If a governmental entity wants to build in Aspen's city limits, they have to get a review in 60 days. But that fast track does not apply to building projects by the City of Aspen. Confused? Aspen Public Radio's Elise Thatcher explains.
Aspen City Council decided Monday night to get the town's land use code up to speed with a statewide requirement, which says that if a governmental agency wants to build inside a town or city, the proposal must be reviewed in 60 days, or it will be fully approved by the end of that stretch of time. There was some concern Monday night about the option for a private development project to also get the 60 day review fast track.
“I think it has to be a very overwhelming and somewhat obvious public purpose,” said
Community Development Director Chris Bendon. “We have an ambulance district that would probably be considered a quasi-governmental organization. But in a lot of communities it’d be looked at as a private company.”
Organizations like the district would get a review within 60 days if Bendon’s office or Aspen City Council decide it would offer essential services to the public. But such projects would not get the automatic approval if there’s no review in 60 days. Council members removed the City of Aspen from the list of governments that get the fast track. Members want to make sure city projects are reviewed as closely as any private projects.
