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Planning commission discusses SB 24-174 water and strategic-growth requirements; public expert urges data on water use
Summary
Commissioners reviewed state law SB 24-174 requirements for a strategic growth element and a water supply element in comprehensive plans; staff said Lakewood is coordinating with DOLA, Denver Water and DRCOG, and a public commenter urged publication of comparative water-use data showing attached housing often uses less outdoor water than single-family homes.
At its July 8 meeting the Lakewood Planning Commission discussed how Senate Bill 24-174 will affect the city's comprehensive plan. Staff told commissioners that SB 24-174 requires local plans to include a strategic growth element and a water supply element with specific content; staff are coordinating with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Denver Water and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and will survey local water providers before recommending any formal plan amendments.
Commissioners pressed for specificity on DOLA guidance, which staff said was issued in part but still being interpreted by many jurisdictions. The chair asked whether Lakewood’s February 2024 strategic housing plan and the DRCOG regional housing needs assessment meet DOLA requirements; staff said DOLA accepted the regional assessment in lieu of some local criteria and the city has satisfied the housing-needs-assessment requirement but promised to provide written confirmation.
During public comment, Max Nardo of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project urged commissioners to differentiate underutilized infill from outer undeveloped land and to publish comparative water-use data. "Townhomes and small attached multifamily forms use about one-third of the outdoor water use as typical single-family homes," Nardo said, urging the commission to spotlight outdoor irrigation as the largest lever to reduce water demand. Commissioners asked for sources and context; Nardo said he would post referenced reports and offered to email supporting research.
Commissioners also discussed policy levers the city might pursue—including development standards, incentives for turf replacement and coordination with water-district tap-fee policies—and requested that staff identify and share Denver Water or DRCOG documentation that supports the city's statement that long-term water supply will meet planned growth. Staff said they will return with additional information and will solicit responses from water providers.
