Woodland Park posts Unified Development Code draft; Planning Commission hearing set for Jan. 22

City planning staff told the Planning Commission on Jan. 8 that a draft Unified Development Code (UDC) — covering seven chapters — is posted for public review and that the commission will hold a legislative public hearing on the proposed code at its Jan. 22 meeting.

Planning staff said the draft went through a monthlong public review that generated roughly 250 substantive comments. Staff have reviewed the comments and compiled a list of substantive changes; the intent is to post that summary and the revised draft so the public and commissioners can prepare for the Jan. 22 hearing.

Senior staff emphasized the goal of producing a more functional, easier‑to‑use regulatory document rather than making piecemeal edits at the meeting. Staff noted one topic (alternative energy uses) was pulled from the immediate draft for further vetting after public feedback, and that the adoption process may be followed by minor cleanup ordinances after the code is initially adopted.

The Planning Commission will receive staff materials and the list of substantive changes ahead of the Jan. 22 hearing. Staff encouraged commissioners and the public to review the posted chapters and directed questions or substantive concerns to the Planning Department ahead of the hearing.