Development code approved in Woodland Park
A long, arduous process reached completion when the Woodland Park City Council approved the new Unified Development Code during its meeting on March 5.
The new code was developed as a result of multiple work sessions over the course of the past three years. The objective was to restructure Titles 17-19 into a single code for easier reference and use by citizens and developers alike. Among the items covered in those titles are regulations governing mobile homes, subdivisions and zoning. Also updated was that portion of Title 5 regarding wireless communications facilities.
“This is rather emotional,” Planning Director Karen Schminke said while introducing the presentation. “Those of you who have heard a lot of this before, just bear with us because there’s always somebody new to the party and we want to make sure that they understand the level of review and detail and thoroughness that went into preparing this document.”
The process began with the adoption of Woodland Park’s Comprehensive Plan in October, 2021. That plan is an aspirational document that guides the future development and growth of Woodland Park.
Beginning in 2022, the consulting firm Logan Simpson began preparing a draft of the new UDC. The Planning Commission, and any members of City Council and Board of Adjustment who wished to participate, did a “slow crawl,” through the draft. That effort included more than 20 work sessions. The plan also went through legal and public review.
“This is a really exciting evening for us after so much hard work,” Jennifer Gardner, senior associate with Logan Simpson said. “The focus of this project was really restructuring, not changing a lot of metrics.”
The document is comprised of seven chapters, each of which serves a distinct purpose while working together.
New restaurant
City council approved a new hotel and restaurant liquor license for Vista Lounge, which is located at E. CO 24 in Woodland Park, which is next to U-Haul. Vista Lounge will be a bistro restaurant serving craft drinks and food along with mocktails.
“I think it’ll be very good for the City of Woodland Park all around to have such culinary differences,” said Jayden Lopez, the applicant.
Citizen Academy
Kristen Higginbotham recognized the graduates of the Citizen Academy, who were adorned in light blue Woodland Park sweatshirts.
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