NEDERLAND — As the new year steadily moves forward, the Town of Nederland’s advisory boards and Planning Commission continue to execute on their major priorities for 2026. Those include bringing residents a fully ADA-compliant playground, a fleet of electric vehicles for Town Works, and truly affordable housing.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission discussed during their February meeting requirements the Town needs to consider in order to be compliant with the affordable housing initiative known as Proposition 123.  

Proposition 123 provides municipalities with access to tiered funding from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for affordable housing projects. The Town committed in October 2023 to a baseline goal of laying the foundational groundwork for the creation of at least 13 affordable housing units by December 31, 2026.

In order for Nederland, and any of its future affordable housing developments, to remain eligible for the DOLA funding, the Town must adopt and implement a Fast-Track Review (FTR) process for affordable housing applications, the implications of which also requires the Town to amend municipal code for necessary changes to zoning variances and the Use Group Table. 

The FTR applies to “all applications in which 50% or more of the dwelling units are affordable,” which is defined to mean a monthly rent, or mortgage payment, that is less than 30% of the household’s monthly income and is at, or below 60% of the Area Media Income (100% for for-sale housing units). 

All affordable housing applications that undergo the FTR process will receive a final decision regarding their permit or approval within 90 calendar days. Such a process may also apply to all site and development plans; Special Use Permit and Allowed Use Permit approvals; Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval; Accessory Dwelling Unit, Subdivision, Building Permit, and Variance applications; Floodplain and Hillside Development Permit approvals; and any construction and engineering drawings. 

On the path towards Proposition 123 compliance, Town staff recommended to Commissioners to consider maintaining the proposition’s own definition of “affordable housing;” extending Nederland’s current variance program or establishing a FTR procedure separate from its variance program; and to consider offering an “expedited review timeline” for Special Review Use (SRU) applications.

The Planning Commission will continue to deliberate on matters regarding the affordable housing variance, the SRU requirements, and specific PUD requirements affecting multi-family dwelling units. Their assessment will be used by Town staff to draft code amendments for the Board of Trustees to review and give a final vote on later this year.

Sustainability Advisory Board

Also in February, the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) cemented their 2026 Work Plan, establishing their major goals and priorities for the year. They include: sourcing a revenue source to continue funding the Sustainability Coordinator position; developing a new Energy Action Plan in collaboration with Xcel Energy’s Partners In Energy program; developing a 24/7 Carbon Free Action Plan; and establishing a Wetland/Riparian Protection Ordinance. 

Additionally, the SAB is focused on drafting an EV-first procurement policy for the Town’s fleet of vehicles and on installing new EV infrastructure for community use.

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Board

The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB) met in February to discuss one of their long-running priorities, enhancing the Chipeta Park playground with new, fully ADA-compliant equipment.

The project was delayed through most of 2025, though some progress had begun on sourcing potential grant funding and on researching contractors for design work. The members of PROSAB will continue to meet each month with renewed energy and attention on this community-based project. 

The Nederland Planning Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. Meetings can be attended online via WebEx. 

For more information: townofnederland.colorado.gov/planning-commission.

The Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 19. Meetings can be attended online via WebEx.

For more information go to: townofnederland.colorado.gov/parks-recreation-open-space-advisory-board.

The Nederland Sustainability Advisory Board meets on the fourth Thursday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 6:45 p.m. and can be attended online or in person at the Nederland Community Center.

For more information go to: townofnederland.colorado.gov/sustainability-advisory-board.