to bring a more focused memo and project bucketization back within a month for board review.

Next steps
Staff proposed to categorize projects into priority buckets, to pursue inter‑jurisdictional collaborations where appropriate, and to return with a curated list and recommended schedule for obligations and spending. Commissioners pressed staff to weigh equity and community health impacts alongside readiness and cost when prioritizing.","County staff briefed commissioners on a new state program that provides Adams County roughly $6.4 million per year (total $38.4M) to mitigate freight/fuel transport impacts. Staff recommended quick decisions to obligate funds before 2029 and sought board guidance on prioritization and regional collaboration.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590553,"Design for West 70th Avenue reaches 90%; residents press county on medians, maintenance and timeline",828,2099000,2927000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31&start=2099&end=2927","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5499149-5ddb362d0797531291044bfd43e8fa31/thumbnail_2099000.jpg","/articles/6590553/Adams-County/Colorado/Design-for-West-70th-Avenue-reaches-90-residents-press-county-on-medians-maintenance-and-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590553-f630f7223996ac16f0d63df08419e63f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770486928&Signature=IrI966MJCWEERR4AY5NDQcAKeHX0gpnT89nnUAhy2h4ssRlVMkDPH6q9oUh5xIqYaOq9wQNTI8uSuyNEYCScagUbazjxjqscuBiTWgcpPgbFJXrtxKzTmqam5WWWU01bHglUaqTiXTOzw7D3wGLvUEc5Ay5UlUgDlAbsqpbLV1sZYqMw6GvZmnyZf9AEPhIYOpaa2oNOvf6~2yxC-0Vx0gpjsryyeC3Fs788KribblobdU9HWTjH5eTqTR3M9aAQeKjaHKh8Jswcn1mSOtVfiPi9dDLvQzgA4P4CZngLE8A8vNBOxPT5jTyNSKvBfWlIqwKvADQqukRZLn-kqGlQrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the West Seventieth Avenue corridor project, presenting a 90% engineering design and summarizing public engagement to date. The design package aims to improve safety and multimodal access along a corridor with schools, uneven cross sections and high crash incidence.

What staff proposed and why
Staff said the design generally proposes a three‑lane section (one travel lane in each direction plus a center turn lane or median where feasible), new sidewalks or multi‑use paths where right‑of‑way allows, bike lanes or painted bike facilities in tighter sections, raised medians and pedestrian refuge islands in school zones, and Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFB) for pedestrian crossings. Staff said those features reduce conflict points and improve pedestrian safety but acknowledged they limit some driveway movements and require right‑of‑way negotiations.

Community concerns and board questions
Several property owners and a vocal minority of residents objected to portions of the project where medians would prevent left turns into or out of driveways. Staff and commissioners pointed out trade‑offs: medians reduce conflict points and severe crashes but can increase travel distance for some local access movements. Staff also heard complaints about earlier communication and the project team acknowledged that outreach tools used early in the pandemic were imperfect; commissioners asked for clearer, continuing updates to the project website and additional community meetings.

Maintenance and aesthetics
Commissioners repeatedly asked how medians would be maintained after construction, noting weed control, irrigation, public safety for maintenance crews, and winter snow operations. Staff described maintenance options — lower‑maintenance materials or rock palettes, drought‑tolerant plantings, or reduced landscape scope — and said they would coordinate with district maintenance teams to produce a plan and contracting approach that reduces long‑term upkeep risk and cost.

Cost, schedule and funding context
Staff estimated a construction order‑of‑magnitude cost around $20 million and said projects can be phased to deliver high‑priority safety elements earlier. Right‑of‑way acquisition continues; staff said interagency coordination (water, sanitation, utilities) delayed earlier progress but has improved with regular quarterly coordination meetings. Staff also said they would bring the corridor into the county’s larger CIP prioritization and funding discussion next week; commissioners asked that staff be ready with recommended phasing options and estimated schedules.

Board guidance
After extensive discussion the board signaled support for advancing the 90% design and directed staff to: continue targeted re‑engagement with residents (to present the design, explain safety reasoning and document suggested refinements), prepare a median maintenance plan and cost estimate, explore phasing strategies to deliver near‑term safety items sooner, and return with more specific project timing and funding alternatives as part of the upcoming CIP review.

Speakers and evidence
Public Works staff led the presentation and fielded detailed technical questions about right‑of‑way, median placement, bicycle facility types and trade‑offs. Multiple commissioners emphasized communication, maintenance and credible timelines; commissioners also recommended neighborhood‑level follow‑up workshops before finalizing construction plans.","Public works presented a 90% design for West 70th Avenue that emphasizes safety — raised medians, sidewalks, bike or shared‑use paths, and RRFBs — while acknowledging trade‑offs for driveway access and property impacts. Commissioners asked for firm timelines, maintenance plans and further community engagement before construction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County planners propose cluster‑neighborhood option for agricultural zones; board asks for workshop on incentives and definitions

County outlines pilots for small‑business support: manufacturing assistance, community loan pool and façade grants

Adams County to add ramp, upper‑level podium and dais pathway in public hearing room after board direction

Adams County staff outline $38.4 million fuels‑impact enterprise funds, urge rapid prioritization

Design for West 70th Avenue reaches 90%; residents press county on medians, maintenance and timeline