The core elements of the constitutional amendment are as follows:

Local Voter Approval of Growth Area Boundaries: The initiative would require counties over 10,000 and municipalities over 1,000 within those counties to submit future growth area maps to local voters prior to approval of new developments outside of already developed areas. The maps submitted to the voters would include proposed growth area boundaries and general uses and densities proposed for the area under consideration. The jurisdiction would also be required to disclose to voters the projected impacts of the growth area on the community, including fiscal costs, schools, open space, and traffic. Votes on proposed growth areas could take place during any November election. New development within existing developed areas with appropriate subdivision and prior zoning approval could continue in the interim.

Consistency Between Communities: Proposed growth area expansions would have to be developed in coordination with neighboring communities by meeting a consistency requirement to ensure that community growth areas do not conflict. Requirements would include notification and consultation with neighboring jurisdictions prior to the development of a proposed growth area. Any new growth areas proposed by cities or towns would have to be contiguous to the existing communities and be served by central sewer and water. Counties could propose to voters that there be new non-contiguous development so long as it is served by central water and sewer services.

Development Allowed Prior to a Vote: Development located entirely within existing areas and approved developments at the edge of existing communities that have at least 50% of the lots built or served by central water and sewer would be allowed to proceed without a vote. Development outside of existing urban areas would be allowed to proceed without a vote if proper subdivision and zoning were already in place and could be built without requiring central water and sewer (i.e. well and septic systems). Undeveloped lands located entirely within existing communities, which meet local standards could be developed without being subjected to a vote.

Exemptions Allowed Outside of Urban Growth Areas: Parcels of land could be subdivided down to 35 acres (17.5 if clustered) without a vote. Landowners could also add additional residences for family members (up to three) without a vote. The following could also be built without a vote being required; small stores and businesses (under 10,000 square feet separated by at least one mile), agricultural stores and services, and publicly owned facilities necessary for public health and safety. Counties over 10,000 but less than 25,000 could conduct a popular vote to exempt themselves for up to four years from all but the consistency requirements of the initiative.

Initiative Proponents: John Fielder, Elise Jones

For More Info Contact: 

American Planning Association 303-444-8379

Colorado Environmental Coalition 303-534-7066

                CoPIRG Citizen Lobby 303-573-7474

Sierra Club Rocky Mt Chapter 303-861-8819

Western Colorado Congress 970-256-7650