Broomfield Council plans new high-density housing zone

Broomfield City Council is considering creating a new high-density residential zoning district. This could lead to more housing options in the area. Currently, Broomfield has three residential zones: low density, medium density, and high density. The new proposal would adjust these categories. Medium density would become medium-low, while high density would change to medium-high. A new zone called R-7 is being proposed for larger apartment complexes. This zone might require a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and can allow buildings to be eight to ten stories tall. The council also asked staff to research the possibility of needing another zoning district for taller residential buildings. More information will be presented at a future meeting. Additionally, a study from consulting firm AECOM was shared with the council. This study focused on the market in areas west of U.S. Route 36, including Flatirons, Interlocken, and Arista. It found that this area represents 24% of Broomfield’s commercial property value and 70% of its office real estate value. However, office building values have decreased, mainly due to their age, and vacancy rates have not returned to levels seen before the pandemic. The findings from the study will help guide development decisions to support a financially strong Broomfield. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. on most Tuesdays and invites public participation both in-person and online.