Council approves Bella Mesa South plan for 93 townhomes, applicant exceeds parking and open-space requirements

Castle Rock Town Council unanimously approved the Bella Mesa South site development plan, a 9.3-acre project proposed for 93 single-family attached townhomes. Staff planner Tara Vargas summarized the proposal, saying it proposes 93 townhomes—about half the maximum density permitted—provides two parking spaces per unit plus 57 additional surface spaces, and includes private open space beyond what Bella Mesa PD required.

Josie O’Connor, the project’s landscape architect with Redlands, described pedestrian connectivity and privacy measures, saying the design focused vehicular access toward the center of the site to minimize headlight impacts and to provide front doors facing the street. O’Connor also noted the plan offers “a couple acres of open space that was not required with this application” and 22 on-street spaces on Michelson to address guest parking. Council members discussed accessibility to first-floor units, the traffic impact study’s historical conformance, and neighborhood compatibility; staff and Cardell Homes’ consultants said the traffic impact study (TIS) aligns with prior annexation assumptions and previous mitigation (roundabout) was completed to meet levels of service.

Councilmember Brooks, whose district includes the site, endorsed the plan as a better product than earlier proposals and praised reduced density and enhanced parking. On motion, council voted to approve the resolution and site development plan by roll call; the motion passed unanimously.