Westminster council approves first reading to rezone parcel from R25 to R20 amid resident concern

The Westminster City Council on Dec. 14 approved first reading of Ordinance 01-13-2026-01 to rezone a parcel from R25 to R20, a change residents warned would increase the number of homes permitted on the site.

Residents at the meeting urged the council to consider infrastructure limits and property‑value impacts. Bruce, a resident who spoke during public comment, said the change represents "a 40% increase" in homes and questioned whether building "homes one at a time" could avoid state subdivision permitting, adding that residents felt they had been treated rudely at a prior Planning Commission hearing and that police were called.

Mayor (title) responded that the city cannot prohibit an owner from developing private property and that the International Residential Code is applied uniformly across the state, so rezoning itself would not change building‑code obligations for neighboring homes. The mayor apologized for any perceived rudeness at the Planning Commission meeting and said staff must enforce meeting order in crowded hearings.

Council members debated balancing growth and preservation. One council member argued that population growth brings restaurants and revenue; others said turnout and resident concerns will inform future planning work. After discussion, council moved, seconded and approved first reading of the rezoning ordinance on a roll‑call style vote.

The ordinance proceeds to a required second reading, when council members will consider any negotiated contract language or conditions before final adoption.