1. Jefferson County 15- 106256 SA Red Rocks Site Approval
PC Hearing:
Case Manger: Christiana Farrell
Good morning Commissioners.
This is a request to amend an existing Planned Development to allow up to 320 stand-alone multifamily units, and 60 residential units above commercial uses.

2. Jefferson County X

3. Jefferson County Zoning: Conservation Zone North – A-2 East – A-2
South – A-2
West – A-2

4. Jefferson County Site Approval Policy:
Site Approvals review the location and extent of a proposal from a Special District in accordance with Section (1), C.R.S. or as amended. Site approvals are evaluated by Staff against the Jefferson County Comprehensive Master Plan.
The Planning Commission shall act upon the Site Approval application within 30 days unless the governing body of the applicant has granted an extension, and shall review the Site Approval at a public hearing and recommend approval, conditional approval, or denial of the request.
Approval of a Site Approval by the Planning Commission
does not automatically allow the applicant to obtain a permit. Development of the property must be approved through the applicable permitting process. (The grading permit is not being considered at this time, and the applicant was not required to submit full grading and construction plans) E F G

5. Jefferson County Proposal:
The location and extent review is to allow for roadway and parking lot improvements in three locations at Red Rocks Amphitheatre by the owner, The City and County of Denver. All work will take place within the property limits of the City and County of Denver.

7. To accommodate year round use and reduce maintenance issues, the proposed improvements include:
Reducing the 12% grade of the upper parking area to an average of 8% grade, providing a durable asphalt surface with a chip seal treatment, stormwater detention, delineated parking, improved pedestrian facilities, water quality features, and lighting.
The intersection of West Alameda Parkway and Trading Post Road will be modified to be a standard “T” intersection with improved grades, sight distance, landscaping, and lighting design. The improvements will increase the safety and functionality of the intersection.
Red Rocks Park Road will be realigned between the Lower South Parking Lot 1 and 2. The Lower South Lot 2 will be expanded and graded to improve the slopes, drainage and provide additional parking. Drainage improvements will include a natural grass swale and soil riprap ditch along Red Rocks Park Road. Additional improvements include a sidewalk along the west side of Lower South Lot 2 connecting to the sidewalk that leads to the Trading Post, lighting, and an improved aggregate surface in the parking area.

8. Jefferson County Process: One week referral to county agencies
Two week public notification of Planning Commission hearing
Three signs on site
Mailing to all registered associations within a mile of the site

9. Jefferson County
Key Issues raised by Staff, county agencies, and citizens included:
Safety of users:
Driving site distance
Emergency access
Lighting
Facilities adequate to serve the public
Sufficient Parking
Potential disruption to event schedule
Traffic mitigation during construction
When construction would begin
Environmental conservation
Erosion Control on steep slopes
Storm water quality
Historic preservation

10. Jefferson County Historic Preservation:
The project has required extensive coordination with Denver Arts & Venues, Denver Public Works, and Denver Mountain Parks. These design plans have been vetted by the City and County of Denver.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Trading Post do have Denver Landmark Designation. All three areas that are proposed for improvements are outside the boundaries for Denver Landmark Designation except for a small portion of the Upper North Lot; however, the intent of that boundary was just for the Amphitheatre, not the parking area. Regardless, the applicant has formally requested approval for the plans that are within the landmark boundaries from the Denver Landmark Commission and has received initial approval.
The 2008 Denver Mtn. Parks Master Plan has this recommendation for Red Rocks: Reconfigure parking areas for aesthetics and improved use.

12. Evaluation:
The Comprehensive Master Plan recommends ensuring that public facilities are adequate for existing and future development and that they are designed in a way that is sensitive to the environment and compatible with the surrounding area. The proposed site approval will allow for the needed upgrades to the parking lots and access roads into Red Rock Amphitheatre for the safety of users of the site, and for the improved quality of the environment. Staff finds any impacts associated with the proposed project will not negatively affect the citizens of Jefferson County. This site approval meets the recommendation of the Plan.

13. Jefferson County FINDINGS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission find that, based on the information provided:
1.The proposal is in general conformance with the Comprehensive Master Plan because it meets all applicable sections of the Plan policies; and
2.The proposed land uses will not result in significant impacts to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and landowners in the surrounding area.
And;
1. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Case No SA