South Coors Boulevard Vision Statement

The South Coors Boulevard corridor is envisioned as a vibrant, multi-modal corridor that serves as the heart of the South Valley. It will be a dynamic and accessible space that seamlessly integrates diverse transportation options with vibrant mixed-use development. This vision supports a thriving, inclusive community where people can live, work, and play with ease, ensuring equitable access to essential services, economic opportunities, and a high quality of life.

As a Major Transit Corridor, South Coors Boulevard will be the backbone of a well-connected and flourishing community, linking thriving centers with high-frequency transit, walkable environments, and thoughtfully designed public spaces. The corridor will enhance connectivity between neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and key regional attractions, making mobility efficient and sustainable.

Anchored by strategically located Activity Centers, the corridor will foster economic opportunity, enhance neighborhood identity, and create a complete community where people can live, work, and gather. Neighborhood Centers at Sage, Blake, and Arenal will serve as focal points of activity, ensuring access to a variety of daily needs within walking distance while respecting the character of adjacent neighborhoods. The Las Estancias Community Center at Rio Bravo will continue to serve as a distinct destination for the greater South Valley, reinforcing its role as a hub of commerce and community interaction.

This framework aligns with the County’s vision for sustainable growth by directing infill and revitalization efforts into established centers, preserving rural landscapes while enhancing access to jobs, essential services, education, housing, and recreation. Signature parks and open spaces—such as the Hubbell Oxbow Farm—will be integral to the corridor’s identity, offering both recreational and economic opportunities that attract residents and visitors alike.

With a commitment to inclusive development, multi-modal mobility, and economic resilience, the South Coors Boulevard Corridor will emerge as a model for balanced growth—where tradition meets progress, and communities flourish together.

Goals and Policies

The goals and policies for the South Coors Boulevard Corridor focus on promoting sustainable growth, enhancing transportation and infrastructure, and fostering economic development while preserving community character. They aim to create a resilient, environmentally responsible corridor that supports multimodal transportation, mixed-use development, and a range of housing options. Economic growth is encouraged through policies that attract businesses and improve job opportunities.

These goals and policies are important because they guide the corridor's development to ensure balanced growth, protect the environment, and enhance quality of life. They help create a community that is well-prepared for future challenges, such as climate change and increased urbanization, while promoting economic vitality and livability.

Goal 1: Create a resilient and sustainable South Coors Boulevard Corridor that fosters environmental stewardship, supports sustainable growth, and enhances quality of life by integrating green stormwater infrastructure, promoting resource-efficient development, and encouraging multimodal transportation.

Policy 1.1: Green Stormwater Infrastructure Integration
Prioritize the incorporation of green stormwater infrastructure such as bioswales, rainwater harvesting basins, permeable pavements, and expanded tree canopies, to effectively manage stormwater, reduce urban heat effects, enhance local biodiversity, and improve air quality along South Coors Boulevard.

Policy 1.2: Resource Efficiency
Support sustainable development practices by promoting energy-efficient buildings, encouraging renewable energy adoption, and advocating for water conservation strategies that respond to the region’s arid climate and natural resource needs.

Policy 1.3: Sustainable Mobility
Enhance multimodal connectivity by improving pedestrian, bike, and transit infrastructure along Coors Boulevard, reducing car dependency, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Support the development of walkable, mixed-use communities that promote sustainable transportation options and foster healthier lifestyles.

Policy 1.4: Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Promote climate resilience through adaptive infrastructure and urban design that addresses the challenges posed by climate change, including extreme weather events, drought, and flooding.

Policy 1.5: Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Implement strategies to reduce the urban heat island effect along the corridor, including green stormwater infrastructure, expansion of tree canopies, reflective materials, and other cooling infrastructure.

Goal 2: Focus moderate-density, mixed-use development in designated Activity Centers and along South Coors Boulevard, a Major Transit Corridor, ensuring compatibility with the corridor’s capacity, character, and functionality, and respecting surrounding County Development Areas.

Policy 2.1: Complete Communities
Encourage the development of complete communities by locating a mix of uses, services, and housing options within close proximity to where people live. This fosters walkable neighborhoods, reduces car dependence, and improves access to essential services and amenities.

Policy 2.2: Promote Transit-Oriented Development
Support transit-oriented development (TOD) within designated Activity Centers and within proximity to transit stops. Ensure development integrates seamlessly with transit infrastructure to promote multimodal connectivity and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Consider zoning adjustments in designated Centers and establish an opt-in zone within a set buffer of Coors Boulevard to facilitate desired mixed-use development.

Policy 2.3: Encourage Infill Development:
Promote infill development within the South Coors Corridor, especially on vacant and underutilized properties, to maximize land use efficiency, reduce sprawl, and revitalize key areas while respecting the rural character of the county.

Policy 2.4: Placemaking and Public Space Integration
Enhance the identity and sense of place within Activity Centers and along South Coors Boulevard by creating spaces that foster community interaction and inclusivity. With new development and redevelopment, look for opportunities to integrate public spaces, community gathering areas, and placemaking elements that reflect the unique character of the area.

Policy 2.5: Corridor Capacity and Functionality
Ensure that new development along the South Coors Boulevard corridor respects the corridor’s capacity and function. Design and scale developments to maintain traffic flow, ensure accessibility, and preserve the corridor’s identity while meeting the needs of the growing community.

Goal 3: Promote context-sensitive development and streetscape design along South Coors Boulevard to express the area’s unique character whether within designated Centers, near transit stops, or in surrounding Development Areas.

Policy 3.1: Mixed-Use and Pedestrian-Friendly Development in Centers
Ensure that development within designated Centers and near transit stops prioritizes mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly designs. These designs should enhance accessibility, promote multimodal transportation options, and foster vibrant, community-oriented spaces that meet the diverse needs of users.

Policy 3.2: Compatibility Outside Centers
Ensure that development outside of designated Centers and near transit stops along South Coors Corridor is compatible with and respectful of the character and function of County Development Areas to ensure the stability of established residential neighborhoods and protect their character.

Policy 3.3: Balanced Design Standards
Establish and apply design standards that support mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development in designated Centers and transit-adjacent areas while maintaining compatibility with surrounding Development Areas. Ensure appropriate transitions and buffers between Centers and adjacent areas to preserve the integrity of established neighborhoods and support long-term stability and cohesion across the greater South Valley.

Goal 4: Coordinate land use planning, transportation systems, and infrastructure investments to create a cohesive, sustainable growth framework along South Coors.

Policy 4.1 Ensure Adequate Pedestrian and Bicycle Connections to Centers: Prioritize the development of a safe and connected network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways that link neighborhoods to designated Centers and transit stops along the South Coors Corridor, ensuring accessibility and promoting active transportation options.

Policy 4.2: Align Infrastructure Investments with designated Centers
Strategically align utility and infrastructure investments with the development of designated Centers to enhance service efficiency, connectivity, and accessibility. Ensure investments support sustainable growth and facilitate future development needs.

Policy 4.3: Integrate Transportation and Utility Networks within Centers and across Adjacent Developments
Ensure the seamless integration of transportation and utility systems within designated Centers and adjacent developments to support cohesive, sustainable growth and redevelopment. Design infrastructure to provide efficient access and connections between streets, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and utility networks (water, wastewater, stormwater). Prioritize direct, continuous routes linking Centers to surrounding areas and key destinations, enhancing mobility, service efficiency, and regional connectivity while supporting both local access and broader network integration.

Policy 4.4 Promote Agency Coordination

Encourage collaboration and coordination between local, regional, and state agencies involved in land use planning, transportation, and infrastructure development along the South Coors Corridor. Foster partnerships to ensure alignment of policies, funding, and projects to achieve a unified, sustainable growth framework. This includes sharing resources, data, and best practices to streamline decision-making processes and improve the overall efficiency of infrastructure development and service delivery.

Goal 5: Enhance Transportation Safety for All Users

Prioritize safety along South Coors Boulevard by implementing measures to reduce serious injuries and fatalities, creating a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and motorists.

Policy 5.1: Prioritize Safety for All Users
Establish South Coors Boulevard as a safety-focused corridor, implementing measures aimed at reducing serious injuries and fatalities, with a particular focus on pedestrian safety. Introduce traffic calming features, improved lighting, and well-defined crosswalks to create a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.

Policy 5.2: Prioritize Designated and Protected Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
Enhance South Coors Boulevard with protected pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including wide sidewalks, separated bike lanes, and secure crossings, to promote safe non-motorized travel for users of all ages and abilities.

Policy 5.3: Implement Complete Streets Standards
Apply Complete Streets design principles in all future improvements to South Coors Boulevard and key connecting streets. Prioritize safety features such as safe crossings, bike lanes, wide sidewalks, street trees, Green Stormwater Infrastructure, and accessible transit stops to create a balanced, inviting, and inclusive transportation network.

Goal 6: Create a continuous multi-modal transportation network along South Coors Boulevard that enhances connectivity to key destinations, improves mobility options, and balances access with efficient movement.

Policy 6.1: Promote Transit Accessibility and Efficiency
Retain high-quality transit service along South Coors Boulevard and prioritize upgrading bus stops to ensure ADA compliance and provide amenities like seating, lighting, and shelter. Ensure safe, accessible pedestrian pathways leading to transit stops to encourage ridership.

Policy 6.2: Balance Access and Mobility
Balance efficient traffic movement with local access along restricted-access segments of South Coors Boulevard. Ensure well-placed entry and exit points, safe crossing areas, and appropriate routes to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and local traffic without disrupting the highway flow.

Policy 6.3: Enhance Corridor-wide Connectivity
Prioritize the creation of continuous and seamless pathways to support safe and efficient movement for non-motorized users. Address gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle networks along South Coors Boulevard.

Policy 6.4: Enhance Connectivity to Key Destinations
Expand the transportation network to improve access to key destinations, such as designated Centers, transit hubs, employment-generating businesses, school and parks. Develop continuous pedestrian and bike pathways that link neighborhoods, commercial areas, and recreational spaces, ensuring easy and safe access for residents and visitors using non-motorized modes of transportation.

Policy 6.5: Develop Off-Street Multi-Use Path Opportunities
Encourage the creation of a connected system of off-street multi-use paths along drains, acequias, and other suitable corridors. These paths should provide safe, accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users while complementing the on-street transportation network. Prioritize designs that integrate with key destinations and recreational areas to promote active transportation and enhance community connectivity.

Goal 7: Offer a variety of housing options that support sustainable growth, enhance quality of life, and meet the diverse needs of residents in the South Coors Corridor.

Policy 7.1: Moderate-Intensity Housing in Centers, Near Transit Stops and Employment-Generating Uses
Promote the development of moderate-intensity housing options within designated Activity Centers and near transit stops and employment-generating uses.

Policy 7.2: Variety of Housing Types
Support the development of a diverse range of mixed-income housing types throughout the South Coors Corridor, ensuring that housing options cater to different demographics, lifestyles, and life stages. Housing types outside of Centers or near transit stops should be scaled appropriate of the underlying County Development Areas in which they reside.

Policy 7.3: Maintain Stability in Residential Neighborhoods
Ensure the stability and character of established residential neighborhoods by directing higher-intensity development to designated Centers and supporting infill development that is context-sensitive and guided by the County Development Areas elsewhere. This approach balances growth while protecting existing communities, fostering compatibility between new and established uses, and maintaining neighborhood stability and character.

Goal 8: Foster a diverse, resilient economy along the South Coors Boulevard Corridor by supporting local businesses, attracting new industries, and capitalizing on the corridor’s strategic location and transit accessibility to create a prosperous and thriving corridor.

Policy 8.1: Remove Barriers to Economic Development
Streamline approval processes and identify regulatory barriers that impede economic growth. Update zoning regulations within designated Centers and along South Coors Boulevard to facilitate the development of retail, office, and residential projects that support local economic goals.

Policy 8.2: Attract New Industries and Retail
Leverage South Coors Boulevard’s strategic location and transit accessibility to attract high-wage industries and retail businesses. Expand the retail and service sectors to meet local demand, reduce regional spending leakage, and promote a self-sufficient local economy.

Policy 8.3: Promote Employment-Generating Businesses
Encourage the development of businesses along South Coors Boulevard that provide stable, high-quality jobs and enhance economic resilience, focusing on creating diverse employment opportunities for local residents.

Policy 8.4: Enhance the Job-Housing Balance
Address the job-housing imbalance within the region by prioritizing employment-generating developments, including retail, commercial, and appropriate light industrial uses. Offer incentives to businesses establishing operations along South Coors Boulevard to reduce revenue leakage and promote a balanced job-housing ratio.

Policy 8.5: Workforce Training and Development
Promote the establishment of workforce training centers along South Coors Boulevard, ideally in designated Centers or near major transit hubs. These centers will help local residents gain the skills needed for high-demand sectors, preparing them for quality jobs within the community.

Policy 8.6: Strengthen Buffering Standards for Incompatible Uses
Enhance buffering and screening standards along South Coors Boulevard to minimize visual and noise impacts between incompatible land uses. Implement high-quality landscaping, solid fencing, and architectural transitions. For grandfathered uses, require phased upgrades to buffering standards during redevelopment or changes in use to ensure long-term compatibility and improve corridor aesthetics.

Goal 9: Develop a resilient and efficient utility infrastructure to support growth along South Coors Boulevard.

Policy 9.1: Coordinate Utility Improvements with Development
Align utility infrastructure planning with land use and development goals to ensure timely service provision for new projects. Foster close coordination between utility providers and developers to optimize resources, minimize disruptions, and streamline approvals for utility improvements along the corridor. Ensure that utility planning accounts for emerging needs, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure

Policy 9.2 Coordinate Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements

Ensure that utility and transportation improvements are coordinated to maximize efficiency and minimize disruptions. When roadways are being improved or reconstructed, prioritize the opportunity to upgrade or replace utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, stormwater, and electrical systems) within the roadway to the greatest extent feasible. This approach will reduce the need for future excavation and repeated work, minimize costs, and ensure that infrastructure is aligned with long-term transportation and development goals. Promote collaboration between transportation agencies, utility providers, and developers to ensure synchronized planning and execution of infrastructure projects along South Coors Boulevard.

Policy 9.3: Address Gaps in Stormwater Infrastructure
Identify and address gaps in stormwater infrastructure along South Coors Boulevard to mitigate flooding risks, enhance runoff management, and protect surrounding properties. Prioritize the installation of stormwater facilities that will create a complete and effective drainage network. Integrated green stormwater infrastructure to mitigate quality impacts and flooding.

Policy 9.4: Expand Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Encourage the installation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines as part of new developments. Support investments in renewable energy and battery storage systems to enhance grid reliability, reduce the corridor’s carbon footprint, and lower utility costs for residents and businesses. Integrate renewable energy into the utility planning process to ensure sustainability and future energy needs.

Policy 9.5: Enhance Broadband Access
Support the expansion of broadband infrastructure along South Coors Boulevard to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet for residents, businesses, and educational institutions. Prioritize broadband connectivity as an essential utility to foster economic growth, digital inclusion, and improved quality of life.

Quick Poll

Do you generally agree with the goals and policies as presented?

If you are not in agreement, what would you like to see changed?

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Land Use Framework

The South Coors Boulevard Land Use Framework builds on the County’s Centers and Corridors growth strategy, focusing development in activity centers connected by a safe, efficient, multimodal transit corridor—Coors Boulevard. This approach balances economic growth with community preservation, guiding investment into well-connected hubs that provide housing, jobs, services, and cultural amenities.

As a Major Transit Corridor, Coors Boulevard serves as a multimodal spine linking Activity Centers and adjacent neighborhoods. It prioritizes high-quality, reliable transit, offering a safe, efficient alternative to personal vehicles while supporting economic growth and the vitality of the greater South Valley. Designed as a Complete Street, the corridor will integrate transit, walkability, and vehicular access to create a balanced, accessible, and inviting public realm. Future improvements should include:

  • Enhanced Transit Infrastructure – Improved transit facilities and stops to increase accessibility and encourage ridership.
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity – Expanded sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, and dedicated bike lanes to promote safe, active transportation and improve access to key destinations.
  • Walkable Mixed-Use Development – Mixed-use development adjacent to the corridor to enhance transit accessibility and create vibrant urban environments.

By strengthening Coors Boulevard as a safe, high-performing transit corridor, this framework supports sustainable growth, greater mobility options, and a thriving, connected community.

Four Activity Centers along the corridor will serve as focal points for commercial, residential, and cultural activity. These centers will feature walkable environments, mixed-use spaces, and access to high-quality transit, meeting the needs of both residents and businesses:

  • Sage & Coors Neighborhood Activity Center – The northern gateway of the corridor, this center will function as a commercial and service hub, complementing the Bridge Boulevard Tower Employment Center, as well as key institutional assets include MAS Charter School and the Rio Grande Academy of Fine Arts.
  • Blake & Coors Neighborhood Activity Center – Home to South Valley Academy, this center is ideal for businesses catering to students and families, strengthening the local economy.
  • Arenal & Coors Neighborhood Activity Center – Anchored by cultural assets such as San Jose De Armijo Cemetery and Tom Tenorio Park, this center has potential for redevelopment of supporting retail and services could enhance its role as a neighborhood gathering space.
  • Rio Bravo & Coors Las Estancias Community Center – The largest and most prominent center, this hub serves the greater South Valley with vital services, employment opportunities, and retail destinations. Enhancing commercial offerings and public spaces—alongside integrating Hubbell Oxbow Farm as a community asset—will solidify its role as a regional destination.
Land Use Framework

Proposed Zoning

South Coors Regulations

The South Coors Boulevard specific zoning, applied to County parcels adjacent to Coors Boulevard from Bridge Boulevard to Gun Club Boulevard, is designed to promote new, compatible development that benefits both the surrounding neighborhoods and the corridor as a whole. Instead of restricting the area to isolated commercial strips or pockets of residential zones, the zoning fosters a diverse mix of uses. It allows for a seamless integration of residential, retail, and commercial activities, ensuring flexibility and encouraging dynamic, sustainable growth that supports transit along the corridor. This approach creates opportunities for vibrant, multifunctional spaces that enhance both local quality of life and regional connectivity.

The corridor has two related but distinct zoning designations:

  • South Coors Boulevard Corridor (SC-C): This zoning designation applies to the majority of parcels adjacent to the roadway. It is proposed as an “opt-in” designation, meaning that the property owner can apply to have the zoning become effective; otherwise, the existing zoning continues to apply.
  • South Coors Boulevard Activity Center Zone (SC-AC):This zoning designation applies to particular parcels at four major intersections: Sage, Blake, Arenal, and Las Estancias at Rio Bravo. The SC-AC zoning designation is proposed to be effective with the approval of the Sector Plan. It replaces the current zoning designations on these parcels.

In addition to the zoning designations specific to the Coors Corridor, which define basic standards for uses, height, setbacks, and parking, this Plan introduces a set of design standards that apply to all properties within the South Coors Activity Center zone as well as any parcels directly abutting Coors Boulevard. These standards provide more detailed guidance on elements such as building types, walls, lighting, and landscaping. They apply to all new construction or remodels of 10,000 square feet or more. For smaller additions or remodels, County Planning has the discretion to determine the extent to which the existing site must adhere to the South Coors Boulevard Design Overlay standards.

Approval Process

Parcels within the South Coors Activity Center (SC-AC) zone are hereby adopted as the official zoning regulations. The remaining parcels in the South Coors Boulevard plan area will have the option to obtain South Coors Corridor (SC-C) zoning. To activate this optional zone and apply its regulations to a parcel, a property owner must first obtain a Zone Change through the county’s approval process.

Parcels zoned SC-AC with the adoption of this Plan and the remaining portion of the plan area properties eligible for the SC-C are indicated on the zoning map.

Quick Poll

What alternative is your preferred zoning map to incorporate into the final Sector Plan

South Coors Boulevard Corridor Zone (SC-C)

Intent

The purposed of the South Coors Boulevard Corridor Zone (SC-C) is to create a predictable pattern of well-connected, mixed-use development that enhances mobility, supports economic growth and transit, and improves the quality of life for residents and visitors. This zone is intended to accommodate a range of uses, including residential commercial, office, and recreational, less intense than within the Activity Centers that encourages active transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transit. The Corridor Zone aims to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable environment that serves as a gateway to surrounding neighborhoods, with an emphasis on high-quality design, efficient land use, and the integration of green spaces and public amenities. The zone promotes connectivity, both within the corridor and to adjacent areas, while maintaining compatibility with the character and needs of the surrounding community.

​South Coors Boulevard Activity Center Zone (SC-AC)

Intent

The purpose of the South Activity Center Zone (SC-AC) is to promote vibrant, mixed-use centers along the corridor that serve as focal points for the surrounding neighborhoods and greater County. This zone encourages the integration of diverse housing types, neighborhood-scale commercial uses, civic buildings, and open spaces, with a strong emphasis on creating a walkable environment that is accessible to all residents and visitors. The South Activity Center Zone is intended to support the highest density of mixed-use development within the Plan Area, enhancing a Center’s role as a destination for social, cultural, and economic activities. The zone also fosters high-quality design, sustainable development, and alternative transportation options, including walking and cycling, while ensuring appropriate protection and transition to surrounding neighborhoods.