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Council delays decision on Alta Vita riparian setback variance after divided debate
Summary
Longmont City Council heard a multi‑hour presentation on a proposed riparian setback reduction for the 17‑acre Alta Vita senior housing site along Dry Creek. Staff and the applicant differed on ecological scoring; council voted to table the request for further review and materials, returning it at a future meeting.
Longmont City Council on Aug. 26 heard a detailed proposal to reduce the city’s 100‑foot riparian setback along Dry Creek Number 1 so developer Alta Vita can build senior housing closer to a multiuse bike path. After two hours of presentations and questions, the council voted to table the application for more analysis and to return it to a future meeting.
The variance matter matters because the city’s Longmont Municipal Code riparian setback (LMC 15O502 — as described in staff materials) is intended to protect stream corridors, wetland and wildlife habitat. The applicant sought a variable setback tied to the north edge of an existing bike path rather than the standard 100‑foot line; Planning & Zoning recommended a 50‑foot setback measured from the northern edge of the riparian habitat.
Senior environmental planner Zach Lasik opened staff’s technical briefing and described the new Sustainability Evaluation System (SES) used to score ecological impacts. The applicant’s SES score was 10; staff’s independent SES score was 5. Parker Macy, representing the applicant, said the site is about 17 acres…
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