To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, Director, Public Works & Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Jim Katzer, Transportation Division Manager, Public Works & Development
end
Subject:
title
Authorization for Public Works Director to Sign Updated CDOT Access Permit for Richmil Open Space (C23-09)
end
Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this memo is to ask the Board to support and authorize the Public Works and Development (PWD) Director to sign the new Access Permit for the Richmil Open Space access to allow 70 vehicle per day. Staff is requesting that the Board approve the PWD Director to sign the CDOT Access Permit for Richmil Ranch Open Space.
end
Background and Discussion: Open Spaces has advertised and received a proposal for the redesign and land use approval of the Richmil Open Space parking lot. Design of the parking lot improvements was completed May of 2024. The Richmil Open Space is located just northwest of the Town of Deer Trail, just off I-70, east of Denver. Access to the parking lot is made from US 40, which is a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintained state highway that parallels I-70. The redesigned parking lot will consider the higher volume of traffic, the number of horse trailers and the length of the trailers utilizing the Open Space. The new parking lot will have more parking spaces for cars, including ADA spaces and pull through parking spaces for horse trailers and other longer vehicles. As part of the L&E Plan update, the plans and traffic study were sent to CDOT for comments. The only comment from CDOT was to apply for and update a new access permit. An Access Permit is required wherever access to private property is requested from a state highway.
On June 25, 2024, the BOCC approved moving forward with placing this item on the consent agenda.
Alternatives: The County could take the do nothing alternative by not signing the Access Permits for the improvements. This would not allow Open Space to move forward with the expansion of the parking lot.
Fiscal Impact: The signing of the Access Permits does not have a fiscal impact on the County as the permit fee is waived for local agencies.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that Arapahoe County complete a new Access Permit with CDOT for the Richmil Open Spaces so that improvements can be completed.
Concurrence: The Arapahoe County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the board summary report.
Resolution: Attached is a copy of the draft resolution.