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HomeMy WebLinkAboutagenda.council.worksession.20150720 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 20, 2015 5:00 PM, City Council Chambers MEETING AGENDA I. Off-Street Parking Discussion II. Community Development Work Program Review Off-Street Parking Work Session, 6.23.2015 Page 1 of 4 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Skadron and Aspen City Council FROM: Jessica Garrow, Long Range Planner Trish Aragon, PE, City Engineer Lynn Rumbaugh, Transportation Manager Jannette Whitcomb, Environmental Health Program Coordinator THRU: Chris Bendon, Community Development Director RE: Work Session: Off-Street Parking Updates WORK SESSION DATE: July 20, 2015 REQUEST OF COUNCIL: The purpose of this work session is to request direction from Council on updating off-street parking requirements and linking those requirements to the Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines. These are the parking requirements for development and are not related to street parking or other parking managed by the City. PROJECT BACKGROUND: City Council approved a new system to ensure development mitigates its transportation impacts in April 2014. City Council was interested in ensuring fairness and consistency in the development process, particularly as it relates to transportation impacts. The old system was unpredictable because there were no clear guidelines. This resulted in transportation impacts being determined on an ad hoc case-by-case basis, rather than being based on adopted standards. The new TIA Guidelines created a clear and consistent system based on Aspen-specific trip generation data and mitigation measures specifically tailored to the Aspen area. The system requires actual physical or programmatic improvements related to trip impacts through Transportation Demand Management (TDM) 1 and Multi-Modal Level of Service (MMLOS) 2 improvements. 1 Transportation Demand Management (TDM) refers to programs or services that maximize the use of alternative transportation, including buses, carpools, biking, walking, and carshare modes. TDM techniques include programs such as compressed workweeks, as well as outreach and education programs. Built alternatives such as Park and Rides, bike lanes, and bike racks that encourage alternative modes of transportation are also an important element of TDM programs. Finally, economic incentives and disincentives are part of the TDM tool-box, including things like parking cash-out programs where an employee trades the right to free parking at their workplace for a cash payment from the employer. 2 Level of Service (LOS) is a measurement that determines the effectiveness of transportation infrastructure. LOS A would refer to an area that has free-flow of traffic with almost no traffic. LOS F would refer to an area where the flow of traffic is backed up and frequent slowing occurs. Typical Level of Service figures only takes vehicle drivers into account. In recent years, Level of Service has expanded to include multiple modes, called Multi-Modal Level of Service (MMLOS). MMLOS takes all mode types – auto, bicycle, transit, walking - into account. P1 I. Off-Street Parking Work Session, 6.23.2015 Page 2 of 4 The system is based on a set of Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines, and an interactive excel-based tool that allows an applicant to input their net increase in units and/or square footage and then select appropriate TDM and MMLOS mitigation measures. Since its adoption, a number of land use projects have come through the system, including the Molly Gibson Hotel, the Sky Hotel, and the Base 1 Lodge. These projects have shown that the system is working to make the development review process more predictable for transportation related issues. PROPOSED OFF-STREET PARKING CHANGES: The Aspen Area Community Plan focuses on prioritizing alternative transportation modes over the automobile, stating that “our commitment to alternative modes of transportation helps reduce traffic congestion, improves air quality, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, promotes public health and reduces our dependence on non-renewable resources.” (pg 32) Staff is interested in hearing Council feedback on integrating the transportation mitigation requirements with the City’s parking standards. One of the goals of the TIA Guidelines is to reduce the number of vehicles in and out of town by providing improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities and programs on an individual site basis. With the TIA Guidelines in place, staff believes it is worth exploring commensurate decreases in off-street parking requirements. The City’s parking code requires a minimum number of parking spaces, meaning a new development is required to provide a base number of parking, but can optionally provide as much parking as they would like. Staff questions if unlimited parking associated with a development helps promote Aspen’s goals of reducing traffic, congestion, greenhouse gases, and improving air quality. In addition, the City’s minimum standards may be “over parking” some projects, further reducing unneeded traffic. Staff requests direction from City Council to explore changes to the City’s parking requirements. This would include exploring the following policies for implementation in Aspen: • Tie parking requirements to a project’s TIA – Allow new or existing projects to implement an “above and beyond TIA” in exchange for reducing the required number of parking spaces. • Lowering parking – Reduce the number of new parking spaces required of development projects. • Parking maximums - Place a cap on the number of new parking spaces that can be added in association with development projects. • Transferable parking between sites - This is typically used in conjunction with Parking Maximums to allow flexibility between development sites. • Unbundling parking with approved land uses - Allow parking to be rented or sold separately from residential and commercial units. • Increase areas where cash-in-lieu for parking is allowed by right - Currently commercial development in the area inside the rivers, aka the Infill Area, can make a cash-in-lieu payment of $30,000 a space instead of having on-site parking spaces. This P2 I. money goes to the Transportation Department for transportation improvements. be worth exploring increasing the ar • Allow shared parking overall number of new parking spaces. Many of the policies listed above have been implemented in larger communities, including Portl and, OR, Arlington County, VA, Seattle, WA, and Boulder, CO campuses such as UC-Berkeley . transportation, parking and land use trends, country to move toward better integrating improved bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities to reduced parking requirements. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Changes to parking requirements term impact on Aspen’s environment. Aspen was once a non after the implementation of paid parking and improvements to the transit system the City was able to dramatically improve air quality and is no long pollution, improving air quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the proposed parking Sustainability Dashboard Measures, including: Castle Creek Bridge traffic counts, Ozone L (Energy Measure); Macro invertebrate population in R FINANCIAL IMPACT: At this time, a comprehensive update to the City’s parking requirements is anticipated to cost up to $100,000, which would include data collection, consultant assistance, community outreach. Less money would be required if much of the work was completed in house. If staff conducts the work in house, it’s anticipated to take 12 require some budget monies to complete adequate public o council supports an update to offstreet parking requirements, more detailed scope of work and budget request for 2016. Off-Street Parking Work Session, 6.23.2015 money goes to the Transportation Department for transportation improvements. be worth exploring increasing the ar eas cash-in-lieu is allowed by right. - Allow sites to share parking facilities, thereby reducing the overall number of new parking spaces. Many of the policies listed above have been implemented in larger communities, including and, OR, Arlington County, VA, Seattle, WA, and Boulder, CO , as well as on college . In keeping with its reputation for being on the cutting edge of transportation, parking and land use trends, Aspen would be one of the first small towns in the y to move toward better integrating improved bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities to IMPACT: requirements and a bolstering of TDM measures will have a term impact on Aspen’s environment. Aspen was once a non -attainment air quality area, but after the implementation of paid parking and improvements to the transit system the City was able to dramatically improve air quality and is no long er in non-attainment. While the City has made great strides, there is more to do when it comes to cars and their impacts on the community, and staff believes the proposed parking changes are the requisite next step to realize the community’s environmen tal goals. At 40%, the transportation sector represents Aspen’s largest and most challenging sector of greenhouse gas emission reductions (See 2011 Greenhouse Gas Emissions chart). While existing strategies like transit, carpool programs, bike lanes and paid parking have helped, these strategies alone are no longer adequate if the City wants to truly make strides in reducing pollution, improving air quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. parking changes support a number of City Council's Environmental Sustainability Dashboard Measures, including: Levels of small particulate matter (PM traffic counts, Ozone L evels ( Air Quality Measures); Mass transit use invertebrate population in R ivers and Streams (water measure). At this time, a comprehensive update to the City’s parking requirements is anticipated to cost up to $100,000, which would include data collection, consultant assistance, community outreach. Less money would be required if much of the work was completed in If staff conducts the work in house, it’s anticipated to take 12 – 18 months, and would require some budget monies to complete adequate public o utreach, as well as data collection. council supports an update to offstreet parking requirements, staff would return in the fall with a more detailed scope of work and budget request for 2016. Street Parking Work Session, 6.23.2015 Page 3 of 4 money goes to the Transportation Department for transportation improvements. It may Allow sites to share parking facilities, thereby reducing the Many of the policies listed above have been implemented in larger communities, including , as well as on college In keeping with its reputation for being on the cutting edge of small towns in the y to move toward better integrating improved bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities to bolstering of TDM measures will have a significant long attainment air quality area, but after the implementation of paid parking and improvements to the transit system the City was While the City has made great strides, there is more to do when it comes to cars and their impacts on the community, and staff believes the proposed parking changes are the requisite next step to realize the tal goals. At 40%, the transportation sector represents Aspen’s largest and most challenging sector of greenhouse gas emission reductions (See 2011 Greenhouse Gas Emissions chart). While existing strategies like transit, carpool paid parking have helped, these strategies alone are no longer adequate if the City wants to truly make strides in reducing Council's Environmental Levels of small particulate matter (PM 10 & PM 2.5 ) Air Quality Measures); Mass transit use (water measure). At this time, a comprehensive update to the City’s parking requirements is anticipated to cost up and significant community outreach. Less money would be required if much of the work was completed in 18 months, and would utreach, as well as data collection. If staff would return in the fall with a P3 I. Off-Street Parking Work Session, 6.23.2015 Page 4 of 4 P4 I. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 1 of 7 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Jessica Garrow, Long Range Planner Chris Bendon, Community Development Director MEETING DATE: July 20, 2015 RE: Community Development Department work program review SUMMARY : This memo outlines the Community Development Department’s current work program, as well as other priorities previously identified by City Council, P&Z, HPC, and staff. Council may wish to re-evaluate the priorities, but based on the department’s staffing levels, realistically the department cannot add new work program items without deleting others. The purpose of this work session is to update City Council on the Community Development Department’s work program in advance of Council’s retreat. No action is requested. Since adoption of the Aspen Area Community Plan, City Council has identified a number of AACP implementation priorities, many of which were assigned to the Community Development Department. In addition to these projects, staff continues to work on regular work items, such as building permits and current caseload. Staff met with the Planning & Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and the NextGen Commission in June to hear their ideas for policies the city should focus on. Comments from each board are included within the memo below. CURRENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORK PROGRAM ITEMS : Beyond the general planning services the city provides (processing land use applications, providing walk-in services, etc), community development staff is working on the following items. Each item lists the primary staff contact for the project, as well as the AACP Policies the work would implement. 1. Rethink the Street (Council Goal #1). One of City Council’s Top Ten Goals is to assess the city’s streets in an effort to prioritize pedestrian access and safety while ensuring they result in a “walkable city.” This effort has been dubbed “Rethink the Street.” There are a number of departments working together on this goal, including the Community Development Department. The inter-departmental team is focusing on potential test projects to demonstrate longer-term changes that could be implemented to improve walkability and connectivity. Both the P&Z and the NextGen Commissions strongly supported continued work on this goal. Staff: Chris Bendon, Justin Barker, Sara Adams, plus other City staff. AACP: Transportation Policy II.3 2. Uphill Economy (Council Goal #4). One of City Council’s Top Ten Goals focuses on creating a framework for encouraging industry, events, and other economic activities tied to the “Uphill Economy." The effort would build on the popularity of this outdoor movement by attracting events and businesses to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley that can provide P5 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 2 of 7 economic development that is not tied to the built environment. In February 2015 the City hosted a successful uphill event and expo that coincided with the Power of Four race. Staff proposes to continue to build on this effort by continuing outreach with uphill businesses, with an ultimate goal of creating incubator space or an “Uphill Innovations Center.” The NextGen Commission strongly supported continued work on this goal, and felt it could be combined with the ongoing SCI work outlined in number 3, below. Staff: Chris Bendon. AACP: Aspen Idea Policy I.3-4; Managing Growth Policy I.4. 3. SCI / North Mill Planning (Council Goal #4). This effort focuses on the properties along North Mill, as well as a rework of the SCI Zone District. The SCI properties along North Mill Street are likely redevelopment candidates due to their age and location. The City has previously explored rezoning options to adjust the types of allowable businesses in SCI, but this effort was met with significant concern about the effects on existing businesses. A rezoning of the Obermeyer properties was considered acceptable and staff initiated outreach to the property owners. A rezoning application is pending. The City recently completed a substantial street and storm water improvement project connected to the work on John Denver Sanctuary. The North Mill SCI properties received minimal attention this past year as part of the business goal (BYY #4). The City did not want to consider zoning changes while a potential sale was in the works. Staff is not aware of any pending sale or interest in redeveloping the property. A deeper effort focused on these properties, and the lumber yard property, could produce an incubator-type property for a wider range of businesses. The effort could be expanded to include the properties along the river. The river properties could be repurposed and relate better to the new park. This effort needs more attention if progress is expected. This is likely an extensive work program item, but could get underway in late 2015 with anticipated completion in 2016. The NextGen Commission strongly supported the concept of an “innovation zone,” possibly related to the Uphill Economy effort outlined in number 2, above Staff: Chris Bendon and Sara Nadolny. AACP: Managing Growth Policies V.1-2 4. Lodging Code Amendments. As part of AACP implementation and previous Council Top Ten Goals, Council directed staff to study lodging and engage the lodging community in a discussion related to the future of our lodging product. City Council recently approved the “Small Lodge Preservation Program” that target’s Aspen’s twelve (12) remaining small lodges and provides incentives to help them continue operating as lodges. Council has also given staff direction to work on code amendments that would address other portions of the bed base, including condominium development and timeshare development. Condos make up over 40% of the city’s bed base. Staff anticipates presenting Council with draft code amendments related to condominiums, timeshares, and vacation rentals in the fall or winter 2015. Staff: Jessica Garrow. AACP: Managing Growth Policies IV.1-4. 5. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Code Amendment. Staff is working on an update to the ESA chapter of the Land Use Code. This section requires a heightened review for any project located near our rivers and streams, within an established view plane, located near Hallam Lake, or located within 100 feet of the 8040 elevation line. This code amendment P6 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 3 of 7 requires extensive work with other city departments and the development community, which has been ongoing for two (2) years. Mapping work and other consultant work may be required to bring the update to a conclusion. Staff had an initial check-in with the Planning & Zoning Commission in the fall of 2014, and anticipates another check-in as well as additional public outreach in late summer to early fall of 2015. Staff anticipates the code amendment will be ready for public hearings in late 2015 or early 2016. Staff: Jessica Garrow. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policies III.3 and VII.1. 6. Single-Family and Duplex Housing Mitigation. The project proposes to update the fee-in- lieu requirements for single-family and duplex development. The proposal also would eliminate the ADU option consistent with the AACP and previous Council and APCHA direction. The project relies on the not yet adopted fee-in-lieu methodology developed by the Housing Authority. While the basis for the fee would be new, the amount that an applicant would pay does not need to be the full fee stated in the Housing Guidelines. The study is final and staff has completed outreach on this item. City Council adopted a policy resolution; an ordinance will be presented in August along with amendments to the cash-in-lieu rates the APCHA is working on. Staff anticipates the work will be completed by the end of the year. Staff: Chris Bendon. AACP: Housing Policy V.1 7. Residential Design Standards Update. The City has Residential Design Standards in place that address all single-family, duplex, and multi-family development. These standards have not been updated since their initial creation roughly fifteen (15) years ago. Staff is currently working with a Boulder-based consultant as well as a local committee of architects to update the standards. Staff anticipates completion in the fall of 2015. Staff: Justin Barker. AACP: Managing Growth Policies III.1-2 8. Lift One Stabilization. The City continues to work on addressing repair needs at the historic Lift 1 site. An initial assessment by an Architectural Conservator and a Structural Engineer was completed last fall, and staff is awaiting construction documents for immediate repair work that will be implemented this summer. New interpretive information will be added to the site. Staff: Amy Simon. AACP: Historic Preservation Policies I.1-2 and III.1. 9. Permit Process Change. The Community Development Department is working on a complete overhaul of the building permitting process, from initial pre-planning inquiries through the issuance of a CO. This also involves conversion to a new software system and digital plans review. This is a significant effort and involves all Community Development staff and multiple review agencies of the City. Efforts will be ongoing though the end of the year and possibly into 2016. Staff: All of Community Development. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. 10. Standardized Building Submission – Model B-Sheets. Based on staff’s experience with the Model Z-Sheets (Model Zoning Permit Submissions), staff is working on a standard format for building submittals. (A similar effort is being pursued within Engineering.) This has been budgeted from department savings. Staff: Stephen Kanipe and Denis Murray. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. P7 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 4 of 7 11. CC and C-1 Zone District Amendments. Recently a number of owners from the Concept 600 Building approached the Community Development Department about their status as a non- conforming use. The Concept 600 Building is located in the C-1 Zone District and includes commercial uses on the ground floor and free-market residential uses on the upper floors. In 2012, City Council amended the CC and C-1 zone districts to prohibit free-market residential uses. Any existing free-market residential uses became non-conforming. The Concept 600 owners have found it difficult to find financing for normal upkeep or remodeling of the units because they are technically no longer allowed in the zone district. Because these units, as well as other existing free-market residential units, are unlikely to go away, staff suggests an amendment to the zone districts that would legalize existing free-market residential units while prohibiting them from expanding. New free-market residential units would continue to be prohibited. City Council approved a Policy Resolution and First Reading. Second Reading is scheduled in early August. Staff: Jessica Garrow. AACP: Managing Growth Policies III.2 and VIII.2. 12. Housing Credits Update. The City of Aspen implemented the Housing Credits program in 2010 and has seen a number of successful private sector housing developments as a result. To date, housing for nearly 48 FTEs has been created through the program. While the program has been a success, there are improvements and clarifications to be made. Staff has met with the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Housing Board to get feedback on specific policy changes, and both support the proposed changes. Staff anticipates meeting with City Council in August / September to review code changes. The NextGen Commission also supported this item as part of the Department’s work program. They did request that there be some consideration for higher category units (Cats 3-4 and higher) to be part of the Housing Credits Program. Staff: Jessica Garrow. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2 and Housing Policies IV.2 and V.1. 13. Vested Rights Update. When a project is approved, state statute requires a vesting period of at least three-years. During this period the project is “protected” from any changes to the land use code. Often projects will apply for amendments during their vested period. Staff is working on a code amendment to codify existing city policy related to how projects that are part of a multi-step process or that are requesting an amendment during their vested rights period are addressed. Under this change, minor amendments (for instance, changing of building materials or landscape features) would continue to be vested under the original land use code, while major amendments (for instance, changing the project from lodging to affordable housing) would be subject to the land use code in effect at the time of the amendment application. Staff recently met with the Planning and Zoning Commission on this code amendment, and they strongly supported the direction. Council approved a Policy Resolution on this item earlier in July, with first and second readings scheduled in August. Staff: Jessica Garrow. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. 14. 3D Model of Aspen. The City of Aspen began creation of a 3D massing model using SketchUp in 2008. Since then the downtown and certain areas along Main Street have been modeled. The city recently hired a temporary Special Projects Planner to assist with completion of the model. Staff anticipates an updated model will be complete by the end of the year. Staff: Jessica Garrow and Sarah Rosenberg. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.1. P8 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 5 of 7 15. Miscellaneous Code Amendments. Throughout the year, staff keeps a “redline” version of the code that identifies areas of the code that are confusing, contradictory, or do not address emerging issues. These primarily focus on the calculations and measurement section of the code – that is, how buildings, fences, etc. are measured for height, floor area, net leasable/livable, and setbacks. The most recent update was completed at the end of 2014. Staff has begun compiling a list of potential changes and anticipates bringing a code amendment forward in early 2016. One Planning & Zoning Commission member suggested that an examination of interior lighting be added to these efforts. Staff: Justin Barker. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF SUGGESTIONS : 1. Update Historic Preservation Guidelines. The city’s Historic Preservation Guidelines have not been updated since 2000. A general update is recommended to address emerging issues such as landscaping and to ensure the guidelines result in development that respects Aspen’s historic buildings and districts. Staff has begun an initial review of the guidelines and would work with HPC on the update. In addition, staff met with HPC in June, and they supported an update to the Guidelines, particularly related to landscaping. Staff anticipates this effort will take approximately 6-8 months to complete and can be done in house. AACP: Historic Preservation Policies II.1 and V.1. 2. City-Owned Property AspenModern Designations. In 2010 City Council approved the AspenModern program, which allows for voluntary designation of Aspen’s post-war historic resources. The program requires review by the HPC and City Council, with applicants able to request various benefits in exchange for designating their property. The City owns a number of AspenModern eligible properties, but to date has not done extensive planning or investigation to determine if the properties should go through the designation process. The AspenModern Ordinance included language stating that the City would initiate AspenModern designation on the eligible City-owned properties. Staff proposes that the City Asset and Community Development Departments work together to investigate and potentially bring forward these designations. When staff met with HPC in June they strongly supported this direction. Staff anticipates this effort will take 8-12 months and can be completed in house. AACP: Historic Preservation Policy III.1, and Managing Growth Policy VI.2. 3. Update Historic TDR Review Criteria. The Review Criteria for the City’s TDR program are based on a mathematical formula – if there is additional available floor area on the lot, that floor area is eligible to be severed as a TDR. The Review Criteria do not address such things as if the creation of TDRs will benefit the historic property or represent an important preservation effort. Staff proposes an update to the Review Criteria to include some additional context- specific criteria. When staff met with HPC in June they supported updating the chapter to include more context-based criteria. Staff is meeting again with HPC in late July and has tentatively scheduled Council Review for a Policy Resolution in early August to jump-start this effort. Staff: Sara Adams and Jessica Garrow. AACP; Historic Preservation Policies II.3 and V.1. P9 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 6 of 7 4. Off-Street Parking Requirements. Staff proposes a complete rewrite of the city's off-street parking requirements. These are the parking requirements for development and are not related to street parking or other parking managed by the City. The City’s parking code requires a minimum number of parking spaces, meaning a new development is required to provide a base number of parking, but can optionally provide as much parking as they would like. Staff questions if unlimited parking associated with a development helps promote Aspen’s goals of reducing traffic, congestion, greenhouse gases, and improving air quality. In addition, the City’s minimum standards may be “over parking” some projects, further reducing unneeded traffic. A comprehensive study are parking needs for different land uses may be beneficial, given the section has not been updated in approximately 10 years. There are new trends related to land use review of parking, including establishing a maximum parking requirement rather than a minimum parking requirement (in an effort to encourage use of alternative transportation modes). In addition, staff believes this is a worthwhile “next step” related to the year-old transportation mitigation system. Staff anticipates this effort would take 12 – 18 months and would require consultant work to complete. AACP: Transportation Policies 1, 2, III.1, and V.1. 5. Commercial Elevators. Currently there is a building code requirement related to elevator access in commercial buildings. This requirement is based on the area of the building above and below the ground floor. However, this provision can be met without providing access to all levels. Staff proposes an amendment that would require elevator access to all building floors in a commercial or mixed-use building. This ensures equal access to all commercial units in a building, and provides more usable commercial spaces. This work could be completed with the yearly miscellaneous code amendments or as a stand-alone item later this summer. AACP: Managing Growth Policy V.3. 6. Lift 1 Neighborhood. The Lift 1 neighborhood is Aspen’s second portal to the mountain, and is the location of world class skiing events. The neighborhood includes a mix of vacant parcels, free-market condominium development, parks, and an approved lodge. With the FIS coming in 2017, the recent purchase of the Lift 1 Lodge, and a potential development application for the uppermost parcel, staff suggests the time is ripe for a community discussion on the goals for this area. This should occur relatively quickly, as development applications may come in over the next few months, and as the Aspen Skiing Company determines if and how to update the existing lift. Potential work could include a community survey, an interactive website, focus group meetings, interactive boards in the area, and clicker meetings. If Council is interested in moving forward with this, additional funding and potential outside help would be required. The Planning & Zoning Commission supported adding this planning work to the Department’s work program. They feel it is important to bring the different moving parts together in a cohesive way that results in a new benefit for the community. AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.3. 7. Renewable Energy Allowances. The Aspen Area Community Plan focuses on encouraging renewable energy sources as a way to decrease the city's carbon footprint. The policies and goals in the AACP are also supported by the City's Canary Initiative. While the city has focused on ways to increase the amount of renewable energy in its electric portfolio as well as focusing on ways to generally reduce dependence on non-renewable sources, there has not been a focus on making individual alternative energy sources easier to construct (i.e individual solar panels on a P10 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Memo Community Development Department Work Program Page 7 of 7 home). The Land Use Code allows for alternative energy production equipment, but often requires a review process with the Planning & Zoning Commission, which can be a deterrent for homeowners. Staff proposes implementing the AACP Action Items that focus on removing barriers to individual renewable energy development, such as solar panels in a back yard or on retaining walls. Staff anticipates this work could be conducted in house and would take approximately six months to complete, including public outreach. AACP: Environmental Sustainability Policies V.4-5. 8. Local Food Production. The Lifelong Aspenite Chapter of the AACP includes a goal to "promote and provide access to organic and sustainable and regional food production." Staff suggests that the Land Use code be examined for potential barriers to local food production. For instance, certain rooftop or backyard garden structures are not allowed under floor area or height requirements. Exemptions for the production of local food could be added. Staff anticipates this work would take 8-10 months, including public outreach and could be completed in house. Additional funding may be needed if consultant work were required. The NextGen Commission felt this would be a good addition to the Department’s work program. They felt it could potentially tie in with the Rethink the Street work. They also encouraged the Department to examine ways to include recent “growtainer” technology. AACP: Lifelong Aspenite Policy III.7. 9. Multi-Family Replacement Updates. One of the items identified by City Council during the lodging discussions is a need to update the city’s Multi-Family Replacement requirements. This includes an examination of the “look back” for the program – currently any property that has ever housed a local working resident is subject to the requirements – as well as an examination of the general requirements. The ability for AH Credits to be used to meet replacement requirements should also be examined. Staff anticipates this work would take 4-6 months, and could be completed in house. Additional funding may be needed if consultant work were required. AACP: Managing Growth Policies IV.1 and VIII.2 . FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The current Community Development work program has been budgeted for. Additional monies may be needed if Council is interested in jump-starting or moving more quickly on any of the current items. Any additional work program items identified by City Council will require additional budget monies. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A: AACP Implementation items since 2012 P11 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 1 of 7 Exhibit A – AACP work since 2012 Since the adoption of the Aspen Area Community Plan (AACP) in 2012, there have been a number of items reviewed and implemented by City Departments and City Council. The AACP includes many policy priorities and a variety of policy direction on topics from growth to the transportation to historic preservation to the environment. Every year since the AACP adoption, City Council has prioritized various work program items from the AACP. Some items have been made into City Council goals or processed as code amendments, while others have not yet been selected by City Council for implementation. This exhibit outlines the AACP policies the City has completed worked on since 2012. 1 Master Plan Process – Added a new chapter outlining the process for any master plan. (Ord 31, 2012). AACP: General implementation from the overall 2012 AACP Process. Aspen Idea Chapter: • Uphill Economy – In 2015 the City began work to support the “Uphill Economy.” The effort builds on the popularity of this outdoor movement by attracting events and businesses to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley that can provide economic development that is not tied to the built environment. In February 2015 the City hosted a successful uphill event and expo that coincided with the Power of Four race. AACP: Aspen Idea Policies I.3-4; Managing Growth Policy I.4. Managing Growth For Community & Economic Sustainability Chapter: • Code Amendment Process – Updated process for code amendments, allowing more Council oversight and more immediate action (Ord 11, 2012). AACP: Managing Growth Policies VIII.1-2. • Downtown heights & uses – Reduced heights to 28 feet, eliminated SFR/Duplex as allowed use in C-1, reduced allowed Free-market FAR (Ord 12, 2012), and amended heights to address south/north sides of street, eliminated Free-market residential as an allowed use in CC and C-1 (Ord 25, 2012). AACP: Managing Growth Policies I.6 and V.3. • Mitigating Impacts of Development Report – Report analyzing the impacts of development on Parks/Open Space/Recreation/Trails, Transportation, the Environment, Affordable Housing, Construction, and Public Health/Human Services. Council chose to move forward on Housing and Transportation. (Report issued May 2012). AACP: Managing Growth Policies VII.1-2. • Lodging Charrette & Report – Provided an analysis of existing conditions in the lodging sector (Report issued August 2012). AACP: Managing Growth Policies IV.1-2. 1 While the AACP is a joint plan between the City and the County and includes potential work items for the City, County, and community non-profits, this exhibit focuses only on the work conducted by the City of Aspen. P12 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 2 of 7 • Employee Generation and Double Dipping – Updated the City’s Employee Generation Study for commercial and lodging zones, and eliminated the so-called “double-dip provision” in Growth Management that had allowed project to only mitigate for their highest requirement (Ord 4, 2013). AACP: Managing Growth Policy VII.2. • PUD/PD – A complete re-write of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) chapter, renamed chapter to “Planned Development”, established new review criteria, Council decision on projects made sooner in process, went from 4 required review steps to 3 (Ord 36, 2013). AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. • Subdivision & Development Documents – A complete rewrite of Subdivision chapter, updated review criteria, established clearer requirements for development documents through creation of a new chapter, established clearer subdivision review types (Ord 37, 2013 – Subdivision; Ord 41, 2013 – Development Documents). AACP: Managing Growth Policy VIII.2. • Lodging Economics & Report – Report outlining the economics and general demand around the lodging and short-term rental sector in Aspen and other resort communities (Report issued June 2013). AACP: Managing Growth Policies IV.1-2. • Double Basement – Eliminated the ability to build double basements in single-family and duplex development (Ord 31, 2014). AACP: Managing Growth Policy III.2. • Lodge Incentive Program – Created program intended to provide incentives for existing lodges and condominiums to upgrade, and to enable new lodging products to be developed (Ord 19, Series 2014 – rescinded). AACP: Managing Growth Policies IV.1-4 and VII.3. • Public Projects – Updated the COWOP Chapter to address all Public Projects and to address state law (Ord 11, 2015). AACP: Managing Growth Policy VII.3. • Small Lodge Preservation Program – Created a 5-year program to assist existing small lodges to upgrade, refurbish, and expand, in an effort to enable them to remain a lodge. (Ord 15, 2015). AACP: Managing Growth Policy IV.1. Transportation Chapter: • Transportation Mitigation Requirements – Implemented a new system for all new development to mitigate its new trips through TDM and MMLOS measures (Ord 8, 2014). AACP: Transportation Primary Policies 1-2, and Policies III.1, III.3; Environmental Sustainability Policies I.3, II.1 and II.4. • Bus Stop Improvements – Remodel and updates of Rubey Park, and replacements and updates of stops along the Hunter Creek route. AACP: Transportation Primary Policies 1-2, and Policy I.1. P13 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 3 of 7 • Bus Service Improvements – Includes the remodel of Rubey Park, and ongoing efforts including “shopping of routes,” ongoing discussions and coordination with RFTA regarding customer and service issues, and promotion of BRT. AACP: Transportation Policies I.4 and VI.3. • Education and Outreach Efforts – Ongoing efforts by Transportation Department to make more people aware of bus system and incentivize use. This has included contests, appreciation events, and outreach and marketing to hotels. AACP: Transportation Policies I.3 and VI.1 . Housing Chapter: • Capital Reserves Policy – Policy development is currently in process, with timing associated with resolution of issues at Centennial. APCHA partly funded capital reserve studies for those HOA’s who opted in. This enabled some of the HOA’s to create capital reserves and begin to collect the funds. AACP: Housing Policies I.1 and I.3. • ADUs – Ongoing work to address the ADU option for housing mitigation. AACP: Housing Policies II.5-6. • AH Credits – Provide a system of conversion between categories (Ord 32, 2012). AACP: Housing Policy III.2. • Non-mitigation units – APCHA and City continue to work on ways to partner on housing and increase community involvement in creation on non-mitigation housing. This includes ongoing discussions with Habitat for Humanity, continued refinements to the Housing Credits Program, and RFPs for the City’s land-banked properties. AACP: Housing Policy III.2. • Housing Guidelines – Updated Housing Guidelines to make them easier to understand and to include new procedural information (anticipated effective date August 2015). AACP: Housing Policy V.1. • Community Outreach and Engagement – The Housing Office has provided a number of seminars and other educational opportunities for homeowners, including information on CCIOA. AACP: Housing Policies I.4 and V.1. • Management and Enforcement – Increased audits and inventorying of each unit as to household size, employment, etc. Increases in qualified tenants. AACP: Housing Policy V.2. Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Chapter: P14 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 4 of 7 • Park Acquisitions – Acquired a number of parcels for both active and passive parks, including the Dolinsek property, the Lindsey parcel, and Smuggler Mineral Rights. AACP: Parks Policies I.1 and III.2-3. • Park Balance – Continue to maintain a balance between active recreational parks and passive parks, this has included efforts at Ajax Park, Pioneer Park, Bugsy Bernard Park, and Garrish open space. AACP: Parks Policy I.2. • Recreation Business Plan – The Recreation Department is working on an update to their business plan. AACP: Recreation Policies II.1-2. • Protecting Open Space – Implement improved noxious weed management, enforcement of illegal camping, and clean-up efforts at Cozy Point. AACP: Parks Policy III.1, and Environmental Stewardship Policies VI.1 and VII.1. • Trail Improvements – Implemented trail enhancements and new connections, including Cozyline, Airline, Ditchline, Deer Hill trail, Burlingame connector, Hummingbird traverse, Lollipop extension, and Hunter Creek Extension. AACP: Parks Policies IV.1 and IV.3. • Regional Trail Planning – On going work on the Upper Roaring Fork trails plan (draft expected September 2015), and coordination with multiple jurisdictions on trail planning, including Pitkin County, US Forest Service, Snowmass Village, and Aspen Skiing Company. AACP: Parks Policy IV.2. • Community Outreach – Enhanced communications and outreach efforts regarding city parks, open space, trails, and recreation, including online surveys, new summer and winter trail maps, new Smuggler self-guided tour map, and a new Nordic website. AACP: Parks Policy V.1. Environmental Stewardship Chapter: • Greenhouse Gases – GHG emissions were down by 7.4% in 2014 from the baseline year. Voluntary programs exist to encourage energy reduction. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policies I.1-4 and V.1-5. • Complete Streets – Adopted and implemented a “complete streets” policy that encourages street design for all form of transportation, including bikes and pedestrians. Implementation has included the work along the Main Street corridor. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy I.3 • Air Quality Monitoring – Participate in the Colorado State Patrol’s biannual Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles safety checks, including performing emissions checks on all trucks to determine if they meet state air quality standards. Conduct weekly vehicle idling P15 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 5 of 7 surveillance throughout the winter. Provide air quality trainings to all new RFTA bus drivers. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy II.1 • Ozone Monitoring – Implement updated air quality monitoring system to provide accurate real-time data to the public. Real-time ozone and particulate data in both a health based form as well as raw form is available at www.aspenairquality.com. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy II.1-2. • Stormwater Updates –Urban Runoff Management Plan (URMP) requires all development sites to treat stormwater runoff with a preference for on-site treatment. Larger scale community projects have also been completed to help treat water in the rivers, including at Rio Grande Park and the John Denver Sanctuary. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policies III.4, III.6 and III.7. • Trash & Recycling Requirements – Updated requirements for trash and recycling for all use types (Ord 13, Series 2013). In addition, the city has been working with Pitkin County and Waste Management staff to encourage use of the Rio Grande Recycling Center. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy IV.1. • Bag Ban – Instituted a ban on plastic bags in May 2012. The Bag Bank program continues to offer free reusable shopping bags to residents and visitors through 12 different locations. Environmental Health staff has also been training the checkout personnel at the two grocery stores to ensure they are complying with the Waste Reduction Ordinance. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy IV.1. • Composting – The City’s Environmental Health Department and Pitkin County Solid Waste Center were awarded a $200,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to expand the compost collection program (SCRAPS). Funds from this program are making a wider array of curbside collection containers available to residents and businesses at no charge. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy IV.1. • Deconstruction – Instituted a tracking and reporting system as part of the Construction Management Plan process to track the amount of deconstruction and to encourage reuse and recycling of materials. Approximately 60% of the total waste brought to the landfill is diverted. 63% of the waste brought to the landfill is Construction and Demolition waste. This has helped in efforts to increase the life of the landfill. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy IV.2 and IV.4 • Snow Storage Requirements – The Engineering Department has updated requirements to address snow storage requirements, requiring a minimum functional area of 30% of the paved area to be provided for snow storage on site. Detached sidewalk requirements also provide areas for snow storage. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy IV.3 P16 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 6 of 7 • Aspen Electric Utility – Aspen Electric will be 100% renewable by September 2015. AACP: Environmental Stewardship Policy V.1-2 Historic Preservation Chapter: • Historic Districts – Clarified that non-historic properties located within a Historic District are subject to the City’s historic preservation requirements. (Ord 33, 2012). AACP: Historic Preservation Policy II.1. • AspenModern Website – Implemented website dedicated to Aspen’s Post-WWII era properties. The website was completed in April 2014 and includes information on each style of architecture and each architect modern properties ( http://www.aspenmod.com/ ) Staff continues to update the website as new properties are designated. AACP: Historic Preservation Policies I.1-2. • AspenVictorian Website – Implemented website dedicated to Aspen’s Victorian era properties ( http://aspenvictorian.com/ ). The website went live in September 2014, and continues to be updated with information. AACP: Historic Preservation Policies I.1-2. • TDRs – Expanded TDR landing sites by allowing up to 3 TDRs on large lots (Ord 33, 2014). AACP: Historic Preservation Policy II.3; Managing Growth Policy III.3. Lifelong Aspenite Chapter: • Childcare Access – Kids First has ongoing efforts to ensure affordable child care is available to residents and workers, including offering financial aid above the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program maximum income. In 2014, 81 families received childcare financial aid, with an average award of $31.93 per day. All the families live or work in Aspen. Kids First financial aid serves approximately 15% of the total children enrolled in licensed childcare in Pitkin County. AACP: Lifelong Aspenite Policy I.1. • Early Childhood Mental Health – Kids First provides early childhood mental health consulting in the childcare programs; services include developmental screenings, behavioral challenges, emotional challenges, and family concerns. Their consultant (MA, LPC) also provides parent training and coaching sessions for childcare staff and families on social – emotional development. AACP: Lifelong Aspenite Policy III.1 and III.4. • Nurse Consulting Services – Kids First provides Nurse Consulting to the childcare programs that includes topics such as safety, nutrition, disease prevention, immunization policy and procedures, and medication administration. Their registered nurse also offers child dental, vision and hearing screenings, as well as teaching CPR and First Aid to childcare staff. AACP: Lifelong Aspenite Policy III.1, III.4, and III.5. • Continuing Education – Kids First offers scholarships and incentives to childcare staff to attend college courses to advance their learning in early childhood education. In 2014 over P17 II. 7.20.2015 Council Work Session Exhibit A AACP Implementation Page 7 of 7 70% of all staff working in licensed childcare programs took at least one 3-credit college course. AACP: Lifelong Aspenite Policy IV.1. P18 II.