Wheat Ridge planning commission backs rezoning for 39‑unit Blue Columbine cohousing project

The Wheat Ridge Planning Commission voted 7–0 on July 17 to recommend approval of case WZ2309, a zone change from Agricultural 1 (A1) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) for a 39‑unit cohousing community called Blue Columbine at 11571 and 11581 West 40th Avenue.

Planning staff presented the outline development plan (ODP) and staff report, saying the 3.33‑acre site is appropriate for higher‑density housing along the 40th Avenue corridor and meets the city’s review criteria. “The property is within the City of Wheat Ridge. All appropriate notification and posting requirements have been met, and planning commission has jurisdiction to hear this case,” said Stephanie Stevens, planner, City of Wheat Ridge Community Development Department. Stevens described the ODP as a two‑sheet, property‑specific zoning document that establishes permitted uses, development standards and a conceptual layout; she said the applicant proposes a cohousing community with a common house, shared amenities and a total of 39 dwelling units.

The ODP calls for two access points from 40th Avenue, a looped perimeter drive, and a transition in building scale: multi‑unit buildings and the…