HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.council.051-26RESOLUTION #051
SERIES OF 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING
POLICIES AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE CODE
RELATED TO ELECTRIFICATION
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.310.020(A), a Policy Resolution is required to
initiate the process of amending the City of Aspen Land Use Code; and,
WHEREAS, buildings account for the largest portion of the Aspen community's
emissions at 47%; and,
WHEREAS, in January 2023, City Council directed staff to create an
Electrification Task Force to research and provide recommendations for a comprehensive
building electrification roadmap; and,
WHEREAS, across -departmental working group made up of Planning, Building,
Environmental Health and Sustainability, Engineering, Parks, and Utilities Departments
have worked through the Electrification Task Force to identify sections and topics for an
energy code update within the Municipal Codes and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.310.020(A), the Community Development
Director recommends Council consider amending the following sections to better
coordinate a comprehensive update: Section 26.104.100 — Definitions, Section 26.415 —
Historic Preservation, Sec. 26.435.050 - Mountain View Plane Review, Section
26.575.020 — Calculations and Measurements, as well as take into consideration the
Historic Preservation Guidelines and Commercial Design Standards which may be updated
via resolution, and other related sections as necessary; and,
WHEREAS, opening the Land Use Code sections as described will allow staff to
further explore policy outcomes that advance Council's goal of removing barriers to
electrification in existing City codes and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.310.020(B)(2), during a duly noticed public
hearing on May 12, 2026, the City Council approved Resolution #051, Series of 2026, by a
five to zero (5-0) vote, requesting a code amendment to the Land Use Code; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 26.310.020(B)(1), the Community Development
Department, following approval of this Policy Resolution will conduct public outreach,
present to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic, Preservation Commission,
and continue to coordinate with other departments to ensure comprehensive updates
throughout the Municipal Code; and,
Resolution #051, Series of 2026
Land Use Code Amendments
Policy Resolution
Page 1 of 2
WHEREAS, this Resolution does not amend the Land Use Code, but provides
direction to staff for amending the Land Use Code; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this Resolution furthers and is necessary for
the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ASPEN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Topics for Consideration
City Council approves the following areas for a possible code amendment as it is related to
electrification:
1. The City will treat historically designated properties differently.
2. The City will create options for site planning and design accommodation for setback
and height regulations.
With outcomes based on policy direction for the following topics:
3. Should the City treat existing and new development differently?
4. Should the City consider floor area?
Section 2: Existing Litigation
This resolution shall not affect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of
any action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the resolutions or ordinances
repealed or amended as herein provided, and the same shall be conducted and concluded under
such prior resolutions or ordinances.
Section 3: Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this resolution is for any
reason held invalid or unconstitutional in a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall
be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions thereof.
FINALLY, adopted this 12th day off, 2026
Rachael Richards, Mayor
TTEST:
A
Resolution #051, Series of 2026
Land Use Code Amendments
Policy Resolution
Page 2 of 2