DEVELOPMENT SERVICES withPlanning purpose

Conservation strategies in Castle Rock development THEN

Open space conservation

As a cornerstone of the Town’s 2030 Comprehensive Master Plan, responsible growth guides every development project in Castle Rock, and protection of open space is required. The Development Services team works with developers to ensure projects adhere to a 20% open space minimum, which supports the plan’s goals to “protect and conserve natural resources, sensitive areas, ridgelines and areas of open space throughout the Town.”

By protecting natural resources, providing places for recreation and preserving environmental and ecological functions, Development Services helps enrich residents’ quality of life.

Energy conservation

The Town adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, which regulates design and construction to improve levels of energy use in all new structures. The code is updated regularly and requires developers to use the latest energy standards within all new buildings in Castle Rock. These codes have helped builders track the total energy performance of their structures and make adjustments for additional energy improvements.

Conservation is top of mind in every step of the development process in Castle Rock. The Town’s Development Services Department has implemented sustainable practices within its planning, building and zoning services. From requiring energyefficient building standards, to preserving open space and beloved historic landmarks, the team is dedicated to preserving Castle Rock’s past and supporting responsible growth in the future.

Mark your calendar: May is Historic Preservation Month. Celebrate with trolley rides and a family friendly scavenger hunt around historic Downtown hosted by the Castle Rock Museum. Stay tuned to the Town’s Facebook page (@CRgov) for more information.

Learn more about the Town’s historic preservation efforts at CRgov.com/HistoricPreservation

Historic preservation

Conservation is not just about protecting ecological resources — it also involves safeguarding the origins of our story.

Much of Castle Rock’s charm is found in historic buildings and a rich cultural past. Another of the four cornerstones within the 2030 Comprehensive Master Plan is distinct Town identity. Development Services directly strengthens this cornerstone through its historic preservation efforts.

In 1995, the Town created the Historic Preservation Board to preserve local historic and cultural heritage. Working alongside the Development Services team, the board reviews new building applications and ensures that development aligns with “Castle Rock Style” — a publication that serves as a guide for new construction and alterations to historic structures in Town.

In 2007, Town Council adopted the Town’s Historic Preservation Plan, which established goals and policies to guide the community regarding future decisions that could impact the Town’s historic resources. One of the plan’s goals is to provide incentives for the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic properties. Since that time, the Design Assistance Program, the Downtown Historic Preservation Grant and the Local Restoration Grant have all been created to support the historic preservation of Castle Rock.

Castle Rock Water A Beautiful

ColoradoScape — Castle Rock Water’s name for water-wise, creative landscaping — offers color and beauty with minimal upkeep and less water consumption. How? By replacing nonnative, water-guzzling grass lawns with plants well adapted to our climate, mulches to suppress weeds and efficient irrigation systems.

With almost half of the water we use at home dedicated to maintaining our landscapes, imagine the savings (of water and money) by cutting back on outdoor watering!

Ready to convert to a ColoradoScape? Use these tips to get started: