Planning commission recommends rezoning for four homes on Depew Street after neighbors raise traffic, floodplain concerns

The Jefferson County Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 24 to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would allow applicant Jeffrey Jacob to rezone a 1.6‑acre parcel southwest of West Coal Mine Avenue and South Depew Street from Planned Development to Residential‑1 to permit four single‑family dwellings.

Staff said the request meets the county's five rezoning criteria. Case manager Reid Powers said surrounding properties are primarily residential or residential‑compatible uses, that the county's Comprehensive Master Plan recommends a density of four dwellings per acre or less, and that the lot area and minimum R‑1 lot size would allow up to five lots so the four proposed homes would yield about 3.125 dwellings per acre. Powers noted a small portion of the site at the south end lies in a floodplain and said applicable floodplain permits would be required if work occurs there. He also said Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District would provide water and sewer service, South Metro Fire Rescue District would provide fire protection, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would provide law enforcement.

Jeffrey Jacob, the applicant, testified he is a homebuilder and that his intent is to build “four nice homes” that will “blend” with the existing neighborhood. "I build homes for a living," Jacob told the commission after being sworn.

Three nearby residents testified in opposition or with concerns about the project's access and onsite conditions. Joanne Donnelly said she has lived on Depew Street in Normandy Estates for 32 years and described worsening vehicle congestion and on‑street parking on Depew that makes leaving driveways difficult. She said construction vehicle traffic and a new hammerhead turnaround at the proposed access point could create hazards and affect home values. Linda Hills, who said she has owned her home for nearly 30 years, also urged use of an access point on West Coal Mine Avenue rather than routing construction and future traffic down Depew. Diane May, testifying virtually from 5600 West Ontario Avenue, said she backs the other speakers’ concerns and described past changes to the local floodplain that affected homes.

Powers and other staff clarified that the rezoning would not approve a site plan or access points; those details are reviewed later in the subdivision and planning process. "This rezoning is not approving any site plan or access points or anything," Powers said, adding that the planning process for subdivision would include additional public hearings and a more detailed traffic and floodplain review.

Commission discussion focused on the narrow legal question before the commission: whether the rezoning satisfies the rezoning criteria. Commissioner Messner said the change is effectively a down‑zoning compared with allowable uses under the existing Planned Development, and Commissioner Spencer said the proposal is compatible with the Comprehensive Master Plan. Commissioner Messner moved to recommend approval based on the staff report and testimony; Commissioner Spencer seconded. Chairman Rogers and all commissioners present voted aye; the motion passed unanimously. The planning commission’s action is a recommendation to the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners, which holds final authority on rezoning cases.

Next steps for the applicant, as outlined by staff, include formally subdividing the parcel (which would require additional public hearings before the planning commission and the Board of County Commissioners), obtaining any required floodplain permits, and securing building permits.