09-22-26 Planning Board Meeting

The City of Boulder Planning Board held a meeting on September 22, 2026, primarily focused on a public hearing regarding a rezoning application for parcels at 3550 and 3850 Frontier Avenue. The proposal sought to rezone the property from industrial zoning districts to Mixed Use 4 (MU4) with amendments to allow a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 3.5 and a building height of 55 feet, exceeding current MU4 limits. The rezoning aims to facilitate redevelopment consistent with the Transit Village Area Plan Phase 2, including a performing arts and events center, housing, retail, and a hotel. The board discussed the ordinance's provisions, including exemptions for structured parking from FAR calculations and height modification requirements. Several motions were made and amended to recommend approval to City Council, with conditions to ensure community benefits such as housing and arts spaces. The board also expressed concerns about the lack of updated zoning tools to implement area plans citywide and the need for future zoning code updates. Public comments included support for the arts district and concerns about growth and affordability. The meeting concluded with the Planning Board recommending approval of the rezoning and ordinance amendments to City Council, with some dissenting votes and proposed amendments to secure housing benefits.