Staff outlines proposed architectural and landscaping standards to guide future Basehor development

During a work session following the regular meeting, Planning Director Jim Sherman and planner Alex Van Dyke presented a draft set of architectural standards intended to raise façade and landscaping quality across Basehor developments. The topics included prohibitions on non‑varying, repeated floor plans, restrictions on garages that project far forward of the front building plane, suggested increases in masonry or engineered-stone facades, a color-palette submittal requirement, larger caliper street trees (1.5–2 inch standard), and lot-coverage limits targeting roughly 35–40 percent impermeable coverage.

Jim Sherman said staff received direction during a recent tour to limit repetitive streetscapes: "One of the things we are looking to bring forward... is non repeating structures. You cannot be side by side or across the street with the same floor plan." He also said staff aims to balance smaller lot sizes with higher facade and landscape quality so new, smaller-lot developments still deliver durable, attractive streetscapes. Commissioners asked about who enforces palettes and plan review processes; staff said the builder would submit materials and palettes upfront and staff and the building inspector would review them during plan-review and inspections. Staff plans to return with a consolidated architectural-standards document and a separate landscaping proposal for formal consideration.