Broomfield council to consider public review for some recreation-facility changes
The proposed code change would move certain reductions to residential recreation facilities from administrative review to a process involving public hearings and council consideration.
Broomfield City Council is scheduled to consider the first reading of Ordinance No. 2305 on Aug. 25, a proposed land-use change that would require public review when an administrative amendment to a residential site development plan reduces or eliminates a permanent outdoor recreation facility.
The ordinance would amend the city code’s standards for modifying approved site development plans. Under the current process, the city and county manager or a designee may approve qualifying modifications without a public hearing if they meet existing standards and limits.
Under the proposal, a modification involving a permanent outdoor recreation facility could remain administrative only if the facility’s size is not reduced and its location and design remain appropriate within the approved plan. The packet identifies pools, playgrounds and dog parks as examples.
Changes that do not meet those findings would go through the review process used for an original site development plan. That process includes Land Use Review Commission review and City Council consideration at a public meeting or through a council call-up, depending on the property’s size. It would give affected residents and other interested parties an opportunity to comment before a final decision.
The Aug. 25 council agenda lists the ordinance as an action item for first reading at the council’s 6 p.m. meeting at the George Di Ciero City and County Building. The ordinance has not been adopted, and the scheduled first reading is not council approval.
The city staff memo and proposed ordinance say the change is intended to protect residents’ reliance on recreation amenities shown in approved residential site development plans and ensure that significant amenity changes receive public review. The packet says the change is not expected to have a financial impact because the Planning Division already processes both administrative amendments and amendments requiring public hearings.
The packet does not identify a specific development, developer, facility change or complaint that prompted the proposal. Staff recommended adopting the ordinance on first reading and publishing it in full. The packet proposes a public hearing and second reading on Sept. 22, 2026, subject to council procedures; that date is a scheduled future action.