HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140288.tiff MEMORANDUM
E TO: Diana Aungst, Planning Services DATE: November 21, 2013
U Revised December 10, 2013
Co_UN?Y
FROM: Jennifer Petrik, P.E., Public Works
SUBJECT: USR13-0051 Teresa Anderson
A Use by Special Review permit for an RV park.
The Weld County Public Works Department has reviewed this proposal. This project falls under the Use
by Special Review Standard, Weld County Code, Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4, Section 23. Staff
comments made during this phase of the Use by Special Review process may not be all-inclusive, as
other issues may arise during the remaining application process.
COMMENTS:
This site is located at the southeast corner of CR18 and CR21. The parcel number is 131126200035.
CR 18 is a collector road and requires an 80-foot right-of-way at full build out. There is presently a 60-foot
right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. Pursuant to the definition of SETBACK in the Weld
County Zoning (23-1-90), the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line. The
applicant shall delineate an additional 10-foot of right-of-way parallel to the WCR18 right-of-way for future
build-out.
CR 21 is a local gravel road and requires a 60-foot right-of-way at full build out. There is presently a 60-
foot right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County. Pursuant to the definition of SETBACK in the
Weld County Zoning (23-1-90), the required setback is measured from the future right-of-way line.
An access permit application was submitted and is being reviewed by the Traffic Engineer.
The application materials indicated 2-115 people will use the site. Please submit a more detailed traffic
narrative outlining the type and number of vehicles per day, expected haul routes, trip distribution along
the haul route (i.e. 50% of traffic will come from the north, 20% from the south, 30% from the east),
improvements triggers — the Traffic Engineer will review the narrative and advise the applicant if more
information or an engineered traffic study is required.
Depending on the traffic, an improvements and road maintenance agreement for offsite improvements
may be required for this site. Road maintenance including dust control, damage repair, and triggers for
improvements will be included.
Tracking control is required to prevent mud and debris from tracking from the site onto the County
Roadway. Standard tracking control for accesses onto gravel roads includes double cattle guards at the
access point. Standard tracking control for accesses onto paved roads includes either 300 feet of
pavement onsite OR 100 feet of pavement plus double cattle guards. Depending on the traffic narrative,
alternatives such as recycled AC, recycled concrete, or gravel may be considered. Recycled asphalt or
gravel are currently shown on the map.
A Drainage Report was submitted by Eric Dunker, P.E. #0033915 dated April 2013. The drainage report
is being reviewed. An accepted drainage report is required prior to recording the plat.
If tractor trailers or equivalent length are expected to utilize the site, 60' turning radius are required to
accommodate these vehicles turning into and out of the site. An alternative turning template may be
submitted showing that an alternative turning radius can adequately handle the expected tractor trailer
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0051%20anderson%20RV%20park[I].doex
turning movements. If tractor trailers are not expected to visit the site, standard 45' turning radius are
required. Please show turning radii on the plat.
Show on the plat, future ROW along CR18, drainage flow arrows, and access permit numbers for
approved accesses.
A Weld County Grading Permit will be required if disturbing more than 1 acre. Contact public works for a
permit application 970-304-6496. A construction stormwater permit is also required with the State for
disturbing more than 1 acre. Contact: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water
Quality Control Division, Rik Gay, 303-692-3575.
This area IS NOT in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) as determined by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA).
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Prior to recording the plat:
A. Plat shall be amended to delineate the following:
1. County Road 18 is designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as a
local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full build-out. The applicant
shall verify and delineate on the plat the existing right-of-way and the documents
creating the right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future
right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
2. County Road 21 is designated on the Weld County Road Classification Plan as a
local road, which requires 60 feet of right-of-way at full build-out. The applicant
shall verify and delineate on the plat the existing right-of-way and the documents
creating the right-of-way. All setbacks shall be measured from the edge of future
right-of-way. This road is maintained by Weld County.
3. Show the approved accesses on the plat and label with the approved access
permit number (will be provided).
B. An accepted Final Drainage Report stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer
registered in the State of Colorado is required.
C. An Improvements and road maintenance agreement for offsite improvements may be
required for this site. Road maintenance including dust control, damage repair, and triggers
for improvements will be included.
2. Prior to Construction:
A. If more than 1 acre is to be disturbed, a Weld County grading permit will be required prior to
the start of construction.
Development Standards (notes on the plat):
1. Should noxious weeds exist on the property, or become established as a result of the proposed
development, the applicant/landowner shall be responsible for controlling the noxious weeds,
pursuant to Chapter 15, Articles I and II, of the Weld County Code.
2. The historical flow patterns and runoff amounts will be maintained on the site.
3. Weld County is not responsible for the maintenance of onsite drainage related features.
4. There shall be no parking or staging of vehicles on County roads. On-site parking shall be utilized.
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0051%20anderson%20RV%20park[I].doex
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$186" � MEMORANDUM
�.;
,LL �� TO: DIANA AUNGST, PLANNING SERVICES
v� i�J N TY FROM: MARY EVETT, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
aO-1jT
SUBJECT: USR13-0051
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2013
Environmental Health Services has reviewed this proposal for a Site Specific
Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for an RV Park and storage
facility to include 75 RV spaces, an existing mobile home, a caretaker's residence, an
office, a maintenance storage building, and outside storage for vehicles, boats, trailers,
cars, and other misc items.
The existing mobile home on the property is served by an existing septic system, Permit
No. SP-9700196, and by Central Weld County Water District, tap No. 921 . The
applicant provided a "can serve" letter from the Water District for the RV Park and
storage business. The applicant is proposing to install 2 engineer-designed septic
systems to serve the RV Park, an office/ apartment building and a shower house. An
RV dump station is also proposed, and will be serviced by a licensed sewage pumper,
Art's Sanitation.
A dust abatement plan is required addressing measures to mitigate onsite dust.
According to the site plan, the access drive and circulation areas will be covered with
gravel or recycled asphalt. This information shall be included in the dust abatement
plan.
The application indicates that a dumpster will be provided for refuse. A waste handling
plan is required and shall include information regarding wastes which are expected to
be generated, the type and volume of chemicals expected to be stored on site, and the
waste handlers and facilities where the waste will be disposed of, including names,
address and phone numbers. Include any lawn care chemicals and fertilizers, and any
equipment fuels, oils, etc. that may be stored at the site.
Noise will be restricted to the level allowed in the commercial zone district. Noise can
be limited by requiring quiet hours.
We have no objections to the proposal; however, we do recommend that the following
conditions be part of any approval:
We recommend that the following requirements be met prior to allowing the plat to be
recorded:
1. The applicant shall submit a dust abatement plan, detailing on site dust control
measures, for review and approval, to the Environmental Health Services, Weld
County Department of Public Health & Environment.
2. In the event washing of vehicles will occur on site the applicant shall ensure that
any vehicle washing area(s) shall capture all effluent and prevent discharges
from the washing of vehicles in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the
Water Quality Control Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Vehicle washing areas should be designated on the plat.
3. The applicant shall submit a waste handling plan, for approval, to the
Environmental Health Services Division of the Weld County Department of Public
Health & Environment. The plan shall include at a minimum, the following:
1) A list of wastes which are expected to be generated on site (this should
include expected volumes and types of waste generated).
2) A list of the type and volume of chemicals expected to be stored on site.
3) The waste handler and facility where the waste will be disposed (including
the facility name, address, and phone number).
We recommend that the following requirements be incorporated into the permit as
conditions that must be met one month prior to construction activities:
1. In the event that 1 or more acres are disturbed during the construction and
development of this site, the applicant shall obtain a stormwater discharge
permit from the Water Quality Control Division of the Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment.
We recommend that the following requirements be incorporated into the permit as
conditions that must be met prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy:
1. An individual sewage disposal system is required for the proposed facility and
shall be installed according to the Weld County Individual Sewage Disposal
Regulations. The septic system is required to be designed by a Colorado
Registered Professional Engineer according to the Weld County Individual
Sewage Disposal Regulations.
2. In the event the septic system requires a design capacity of over 2,000 gallons of
sewage per day the applicants shall provide evidence that all requirements of the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control
2
Division's (WQCD) Regulation No. 22 have been satisfied. Evidence of
compliance shall be provided to the Weld County Department of Public Health
and Environment. Alternately, the applicant can provide evidence from the
WQCD that they are not subject to these requirements.
3. The applicant shall submit evidence of an Underground Injection Control (UIC)
Class V Injection Well permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
for any large-capacity septic system (a septic system with the capacity to serve
20 or more persons per day). Alternately, the applicant can provide evidence
from the EPA that they are not subject to the EPA Class V requirements.
We recommend that the following requirements be incorporated into the permit as
development standards:
1. All liquid and solid wastes (as defined in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and
Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S., as amended) shall be stored and removed for
final disposal in a manner that protects against surface and groundwater
contamination.
2. No permanent disposal of wastes shall be permitted at this site. This is not
meant to include those wastes specifically excluded from the definition of a solid
waste in the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act, 30-20-100.5, C.R.S.,
as amended.
3. Waste materials shall be handled, stored, and disposed in a manner that controls
fugitive dust, fugitive particulate emissions, blowing debris, and other potential
nuisance conditions. The facility shall operate in accordance with the approved
"waste handling plan", at all times.
4. Any vehicle or equipment washing areas shall capture all effluent and prevent
discharges in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Water Quality
Control Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Fugitive dust and fugitive particulate emissions shall be controlled on this site.
The facility shall operate in accordance with the approved "dust abatement plan",
at all times.
6. This facility shall adhere to the maximum permissible noise levels allowed in the
Commercial Zone as delineated in Section 14-9-30 of the Weld County Code.
7. Adequate drinking, hand washing and toilet facilities shall be provided for
employees and patrons of the facility, at all times.
8. Sewage disposal for the facility shall be by septic system. Any septic system
located on the property must comply with all provisions of the Weld County Code,
3
pertaining to Individual Sewage Disposal Systems.
9. In the event the septic system requires a design capacity of over 2,000 gallons of
sewage per day the applicants shall provide evidence that all requirements of the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control
Division's (WQCD) Regulation No. 22 have been satisfied. Evidence of
compliance shall be provided to the Weld County Department of Public Health
and Environment. Alternately, the applicant can provide evidence from the
WQCD that they are not subject to these requirements.
10.The facility shall utilize the existing public water supply (Central Weld County
Water District).
11.Bottled water shall be utilized for drinking during construction of the project.
12.Adequate toilet facilities (portable toilets) and hand washing units shall be
provided during the construction of the facility.
13.All pesticides, fertilizer, and other potentially hazardous chemicals must be
handled in a safe manner in accordance with product labeling. All chemicals
must be stored secure, on an impervious surface, and in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations.
14.If applicable, the applicant shall obtain a stormwater discharge permit from the
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Water Quality Control
Division.
15.The operation shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of State and
Federal agencies and the Weld County Code.
4
Department of Planning Services
1555 N 17`"Ave
Greeley, CO 80631
c o U N T Y (970) 353-6100
Weld County Referral
Date: November 27, 2013
Applicant: Teresa Anderson
Project: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for any Use
Permitted as Use By Right, an Accessory Use, or a Use By Special Review in the Commercial
or Industrial Zone Districts (a 75 space RV park, an existing mobile home, a caretaker's
residence, an office, a maintenance storage building, and outside storage for vehicles, boats,
trailers, cars, and other misc items) provided that the property is not a lot in an approved or
recorded subdivision plat or lots parts of a map or plan filed prior to adoption of any regulations
controlling subdivisions in the A (Agricultural) zone district.
Case Number: USR13-0047
Parcel Number: 131126200035-R3718905
After reviewing the application and documents submitted the Building Department has the
following comments:
A building permit required, per Section 29-3-10 of the Weld County Code, for any new
construction, alteration, or addition to any buildings, structures and utilities on the property. It is
required that a code analysis be done on the project by a design professional with experience in
this area. A building permit application must be completed and two complete sets of engineered
plans including engineered foundation plans bearing the wet stamp of a Colorado registered
architect or engineer must be submitted for review. A geotechnical engineering report performed
by a registered State of Colorado engineer shall be required or a open hole inspection.
Buildings and structures shall conform to the requirements of the various codes adopted at the
time of permit application. Currently the following has been adopted by Weld County: 2012
International Building Code; 2012 International Mechanical Code; 2012 International Plumbing
Code:; 2012 International Fuel Gas Code; 2006 International Energy Code; 2011 National
Electrical Code; 2009 ANSI 117.1 Accessibility Code and Chapter 29 of the Weld County Code.
Plans shall be submitted to the Fire District for review and comments.
A final approval from Fire District prior to issue of Certificate of Occupancy
All building permit requirements can be found on the Weld County web-site.
www.co.weld.co.us/Building Inspection/Commercial Permits
Frank Piacentino
Department of Building Inspection
Submit byEmail
Weld County Referral
l/_ 11
October 24, 2013
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Teresa Anderson Case Number: USR13-0051
Please Reply By: November 21, 2013 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for any Use Permitted as
a Use By Right, an Accessory Use, or a Use By Special Review in the Commercial or Industrial Zone
Districts (a 75 space RV park, an existing mobile home, a caretaker's residence, an office, a
maintenance storage building, and outside storage for vehicles, boats, trailers, cars, and other misc
items) provided that the property is not a lot in an approved or recorded subdivision plat or lots parts of a
map or plan filed prior to adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions in the A(Agricultural) zone
district.
Location: South of and adjacent to County Road 18; East of and adjacent to County Road 21
Parcel Number: 131126200035-R3718905 Legal: PT NW4 SECTION 26, T2N, R67W LOT B REC
EXEMPT RE-4025 of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner
associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications
under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional
information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
n We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive
Plan because: Not in comp plan area
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Chris Kennedy 11/14/2013
Signature Date
Agency Town of Frederick
Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N 17th Ave,Greeley,CO.80631 (970)353-6100 ext.3540 (970)304-6498 fax
Submit byEmail
'O1/4�� Weld County Referral
tfl
October 24, 2013
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Teresa Anderson Case Number: USR13-0051
Please Reply By: November 21, 2013 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for any Use Permitted as
a Use By Right, an Accessory Use, or a Use By Special Review in the Commercial or Industrial Zone
Districts (a 75 space RV park, an existing mobile home, a caretaker's residence, an office, a
maintenance storage building, and outside storage for vehicles, boats, trailers, cars, and other misc
items) provided that the property is not a lot in an approved or recorded subdivision plat or lots parts of a
map or plan filed prior to adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions in the A (Agricultural)zone
district.
Location: South of and adjacent to County Road 18; East of and adjacent to County Road 21
Parcel Number: 131126200035-R3718905 Legal: PT NW4 SECTION 26, T2N, R67W LOT B REC
EXEMPT RE-4025 of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner
associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications
under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional
information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
ElWe have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive
Plan because:
I We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
See attached letter.
Gregory McGinn 11-20-2013
Signature Date
Agency Fort Lupton Fire Protection District
Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N 17th Ave,Greeley,CO.80631 (970)353-6100 ext.3540 (970)304-6498 fax
FORT LUPTON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
PLAN REVIEW REPORT and PERMIT
Plans submitted to FLFPD are reviewed for compliance with the fire code as adopted and/or
amended. This report is intended to provide the submitter with the status of plan approval, and
any comments that may require further information, verification or action for approval of plans.
All plans may be subject to field inspection and/or testing for final approval prior to sign off on a
Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Inspection. The approval of plans constitutes a permit
to commence work where required by the fire code, and is subject to the conditions as may be
noted in the comment section below.
Project: RV Campground
Address: 7878 CR 21 Ft. Lupton, Co. 80621
Plan Description: General Site Plan
Submitted by: Diana Aungst
Submitter Phone#: 1-970-353-6100 ext. 3519
Submitter email: 'daungst@weldgov.com'
Permit#:USR13-0051
Submittal Date: 10-24-2013
Approval Status: Approved with Comments
Reviewed by: Greg McGinn
Date: 11-20-2013
Comments:
I. The address must be placed on the business and in a position that is clearly visible from
the street fronting the business. Address numbers need to be a minimum of 4 inches high,
have a 3/4 inch stoke, and they need to be on a contrasting backboard. All RV spaces must
be clearly labeled with space numbers meeting the same criteria.
2. Fire extinguishers must be located inside all occupied commercial buildings. Travel
distance to an extinguisher in the shop area cannot exceed 50' and 75' in the business
office. Extinguisher size and type need to meet the requirements of Section 906 of the
1FC, and NFPA 10. (For Future Reference)
3. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed
loads of fire apparatus. All fire apparatus access roads must have a surface to provide all-
weather driving capabilities. The fire department will need to have full access to the
grounds and building.
4. The Fort Lupton Fire District will require access into the storage area if it is to be locked.
A Knox padlock or Knox box may be required depending on gate system used.
5. Plans will need to be submitted to the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District when buildings
are constructed.
6. Fort Lupton Fire Protection District must be notified by the occupant to schedule a fire
safety inspection of the business prior to taking occupancy.
Diana Aungst
Subject: FW: USR13-0051
From: Mark Payler [mailto:mpayler@ftluoton.k12.co.us]
Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 10:50 AM
To: Kristine Ranslem
Subject: FW: USR13-0051
Our concerns:
We do have a bus that goes through there. Build out is 5 to 8 years but we are uneasy about it because there is a
possibility of 75 vehicles entering and exiting (in the long run). How can this be addressed?
-Mark A. Payler
Superintendent of Schools
Weld Re-8
1
Submit- by C . Smail
ik he Weld County Referral
I�� G Of-LINTY
L
October 24, 2013
The Weld County Department of Planning Services has received the following item for review:
Applicant: Teresa Anderson Case Number: USR13-0051
Please Reply By: November 21, 2013 Planner: Diana Aungst
Project: A Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for any Use Permitted as
a Use By Right, an Accessory Use, or a Use By Special Review in the Commercial or Industrial Zone
Districts (a 75 space RV park, an existing mobile home, a caretaker's residence, an office, a
maintenance storage building, and outside storage for vehicles, boats, trailers, cars, and other misc
items) provided that the property is not a lot in an approved or recorded subdivision plat or lots parts of a
map or plan filed prior to adoption of any regulations controlling subdivisions in the A (Agricultural) zone
district.
Location: South of and adjacent to County Road 18; East of and adjacent to County Road 21
Parcel Number: 131126200035-R3718905 Legal: PT NW4 SECTION 26,T2N, R67W LOT B REC
EXEMPT RE-4025 of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado.
The application is submitted to you for review and recommendation. Any comments or
recommendation you consider relevant to this request would be appreciated. Please reply by the
above listed date so that we may give full consideration to your recommendation. Any response not
received before or on this date may be deemed to be a positive response to the Department of Planning
Services. If you have any further questions regarding the application, please call the Planner
associated with the request. Please note that new information may be added to applications
under review during the review process. If you desire to examine or obtain this additional
information, please call the Department of Planning Services.
2 We have reviewed the request and find that it does/does not comply with our Comprehensive
Plan because: See Below
We have reviewed the request and find no conflicts with our interests.
�" See attached letter.
n
Signature 14 (I11
(%n Date October 25, 2013
i
Agency Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
These lands must be included within the boundaries of the Municipal Subdistrict,
Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District before any water service can be
provided by the Central Weld County Water District.
Weld County Planning Dept. 1555 N 17th Ave,Greeley,CO.80631 (970)353-6100 ext.3540 (970)304-6498 fax
�OtiOido COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
••
hL4 Area 2, Lon Hagler
4207 West County road 16E, Loveland, Colorado 80537
psi yviv9Q Phone
9 7o70-4 4 62•fax 970-472-4468
o
October 31, 2013 RECEIVED
Diana Aungst
Weld County Planning Dept. N0V - 2013
1555 N. 17th Ave. Weld County Planning Department
Greeley, CO 80631 GREELEY OFFICE
Re: USR13-0051- Anderson Proposal
Dear Ms. Aungst:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Anderson RV Park proposal. District
Wildlife Manager Chris Mettenbrink reviewed the project plans and visited the site.
The parcel is located on pasture with an existing black-tailed prairie dog town, which
covers most of the project area.
Prior to onset of construction, all prairie dogs should be removed or euthanized.
Euthanasia should occur using toxicants approved by the Colorado Department of
Agriculture, applied in compliance with labeling restrictions. After the prairie dogs have
been euthanized, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW)recommends that the holes be
filled in immediately and leveled. This will help prevent having to mitigate for other
wildlife species during the project, as well as decreasing opportunity for re-colonization
of the parcel by prairie dogs.
Burrowing owls are often associated with prairie dogs and use old prairie dog burrows for
dens to raise their young. Burrowing owls are classified as a state threatened species and
they also are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If the removal of
the prairie dogs or project initiation occurs after March 15th or before October 31g, CPW
recommends that a burrowing owl survey be performed by a certified biologist to
determine their presence or absence on the prairie dog town. If the developer does
encounter burrowing owls on the property,they may contact Chris Mettenbrink
concerning appropriate ways to mitigate for owls and how they may proceed with their
project. I have enclosed a copy of procedures for conducting a burrowing owl survey
with this letter. If you have any questions,please feel free to contact Chris Mettenbrink at
303-906-1979.
Sincerely,
Larry Rogstad, Area Wildlife Manager
CC: K. Green, M. Taylor, L. Rogstad, C. Mettenbrink
STATE OF COLORADO
John W.Hickenlooper,Governor•Mike King,Executive Director,Department of Natural Resources
Steven M.Yamashita,Acting Director,Cobrado Parks and Wildlife
Parks and Wildlife Commission:Robert W.Bray•Chris Castilian•Jeanne Home
Bill Kane,Vice-Chair•Gaspar Penicone•James Pribyl•John Singletary,Chair
Mark Smith,Secretary•James Vigil•Dean Wngfiekt•Michelle Zimmerman
Ex Officio Members:Mike King and John Salazar
``�“l Rqbcr
OF`16\''
O4 �
RECOMMENDED SURVEY PROTOCOL AND
ACTIONS TO PROTECT NESTING BURROWING OWLS
Western Burrowing Owls (Athena cunicularia hypugaea) are commonly found in prairie dog towns
throughout Colorado. Burrowing owls require prairie dog or other suitable burrows (e.g. badger)
for nesting and roosting. Burrowing owls are migratory, breeding throughout the western United
States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico and wintering in the southern United States and
throughout Mexico.
Federal and state laws prohibit the harming or killing of burrowing owls and the destruction of
active nests. It is quite possible to inadvertently kill burrowing owls during prairie dog poisoning
projects, removal of prairie dogs, destruction of burrows and prairie dogs using a concussive
device, or during earth moving for construction. Because burrowing owls often hide in burrows
when alarmed, it is not practical to haze the birds away from prairie dog towns prior to prairie dog
poisoning/removal, burrow destruction, or construction activity. Because of this, the Colorado
Division of Wildlife recommends surveying prairie dog towns for burrowing owl presence before
potentially harmful activities are initiated.
The following guidelines are intended as advice on how to determine if burrowing owls are present
in a prairie dog town, and what to do if burrowing owls are detected. These guidelines do not
guarantee that burrowing owls will be detected if they are present. However, adherence to these
guidelines will greatly increase the likelihood of detection.
Seasonal Timing
Burrowing owls typically arrive on breeding grounds in Colorado in late March or early April, with
nesting beginning a few weeks later. Active nesting and fledging has been recorded and may be
expected from late March through early August. Adults and young may remain at prairie dog
towns until migrating to wintering grounds in late summer or early autumn.
Surveys should be conducted during times when burrowing owls may be present on prairie dog
towns. Surveys should be conducted for any activities occurring between March 15'h and October
315'. No burrowing owls are expected to be present between November 1s' and March 14'".
Daily Timing
Burrowing owls are active throughout the day; however, peaks in activity in the morning and
evening make these the best times for conducting surveys (Conway and Simon 2003). Surveys
should be conducted in the early morning (1/2 hour before sunrise until 2 hours after sunrise)and
early evening (2 hours before sunset until 1/2 hour after sunset).
Number and locations of survey points
Burrowing owls are most frequently located visually, thus, obtaining a clear view of the entire
prairie dog town is necessary. For small prairie dog towns that can be adequately viewed in their
entirety from a single location, only one survey point is necessary. The survey point should be
selected to provide unobstructed views (with binoculars if necessary)of the entire prairie dog town
(burrow mounds and open areas between)and all nearby structures that may provide perches
(e.g., fences, utility poles, etc.)
For prairie dog towns that can not be entirely viewed from a single location because of terrain or
size, enough survey points should be established to provide unobstructed views of the entire
prairie dog town and nearby structures that may provide perches. Survey locations should be
separated by approximately 800 meters (1/2 mile), or as necessary to provide adequate visual
coverage of the entire prairie dog town.
Number of surveys to conduct
Detection of burrowing owls can be highly variable and multiple visits to each site should be
conducted to maximize the likelihood of detecting owls if they are present. At least three surveys
should be conducted at each survey point. Surveys should be separated by approximately one
week.
Conducting the survey
• Weather Considerations Because poor weather conditions may impact the ability to detect
burrowing owls, surveys should only be conducted on days with little or no wind and no
precipitation.
• Passive surveys Most burrowing owls are detected visually. At each survey location, the
observer should visually scan the area to detect any owls that are present. Some
burrowing owls may be detected by their call, so observers should also listen for burrowing
owls while conducting the survey.
Burrowing owls are frequently detected soon after initiating a survey (Conway and
Simon 2003). However, some burrowing owls may not be detected immediately
because they are inconspicuous, are inside of burrows, or are not present on the site
when the survey is initiated. We recommend that surveys be conducted for 10 minutes
at each survey location.
• Call-broadcast surveys To increase the likelihood of detecting burrowing owls, if present,
we recommend incorporating call-broadcast methods into burrowing owl surveys. Conway
and Simon (2003) detected 22% more burrowing owls at point-count locations by
broadcasting the primary male (coo-coo) and alarm (quick-quick-quick) calls during
surveys. Although call-broadcast may increase the probability of detecting burrowing owls,
most owls will still be detected visually.
• We recommend the following 10-minute timeline for incorporating call-broadcast methods
(Conway and Simon 2003, C. Conway pers. commun.). The observer should scan the area
for burrowing owls during the entire survey period.
o 3 minutes of silence
o 30 seconds call-broadcast of primary call (coo-coo)
o 30 seconds silence
o 30 seconds call-broadcast of primary call (coo-coo)
o 30 seconds silence
o 30 seconds call-broadcast of alarm call (quick-quick-quick)
o 30 seconds silence
o 4 minutes of silence
Calls can be broadcast from a"boom box", a portable CD or cassette player, or an mp3
player attached to amplified speakers. Calls should be broadcast loudly but without
distortion.
Recordings of this survey sequence (compact disc or mp3 sent via email)are available free
of charge by contacting:
David Klute
Bird Conservation Coordinator
Colorado Division of Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
Phone: 303-291-7320
Email: David.Klute@state.co.us
Identification
Adult burrowing owls are small, approximately 9-11 inches. They are brown with white spotting
and white barring on the chest. They have long legs in comparison to other owls and are
frequently seen perching on prairie dog mounds or other suitable perches (e.g., fence posts, utility
poles)near prairie dog towns. Juvenile burrowing owls are similar to adults but smaller, with a
white/buff colored chest that lacks barring.
General information about burrowing owls is available from the Colorado Division of Wildlife
website:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Wildl ifeSpecies/Profiles/Birds/Bu rrowingOwl.htm
Additional identification tips and information are available from the U.S. Geological Survey
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center website:
htto://www.mbr-owrc.usas.00viid/framIst/i3780id.html
What To Do If Burrowing Owls Are Present
If burrowing owls are confirmed to be present in a prairie dog town, there are two options before
proceeding with planned activities:
1. Wait to initiate activities until after November 1st or until it can be confirmed that the owls
have left the prairie dog town.
2. Carefully monitor the activities of the owls, noting and marking which burrows they are
using. This is not easy to accomplish and will require considerable time, as the owls may
use several burrows in a prairie dog town. When all active burrowing owl burrows have
been located and marked, activity can proceed in areas greater than 150 feet from the
burrows with little danger to the owls. Activity closer than 150 feet may endanger the owls.
Reference
Conway, C. J. and J. C. Simon. 2003. Comparison of detection probability associated with
Burrowing Owl survey methods. Journal of Wildlife Management 67:501-511.
revised 02/2008
See also:"Controlling Prairie Dogs:Suggestions For Minimizing Risk To Non-Target Wildlife Species"
Colorado Division of Wildlife 03/2007
3
�� pt�F lOP DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
I' ` T 9o'I DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
�,� �a John W.Hickenlooper
\876 ! Governor
Mike King
October 28, 2013 Executive Director
Dick Wolfe,P,E.
Director
Diana Aungst
Weld County Planning Services
Transmission via email: daundst(c�weldgov corn
RE: Teresa Anderson
Case No. USR13-0051
Pt. NWY< Section 26, T2N, R67W
Water Division 1, Water District 2
Dear Ms. Aungst:
This referral does not appear to qualify as a "subdivision" as defined in Section 30-28-101(10)(a),
C.R.S. Therefore, pursuant to the State Engineer's March 4, 2005 and March 11, 2011 memorandums to
county planning directors, this office will only perform a cursory review of the referral information and provide
informal comments. The comments do not address the adequacy of the water supply plan for this project or
the ability of the water supply plan to satisfy any County regulations or requirements. In addition, the
comments provided herein cannot be used to guarantee a viable water supply plan or infrastructure, the
issuance of a well permit, or physical availability of water.
The application seeks a site specific development plan and use by special review permit for a
commercial operation on a 23.3-acre parcel. The proposed uses at the site include a 75 space RV park,
existing mobile home, a caretaker's residence, an office, a maintenance storage building, and outside
storage for vehicles, boats, trailers, cars and other misc items. According to the October 8, 2013 letter from
Central Weld County Water District (CWCWD), water service is currently available to the property, and
additional water service can be made available to this property provided all requirements of CWCWD and
the Bureau are satisfied. In addition, according to the letter, a line upsize will be required to provide service
for a 1" tap. CWCWD most recently provided this office with information about their water supplies in
September of 2012. Based on this information, the District is considered to have an adequate water
supply.
This office has no objections to the proposed use by special review with the Central Weld
County Water District as the water supplier. Should you or the applicant have any questions regarding
this matter, please contact Joanna Williams of this office.
Sincerely,
`
Jitann9 Williams,, P.E.
Water Resource Engineer
Office of the State Engineer
1313 Sherman Street, Suite 818•Denver, CO 80203•Phone:303-866-3581 •Fax:303-866-3589
wvvw.water.state.co.us
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