Tri-Lakes Comprehensive
Plan Update
DRAFT

In Appreciation

Map - Overview of the Planning Area

Table of Contents

Overview and Plan Summary

Introduction

The Vision - The Mission

Topical Sections:

• Natural Systems
• Parks, Trails and Open Space
• Facilities and Services
• Drainage and Flood Control
• Transportation
• Water and Waste Water
• Growth and Land Use
• Economic Development
• Historic Resources
• Clustering and Open Space
  

Plan Overlays:

• I-25 Visual Overlay
• State Highway 83

Sub-Area Plan Sections:

• Town of Palmer Lake
• Elephant Rock
• West Monument Creek
• Town of Monument & Jackson Creek
• Mount Herman
• Twin Valleys (Forest Lakes)
• Woodmoor
• West Cherry Creek
• Ponderosa Breaks
• Gleneagle/ Academy View
• Smith Creek
• Northgate Cooperative Area
  

Maps:

• Concept Plan
• Transportation
• Parks, Trails and Visual Resources
• Development Status
• Zoning

Implementation Plan:

• Introduction
• Approach
• Implementation Program

State Highway 83 provides a view of Colorado that is different from other highways. While traveling on SH 83 one passes through open pastures and transitions into the forest environment. It is possible to see a variety of Colorado's eco-systems and landscapes from the expansive rolling prairie to the majestic Front Range Mountains. The rural character that now exists along SH 83 should be preserved.

The vision for this corridor is one that preserves the natural landscape and rural tradition of this area. Architecture should be characteristic of the old west and is enjoyable to pass through but not stop. Viewsheds to the mountains should be essentially uninterrupted framed by the natural landscape.

1. To establish SH 83 as a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway.

2. To encourage well-organized and thoughtful development that complements the rural character and natural landscape

3. To preserve open space and 'viewsheds' to the Front Range and eastern plains.

4. To discourage non-local commercial development that will interrupt traffic flows.

BACKGROUND

SH 83 is a two lane highway with a 65mph speed limit and functions very well as a reliever for I-25. Currently there are no traffic lights or commercial development from County Line Road on the north to Shoup Road on the South.

SH 83 was thought to be a stagecoach line between Denver and Colorado Springs. More recently 5-acre and 2.5 acre subdivisions have divided the land where large ranches once existed. There is considerable pressure to further develop at higher densities and greater land uses which would ultimately alter the rural character, reduce the traffic speeds, and interrupt the flow of traffic.

ISSUE VOL.1 MAINTAIN THE RURAL CHARACTER AND TRAFFIC FLOW OF SH 83

As with other major transportation corridors, SH 83 is attractive for future development because it provides excellent access. But as development occurs along the corridor, the transportation efficiency of this arterial will be compromised, negating the reason for locating there in the first place.

Residents have indicated that they would like to preserve the rural character of the corridor by having it designated as a Scenic Byway. This status has no land use authority but can help to secure grant monies for planning and land acquisition. Often a theme for development with design guidelines are developed for scenic byways.

Jurisdiction for the SH 83 rests with the Colorado Department Of Transportation. Their plans for future widening of SH 83 to accommodate the extension of the commercial development now occuring in Parker is not consistent with the residents vision for that stretch of highway, However, all CDOT improvements are subject to public review and comment and often roadway plans are changed based on public opinion.

Currently the Colorado Transportation Commission has no plan to designate more roadways to the state's Scenic and Historic Byway system. However, this is an appointed body and as it changes and the political will supports SH 83 becoming a scenic byway, there may be opportunities for future designation.

OBJECTIVES

SHB.1.1 Cooperatively plan for the future of the SH 83 corridor.

SHB.1.2 Support efforts to establish SH 83 as a Scenic and Historic Byway.

SHB.1.3 Promote cooperation between private land owners, residents, developers, the County, and the Colorado Department of Transportation to coordinate planning and development of the SH 83 Corridor.

SHB.1.4 Plan for and protect the functional integrity of SH 83.

SHB.1.5 Encourage clustering concepts in an effort to preserve substantial permanent open space and viewsheds to the Front Range and the eastern plains.

SHB.1.6 Support efforts to visually blend or screen new development.

SHB.1.7 Discourage signs, communication towers, lighting and storage facilities along SH 83.

PROPOSED ACTIONS

SHB.1.8 Establish SH 83 as a Scenic Byway in the Pikes Peak Regional 2020 Transportation Plan.

V0L.1.9 Establish and maintain substantial building setbacks from SH 83 for future transportation expansion.

V0L.1.10 Incorporate provisions for rural character and native plant materials as part of future development SH 83.

V0L.1.12 De-emphasize commercial development that does not serve the local needs of residents.

V0L.1.13  Future planning for SH 83 should be comprehensive and include residents who live along the corridor, Douglas County, the City of Colorado Springs, the (yet to be established) Tri-Lakes Land Use Committee, the Black Forest Land Use Committee, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Soil Conservation District, interested citizens and outside agencies.