To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
Michael J. Hyman, Town Attorney
Tara Vargish, Director of Development Services
Title
Ordinance Amending Section 16.08.120 of the Castle Rock Municipal Code Regarding the Use of Land and Cash Fees Dedicated for School Purposes (First Reading)
Body
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Executive Summary
As Council is aware, the Town Code provides for Town authority to require certain developments (primarily those with residential uses) to either set aside land for future school purposes or cash-in-lieu of property dedication. This is not a State law requirement, but is instead something the Town does to aid possible future school construction. Last year, Town Council was generally briefed on this issue with a comprehensive memorandum, including a list of parcels and background on the development. It is important to note that these properties are titled to the Town of Castle Rock, and not the School District. Further, staff has analyzed these properties and has determined that there is not a reversion to the development or developer if the property is not used as a school site. This information has previously been provided to the School District.
Staff has prepared the attached ordinance which amends Town Code provisions governing this issue. Town Council would then have the clear authority to remove designation for school on parcels that were originally designated as a future school site if a school is not constructed with 10 years of the conveyance of the property to the Town. Attached is a list of properties that are eligible for the process outlined by this new Code provision. Staff notes that the 11 acre parcel at Cobblestone Ranch was dedicated to the Town in 2007, but given the distance from other school sites it may be appropriate to retain as a future school site.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance. The ordinance also provides for a recommended process of notification to area property owners about the proposed designation change. Removal of the school designation means that the Town continues to retain title to the property for parks and/or open space purposes. In communicating the pending change in designation it will be important to make clear that any future parks/open space improvements to the property will not likely be in the near future, the property will remain open/vacant, and that any improvements will be prioritized within future budgets.
Proposed Motion
“I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title.”
Alternative Motions
“I move to approve the ordinance as introduced by title, with the following conditions: (list conditions).
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on (date) to allow additional time to (list information needed).”
Attachments
Attachment A: Ordinance
Attachment B: Future School Sites Information July 31, 2026
Attachment C: DIR 2025-012 Discussion/Direction: Public Land Dedication for School Sites