Show All Answers

1. What is the project schedule?

We are currently awaiting a final baseline schedule from the contractor. Because much of the timeline depends on weather and delivery times, the schedule will likely fluctuate throughout the project, but we will advertise and publish any significant closures or delays ahead of time so that the public can plan for them. Generically, the timeline looks like this:

Winter-Spring 2019: Begin soil nail walls for abutment

Summer 2019: Pedestrian bridge set

Late Summer 2019: Traffic Bridge closure and installation of new bridge

Late Summer - Fall 2019: Pier removal from Roaring Fork

Fall 2019: Aesthetic applications, landscaping

Winter 2019: Substantial completion

2. What traffic impacts will I see as a commuter?

As with any construction there will be delays. People want to see what is going on in the area, it is a neat project and people may slow to look at the project. In order to reduce these delays, the City is asking that drivers stay off their phones, pay attention to the signage, and follow the direction of our personnel who are on site directing traffic.

At this time, the City anticipates these closures and delays:

• Night closures (detour to 8^th Street) during girder and pedestrian bridge sets (Late Spring through Summer 2019)
• Full Closure and detour to 8^th Street during the traffic bridge removal and slide operation. This will be a long weekend during late summer 2019.
• Periodic holds for the ingress and egress of construction equipment. The City hopes to limit these to outside high traffic times.
• Periodic holds on the river and trail when critical overhead work takes place. (Limited)

3. How will this impact river use on the Roaring Fork?

The City intends to limit river closures with adequate notification. Most full closures will take place overnight, excluding the full closure for the bridge replacement. Temporary holds may be necessary during critical overhead work and during the in-water dates (August 15 – October 15) when the piers are being removed from the river.  Please reach out to City staff with any concerns. The City intends to keep full contact with the River Users during this project and hope to minimize our impacts.

4. Why isn't South Bridge being built before the 27th Street Bridge replacement?

The City has received a large amount of grant funding for the 27th Street Bridge that must be used in a specific time frame so that money is not lost. Also, the 27th Street Bridge is rated as the worst rated bridge in Colorado. Even though this is not currently a safety concern, this bridge is a critical connection and it is in a condition that does not allow the City to wait until South Bridge is completed.

One reason that the South Bridge project isn’t underway yet is because of the project’s cost. Prior to a recent agreement with RFTA regarding the intersection at Highway 82 – the cost was in the $60 million -$65 million range. With the agreement in place, the project’s cost has been reduced to the $47 million -$50 million range. The City has bonding capacity remaining from the voter approved bonding measure for A&I sales tax and is applying for grants to help fund the remaining amount of the project. The City is working to finalize the Environmental Assessment for the South Bridge Project and has begun the right-of-way acquisition.

5. How much traffic goes over the bridge?

2016 counts included in the 2017 Traffic Analysis show the average daily traffic amounted to 13,360 vehicles. In recent counts, the City estimates that more than 14,000 vehicles a day use the 27^th Street Bridge. To give further perspective, Highway 82 near Wal-Mart facilitates 23,000 to 28,000 vehicles per day.

6. How much will this project cost?

Let’s break this down for full project transparency:

                Design (Completed):

                                Contract with Wood:                                          $1,202,854

                                FHWA Off-System Bridge Grant:                         $620,828

                                Total Cost to the City:                                           $582,026

                For the completion of the bridge design.

                Right of Way Acquisition (Completed):

                                Total Spent:                                                       $57,100.66

For the acquisition of Right of Way, permanent easements for utilities, and temporary easements during construction.

                Design Services during Construction (Under Contract):

                                Contract with Wood:                                            $162,420

For answering Requests for Information (RFI) and design support during construction.

                Construction Management (Under Contract):

                                Contract with HDR:                                      $1,249,996.10

                                Department of Local Affairs Grant:                 $475,000.00

                                Total Cost to the City:                                      $774,996.10

                                For project inspection, management of CDOT paperwork, and contractor management.

Construction Contract (Under Contract):

                Contract with Ralph L. Wadsworth:                           $9,835,123.35

                FHWA Off-System Bridge Grant:                               $1,616,132.00

                Federal Mineral Lease District Grant:                          $500,000.00

                Department of Local Affairs Grant:                               $475,000.00

                Total Cost to the City:                                                  $7,243,991.35

7. What is a pier?

A support designed to sustain vertical load. In this instance, the existing bridge has two piers in the Roaring Fork River, near the bank in order to help support the bridge girders and deck. The new bridge will be a single span from abutment to abutment, removing any obstruction in the water.

8. What is an abutment?

A structure built to support the lateral load of a span (bridge) at the ends of the bridge. With the limited space we have to construct, the abutments for the new, single span bridge, are being constructed in place in front of the existing bridge abutments with a combination of soil nails and micropiles. This allows the existing bridge to remain functional through most of the construction.

9. What is a micropile?

A micropile is a small diameter drilled and grouted pile used to reinforce a foundation. In many instances micropiles are used in this area to gain friction for the stabilization of a foundation when bedrock cannot be reached. The project will use micropiles for the new bridge because a pile machine is quite large. If there were used, they City would not be able to construct the new bridge in place while keeping the existing bridge open. This also makes the construction footprint much smaller with less impacts. Recently the City used these on the Midland Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and the 14^th Street Pedestrian Bridge.

10. What is a soil nail?

A soil nail is a type of slope reinforcement. It allows steeper slopes by installing reinforcing bars that are drilled into the ground face and a concrete (shotcrete) installed to stabilize the soil. In this instance, the soil nail wall will be installed behind the abutment face to remove the lateral load on the abutment and allow for the installation of micropiles to support the bridge rather than full piles. Recently, the City has seen this application at the new Lofts development, 6^th Street Station Development, and the teacher housing at Cardiff Mesa.

Show All Answers

1. What is the 7th Street Beautification Project?

The Enhanced 7th Street Project extends from the west side of the
pocket park adjacent to Slope and Hatch to Cooper Avenue. The enhanced 7th Street will realign the roadway, widen the pedestrian areas next to the businesses to provide more room for outdoor dining and enjoyment, and raise the sunken plaza area on the north side of the street. This City project, which is being worked on collaboratively with the Downtown Development Authority, will benefit the community by creating a destination pedestrian environment, providing space for community events, supporting four seasons of commercial activity, preserving convenient access and circulation, and adding ADA parking. Elements of the project include plans for a splash pad water feature, pedestrian plaza, and landscaped area. 

2. I thought that this project was already completed. What is still left to complete?

Construction in the plaza area under the Grand Avenue Bridge still requires finishing work, including landscaping, water features, and lighting. That work originally began on May 21, 2018 with granite delivery and installation. Construction in that area, and in 7th Street itself, was suspended during the busy seasons of summer and fall 2018. The 7th Street Beautification project includes a sanitary sewer repair/replacement for a section of sanitary sewer that was damaged during the Grand Avenue Bridge project. Replacement of this line, which is west of the elevator building, will ensure that surface improvements will not need to be disturbed in the near future. The overall project also includes a granite or concrete festival street in 7th Street from Cooper to the Grand Avenue Bridge, a splash pad water feature, fountains under the bridge, and a pedestrian plaza and landscaped area east of the elevator building.  The water features are not included in the bid award to be considered by Council on January 3.  Those elements will be considered by Council at a later date in 2019. 

3. What is the timeline for the 7th Street Project?

Sanitary Sewer Improvements west of the elevator tower will be the first portion of the project and are anticipated to start on February 19, 2019. City Council awarded the construction bid to Gould Construction for the hardscape, landscaping, and sanitary sewer project. Sanitary Sewer improvements west of the elevator must take place in advance of other hardscape elements, and would begin as soon as weather allows in 2019. Construction is currently scheduled for March-August 2019.

4. Will 7th Street be closed during construction?

7th Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from March 1 - July 2, 2019. 7th Street will then open to one lane of traffic from July 2 - August 29, 2019 (project completion).

Show All Answers

1. What is Accessory Dwelling Unit Amnesty?

The City of Glenwood Springs is offering an amnesty period from May 1-July 31, 2017 for un-permitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The goal of the amnesty period is to have the living areas be safe for their inhabitants.

2. I have an un-permitted ADU within the City limits, what do I do?

Any eligible ADU owner applying for an ADU amnesty permit shall submit a completed ADU permit application provided by the Glenwood Springs Community Development Department. There shall be no administrative or application fees collected for ADU applications for existing ADUs. Application

3. Am I eligible for ADU amnesty?

The ADU amnesty period applies to any already existing, un-permitted ADUs within the City of Glenwood Springs. Application

4. I'm applying for ADU amnesty. Will my ADU have to have a building inspection?

Yes. Following the application for ADU amnesty, a building inspection of the ADU shall be performed, using the building codes currently in effect. The building inspector will then provide to the ADU’s owner a compliance report describing any defects determined through inspection. All defects identified through building inspection must be abated or remedied by the ADU’s owner within one year of the issuance of the compliance report. During the amnesty period, all applications for ADU permit review and building inspection fees shall be $250.00, which amount shall be paid at the time of application.

5. I'm applying for ADU amnesty. Does my ADU have to follow design and zoning regulations?

Yes. The Community Development Department cannot ignore zoning violations. Owners will have to go through a variance process if the unit does not meet required building setbacks, size requirements, design requirements or other requirements under the Development section of the Municipal Code. . The City shall inform each applicant of design and zoning non-conformities discovered during the review process. The owner of any ADU found to have significant structural or aesthetic non-conformities shall then seek any appropriate variances pursuant to Glenwood Springs Municipal Code Sections 070.030.160, 070.040.050, and 070.050.110. A fee of $100 shall be assessed for the application and review of any variances. The prior existence of any such ADU design or zoning non-conformity shall be considered extraordinary conditions peculiar to the site.

6. What fees will I have to pay as part of the ADU amnesty program?

During the amnesty period, all applications for ADU permit review and building inspection fees shall be $250.00, which amount shall be paid at the time of application. If the ADU is found to have design or zoning non-conformities pursuant to Sections 070.030.160, 070.040.050, and 070.050.110 of the Municipal Code and would need to go through a variance process, the owner will be required to pay $100 for the variance application.

7. Is there a tax rebate associated with this ADU amnesty period?

Following completion of all necessary improvements and the building inspector’s certification of the ADU, the ADU owner shall be entitled to a sales and use tax rebate for the purchase of materials used to improve the property and made necessary in the building inspector’s initial compliance report. All receipts for such necessary materials shall be submitted to the City for rebate no later than 60 days following the building inspector’s final certification.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to construct a shed?

No, as long as the shed is 120 square feet or less in size. However, regardless of size, your shed must observe a 10 foot setback from the rear lot line or 7.5 feet where there is no alley; and a 5 foot setback from the side lot line.

2. Do I need a permit for electrical or plumbing work?

Generally, yes. The Building Department issues permits for plumbing work. Electrical permits are issued by the State of Colorado on-line at the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website.

3. Do I need a permit to replace windows?

Yes. You need to apply for a building permit to replace your windows. You also need to provide the Building Department with U-value of your new windows to ensure that they meet the current energy standards.

4. Do I need a permit to replace siding?

No, as long as you are only replacing the siding. However, if you are adding insulation at the same time, you will need to apply for a building permit for the insulation.

5. I need to replace my water heater or furnace. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you need to apply for a building permit to replace your water heater, furnace or boiler. Additionally, any work involving gas piping must be handled by a licensed plumber. If your water heater or furnace needs to be replaced in an emergency (on a weekend, for example), go ahead and install the new unit but make sure that you apply for your building permit on the next business day.

6. My friend and I want to put a new roof on my house. Do we need a contractor's license?

No. You, as homeowner, may have one unpaid assistant to help replace your roof. However, you do need to apply for a roofing permit.

7. What happens if I start a building project without a permit?

You will be required to obtain a permit and may be asked to remove flooring or drywall so that the Building Department can complete its inspection of your work. Additionally, the City's Building Official has the option of attaching a monetary penalty to your permit. Please also keep in mind that insurance companies, building appraisers, and realtors often contact us to verify that we've issued permits.

8. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the City's Inspection Hot Line at 970-384-6432. You need to request an inspection 24 hours in advance. When calling, be prepared to provide-
*Project address
*Permit number
*Date for inspection
*Preference as to morning or afternoon inspection
*Contractor's name and contact person
*Phone number for contact person
The Building Inspector will contact you the morning of the inspection to set up a time.

9. What codes apply to construction work in Glenwood Springs?

The City has adopted - the 2015 International Codes including *Building Code  *Fire Code *Fuel Gas Code *Mechanical Code *Plumbing Code *Property Maintenance Code

The City is on the 2009 Energy Conservation Code

The City of Glenwood Springs uses the State of Colorado for
our Electrical inspections, and defers to the current
edition as adopted and enforced by the State of Colorado.

10. Do I need a contractor's license to work in Glenwood Springs?

Yes. If you are doing work within the city of Glenwood Springs you must be licensed. If you are working as a subcontractor but are not employed by that contractor, you also must be licensed to work in Glenwood Springs.

11. How do I find out if my contractor is licensed to work in Glenwood Springs?

You can call the Building Department at 970-384-6411. We will check both the license and insurance status for you.

12. What are the requirements to obtain a contractor's license?

Each city or town has its own contractor licensing requirements. In Glenwood Springs you must complete a license application which is available on the Building Department page or by visiting the Community Development Department, 2nd Floor, City Hall. Be aware that some license categories require that you have a BEST card; and, all licenses require that you show evidence of liability insurance at the time you submit your license application. Additionally, if you have employees, you are required to carry worker's compensation insurance.

13. What is a BEST card?

BEST is Board of Examiners Standardized Testing. A BEST card is evidence that you have passed a written test on the code that applies to your licensing category. The BEST card is recognized by cities and towns in the Roaring Fork Valley and west to the town of Silt.

14. When and where can I take a BEST test?

The City of Glenwood Springs gives the BEST test by appointment only. Call the Building Department at 970-384-6411 to schedule your appointment. Other cities and towns that give the BEST test are Aspen/Pitkin County, Snowmass Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and Silt.

Show All Answers

1. Can my restaurant sell alcohol to-go? Can we deliver alcohol?

Yes. Per Governor Polis’ order on March 20th, businesses may sell or deliver alcohol as a part of a food order to persons over the age of 21. Please see the State’s Public Health FAQ for more information.

Delivery sales may continue until 2:00 a.m. for licensees who have such abilities, regardless of level status, or whether or not on-premises sales are allowed during any particular time frame; Takeout alcohol beverage sales must cease when sale for consumption on the licensed premises is scheduled to end.

2. Can customers take opened bottles of wine/liquor home?

Guidance from the Colorado Revised Statutes (below) has not changed during the time of COVID-19. 

44-3-423. Removal of vinous liquor from licensed premises. 

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this article 3 to the contrary, a licensee described in subsection (2) of this section may permit a customer of the licensee to reseal and remove from the licensed premises one opened container of partially consumed vinous liquor purchased on the premises so long as the originally sealed container did not contain more than seven hundred fifty milliliters of vinous liquor. 

(2) This section applies to a person: 

(a) That is duly licensed as a: 

(I) Manufacturer under section 44-3-402; 

(II) Limited winery under section 44-3-403; 

(III) Beer and wine licensee under section 44-3-411; 

(IV) Hotel and restaurant under section 44-3-413; 

(V) Tavern under section 44-3-414; 

(VI) Brew pub under section 44-3-417; 

(VII) Vintner’s restaurant under section 44-3-422; 

(VIII) Club under section 44-3-418; 

(IX) Distillery pub under section 44-3-426; or 

(X) Lodging and entertainment facility under section 44-3-428; and 

(b) That has meals, as defined in section 44-3-103 (31), or sandwiches and light snacks available for consumption on the licensed premises.

3. Can I serve alcohol to customers waiting outside for their order?

At this point, customers may not be served alcohol while waiting for their order, even if they are on the business premises.

4. When is the liquor curfew in effect?

On Tuesday, October 6, Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Order D 2020-213, which aligns takeout sales of alcohol beverages with on-premises “last call” provisions that are in place due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) may issue public health orders setting takeout and last call times to any time before 2:00 a.m, based on each county’s COVID-19 status under the “Safer at Home” orders. Amended Public Health Order PHO 20-35 aligns takeout privileges with last call times. 

Garfield County is currently under Safer at Home Level 2 status, which means that sales for on-premises consumption and takeout of alcohol beverages must cease between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily.

Below are a few points of clarification: 

● Sales Rooms (wine, beer, and spirits) are included in the order; 

● Delivery sales may continue until 2:00 a.m. for licensees who have such abilities, regardless of level status, or whether or not on-premises sales are allowed during any particular time frame; 

● Takeout alcohol beverage sales must cease when sale for consumption on the licensed premises is scheduled to end.

For more information, please visit the State Liquor Enforcement Division website.

5. Can I place a tent on my premises for outdoor dining?

Please visit the Use of Outdoor Space page on our website for more information, including an application for outdoor seating. Temporary Outdoor Structures must adhere to all guidelines from the Building and Fire Departments. 

6. Where can I find more guidance?

The State of Colorado has an exhaustive list of resources and FAQs available here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home/restaurants-food-services.

Show All Answers

1. How do I register a business with the City of Glenwood Springs?

You may register your business through MUNIRevs, the city's online portal for tracking business licenses and tax revenues. Click here to register your business. 

2. Am I required to register for a business license?

All business owners operating in the limits of the City of Glenwood Springs are required to register for a business license.

3. How long does the license last?

Business licenses automatically expire every two years at the end of odd-numbered years (Dec. 2019, Dec. 2021, etc.). This is to ensure that the City's business database is up to date with all active businesses.

4. I own multiple businesses. Do I need licenses for all of them?

Yes, all businesses in Glenwood Springs are required to possess their own license for operation. You can add multiple businesses to the same account in MUNIRevs.

5. What zone is my business in?

You can view the City of Glenwood Springs zoning boundaries here. You can also use the City of Glenwood Springs Public Interactive Map to search for your address and view its zone. Simply click on "Zone Boundaries" on the left and select the parcel you are searching for. 

6. I forgot my password

From the Log In page, click the “Forgot your password” link and follow the instructions that will be e-mailed to the User’s registered e-mail address.

7. I completed my application but have not received my license yet.

Depending on the size and needs of your business, there may be other steps necessary to establish your business before you receive your license. Please visit the Business Resources page for more information. If you have questions, please contact the Community Development Department at (970) 384-6411. 

8. I registered my business. Now what?

All businesses are required to register with the Colorado Secretary of State. Please visit the Community Development page to review any other requirements in order to establish your business.

For other business resources, please see the following links:

• Colorado Mountain College Business Training
• Financing Options
• Northwest Colorado Small Business Development Council
• US Small Business Administration

Show All Answers

1. Incident Report

To obtain an incident report please call (970) 384-6480

2. Schedule an event

To schedule an event with the fire department, please call (970) 384-6480.

Show All Answers

1. Can I build a fireplace in my backyard?

If you live in the City, call the City Building Department at 970-384-6411. In the County, call the Garfield County Building Department at 970-945-8212. 

Show All Answers

1. Burn Permit

No Open Burn Permit will be issued between May 1st through November 1st.

Please see Open Burn Requirements & Permit for details.

2. Tent Permit

Please see the Temporary Membrane Structure, Ten and Canopy Requirements for details

3. Turning Radius

Please see Turning Performance Analysis for details.

4. Fire Code

Please contact Fire Protection Analyst, Greg Bak, at (970) 384-6433.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I get additional information and updates on the GAB project?

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has put together an excellent website featuring GAB detour information, project news, upcoming roadwork, and more. For anyone with questions, CDOT has a public information hotline they can call, as well as an email address.

https://www.codot.gov/projects/sh82grandavenuebridge
Hotline: 970-618-9897
Email: info@grandavenuebridge.com

2. How is the City involved in the Grand Avenue Bridge Project?

The Grand Avenue Bridge Project is a $125 million project, primarily funded by the Colorado Bridge Enterprise, a government-owned business entity within the Colorado Department of Transportation. Other contributions from area governments and utility companies were also part of the funding for the bridge project.

The City of Glenwood Springs paid $3 million toward the project. Additionally, the City of Glenwood Springs and the Downtown Development Authority worked collaboratively with CDOT to ensure that details – such as brick, flagstone and ironwork – were integrated into the overall design for the vehicle and pedestrian bridges. These decorative details were designed with Glenwood Springs’ context and character in mind.

3. What benefits will the Grand Avenue Bridge bring to the local community?

Construction of a new Grand Avenue Bridge and improvements to the adjacent I-70 interchange will dramatically change the character of north Glenwood Springs and 6th Street. As a result, the City of Glenwood Springs began a master planning study of the 6th Street corridor to identify streetscape improvements, bike facilities, public parking, and neighborhood gathering areas, and to help shape future design elements of development. The draft plan outlines the vision for property owners, future development, parking facilities, wayfinding and engaging the river. City Council will consider adoption of the 6th Street Master Plan at its regular meeting on June 15.

A project to enhance 7th Street along the Restaurant Row corridor by creating a destination pedestrian environment that will provide space for community events was also envisioned as a result of the Grand Avenue Bridge project. The enhanced 7th Street will improve the entryway to downtown from the historic train station, the south landing area of the pedestrian bridge over I-70 and the Colorado River, and the area underneath the new bridge. The first phase of the project is expected to start in 2018.

4. What is the City doing during the Bridge Detour to reduce peak-hour traffic?

In an effort to reduce the peak-hour vehicle impact of City employees during the 95-day Grand Avenue Bridge (GAB) closure, the City of Glenwood Springs is revising the operating hours for City Hall. Starting August 14, Glenwood Springs City Hall will be open 7am to 7pm, Monday through Thursday, and will be closed on Fridays. Although City Hall will be closed on Fridays, the Police Department will be available on an emergency basis. Non-emergency situations occurring during City Hall closures will typically be addressed the following Monday, except for city holidays.

The City Hall drop box will continue to be available to receive documents and payments. Filing and payment deadlines falling on Fridays or weekends will be extended to the following Monday.

Many City employees plan to bike, walk, carpool, participate in the city vanpool, and ride the bus during the detour.

In coordination with RFTA, the City will be providing free, frequent shuttle bus service to and through town. Routes include West Glenwood Mall to the northern end of the Grand Avenue pedestrian bridge, Amtrak to the 27th Street BRT station, and the West Glenwood Park and Ride to the 27th Street BRT station. Visit www.rfta.com for additional information on routes and schedules.

The City is also encouraging the creation of employer-based and private vanpools. Registered vanpools of 6 or more will be issued permits that will allow access to preferred travel lanes. For information on vanpool registration, contact the vanpool registration system.

5. What is the City doing to encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel during the Bridge Detour?

To encourage pedestrian and bicycle travel during the detour, the City has also worked to increase connectivity throughout the City:

14th Street Pedestrian Bridge
City of Glenwood Springs’ officials on Feb. 16, 2017, celebrated the opening of a new Pedestrian Bridge that spans the Roaring Fork River. This project, which was partially funded with a $350,000 Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District grant, is one of many projects that the city is working on to assist with connectivity during the upcoming detour of the Grand Avenue Bridge. This new pedestrian bridge provides residents with a safe and efficient bike/pedestrian crossing across the Roaring Fork River, and improves access to the Glenwood Springs High School. This bridge was one of the city’s top 5 priorities identified in the long range Transportation Plan adopted in 2015.

West Midland Trail
Construction of the three-quarter-mile long trail segment of the West Midland Multi-Use Path from Lowe’s to the White Water Area is currently underway and is expected to open on June 15, 2017. The project, which includes a section of trail being constructed by RFTA, is intended to provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists from the Glenwood Springs Middle School to downtown Glenwood to use during the Grand Avenue Bridge detour in 2017 and beyond. City Council in August 2016 approved $1.79 million for the project, which is also partially funded by a Federal Mineral Lease District grant.

Bicycle Wayfinding
Thanks to a $21,950 grant from the Federal Mineral Lease District, City crews in February installed new bicycle-specific wayfinding signage along the City's trails. The project, which is specifically referenced in the City’s Long Range Transportation Plan, is just one part of the City’s comprehensive efforts to improve wayfinding for residents and visitors. The signs provide wayfinding information to our various trail routes, as well as distance to landmarks. The FMLD grant funded the development of the sign placement framework, sign design, and an initial production run of approximately 70 signs.

E-assist bicycles
The City is planning to allow limited use of e-assist bicycles on local paved and multi-use trails to make commuting a more viable option during the detour. The City is planning to allow public e-bike usage with the motor engaged on the River Trail/RGT, Midland and Atkinson Trails on a trial basis from August 1, 2017-April 30, 2018.

Bicycle and Trail Map
The City has developed a new bicycle route map that will be available on the City website as both a PDF download and an interactive map layer. The map shows recommended bike routes to and through town, including multi-use trails, bike lanes, sidewalk bike routes, and recommended on-road connections.

Bike Parking
The City will be installing additional bicycle parking in the downtown area and near transit stops to facilitate additional bicycle travel. The City has introduced a bike rack request program that will allow individuals and businesses to request bike parking at specific destinations. City staff will review the request to ensure compliance with engineering requirements and install a rack at or near that location. A map of City bike racks will be made available on the City’s interactive Map viewer.

Education and Information
The City is partnering with local advocacy groups to encourage bicycling to and from local events and educate bicyclists and other trail users regarding rules of the road. Volunteers will be distributing information at many City events and are available to give presentations to interested groups and businesses.

6. What parking will be available during the Bridge Detour?

The City of Glenwood Springs offers several free, all-day parking lot locations for downtown visitors. On the east side of Grand Avenue, there is the City/DDA parking garage, located at 9th and Cooper, and the Cooper Street public parking lot, located next to the Glenwood Fire Station on Cooper between 8th and 9th Streets. West of Grand Avenue, visitors can park for free in the lot at 7th and Colorado (behind the Italian Underground and Smoke Modern Barbeque), in the lot on the west end of 7th Street by the City’s old Water Treatment Plant, and in the lot to the west of City Hall. Additionally, after 6pm the parking lot at the Garfield County Courthouse and the Library/CMC parking structure become available to the public. During the detour, several locations have been identified for additional temporary parking lots, including at Youth Zone, on Centennial Drive, and at the former Waste Water Treatment Plant (additional parking spaces).

Public Lots on the East Side of Grand Avenue:
City/DDA Parking Garage. Located at 9th Street and Cooper Avenue
Cooper Street Public Parking. Located next to the Glenwood Fire Station on Cooper Avenue between 8th & 9th Streets.

Public Lots on the West Side of Grand Avenue:
Lot at 7th and Colorado. Behind the Italian Underground and Smoke Modern Barbeque.
Lot at West End of 7th Street. This lot is located across from the park with the art installation featuring giant daisies.
City Hall Public Parking. Located on 8th Street just west of the City Hall complex.
After 6 p.m. Parking Options:
Library/CMC Parking Structure. Beneath the library building are over 100 available spaces.
Garfield County Courthouse. A lot along 7th Street that opens up after business hours.

Due to the proximity of Two Rivers Park to downtown, the City will not allow overnight parking at Two Rivers and will reserve some of the parking stalls within the parking for city vehicles and authorized vanpools. Boats and boat trailers will be directed to park at the Centennial lot.

7. How will local and regional emergency services function during the detour?

Glenwood Springs Police and Fire and regional law enforcement/fire agencies have been planning extensively over the past few months regarding emergency response during the detour. This includes working with dispatch, medical facilities/hospitals, tow trucks and making plans for emergencies such as wildfire, canyon closure, etc. There are plans to have a dedicated radio channel for regional public safety agencies to use during the detour. Police and fire have also been working to identify potential helicopter landing sites – in case of emergency situations.

Police and fire vehicles will be staged on either side of I-70/Colorado River in order to respond to emergencies.

Glenwood Police and Fire have purchased e-bicycles to aid in response times, allowing police and fire personnel to arrive on scene and stabilize/contain a situation until a patrol car/ambulance/fire engine can arrive on scene. These were purchased in part with the help of a generous donation from an anonymous donor.

Show All Answers

1. How should I dispose of paper towels, flushable wipes, hair, feminine hygiene products and other miscellanous trash?

Never ever flush trash into the sewer system! These materials are likely to cause a sewer backup because the sewer systems are not designed to handle them. Everything besides toilet paper and normal human waste should be disposed of in a trash can!

2. What are some of the odd items the City has found in the sewer system?

Our operators have found many strange items in the sewer system over the years. Some of them include rusty firearms, a full six pack of beer, live snakes, wire bras, full sized towels, plastic containers, tree branches, sediment, baseballs, trashbags and lids.

These should never have found a way inside the sewer system! They cause maintenance nightmares and sewer backups.

3. How should I dispose of cooking oil and grease?

Never put it down the drain! Fats, oils and greases plug sewer lines and cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars for removal! Grease should be poured into a can and thrown away.

4. How do I report a wastewater spill?

If you think the sewer system may be backing up, or there is a water leak, call dispatch at 970-625-8095

5. Is it OK to discharge contaminated water into the the stormwater system?

NO! The stormwater system goes directly into the river. The stormwater system is designed only for normal surface water runoff. Common contamination sources include car washes, oils from parking lots and waste from agricultural uses.

6. What should I do if I think that somone may be illgally discharging into the City's sewer system?

Please call dispatch at 970-625-8095 and the wastewater line at 970-309-4567. Even discharging an RVs blackwater or greywater tank is illegal. Septage haulers are required to take their loads to plants such as Rifle or up to South Canyon; if they hook into the City's sewer system and discharge, they are breaking the law. Other chemicals can hurt the wastewater plant's treatment process and ultimately contaminate the river.

Show All Answers

1. What modes of transportation qualify for tax savings?

Transit and vanpools qualify under the tax-exempt program.

2. How do I get start a tax-exempt transportation program?

It's easy! If you provide transit passes or vanpools to your employees, just keep your receipts of purchase and a list of pass recipients and vanpool users. There is no additional paperwork involved. You don't have to file a plan and the IRS does not have to approve your program. You can start your program at any time of the year and can make it as formal or informal as you like. For details or to make sure you are in compliance, consult your corporate accountant or tax attorney.

3. How do I take advantage of the commuter tax benefit?

Offer free bus passes or vanpool services to employees as an additional benefit.

Offer pre-tax payroll deductions and let the employees purchase bus passes or pay vanpool fares themselves.

Share the benefit and split the cost. You pay half the cost of the bus passes or vanpool fares and your employees pay the other half using pre-tax income.

For additional information, please visit the Commuter Choice website.

Show All Answers

1. What is a setback?

It is the minimum distance that a building or structure must be located from all property lines. Do not assume that your property line is along a street or sidewalk edge. The only way to determine the exact location of your property line is to have it surveyed.

2. What is a nonconforming use?

A building, structure or use is nonconforming if it was lawful at the time the zoning code and subsequent amendments were adopted but now no longer meets the requirements of the zone district in which it is located. Any nonconforming use, structure or building may continue in existence under the following circumstances -
• The use may be extended throughout the same building, provided that no structural alteration of such building is proposed or made for the purpose of such extension.
• The use shall not be changed to any other use except a conforming use.
• A nonconforming building which does not meeting the setback, height or other site requirements may be repaired, maintained or extended, provided that any extension is in full compliance with current provisions of the zoning code.
• A nonconforming building which has been damaged or destroyed by fire or other causes may be restored to its original condition, provided that the repair work is commenced within 1 year of such event and completed within 18 months of such event.
• Where a single lot recorded in separate ownership prior to March 1, 1965, does not meet the minimum building lot area requirement for the district in which it is located, such single lot shall be considered a nonconforming building lot, and a building situated on such lot shall be considered a nonconforming building, subject to the provisions of this Subsection. Such nonconforming lot may be used for construction of a building allowed in the zone district, provided that all other zone district regulations, including, but not limited to, setbacks are met.
Whenever a nonconforming use of land or a building has been discontinued for a period of 1 year, the future use of the land or building shall be in conformance with provisions of the zoning code.

3. What is a special review use?

Each zone district includes a list of “special review uses”. These are uses that are allowed but that require the imposition of certain conditions to mitigate any negative impacts that they may have on adjacent properties. All special review uses require consideration by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Refer to Municipal Code Section 070.040.040 for more information about conditions and criteria by which these uses are granted.

4. Is my property inside the city limits?

Although you can consult the city’s street map, the only guaranteed way to determine whether or not your property is inside the city limits is to contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

5. What is my zoning?

Consult the zoning map, an unofficial copy is on the city's website; or, contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411.

6. What is the difference between an accessory use and an accessory building?

An accessory use is one that is incidental to, but associated with, a specific principal use that is located on the same lot.

An accessory building is a detached subordinate building that is located on the same lot as the principal building, the use of which is incidental to the principal building or use of the lot. Accessory buildings cannot be used for living or sleeping quarters in a residential zone district.

7. Where can I get a copy of the city's zoning map?

A 24' x 36" copy of the city's zoning map is available for purchase in the Community Development Department, 2nd floor, City Hall. Contact the Community Development Department at 970-384-6411 for current price.

8. How tall can I construct my fence?

The requirements for designing and locating fences differs depending on whether your property is located in a residential or a non-residential zone district. Refer to the Fence Regulations under this Zoning page.