Council adopts Colfax–13th station-area plan into comprehensive plan

The Aurora City Council on Aug. 25 unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-84, amending the city's 2018 comprehensive plan to adopt the Colfax and Thirteenth Avenue station area plan by reference.

Daniel Krasnowski of the planning department told council the update replaces the 2009 station-area plan and reflects recent zoning, policy changes and development around the Colfax and 13th Avenue light-rail stations. "This updated plan ... reaffirms the vision for the areas of mixed-use transit oriented development area, provides streamlined and more effective zoning and development standards in the plan, and will serve as a foundation for that urban renewal plan," Krasnowski said.

Krasnowski said the plan area covers about 187 acres in North Central Aurora, includes the Colfax Avenue and Thirteenth Avenue stations and is adjacent to the Anschutz Medical Campus and established neighborhoods. Because the action is a comprehensive-plan amendment, the staff noted state/open-meetings criteria require a supermajority — not less than two-thirds of the council — for adoption.

There were no public speakers. Council member Giza moved to approve the ordinance; Council member Jarenski seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The adopted station-area plan provides a policy and zoning framework intended to accelerate transit-oriented, mixed-use redevelopment and to support any future urban renewal actions and infrastructure investments in the corridor.