Broomfield staff to draft ordinance proposing 300–500 ft setbacks for new gas stations near schools, residences

City planners asked council for direction on a potential code update that would prohibit new gas stations within a specified distance of sensitive land uses including residences, schools, daycare centers, playgrounds and medical facilities.

Ted Harberg, senior planner, summarized research showing other jurisdictions using 300–500 foot setbacks and cited health literature: “The California Air Resources Board recommends separating sensitive land uses . . . at least 300 ft from large gas stations,” and staff referenced studies indicating children living within about 50–100 meters of stations had increased relative risks in some research.

Council members worried about unintended market effects of multiple location constraints (one member said adding many buffers plus an existing 1,000‑foot separation rule could amount to a de facto moratorium) but most council members expressed support for a protective setback in the 300–500 foot range. Several members also asked staff to consider reverse setbacks (rules that prevent locating new sensitive uses directly adjacent to existing gas stations) and to clarify grandfathering: staff said existing gas stations would not be affected but an application submitted before an ordinance adoption is typically treated as vested for legal reasons.

Council asked staff to return with mapping showing where the proposed distances would prevent future gas stations and with clear ordinance language that distinguishes between traditional fuel stations and EV charging sites. Staff said a public outreach page and notices would accompany any draft ordinance, with a proposed first-reading schedule in September.

Next steps: staff will map potential impacts, prepare draft ordinance language (with erosion of the existing 1,000‑foot separation to be considered separately), and publish a public engagement page ahead of a first reading.