Boulder Chamber Delivers Member Input on City’s Proposed Community Benefit Phase 2 Study
Background
As the City of Boulder approached its Community Benefit Phase 2 Study, it recently addressed two issues impacting the business community—a development moratorium and an affordable commercial program.
In 2015, the City enacted a moratorium on buildings that could be developed above the by-right standard of 35 feet, up to 55 feet, which is the City’s height limit. There were a few exceptions to this moratorium, identified in Appendix J. Based on advocacy from the Boulder Chamber, in concert with our members and other proponents of infill redevelopment that offer the promise of greater affordable housing and commercial space development, it is expected that the height moratorium will expire on August 31.
In addition to eliminating the height moratorium, City staff will conclude Phase 2 of the Community Benefit study by drafting regulations that explore how to create affordable commercial spaces in Boulder. High real estate prices have driven some businesses from Boulder, and this was an approach considered to help nonprofits, arts organizations, and small businesses find suitable affordable locations in town.
Actions Taken and Results
The Boulder Chamber convened members of the local development community, including architects, property owners and commercial real estate brokers, to provide feedback on the City’s proposed program. Feedback was delivered to the Planning Board, and subsequently City Council agreed that more time is needed to develop a clear, predictable process that generates positive outcomes for the community, small businesses and nonprofits.
More Information
Click here to hear the Boulder Chamber’s comment at the City of Boulder Planning Board meeting, as delivered by Lori Call, Senior Director of Policy Programs.
Click here to read the Boulder Chamber’s input about Affordable Commercial spaces as part of the City’s Community Benefit program.
Articles concerning City Council action on the Community Benefit Phase 2 proposal: