[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6154334,"mediaKeyId","5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3","parentId",5485427,"title","Brighton staff proposes zoning and definition changes for gas stations to allow modern fueling and EV charging","audioSeconds",694,"startMs",6532000,"endMs",7226000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3&start=6532&end=7226","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3/thumbnail_6532000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6154334/Brighton/Adams-County/Colorado/Brighton-staff-proposes-zoning-and-definition-changes-for-gas-stations-to-allow-modern-fueling-and-EV-charging","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154334-339f12a0760fbc798f3c80b8f8381d9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154574&Signature=WQuY-ceuIxlRmnlV2WSZiJVWlyDV3uGhR3HEdm0OzouIebTufT-V8McxfSmGY54ksqJkemP20JZilyfB0EOQFTAQ9HB7ie47qw22SGfZZVjTKCi8x~3~vKqIrGwXbVjpHAOOg7XLMdw598KEWnIZXFeIvx67HS11Xrgx2RNWe~jZmiIXGG0LV9G8XY~UerBf1PtK8~k7ayYtxBK9rp1uRv4xeHQggRdFRWPnpa9U5UnUqfh4~EYfpX7gBe5w-JQoIkznWrB2Yi81qYdC1ePjXs0vzg3OgS7agmutYWRlWJhJWqzgNiVplOQVmvsp~j1RiMtczFqa8TmB9aDRggUmIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Brighton City, CO","date","2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","article","Amanda Diaz, associate planner for the city of Brighton, presented proposed amendments to the Land Use and Development Code at the June 10 study session that would consolidate existing gas‑station classifications and update zoning and design standards to reflect modern fueling models, including electric vehicle charging.

“Staff is proposing to revise the zoning districts gas stations are allowed in,” Amanda told council, explaining the package targets Article 4 (zoning districts and uses) and Article 11 (definitions and terms). The changes would reduce four current gas‑station categories to two: a consolidated “fueling station” definition that combines three prior categories and a “travel center” definition for truck‑oriented facilities. The draft language would restrict heavy automobile maintenance while allowing limited light servicing for trucks and would set a practical upper limit of 30 fueling stations to prevent overly large facilities, Amanda said.

Staff explained the proposed approach aims to remove design constraints in the current code that had discouraged development, such as rigid limits on retail store square footage, pump counts and service‑bay numbers. Changes would also make room for standalone electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ensure EV chargers are not simply counted as traditional fueling stalls. “These regulations do not align with typical gas station design standards,” Amanda said, adding the intent to allow EV charging and modern convenience‑store formats while preserving local traffic and safety standards.

Councilmembers asked for clarifications about where larger, intensive facilities such as Buc‑ee’s or similar travel‑center models would fit. Amanda responded that an intensely scaled concept like Buc‑ee’s would likely be processed through a Planned Development (PD) rezoning due to its scale, traffic generation and unique layout. Councilmember Green said he supports the approach and asked whether charging stalls would count against the pump limits; Amanda said EV chargers are not included in the same fueling‑station count.

The staff presentation framed the changes as a discussion item; Amanda noted that if council directs staff to proceed, the amendments would return to council and planning authorities for public hearing and formal action. No ordinance or amendment was adopted at the study session.

Next steps outlined by staff included refining draft language, mapping which zoning districts would allow the two revised uses, and scheduling public hearings before Planning Commission and City Council if council directs staff to proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brighton City Council - Study Session on 2025-06-10","oneSentenceSummary","Amanda Diaz, associate planner for the city of Brighton, presented proposed amendments to the Land Use and Development Code at the June 10 study session that would consolidate existing gas‑station classifications and update zoning and design standards to reflect modern fueling models, including electric vehicle charging.","taxTitle","Brighton, Adams County, Colorado","taxId",53161,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6154339,"Brighton staff pushes ahead on Downtown Development Authority; plan of development and November ballot targeted",2885,3595000,6480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3&start=3595&end=6480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3/thumbnail_3595000.jpg","/articles/6154339/Brighton/Adams-County/Colorado/Brighton-staff-pushes-ahead-on-Downtown-Development-Authority-plan-of-development-and-November-ballot-targeted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154339-8f3395704fb53a5215cff7052c3e9708/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154574&Signature=OkFPBf~E-QeQMobHLF32gdwYG0DftBBF9x9vNkihK~tCg0WmLdd3ioNkYwidGQip7hLkAqjjPfvkJ-0H6igLEVDWf2AGuZ-FCKkVFPxIsBsQXtySUohCL0ws~gbwyqhQRnboNGGQ4HqwMtKgeqeX~NbY1t-TQRsUiGjx-7s3sf55QGFOslx9KjIgKzmJXCuITRu9NQ4NDOA090nVBQyFro05OlhwTzEqv9vUUhsbyOxNGMX4kaMP9HSlMvpSlb-~EsrsOPXC4H2b3f2lgST4tMsFrpmr-FQEuzbs9hghxt6Qlc~CGQx~VZjfnhv8sshTNca9F7~ztXsxcu6H6KyR1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Officials leading Brighton’s downtown revitalization told the Brighton City Council on June 10 that they are preparing to ask voters this November whether to form a Downtown Development Authority and authorize tax‑increment financing to continue funding downtown projects after the urban renewal area expires.

Aaron Herrera, executive director of urban renewal, introduced consultants and the project team and said the DDA is intended to replace the expiring urban renewal area and serve as a steward for economic vitality downtown. “The DDA…is enabled by state legislation in the state of Colorado,” the presentation noted, and the consultants said the entity does not carry urban renewal powers such as eminent domain.

Consultants reported robust engagement: Amanda (consultant with Puma) said the team had nearly 600 attendees at pop‑up events and almost 200 online survey responses; Brad (Puma) and the team also reported a cumulative “about 850 inputs” from community engagement to date. The engagement findings showed residents and downtown users prioritize restaurants and events, activation of vacant storefronts and more pedestrian‑friendly streets. Amanda summarized the plan of development’s five topic areas—economic development, connectivity and accessibility, downtown experience, arts and culture, and a complete neighborhood—and said priority goals include filling vacant spaces, improving pedestrian access and protecting historic character.

The DDA boundary map presented is smaller than the current downtown urban‑renewal area but larger than the public‑realm study area; staff said the boundary is draft and remains open to adjustment based on council input and stakeholder feedback. Several council members urged boundary refinements to balance who benefits and who votes on the measure: some urged limiting inclusion of transient rental residents while others supported including nearby apartment properties on the grounds that more downtown residents generate customers for local businesses.

On financing and the ballot, Brad told council there will be at least two required ballot questions: (1) form the DDA, and (2) authorize tax‑increment financing. The team said a third question — authorization of an optional mill levy — might be included but that their current recommendation was to prioritize the two TIF questions given economic uncertainty. The team said it hopes to bring an ordinance for first reading on July 15 to put the matter on the November ballot.

If voters approve the DDA and TIF, council would appoint a 5‑ to 11‑member board (statute requires at least one district resident, property owner or business owner on the board; council may appoint a councilmember to serve), the consultants said. Legal counsel Tom George will work with staff on required ballot language; presenters noted that TABOR‑related ballot language can affect voter perceptions and that the team will craft language with that in mind.

Councilmembers expressed differing priorities and strategic views: some urged rapid timing to capitalize on momentum from downtown stakeholders and Burra (the urban‑renewal authority) while others cautioned that ballot language referencing taxes can trigger opposition and suggested careful boundary design to improve the odds of voter approval. Staff said they will continue stakeholder meetings, finalize the draft plan of development, refine the boundary and return with ordinance language and a more detailed public‑engagement plan before bringing the ordinance to council in July.","Urban Renewal and consultant team briefed council on a proposed Downtown Development Authority (DDA), summary plan of development, stakeholder engagement and a timeline that targets a July ordinance and a November ballot to create a DDA and authorize tax‑increment financing (TIF).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6154344,"Brighton council reviews final public‑realm study; shared‑street plan, truck rerouting and phased buildout proposed",2447,1268000,3715000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3&start=1268&end=3715","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5485427-12847d7624a2e0c94ac60ed3132511f3/thumbnail_1268000.jpg","/articles/6154344/Brighton/Adams-County/Colorado/Brighton-council-reviews-final-publicrealm-study-sharedstreet-plan-truck-rerouting-and-phased-buildout-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6154344-8de6cf3b9ad11b05b38875ba0687bfcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154574&Signature=IhT9Bboew3cTaht3YQHHpQapU5taIcxZ2p3DxoaWugaaSjATO3W6WOyJ85bpzNDrZ86seAZDtmQAr1wkvF5fa-24bZeB76ctZ2km6DhQzRep1Am4cCPeGBnP66m2xZEBjdwi-5JyJnUJ4qqGM1Jmv7BYlkEiClVV1a4sUtlpRvbr4CnMqP87ZkgKWjuXpSr5~FYct2hSarxzuVN19zicQEmYMFl4sCTf3gXUVp19CYLpP5373J-IvShzQ-4uboQb-krs5bqYyNW096NTLzNQCD1oi27Q~7nIyIlFim7ayzXWkpPSL1ZMffH3Fm7sJwkCO1tlyn7eSQB0qF~FkHkzFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planners and consultants presented the final Brighton downtown public‑realm study to the Brighton City Council at a June 10 study session, proposing a shared‑streets model for Main Street, reduced truck traffic, and a staged implementation plan that leaders said could take several years to complete.

The public‑realm study team said the project began as a feasibility exercise and was consolidated into one recommended approach with implementation phases. “We had 67 total participants” at the project open house, Emma Lane, senior planner and historic preservationist for the city, told council, breaking down attendance by ward and noting most participants came from the downtown area. Sarah Peppers and Paul Stewart of Dig Studio presented the study’s physical recommendations and schedule.

The study’s headline recommendation is a shared‑streets configuration for two Main Street blocks north of Bridal Street that would expand the public realm outside storefronts and remove most on‑street parking on those blocks while retaining accessible spaces “as deemed necessary,” the consultants said. The team advised keeping traffic circulation but reallocating curb space to seating, patios, landscaping and pedestrian amenities. The consultants reported nearly 700 parking spaces in the primary study area and said the plan would not remove a majority of the city’s downtown parking supply.

Council members pressed staff on details and timing. The consultants described a three‑tier implementation approach: short‑term items intended to start within the first three years, medium‑term actions targeted toward a five‑year horizon and longer‑term full build‑out that consultants described as “hopefully 8 years or so.” The team cautioned that cost estimates shown in the presentation were high‑level and not project‑level budgets. Councilmember Green raised concerns about cost and impacts on people with accessibility needs, saying, “I will always be a no on this one,” and asked for stronger detail on accessible parking and truck rerouting.

Several technical items drew significant discussion: a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop near the railroad and questions about whether that location would remove parking or create hazards; recommended truck route updates directing service trucks to Cabbage Street and First Avenue rather than Main Street; and potential design options to provide bus turnout lanes or pads that would not impede traffic. The public works representative explained the BRT stop candidates remain conceptual and that final placement would be designed to avoid unnecessary parking loss or traffic conflicts.

Council members also discussed a short‑term operational item: restriping Strong Street to convert existing angle parking to back‑in angle parking on designated blocks, with parallel parking to remain on the opposite side. Public works staff told council the restriping would be handled by the operations team as part of routine summer striping work if council supports it; no formal vote was taken that night. The operations approach was described as a low‑cost, reversible pilot to test public reaction and safety outcomes.

The study team emphasized flexibility and a “menu” approach so council can select which projects to prioritize and bundle. Staff requested direction about which short‑term projects to pursue first and said many inexpensive, high‑return items could be implemented quickly to show progress to businesses and residents. Councilmembers urged that accessible parking, loading zones and pedestrian connections be addressed in the same project phases as any on‑street parking removals.

Next steps identified in the presentation include refining project scopes, coordinating with ongoing public‑works projects (including wayfinding and the Strong Street restriping), continuing stakeholder engagement with property and business owners, and returning to council with more detailed schedules and budget estimates as projects are scoped.","City staff and consultants presented a finalized downtown public‑realm study proposing a shared‑streets model on Main Street, truck‑route changes, staged implementation over several years and short‑term pilot actions including Strong Street restriping and back‑in angled parking.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Brighton staff proposes zoning and definition changes for gas stations to allow modern fueling and EV charging

Brighton staff pushes ahead on Downtown Development Authority; plan of development and November ballot targeted

Brighton council reviews final public‑realm study; shared‑street plan, truck rerouting and phased buildout proposed