COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

About Community Development

The Community Development Department is responsible for the orderly growth and development of the Town of Parker in accordance with the community’s vision for the future. The Department consists of the Comprehensive Planning, Development Review and Building Divisions. The Comprehensive Planning and Development Review Divisions implement the Master Plan and other long-term plans. They process development applications, review sign permits and provide staff support to the Planning Commission. The Building Division administers the building code to ensure safe and sound construction. They provide inspection services and partner with agencies to promote fire and life safety.

GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

Explanation Of Significant Budget Variances

2023 Adopted Budget vs. 2022 Projected Actual

• The 2023 budget for Salary and Benefits includes funding for a performance pay adjustment of 5% and increased healthcare costs. Vacancies in 2022 are the reason for the lower 2022 projection compared to the 2022 budget.

• Building Inspection costs are increasing to accommodate increased roof inspections due to growth. These costs are recovered when building permits are issued.

• Purchased services are decreasing due to a one-time master plan update included in 2022.

2022 Accomplishments

Support an Active Community

• Along with Parks and Recreation, advanced Phase Three (3) of the Parks Dedication Standards Project to prepare a draft design manual that will guide the types of amenities and improvements incorporated into future parks and parks renovation

• Worked with Parks and Recreation/Engineering-Public Works to complete the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update Final Draft, with scheduled completion in Q1 2023

• Negotiated a Planned Development (PD) zoning amendment and Partial Waiver Resolution amendment for the Hess Ranch PD, also known as Looking Glass, that will increase planned parks and open space by 10+ acres

Foster Community Creativity and Engagement

• Negotiated Exhibit D of the My Mainstreet Development Agreement for downtown redevelopment that includes a major public art component across the development sites

GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

Department: Community Development

Enhance Economic Vitality

• Approved several commercial/light industrial development projects that generated retail sales tax, employment and economic activity, including: Phase Two of the EDGE 470 flex project, Trader Joe’s grocery store, an unnamed grocery store in the former Goodwill space, and Anthology North Planned Development Segment One

• Prepared Land Development Ordinance amendments that establish new standards governing the duration of development approvals to assist applicants with the implementation of their projects

• Updated the Department’s Five-Year Development Forecast and 2035 population projections

Promote a Safe and Healthy Community

• Implemented the comprehensive 2021 International Code Council and National Electric Code building and fire code updates that were approved by Town Council in December 2021.

• Completed a total of 44,791 building and fire inspections through October 2022, an increase of 35% over 2021

Develop a Visionary Community Through Balanced Growth

• Continued the Land Development Ordinance Modernization through the third and final phase of the project that will be the first comprehensive update to Town zoning since incorporation in 1981; obtained Town Council approval for revisions to the Ordinance regarding utility location and design to maintain high quality residential development

• Advanced Town Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update to address current issues/ opportunities and align with the Town’s adopted Complete Streets policy

• Completed a scope of work for the planned Parker 2035 Master Plan Update and prepared a Request for Proposals for issuance in 2023

• Approved Segment One of the Anthology North (Tanterra) Planned Development with 1,532 residential lots, 44 acres of parks, 109 acres of open space and new roads, including a future extension of Chambers Road south from Hess Road

• Approved Segment One of the Hess Ranch (Looking Glass) Planned Development with 905 residential lots, 26 acres for commercial development, 30 acres of parks, 52 acres of open space and new roads, including a future extension of Chambers Road and Stroh Road

2023 Goals

Enhance Economic Vitality

• Approve and entitle new developments generating economic development benefit by increasing the commercial and light industrial base by 25,000 square feet

• Receive and process a Site Plan application for at least one My Mainstreet property in 2023

• Annex and zone land at key locations in and around Parker for future commercial, light industrial or mixed-use development, with a 2023 goal to annex at least one property that is an enclave or contiguous to the Town

Section Title

GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

Department: Community Development

Promote a Safe and Healthy Community

• Process and approve all building and construction permits using the 2021 International Building Code building and fire codes and the 2020 national electrical code

• Present the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update for Town Council adoption by Q2 2023

Develop a Visionary Community Through Balanced Growth

• Complete the Land Development Ordinance Modernization project (public comment period in Q1 2023; Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council consideration in Q2 2023)

• Complete Phase Three of the Parks Dedication Standards Project (Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council consideration by end of 2023)

• Initiate the Zoning Map Amendment project to implement the Land Development Ordinance Modernization

• Begin the Parker 2035 Master Plan Update process through a Request for Proposals in early 2023, selecting a consultant, with project launch in Q3 2023

Performance Measures By Strategic Goal

Enhance Economic Vitality

OUTPUT MEASURE: Number of permits issued

The number of permits issued is an indicator of the amount of building and construction activity in Town. It is also a surrogate measure for the level of development interest and investment activity in Town, both of which are indicators of the economic vitality of the community.

Promote a Safe and Healthy Community

OUTPUT MEASURE: Number of inspections completed

The number of inspections completed indicates the level of and extent to which the Town monitors that all construction activity complies with the building and fire codes; both of which are meant to ensure that all building and development activity results in safe and structurally sound use and occupancy.

* Amounts were impacted by COVID-19.