Council advances zoning rewrite to add R7 district and ease medium/high density rules; second reading set for Aug. 12

On a unanimous vote the Broomfield City Council gave first reading to Ordinance No. 2,275, a comprehensive update to medium‑ and high‑density residential zoning intended to broaden housing types and streamline straight‑zone review.

Planning Manager Brandon Rowe told the council the proposal renames and revises R3 (medium‑low) and R5 (medium‑high) districts to allow townhomes, quadplexes and neighborhood‑scale multiunit buildings with higher height and density limits (R3 maximum height proposed to increase from 30 to 45 feet and density from 10 to 20 units/acre; R5 height from 30 to 50 feet and density from 20 to 30 units/acre). The ordinance would also create an R7 district as the city's new high‑density straight zone that could permit buildings up to 80 feet where a property owner seeks rezoning; R7 developments would require a rezoning public hearing and concept/site review.

Rowe said staff conducted outreach (multiple study sessions and neighborhood meetings) and that no city‑initiated rezonings would occur automatically if the ordinance is adopted; property owners would have to apply. Councilmembers asked about which parcels might be likely candidates, how the proposal relates to existing PUD and TOD allowances, and possible visual impacts; staff said the ordinance is based on best practices and a range of comparable districts in nearby communities and that the R7 district would be subject to a rezoning process with criteria regarding compatibility with surrounding uses.

Councilmember Wynne moved and Marsh Olsen seconded first reading of the ordinance; the motion passed 9–0. A second reading and public hearing will be scheduled for Aug. 12.