CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE PROMOTES URBAN AGRICULTURE WITH CODE AMENDMENTS

Partnership with LiveWell Wheat Ridge Encourages Locally Grown

Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The Wheat Ridge City Council approved changes to the City Code on Monday, May 23, 2011 that will further support and encourage urban agricultural uses and activities in the City. The code changes updated the City’s regulations and established three main uses for urban agriculture: community gardens (under the category of “urban gardens”), farmers’ markets, and produce stands which are now allowed in any zone district. A summary of the three uses permitted in each zone district may be found on the City Website at this link: Wheat Ridge, CO – Official Website – Urban Agriculture

We’ve seen increased interest in urban agriculture by our residents. Wheat Ridge was founded on an agricultural past and it is exciting to see the renewed interest by so many of our residents in a favorite pastime coupled with their desire to access locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. I’m pleased that the amended ordinance creates a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for a resident or business to grow and sell fresh fruits and vegetables with no review fees or oversight by the City.

An overview on the code changes is as follows:

Urban Gardens

An urban garden is defined as an area of land formally managed, organized, and maintained by an individual or group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops and/or non-food ornamental crops, such as flowers. Common examples of urban gardens include:

• Community gardens, where plots of land are leased for a minimal cost and crops are usually consumed or donated.
• Market gardens, where crops are sold for profit.
• Community supported agriculture (CSA), where locally grown crops are sold or donated for shareholder consumption.
• Urban gardens are allowed in all zone districts, including residential, and do not require a submittal or review by the City.

 Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ markets are allowed in any zone district, except in residential zone districts on properties where the primary use is a single-or two-family homes. Farmers’ markets require a business license.

Produce Stands

A produce stand is a temporary structure where agricultural products such as raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, plants, nuts, honey, and eggs are sold. Value-added agricultural products which are made from raw agricultural products such as jams and jellies may also be sold from produce stands. Produce stands require a business license, which you may apply for through the City’s Sales Tax Division. Produce stands on residential properties must also follow the rules for home occupations.

“LiveWell Wheat Ridge congratulates the City of Wheat Ridge on making these important changes to the zoning code,” states Molly Hansen, LiveWell Wheat Ridge Coordinator. “Increasing access to locally grown food is a vital step in promoting healthy food options, creating resilient neighborhoods and supporting our local economy. It is exciting to see support from the community and City Council on creating a policy framework that supports these important principles.”

Tim Tindell and Amy DiPierre Tindell, Wheat Ridge residents and owners of the City Mouse Garden noted, “We believe Wheat Ridge is in a unique position, as a former agricultural community, to be an example for communities locally and nationally. This ensures countless positive effects. Embracing urban farmers, whether it is a person growing cut flowers or cucumbers, will stabilize our immediate local economy, solidify long-term relationships, provide a safe and secure food system. This is truly one of the most important issues any of us can be involved in.”

The City identified the need to update the zoning regulations for urban agriculture activities as part of the Envision Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan that was adopted in the fall of 2009. “Envision Wheat Ridge is a visionary plan that set the foundation for us to create and maintain a healthy and active community,” says Tracy Langworthy, Mayor pro tem and Councilmember for District IV. “It is exciting to see the grassroots involvement from citizens who have helped bring these goals to life.”

Efforts to promote urban agriculture in communities are on the rise. Wheat Ridge is now among the leading municipalities in the State and nation connecting urban dwellers to fresh, healthy food. The City began its efforts a year ago researching cities across the country including Seattle, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Kansas City all that have been recognized for adopting zoning codes that support urban agricultural activities. “Cities are drawn to urban agriculture for a variety of reasons,” said Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director. “Urban agriculture promotes economic and community development, environmental sustainability, and connects urban dwellers to fresh, healthy food.”

A dynamic grassroots effort developed when the City partnered with a group of Wheat Ridge residents, known as the Access to Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (AFFV) Task Force, to review and comment on the draft ordinance as it was developed. Amanda Weaver, who lives and owns a farm in Wheat Ridge commented, “I think it’s great that Wheat Ridge is continuing to support local growing and local food in their zoning code and I really appreciate the efforts of the staff to keep this important piece of Wheat Ridge’s heritage thriving.”

LiveWell Wheat Ridge funded the development of the Residential and Urban Agriculture Guide for Wheat Ridge which was created by the Jefferson Conservation District, staff at the City of Wheat Ridge and Councilmember Karen Berry. The publication provides a summary of the types and intensities of urban agriculture are permitted on residentially zoned property. This publication can be found on the City Website at this link: Wheat Ridge, CO – Official Website – Urban Agriculture

Suzanne Teale, a member of the AFFV Task Force added, “As someone who has been gardening at the Happiness community garden for several years and enjoying all the benefits of growing my own vegetables and sharing with neighbors and friends, I am glad that many other people in the City will have opportunities to participate in community gardens and other urban gardening alternatives because of the adoption of the urban agriculture ordinance.”

In addition to the zoning code amendments, the City is in the process of amending the building code easing the requirements for hoop houses. Hoop houses are temporary greenhouses with a semi-circular shape that typically have a plastic covering. Many people use hoop houses as an affordable way to extend the growing season. These structures range from very small greenhouses set up in private backyards, to very large structures used on commercial farms or in retail settings.

For more information on a community assessment conducted in the fall of 2010 by LiveWell Wheat Ridge and community partners on the importance of accessing and consuming locally-grown produce, community gardening, and much more, go to: http://jeffco.us/jeffco/health_uploads/hplmhandouts/LWWR_Health_Assessment.pdf

For more information about the City’s urban agriculture efforts, please contact Sarah Showalter, Planner II at 303.235.2849 or via email: sshowalter@ci.wheatridge.co.us.

To find out more about how you can participate in the Access to Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Task Force, and for media inquiries about LiveWell Wheat Ridge, please contact Molly Hanson, LiveWell Wheat Ridge Coordinator, at 720.345.8547 or email mhanson@jeffco.us.

Please feel free to use the two attached photos and credit Deb Johnson, City of Wheat Ridge Happiness Gardens.

It is a great time to be a resident and/or a business owner in Wheat Ridge! The City has many opportunities on the horizon and the following developments are underway in preparation for the future: redevelopment of 44th & Wadsworth, development of Clear Creek Crossing (Cabela’s), 38th Avenue Corridor Plan, and just this week the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority purchased the Fruitdale School site. In addition, the City’s Building Codes have been amended to allow for homeowners and business owners to realize a more user-friendly building process. The City’s overall progress is a collaborative effort between the City, Housing Authority, Wheat Ridge Business District, Enterprise Wheat Ridge, Renewal Wheat Ridge and various citizen committees. 

More information will be coming to come forward on the purchase of the Fruitdale School soon.  Thanks to the Mayor’s Office, Wheat Ridge Housing Authority, Colorado Preservation and the Jeffco School District for working out a win-win solution.

 We’re Wired! Pay City Taxes and Manage Your Account Online!

As of April 1, City businesses are able to pay their sales, use, admissions and lodging taxes on the Wheat Ridge Online Tax Portal (OTP) via credit card. Beginning May 1, the City is excited to offer an ACH-debit payment option (similar to a virtual check) as well. Simply follow the website link and any business with a Wheat Ridge business/tax license number is already set up to use it. It’s easy to log on after reaching the website. As usual, the Tax Division enjoys hearing from its customers and is always happy to lend a hand with any difficulties logging on or using the system. Simply email Danielle Trujillo or call (303) 235-2820 or (303) 235-2825.

 2011 Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon

The Mayor’s Office is sponsoring a five-member relay team that will represent the City of Wheat Ridge in the Municipal Cup Challenge to be held Sunday, May 15. As outlined in the marathon brochure, participants are encouraged to “run for the health of it!” This year, Kaiser Permanente is sponsoring cash incentives for the Municipal Cup and the city with the most teams. The teams with the fastest times will be eligible to win funds for a non-profit agency. This is a great way to promote health and fitness in our community. Good luck and go team!!!

 Interested in Running for City Council?

Three members of Wheat Ridge City Council are termed out this year.  Open seats will be in Districts I, II and III.  Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information about the timelines at 303-235-2823.

On Monday, February 28, 2011, Wheat Ridge City Council approved changes to the Building Code Advisory Board.  These actions reflect the City’s efforts to create an open for business environment as well as support revitalization efforts.

 The Building Code Advisory Board acts as a hearing board on appeals to decisions of the Chief Building Official, determines the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction, and provides for reasonable interpretations of the International Codes. I am pleased that one of the changes Council made to the role of the Board was to strengthen the appeal rights of applicants.  The appeals process is intended to work in a similar manner to the variance process found in our Zoning Code.  As a City, we need to support the Least Restrictive Environment, or LRE, making it easier for residents and businesses to work in the City of Wheat Ridge.

 Councilmember Davis Reinhart, District I, who helped lead the effort to develop the Board changes noted, “I believe it is very important for an individual doing business in the City to have the right to appeal to a citizen board, and I am pleased with the outcome of the approved changes.”

 The Board composition was decreased from eight to five members with a quorum requirement of three members. “We hope to provide quicker review of appeals and minimize applicant delays.  Councilmember Joe DeMott, District IV, added “We will continue to have technical expertise on the Board including one licensed engineer, one licensed architect, one builder and two members from fields related to the construction industry.”

 “Another important change to the scope of the Board is broadening the authority to include economic hardship, within the limitations that do not violate law,” said Councilmember Mike Stites, District III.  “These changes are not intended to grant a license to violate federal or state law, nor are they intended to endanger public safety.”

 The regulatory environment of the City has changed since its incorporation in 1969 creating unique challenges for the City.  “Many of the buildings that exist in the City were built in decades past and under different versions of the Uniform and International Building Codes,” added Councilmember Reinhart.  “Our goal is to break down barriers to redevelopment, with consideration of the uniqueness of our built environment.”

 In addition to the Building Code Advisory Board changes noted above, the City Council will allow homeowners to conduct electrical work in their own homes.  In an effort to provide a higher level of customer service, cell phone numbers for Building Inspector(s) will be provided as needed.  Citizens are encouraged to contact the Building Division staff at 303-235-2855 with questions about inspections.   Information on how to access Building Division information online is available below.       

 “These efforts as well as other changes made within the past year are a reflection of the City’s ongoing commitment to be open for business and to continually evaluate our regulatory environment,” said Ken Johnstone, Director of Community Development.  “The Mayor’s Building Code Task Force and the 2009 Building Code Division Assessment by Steve Thomas helped lay the foundation for such changes to occur.”

 The City of Wheat Ridge is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. Business owners or residents can access building information by clicking on “Departments,” click again on “Community Development,” and again on “Building & Inspections.”  Building Code Advisory Board information can be accessed by clicking on “Government,” and again on “Boards and Commissions,” where the Building Code Advisory page is listed.

 Approximately $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) funding is being put to good use throughout the City.  Based on City Council direction in late 2010, the City’s allocation of federal CDBG funds, funds which are distributed by Jefferson County, have been distributed to the following programs and local initiatives:

• $900,000 – in funding to the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority to purchase and rehabilitate homes for homeownership.
• $60,000 – in funding to the Seniors’ Resource Center (SRC) to support two more years of the senior circulator bus service, providing seniors with a reliable transportation source for everyday errands and other transportation needs.
• $199,151 – in funding is supporting the repair and replacement of playground equipment at several parks in the City including: Anderson Park, Richards Hart Estate, Panorama and Fruitdale Park.

 I am very excited about how Council has put the CDBG dollars at work in our community. These are very important programs and play an important role in advancing our revitalization efforts. Councilmember DeMott and I worked with the Jefferson County Housing Authority to find properties in Wheat Ridge that were in need of rehabilitation. I am pleased that the partnership with the Jefferson County Housing Authority continues to be productive and is helping to improve the quality housing in our community.”

 The Wheat Ridge Housing Authority purchased single family homes from the Jefferson County Housing Authority that were being used as rentals. The Wheat Ridge Housing Authority will rehabilitate the homes and resell them as affordable housing for first time home buyers.  On Friday, February 18^th, the Housing Authority purchased seven homes that will be rehabilitated in the coming year.

 The Wheat Ridge Housing Authority was started by when I was on City Council.  It was an effort to provide affordable housing to the community and to encourage homeownership among first time buyers.  District IV Councilmember and Wheat Ridge Housing Authority member Joseph DeMott explained, “The City received money for playground equipment, funding for the seniors bus services, and purchased seven affordable homes for potential new residents. I’d say the City benefited in this deal!”

 The City has funded the SRC Senior Circulator bus since 2009. The bus service picks up seniors at three Wheat Ridge locations to take them to local shopping centers. There is also a limited door-to-door service for seniors within a few blocks of the bus service’s fixed route.

 The CDBG funds allowed the Parks Department to replace old and outdated playground equipment in City parks. The new equipment features the latest designs and amenities for playgrounds and meets the current public playground safety requirements.

Hello,

Please see the following link:

http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/archives/58/Mayors%20Matters%202011%2002%20February.pdf

Enjoy!

Mayor Jerry DiTullio

In an ongoing effort to improve the “Open for Business” attitude of the city’s entire building department, Mayor DiTullio and several members of Council have been working on developing the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) so residents and businesses can do work in the City of Wheat Ridge.  Many positive changes were made to the city’s building codes and policies last year by Council and were recommendations from the Mayor’s Building Code Task Force.  Below are excerpts from the Council Study Session minutes of 2/14/2011.

 Mr. Stites opened discussion on concerns for numerous practices in the City’s Building Department, including the issuance of electrical work permits and fees to homeowners, the releasing of cell phone numbers of building inspectors to the public, policies on city staff responses to citizens and building contractors.

 The majority of Council supported a direction for Staff to discontinue the policy of blocking cell phone numbers of City building inspectors in an effort to enhance customer service and communications with customers.

 Council was unanimous in directing staff to remove requirements of homeowners to be licensed electricians to be issued permits for doing electrical work on their own homes.

 The majority of Council supported directing Staff to discontinue any policy allowing staff members to contact employers of residents unless there is an official legal need to do so.  If the employee feels the need to make phone calls or write letters to customers they need to go through their chain of command to their Department Director or City Manager.

Mr. Goff reported other changes in building permit and inspection practices in order to improve customer service in several ways including when interpreting the building code the Chief Building Official will use the least conservative approach. Staff is trying to be more proactive in finding areas where the City can be less restrictive. Building Department staff will attend training in communication, customer service skills, and dealing with disgruntled customers. Staff plans on bringing to future Study Sessions possible recommendations for changes to building codes on existing buildings again exploring the least restrictive environment. Staff is also exploring how to change the process of how they inform all customers of what the appeal process is and their rights associated with this.

 Mayor Jerry DiTullio

jerryditullio@comcast.net

The West Chamber held its annual Chairman’s Inaugural Celebration lunch on January 28, 2011 at The Arvada Center. Over 300 people from the Jefferson County business community gathered to recognize outstanding Chamber members for their exceptional performances in 2010. Awards were given to the Business of the Year (over 50 employees), Small Business of the Year (under 50 employees), Young Professional of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Elected Official of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year.

I am excited to see recognition of the Wheat Ridge community. These recognitions demonstrate the great work taking place in our community and the commitment by individuals to make our City and county the community of choice!  As Mayor, I was also honored by the West Chamber by being recognized as one of the top 100 of Jefferson County in the West Chamber 2011 Best of Business Magazine. The magazine will be distributed next week.  Please see the following link: http://digital.publicationprinters.com/publication/?i=59100, (go to page 32).  Also, Congratulations to Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy for being recognized as elected Official of the Year!!

Exempla Lutheran Medical Center received the Business of the Year (over 50 employees) award and was recognized for over 50 years of commitment to the West Chamber organization. Over the years Exempla has supported the West Chamber through board involvement, support of the Chamber’s youth and adult leadership program and partnership-building with chamber businesses to advance and improve the community’s health

Carol Salzmann, Vice President and Executive Director of the Lutheran Medical Center Foundation and Community Development, stated, “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Lutheran’s team of 2,500 employees, 850 physicians and 650 volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to serving our community, improving health and providing healing services.”

Enterprise Wheat Ridge (EWR) was selected as a finalist for the Non-profit Business of the Year award and was recognized for their contributions to the community.

For more information on these awards see the West Chamber website at www.westchamber.org.

Discovery Park Opens with Public Art

Most members of City Council, some past members of City Council, many residents and I were present for the grand opening of Discovery Park located at 38th Ave. and Kipling held on Saturday October 9th. The celebration included a ribbon cutting, sculpture dedication, live music and refreshments!

Funding for the sculpture at the park is still needed and more donations would be greatly appreciated. Citizens interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Mayor’s Public Art Initiative can do so by calling Janice Smothers, Office of the Mayor, at 303-235-2815. Thanks to Tom Abbott for working with me on the public art initiative. Thanks Tom!!

 Clancy’s Irish Pub Re-Opens with New Owners!

On October 22 I had the privilege, along with some members of City Council and Mrs. Wheat Ridge, Karen Thaler, to attend the re-opening of Clancy’s Irish Pub. The grand opening of Clancy’s is important for a number of reasons. First, it brings another dining option into the community. Second, it shows that dedicated business owners can find opportunities in Wheat Ridge to not only create a successful business but to also help reinvest in our City.

What Ridge Funds Public Art Through Development Fees

The Public Art Funding Resolution 63-2010 requires the City staff to set aside one (1) percent of development fees for the public art fund. The development project must be valued at $100,000 or more. Cost: for every $100,000 of development fees collected $1000 will be set aside in the art fund. No development? No funding. This resolution is a very simple, yet effective, concept that creates the least restrictive environment for public art to move forward in Wheat Ridge. The resolution passed City Council 6-1 with Councilmember Karen Berry voting “no”. Councilmember Berry wanted to study the issue further. Thanks to a majority of Council, Councilmember Joyce Jay and City Manager Patrick Goff for working with the Mayor’s Office on this important economic development tool for the City. This issue has been through numerous City Council study sessions the past five years. At some point you have to move forward and make a decision. http://www.great8newspapers.com/Articles-c-2010-11-24-217985.114125-sub17483.114125-City-backs-public-art-plan.html

 City Receives Grants from LiveWell Wheat Ridge

The City is pleased to announcethat itreceived two grants from LiveWell Wheat Ridge (LWWR) this year. Furthering its successful partnership with the City, LWWR granted the Community Development Department $12,250 in April to fund community input sessions for the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan Project. Additionally, LWWR granted the Public Works Department $13,200 in September for Phase 3 of the Wheat Ridge Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan.

Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

Be safe!

Hello,

Your privacy has always been important to me.  And it was the one reason that you shared your email address with me to receive City updates.  Once the City implemented a new email newsletter called “Mayor’s Matters” from City Hall your emails were uploaded to the City computer servers from my personal computer to distribute the email newsletter.  It is my understanding that two members of City Council asked for those email addresses from City staff even though they knew the emails were intended to be private.  While the ability to request the emails is legal since they are on a public computer, I find the actions unethical and unprofessional.  Your email address has also been shared with a political group in Wheat Ridge opposing ballot questions 300 and 301.

 I’m sorry that your privacy has been compromised at the expense of election year politics.   Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

 Thank you