Table of Contents

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

The city’s land management code protects sensitive areas through a sensitive land overlay zone. It describes an overlay review process, which is organized into four steps: a sensitive land analysis, an application of overlay zone regulations, a site development suitability determination, and hardship relief (§15-2.21-2). Additional components contain provisions to protect slopes, ridge lines, wetlands and streams, ski areas, and wildlife habitats. 

Inclusionary Housing

The city addresses inclusionary housing through an affordable housing resolution (Resolution 03-2017). Inclusionary requirements apply to all new housing and commercial development created through master planned developments or annexations.

The resolution establishes an affordable unit requirement of 15 percent for residential projects; for commercial projects, developers must mitigate 20 percent of employees generated. Example calculations for both requirements are provided. Units must remain affordable for 40 years.

Compliance alternatives include on-site or off-site unit construction, dedication of existing market-rate units as affordable, land conveyance, or fee in-lieu payment. Compliance may also include provision of winter seasonal units or special needs/transitional housing. Standards address unit types, minimum square footage standards, amenities, and construction timing. Deed restrictions and a housing mitigation plan are required. Standards are provided for sales and rental pricing and household eligibility; preference is given to full-time employees of businesses within the city’s school district, seniors, and those with disabilities.

The city’s zoning code also addresses master planned affordable housing development and provides for density bonuses (§15-6-7).

Scenic View Protection

The city’s land management code protects vistas and meadows visible from designated entry corridors. It regulates site design elements, such as access points, setbacks, and building height (§15-2.20-5). Additionally, it discusses uses allowed within the setback area, including trailhead parking, pedestrian facilities, and outdoor displays of art.

Solar Energy

One of the purposes of the LMC is to protect and ensure access to sunlight for solar energy devices (Sec. 15-1-2.H).

Architectural design guidelines address solar panels and skylights. Solar panels shall be designed so as to be incorporated in the roof plan or architectural features of the structure to the best extent possible. Solar panels shall generally be mounted flush to the roof plane. In instances where due to the existing roof angle the panel needs to be angled from the roof plane for optimum solar gain, alternative designs may be considered upon review of a visual analysis and mitigation of visual impacts from surrounding properties. Solar panels in the Historic Districts are subject to the Design Guidelines for Historic Districts and Historic Sites (Sec. 15-5-5.G.5.6).

Solar panels are subject to mechanical equipment design requirements and must be painted to match the surrounding wall color to blend with the surrounding natural terrain (Sec. 15-5-5.K).

Master Planned Developments Building Height requirements specify that the applicant mitigate to the extent possible potential problems on neighboring properties caused by shadows and loss of solar access (Sec. 15-6-10.F.2).