Development News for Grand Junction, Colorado

City Council Amends Camping Ordinance, Removing Shelter Availability Requirement for Enforcement

The City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 5326, amending GJMC 12.04.060 and 12.04.08 to remove the requirement that overnight shelter space must be unavailable before enforcing the prohibition on camping on public property. This change aligns the city's ordinance with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned previous case law (Martin v. City of Boise) which had prohibited enforcement when no shelter was available. The ordinance change allows for enforcement regardless of shelter availability, addressing public safety and environmental concerns related to encampments, particularly along the riverfront. Several public commenters expressed concerns about the impact on the unhoused population, advocating for alternative solutions like designated camping areas, increased sanitation services, and more accessible shelter options. Others supported the ordinance change, citing environmental damage, health risks, and public safety issues caused by unregulated encampments. The final vote was 5-2 in favor of adoption.

City Council Approves Revised Development Impact Fees, Decreasing Park Impact Fees

The City Council voted to adopt an ordinance amending Section 21.02.070 of the zoning and development code regarding development impact fees. This amendment revises the timing for updating the impact fee schedule and study, replaces the fee table, and modifies provisions for fee offsets. Specifically, the park impact fee per acre cost was decreased based on a 3B cost per acre calculation from a commissioned study. The ordinance also establishes a process for developers to request a refund of previously paid open space in-lieu fees or apply them as a credit against future fees. Additionally, a separate ordinance provision was approved to authorize the city to issue refunds for the difference between fees due on January 1, 2026, and fees due after the ordinance revision and fee table changes. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Planning Commission both recommended approval. The final vote was 4-3 to adopt the ordinance with the park land acquisition open space fees set at 75% of the maximum supportable amount, with other provisions remaining as presented.