Timnath council tweaks land use code map

New zoning maps, access to sewer lines and documents related to the town’s development vision were among several issues discussed and approved at the May 12 Timnath Town Council meeting.

In last month’s meeting, council members voted on land use code amendments for the Timnath Landing subdivision, which will bring 1,200 to 1,400 housing units as well as commercial development. Since that meeting, additional zoning changes were recommended, and the first reading was presented during the May 12 meeting.

Town planner Matt Blakely explained that the changes will align zoning with the currently approved sketch plan. Mixed-use zoning will increase to 109 acres from 40 on the amended map. High-density residential land will be removed and land south of the railroad tracks and east of the parkway will be converted to mixed-use zoning from commercial.

“Those acreages – don’t get super hung up on them,” Blakely said. “It’s more on where they are located and how they interact with the plan.”

The amendment also modified the requirements for park pockets or small parks within the subdivision. Current requirements do not allow a homeowner to place a gate because it would restrict access to the park pocket. Changes will allow homeowners to opt in or out of placing a fence, said council member Paul Steinway.

“The idea is that we would like kids going from their own yards into the green space,” Steinway said.

While Mayor Jill Grossman-Belisle and other council members clarified some of the changes, residents Chris and Cindy Alberico requested a detailed map outlining where the new trails will be in relation to their property. The Albericos wanted clarification about whether their property would become incorporated following the construction of the parkway, a subject of particular interest since it brings accessibility to services such as sewage.

“The parkway issue alone will not force you in (to town boundaries),” town manager April Getchius said.

Residents living in 48 individual properties will soon be connected to the sanitary sewer line following approval of Coyote Ridge Construction LLC to complete the project. According to the board packet, the cost of the project will not exceed $252,080. The work is to begin in late May and take about 90 days to complete.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to have this contract,” town engineer Don Taranto said.

Also, the board unanimously approved a conditional use permit for the Poudre Fire Authority’s Fire Station. When constructed, the one-story building will span nearly 16,000 square feet and offer 24/7 emergency services. The building will offer a community room, which will be open for public use. The conditional use permit will allow for public use and designate parking for both fire staff and the public.

In a unanimous vote, the council passed a resolution approving the Town Dreambook, a document that formally outlines Timnath’s vision for growth while maintaining its history and personality. The Dreambook is viewable on the town’s Web site.

The meeting ended with council entering an executive session.