One of Judy’s bills will come up for final consideration at tonight’s City Council meeting. Numbered CB 725, it’s a zoning-code amendment that would broaden the B-2 zoning district to allow structures designated as “Residence for Older Adults.” This use is defined in our zoning code as single-family or multi-unit housing for mobile individuals of at least 55 years of age receiving fewer services than provided in a special care home. They are not considered residential care uses or group homes.
Judy proposed this amendment because of the increasing need for a variety of specialized living arrangements designed for older adults. “Residence for older adults” is at the early end of the continuum of living assistance; it is not considered a “residential care” facility or a group home. This type of dwelling allows people to let go of the burdens associated with caring for a larger home, yet to remain in the communities they’ve resided in for many years ― encouraging generational links that are becoming more and more rare.
The Newsed project planned at 46th and Tejon is a good example of an older adult housing development that would become allowable if we pass this amendment. The project will include both affordable rental and for-sale units. The plan already fulfills all of the B-2 zone requirements; the present exclusion of the older adult use in B-2 is its only regulatory obstacle.
The B-2 district is usually a small Neighborhood Business District located on collector streets, and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Allowing the “Residence for Older Adults” use in the B-2 provides convenient housing in easy walking distance of goods and services, so the residents don’t have to drive as much, helping to promote walkable communities, one of the goals of our Comprehensive Plan. This amendment is also in alignment with the Age Matters Task Force recently formed by Mayor Hickenlooper.
There will be a mandatory public hearing on the bill. If you wish to make a comment on this bill, you must sign up during the recess of Council. The time that Council recesses varies from week to week, so it is recommended that you be here by the beginning of the Council meeting (5:30 p.m.) to ensure that you don’t miss the opportunity to sign up.
