Planning Commission Regular Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Golden Planning Commission met on July 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM to consider a major adjustment request for a side driveway at 1735 Ford Street and to receive updates on staff projects. The meeting included a public hearing, deliberation, and a vote on the adjustment, as well as informational items on website improvements and upcoming code amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda for July 15, 2026, by a 6-0 voice vote.
• Approved the minutes from the July 1, 2026, meeting by a 6-0 voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Phil Kriz, property owner, requested that the existing concrete apron before the alley be retained to provide a wide turning radius for large vehicles, noting that the north end of the alley narrows to 9 feet 9 inches and forces trucks to back up. He expressed that the city’s requirement to remove it was not his wish.
• Craig Champlin, resident at 1711 Ford St., voiced enthusiastic support for the project, stating that the existing wide driveway aids accessibility for Xcel Energy trucks and provides a smooth walking surface for him due to his mobility issues.
• Six letters of support from neighbors were included in the staff packet, submitted by the applicant.

Discussion Items

• PC 26-28: 1735 Ford Street – Major Adjustment for Side Driveway
  • Staff (Lauren Simmons) presented the request for a major adjustment to allow a relocated side driveway from 18th Street instead of the required alley access for the Village House form type. The existing garage (approx. 10' x 25', built 1945) is being demolished and replaced. The new driveway would be 16 feet wide and set 10 feet back from the alley, compared to the current 23-foot-wide driveway at the alley edge.
  • The city engineer reviewed the project and noted that the existing wall on the opposite side of the alley makes backing out difficult, speeds on 18th Street are slow, and the new driveway location is an improvement over the current one.
  • The applicant’s architect, Erin Elston, explained that moving access to the alley would require two additional variances (for maximum setback from alley and middle lot BEA), making the side driveway the more feasible option. The proposed configuration is common in the neighborhood.
  • Commissioners discussed the intent of the alley-access regulation, pedestrian safety, consistency with neighborhood character, and the potential impact on Xcel Energy’s access. Some commissioners argued for correcting the non-conforming situation, while others supported the adjustment given the physical constraints of the alley and the existing pattern in the area.
• Other Matters
  • Carl Onsager presented revamped planning website pages and a new application portal (OpenGov), encouraging commissioners to review them for feedback.
  • Lauren Simmons updated on the Historic Preservation regulation update, noting a focus group for non-board/commission members is being formed (application deadline that week).
  • Carl Onsager previewed upcoming study sessions on commercial area sliding-scale code amendments, critical fixes (Hill House, half-story), and a capstone study from MERB.
  • Lauren Simmons reported that City Council approved the Urban Renewal Authority expansion for the Church of the Nazarene property and the Metropolitan District for the Junction property.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve the Major Adjustment (PC 26-28): Made by Hilliard and seconded by St. Angelo, finding that the criteria in Section 18.29.07.001(4)(b)(1) were satisfied. Passed 6-1 via roll call (Rutter dissenting; Caldwell not voting).
• The Commission recommended that the applicant move the fence from the right-of-way onto the property at the time of Form Zone Site Plan review.
• Regarding the owner’s request to retain the concrete apron, commissioners deferred to the city engineer for review and approval during the next phase, with some commissioners noting it should be decided based on safety standards.
• Adjourned at 6:51 PM.