City invites public to zoning update open house Nov. 10

Breckenridge residents will soon have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s proposed zoning changes during an upcoming open house at city hall.

The event, part of the final phase of the city’s comprehensive zoning update, will take place Monday, Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at city hall, 105 N. Rose Ave. The event will feature maps to view, with city staff and consultants available to answer questions in a come-and-go format. 

City Manager Cynthia Northrop and Kaitlyn Higgins of Project Management Institute (PMI) previewed the event in a short video released this week. Higgins, who has worked closely with the city on its broader development plan, emphasized that the zoning update is designed to make land use regulations easier to understand and more reflective of how Breckenridge is growing. 

“We’re updating the classifications to make names easier to understand,” Higgins said. “We’re also fine-tuning boundaries between commercial and residential areas–especially around downtown and along the highway–to better match how the community has changed since the last update.”

Zoning, Higgins explained, is how cities organize land uses to ensure compatible development and protect property values. The update won’t affect most residents’ current use of their property. 

“If your zoning changes, don’t worry,” she said. “Most properties will continue being used just like they are now. You’ll still be allowed to use your property the same way unless you’re planning major redevelopment or rebuilding.”

Northrop encouraged residents and business owners to attend the open house to view the proposed zoning map and ask questions about how the changes might affect them. 

“We’ll have maps available so you can zero in on where you’re located,” Northrop said. “This is about transparency and making sure residents understand what’s being proposed.”

For more information or to view the video preview, visit the city’s website or contact city hall directly.