PZC Packet 030717
1 Agenda posted on Friday, March third, 2017 at the following public places within the Town of Avon:
-Avon Municipal Building, Avon Recreation Center, Avon Public Library, Town of Avon Website www.avon.org
Please call 970-748-4023 for questions
Planning & Zoning Commission
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
One Lake Street
If you require special accommodation please contact us in advance and we will assist you. You may call
David McWilliams at 970-748-4023 or email cmcwilliams@avon.org with any special requests
I. Call to Order – 5:00pm
II. Roll Call
III. Additions & Amendments to the Agenda
IV. Conflicts of Interest
V. Minor Design & Development – 100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard - PUBLIC HEARING TABLED FROM
FEBURARY 21, 2017
File: MNR16035
Legal Description: Lot A, Avon Center Subdivision
Applicant: Chris Stryker
Summary: Public Hearing on a proposal for a cell phone antenna and screening on top of Avon
Center.
VI. Work Session – Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Summary: Review completed changes to the Comprehensive Plan in its entirety. Staff will
present a clean copy for general comments on vision of the document.
VII. Approval of Record of Recommendation
Code Text Amendment – CTA17001
VIII. Approval of Meeting Minutes
February 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes
IX. Staff Updates
Beaver Creek Boulevard
New Town Hall
Tract G Planning
X. Adjourn
Page I 1 March 7, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting –Continued from February 21 Meeting
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard Antenna Screening Application Lot A Avon Center Subdivision
Case #MNR16035 Minor Development Plan
March 7, 2017
Continued from February 21, 2017 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
Staff Report Overview
This report contains analysis and a recommended motion for a proposed Minor Development to
include a cell phone antenna array and screening on the Avon Center building, which was Tabled
from the February 21 hearing.
Continuance of Hearing
During the February 21, 2017 hearing, PZC was concerned with the visual prominence of the
proposed screening structure, and Tabled the hearing so the Applicant could present a more
palatable antenna array design. This report includes an updated site plan of the proposal, and photo
renderings will be made available to PZC on the day of the meeting.
Proposed Changes
Chris Stryker (the Applicant), representing T-Mobile, is proposing to add cell phone antennas and
screening to the top of the Avon Center (Exhibit A). The new proposal is mounted to various parts
of the roof, and not the top of the elevator shaft. One antenna is mounted to an existing wall on the
northwest; two directions are housed in a single new shroud near the west corner of the building
with the screening and antennas matching the height of the elevator shaft, at one hundred (100’)
feet; and a sled mounted east antenna that is ninety four (94’) feet.
Property Description
As one of the tallest buildings in Town, Avon Center is an attractive location to place cell antennas.
Avon Center’s roof currently contains an array of antennas, exhaust pipes, and other service related
protrusions. The image below captures several views from various angles.
Project type Minor Development Plan
Public Hearing Required
Legal Description Lot A, Avon Center At Beaver Creek Subdivision
Zoning Town Center (TC)
Address
Owner
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard
Avon Center
Prepared By David McWilliams, Town Planner
Page I 2 March 7, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting –Continued from February 21 Meeting
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard Antenna Screening Application Lot A Avon Center Subdivision
View from Prater Lane.
View from Northeast.
View from Northwest.
Allowed Use and Density: The Property is zoned Town Center (TC) and is located at 100 West
Beaver Creek Boulevard. Antennas are allowable by review of a Minor Development Plan.
Page I 3 March 7, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting –Continued from February 21 Meeting
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard Antenna Screening Application Lot A Avon Center Subdivision
Building Height: Avon Center is ninety two feet (92’) tall, with a one hundred foot (100’) elevator
shaft. The proposed antenna and screening would total one hundred (100’) feet at its highest. Other
locations will be sled mounted at ninety four (94’) feet, and wall mounted to an existing wall, at
roughly one hundred (100’) feet.
7.16.80 Development Plan
Purpose
To ensure compliance with the development and design standards and provisions of this
Development Code. It is designed to encourage quality development reflective of the goals, policies
and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
§7.16.90 Design Review
Purpose
To ensure compliance with the development and design standards of the Development Code prior to
the issuance of a building permit and to encourage quality development reflective of the goals and
objectives of the Avon Comprehensive Plan.
Public Notice
Notice of the public hearing was published in the February 8 edition of the Vail Daily in accordance
with Sec. 7.16.020(d) of the Avon Development Code. Mailed notice is not required for this
application type.
§7.28 Analysis of Applicable Development Standards
Purpose: To establish the minimum requirements for design and development within the Town.
The development and design standards in this Chapter shall apply to the physical layout and design
of all development.
Screening: §7.28.060(b)(2) states: All antennas shall be located so that they are screened from view
from any public right-of-way or neighboring property. Screening may be accomplished by or
through the use of landscaping materials, existing structures, sub-grade placements or other means
that both screen the antennas and appear natural to the site.
Further, §7.28.060(d)(1) states: Roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened by a parapet
wall or similar feature that is an integral part of the building's architectural design. The parapet
wall or similar feature shall be of a height equal to or greater than the height of the mechanical
equipment being screened.
Staff Response: This array and screening are found to be in general compliance with the above
requirements. While the sled mounted antenna is not screened, proper painting will achieve
effective blending with the rest of the structure.
§7.28.090 Design Standards
Building Materials and Colors: The exterior of the screened walls are proposed to match the rest
of the building to effectively integrate it into the overall esthetic of the building.
Mixed Use Design Standards
Scale and Massing: The new design lowers the total height of the array, and has minimal visual
prominence.
Page I 4 March 7, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting –Continued from February 21 Meeting
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard Antenna Screening Application Lot A Avon Center Subdivision
Minor Development Plan & Design Review - Review Criteria
§ 7.16.080(f), Development Plan
1. Evidence of substantial compliance with the purpose of the Development Code as
specified in §7.04.030, Purposes;
Staff Response: This application promotes the efficient use of land, and equalizes the
provision of public services (cell phone use) with the demand on the service (Provision g).
2. Evidence of substantial compliance with §7.16.090, Design Review;
Staff Response: This Minor Design Application is compliant with the Design Review
criteria of the Development Code. The Design Review section seeks quality development
and structures that are visually harmonious with their site and surrounding vicinity.
Conformance with this code section is discussed below in response to the Design Review
criteria.
3. Consistency with the Avon Comprehensive Plan;
Staff Response: The site is located in the West Town Center District (District 1 of the
Comprehensive Plan). This District includes principles that encourage mixed use structures
that provide a strong bed base to Avon. The provision of reliable cell phone service
promotes visitor satisfaction.
4. Consistency with any previously approved and not revoked subdivision plat, planned
development, or any other precedent plan or land use approval for the property as
applicable;
Staff Response: The application is in conformance with the accompanying requirements of
the Town Center zoning.
5. Compliance with all applicable development and design standards set forth in this
Code, including but not limited to the provisions in Chapter 7.20, Zone Districts and
Official Zoning Map, Chapter 7.24, Use Regulations, and Chapter 7.28, Development
Standards; and
Staff Response: The application is in compliance with all applicable development and
design standards. As stated above, the application conforms to the screening standards in
Chapter 7.28 of the Avon Municipal Code.
6. That the development can be adequately served by city services inclu ding but not
limited to roads, water, wastewater, fire protection, and emergency medical services.
Staff Response: The Property is fully served by all Town and special district services.
§ 7.16.090(f), Design Review
1. The design relates the development to the character of the surrounding community; or,
where redevelopment is anticipated, relates the development to the character of Avon
as a whole;
Staff Response: The proposal is contextually within the intended character of the West
Town Center and surrounding community.
2. The design meets the development and design standards established in this
Development Code; and
Page I 5 March 7, 2017 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting –Continued from February 21 Meeting
100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard Antenna Screening Application Lot A Avon Center Subdivision
Staff Response: The design is compliant with the development and design standards
contained in the Development Code.
3. The design reflects the long range goals and design criteria from the Avon
Comprehensive Plan and other applicable, adopted plan documents.
Staff Response: The Avon Comprehensive Plan is the only applicable adopted plan. The
design has been evaluated for conformance with this plan and staff has determined the
proposed design meets the requirements. Staff consulted the West Town Center District
Investment Plan and found no applicable guidance.
Staff Recommendation for MNR16038 Minor Design & Development Plan:
Findings:
1. The proposed application was reviewed pursuant to §7.16.080(f), Development Plan, and
§7.16.090(f), Design Review.
2. The proposal represents the best available installation location of the antennas with minimal
visual impact.
Recommended Motion: “I move to approve Case#MNR16035, an application for Minor Design
for Lot A, Avon Center Subdivision, together with the findings recommended by staff.”
Exhibits:
A: Site Plan
WEST BEAVER CREEK BLVDAJLARBLE-1SITE PLANOPTION 5:SITE PLANBDN01512AAVON DTA02-28-17LEASE EXHIBITDO
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TB03-03-17LEASE EXHIBITSOUTHEAST ELEVATION
To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: David McWilliams, Town Planner
Meeting Date: March 7, 2017
Topic: Comprehensive Plan Update, Work Session No. 10
Introduction
This session presents a “clean” version of the entire Comp Plan, “Attachment B”. Since PZC
review, staff has selectively edited the sections to further eliminate redundancy, unclear word
choice, and reordered the sections in a succinct way. The formatting presented is not intended to
be a representation of the final document, but is a means to illustrate the new compactness of the
document while displaying the information to be found in the final draft.
At this point staff requests a higher view of the document for overall legibility, clarity, and vision
for the Town. Staff encourages highlighting any typos or other errors, but the conversation should
center on the Comp Plan feel and vision. Please read the document in its entirety to provide any
other high level input on the process.
Note that the Goals and Policies section “Housing” is not included. A Housing steering
committee was formed recently, and has further refined the last direction PZC gave staff to include
more specific language and policies. This will be presented as a before – after view, during the
3.7 meeting.
Changes from the 2.21 Meeting
The changes from the last review sessions are presented within the document. “Attachment A” is
the unfinished packet from two weeks ago with a few more districts to assess. The clean version,
Attachment B, includes the proposed changes without redlines. PZC also gave direction to
investigate combining Districts 3, 20, and 27 due to their shared nature as sensitive riparian areas.
Based on this input, the district numbers may change to aid in continuity.
Also included is the Implementation Matrix (section K of the current Comp Plan). This section
has been updated so finished “next steps” are excluded, and the Policies correspond to the new
locations from the Goals and Policies section.
Comp Plan Approval Schedule
The next scheduled PZC Comp Plan meeting will take place on April 4. This meeting will present
the final draft of the Comp Plan, and be a public hearing for with a recommendation to Town
Council. On April 11, Town Council is expected to act on the recommendation. Staff invites the
PZC to attend this meeting to provide insight on the overarching thought process behind creating
the document.
1 Avon Comp Plan Draft
I. Introduction
Purpose of the Plan
This Comprehensive Plan provides the foundation and framework for
such policies and actions that grow the community vision by articulating
the vision in words, maps and diagrams.
The following principal project goals guided the development of this
Comprehensive Plan:
Conduct a planning process that generates citizen and developer
involvement and finds consensus.
Create an Action Plan that articulates clear goals and policies that
will direct and prioritize future Capital Improvement Programs and
future development.
Develop a Future Land Use Plan and Community Framework Plan
based on Avon’s existing conditions that identifies Avon’s most
desirable future land use mix and configuration.
Avon’s Vision
Avon’s vision is to provide a high quality of life, today and in the future,
for a diversity of people and interests; and to promote their ability to live,
work, visit, and recreate in the community.
What We Value
To provide an overarching direction for the Comprehensive Plan a core
set of values were identified. Avon strives to:
Be reflective of the Natural Environment. Enhance Avon’s strong
connections to its spectacular scenery, magnificent natural surroundings,
and ample outdoor recreational opportunities.
Have a Distinctive Built Form. Develop a hierarchy of built forms that
reflects the importance of the Town Center in the community. High
quality design and finishes will exist throughout the community.
Enhance the Sense of Place and Character. Create a developed
community made up of smaller residential neighborhoods and a thriving
Town Center that collectively provide a unique sense of place and charm
enjoyed by year-round residents and by visitors.
Be a thriving Center of Activity and Entertainment. Provide the
Eagle Valley with unique shopping, dining, entertainment, and
recreational opportunities.
Have a Vibrant Economy. Maintain a strong and sustainable year-
round economy through Town efforts and through private/public
partnerships.
Promote Diversity. Provide a total environment that is supportive of
and attainable to a diverse community. The community is the sum of its
parts and a healthy and vibrant community must welcome and
encompass people with a wide range of backgrounds, interests,
2 Avon Comp Plan Draft
vocations, family status, and economic means.
Promote connectedness to Culture and Heritage. Provide exceptional
art, architecture, cultural events, facilities, and promote the Town’s
ranching, agricultural, and railroading heritage.
Provide an exceptional Transportation and Transit Network.
Support a multi-modal transportation network that provides convenient,
efficient, clean links throughout the Town, to Beaver Creek, and the
entire region.
Foster cooperative Partnerships throughout the Eagle Valley. Be
good neighbors to Beaver Creek, Eagle County, surrounding
communities, and public lands to achieve mutual enhancements and the
success of all.
Achieving Our Vision
Many of the community’s values, beliefs, and desires for Avon’s future
provide a synchronized direction for many of Avon’s unique issues and
concerns. The Comprehensive Plan develops several tools to achieve the
Vision:
Goals: Statements of intent by the Town Government which will
support the achievement of the Vision when implemented.
Policies: Tactical actions necessary to implement and achieve
the strategic objectives of the Goals.
Implementation Matrix: The Matrix identifies priorities and
“next steps” for projects that further the Plan.
District Planning Principles: Subareas are defined by their
strategic role, character, and identity so that the area may
appropriately support the vision.
Avon’s History and Current Context
The Town of Avon is located in the Colorado Rockies along the Eagle
River. The town serves as a gateway to Beaver Creek Resort and is eight
miles west of Vail. It is a home rule municipality in Eagle County, with
the county seat located 20 miles to the west in the Town of Eagle.
The early Eagle River Valley, including the area that was to become
Avon, was first inhabited by the Utes. These great Native American
horsemen spent winters in the mild climate to the west and returned to,
“the shining mountains,” each summer to hunt mule deer, elk and the
great buffalo.
The earliest non-natives visiting the area were probably mountain men
trapping beaver to supply fur for top hats. In 1845 John Charles Fremont
led his California-bound expedition down the Eagle River through
present day Avon and caught what they called a “buffalo fish,” probably
a mountain white fish or a cutthroat trout, at a riverside camp called
“William's Fishery.” The famous Hayden Survey party came to the Eagle
Valley in 1873 noting impressive geology near present day Minturn and
Squaw Creek, near present day Cordillera.
3 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Settlers arrived in the early 1880's, including George A. Townsend who
"took up a homestead" of 160 acres and built a house at the confluence of
the Eagle River and Beaver Creek. Mr. Townsend is said to have fancied
the name Avondale for the area. At some point, Avon became its official
name. Early pioneers, including Townsend, grew hay and raised cattle to
feed hungry miners in nearby Red Cliff.
Metcalf and Oscar Traer rode together to Central City to witness each
other's paperwork “proving up” their respective claims under the federal
Homestead Act. Homesteaders also worked together to dig essential
irrigation ditches, sometimes using dynamite and a horse-drawn scoop
called a Fresno Scraper. As early as July 4, 1891, the Eagle County
Times reported “Eagle County is a good place to visit, a better place to
settle in, and the best place in the state for capital-seeking investment.”
In the 1920’s head lettuce was the crop of choice in Avon and
neighboring Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch. Box cars stood at the
Avon Depot, loaded with ice from the Minturn ice house (the ice had
been cut the preceding winter at Pando up near Tennessee Pass) and
readied for freshly cut lettuce heads delivered in crates by farmers. These
refrigerated railcars shipped Avon crops as far as the east coast providing
fresh lettuce weeks after the nation's standard lettuce harvest was gone.
Through the years Avon land produced cattle, hay, potatoes, peas, oats
and, starting in the 1940's, sheep. By this time most of Avon's
homesteading families were long gone but descendants of William
Nottingham had stayed on and owned and operated nearly all of the land
called Avon.
By 1972 Vail had become one of the top destination ski resorts in the
country and pressure mounted “down valley” in Avon for ranch land to
be developed. One branch of the Nottingham family sold its controlling
interest in the land to Benchmark Companies and the Town of Avon was
incorporated on February 24, 1978. The new town was comprised of the
land in present day central and western Avon including the area that soon
became Nottingham Park. After ten years, in 1988, Avon had a
permanent population of 1,500 people. Another branch of the
Nottinghams sold its land to companies owned by developer Traer
Creek, the area encompassing present day eastern Avon and the northern
hillside. Residents continued to move to Avon and, in 1998, Avon was
home to over 3,000 residents. As of 2014, Avon's population had more
than doubled to 6,342 people living in 2,321 households.
The Town now is a year-round community serving those that live and
work here, and also a resort community that hosts short and long-term
visitors.
Bibliography
Simonton, June B., Beaver Creek. the First One Hundred Years. June B.
Simonton, Vail, Colorado. Copyright 1984.
Simonton, Don and June. Living on the Mountain. A History and Field
Guide of Bachelor Gulch. Vail Associates Real Estate Group, Inc., Avon,
Colorado. Copyright 1996.
4 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Top left: Early Avon residents.
Above: Lettuce storage sheds.
Left: Avon in the 1950s.
5 Avon Comp Plan Draft
II. Land Use and Community
Framework
Existing Land Use Patterns
The following map illustrates the existing land uses within the Town of
Avon.
B. Opportunities and Constraints
Avon’s Opportunities and Constraints, including physical and geographic
elements, serve as a framework to focus time and effort, and as guidance
for policies and goals.
Opportunities:
Redevelopment of older buildings and the re-organization of
parcel boundaries and the associated street pattern to create more
organized and effective urban framework in the Town Center;
Development of a transit connection directly connecting Town
Center with Beaver Creek Village;
Opportunity to connect Avon’s Town Center District to the
Eagle River;
Opportunities to increase recreational and mobility options to
and from Avon with the regional trail through Avon along the
Eagle River;
Utilization of Nottingham Park as a strong anchor/destination to
the Main Street Pedestrian Mall;
Enhancement of existing amenities near Nottingham Park to
strengthen this area as Avon’s civic and cultural center;
Opportunity for various trail connections to the Town Center;
and
Potential to use the railroad right-of-way for transit service or
trails.
Constraints:
Avon Road is perceived as a barrier for pedestrians attempting to
walk between the East and West Town Center.
Avon’s East Town Center District is fragmented and lacks strong
auto and pedestrian connections.
The railroad right-of-way creates a linear barrier separating
Town Center from other residential and commercial areas and
the Eagle River.
6 Avon Comp Plan Draft
C. Future Land Use Plan
The Future Land Use Plan establishes preferred development patterns by designating land use
categories for specific geographical locations. Land use designations depicted on the land use map do
not supersede the Town’s zoning districts and regulations, and display general land use categories as
a visual guide for the community based on the goals, objectives, and policies espoused within this
document. The Future Land Use Plan and its land use designations are illustrative only.
D. Community Framework Map
The Community Framework Plan is used to illustrate key community design policies contained in this
Comprehensive Plan to achieve the desired community character.
The application of the Community Framework Plan is fourfold:
1. Illustrate the larger-scale relationships between the Town Center Districts and other
key areas within Avon;
2. Provide illustration of the land use goals and policies;
3. Provide a starting point for development submittals by illustrating how specific land
use designations can be refined using the Comprehensive Plan’s goals and policies;
and
4. Provide a vision for Avon’s community design structure. The plan serves as a guide
and checkpoint to ensure that individual development plans are coordinated to create a
functional, desirable overall land use pattern.
E. Built Form Diagram
The Built Form Diagram is provided to illustrated the desired form of the community in a three
dimensional method. The diagram shows the relationship of form between districts. As
development is reviewed, the diagrams should guide and support the land use regulations and
design guidelines and provide clear expectations regarding the Town’s vision for future
development.
Identify needed connections to link all parts of the community and to develop a more
functional and walkable community.
Identify a general re-orientation for selective redevelopment of key parcels within the
Town Center District to simplify its circulation system and increase opportunities for
viable mixed-use development.
Identify important heritage and cultural resources worthy of preservation and/or
enhancements.
Identify important community gateways and corridors. Then, identify ways to
promote their enhancement.
Identify a basic framework that works in conjunction with specific district planning
principles identified in the plan.
Town of Avon Comprehensive PlanFuture Land Use Map
This map was produced by the Community Development Department. Use of this map should be for general purposes only. Town of Avon does not warrant the accuracy of the data contained herein.
Phone - 970-748-4030Fax - 970-949-5749http://www.avon.org/communitydevelopment
Author: JKoenig, Date: 04/20/10
Avon Town Boundary
Roads
Rivers and Lakes
Eagle County, Colorado
Landuse Designations
Mixed UseCivic/PublicRegional CommercialNeighborhood CommercialLight Industrial CommercialOpen SpaceParkResidential - High DensityResidential - Medium DensityResidential - Low Density
Nottingham Lake
E a g le R i v e rEagle RiverEagle River
E a g l e R i ve r
Eagle River
0 0.5 10.25 Miles
7 Avon Comp Plan Draft
III. Goals and Policies
A number of overarching goals and policies provide direction in the following community-wide
topic areas:
A. Built Form
B. Land Uses
C. Community Character
D. Economic Development
E. Housing
F. Multi-modal Transportation & Parking
G. Environment
H. Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space
I. Public Services, Facilities, Utilities, and Government
J. Regional Coordination
Each topic area contains one or more goals and several specific policy objectives. Certain goals
and policies are more specific and timely than others; however, all goals and policies contribute
to the vision of the plan and its implementation.
Finally, certain policies interrelate to several topic areas (such as policies that are relevant to both
Land Use and Economic Development).
A. Built Form
Goal A.1: Promote a compact community form.
Policy A.1.1: Encourage redevelopment and revitalization of outdated, rundown, or otherwise neglected
areas.
Policy A.1.2: Locate uses that generate significant traffic near transit facilities or shared parking
facilities.
Policy A.1.3: Investigate including Floor Area Ratio limitations in the Municipal Code.
Policy A.1.4: Encourage that development fit the overall Built Form according to the Built Form
Diagrams, page XXX of the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy A.1.5: Promote development that maximizes sun exposure and protects views.
Policy A.1.6: Require minimum densities in the Town Center Districts.
Policy A.1.7: Promote development that is accessible and integrated with existing retail and transit
within the Town Center District.
Policy A.1.8: Encourage vertically mixed uses within Town Center.
Policy A.1.9: Maintain a strong street edge within Town Center. Set back and articulate upper floors.
Goal A.2: Maintain a distinct physical and visual separation between Avon and its
surrounding communities that preserves the natural beauty of the surrounding
8 Avon Comp Plan Draft
mountains and the Eagle River valley.
Policy A.2.1: Continue to inventory, analyze, and prioritize lands adjacent to the developed portions of
Town for acquisition and/or preservation as open space or other public purposes.
Policy A.2.2: Encourage cluster style development in areas of less density to promote environmentally
and aesthetically sensitive site design.
Policy A.2.3: Participate in planning efforts related to lands outside the Town’s corporate limits that
may affect the community to make development more consistent across political
boundaries.
Goal A.3: Ensure that annexations provide an overall benefit to the community and are in
conformance with this plan’s goals and policies.
Policy A.3.1: Zone annexed lands in conformance with the Future Land Use Plan and existing
development standards.
Policy A.3.2 Ensure that the Town’s goals and policies are identified and met in all annexation
agreements, subdivision improvement agreements, and other commitments.
B. Land Uses
Goal B.1: Provide a balance of land uses that offers a range of housing options, diverse
commercial and employment opportunities, inviting guest accommodations, and
high quality civic and recreational facilities, working in concert to strengthen
Avon’s identity as both a year-round residential community and as a commercial,
tourism and economic center.
Policy B.1.1: Include sufficient land for public uses such as schools, recreation, community facilities,
and government services.
Policy B.1.2: Focus lodging and guest accommodation in the Town Center.
Policy B.1.3: Encourage development applicants to meet with adjacent residents, businesses, and
property owners during all application phases to identify concerns and strategies to
address them.
Policy B.1.4: Encourage developers to rezone properties from PUD to zone districts, especially in the
Town Center.
Goal B.2: Ensure that Avon continues to develop as a community of safe, interactive, and
cohesive neighborhoods that contribute to the Town’s overall character and
image.
Policy B.2.1: Attempt to meet the use and density guidelines on the Future Land Use Map.
Policy B.2.2: Promote a wide range of residential uses throughout the town.
Goal B.3: Use mixed-use development to create a more balanced, sustainable system of
land uses.
Policy B.3.1: Encourage mixed-use development in appropriate areas identified in the Future Land Use
Plan
Policy B.3.2: Allow for temporary uses on ground floor retail space which are able to respond to market
demand.
9 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Goal B.4: Encourage commercial development that enhances Avon’s overall economic
health, contributes to the community’s image and character, and provides
residents and visitors with increased choices and services.
Policy B.4.1: Promote clustered commercial development to provide publicly accessible amenities.
Policy B.4.2: Foster commercial developments to use LEED or similar standards in planning and
construction.
Policy B.4.3: Encourage convenient retail and service activities in residential neighborhoods with
pedestrian connections.
Goal B.5: Encourage revitalization of existing light industrial and manufacturing uses.
Policy B.5.1: Ensure infrastructure improvements include sidewalks, utilities, and controlled access
from collector roads, like Nottingham Road.
Policy B.5.2: Encourage effective screening of industrial uses from adjacent uses and that vehicular
access and circulation is separate from public roads.
Policy B.5.3: Review accessory residential uses in association with light industrial commercial
development when compatible.
C. Community Character
Goal C.1: Ensure that development is compatible with existing and planned adjacent
development and contributes to Avon’s community image and character.
Policy C.1.1: Regularly update and enhance the Avon land use regulations and District Master Plans for
innovative design approaches and positive development outcomes.
Policy C.1.2: Ensure compatible architectural features between buildings.
Policy C.1.3: Design architecture to be significant from all sides (no front or back), maximize solar
exposure, protect views, and break up building bulk.
Policy C.1.4: Extend Town Center urban design principles to appropriate adjacent Districts.
Goal C.2: Create community gateways and streetscapes that reflect and strengthen Avon’s
unique community character and image.
Policy C.2.1: Beautify the Town with landscaping and public art.
Policy C.2.2: Design and maintain streets and walkways as safe, inviting, and pedestrian/bicycle
friendly public spaces.
Policy C.2.3: Reinforce community gateways along major roadway corridors that strengthen Avon’s
community identity.
Policy C.2.4: Encourage landscaping and building locations that enhance neighborhood views and view
corridors.
Policy C.2.5: Work with other entities to improve the streetscape along U.S. Highway 6 and lessen
visual and noise impacts from I-70 and Highway 6 while preserving important views of
Avon
Goal C.3: Enhance existing cultural and heritage facilities, events, and programs that
strengthen Avon’s community character and image.
10 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Policy C.3.1: Create appropriate community-wide art installations.
Policy C.3.2: Support and promote cultural activities such as theater, concerts in the park, school
activities, festivals and special events.
Policy C.3.3: Maintain the existing heritage of the community and reflect that heritage in new
development.
Policy C.3.4: Encourage development of civic and recreational amenities that benefit existing
neighborhoods.
D. Economic Development
Goal D.1: Ensure that there is a positive environment for small businesses.
Policy D.1.1: Enhance retail opportunities and diversify the year-round retail mix.
Policy D.1.2: Authorize home occupations and live/work opportunities where there is minimal negative
impact to the neighborhood.
Policy D.1.3: Encourage small business incubators to support local entrepreneurs.
Goal D.2: Promote high quality Town investments.
Policy D.2.1: Prioritize the Capital Improvement Plan to support key public facilities and catalyze
private sector projects.
Policy D.2.2: Pursue beneficial economic development through available grants.
Policy D.2.3: Encourage private investment in Avon through innovative investment tools and
partnerships.
Policy D.2.4: Support relocation for businesses that offer quality jobs for local residents.
Goal D.3: Increase the number of visitors to Avon by enhancing the year-round mountain
resort community.
Policy D.3.1: Provide effective transit access with regional destinations.
Policy D.3.2: Capitalize on recreational and cultural assets and heritage. Facilitate the creation of new
cultural and recreational attractions.
Policy D.3.3: Encourage collaborative approaches between community stakeholders to enhance Avon’s
overall guest experience.
Policy D.3.4: Support marketing that promotes Avon’s community image and tourist amenities.
Policy D.3.5: Seek marketing opportunities that capitalize on the overall community image rather than a
single venue or event.
Policy D.3.6: Ensure that attractions are identified in a wayfinding program.
Policy D.3.7: Enhance access to and areas of visitor information.
Policy D.3.8: Encourage increased use of the Town’s website to promote local tourist attractions.
Policy D.3.9: Expand the schedule and variety of events throughout the year.
E. Multimodal Transportation & Parking
Goal F.1: Create an integrated multi-modal transportation system that minimizes
11 Avon Comp Plan Draft
dependence on automobile travel within the Town by making it easier and more
inviting to use transit, walk, ride bicycles, and utilize other non-motorized vehicles.
Policy F.1.1: Develop a multi-modal transportation plan and encourage development proposals to use it
in their plans.
Policy F.1.2: Prioritize pedestrians, bicycles, and transit when designing or redesigning streets.
Policy F.1.3: Connect pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation systems with transit.
Policy F.1.4: Devise public transit service that maximizes efficiency and increases ridership.
Policy F.1.5: Implement traffic calming measures.
Policy F.1.6 Connect transit to pedestrian and bicycle paths.
Policy F.1.7 Encourage development to provide appropriate modal facilities.
Policy F.1.8: Design Town Center development to minimize automobile travel.
Policy F.1.9: Locate schools, parks, and other civic facilities along trails, sidewalks, and transit
facilities.
Policy F.1.10: Provide bicycle and pedestrian connections across I-70.
Policy F.1.11: Recognize the railroad right of way corridor as an integral part to the Town’s mobility
system through integration of right of way, at-grade crossings, and regional coordination.
Goal F.2: Maintain and improve transit connections between Avon and Beaver Creek
Village.
Policy F.2.1: Investigate transportation options to directly link the Town Center with Beaver Creek
Village.
Policy F.2.2: Work with Beaver Creek and other entities for funding and operating transit connections.
Policy F.2.3: Develop pedestrian connections between transit, parking, and the Transit Center.
Goal F.3: Encourage a “park once/shop many” environment.
Policy F.3.1: Implement a parking management plan. Consider eliminating minimum parking standards
in strategic areas as a way to create and incentivize redevelopment.
Policy F.3.2: Design roads to disperse traffic in community centers.
Policy F.3.3: Develop an unbundled pay-in lieu program for joint parking structures within a parking
district.
Policy F.3.4: Investigate the feasibility of joint development of structured parking facilities in the Town
Center.
Policy F.3.5: Encourage underground parking structures share access and connect to adjacent
underground parking structures.
Policy F.3.6: Restrict large surface parking areas that directly abut streets.
Policy F.3.7: Ensure parking facilities are easily accessible by pedestrian connections and have minimal
visual impacts.
F. Environment
Goal G.1: Protect Avon’s unique natural setting and its open spaces.
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Policy G.1.1: Acquire and protect open space.
Policy G.1.2: Maintain the Eagle River as a valued resource in accordance with the most recent Eagle
River Watershed Plan.
Policy G.1.3: Work with public and private landowners to identify opportunities for conservation
easements, permanent open space protection tools, and access to open space.
Policy G.1.4: Minimize and mitigate potential development impacts to wildlife and watersheds.
Policy G.1.5: Locate parking areas, trash containers, loading, and service areas so they are screened or
buffered to minimize impacts on the river corridor and surrounding uses.
Goal G.2: Identify and mitigate potential environmental hazards to promote public health,
safety, and welfare.
Policy G.2.1: Identify and avoid development in environmentally sensitive areas or steep hillsides.
Goal G.3: Discourage air, water, light, and noise pollution.
Policy G.3.1: Investigate an alternative fuel program for the Town’s transit and fleet vehicles.
Policy G.3.2: Enforce the use of “Dark Sky” compliant fixtures.
Policy G.3.3: Limit the number and location of wood burning fireplaces, reduce demand for automobile
trips, and reduce pollution from existing sources.
Policy G.3.4: Explore the feasibility and necessity of a noise ordinance and educational program.
Goal G.4: Conserve environmental resources.
Policy G.4.1: Implement applicable Climate Action Plans and update as needed.
Policy G.4.2: Support environmentally friendly appliances and building techniques.
Policy G.4.3: Support regional and local recycling and compost facilities and programs.
Policy G.4.4: Promote water conservation through public education, supply management, and demand
management techniques.
G. Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space
Goal H.1: Provide an exceptional system of parks, trails, and recreational programs to serve
the year-round needs of area residents and visitors.
Policy H.1.1: Evaluate and acquire parcels or easements for open space, trails, and recreation.
Policy H.1.2: Manage, protect, and plan for public open space. Analyze trail maintenance and rule
enforcement in open space.
Policy H.1.3: Support development and annexation to incorporate recreational amenities, land for trails,
and open space accessible to the public.
Policy H.1.4: Integrate the Town’s trail system with regional trail systems.
Policy H.1.5: Link open space through coordination with other governments and non-profits.
Policy H.1.6: Develop and enhance non-vehicular connections between the Eagle River and Town
Center.
Goal H.2: Coordinate and collaborate with surrounding jurisdictions and agencies to develop
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recreational opportunities.
Policy H.2.1: Collaborate with other recreation providers for joint use of facilities and coordinated event
planning.
Policy H.2.2: Review and provide input on U.S. Forest Service and BLM land swaps within the 3-mile
planning area.
H. Public Services, Facilities, Utilities, and Government
Goal I.2: Ensure cost effective provision and development of public facilities and services.
Policy I.2.1: Analyze the impact of various types of growth and development on services.
Policy I.2.2: Develop community services and facilities based on demand.
Policy I.2.3: Encourage neighborhood and community-based childcare and healthcare facilities.
Goal I.3: Encourage the broad participation of citizens in planning efforts and decision-
making.
Policy I.3.1: Strive for increased transparency in government.
Policy I.3.2: Build awareness of upcoming events, planning processes, and decisions.
Policy I.3.3: Use multiple methods of communication with the public.
Policy I.3.4: Encourage HOAs in all parts of Avon. Keep an active database of HOA contacts, and
provide training to interested HOAs.
I. Regional Coordination
Goal J.1: Collaborate other agencies to implement this plan and to ensure Avon’s needs
and goals are being met.
Policy J.1.1: Collaborate with regional, state, and federal agencies and adjacent municipalities on
cooperative planning efforts and regional issues.
Policy J.1.2: Participate in agreements with regional agencies and adjacent municipalities to share
facility costs and revenue.
Policy J.1.3: Refer applicable development submittals to regional agencies and adjacent municipalities
to respond to regional issues.
K. Implementation Matrix
The following list includes tangible “next steps” for implementing the above Goals and
Policies. All other policies not listed within the Implementation Matrix are viewed as
having ongoing characteristics that are applicable on a sustained or continual basis.
PROJECT ASSOCIATED POLICIES
West Town Center Update West Town Center District
Update Land Use Regulations C.1.5, A.1.2, A.3.2
Multi-modal Parking and Transportation
Plan F.1.11
East Town Center Plan Update East Town Center District
Signage, Wayfinding, and Streetscapes D.3.6, C.2.5, F.1.2, F.1.5
Community Gateways C.2.3
Parking, Vehicular Connections, and
Circulation F.1.8, F.3.1
Park/Open Space Plan and Nottingham
Park District Plan
Nottingham Park District
A.2.1, G.1.3
Three-Mile Plan J.1.1
Energy and Environmental Resources
Plan G.4.1
Railroad Right of Way Preservation F.1.11
Riverfront Park Riverfront Districts
H.1.6
Venue for Cultural Events Nottingham Park District
Cost of Growth Analysis I.2.1
Public Art Plan C.3.1
U.S Highway 6 Streetscape C.2.5
Buffers from I-70 C.2.5
Visitor Information D.3.5, D.3.7, D.3.8
Transit from Village at Avon to Town
Center Village at Avon Districts
Alternative Road Development Wildridge District
F.3.2
Educational Campaign Regarding
Noise G.3.4
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District Planning Principles
While the Goals and Policies of this plan generally apply to all areas of the Town, the District Planning
Principles applies specific planning and urban design recommendations to areas within the Town,
stemming from community and landowners input, and existing development rights. Below is a map
identifying the Districts.
District 1: West Town Center District
The West Town Center District serves as the heart of the community. Social, cultural, political, and
recreational gatherings occur in this district. In addition, the district acts as the common ground between
full-time residents, part-time residents, and destination guests through diverse retail, entertainment, and
civic uses.
The West Town Center District will continue as a mixed use, pedestrian-oriented area that serves as the
primary focus for residential and lodging development within the Town.
Currently, this district provides a diversity of land uses in vertically mixed-use buildings. Uses include
retail, office, residential, government services, civic facilities, and pocket parks loosely grouped around
the Main Street Pedestrian Mall.
Planning Principles:
Adhere to the planning principles outlined in related master plans when planning new
development and area improvements.
Study road design and usage to improve circulation, enhance the development feasibility, and
provide a better pedestrian experience.
Link pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile circulation to and through Town Center, Nottingham
15 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Park, the Riverfront, and the Eagle Valley Trail.
Enhance the use of Avon Station.
Establish public plazas and other gathering spaces for community interaction and social events.
Use signage, streetscape design, landscaping, points of interest, and other wayfinding elements
to help orient visitors.
Develop a mix of uses that provides a strong residential and lodging bed base supported by
community and guest commercial uses.
Create inviting retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses on the ground floor through
architectural detailing that includes a human scale, display windows, appropriate lighting, and
other pedestrian amenities. Site offices, lodging, and residential uses above.
Enhance private/public parking facilities to provide easy access to and through the district.
Provide entertainment opportunities for residents and guests to enliven the area and promote and
extend retail hours.
District 2: East Town Center District
The East Town Center is a mix of lodging, residential, and commercial uses. The district also abuts the
Village at Avon and its associated future development. Town should encourage redevelopment
opportunities when they comprehensively serve to improve street patterns and create more direct
pedestrian walkways and bike paths.
Strong pedestrian and street connections should be established to create a consistent and cohesive
community core. A mix of uses, including major retail establishments, smaller retail shops, personal
services, offices, and supporting residential/lodging uses is essential for the district. The size of the
16 Avon Comp Plan Draft
parcels provides an opportunity for a variety of redevelopment opportunities.
Planning Principles:
Adhere to the planning principles outlined in related master plans when planning new
development and area improvements.
Improve pedestrian connections between East and West Town Center Districts.
Plan for public plazas and other community gathering places.
Use a cohesive and quality set of design principles between the Town Center and the Village at
Avon.
Encourage shared parking structures and parking districts to accommodate retail without large
expanses ground level of parking.
Create inviting retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses on the ground floor through architectural
detailing that includes a human scale, display windows, appropriate lighting, and other pedestrian
amenities. Site offices, lodging, and residential uses above.
Districts 3, 20, and 27: The Riverfront Districts
The Riverfront Districts have significant residential, lodging, commercial, and service uses. Outside of
District 3, the area is mostly developed. The Districts provide access to Beaver Creek Village, U.S.
Highway 6, the Eagle River, and the Eagle Valley Trail. Planning and development of this district must
incorporate these key assets. Visibility from U.S. Highway 6, protection and enhancement of the riparian
environment along the Eagle River, and appropriate public access along the river should be taken into
consideration with all development.
Planning Principles:
17 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Improve and enhance connections to the linear park along the river, the Eagle Valley Trail, Town
Center, Beaver Creek, and Nottingham Park. Promote easements where necessary.
Provide transit connections between the Town Center and Riverfront Districts.
Add sidewalks and landscaping along roads.
Orient buildings to capitalize upon the Eagle River as an amenity. Use sensitive site planning,
architectural detailing, articulation, and appropriate setbacks, color, screening, and scale of structure
to preserve the character of the river and its associated natural habitat.
Limit building height to a scale that is subordinate to the Town Center and compatible with the river
environment. Buildings should be designed to step down in height as they near the river and in
response to the natural topography.
Adhere to the Eagle River Watershed Management Plan for river setbacks and best practices for
development in proximity to the river.
Locate parking areas and building services away from the river and reduce their impact on the river
corridor.
Plant indigenous trees and shrubs to screen existing large residential buildings along U.S. Highway 6
and provide landforms and landscaping between residences and U.S. Highway 6.
Minimize the loss of trees and impact to the riparian area while achieving urban design goals.
In District 3, develop a vibrant mix of uses consisting of bed-base development, commercial
development, recreation, and open space along the river.
Examine the potential to develop pedestrian and bicycle connections between Stonebridge Drive and
the Village at Avon.
District 4: Avon Road Corridor
18 Avon Comp Plan Draft
The Avon Road District is the major auto connection between I-70 and Beaver Creek Resort and has no
developable parcels. Avon Road is the first and occasionally only area of the community many people
see. It needs to entice drivers to visit Town, and be less of a barrier to pedestrians.
Planning Principles:
Create stronger non-vehicular connections across Avon Road to fully integrate the
Town Center and link the East and West Town Center Districts.
Study appropriate road design options.
Orient adjacent buildings to face Avon Road for compatibility with Town’s
redevelopment ambitions.
19 Avon Comp Plan Draft
District 5: Nottingham Park District
This district includes a park, town hall, library, elementary school, and the recreation center, and
functions as community activity center. Good pedestrian circulation through the area exists, but needs
enhancement to respond to key future developments in the West Town Center District and the Riverfront
District. Views from the park and the performance pavilion are also key components to the District. An
extension of Town Center urban design principles can provide needed consistency between districts.
Planning Principles:
Implement use and design principles from the 2017 Tract G planning effort’s
recommendations.
Maintain flexible space for temporary concession facilities, and provide a western anchor to the
Main Street Pedestrian Mall.
Enhance the multi-modal connections between the municipal center and the park.
Develop a parking structure associated with the expansion of the Avon Recreation Center.
Ensure passive activity spaces are preserved within Nottingham Park.
Preserve view corridors to Beaver Creek and the Main Street Pedestrian Mall.
District 6: U.S. Highway 6 Gateway Corridor
20 Avon Comp Plan Draft
The area is characterized by the flat areas presently used for ski area parking, and the gateway to Beaver
Creek. The undeveloped parcels currently serving as parking areas and other accessory uses for Beaver
Creek Resort are important to development within Town. Although these parcels a re outside of Avon’s
municipal boundaries, the Town should be consulted on any proposed development on these parcels.
Planning Principles:
Work with CDOT to enhance the U.S. Highway 6 right-of-way to provide a sense of arrival
and departure for those traveling to and from Avon and to strengthen Avon’s overall
community image and identity.
Encourage screening of ski area parking areas and other accessory uses.
Create strong pedestrian connections to the Riverfront and Town Center Districts.
Minimize cut areas and preserve areas of steep slopes. Buildings should be built into the
hillside and stepped up with rising topography to reduce their dominance above U.S.
Highway 6.
Encourage shared access when appropriate.
Preserve access to the Eagle River.
District 7, 8, 9, and 10: Village at Avon Districts
The Village at Avon Districts are collectively Avon’s eastern gateway and when fully developed, they
will generally be an extension of the Town Center. The Districts are managed by an independent Design
Review Board that reviews development applications. The area is planned for commercial, residential,
lodging, educational, and cultural/recreational uses. The Districts are characterized by high visibility
from I-70, generally gentle topography, and proximity to Town Center and other highly developed areas
of Eagle-Vail.
The Town should take an active role where possible in promoting positive development within the area.
Site development elements, public design elements such as street alignments, streetscape furnishings,
signage, and lighting should be coordinated between the Village at Avon and the Town.
Planning Principles: Encourage and support development that:
21 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Creates strong auto, bicycle, and pedestrian connections between Town Center via both
East Beaver Creek Boulevard and Chapel Place.
Creates inviting public plazas, green spaces, water features, streetscapes, sidewalks, and
other gathering spaces for public interaction.
Creates inviting retail, restaurant, and entertainment uses on the ground floor of buildings
through architectural detailing that includes a human scale, display windows, appropriate
lighting, and other pedestrian amenities. Site offices, lodging, and residential uses above.
Sites buildings of various sizes (but shorter than those found in the West Town Center
District) in District 7 and 8.
Avoids large single-use buildings set back from the street edge that are surrounded by
expanses of parking.
Provides well-lit, pleasant pedestrian access from underground parking structures to the
public street, paths and buildings.
Provides shared parking structures and parking districts to accommodate vehicles without
large expanses ground level of parking.
Screens regional commercial uses from I-70 with trees and berms to create a suitable
gateway to the Town.
Protects view corridors, ridgelines, U.S. Forest Service lands, and steep slopes from
development. Landscape properties to soften the visual impact of the structures.
Preserves all or part of the District 10 for open space or park.
Preserves significant cultural or heritage resources and important views.
Maximizes District 10 orientation to the river for connections and a riverfront park.
Prioritizes District 10 access from U.S. Highway 6 instead of a frontage road.
Creates connections and trailheads through the Districts that connect to USFS land.
22 Avon Comp Plan Draft
District 11: Metcalf Road District
The Metcalf Road District is the Town’s only industrial center. It provides light industrial
and commercial service uses and dense residential development. These businesses provide an
important component to Avon’s overall economic health. The area’s high visibility from I-70
makes it important to the Town’s image. The Town should work towards improved traffic
safety and aesthetics. Opportunities should be encouraged to develop live/ work
developments that allow for light industrial and commercial uses that do not possess
significant conflicts with surrounding land uses. Existing light industrial uses on Nottingham
and Metcalf Roads are intensely developed, with large buildings, and need improved
landscaping, access, and screening.
Planning Principles:
Accommodate accessory residential development that supports primary industrial or
employment land uses.
Minimize significant re-grading and provide for proper on-site parking and access.
Screen all equipment and storage areas from view.
Preserve trees and landscaping on properties.
Redesign the intersection of Metcalf and Nottingham Roads to enhance the entry to
Wildridge and provide more direct access from the Town Center to Wildridge.
23 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Develop a pedestrian connection linking West Beaver Creek Boulevard to Nottingham
Road.
Coordinate with CDOT to introduce trees on uphill slopes in the I-70 right-of-way and
along Metcalf Road to partially screen buildings and other accessory uses.
Enhance the West Avon Preserve trailhead.
District 12: Railroad Corridor
The railroad corridor runs the length of Avon along the Eagle River and represents the
Town’s greatest transit opportunity. Currently the railroad is not being used for rail traffic,
leaving the corridor effectively vacant. Past studies indicate the corridor’s potential as a mass
transit and trail corridor, and preservation of the corridor represents an important opportunity
for Avon. It should be considered a transportation corridor that is an integral component of
Avon’s overall structure and character.
The presence of the railroad tracks through Town creates a substantial north-south barrier
through much of Avon. The Town has been successful in securing rights to construct at-
grade crossings, and should focus on visually integrating the tracks with the rest of Town.
Planning Principles:
Ensure that the railroad right -of-way is preserved for future transit, trail or other
transportation related endeavors.
Minimize the railroad as a barrier to circulation in the community.
Develop additional at-grade and above grade crossings to better connect the Town.
Work with Union Pacific to maintain railroad corridor, including mowing and weed
mitigation.
Purchase or lease the railroad right-of-way when available.
24 Avon Comp Plan Draft
District 13: Nottingham Road District
This area is defined by its proximity to the I-70 - Avon Road interchange. The addition of a
medical facility and the Joint Public Safety building reflects the strategic location of the area.
Development and redevelopment that occurs here should reflect the standards in the Town
Center, but should not compete with the Town Center in terms of size of buildings or
intensity of development.
Planning Principles:
Limit access points on Nottingham Road to simplify traffic movements.
Require landscape setbacks and internal landscaping of parking lots.
Screen all equipment and storage areas from view.
Limit building heights and setbacks to be compatible with the existing surrounding
development.
Reduce development when traveling north on Buck Creek Road.
Districts 14,15,16,17, and 18: Open Space
Avon’s key open spaces are comprised of the steep slopes of the valley wall north of I-70.
The West Avon Preserve (included in District 14) includes 11 miles of trails added in 2015,
and the East Avon Preserve (District 17) is planned to include trails. Open space adjacent to
town (Districts 16 and 18) is owned by the U.S. Forest. These parcels are important to
maintaining the desired character of Avon and for development consistent with the overall
land use plan. Loss of these parcels to private ownership and development would eliminate
valuable visual and physical buffers between and among developed areas of Town and would
deprive citizens of prized open space and natural habitats.
25 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Planning Principles:
Pursue Town acquisition of parcels to be dedicated as open space by working with the
local and national land conservation organizations.
Maintain U.S. Forest Service ownership of the districts by collaborating with the agency
to improve, utilize, and maintain them as low-impact publicly accessible regions.
Communicate Avon’s values and desires with the U.S. Forest Service so that land swaps
are unlikely to occur without approval from the Town.
Oppose any possible disposition or degradation of the parcels.
Participate in U.S. Forest Service planning efforts to ensure adequate development and
long-term maintenance of trails and trailheads.
Support and cooperate in efforts to bury power lines.
District 19: West Residential District
The area has the potential to be redeveloped over time as a higher density, master-planned,
economically diverse residential area to include primarily attainable local housing. This
could be considered in the long-term future of Avon when residential developments in the
area reach capacity, and alternative solutions for housing are being sought. Those solutions
should include pocket parks and enhanced pedestrian connectivity.
Planning Principles:
Encourage continued improvements to the visual quality of the area.
Encourage the construction of pocket parks and sidewalks to service the residential
development in the area.
Coordinate with CDOT to introduce low landforms and plantings (trees and shrubs) along
the southern I-70 right-of-way to buffer the mobile home park from the interstate and
light industrial uses across the interstate. In addition, the view from I-70 to the mobile
home park will be screened while preserving views to the Town Center.
Limit building heights to a level subordinate to the Town Center and preserve views to
the Town Center through the strategic placement of open space or the further limitation
of building heights.
District 21: Nottingham Park Residential District
Nottingham Park is bordered to the west, north, and northeast by existing high quality
residential development. Provisions for pedestrians and bicyclists along West Beaver Creek
Boulevard and adequate screening of parking and trash areas would help enhance the
character of the area.
Planning Principles:
Screen parking and trash areas from view.
District 22: Nottingham Road District
This district is characterized by limited developable area due to steep slopes to the north,
frontage on Nottingham Road, which is classified as a commercial collector road, and high
exposure to I-70. Existing residential development is typically multi-family buildings.
26 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Planning Principles:
Reseed exposed slopes with native grasses and wild flowers.
Encourage additional informal landscaping to soften the visual impact of large existing
structures.
Require development to provide a landscape buffer adjacent to Nottingham Road and I-70.
Encourage high quality redevelopment consistent with the land use regulations.
Enhance access to existing trails and further link existing non-motorized infrastructure.
Improve signage for trailheads.
District 23: I-70 Gateway
The interchange on I-70 at Avon Road is the main gateway to the Town. As such, this should
reflect the character and quality of the community and create a sense of arrival. The gateway
approach should continue to be improved through enhancing the pedestrian experience,
lighting, road and right of way materials, enhanced view corridors, and signage.
The emphasis should be on the creation of a positive entry experience that extends the
character of the Town Center to Avon’s front door.
Planning Principles:
Enhance the intersections at the on/off ramps on Avon Road to include streetscape
improvements and special landscape features.
Maintain the elements that contribute to the gateway experience.
Improve the I-70 interchange for pedestrians and bikers.
District 24: Wildridge Residential District
This area is a residential subdivision containing varying densities located on the south-facing
slopes north of the main valley floor. The character for the developed landscape should
reflect the area’s dry climate and typically steep terrain with low water-requiring plant
materials and natural landscaping. Due to the limited amount of existing trees and shrubs and
the open character of the property, special care should be taken to ensure that all structures
are compatible with one another and in harmony with the natural surroundings.
Planning Principles:
Promote a trail system through open space areas in Wildridge to provide alternatives to
the roadways for pedestrian circulation and greater connection to the surrounding open
space.
Preserve and enhance the existing open space trails and explore the possibility of
developing additional parcels into pocket parks.
Add an alternative or second access route to Wildridge (perhaps forest service road
during the spring and summer).
Identify and delineate all open space parcels and public trails.
District 25: Mountain Star Residential District
This area is a planned unit development established in 1992, of large-lot, single-family
homes, located east of Wildridge on the south-facing slopes north of the main valley floor.
This covenant-controlled, gated community has its own design review committee.
27 Avon Comp Plan Draft
Planning Principles:
Prohibit significant alteration of natural environment and minimize stress on wildlife and
loss of habitat.
Consider the development of a trailhead to access the surrounding public lands.
District 26: Swift Gulch District
The Town of Avon’s Public Works and Transportation Departments are located in the Swift
Gulch District. In response to the area’s high visibility from I-70, efforts have been made to
screen the existing buildings and facilities and ensure that they blend into the surrounding
environment.
Planning Principles:
Encourage building at a scale that minimizes visibility from I-70.
Screen accessory uses with landforms and landscaping, while allowing Building Heights
up to 60’ along with scale and proportion in response to regional operations and facilities
increasing the site development potential.
Encourage sidewalks and pedestrian connections.
Incorporate housing where appropriate.
District 28: Village at Avon Northern Residential District
This area is planned to become quality large-lot, single-family homes and some multi-family
residential located north of the main valley floor. This residential area is covenant-controlled,
gated community with its own design review committee. This residential area has several
provisions for public services and access ways that should be maintained. Further public
access arrangements would be beneficial, including the preservation and acquisition of public
space located adjacent to this area.
Planning Principles:
Encourage sidewalks and pedestrian connections.
Prevent significant alteration of natural landscape as well as ridgeline and steep slope
development. This area should be highly sensitive to visual impacts of
improvements, wildlife, and lighting.
PZC Recommendations: #CTA17001 Page 1 of 1
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECCOMENDATION TO TOWN COUNCIL
DATE OF DECISION: February 7, 2017
TYPE OF APPLICATION: Code Text Amendment
PROPERTY LOCATION: Town Of Avon
FILE NUMBER: #CTA17001
APPLICANT: Town of Avon
These recommendations are made in accordance with the Avon Development Code
(“Development Code”) §7.16.040(c):
DECISION: Recommendation to approve the Title 7: Development Code Text Amendments.
The motion passed unanimously, citing the following findings:
1. The code text amendments were reviewed in accordance with the review criteria outlined in
Section 7.16.040(c) of the Avon Municipal Code and found to be desirable to respond to
changed conditions and inaccuracies found within the text.
2. The code text amendments promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the Avon
Community.
THESE FINDINGS OF FACT AND RECORD OF DECISION ARE HEREBY APPROVED:
BY:______________________________________ DATE: ___________________
PZC Chairperson
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Planning & Zoning Commission
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
One Lake Street
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:00pm
II. Roll Call
Commissioner Bonidy and Barnes were absent, all other Commissioners were present.
III. Additions & Amendments to the Agenda
None.
IV. Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest were disclosed.
V. Minor Design & Development – 100 West Beaver Creek Boulevard - PUBLIC HEARING
File: MNR16035
Legal Description: Lot A, Avon Center Subdivision
Applicant: Chris Stryker
Summary: Public Hearing on a proposal for a cell phone antenna and screening on top of Avon
Center.
Action: Commissioner Minervini motioned to Table the hearing until the March 7, 2017 PZC
meeting due to design concerns with the proposal.
Commissioner Golembiewski seconded the motion and the motion passed
unanimously.
VI. Work Session – Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Summary: Review strikethrough changes to Comprehensive Plan– Planning Districts.
Action: PZC reviewed through District 21 of the Planning Districts.
VII. Approval of Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Summary: Commissioner Minervini motioned to approve the Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Hardy seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Staff Updates
Beaver Creek Boulevard public meeting and Town Council hearing.
IX. Adjourn
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Approved this 7th Day of March, 2017
SIGNED:
_______________________
Jim Clancy, Chairperson