Erie Planning Commission Meeting: September 5, 2024

Note on Date Discrepancy: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the meeting was held on September 4, 2024, but the instruction provided specifies September 5, 2024. This summary uses the instructed date.

The Town of Erie Planning Commission met on September 5, 2024, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Chair Burns with a quorum present. Commissioners approved the agenda and previous minutes, heard no public comment, and addressed two primary business items: a resolution to amend flood damage prevention regulations and an update on the Elevate Erie comprehensive plan. The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Booth, seconded by Commissioner Hemphill, carried unanimously (5-0).
• Approval of Minutes (August 21, 2024): Motion by Commissioner Booth, seconded by Commissioner Braudes, carried unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

1. Flood Damage Prevention Code Amendment (Resolution P24-13)

• Presenters: Kelly Driscoll (Planning Manager) and Wendi Palmer (Civil Engineer III) presented a proposed new Chapter 14 to Title 10 of the Erie Municipal Code regarding flood damage prevention. The new chapter replaces the existing floodplain overlay district, aligns with a model code from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and updates references to FEMA flood maps to meet National Flood Insurance Program requirements. The CWCB reviewed the draft and approved it.
• Commissioner Questions: Topics included impacts on existing entitlements, the definition of “basement,” FEMA mapping coordination, and whether the change imposes additional burdens on properties. Staff clarified that the new code does not prevent building in floodplains but requires structures to be at least one foot above base flood elevation (two feet for critical facilities). Existing structures are only affected during major remodels (≥50% improvement value). The definition of basement excludes walkout basements for elevation requirements.
• Vote: Commissioner Braudes moved to approve Resolution P24-13, seconded by Commissioner Hemphill. Roll call vote: Commissioners Braudes, Hemphill, Booth, Vice Chair Laws, and Chair Burns voted yes; Commissioner Baham did not vote (arrived late). The motion passed unanimously.

2. Update on Elevate Erie (Comprehensive Plan)

• Presenters: Josh Campbell and Keiley Gaston (Senior Strategic Planners) provided an update on Phase 4 community engagement and the draft comprehensive plan. The engagement window (closing September 8) included online surveys and 12 in-person events, with 160 in-person voters, 450+ conversations, and over 250 online responses. Website traffic spiked to nearly 900 visitors during this window.
• Draft Goals: Staff presented top-voted goals per chapter, including encouraging water conservation, protecting nature, fostering thriving neighborhoods, reducing housing costs, attracting local businesses, connecting neighborhoods with parks/trails, and celebrating Erie’s identity.
• Future Land Use Map (FLUM): Keiley Gaston highlighted changes from the 2015 FLUM: simplified commercial categories (e.g., neighborhood and corridor commercial), replacement of “downtown district” with “mixed-use village,” and updated density ranges to reflect actual development (e.g., high-density residential guidance increased to 12‑25 units/acre). The planning area boundary was reduced slightly. Approximately 3.5 square miles of developable land remain within the planning area; only 2 square miles within town boundaries are not yet entitled or planned.
• Commissioner Questions: Questions addressed density balancing with infrastructure, public review time, effective date (October 8, 2024, if adopted), and the distinction between planning area and town boundary. Commissioners praised the parcel-level detail and requested more geographic diversity for mixed-use village designations. Staff noted that the FLUM will be updated periodically, potentially sooner than the standard five years.
• Next Steps: Public comment period closes September 8. Staff will present the final draft for Planning Commission recommendation on September 18, followed by Town Council adoption on October 8, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Resolution P24-13 (Flood Damage Prevention): The Planning Commission recommended that Town Council adopt an ordinance amending Title 10 regarding flood damage prevention. The resolution passed unanimously with one commissioner not voting.
• Elevate Erie Update: No formal action taken; the commission received the update and will hold a public hearing on the final draft at the September 18 meeting.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM on a motion by Vice Chair Laws, seconded by Commissioner Booth, carried unanimously.