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Council approves Percheron land‑use changes and rezoning after staff, applicant presentations
Summary
City Council voted unanimously to approve a land‑use plan modification affecting roughly 350 acres and rezoned 156 acres in the Percheron (Banning Lewis Ranch North) area to Mixed Use Large (MXL); staff and the applicant said the changes increase commercial acreage and consolidate a school site.
Colorado Springs City Council unanimously approved a land‑use plan modification and a zone map amendment for the Percheron area (formerly Banning Lewis Ranch North) on Jan. 13, voting 9–0 on both items.
City planning staff presented the applications, describing a proposed rezoning of about 156 acres to Mixed Use Large (MXL) and a land use plan modification affecting approximately 350 acres. Planner Molly O'Brien summarized the development impacts: residential acreage would decrease (from 438 to 402 acres), commercial acreage would increase (from 81.9 to 136.4 acres), and the proposed school site would expand from 22.2 to 35 acres.
Andrea Barlow of NES, representing the applicant, told the council the development is underway and that the rezoning and land‑use changes reflect refined plans and a desire to increase the commercial component in the southwest quadrant. Barlow said the applicant and the school district negotiated a preferred consolidated school site along the eastern boundary and that planned infrastructure improvements — including Woodman Road and Banning Lewis Parkway extensions — will support future access and circulation.
Staff and applicant said the applications underwent public notice and interagency review. Molly O'Brien said traffic studies were updated and that initial agency concerns were addressed; nine written comments were received during the process with concerns about wildlife, traffic and intensity of commercial uses. No speakers signed up for public comment at the council hearing.
Council members asked about school safety and access; the applicant said additional access improvements and a future land‑use amendment would address school access and safety requirements in coordination with School District 49. After questions, Councilman Hincham moved on item 11A and the motion passed 9–0; the council then approved item 11B by the same margin.
The rezoning to MXL sets a framework for future commercial uses and development standards, while the land‑use plan changes adjust the balance of residential, commercial and school acreage across the Percheron master‑planned area; any future development proposals will require site‑level review and applicable permits.
