The Castle Pines City Council is set to consider a proposed annexation policy Tuesday that would establish the city’s first formal framework for reviewing future annexation requests.

The policy emerged after the Crowsnest annexation proposal prompted significant public debate and led council to pause annexation requests until formal standards could be developed.

The proposal would not annex any land. Instead, it would create standards for evaluating future requests, replacing a process that historically relied on case-by-case decisions.

The policy calls for a cautious approach to growth and would require applicants to demonstrate clear public benefits, according to city documents. Annexations would be evaluated on factors including preservation of community character and open space, fiscal sustainability and consistency with the city’s long-term plans. 

Preference would be given to proposals that are contiguous with city limits and are not solely residential.

A key provision would require an applicant-funded 20-year fiscal impact analysis. Projects showing negative long-term financial impacts would not be approved.

The policy would also require annexation proposals to preserve at least 30% of a site’s gross area as open space unless unique circumstances justify a different amount. Applicants would need to demonstrate adequate capacity for water, transportation, police, fire protection, schools, parks and other public services.

Public engagement requirements would include neighborhood meetings before applications are submitted, additional meetings during the review process, a project website and summaries of public feedback.

The proposal was shaped through surveys, open houses, online comments and council study sessions. A city survey conducted between May and June collected 614 responses and found residents generally favor a slow approach to growth.

During the Aug. 11 hearing, speakers generally supported the policy while suggesting refinements. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Whitney Shank said the framework would provide clear expectations for applicants and help protect the city’s character. Another resident supported the proposal and suggested strengthening outreach requirements by requiring neighborhood meetings before an application is filed.

As the annexation policy moves toward a final decision, a separate citizen-led ballot measure is moving toward the November election. Organizers announced in August that the petition qualified for the ballot. 

The initiative would require voter approval for annexations larger than 20 acres in addition to council approval. The council will vote on a resolution officially opposing the measure at their next meeting, arguing the proposed annexation policy already provides stringent review standards.