Development Code Procedural Process Update

At a glance

What: Ordinance 26-20 (CODE-26-0002, citywide) amending Article 5 (Administration and Enforcement) of the Unified Development Code on procedural process: appeals, development plans, adjustments and variances, and Section 7.5.704 (zoning map amendments).
Outcome: Approved on first reading 8-0-1-0 on May 12, 2026; finally passed on the Consent Calendar May 26, 2026 (9-0-0-0).

Detail

Daniel Sexton, LUR/DRE Planning Manager, presented with Kevin Walker: history of the ordinance, sections changed, appeal changes, development plan changes and variance sections.
Rainey Jr. asked whether the intent is to save applicants money by showing early whether a project will move forward; Sexton said the changes add predictability before developers spend heavily on design. Casey spoke in support.
An excerpt of the March 11, 2026 Planning Commission minutes on administrative decisions was attached.

Votes

May 12, 2026: moved by Henjum, seconded by Rainey Jr., approved on first reading 8-0-1-0. Aye: Casey, Crow-Iverson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Rainey Jr., Risley, Williams. Excused: Donelson.
May 26, 2026: final passage on consent, 9-0-0-0.

Sources

City Council minutes, May 12, 2026: https://legistar2.granicus.com/coloradosprings/meetings/2026/5/2784_M_City_Council_26-05-12_Meeting_Minutes.pdf (item 9.A).
City Council minutes, May 26, 2026 (see 2026-05-26 - City Council).

Log

2026-05-12 - City Council

Unfinished Business item 9.A; presented, short exchange on predictability for applicants; first reading 8-0-1-0.

Item 10.C postponed to May 12 at the request of Planning Director Kevin Walker because the City Attorney's Office recommended changes to the ordinance; Donelson moved, Gold seconded, postponement passed 9-0-0-0.