Development News for Evans, Colorado

City Moves Forward with Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code Amendments

The city is revisiting proposed code amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) following a previous denial in November 2025. Staff aims to provide an update on these amendments, which will be presented via ordinance in upcoming hearings. The proposed code aims to improve clarity, application, and local regulation of ADUs, aligning with state strategic growth laws, specifically House Bill 2024. Non-compliance with state laws can negatively affect grant funding. The impact of these amendments is anticipated to be low due to minimal demand, financial barriers (utility, permits), and limited eligible parcels. ADUs are defined as subordinate second residences on the same lot, not conveyable separately, and must contain standard dwelling features. The city will regulate ADUs through existing permitting and inspection processes, treating them similarly to single-family residences in terms of building codes. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the ordinance for approval.

City Considers Adoption of State Wildfire Resiliency Code

The city is discussing the adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), which was mandated by the state for designated Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas. The city has a limited WUI area, primarily consisting of open space and undeveloped land, which does not significantly impact existing residential neighborhoods. Staff recommends using the state's wildfire hazard map for consistency and developing an intergovernmental agreement with the Evans Fire Protection District to define responsibilities. The city would manage structural and building components (e.g., roofing, siding, vents), while the fire district would handle mitigation and defensible space. Implementation is expected to create some additional workload for city staff but minimal operational impact on the general fund. Development projects in WUI areas may face increased construction costs due to wildfire-resistant materials and mitigation requirements.

Municipal Court Seeks Additional Staff to Address Surge in Case Load

The Municipal Court is requesting consideration for two additional full-time employee (FTE) positions to manage an increasing workload. Since Quarter 4 of 2025, new citations have increased by 72%, with an average of 397 new citations per month in Q1 2026, leading to a projected annual load of approximately 4,764 cases. This increase has impacted early-stage court processes and hearing dockets, which have seen a 64% rise. The court estimates a need for 4.2 FTE clerks to handle the current caseload, compared to the historical two. Projected court revenues for 2026 (excluding traffic camera revenue) are approximately $394,000, indicating a 54% increase over previous averages. The request includes hiring one employee immediately and a second by 2027, with an estimated annual cost of $105,000 per FTE, requiring a budget amendment. Impacts of potential traffic camera citations are still being evaluated.