Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landscaping topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves procedural updates to Wheat Ridge landscaping code (Waterwise)
Summary
The Wheat Ridge City Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval (8-0) of ZOA‑25‑5, a technical amendment to section 26‑502 that clarifies landscaping calculations, aligns artificial-turf language with other code sections, and adds a townhouse (single‑unit attached) term into the landscape rules.
The Wheat Ridge City Planning Commission voted unanimously (8‑0) to recommend approval of ZOA‑25‑5, an ordinance amending section 26‑502 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws to make procedural clarifications to landscaping requirements adopted previously as the "Waterwise Ordinance." The changes were described by staff as technical corrections and alignment with state-level terminology on artificial turf.
Scott Cutler, senior planner, presented the staff report and said the city adopted the Waterwise Ordinance last year and has now identified a few implementation discrepancies that need correction. The proposed changes include adding a footnote to the landscape-calculation table to clarify how maximum percentages are applied when applicants provide more landscaping than required; aligning artificial-turf definitions and restrictions across the mixed-use code and the Lutheran Legacy Campus zoning language; and adding the term "single unit attached" (townhouse) into the landscape code so the rules consistently apply when townhouses are part of multiunit developments.
"These are for the purposes of this ordinance, they're all under the multiunit umbrella, because from a development standpoint and impervious standpoint, they're similar. But we just wanted to clarify that multiunit in this case would include the townhome," Cutler said. He also described the artificial turf language as constrained by state terms, noting the city's attorney recommended matching the state's phrasing.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the state language distinguishing qualifying "athletic fields of play" from playgrounds, dog runs and similar uses; Cutler said the phrasing follows the state statute and staff does not have authority to change the state's definition.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to adopt the procedural updates; the motion carried 8 to 0. Staff indicated the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for action.
Votes at a glance - ZOA‑25‑5 (procedural updates to section 26‑502, Waterwise landscaping requirements): planning commission recommended approval; motion carried 8 to 0.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting record and attributed exactly as in the transcript.
