Representatives from the Town of Norwood said in a news release last week that they’re in the process of updating the town’s land use code, with funding awarded through the state’s Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), specifically a Local Planning Capacity Grant. Town Manager Sara Owens told the Forum the grant award was $101,250 with a 50% match and an overall budget of $202,500.
“We also received $10,000 from Growing Water Smart to put towards the land use code update, to implement more water-smart policy as well,” she said.
The news release said that in addition to improving land use code organization and clarity, the funding will support updates needed to meet state requirements, such as expedited review and development processes.
The grant program has helped Colorado communities to address affordable housing and remain eligible for Proposition 123 funding through the “Fast Track Review Process,” which includes expediting development review, permitting and zoning for affordable housing. Proposition 123 passed in November 2022, when Colorado voters approved the state to retain money from existing state tax revenue to support affordable housing investment.
Now, Norwood officials invite community members to participate in the project and share feedback on the current land use code, how it reflects the community’s vision for growth, housing and local character. Public input will help the Town of Norwood to understand the housing needs of the community and areas for improvement within the land use code.
The project team, which includes KLJ Engineering’s Niki Galehouse, Kat Herbert and Sarah Brooks, along with Owens, will be in Norwood to speak with community members and hear ideas. Citizens can stop by one of two pop-up events on Wednesday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dark Sky Café, and from 4-6 p.m. at Lone Cone Library.
Community members are also encouraged to visit the project website and take the survey by May 5. The online link is https://inputcentral.com/norwood_planning_projects.
The online survey explains that the Town of Norwood’s land use code was originally adopted in 1994 and revamped in 1995 with piecemeal amendments since then. The land use code is now considered outdated and lacking the clarity and consistency needed for effective and efficient review of development proposals.
The news release said the land use code work will “evaluate the structure and clarity of the existing regulations to identify duplications, conflicts, gaps and outdated or unclear language.” Additionally, the existing code will be assessed to determine the compatibility of what's adopted with master plan policies and state regulatory requirements.
Norwood Mayor Candy Meehan shared with the Forum last week that there are also now Colorado Wildfire Resiliency building requirements that the town is going to have work into the land use code.
The Forum asked the mayor if the Town of Norwood is indeed planning to approve more affordable housing projects.
“Yes, it is, but that is wholly dependent on our water security and supply,” Meehan said. “We want to grow, but it must be sustainable and mindful.”
The Forum asked the town manager about the Pinion Park Homestead affordable housing development by the Lone Cone Library and the new school site.
Owens said there are five Pinion Park homes on the market currently from the original owners, and that all homes did initially sell.
The Forum asked Owens about the West End Vision Plan, recently adopted by local municipalities and counties, and if that plan would guide future development. She said it would for Norwood’s master plan.
