County staff flag traffic and drainage reviews for proposed Palmer Lake annexation of 39.5 acres

Planning and public‑works staff on Tuesday told the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners they received an annexation impact report from the town of Palmer Lake for 39.5 acres known as the Crossing at Monument Creek.

Lisa Elgin, planner in the county’s Planning and Community Development Department, said the owner (GTG Red Rock LLC) and representative (NES Inc.) propose annexing 39.5 acres and rezoning it to Palmer Lake plan‑development (PD) zoning. She said the sketch plan submitted with the report could allow up to 75 homes if the PD zone is granted, including up to 50 single‑family attached units.

Brett/Bidal Dilts of El Paso County Public Works said the developer must obtain an El Paso County access permit and a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit to Highway 105, and that appropriate roadway and drainage improvements will be required. Staff noted they had not yet received the traffic impact study included in the developer’s report and that, because Monument Creek runs through the area, a drainage report will be needed to confirm retention and flood‑water management.

Elgin and Dilts said two small squares of property owned by Forest View Acres Water District will remain unincorporated. The Town of Palmer Lake Board of Trustees had reviewed the annexation for eligibility and continued the matter to its Jan. 22 meeting.

Commissioners asked for clarification about access points and urged that portions of Red Rock Ranch Drive and Rockbrook Road expected to carry additional traffic be annexed or otherwise addressed so responsible parties will maintain and upgrade them as needed.