Thornton officials review comprehensive development-code rewrite, debate smaller-lot rules and walkability standards

City of Thornton staff on Wednesday presented Draft 2 of a comprehensive rewrite of the city's development code, pulling previous article-level updates into a consolidated document and asking council for direction on a handful of unresolved policy choices, including minimum lot sizes, mixed-housing requirements and whether detached sidewalks should be required on all local streets.

The draft organizes the new code into 13 articles covering zoning districts, use standards, building and site design, access and mobility, landscaping, subdivision rules and a final definitions article. Long Range Planning Manager Karen Wodomski and planning consultants walked council through the changes staff has made since the first draft, emphasizing clearer formatting, ADA-compliant public tables and reorganization of standards for readability.

Wodomski said the rewrite is intended to modernize dimensional rules and reduce subjectivity in approvals by strengthening objective standards. 'We're trying to make the process more efficient, more reliable and more consistent,' she said. Staff plans one more briefing before the public hearing process begins in July, and schedule items now point to a planning-commission hearing on July 1 and council first and second readings in July and August.

Why it matters: The rewrite will govern how new housing, commercial and mixed-use projects are designed across Thornton and affects things residents…