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Planning commission reaffirms recommendation to remove 'commercial' from table of uses to block immediate large-scale development
Summary
The Boulder Planning Commission voted unanimously to stand by its previous transmittal recommending deletion of the "commercial" row from the table of uses, a short-term measure intended to prevent new large-scale commercial development while the commission and council consider longer-term zoning revisions.
The Boulder Town Planning Commission on Sept. 16 voted unanimously to reaffirm its earlier recommendation that the town delete the "commercial" use row from the table of uses for the General Mixed Use (GMU) designation, a short-term action intended to prevent immediate large-scale commercial development proposals.
Chair Nancy Tosta summarized that the commission had previously drafted ordinance language removing the commercial row as a stopgap. At the town council meeting that prompted the transmittal, council member John Baranth raised concerns that removing the row could make existing businesses "nonconforming," potentially limiting their ability to expand. Commissioners discussed that outcome and possible remedies — including drafting a follow-up ordinance that explicitly allows modification or enlargement of existing commercial structures or setting a cutoff date so only future proposals would be barred.
After discussion, Commissioner Daryl Fuller moved that the commission "tell the town council that we recommend deleting the commercial use from the table of uses." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Commissioners asked the council to send a memo if it wants additional changes beyond the deletion recommendation. The commission also suggested staff or the town attorney draft a brief ordinance allowing existing businesses to modify or expand as needed, or to use county/five-county resources to craft quick ordinance language.
Why it matters: Removing the commercial row from allowable uses in GMU is intended as a short-term protective measure while a longer-term review of the table of uses and zoning code occurs. Commissioners noted the number of existing businesses in mapped commercial districts is small and that the general plan already references conditional-use permit pathways for significant changes.
Quotes: "We did what the town council asked us to do. We drafted...and we deleted that row," Chair Nancy Tosta said, summarizing the commission's prior action. Commissioner Daryl Fuller moved the reaffirmation and urged quick, practical drafting if the council wants existing businesses to retain expansion rights.
Next steps: The commission will transmit its standing recommendation to the town council and suggested either the council ask staff to draft the narrow ordinance protecting existing commercial operations or seek assistance from five-county planning professionals to produce short, targeted language.
