Summit County (CO) considers cap on development

Casper Star Tribune ^ | 6 October 2003 | codenjk

[Lorianne]

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (AP) - Summit County is considering a growth cap that developers warn could drive up prices and encourage sprawl in surrounding areas.

The county commissioners may vote in November on a new comprehensive land-use plan that would restrict development to levels set by existing zoning rules.

Elected officials said the public supports the policy. They said Summit County, home to several ski areas, is similar to other resort communities struggling to funnel growth to the core of the city and away from the fringes to prevent sprawl.

But sprawl is what will result from growth caps, homebuilders said. Similar policies have boosted housing prices in other communities and increased development pressure in neighboring towns, they said.

''In my opinion, that's the last thing you want to happen here. You just shoot yourself in the foot,'' said Brian Platte of the Frisco-based Apex Homes.

Instead of blanket restrictions, Platte said planners should set limits in certain areas.

Planners, though, said the proposal includes several tools to help avoid escalating housing prices, including exceptions for affordable housing.

Hearings were set on the plan for Monday and Nov. 3.

[XRdsRev]

Personally I think asking a builder about stopping sprawl is like asking a prostitute to become a nun.

[Support Free Republic]

A Recall AND a Fundraiser? I'm toast.

Let's get this over with FAST. Please contribute!

[jmcclain19]

This isn't a huge development, I thought most of the area around Breckenridge is national forest land.

[sergeantdave]

Sprawl is the amount of vacant space between the two neurons occupying a liberal's brain.