Severance Zoning

Executive Summary: The 2026 Severance Development Framework

Market Dynamics

Severance, Colorado, is experiencing substantial population growth, driven by its proximity to larger employment centers like Fort Collins and Greeley, coupled with a more affordable cost of living. This influx of residents has created significant market pressure on housing, leading to increased demand for both single-family homes and multi-family developments. The development trends in Severance reflect this demand, with a mix of new subdivisions and infill projects aimed at accommodating the growing population and addressing the need for diverse housing options.

Political & Development Climate

The Severance City Council's stance on growth appears to be balanced, acknowledging the need for managed expansion while also prioritizing the preservation of the town's small-town character and quality of life. There's an emphasis on smart growth principles, encouraging development that provides a mix of housing types, supports local businesses, and minimizes impacts on existing infrastructure and natural resources. This approach suggests a willingness to accommodate growth, but with careful consideration of its long-term effects on the community.

Key Drivers

• Driver 1: Affordable Housing Demand: The relative affordability of Severance compared to neighboring cities is a major draw for new residents, fueling the demand for a variety of housing options.
• Driver 2: Strategic Location: Severance's location provides convenient access to regional employment hubs and recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place to live and work.
• Driver 3: Small-Town Appeal: Despite its growth, Severance retains a sense of community and a more relaxed lifestyle, which appeals to many seeking an alternative to larger urban centers.

Strategic Growth Corridors

Primary Commercial Arteries

Highway 85 serves as the primary commercial artery in and around Severance, facilitating regional traffic and providing access to businesses. The corridor along Highway 85 supports a mix of retail, service, and light industrial uses, catering to both local residents and travelers. Effective management of access points and traffic flow along this corridor is crucial to maintaining its functionality and promoting economic development.

Redevelopment Nodes

While Severance may not have traditionally defined "redevelopment nodes" in the same way as larger cities, the downtown area is likely a focus for revitalization efforts aimed at enhancing its appeal and functionality. These efforts might involve streetscape improvements, façade renovations, and the attraction of new businesses to create a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly environment. Strategic planning is essential to ensure that any redevelopment respects the town's historic character and meets the needs of the community.

• Opportunity: Enhancing the downtown area to create a central gathering place and a focal point for community events.
• Constraint: Balancing the desire for revitalization with the need to preserve the town's historic character and avoid displacing existing businesses.

Detailed Zoning District Analysis

The city's land use is governed by the following primary classifications:

Residential Districts

Residential districts in Severance likely range from low-density single-family zones (e.g., "R-1") to higher-density multi-family zones (e.g., "R-3" or similar designations). The R-1 zoning district typically allows for single-family detached homes on larger lots, promoting a more suburban character. As the density increases through districts like R-2 or R-3, the regulations may permit duplexes, townhomes, and apartment buildings, offering a wider range of housing options and accommodating a greater number of residents per acre. Specific Severance codes should be consulted to confirm the exact regulations for each district.

Commercial & Mixed-Use

Commercial zones in Severance likely vary in intensity, ranging from neighborhood-serving retail areas to larger commercial centers along Highway 85. Mixed-use overlays may be applied to encourage a combination of residential and commercial uses within the same building or area, promoting walkability and creating a more vibrant environment. These districts likely have specific regulations regarding building height, setbacks, parking, and permitted uses to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas and promote a cohesive development pattern. Specific Severance codes should be consulted to confirm the exact regulations for each district.

Industrial & Special Purpose

Industrial zones in Severance typically accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution activities, often located in areas with good access to transportation infrastructure. Special purpose districts, such as Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), may be used to allow for more flexible development patterns and innovative designs that might not be possible under conventional zoning regulations. PUDs often involve a mix of uses and require detailed site-specific plans to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas and address potential impacts on infrastructure and the environment. Specific Severance codes should be consulted to confirm the exact regulations for each district.

Recent Code Amendments & Trends

Regulatory Updates

Recent regulatory updates in Severance may involve zoning text amendments or comprehensive plan updates aimed at addressing emerging issues and adapting to changing conditions. These updates could focus on topics such as promoting affordable housing, encouraging sustainable development practices, or streamlining the development review process. Reviewing the minutes of City Council meetings and the town's official website is essential to stay informed about any recent changes to the zoning code or comprehensive plan.

Housing Innovation

Housing innovation in Severance may include initiatives to promote Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), density bonuses for affordable housing projects, or the development of "missing middle" housing types such as townhomes and courtyard apartments. These strategies aim to increase housing diversity and affordability while also promoting more efficient land use and creating more walkable neighborhoods. The town may also be exploring innovative financing mechanisms or partnerships with developers to encourage the development of affordable housing options.

Infrastructure & Concurrency

Utility Capacity

The availability of adequate water and sewer capacity is a critical factor in determining the feasibility of new development projects in Severance. The town's utility providers must have sufficient capacity to serve the needs of new residents and businesses without compromising service to existing customers. Understanding the current status of utility capacity and any planned infrastructure improvements is essential for developers considering projects in Severance.

Impact Fees & Permits

Development in Severance is subject to impact fees, which are designed to offset the costs of providing public services and infrastructure to new developments. These fees may cover expenses such as water and sewer infrastructure, parks and recreation facilities, and transportation improvements. Developers must also obtain the necessary permits and approvals from the town before commencing construction, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and other applicable requirements. Traffic concurrency requirements may also be in place to ensure that new development does not overburden the existing transportation network.