Planning Commission Regular Meeting - 2026-04-06
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a battery storage facility at 495 Dawson Trails Blvd for Core Electric Cooperative (LE-2026-003) and recommended approval of the Highlands Ranch PD 84th Amendment adding 350 multifamily units to Planning Area 85 (ZR2026-002). A zoning resolution waiver for the Sedalia Recycling Center landfill expansion at 5970 N US Highway 85 was recommended for approval (US-2025-001), and the Bloom preliminary plan for 32 single-family lots on 81.85 acres was recommended with conditions addressing emergency access concerns (SB-2025-017).
Key Decisions (4)
Core Battery Storage at 495 Dawson Trails Blvd
Core Electric Cooperative received location and extent approval for a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the existing Citadel substation. The facility will cover approximately 0.6 acres with 16 battery enclosures on a 9-acre property. Construction anticipated summer 2026 through summer 2027. Applicant agreed to add vinyl slats to chain link fencing for screening.
Highlands Ranch PD 84th Amendment - 350 Multifamily Units
PageWest Acquisitions received recommendation for approval to add 350 dwelling units to Planning Area 85 of Highlands Ranch PD for future multifamily development. Reduced from previous 400-unit request denied by Board of County Commissioners. Project includes townhomes on 4.61-acre western parcel and apartments on 10.2-acre eastern parcel near C470 and Kendrick Castillo Way interchange. Developer committed to installing traffic signal at Plaza Dr/Plaza Circle/Greensboro Dr intersection.
Zoning Resolution Waiver for Sedalia Recycling Center Expansion
Waiver approved allowing Sedalia Recycling Center and Depository at 5970 N US Highway 85 to process USR amendment application before submitting certificate of designation to CDPHE. Landfill seeks to expand permit area from 124 acres to 166 acres. Original landfill USR and certificate of designation approved in 2004.
Bloom Preliminary Plan - 32 Single-Family Lots
Affinity Holdings received recommendation for approval to subdivide 81.85 acres into 32 single-family residential lots and six tracts off Bayou Gulch Rd. Gross density of one lot per 2.53 acres. Lots range from 1.01 to 1.66 acres with 27 acres (33%) open space. Custom homes starting at $2 million, 2,500-6,000 sq ft. Property zoned Estate Residential since 2016.
Development Activity (4)
Core Electric BESS at Citadel Substation
Battery energy storage system with 16 battery enclosures (29ft x 9.5ft x 5.5ft each) on 0.6 acres within 9-acre property. 7ft security fence with barbed wire. Two detention ponds. Temporary access road until Dawson Trails Blvd completed.
Highlands Ranch Planning Area 85 Multifamily
350 multifamily units on two parcels (4.61 acres and 10.2 acres). Townhomes on western parcel, apartments on eastern parcel. Buildings 3-4 stories. Traffic signal to be installed at Plaza Dr/Plaza Circle/Greensboro Dr.
Sedalia Recycling Center Expansion
Landfill expansion from 124 acres to 166 acres permit area. Entrance facility relocation to Sedalia Business Park parcel. Proposed setback increases: north from 45ft to 520ft, west from 35ft to 200ft.
Bloom Residential Subdivision
32 single-family custom homes on 81.85 acres. Lots 1.01-1.66 acres. 27 acres (33%) open space with 1.75 miles of trails. Homes 2,500-6,000 sq ft starting at $2 million. Gated entry with monumentation. Open rail fencing for wildlife permeability.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Developer cited strong demand for rental housing near employment centers including UC Health, Children's Hospital, and Lockheed Martin, with healthcare professionals and service workers as target residents.
Infrastructure
Core Electric Cooperative investing in battery storage to offset peak load, balance grid, and defer expensive substation upgrades, indicating growing electrical demand in Castle Rock area.
Housing Demand
Douglas County Economic Development Committee wrote letter supporting Highlands Ranch multifamily project, citing need for housing for local employers and customers for commercial uses.
Commercial Demand
Custom home development at Bloom targeting $2 million+ price point with 2,500-6,000 sq ft homes indicates continued demand for luxury estate residential in northeast Douglas County.
Sentiment
Community opposition to through-street access in Bloom subdivision led developer to design single-point access despite Office of Emergency Management concerns, showing resident preference for limited connectivity.