The Town of Estes Park is updating its Development Code. This is an important endeavor, as the Code establishes the regulations applicable to the use and development of all land within the Town. The current version of the Code was initially adopted in 2000, and while it has been amended over the years, it has never been comprehensively updated. So, to address this issue, the Town and its selected consultant, Design Workshop, began a comprehensive update in February of this year. This 18 to 24-month effort will take a broader look at the entire Code and will likely recommend a variety of wide-ranging changes.
The Foundation
The Development Code update will be guided by the 2022 Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan, which the community created as the aspirational long-term vision for the Town. The Plan establishes goals, policies, and actions that promote resilience in areas such as the environment, housing, the local economy, health, transportation, and infrastructure. It also establishes 10 unique land use areas to promote a desired pattern of development within the overall Estes Valley. When a new Comprehensive Plan is adopted, a best practice is to ensure consistency between the Plan’s vision and the Code’s regulations. As such, it is an appropriate time to update the Code.
Community Engagement
Public outreach will be a key component of the Code update, as there will be several areas in which public input will be sought. Outreach efforts will include deliberative conversations, pop-up and virtual events within the community, online surveys, and public open houses. Community feedback from these outreach efforts will help the Town staff, consultant, and appointed and elected officials evaluate the changes and determine if they should be adopted as part of the new Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Development Code, and why is it being updated?
A development code is a set of regulations and standards that guide the development and use of land within a town. The development code includes direction on zoning and land use, subdivision standards, building design, and other land-related activities, ultimately shaping the physical and economic landscape of an area.
Estes Park is updating its Development Code to better align with the vision set in the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan (adopted 2022). The update aims to streamline zoning processes, protect local character, and enhance the town's unique sense of place.
- Why is the Development Code Update necessary?
The Development Code Update is intended to make the document more user-friendly, remove or update antiquated requirements and standards, update the existing Zoning Districts, increase efficiency in the development review process, incorporate newer development concepts, improve aesthetics, and align with the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan. The code update ensures compliance with state requirements, incorporates best practices, and meets community needs.
- What is the timeline?
The update began in early 2025 and will conclude by mid-2026. Key community outreach events include:
- Open House 1: June 25, 2025
- Focus Groups: July & August 2025
- Community Conversations: Starting Summer 2025
- Open House 2: April 2026
- Who is working on the update?
The Town has partnered with Design Workshop, a professional consulting firm selected through a competitive process, ensuring expertise and quality outcomes.
- Who will be involved in the update?
Residents, business owners, engineers, builders, contractors, environmental groups, and community organizations are all stakeholders. A Steering Committee, comprised of Planning Commission members, will also help guide the project and provide insight and community perspective.
- How can I get involved?
Your input will help shape Estes Park’s future. Participate by attending open houses, workshops, or by completing surveys that will be posted here. You may also submit comments or ask questions by contacting the team at devcode@estes.org.
Help Guide the Future of Our Mountain Community
The Development Code is being updated to reflect the vision established by residents in the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan (2022). This update will make our Development Code more user-friendly, streamline zoning processes, ensure development respects our mountain character, and maintain Estes Park’s unique sense of place.
Project Timeline (Feb 2025 – Oct 2026)
The update process is structured into five distinct phases:
- Project Kick-off and Administration: Feb 2025 – March 2025
- Identifying Issues & Opportunities: Apr – July 2025
- Community Engagement: June 2025 – Mar 2026 (Your key opportunities to participate!)
- Development Code Review & Refinement: Sept 2025 – Apr 2026
- Final Adoption & Implementation: Summer - Fall 2026
Why Your Input Matters
Your voice matters in shaping Estes Park's future. Community participation in the Development Code process ensures that our new code preserves our natural beauty, supports thoughtful growth, and aligns with our mountain-town values.
Opportunities for Community Participation
Join your friends and neighbors at these events to help shape the future of our town:
- Community Open House 1: June 25, 2025
- Community Open House 2: April 2026
- Community Pulse Survey: Posted on the Development Code Update website throughout the project.
Your involvement will help ensure Estes Park remains an authentic, welcoming mountain community for generations. For questions related to the project, please contact devcode@estes.org. Stay tuned for more details and event announcements.
To contact any member of the team, please email devcode@estes.org
Steve Careccia, Community Development Director, Town of Estes Park
Karin Swanlund, Administrative Assistant, Town of Estes Park
Design Workshop, Primary Project Consultant
Headwaters Community Planning, Secondary Project Consultant
Community Conversations (Estes Valley Library & Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership)