The Longmont City Council took the first step in the consideration of rezoning the area near the abandoned sugar factory that would allow buildings up to 10 stories tall, with all potential bonus allowances for certain projects. The staff said they are not considering this proposal in reaction to anything or due to any particular project, but this is part of a larger plan to consider ways in which Longmont can support future housing needs without urban sprawl. A planning process for the 250+ acre subplot area near the sugar factory was started in late 2021 and accepted in October 2023. Last April, City Council asked staff to consider taller building allowances in this district that currently allows a base rate of four stories up to a max of seven with bonus allowances.
The next step in the consideration of this proposal is for the staff to seek community feedback and to return back to the City Council for another study session. Then a formal amendment could be drafted followed by informational meetings, planning and development hearings, and then City Council meetings and approvals.
”By creating a new district essentially this would be kind of a one-stop shop for a more streamlined administration of these requirements and it would also be a bit more straightforward to administer and interpret,” said Principal Planner Jennifer Hewett-Apperson. “The sugar factory and steam sub area includes much of the targeted area and also includes recommendations relating to uses as well as building form and we would envision this new zoning district MUIR as being a tool for implementing this plan.”…