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Board approves Highlands Ranch Filing 159 for 9.69‑acre senior affordable apartment site
Summary
The Board of Douglas County Commissioners approved a minor development final plat to create a 9.69‑acre lot in Highlands Ranch for a senior, low‑income apartment project using 4% LIHTC financing, with four conditions including burrowing‑owl and historic resource protections.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted March 10 to approve Highlands Ranch Filing 159 (SB2023-022), a minor development final plat establishing a 9.69‑acre lot intended for a senior affordable apartment building.
Staff presenter Carolyn Washi Freeland said the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval and that referral comments were standard and addressed. Applicant John Kilroy of Shea Properties described prior local projects (including The Audrey) and said the company anticipates using a 4% low‑income housing tax‑credit structure restricted to 60% of area median income and age‑restricted to residents 55 and older.
Kilroy outlined site features including a proposed metro‑district park with community gardens, a walking trail and trail parking to improve access to the High Line Canal trail, and a private driveway connection to Plaza Drive. He said Highlands Ranch Water and Sanitation District has provided a letter confirming water and sanitation service feasibility.
Staff recommended four conditions before recordation: a burrowing‑owl survey for earth‑moving between March 15 and Oct. 31, vigilance for historic and paleontological resources with immediate county notification in the event of a find, technical corrections to the plat, and a condition tying approval to commitments made in the public record. Kilroy confirmed acceptance of the conditions.
Commissioners praised the project as addressing a need for senior affordable housing and voted to approve the minor development final plat with the four staff conditions. The applicant said design work will proceed in 2026, with construction anticipated to begin late 2026 and initial leasing in 2028 if permitting proceeds on schedule.
The board’s action advances the site toward final permitting; staff will require the listed studies and technical corrections before recordation of the final plat.
