Council advances unified development code on first reading; debate centers on private stables in residential zones

The Woodland Park City Council advanced ordinance 15‑21, a unified development code (UDC) that reorganizes city development regulations, and set a public hearing for March 5, 2026. The UDC would repeal and replace portions of Titles 16–18 and adopt a new user‑friendlier code structure.

Karen, planning staff, summarized years of work by the planning commission and explained how the code consolidates nonconformity language and retains use‑specific standards for features such as private stables. She read specific stable rules included in the UDC draft: minimum 60‑foot front‑lot setbacks, location in rear yards, at least 1,000 sq ft of fenced area per horse, spacing from dwellings and lot lines, and a five‑animal maximum for private stables.

Council discussion centered on a proposal by Councilor Catherine to remove private stables as a permitted use in SR and UR residential zones and instead treat them as nonconforming for the five existing properties. Councilors questioned whether to change the draft at first reading or defer to the public hearing for fuller debate. Planning staff said nonconformity protections are included elsewhere in Chapter 1 and that stable‑specific standards remain in the UDC to govern any existing or modified stables.

Council agreed to leave the draft as written for first reading and to solicit public input at the March 5 hearing, giving staff time to add any requested clarifying language. By roll call the ordinance passed the first‑reading action and the hearing was set.