The Interstate 25 interchanges in Castle Rock are the main entry points into Town.

Strengthening those gateways can help the Town attract new businesses, advancing the goal of keeping Castle Rock a freestanding community.

It was with that in mind that Town Council last week approved an amendment to Town Code that will allow property owners in the interchange areas to request special zoning that allows a different type of development than occurs in other areas of Town.

Different regulations that will take effect later this month for interchange areas include reduced parking requirements, improved pedestrian connectivity, increased building heights, the allowance of mixed use and the potential to integrate housing in close proximity to employment and services.

The new zoning option is voluntary, and Town Council will have the final say whether a property is granted the interchange zoning.

The zoning will allow greater density and urban development in regions surrounding the I-25 interchanges. It is hoped that this type of development will help capture commerce from the 70,000-plus vehicles that travel I-25 daily, strengthening the tax base in Castle Rock.

The mixed-use approach could provide for greater sustainability, by allowing residents to live closer to where they work. Skyline/ridgeline protections in place elsewhere in Town will not apply in these areas (Buildings up to 6 stories would be allowed.), allowing for more compact, sustainable development.

Development regulations – requiring architecture and layouts that enhance the look and safety of projects – still would apply.

The Town worked with the development community over the past two years to develop this new zoning option.

Anyone with questions can contact Long Range Planner Martin Hudson, 720-733-2202 or mhudson@CRgov.com.