Castle Rock planning commission recommends PL‑2 zoning for East Plum Creek Trail parcel
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Summary
The Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend that Town Council approve a PL‑2 (public land, passive use) zoning designation for a 0.21‑acre town‑owned parcel that contains part of the East Plum Creek Trail. Council will consider annexation and zoning at a public hearing on Aug. 19.
On July 24, 2025, the Castle Rock Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to recommend that Town Council approve a PL‑2 (Public Land 2) zone district for a 0.21‑acre town‑owned parcel that includes a segment of the East Plum Creek Trail.
Town planning staff presented the proposal and said the request is strictly for zoning; annexation will be considered separately by Town Council. "This is PL 2. . . . It does allow passive uses, such as open spaces and trails," planning staff member Sandy Vossler told the commission, explaining that the PL‑2 designation allows passive public uses and that the town does not plan to change the parcel’s current trail use.
The parcel, currently in Douglas County and zoned AG‑1, lies west of Plum Creek Golf Course and north of Crystal Valley Parkway, staff said. Vossler also told the commission the rezoning effort is part of a broader multi‑year program to incorporate small town‑owned parcels that sit in unincorporated Douglas County into the town to avoid overlapping jurisdiction for emergency services and other municipal functions. She said the proposed PL‑2 classification complies with the municipal code straight‑zone criteria (section 17‑2‑260) and the town’s comprehensive plan.
One member of the public spoke in support. Beth Nichols, identified herself as a Douglas County resident living in Parker and a land‑use planning graduate student at the University of Denver; she said she supported the rezoning to keep the parcel dedicated to trail and open‑space use. "I fully support the rezoning effort," Nichols said.
After public comment, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the PL‑2 zone district for the East Plum Creek Trail property; another commissioner seconded the motion. The recording secretary conducted a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Tom Martinez, Jeff Samuelson, Carlos Salinas, Carrie Stanley, Mitchell Solwyn, Vice Chair Kevin McHugh, and Chair Todd Bornke voted yes. The motion passed 7‑0.
Town staff noted that Town Council will consider the annexation and the PL‑2 zoning at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. No changes to trail access, maintenance, or current uses were proposed as part of the zoning recommendation.