Estes Park releases preliminary development code update for public review

The Town of Estes Park has released a preliminary draft of its updated Development Code and is asking residents to review it ahead of a July 21 open house at the Estes Park Museum.

According to the town, the second round of public engagement is intended to be more informational, with community members able to comment on the draft as it moves to the next stage of review this summer. Town officials said major changes are not expected at this point, though public input could still affect the proposed code.

The draft is listed at 50% completion and reflects feedback gathered during last year’s open houses, Community Conversations, pop-up and virtual events, and online surveys. The town said the update is meant to better align the code with the Estes Forward Comprehensive Plan, improve usability, modernize outdated standards and guide future development while preserving Estes Park’s character and sense of place.

The open house is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Estes Park Museum, 200 Fourth St. Town staff and the project consultant team will be available to answer questions and review draft code concepts. The draft is also available online for public review, along with a comment form.

Next steps include study sessions before the Planning Commission on July 21 and the Town Board on July 28. The town said public hearings to consider adoption of the updated Development Code are planned for later this year.