What is a Three-Mile Plan?

Colorado state statutes require municipalities to adopt a "Three-Mile Plan" for their communities. The purpose of this plan is to indicate in a general way how a City envisions areas outside their boundaries developing in the future if they were to be annexed. This plan is required prior to a municipality annexing any land. Such plan may extend up to three miles from the municipality's boundary.

State statutes also indicate that the plan shall generally describe the location, character, extent of streets, parks, open space, public utilities and proposed land uses. The Plan is generally adopted as an addendum to the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Resources

• Three-Mile Plan

What is a Subarea Plan?

A subarea plan is a type of long-range guiding document that is prepared for a limited geographic area within a community and addresses both short and long-term needs. These can be focused on neighborhoods, corridors, downtowns or special districts. Subarea plans are generally consistent with a comprehensive plan, but typically provide a higher level of detail in the analysis and recommendations.  A subarea plan is sometimes called a master plan, small area plan, corridor plan or station area plan.  Subarea plans in Wheat Ridge are adopted as amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Subarea Plans

• 44th Avenue Subarea Plan (2023) (Replaced the 2007 Fruitdale Subarea Plan).  Visit the What's Up Wheat Ridge project page to learn more.
• Lutheran Legacy Campus Master Plan (2021).  Visit the What's Up Wheat Ridge project page to learn more.
• Northwest Subarea Plan (2013)
• 38th Avenue Corridor Plan (2011)
• Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan (2007)

Guiding Documents

In addition to the Zoning and Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, Subarea Plans, and Redevelopment Plans (WRURA), there are other documents which are used to guide physical development and policy decisions in the community.

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS)

City Council originally adopted the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) as an amendment to the city's Comprehensive Plan on July 25, 2005.  In 2018, a year-long process was initiated to update the NRS.  This included robust public input led by a 26-member citizen steering committee.  City Council adopted the updated NRS document by resolution on July 22, 2019.

Architectural and Site Design Manual (ASDM)

The Architectural and Site Design Manual (ASDM) was overhauled and approved by City Council on July 16, 2012. This document provides architectural and site design requirements for new development throughout the city.  The ASDM was updated most recently in April 2020.

Streetscape Design Manual (SDM)

The Streetscape Design Manual (SDM) adopted by City Council on March 28, 2011, through Ordinance 1481, establishes streetscape design requirements (such as sidewalks and street trees) for the public right-of-way adjacent to private property.  The SDM was updated most recently in March 2021.

Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan

City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy and Action Plan on January 9, 2023. This plan includes a needs assessment, articulates City policy related to affordable housing, and curates a responsive set of actions with recommended sequencing. More information can be found on the project website at whatsupwheatridge.com/housing.

Other

Other divisions and departments also create long range guiding documents for the City. These include the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (managed by the Engineering Division) and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (managed by the Parks and Recreation Department)