Introduction. Section Introduction 1.1

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1 1 Section 1 Introduction 1.0 Introduction Comprehensive plans have been used throughout Thornton s history to guide and shape the city s growth and development in a quality manner. Over the years, Thornton s comprehensive plans have evolved as the community has grown and changed. As Thornton has reached its fifty-sixth year, the community s planning needs now focus on a balance between promoting strong neighborhoods in existing developed areas, and protecting key new development opportunities in emerging growth areas. This Comprehensive Plan document reflects this broadened focus necessary for Thornton s continued health as a quality community into the year 2030 and beyond. 1.1

2 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan 1.1 City Council Charge Prior to the 2007 Comprehensive Plan major update, the Thornton City Council set the tone and direction for the Comprehensive Plan with the creation and adoption of ten Value Statements offering overall guidance as a foundation for the Comprehensive Plan. These were: 1. We value families and children; the diversity of our residents. 2. We value the sense of pride in our community. 3. We value planned growth as part of a dynamic community. 4. We value safety and security in our homes, schools and neighborhoods. 5. We value well planned roadways and trails that allow us to easily move about our daily lives. 6. We value open space, clean water, recreation, arts and culture, clean air and entertainment. 7. We value partnership with other governments, businesses and educational institutions. 8. We value economic development and a stable tax base. 9. We value jobs that meet the diversity of our population. 10. We value our location and wish to take advantage of major thoroughfares that provide unique development opportunities. Mayor Heidi K. Williams City Council Members: Ward I Jenice JJ Dove Mack Goodman Ward II Eva Henry (Mayor Pro Tem) Val Vigil Ward III Beth Humenik Lynne Fox Ward IV Eric Tade Randy Drennen These ten Value Statements guided the major update of 2007 and also the five-year update of In addition, the Value Statements guide other minor amendments to the plan that occur from time to time. 1.2 Plan Development Process 2007 Comprehensive Plan The formulation of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan was a year-long process involving a City Council-appointed Steering Committee and three Subcommittees. Community-wide meetings provided additional public review and comment at key milestone points during the development of the Comprehensive Plan. The 2007 Comprehensive Plan reflected key considerations, thoughts and recommendations developed Public Meeting Steering Committee Meeting 1.2

3 1 Introduction Figure 1-1: The Comprehensive Planning Process throughout the planning process. The planning process for the 2007 Comprehensive Plan proceeded in five phases as shown in Figure Comprehensive Plan The five-year update to the 2007 plan, essentially a technical update, was completed in A major update is scheduled for 2017, ten years after the 2007 major update. No major community outreach was conducted for the 2012 technical 1.3

4 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan update since no new fundamental issues were introduced. It is anticipated that the 2017 update will encompass an extensive outreach campaign. The 2012 plan update was completed in-house by City staff from fall 2011 to fall City Council provided confirmation on the scope and process of this update in October During the early part of the planning process, staff met with seven of the City s boards and commissions to obtain input on the planning scope and process. City Council provided comments on the final draft plan in May 2012 and adopted the final version of the plan on September 11, The dates of all these meetings are listed below in Figure 1-2. MEETING TOPIC DATE City Council Project Scope and Process October 11, 2011 Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) Development Permits and Appeals Board (DPAB) Businesses of Thornton Advisory Commission (BTAC) Thornton Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Council Board of Directors (TASHCO) Thornton Revitalization Advisory Board (TRAB) Senior Citizen Advisory Board (SCAB) Building Code Advisory Board (BCAB) Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process Project Scope and Process October 25, 2011 December 13, 2011 December 14, 2011 January 9, 2012 January 12, 2012 January 18, 2012 January 25, 2012 City Council Review of Draft Plan May 29, 2012 City Council Adoption of Plan September 11, 2012 Figure 1-2: 2012 Comprehensive Plan Update Meetings 1.4

5 1 Introduction 1.3 Plan Themes and Core Plan Goals As part of the 2007 Comprehensive Plan update process, participants organized the 10 Value Statements of the City Council Charge into four basic Plan Themes. These were: 1. Neighborhood Stability - Promotion of neighborhoods across the city that are sustainable and have lasting value. 2. Mobility Choice - Promotion of adequate transportation infrastructure for all modes of travel beneficial to support community needs. 3. Balanced Growth and Development - Promotion of a sustainable development pattern and density across the community that respects and complements natural systems and existing development patterns and community needs. 4. Quality of Life - Promotion of amenities and diversity of activity that fulfills the needs of all Thornton residents. Figure 1-3 shows how these four Plan Themes relate to the City Council Value Statements. 1.5

6 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan City Council Charge and Plan Themes Figure 1-3: City Council Value Statements and Plan Themes 1.6

7 1 Introduction Through an extensive community outreach process guided by the Plan Themes, the 2007 Comprehensive Plan also identified a vision for Thornton. This vision was expressed by the following Core Plan Goals: A City of Quality and Diverse Neighborhoods A City of Plentiful Quality Jobs A City of Great Amenities A City of Active and Engaged Partnerships The four Plan Themes and the Value Statements not only evolved into the Core Plan Goals discussed in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, but also formed the foundation for the initial three plan concepts described in Section 1.4 below. As a new addition to the 2012 update, the 2012 version of the Comprehensive Plan expands on the Plan Themes and Core Plan Goals to incorporate sustainability as described in Section 1.5 on page Lamberson s Lake Homestead 1.7

8 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan 1.4 Plan Concept The Plan Concept is a map containing a blend of key ideas expressed in three initial concepts developed during the 2007 planning process: the Jobs concept, the Neighborhoods concept, and the Amenities concept. The 2012 update expanded the scope of the third concept, Amenities, to recognize the importance of healthy communities to long-term sustainability, and retitled the Core Plan Goal Healthy City with Great Amenities. This change reflects a number of elements that were considered by City Council in the intervening period between the 2007 and 2012 updates. These elements are wellness, historic preservation, mitigating hazards, and resource conservation. As mentioned above, the Plan Concept is a foundation for the preparation of plan goals, major strategies, key policies and implementation actions. The Plan Concept is also the basis for the Plan Framework and its Future Land Use Map and is shown in Figure

9 1 Introduction See Plan Concept 11 x 17 Figure

10 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan See Plan Concept 11 x 17 Figure

11 1 Introduction Section 1.5 Sustainability Profitable Businesses Abundant, Gainful, and Local Employment Options Stable and Increasing Property Values Stable Financial Systems Economy Affordable and diverse housing Equitable access to public services Heatlhy, local food access Multimodal transportation options Neighborhood revitalization Social Equity Resource conservation Energy effficiency Walkable and transitoriented neighborhoods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality Environment Figure 1-5: The Three E s of Sustainability Sustainability is integral to the City s long-range planning vision. Traditionally defined 1, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The Comprehensive Plan provides general guidance for sustainable development in Thornton by aligning land use, jobs, housing, transportation, and other infrastructure investments to create a more prosperous and resilient community. As shown in Figure 1-5, this Plan addresses and leverages economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities to maximize the community s present and future well-being. Figure 1-6 illustrates how the sections of the Comprehensive Plan, including Core Plan Goals as well as the other major topics addressed, activate a sustainable development framework for Thornton. 1.6 Key Changes from the 2007 Plan This document reflects the most recent major update of the Comprehensive Plan. This 2012 five-year update was not an extensive rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan, but a technical update, adjusting the plan to incorporate changes that have occurred since the last major update in Section 9 of the Comprehensive Plan states that a major update of the plan, including a review of the overall vision and core goals, needs to be done approximately every five years. A major update and review of the document is next expected in More minor amendments may occur to the plan in the intervening period. 1 This definition of sustainability was developed by the Brundtland Commission in 1987 and has since become the most commonly used definition in the United States and worldwide. 1.11

12 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan Quality and Diverse Neighborhoods Affordable and diverse housing Location- and energyefficient housing Revitalization and reinvestment of existing neighborhoods Sustainable Development Framework Comprehensive Plan Goals Other Comprehensive Plan Topics Plentiful Quality Jobs Healthy City with Great Amenities Active and Engaged Partnerships Future Land Use Transportation and Utilities Hazard Identification and Mitigation Build local assets through cooperative actions, stakeholder groups and retention efforts Consider built environment health impacts Build community capacity to decrease the City's resource and fiscal expenditures Land use designations based on access to existing services, facilities and infrastructure Safe, effective multimodal system that decreases fossil fuel consumption Identify and mitigate natural and other hazards as community develops Create jobs closer to home Increase access to healthy foods and local food systems Local stakeholder input and involvement Planning for locationefficient mixed use and transit oriented development Neighborhood Connectivity Preserve endangered or threatened species habitats Placemaking Districts - Sense of Place Planned growth which considers existing and future resource supplies Complete Streets Policy Recognize and preserve history Adequate Water Supply for existing and future development Adequate maintenance and expansion of water and wastewater systems for existing and future development 1.12 Figure 1-6: Sustainable Development Framework for Thornton

13 1 Introduction Adopted September 11, 2007 Thornton s 2007 Comprehensive Plan Where appropriate, the Comprehensive Plan was updated to ensure compatibility with the most recent versions of the City s detailed functional and area plans, including: the South Thornton Revitalization Subarea (STaR) Plan; Housing Master Plan; Transportation Master Plan; Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan; Parks and Open Space Master Plan; Eastlake TOD Station Area Master Plan; Greenhouse Gas Inventory; Housing Needs Assessment; Senior Needs Assessment; and North Metro Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In addition, the Comprehensive Plan now incorporates updated information regarding the City Council s policies on the following topics: primary jobs focus for economic development; new zoning classifications and other City code changes; affordable housing; sustainability; wellness; urban centers; potential expansion of the city into Weld County; new City partnerships; Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Community status; Complete Streets; and the Historic Landmark Ordinance. Below is a summary of the changes made to this plan as a result of the 2012 five-year update. Section 1: Introduction This section retains City Council s Charge from 2007 and the planning themes developed for that version of the Comprehensive Plan. Added to this section is an elaboration of how the Comprehensive Plan framework supports sustainability. This section also describes how the 2012 update expanded the scope of the Great Amenities core goal and retitled it Healthy City with Great Amenities. The detailed description of the 2007 planning process has been removed from this section. Section 2: Setting Charts, tables, maps and other data and information have been updated. 1.13

14 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan Section 3: Future Land Use The Future Land Use Map has been updated to reflect land use and policy decisions. Section 4: Transportation and Utilities The plan update includes some new concepts from the Transportation Master Plan such as the Complete Streets Policy and the Transportation Master Plan s goals. The update also includes recent information about the RTD FasTracks North Metro Line and the North Area Transportation Alliance (NATA). Also included is an update about water facilities in Thornton. Section 5: Quality and Diverse Neighborhoods The 2012 Comprehensive Plan update identifies new housing needs based on the findings of the 2009 Housing Needs Assessment and the adopted Affordable Housing Policy of the Housing Master Plan. Revitalization progress since 2007 is also identified. Section 6: Plentiful Quality Jobs Since 2007, the City Council has modified its focus away from the attraction and development of retail businesses toward attracting businesses that will provide employment opportunities for Thornton residents. As a result, the City s Economic Development Department has been restructured to accomplish this mission. The 2012 Comprehensive Plan update reflects the current direction and goals for the community in regard to employment in the years to come. Section 7: Healthy City with Great Amenities This section name was changed from Great Amenities to Healthy City with Great Amenities. New items included in this section are: historic preservation; wellness; mitigating hazards; and resource conservation. In addition, the Cultural Trail has been renamed the Heritage Trail since this aligns better with the historical context and attributes of the Thornton area. Section 8: Active and Engaged Partnerships Minor amendments have been made to this section to reflect the fulfillment of Goal 3, establishment of the Neighborhood 1.14

15 1 Introduction Services Sector and the City s focus on jobs as directed by City Council. Section 9: Implementation and Use This section now contains an evaluation and progress report on the 2007 Catalyst Actions, as well as short-term actions needed before the 10-year update in It also lays the foundation for the 2017 update. Appendices A new appendix, Appendix A, Hazard Identification and Mitigation, provides an overview of the measures the City has taken in regard to identifying and mitigating hazards in the community. This appendix also sets the stage for the City to develop a formal Hazard Mitigation Plan to succeed the DRCOG Plan which will expire in DRCOG has stated that it does not plan to update its existing plan. This information does not include the normal operations of the City s Fire, Police, and EMS services, but it does provide information about natural and human-caused hazards which may occur, and the partnerships the City has developed to address them appropriately. Appendix B, Glossary, has been updated and expanded to include new terms and acronyms. Appendix C, School District map was added to the Comprehensive Plan as clarifying information in Coordination with Other Plans THORNTON PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN DECEMBER 2009 Parks and Open Space Master Plan The Comprehensive Plan provides an overall guiding framework to communicate a vision for the city. The principal components include the Plan Concept and the Future Land Use map in Sections 1 and 3; as well as the core plan goals, major strategies and policies found in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8. More detailed functional plans supplement the Comprehensive Plan to address specific topics, such as transportation, housing, 1.15

16 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan open space and water and wastewater. The following functional plans are incorporated by reference into the Comprehensive Plan: Parks and Open Space Master Plan Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan Housing Master Plan Transportation Master Plan Economic Development Strategic Plan TASHCO Master Plan Fire Master Plan Police Strategic Plan Senior Services Master Plan The Comprehensive Plan provides the big picture vision for land use, growth and development issues within the city and its future growth area. Certain areas of the city and its planned growth area require more detailed area plans where unique challenges and opportunities exist in a more limited geographic area. Area plans should be created per the direction of City Council to supplement the broader goals, strategies and actions of the Comprehensive Plan. Existing area plans include: Eastlake Subarea Plan North Washington Subarea Plan (adopted 2005) Eastlake Subarea Plan (adopted 2003) Eastlake Station Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan Report (adopted 2009) South Thornton Revitalization Subarea Plan (adopted 2011) North Washington Urban Renewal Plan (adopted 2003) All functional plans and area plans should be updated periodically as circumstances change and new information impacts policy decisions. Policy refinements resulting from the preparation of functional and area plans should also be incorporated into periodic updates to the Comprehensive Plan. CITY OF THORNTON TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2009 Figure 1-7 identifies the functional plans, area plans and other documents and their relationship to the Comprehensive Plan. Transportation Master Plan 1.16

17 1 Introduction Thornton Comprehensive Plan Functional Plans Area Plans Implementation Documents Reference or Supportive Documents Transportation Master Plan Eastlake Subarea Plans City Council Work Plan City Budget Housing Master Plan North Washington Subarea Plan Capital Improvements Plan Parks and Open Space Master Plan Water and Wastewater Systems Master Plan South Thornton Revitalization Subarea Plan Eastlake TOD Master Plan City Municipal Code and other Regulations Development Code Economic Development Strategic Plan North Washington Urban Renewal Plan Building Code TASHCO Master Plan Senior Services Master Plan Original Thornton Urban Renewal Plan (in progress) Standards and Specifications Police Department Strategic Plan Urban Center Plan (in progress) Other Codes and Regulations CDBG Annual Action Plan Fire Department Strategic Plan Other TOD Plans (in progress) Internal External Senior Needs Plan Housing Needs Assessment IGA s with other communities Greenhouse Gas Inventory Public Safety Plans Emergency Response Plan 105 Annexation Plan Health Impact Assessment MetroVision 2035 Clean Water Plan County Long Range Plans North Metro FEIS Regional Transportation Plans ADCO Balanced Housing Plan DRCOG Emergency Plan Figure 1-7: Comprehensive Plan and the Relationship to all other Plans 1.17

18 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan Recreation and Tourism Element In 2001, Colorado lawmakers enacted legislation requiring municipal comprehensive plans to include a recreation and tourism uses element. The City s Parks and Open Space Master Plan meets this requirement by detailing a variety of existing and planned recreational uses located throughout Thornton. These amenities are available to residents, employees, visitors and tourists alike. The city s existing and planned parks, open space and trail system provide diverse recreational opportunities, including team sports, fishing, hiking, walking, jogging, bicycling, skateboarding, golfing, disc golf and other activities. Although existing topography does not provide for recreational opportunities such as skiing, boating and hunting within the city, Thornton s proximity to the Rocky Mountains and other natural features enables residents to easily access these types of recreational opportunities. In addition to recreational opportunities provided by public entities, private businesses offer recreational opportunities, such as a rock climbing gym and fitness centers located throughout the city. Harvest Fest Fishing Derby Metro Vision 2035 Plan In 2000, the City of Thornton signed an intergovernmental agreement, along with other members of the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), called the Mile High Compact which addresses planned growth within the DRCOG region. DRCOG adopted the Metro Vision 2035 Plan to guide growth in the Denver Metropolitan region for the next 20 years. This plan is updated every five years. Metro Vision 2035 identifies urban growth areas for different jurisdictions within the nine county DRCOG region that are anticipated to be developed prior to Thornton s urban growth area is contained within the Future Growth Area depicted on the Future Land Use Map Figure 3-3. Metro Vision 2035 Plan Metro Vision 2035 also identifies four urban centers in Thornton which are shown in Figure 1-8. The Future Land Use Map is in alignment with the urban center concept and shows higher intensity development in the identified urban center areas. 1.18

19 FEDERAL BLVD ZUNI ST I-25 HURON ST I-25 WASHINGTON ST YORK ST COLORADO BLVD HOLLY ST QUEBEC ST YOSEMITE ST 1 Introduction WCR 6 WCR 7 WCR 11 WCR 13 WCR 15 WCR 17 WCR 19 WCR 21 WCR 4 I-25/Highway 7 (Larkridge) North End Station WELD 168th AVE BROOMFIELD 160th AVE 25 «7 «7 n ADAMS E-470 BOULDER 144th AVE n 152nd AVE E «47 0 E th AVE 120th AVE 128th AVE 25 n Eastlake 112th AVE n 5 ADAMS 104th AVE 100th AVE n nd AVE 88th AVE 84th AVE HWY Figure 1-8: Urban Centers in Thornton Thornton City Center n n I «n 2 «DRCOG Urban Center Future Transit Stop Future Growth Area City Boundary County Boundary Railroad South Platte River Miles I 1.19

20 2012 City of Thornton Comprehensive Plan 1.20