If Aspen voters pass a charter referendum this spring, that will mean rewriting the city’s land use code. On Monday, City Council decided to tighten up when developers can build extra large buildings. Council Members restricted exceptions, called waivers, to five percent bigger than the square footage normally allowed, and two feet higher than maximum height. They also removed affordable housing waivers, except for projects benefitting the community or part of the historic preservation program. Council did not change parking requirements.
Bert Myrin is one of the main organizers for a charter amendment on the ballot this spring… that would also restrict development that goes beyond city code. He says that and the City’s land use changes are still fundamentally different.
“What was passed was just a facade because it is on paper. And as Council has shown they can reconsider it after the new council’s implemented, and vote it down.”
In fact, if voters approve the Charter Amendment, this week’s new code changes would be thrown out the window. City Attorney Jim True.
“And that would require the Council to amend the code again. And would not allow variations of any amount without approval of council and then approval of the voters."
Ballots for this spring will be sent out April 13th. They will be counted Tuesday May 5th.