Frequently Asked Questions

Refracking, or refracturing, is the process of re-stimulating an existing oil or gas well to increase production using updated hydraulic fracturing techniques. It allows operators to improve recovery from wells that have declined in output without drilling new ones. This method is often more cost-effective and creates less disturbance than a new well. Advances in technology have made refracking more efficient and targeted, helping to maximize resource extraction and minimize environmental impact. 

Two websites that provide further information about fracking are the ECMC & Frac Focus. Frac Focus is the hydraulic fracturing chemical registry. It is a joint project of the Groundwater Protection Council and the Interstate Oil and Gas Company Commission.

The town of Frederick, located in Colorado, sites within the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, one of the most prolific oil and gas regions in the United States. This sedimentary basin spans several counties and contains rich deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and other minerals. Frederick is situated within the Wattenberg Field, the DJ Basin's most productive area, which spans parts of Weld, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, and Larimer counties. 

Oil and gas development has been a part of Frederick's local economy for decades. Historically, early energy extraction focused on underground coal and conventional vertical wells. However, since the early 2000's, advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have dramatically increased production. That increase in production is particularly significant for the Niobrara and Codell formations.

The Wattenberg Field is among Colorado's larges oil and natural gas production zones. It contributes significantly to the state's energy output and economy, generating jobs, tax revenues, and royalties for mineral rights owners. Revenues from oil and gas development also support public infrastructure, schools, and community services in some areas.

The state governing body for oil & gas development and production is the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).

Oil and gas development in the greater Wattenberg area, including within the Town of Frederick, is regulated at the state, county, and local levels.

At the state level, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), is the primary agency responsible for regulating oil and gas operations on non-federal lands in Colorado. The ECMC oversees well permitting, environmental protection, operator compliance, health and safety standards.

In addition to state oversight, municipal and county governments, including the Town of Frederick, have authority over land use and surface impacts of oil and gas development.

To learn more about the ECMC please visit their website or call (303) 894-2100.

To learn more about Town of Frederick Regulations please see Article 9 of the Town's Land Use Code or contact the Town's Oil and Gas Liaison.

The Town of Frederick is located within the Wattenberg Field, part of the larger Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, one of Colorado's most active oil and gas regions. Please see the map of existing oil and gas wells. This area is geologically complex, containing multiple subsurface resources including oil, gas, coal, gravel, sand, groundwater, aggregate, etc. Some resources are near the surface, while others lie thousands of feet below the ground, requiring drilling for extraction.

How Well Locations Are Regulated:

Oil and gas drilling locations are governed by state law, local regulations, and the terms of private mineral leases. The primary state agency overseeing site approvals is the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).

Operators must submit a Form 2A - Location Assessment to the ECMC for all proposed locations, which must include:

• Environmental and wildlife impact evaluations
• Noise, light, and emissions control plans
• Health and safety compliance
• Public comment periods and notice to affected local governments

At the local level, the Town of Frederick requires a conditional use permit for any new wells drilled within the Town. The Town reviews proposed locations for compatibility with local land use, oil and gas standards, and zoning requirements. Town approval is required through the conditional use permit for all new surface locations within municipal boundaries, which is a quasi-judicial application process, including a neighborhood meeting and multiple public hearings.

Key Factors in Drill Site Selection:

Selection of drill sites is based on a combination of technical, regulatory, and surface use considerations, including:

Subsurface geology and reservoir characteristics

• Surface topography and access considerations
• Proximity to existing infrastructure (roads, utilities, pipelines, refineries, etc.)
• Minimizing impact to existing and planned surface uses (homes, schools, parks, etc.)
• Noise, visual, and air quality mitigation

Operators use advanced geophysical and geologic modeling tools to identify optimal well placements that balance resource recovery with environmental and surface-use sensitivity.

Surface Use Agreements and Landowner Rights:

Under Colorado law, oil and gas companies are required to engage in good faith negotiations with surface owners before using private property for drilling. Often times a landowner owns the rights to the surface and an oil and gas operator owns the rights to the minerals below the ground surface. These negotiations typically results in a Surface Use Agreement (SUA), which:

• Identifies the location of the well pad, roads, flow lines, and facilities
• Establishes landowner compensation, access routes, etc.
• Addresses operational timing, fencing, landscaping, etc.

If a Surface Use Agreement is in place, it may be reflected in the property's title records and recorded with the county.

Please Note: The Town of Frederick encourages operators and landowners to work collaboratively to site oil and gas development in a manner that minimizes community impacts while allowing for the responsible development of subsurface resources. For more information please contact the Town's Oil and Gas Liaison, the Town's Planning Department, or review Article 9 of the Town's Land Use Code

Modern oil and gas development is a phased industrial process that includes site preparation, drilling, well completion, and production facility installation. In recent years, technology and environmental standards have significantly evolved to reduce surface impacts, lower emissions, and minimize disruption to surrounding communities.

Key Phases of Drilling and Development

1. Initial Site Assessment and Design:

• Operator evaluates surface and subsurface conditions.
• Location design includes environmental, topographic, and land use constraints.
• Site plans are submitted to the Town and the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) for review and approval.

  2. Site Preparation

• Grading of a small pad area (typically 2–3 acres or less, depending on design).
• Access road upgrades or construction (if needed).
• Erosion control measures installed (e.g., silt fences, stormwater BMPs).
• Construction fencing and security measures installed.

  3. Rig Mobilization and Drilling

• Electrified drill rigs are now commonly used in the DJ Basin to reduce noise and air emissions (powered from the grid or portable gas generators with emissions control).
• Drilling typically occurs 24 hours/day and lasts 2–10 days per well, depending on depth and formation complexity.
• Surface casing is set and cemented to protect groundwater and aquifer zones.

  4. Well Completion

• After drilling, the rig is removed and completion operations begin, which may include hydraulic fracturing (fracking) using a separate completion crew and equipment.
• Frac activities typically last 1–3 days per well, depending on stage count and design.
• Temporary water tanks, sand containers, and pressure pumps are staged at the pad during this time.

   5. Production Facility Installation

• Once a well is producing, it flows through a wellhead to a buried flowline that transports oil, gas, and produced water to centralized facilities.
• Many new sites use "tankless" production setups, eliminating on-site storage by piping oil, gas, and water directly off-site.
• Where tank batteries are installed, they often include:

Vapor recovery systems
Low-emission separators and heaters
Automated leak detection and remote monitoring
All new sites are fenced and include secondary containment berms) 

    6. Site Restoration

• Interim reclamation is performed shortly after drilling and completion, including regrading and revegetation.
• Final reclamation occurs after well abandonment or pad decommissioning, restoring the area to its pre-disturbance condition.

Noise, Dust, and Air Quality Mitigation 

Drilling and completion activities can produce temporary noise, dust, and emissions, particularly during high-activity phases. However, strict regulations require operators to minimize and control impacts:

• Electrified rigs and sound walls are used to reduce noise.
• Dust suppression methods include water trucks and stabilized road surfaces.
• Emissions from equipment and tanks are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and operators must obtain and comply with air permits.
• Flaring and venting are restricted and monitored.

If you are concerned about noise, odors, or emissions from a drilling or production site:

• Contact the Colorado ECMC Complaint Line at 1-888-235-1101 or submit a report with the Town of Frederick.
• Reach out to the rig or well operator, whose contact information is posted on-site.
• You may also contact the Town of Frederick’s Oil & Gas Liaison for local support.

In the Wattenberg Field and the Town of Frederick, natural gas and oil pipeline infrastructure is essential for transporting products safely from the wellhead to processing and distribution facilities. There are several types of pipelines associated with oil and gas operations, each serving a specific role:

Types of Pipelines

1. Flowlines

• Transport oil, gas, and produced water from the wellhead to production equipment (e.g., separators or treaters).
• Increasingly, new facilities use direct-to-pipeline (tankless) systems that eliminate on-site storage by routing fluids directly offsite.
• Typically short-distance and operator-specific.

   2. Gathering Lines

• Carry gas, oil, or water from multiple well sites or facilities to centralized treatment or processing plants.
• Often serve multiple operators or regional systems.

   3. Transmission Lines

• Operated by pipeline companies, these large-diameter lines carry processed gas or oil over long distances to end users (utilities, refineries, export terminals).

Pipeline Routing and Placement

Pipeline routes are determined by a combination of technical, environmental, and legal factors, including:

• Operator preference for efficiency and shortest distance.
• Subsurface rights and surface use constraints.
• Topography and existing land uses.
• Minimizing impacts to existing infrastructure, natural features, and sensitive areas.

Pipelines are usually placed within:

• Recorded easements or rights-of-way, which may appear in county real estate records.
• Surface Use Agreements (SUAs) between landowners and operators.
• Rights granted under oil and gas leases, when no SUA exists.

Once buried (typically at least four feet deep, though depth may vary by pipe type and local requirements), pipeline markers are installed at road crossings, fence lines, or field edges. These markers include:

• Operator name and emergency contact information.
• Type of product transported (e.g., gas, oil, water).

Important: Markers do not indicate the exact location or depth of the pipeline.

Locating Pipelines Before You Dig

Before any digging, fencing, or construction activity, even on private property, you are legally required to contact the Colorado 811 system:

• Call 811 or 1-800-922-1987 at least 3 business days before you dig (Colorado811.org).

This free service will coordinate a utility locate (including oil and gas flowlines and gathering lines), ensuring public safety and preventing damage to buried infrastructure.

If you have additional questions about pipeline rights-of-way, you may contact:

• The pipeline or well operator.
• The Town of Frederick Planning Department.
• The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC).

Oil and gas development, particularly during drilling and well completion, can produce temporary increases in noise, dust, and air emissions, and carries inherent industrial risks. However, significant advancements in technology, state regulations, and local authority have helped reduce these impacts, especially in growing communities like Frederick.

Regulatory Oversight

• The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) (formerly COGCC) sets statewide rules for oil and gas operations, including health, safety, noise, air emissions, and spill prevention.
• The Town of Frederick, under updated state law (SB19-181), now has enhanced authority to regulate the location, noise, aesthetics, traffic, and nuisance impacts of oil and gas development through its Land Use Code (LINK to Article 9) along with our Oil and Gas Standards Document (LINK to standards document).
• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulates air and water quality impacts and enforces permit conditions for emissions and stormwater.

Noise and Emissions Mitigation

Modern operations are required to implement a range of best management practices (BMPs), including:

• Electrified drilling rigs to reduce diesel engine noise and emissions.
• Sound walls or enclosures around high-noise equipment.
• Vapor recovery units (VRUs) and low-bleed air powered pneumatic controls to reduce air emissions.
• Enclosed or tankless production systems to limit odor and fugitive emissions.
• Automated monitoring for leak detection.

Local noise limits may also apply. In Frederick, the Town reviews proposed oil and gas locations through its Conditional Use application process.

Dust and Air Quality

• Dust is primarily a concern during site preparation and high-traffic periods. Operators are required to use water trucks, stabilized entrances, and dust suppressants as needed.

Emissions from equipment and operations are regulated by CDPHE, with permits required for:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Methane
• Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Safety and Setbacks

Operators are required to comply with minimum safety setbacks between well sites and occupied buildings, parks, and public spaces. These include:

• State minimums, which vary based on use and terrain.
•  Local setbacks, which may exceed state requirements based on Frederick’s zoning and land use code (Article 9).
• Emergency action plans (EAP), tactical response plans (TRP), spill response protocols, and fire department coordination are required before operations begin.
• Fencing, signage, and secured access help ensure public safety.

While modern oil and gas operations prioritize safety, no industrial process is without risk. Frederick works closely with regulators and operators to minimize those risks to the community and ensure that complaints are investigated quickly and thoroughly.

Reporting a Concern

Residents with concerns about noise, air quality, or safety should contact the well operator directly (information is posted on-site or at our operators in Frederick section of the website (LINK)). Residents who wish to submit a report, click here.

Oil and gas operations properly sited, constructed, and regulated, can operate with minimal and manageable impact to wildlife, air, and water. In a region like the Wattenberg Field, which overlaps with growing communities and agricultural lands, both the State of Colorado and the Town of Frederick have strengthened regulations to ensure responsible energy development alongside environmental protection.

Wildlife Protection

Although Frederick lies within a highly developed part of northeastern Colorado, wildlife considerations remain important. Operators are required by both the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential impacts to species and habitat, including:

• Raptor nesting sites, threatened/endangered species, wetlands, and migration corridors.
• Timing restrictions for construction near sensitive habitats (e.g., avoiding breeding/nesting seasons).
• Site-specific wildlife mitigation measures, such as relocating access roads or using low-impact lighting.

Operators must assess environmental constraints during the planning phase.

Air Quality

Air emissions from oil and gas sites are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) through enforceable permits.

Water Quality and Spill Prevention

To protect groundwater, drinking water supplies, and surface waters, multiple safeguards are now in place at every stage of development:

• Steel casing and cement are installed in wells to protect freshwater zones.
• Stormwater controls are installed before construction and maintained throughout development.
• Secondary containment systems now include impermeable liners underneath well pads, tanks, and transfer areas, paired with engineered berms to contain any spills or leaks.
• Operators must report, remediate, and document all reportable spills under state rules.

Most residents in the Frederick area receive drinking water from a centralized treated water system, not private groundwater wells. However, wellhead protection areas and sensitive zones are still prioritized in site planning.

Regulatory oversight is provided by the Town of Frederick, ECMC, CDPHE, EPA, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Together, these agencies ensure that oil and gas development aligns with environmental protection goals while supporting Colorado’s energy economy.

Monitoring & Inspections

Each operating company is primarily responsible for monitoring their own well sites to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. These responsibilities include:

• Routine well checks (often daily or weekly) by field technicians or “pumpers”.
• Immediate response to spills, leaks, equipment malfunctions, or trespass incidents
• Ensuring site signage includes current operator contact information

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly COGCC, continues to conduct state inspections of oil and gas facilities. The Town of Frederick is actively developing a municipal level oil and gas inspection program, which will provide supplemental monitoring and enforcement of Town requirements for sites located within Town boundaries.

Maintenance & Site Conditions

Once drilling operations are complete, operators are required to:

• Reclaim disturbed areas with approved vegetation (often native grasses or approved seed mixes)
• Maintain the site free from noxious weeds, debris, and visible trash

Ensure all fencing around new facilities complies with Town design standards, which may include:

• Six-foot fencing around wellheads or production equipment
• Color and material standards for visual mitigation

How often are well sites maintained?

Maintenance frequency depends on the age and productivity of the well, its location, and the operator’s internal protocols. Active wells are typically:

• Monitored regularly (often daily or weekly)
• Visited more frequently during active drilling, completions, or repairs
• Re-inspected after storms, equipment upgrades, or compliance violations
• Inactive or plugged wells may be subject to longer intervals between checks but are still regulated.

How are weeds, trash, or vandalism addressed?

Operators are responsible for:

• Weed management in compliance with local and state requirements
• Keeping the location free of debris and litter
• Repairing vandalism or unauthorized access

If you witness suspicious activity or property damage, contact local law enforcement and notify the operator listed on the posted site signage.

How can I find out if a new well is planned or maintenance is scheduled near my property?

New Well Notifications

Notice Radius: As of 2025, the Town of Frederick requires oil and gas operators to provide notice to all property owners within a ½-mile (2,640 feet) radius of a proposed new well or facility.

If the proposed location is within a designated Disproportionately Impacted Community (per ECMC criteria), additional engagement and enhanced notice may be required.

Permitting Process

All new wells within the Town of Frederick require:

• A Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP) and permit from the ECMC (State).
• A Conditional Use Permit from the Town, which includes multiple opportunities for public comment.

The Town’s Conditional Use Permit process is quasi-judicial and involves:

• Published notices in the newspaper.
• Posted signage at the proposed location.
• Written notice to surrounding property owners.
• Public hearings at both the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these hearings and submit written or verbal public comment.

The impacts of a new oil and gas facility can vary depending on proximity, site design, and the phase of development. Modern technology and evolving regulations have significantly reduced many of the visible and audible effects of oil and gas operations, but it's important for residents to understand that all industrial activities, including oil and gas, carry some inherent level of risk.

Typical Phases & Associated Impacts:

1. Development Phase (Temporary Impact)

During the site construction, drilling, and completion phase, nearby residents may experience:

• Increased traffic, dust, noise, and lighting.
• Short-term odors from drilling fluids or venting operations.

This phase typically lasts a few weeks per well, depending on site design and total well count.

Note: Many modern sites use electrified drill rigs, quiet completions, and tankless production designs.

   2. Production Phase (Long-Term Impact):

Once operational, the well pad is typically reduced in size, visually screened, and partial reclamation of the land.

Equipment may include a wellhead, bollard-style protection, fencing, and on-site production infrastructure.

Tankless and piped systems are now more common, improving air quality, reducing truck traffic, and improving visual impact.

Setbacks & Safety Buffers

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and Town of Frederick require specific setback distances between oil and gas facilities and structures such as homes, schools, businesses, or other types of buildings. These setbacks help reduce impacts related to air quality, noise, and emergency response. The Town may also require additional setbacks or site-specific mitigation through its Conditional Use Permit process. For more details, see Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code (LINK).

Inherent Risks of Oil and Gas Development

While most operations are conducted safely and under strict regulation, all oil and gas facilities inherently carry risks that can affect life, health, and property, including:

• The potential for leaks, spills, or equipment failure.
• The possibility of subsurface contamination.
• Risks associated with legacy wells (older or abandoned wells that may have been improperly plugged or mapped).

These risks are generally low and are mitigated through state and local regulations, routine inspections, and operator safety practices, but they cannot be eliminated entirely.

Health Resources and Research

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) offers several resources and programs to monitor and assess potential health impacts of oil and gas development:

• Oil and Gas Health Information Response Program (OGHIRP) provides public health expertise and responds to community concerns.

CDPHE conducts air quality monitoring, health impact assessments, and community-based studies related to exposure risks near oil and gas operations. Residents with health-related concerns are encouraged to contact CDPHE’s Environmental Public Health Tracking program or OGHIRP for more information.

Potential Implications for Property

Oil and gas activity can affect property in the following ways:

• Properties with oil and gas infrastructure may have easements, surface use agreements, or mineral rights severed, which can affect future use or property value.
• In rare cases, legacy wells or pipelines may create title complications, particularly if improperly decommissioned or unmapped.
• New developments near oil and gas infrastructure must account for setbacks and other land use limitations.

If you're purchasing property, you are encouraged to consult with a real estate attorney or title professional to identify any subsurface agreements or nearby well infrastructure.

Community Benefits

Despite these risks, oil and gas development can also bring community benefits, such as:

• Local tax revenue that supports infrastructure, schools, and emergency services
• Open space preservation, often made possible through operator partnerships
• Community grants and investment programs

For example, the Town of Frederick partnered with EnCana Oil & Gas to enhance the Bulrush Wetlands on the Town’s west side.

Learn More or Ask Questions

For further information or concerns, contact:

Town of Frederick Oil & Gas Liaison: (720) 382-5649

Town of Frederick Planning Department: (720) 382-5610

ECMC (formerly COGCC): ecmc.state.co.us

Colorado Oil & Gas Health Information Response Program: cdphe.colorado.gov/oil-and-gas

Before beginning any construction, renovation, or land development near an oil and gas facility, it’s important to understand the applicable zoning regulations, building codes, and oil and gas setback requirements that apply to your property. Both the Town of Frederick and the State of Colorado have regulations designed to protect public safety, property rights, and critical infrastructure.

Setbacks and Development Restrictions

The Town of Frederick and the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) establish minimum setback distances between buildings and oil and gas infrastructure, including:

• Active and inactive wellheads (including plugged and abandoned wellheads).
• Flow lines, pipelines, transmission lines, gathering lines, etc.
• Production facilities.

These setbacks are designed to reduce potential safety hazards and ensure safe separation between industrial operations and residential or commercial uses.

Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code outlines local setback requirements and development standards near oil and gas facilities.

Some areas may also be subject to Surface Use Agreements or easements that grant oil and gas operators access to subsurface resources, even if they are not currently in use.

Surface Use Agreements and Operator Access

Property owners should verify whether a Surface Use Agreement (SUA) or Mineral Lease applies to their land. These agreements may:

• Limit or condition construction near future or existing well pads
• Require operators to retain access rights for maintenance, reentry, or future development

Even if a well site appears inactive or reclaimed, it may still require access for plugging, remediation, or monitoring, which can affect future development plans.

Safe Excavation and Utility Locates

Before digging for any reason (fencing, landscaping, foundation work, etc.), you are required by law to contact Colorado 811 to locate buried pipelines and utilities. Call 811 or visit Colorado811.org at least three business days before you dig to ensure you receive proper markings and utility clearance.

Building Permits, Zoning, and Land Use Review

If you are planning to build a home, business, addition, or subdivide property, you must first:

• Check zoning designations and land use allowances for your parcel.
• Consult with Town Planning Department Staff to determine if proximity to an oil and gas facility affects your plans.
• Submit all required documentation and receive approval before construction begins.

For information on, subdividing or rezoning your property, applying for a building permit, understanding oil and gas development constraints

Contact the Town of Frederick Planning Department at (720) 382-5610

Contact the Town of Frederick Building Department at (720) 382-5605

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649

Additional Resources

Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC): ecmc.state.co.us

Town of Frederick Land Use Code – Article 9

Colorado 811: colorado811.org or dial 811

Oil and gas infrastructure is a normal part of the landscape in energy-producing regions like Frederick, located within Colorado’s Wattenberg Field. Understanding how this infrastructure works can help you make informed decisions about health, safety, and property.

How does the oil and gas production process work?

When a new well is drilled and completed, it begins producing a mixture of oil, natural gas, condensate, and water directly from the underground formation. This mixture, known as wellbore fluid, is brought to the surface at a wellhead, typically secured within a fenced site and regulated by both state and local standards. From there, a system of flowlines transfers this mixture to nearby production facilities, such as tank batteries with separators, where the different products are separated and temporarily stored. Gathering pipelines then transport the processed oil, gas, or water to centralized processing plants or downstream infrastructure, where it is ultimately refined, marketed, and distributed for public use. Each step of this process—production, separation, transportation, and storage—involves specialized equipment and operations that must comply with strict federal, state, and local safety standards.

Are there risks associated with oil and gas infrastructure?

Yes. Like all industrial activities, oil and gas development carries inherent risks that can include equipment failure, leaks, spills, fires, or exposure to emissions. These risks can vary based on the age of the infrastructure, environmental conditions, and the proximity of homes or businesses to the site. That said, oversight and regulation have increased significantly in recent years. In Frederick oil and gas operators must follow Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code (LINK), in addition to meeting requirements set by the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and federal agencies. This includes half-mile notification requirements to all residents for proposed new well sites, and permits go through a quasi-judicial process, allowing for public comment and review by the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees. Inspections are conducted by the ECMC and the Town’s own inspection program, which is currently in development. Furthermore, regulations now require secondary containment structures such as earthen berms and impermeable liners, air quality monitoring, noise mitigation, fencing, and emergency access. These measures are designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of accidents.

What about health concerns?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) actively studies and monitors the public health effects of oil and gas activity. Their programs provide resources on air quality, exposure risk, and public health advisories related to proximity to oil and gas facilities. Residents can learn more or report health concerns directly through the CDPHE’s Oil and Gas Health Information & Response Program

What should I do if I notice a problem?

If you observe something unusual, like a strong odor, visible damage to equipment, or suspicious activity, take the following steps:

• Leave the area immediately if you believe there's a leak or immediate hazard.
• Call 911 to alert local emergency responders.
• Report the issue to the well operator (listed on site signage), the Town of Frederick, and the ECMC.

Unauthorized access to oil and gas sites is both dangerous and illegal, and could result in harm to people, property, and the environment.

Need more information?

To better understand oil and gas activity near your home or business:

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649

Visit the Energy & Carbon Management Commission website 

View the Town’s Land Use Code – Article 9

Learn about health programs at the CDPHE Oil and Gas Health Program

No, not as a private individual. Pump jacks and other oil and gas equipment are the private property of the operating company and are regulated by the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC).

Painting

Painting or otherwise modifying a pump jack is not allowed unless done by the operator in compliance with ECMC standards. These standards may include specific color requirements for visibility, corrosion control, and site identification. If you have concerns about a pump jack’s condition or appearance, contact the operator listed on the on-site signage or at our Oil & Gas Operators in Frederick section of the Town's Oil & Gas Information Hub section of the website.

Screening and Fencing

While safety and visibility remain top priorities, especially for emergency access, it is increasingly common for oil and gas facilities to include screening or fencing. This can include privacy fencing, sound walls, or landscaping, which help reduce visual and noise impacts. However, these measures are typically installed by the operator as part of an approved site plan, often required by the Town of Frederick through its conditional use permitting process.

Any screening must not interfere with site safety, visibility of critical infrastructure, or operator access. Residents cannot install screens or fencing themselves around pump jacks or other equipment.

If you’d like to know more about plans for a specific site or to offer feedback on visual impacts, contact:

The operating company

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649.

There are several resources available to help you learn more about oil and gas related infrastructure:

Regulatory Agencies and Information

• Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC)
  Formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the ECMC regulates oil and gas operations in Colorado.
  Website: ecmc.state.co.us
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
  Oversees environmental health aspects related to oil and gas activities.
  Website: cdphe.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Department of Revenue – Severance Tax Information
  Provides information on taxes related to oil and gas production.
  Website: tax.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Geological Survey
  Offers geological maps and publications related to oil and gas.
  Website: coloradogeologicalsurvey.org

Industry Associations

• American Petroleum Institute (API)
  Provides information on oil and gas industry standards and practices.
  Website: api.org
  
  
• Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA)
  Represents oil and gas companies operating in Colorado.
  Website: coga.org

Major Operators in the Area

• Occidental Petroleum Corporation
  Acquired Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in 2019.
  Website: oxy.com

Civitas Resources

        Formed through the merger of Bonanza Creek Energy, Extraction Oil & Gas, and Crestone Peak Resources.

        Website: civitasresources.net

Additional Resources

• Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Call Before You Dig)
  720.382.5500. Dial 811 before starting any digging projects to locate underground utilities.
  Website: colorado811.org
  
  
• Colorado Public Utilities Commission
  Regulates gas pipelines and other utilities.
  Website: puc.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Division of Oil and Public Safety
  Handles inspections and complaints related to service stations and storage tanks.
  Website: cdle.colorado.gov

Please note that while the Town of Frederick strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, contact details and organizational structures may change over time. For the most current information, we recommend visiting the official websites of the respective organizations.

If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649.

While mineral rights often supersede surface rights, the Town advocates for residents' interests and works to reduce impacts through planning and negotiation. All new wells being drilled must be approved through the conditional use permit process which includes a mandatory neighborhood meeting and must be presented to the Planning Commission then Board of Trustees for approval. All of the previously mentioned steps have opportunities for public comment.

Surface and mineral rights can be owned separately. If you don't own the mineral rights under your land, another party may have the legal right to access them.

Property values can be influenced by proximity to oil and gas operations. The Town aims to mitigate nuisances and maintain quality of life.

Residents can visit the Notification Center (Link), subscribe to Town newsletters, attend public meetings, and check the other areas of the Town's Oil & Gas Information Hub.

- The liaison gathers public feedback, communicates resident concerns to operators and regulators, and facilitates community meetings when needed. Additionally, residents are encouraged to attend public hearings and make public comment.

As in most industries, the oil field uses many abbreviations and terms that are difficult for outsiders to understand. The ECMC has a Glossary of Oil and Gas Terms, which is a good place to start.

Operators must follow detailed health, safety, and environmental regulations, including air monitoring, noise limits, dust control, and emergency response protocols. Specific answers can be found within the ECMC rules, in Town of Frederick Land Use Code, Article 9, the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Standards Document, the operations permit with the Town, or in the Oil and Gas Development Plans (OGDP) with ECMC.

In case of immediate danger, always call 911. For non-emergencies, the Complaints section of the website has various contact information and instructions on who to contact.

Most activities have some sort of impact on the environment around us, oil and gas development is no different. The ECMC, CDPHE, and other agencies monitor air, soil, and groundwater regularly. The Town works with operators to ensure best practices are used to limit impacts. ECMC rules and regulations dictate remediation of any oil and gas impacts, including reclamation of the land after the oil and gas infrastructure has been retired.

Yes. There are minimum setbacks required by Colorado law. The Town of Frederick has additional setbacks for active wellheads, plugged and abandoned wellheads, and active tank batteries/facilities that can be found in Town of Frederick, Land Use Code, Chapter 9 - Oil and Gas Drilling and Production.

Many of the oil and gas facilities process and separate crude oil, gas, and water before pipelines carry them to market or storage tanks. Older facilities may still truck the oil off-site. The Town reviews negotiates surface use agreements and traffic plans to minimize disturbances. Technologies like electric drilling rigs and sounds walls further protect nearby residents and businesses. Various rules and regulations require studies for noise, light, and traffic prior to accepting permits for new oil and gas developments.

The liaison serves are the point of contact between residents, operators, and local/state agencies. In addition to those responsibilities, the Oil and Gas Liaison reviews of planning documents, provides updates to Land Use Code, conducts oil and gas inspections, and process oil and gas related permits. All to help ensure oil and gas operations are conducted safely, transparently, and in compliance with all regulations.

Frederick is located within the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) basin, an area with plentiful oil and gas reserves. Many of the wells predate current residential development.

Oil and gas operations are regulated by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), our air is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Weld County, and the Town of Frederick, each with specific roles and oversight authority.

One resource is the ECMC Daily Activity Dashboard (DAD) which is a great tool to increase transparency and results can be custom tailored to show activities in Frederick only. Access the DAD and there are instructions on how to use the web-based platform. If any issues arise regarding oil and gas you can submit a report on the Town of Frederick website. 

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a common technique used in the DJ Basin, including Frederick. If fracking occurs in or near Frederick, it must follow strict state and local safety regulations.

Operators are required to notify nearby residents before drilling, all land owners and tenants within 1/2 mile must be notified of planned oil and gas developments in various stages of the permit application phase. In addition, the Town will post permit applications and notices on its website. It is also best practice for operators to notify residents before other stages of oil & gas development.

The Town of Frederick is a growing community that prioritizes economic vitality by bringing in businesses that enhance the quality of life in Frederick. The Silverstone Marketplace shopping center, being developed at the northwest corner of Colorado Blvd. and Hwy 52, will be the anchor for a new King Soopers Marketplace while providing approximately 75,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, and commercial space. We work to deliberately manage our growth in a responsible fashion based on community feedback.

Since 2010, the Town of Frederick has had an annual property tax called a Mill Levy, which has remained at a rate of 6.555 mills. One mill is equivalent to one dollar per $1,000 dollars of assessed value. Therefore, Frederick’s applied tax rate is $6.55 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. This rate was determined based on the original tax calculation when the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) was established on November 4, 1992. According to TABOR, any new tax, increase in tax rate, or higher mill levy compared to the previous year must be approved by the voters in advance. This ensures that any changes in taxes directly benefiting the local government must be supported by the community.

To give you an example, the City of Dacono currently has a mill levy rate of 25.099. This may be because they received approval from voters for higher mill levy overrides or debt issuance, which are paid back through increased taxes. Among other taxing entities in Weld County, the Town of Frederick actually has one of the lowest mill levy rates.

With completion of the Town’s first Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in 2021 one of the key short-term strategies to address transportation needs of the growing community were recommendations focused on improved intersection operations and added capacity at priority corridors. These projects include the installation of additional auxiliary turn lanes and new traffic signals to increase intersection capacity and operation efficiency to help reduce congestion. Additionally, ADA curb ramps, sidewalk connections and pedestrian crossing controls for increased multimodal public safety and improved drainage infrastructure are incorporated. An example of this effort can be seen at the intersection of Colorado Blvd and Tipple Pkwy and the Town Engineering Department is in process of several other intersection improvement projects. 

See the Transportation Master Plan

The Town of Frederick currently maintains more than 108 centerline miles of public streets. To manage this system, the Town Engineering Department uses a Pavement Management System to assist in evaluating the pavement condition, serviceable life and maintenance strategies for Town owned roads and alleyways. A Pavement Management System is a set of tools that includes software and engineering judgment to budget for and plan maintenance and rehabilitation projects to help minimize costs while improving overall pavement conditions. Elements of the Town’s Pavement Management System includes inventory, condition data, maps, software, and engineering judgment. Through the evaluation maintenance and rehabilitation projects of Town streets are organized yearly under the Pavement Maintenance Program. The methods used in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation include crack seal, chip seal, slurry seal, asphalt mill and overlays, roadway reconstruction, street concrete replacement (curb, gutter, cross-pans), and accessible ramp replacement as required. Both Frederick Public Works personnel and contractors participate in the application of the treatment methods. Current project locations as well as project history and future project planning can be found on our Pavement Maintenance Program map.

The Frederick Speed Management Program (FSMP) has been developed by the Town with the intent of reducing the negative effects of speeding traffic on neighborhood streets. The resident-initiated speed awareness program is aimed at addressing the issue by applying a combined approach of engaging the community, education, enforcement, and engineering traffic mitigation improvements. The FSMP helps to achieve the Town of Frederick’s Transportation Master Plan which prioritizes continuous improvements in safety and comfort for all modes of travel. If there are areas of speeding concerns, please visit our Speed Management Program page to learn how to become involved and for additional information.

The Town recently completed an update of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan which prioritizes major trail corridors both along arterial roadways and off-street trails and gives the Town the ability to require new developments to construct the trails as a part of their public improvements, to help make new development pay their own way. The Town’s Engineering Department recently completed a Transportation Master Plan which also identifies POST Master Plan projects and calls for trail installation along roads as they are developed in new areas or when existing roadways are considerably upgraded. Constructing trails along existing roads and within existing Right-of-Way can be difficult, because in most cases there is not enough room to construct a trail or when the road is upgraded, the trails would have to be removed or substantially altered. The Town’s Parks and Open Space Department is working on an internal action plan to identify and prioritize off-street trail segments, within the priority corridors, for new construction and for connecting existing missing segments, which should be complete in 2023.

The Arts In Public Places map displays the locations of artwork in Frederick, including wood carvings, sculptures, and murals. Residents can get involved and have a say in Frederick art by serving as a member of the Frederick Arts Committee. The Arts Committee serves as an advisory body to the Board of Trustees for the administration of the Art in Public Places Program. Committee responsibilities include advising the Board of Trustees on the pursuit and placement of art within the community.  Read up on the Arts Committee here

Frederick hosts multiple events throughout the year to bring the community together. With unique experiences like a hot air balloon festival, chainsaw carving competition, or a pack burro race, residents are sure to find an event that peaks their interest. There are sponsoring or volunteering opportunities as well. These events occur in Centennial Park, Crist Park, and throughout Frederick. Explore the events webpage for all of the details.

The Town offers numerous opportunities for residents to get involved and stay connected.

Boards/Commissions/Committees, Events, Surveys, Town Board Meetings, Neighborhood Watch, Town App, Sign-up for Town distributions (Frederick Flash, Newsletter, Email updates) social media.

Dig into the rich history and exciting future of Frederick by visiting our website and following our social media channels which include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, NextDoor, and YouTube. The Town website has a wealth of information to learn about the core services and programs that benefit our community.

You will receive phone calls when the Target Notification system is activated and your address is within the geographic area chosen to receive the notification message. The Target Notification system will only be activated for emergency purposes and community notifications that may directly impact your safety.

You can make a payment online at Municipal Online Payments, over the phone, by mail, in person, by using the Town's dropbox, or through your bank's bill pay. See all of your payment options here.

Bills are created and mailed out monthly at the end of the month. Most customers receive their bills by mail or email by the 5th of each month.

Payment must be received at Town Hall (401 Locust St.) no later than 5:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month to avoid being shut off. You can make a payment in person(401 Locust St.), over the phone (720) 382-5500, or online. 

The Town's water rates can be viewed on the fee schedule here.

Please follow the web link below for the Town's residential trash rates, which are reflected on page 12.

The Town of Frederick provides utility services to:

🔹 Frederick residents East of I25 - Water, Trash, and Stormwater services.

🔹 Frederick residents West of I25 - Trash and Stormwater services.

🔹 Evanston residents - Water and Stormwater services.

You will receive a bill from the Town for stormwater and trash services and in some cases water. 

Electricity is proved by United Power. 

Black Hills Energy is a natural gas provider.

Chapter 8 of the Municipal Code regulates storage of recreational vehicles on private property. It states:

(1) As the owner or operator of any recreational vehicle or utility trailer, it is unlawful to park any such vehicle on any public right-of-way, including any street, alley or public parking lot, except during the loading or unloading of such vehicle when such loading or unloading is completed within seventy-two (72) hours of such parking. A recreational vehicle may be parked in a public parking lot or private parking lot when such parking is in conjunction with personal or official business at the location of the parking, but in no event shall such parking extend longer than twenty-four (24) hours. The owner or operator of a recreational vehicle parked for longer than twenty-four (24) hours in a public parking lot or private parking lot may be charged with such violation upon complaint of the property owner or when the interest of public health safety and/or welfare dictate the necessity of charging such violation.

(2) An owner or occupant of private property may park or store on such property one (1) recreational vehicle and one (1) utility trailer that he or she owns. Unless parked or stored in an approved structure, such vehicle and trailer may be parked or stored in the backyard of the property, screened from view from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way. One (1) such vehicle may be parked in the driveway of the property. No recreational vehicle or utility trailer may be parked in such a manner as to create a traffic hazard or block passage on the sidewalk or other right-of-way.

(3) No person shall use any recreational vehicle or utility trailer for storage.

(4) No person shall use any recreational vehicle or utility trailer for the operation of a business or residence, while stored or parked.

(5) No mobile home may be located permanently or temporarily in any residential area unless said area is zoned for the same. (Ord. 966 §2, 2008; Ord. 1049 §§1, 2, 2010; Ord. 1226 §1, 2016)

Yes! However, dumpsters must be in your driveway or on your property. For emergency purposes, dumpsters must be out of right of ways, meaning alleys and roads. If a dumpster needs to be in the road, it is subject to ticketing and is at your own risk. 

For a private residential moves, you are able to have a POD or similar for up to 30 days. No permit is needed.  The temporary container needs to be on your property, in a driveway or yard, and out of right of ways, alleys and streets. If the container is in the street it is subject to ticketing. 

• Water and ice shield is required on eves and valleys.
• Inspections include mid roof and final
• Mid-roof inspection includes complete tear-off, all underlayment and flashing installed, and no shingles installed.
• If a mid-roof inspection is not done, a final inspection will not be performed. Roofing contractor will be required to tear off all shingles to complete the mid roof inspection.

A construction office trailer is a permitted use as long as there is an active building permit for the site. Please indicate where the trailer is on the site plan. If there is no active building permit, you will need to fill out a general construction permit for the trailer. If no permit is active, the permit fee is subject to doubling. 

During business hours, contact Public Works Operations at (720)382-5800.

Call the town's Public Works Department, 720-382-5800. The Public Works Department will contact a line maintenance technician to determine if the leak source is within the homeowner’s system or is the responsibility of the town.

Yes. Per Town ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any lot, block or parcel of ground within the Town, or for any agent in charge of such property, to allow any snow or ice to accumulate or remain upon any sidewalk alongside such property longer than twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the last accretion of such snow and ice.

The street next to your street is most likely a Tier 1 or Tier 2 route. Residential streets (Tier 3) are only plowed after snowstorms that produce over eight inches of snow within one 24-hour period. Check out our Snow & Ice Control Map for more information.

Plows are designed to push snow to the side. As a result, some snow is inevitably deposited at the end of driveways and onto sidewalks. Drivers plow at low speeds (10 to 15 MPH) to minimize this issue, but the problem becomes more challenging with greater snow accumulations. The Town will not plow "curb to curb". Instead, plows will make one path down the center of the road to help avoid snow being pushed into driveway and sidewalk areas.

Per Town ordinance, you will have 24 hours after the storm ends to shovel your walks. 

Unfortunately, no. With 102 center line lane miles of road in Frederick, public works crews must stay focused on opening streets for emergency vehicles. It would be extremely costly to the taxpayer for our crews to remove snow from driveways. Keep in mind that crews do not place snow intentionally in your driveways, it is just a result of the way the plow is built. The Town recommends plowing your driveways and sidewalks after Town crews are done, and the new ordinance allows for this by giving you 48 hours after a storm to shovel.

No, the Town does not plow alleys. Residents are asked to work with neighbors and contract with a private plow operator to keep alleys free of snow. Private operators need to keep in mind that snow cannot be piled on public right of ways. The Town also does not reopen access to alleys that may have snow deposited from Town plowing efforts.

Plow trucks distribute ice slicer granules early during a snow event rather than plowing snow.

Town staff determines when the downtown snow is hauled away based on the volume of snow on the ground, as that affects the main goal of keeping the emergency routes clear. This will be done early in the morning while traffic is low for safety purposes, as well as to keep interference with local business operations minimal.

Private business parking areas are not maintained by the Town.

• One tandem axle plow truck with spreader for abrasives
• Two single axle plow trucks with spreaders for abrasives
• Four one ton dump body trucks with spreaders for abrasives
• One John Deere 544 Loader
• One road grader
• One back-hoe with front bucket
• One mini-excavator with front blade
• One Kubota 4X4 with spreader for abrasives
• Sidewalk machine
• New purchase arriving in 2025 - Single Axle Plow 
• New purchase arriving late 2025 or early 2026 - Tandem Axle Plow 

The sales tax rate for the Town of Frederick is 3.5%

The mill levy for the 2020 budget year is 6.555 mills.

Frederick has two parks with pavilions that can be reserved. These include Frederick Recreation Area's Big Fred and Little Freddie and Crist Park.

To reserve, please visit our

Yes, the Town Manager generates a report which is submitted to the Board of Trustees prior to a regular board meeting, generally on a biweekly basis. View the Agenda Portal.

Hot air balloons can only fly under specific weather conditions. While it might look like a perfect day from the ground, pilots and safety officials must consider a wide range of factors before giving the green light. Safety is always the top priority in ballooning. Every decision is made with the well-being of passengers, pilots, and the community in mind. Here's why flights sometimes get canceled or delayed:

• Wind that's too strong
  • Wind is a big consideration in a safe launching. Balloons are large and require skilled control in strong winds. What feels like a light wind to you might still be too risky for a safe flight.
• Wind that’s too fast up high
  • It might feel calm on the ground, but winds can be much stronger just above treetop level. Pilots often release a helium balloon (called a “pi-ball”) to check. If it shoots off fast at altitude, it’s not safe to fly.
• No wind at all
  • Too little wind is also a problem. If the balloon doesn’t move much, the pilot could end up stuck above an area with no safe place to land, like power lines, water, or dense trees.
• Wind heading in the wrong direction
  • Ballooning is an adventure. Since pilots don’t have the same steering capability as more developed aircraft, pilots must consider the wind direction that will take them to open, safe landing spots.
• Dew Point and Visibility
  • Yes, the dew point can indirectly affect hot air balloon flights. A high dew point means more moisture in the air, which increases the chance of fog or low cloud cover. These conditions reduce visibility and make it dangerous for pilots to take off, land, or navigate safely.
• Wet or muddy ground
  • After rain, even if the skies clear, the ground might be too soft. Balloon baskets can tear up muddy fields, which causes problems for landowners and pilots alike.
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
  • On rare occasions, airspace is restricted for security reasons, like when Air Force One is nearby. That applies to balloons, too.

Hot air balloon weather conditions are contingent upon many factors including wind, clouds, fog, and rain. If there is inclement weather that prohibits safe flying, we will post an update on our Frederick In Flight website event page, add a News & Highlights news flash on the website homepage, and post on social media (Facebook and Twitter) as soon as we are notified by the Hot Air Balloon event producer and FAA. Cancellation of the morning events can come at any time before scheduled lift-offs at 6 am. 

Yes! Breakfast vendors are available starting at 5 am on mornings sessions of the event. During the Saturday night Balloon Bash, a variety of food vendors will be onsite as well. 

Our hot air balloons are scheduled to go up around 6 am (weather permitting) so we recommend bundling up a bit! Bring a hat, gloves, and get a hot cup of coffee from our coffee vendor in the park.

Yes! You can sponsor a balloon for the event. The "Bucket List" sponsorship is $400 and includes a flight for two people (maximum) in a hot air balloon during one morning lift off. Anyone can sponsor a balloon, including a business, organization, or people. 

Balloon lift-off is weather-dependent, and you run the risk of cancellation. Sponsorship is non-refundable. Fill out the online Event Sponsor Form or call 720.382.5513 to lift off!

Yes! You can bring your fur baby on a leash. Please be aware events can be crowded and noisy. If your pup is hard to control or easily excited, Town events may not be a good idea.

No! The Town of Frederick is happy to provide its residents community events that everyone can participate in. Information Station Pre-Party, Frederick in Flight hot air balloon watching, and Saturday night Balloon Bash, are all free to attend. 

If you would like to support our events, food vendors will be at Frederick in Flight's balloon liftoffs and Balloon Bash offering excellent food. Local market vendors will also be onsite during the Balloon Bash for unique item purchases.   

If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon and support our pilots, you can become a Frederick in Flight Sponsor!

Ideal weather for hot air balloon flight consists of clear skies with good visibility, light winds on the surface, and moderate winds aloft (less than 25 knots at 9,000 ft above sea level). Pilots also look for good wind direction, generally winds out of the west, no cold front activity in the area, no precipitation in the forecast, and no forecast of developing windy conditions through the morning hours. Moderate temperatures also play a role as very hot temperatures affect balloon performance and safety.

Being a balloon-friendly property means allowing hot air balloons to land on your land. How will hot air balloons know that you're a balloon-friendly property? Here are a few criteria to consider: 

Safe landing area parameters for landowners who would like balloons landing on their property:

• The area must be large enough for the balloons to land, a minimum of about 100 ft by 100 ft, clear of trees, fences, power lines, buildings, livestock, and any other obstructions.
• The area must be accessible by the balloon chase vehicle for pack-up.
• The area needs to be dry with no ditches running through the area.
• Balloons will make noise with their burners, so make sure you do not have sensitive livestock near the area you would like balloons to land.
• Please indicate the area you would like the balloons to land with a white sheet spread out so it is visible from the air.

Thank you for considering making your property available for hot air balloon landings. If balloons land on your property, we hope you come out and introduce yourselves to the pilots and crews.

The Town of Frederick performs a pavement assessment every few years to determine pavement condition and maintain roadways on a five-year cycle depending on wear. Savannah was determined to need pavement maintenance and has undergone different treatment methods in this cycle: milling and overlay, patching, and crack seal in preparation for slurry seal.

You can still park in our driveway if there is no roadway closure. Remember that there may be some disruptions or blocked driveways for short periods when roadwork is happening directly in front of your home. Always be aware and respectful of “No Parking” signs placed in identified work areas to ensure a clear space for the contractor to work.  

For more impactful and comprehensive pavement treatments, such as mill and overlay or slurry seal, the vehicles would be moved to make room for the contractor, who would ensure the best quality product for the Town and its investment in roadway infrastructure. 

Summerfield subdivision in the Town of Erie.

The existing road and right-of way in the area is narrow. Due to the depth of utility installation the trench will cover a majority of the roadway surface which will be in close proximity and occupied by construction equipment and material.  

Carvers begin working on their log at 10 am on the Wednesday of the event week and must finish by 4 pm on Saturday.  

Our carvers will arrive at Centennial Park to pick logs and start their carvings at 10 am on the Wednesday of event week. Carvers will continue their carvings all day through Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Check out our event schedule on the main page for more details.

Market vendors will be at Centennial Park on the Saturday of the week's event! If you like homemade soaps, jewelry, jams, and baked goods, take some time to browse through our booths. Our small town markets are a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and find unique handcrafted items.

Carvings that are kept by the Town are spread out all around Frederick so that they can be visited and admired by all of the Town’s residents. If you would like to find a particular carving, check out our Arts In Public Places Map.

This event is all about the carvers! Chainsaw carving is an art combining modern tools (chainsaws) with the ancient art of wood carving. Our carvers depend on festivals and competitions to support their livelihood. You can support them by:

1. Visit carver booths to shop and purchase a unique wood carving.
2. Come to the quick carve auctions on Thursday and Saturday and bid on a quick carve. Go to the Town tent to sign up for a bid paddle. The quick carves start at 6 pm and carvers have one hour to create a one of a kind carving. Bid on a carving at the live auction that will take place in the park (near the carving area).
3. Meet the carver and purchase the masterpiece they are carving for the competition. You have four days to haggle with our carvers and finally buy that large wood carving for your property! How do I do this? Go to the event, watch the transformation and talk to the carver about your bid. Very important - review the Masterpiece Purchasing process!  The Town of Frederick Arts Commission will have the opportunity to outbid you. All bids will be finalized by the Town on Saturday, July 20 no later than 4 pm. Questions? Contact Jessica at 720.382.5512.

The public gets to vote on the Saturday of event week. See this year's schedule for details.

Yes! You can bring your fur baby on a leash. Please be aware events can be crowded and noisy. If your pup is hard to control or easily excited, Town events may not be a good idea.

Groundbreaking is anticipated in late 2023, with anticipated completion in 2025. There is preliminary interest in pad sites, which can be built while the anchor is being built.

There are several pad sites available as well as in-line tenant space opportunities. The status of for lease vs. for sale is subject to negotiation with the applicant developing the site and leasing brokers. 

Depends on pad, category or use, and spaces. The brokerage group doing the leasing is Crosbie Real Estate Group. They can provide additional information on site or pad specific questions regarding sales or leasing.

There will be one fueling center associated with King Soopers. This will be in addition to the existing Circle K which is located at the northeast corner of Hwy 52 and William Bailey . The proposed fueling center is proposed to be located along Colorado Blvd.

Pending Town approval. This along with all traffic improvements will be reviewed as part of the development review process. Improvements will be based on approved traffic impact studies and approved master plans. 

The anchor user will have some restrictions on users that would be viewed as competition (i.e. Target or a similar competitor wouldn’t be allowed to locate on the site). Other use restrictions are per the Land Use Code and Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay. Additional land use restrictions are included as a condition of assistance from the Frederick Urban Renewal Authority. Those restrictions include limitations on smoke/pipe shops, used goods for resale, outdoor storage (not associated with outdoor displays), new or used automotive sales and no more than one automotive wash facilities. As a matter of practice, uses like automotive service shops (i.e. Grease Monkey, Firestone Auto etc.) are only allowed to perform work inside enclosed bays and not outdoors. 

Minutes are not kept during neighborhood meetings. 

Architectural standards and design will adhere to Town development standards and adopted building codes. Specific construction types and methodologies will be driven by the end user. Buildings are required to have consistent architectural materials and material pallets throughout. 

The goal of a neighborhood center like this is to find ways to activate it morning, noon and evening. This includes ideally providing a variety of dining opportunities that cater to those needs. This approach includes quick service options, fast casual options and opportunities for sit-down options.

Crosbie Real Estate Group is managing the leasing efforts for this project. Their website is https://www.creginc.com/property/silverstone-marketplace/ and includes information on how to get in contact with the brokers.

The Board seeks to address some of the community’s most pressing transportation-related challenges, including traffic congestion, snow removal, pothole maintenance, and multimodal transportation options. Funds from a sales tax would be used to make a variety of improvements, including:

• Upgrading key intersections to reduce traffic congestion
• Bringing pothole management in-house to make year-round repairs
• Expanding snow removal capabilities to better clear roadways, especially during heavy snowfall 
• Adding multimodal connections such as paths, sidewalks, and trails to improve access to parks, open spaces, and downtown Frederick

There are many anticipated benefits, including:

• Reduced traffic congestion
• Increased intersection capacity and decreased wait times
• Improved commuter and pedestrian safety
• Decreased wear and tear on vehicles
• Faster response times and safer travel for first responders
• More pedestrian and bike-friendly connections

The proposed intersection upgrades would include:

• Auxiliary turn lanes
• Protected left-turn movements
• Striping and signage
• New traffic signals 
• Americans with Disabilities (ADA) curb ramps
• Sidewalk connections and crossing controls
• Drainage infrastructure, if needed (inlets, culverts, curb, and gutter) 

Yes. This project is an excellent example of how intersections throughout Frederick would be upgraded to reduce traffic congestion and improve commuter and pedestrian safety.

Improvements would first be made to the highest-priority intersection projects, located at:

• Silver Birch Boulevard and Godding Hollow Parkway
• Silver Birch Boulevard and Bella Rose Parkway
• Colorado Boulevard and Bella Rosa Parkway
• Silver Birch Boulevard and Tipple Parkway
• Aggregate Boulevard and Bella Rosa Parkway

Additional intersections throughout Frederick would be addressed as funds from the proposed sales tax become available. There are more than 25 intersections in need of upgrades. 

During times of heavy snowfall, road closures often occur because the Town does not have the resources to effectively clear the snow. Adding personnel and equipment would improve the Town’s snow removal capabilities, helping keep the roads open and safer to drive on.

To better address snow control in Frederick, especially during heavy snowfall, the Town proposes adding key snow control equipment, including a tandem snowplow, a 1-ton plow truck, a single-axle dump truck, a small loader, a plow blade for the larger loader, skid-steer front-end snow box and track attachments, and a street sweeper for the clean-up of abrasives after snow events.

Frederick currently outsources its pothole repair work, primarily during the summer months. This means potholes are not filled as rapidly or as often as needed. With voter-approved funding, equipment and personnel would be added to bring pothole maintenance in-house. This would enable quicker, more efficient year-round fixes. Funds would also be used to purchase the equipment and hot mix asphalt needed for timely regular maintenance.

Three new Public Works Street Department employees would be phased in to help make improvements, including pothole maintenance, snow control, and other duties.

To better connect our residents to our parks, open spaces, and the downtown area, a variety of multimodal projects are proposed, including: 

• No Name Creek Trail (3 separate projects)
• Fox Run Connector (3 separate projects)
• Carbon Valley Academy Link Trail
• Eagle Valley Connector
• Bella Rosa Parkway/CR 20 Trail 
• Godding Hollow North Trail
• Godding Hollow South Trail 
• Colorado Boulevard Trail
• Frederick Way/Downtown Frederick Trail 
• Godding Hollow/Boulder Ditch Connector

Traffic flow is the Town’s most pressing transportation challenge. Many of Frederick’s key roadways lack turn lanes, which causes traffic backups, congestion, and collisions, especially during peak travel times. With recent and projected population growth, the number of vehicles on the roads will only increase, making the problem worse. Adding auxiliary turn lanes and making other related intersection improvements would help improve traffic flow and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians. Funding is also needed to help improve snow removal, address year-round pothole repairs, and expand the Town’s multimodal transportation options. 

The longer we wait to address our transportation challenges, the worse—and more costly—they will become. With more than 90% of our residents commuting by vehicle, bottlenecks and unsafe intersections will only expand as the population increases. Construction costs are also on the rise, increasing approximately 6 percent annually. Addressing our roadway issues now protects residents and their vehicles, enhances our community’s infrastructure, and saves money.

A sales tax proposal means that everyone, including out-of-town shoppers, pays their fair share—not just Frederick’s homeowners.  

Residents are encouraged to participate in the Town’s online Transportation Survey. A link to the survey appears below.  

The final decision on whether to place a sales tax measure on the November 2023 ballot will be made by the Board this summer, allowing ample time for additional public input. 

Please contact:
Jason Leslie
Deputy Town Manager
720.382.5561

While Hwy 52 is maintained by CDOT, the Town continues to communicate resident and Town interests to our CDOT partners. In 2022, the Town entered in to a multi-jurisdictional access control plan that identifies when and where access onto and from Hwy 52 should occur. As development occurs along Hwy 52, developer improvements will be made to conform to all adopted plans and traffic studies. For example, the Town is currently reviewing plans for the proposed Silverstone Marketplace development at the northwest corner of Hwy 52 and Colorado Blvd. As part of that proposed project, the applicant will be proposing to make and fund several improvements in and around Hwy 52 including:

• Intersection improvements to Hwy 52 and Colorado Blvd. 
• Intersection improvements to William Bailey and Hwy 52.
• Improvements to Hwy 52 to include turns lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes approaching intersections.
• Hwy 52 widening adjacent to the planned development.
• Sidewalk installation along the north side of Hwy 52 providing pedestrian connectivity.
• Installation of a new intersection at 13^th St. and Colorado Blvd and extension of 13^thSt. to the West. 
• Improvements to Colorado Blvd. as needed to connect to Hwy 52 and the new proposed intersection at 13th St.

Two neighborhood meetings have already occurred for this proposed development and additional opportunities to provide input will be forthcoming during the summer. Staff anticipates going to Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees for review and consideration mid-late summer 2023.

To contact CDOT directly: Richard.christy@stateco.us 970.350.2368

The current combined sales tax rate in Frederick is 6.4% which the Town of Frederick receives 3.5% and the remaining 2.9% goes to the State of Colorado. The Town of Frederick’s 3.5% sales tax revenue is split three ways: general sales tax (2%), public safety (1%), and open space (.50%). If a 1% sales tax (or approximately $2.1-2.4 million depending on economic conditions) were to be approved, it would go towards transportation infrastructure and maintenance. 

The current Open Space sales tax is limited to the purchase, improvement, and maintenance to open space and trails. As the definitions of open space versus parks continues to blur, we are taking a proactive, transparent approach and reevaluating both our current and future needs to ensure current tax revenues are responsibly invested in the future.

The Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Commission advises the Board of Trustees and Town Staff on all matters pertaining to parks, open space and trails. It consists of seven members, all of whom must be bona fide residents of the Town. The Board of Trustees makes the appointment of seven members to staggered four-year terms.

The Town created a dedicated Parks and Open Space Department in 2022 and under direction from the Board of Trustees, they are taking a holistic approach to the long-term maintenance, expansion, and improvement of all outdoor recreation resources. By reducing limitations on the Open Space sales tax, Town staff could implement improvements outlined in community-driven planning initiatives, such as the Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan, as they are prioritized by the Community, not by what specific funds are available. Those plans call for continued expansions to the Town’s trails system as one of the highest priorities.

No. The Town is not considering raising the Open Space sales tax from its current rate of 0.5%. The Town is only considering modifying the potential use of revenues to include all parks, open space and trails.

Yes. The Town is proposing to limit the revenues to be expended on maintenance, expansion and improvements to the parks, open space, and trails system. However, since trails are a critical transportation function, the funds may be utilized to create multi-modal trails along street corridors, such as the trail along Colorado Boulevard.

1. The continued development of the Town’s trail system, which is partially funded and/or constructed by new developments as they are built. 
2. Improvements to Frederick Recreation Area, including expanded recreational access and improved water quality at Milavec Reservoir and expanded park, open space and trails amenities in the Marx Open Space, near the Frederick Skate Park. These improvements are being prioritized and planned under the Community Parks Master Plan, an ongoing, community-driven planning process.
3. Improvements to Centennial Park, including additional trails and neighborhood connections, improved event infrastructure for Town events such as Frederick In Flight, Chainsaws and Chuckwagons and Miner’s Day as well as park, open space and trails amenity improvements throughout the park. These improvements are being prioritized and planned under the Community Parks Master Plan, an ongoing, community-driven planning process.
4. Improvements to existing neighborhood parks, including improved playgrounds, sport courts, trails and other amenities, increased water conservation efforts such as additional shade trees, conversion of cool-season turf to warm-season turf or native grasses, increased xeriscaping instead of turf and improvements to existing irrigation systems.
5. Ongoing maintenance of existing Town parks, open space and trails assets.

1. The Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District (CVPRD), a special district established in 1983 to serve Frederick, Dacono, Firestone and surrounding rural areas, manages three facilities and a variety of recreational programming in their service area. The Carbon Valley Recreation Center, Carbon Valley Gymnastics/Senior Center and the CVPRD Firestone Studio/Administrative Offices are their primary facilities. They offer recreational programming at many Town managed parks, such as Centennial Park.
2. While the Town and the District collaborate closely, the Town has no involvement in the management of the Recreation, Senior or Gymnastic Centers and this proposed modification of the Open Space Sales Tax would not go to any improvements or maintenance to those facilities. However, the Town will continue to partner with CVPRD to best utilize recreational resources for the residents of Frederick wherever feasible.  

We are investing in additional resources including two new staff members, new equipment such as a snowplow, a weather station to let our staff know about conditions on the ground, cameras, and GPS for our snowplows. Additionally, the Town uses a pavement management system to evaluate road conditions and schedule things like road repairs needed.

There's several oil and gas facilities throughout the Town of Frederick. Over the years Frederick has maintained a position of trying to make sure that the operators are being responsible in the extraction of those minerals within Frederick. So, we’re working with our regional and state resources and partners to help work with the oil and gas community to make sure that as any of those operators winding down operations, they're doing so in the most expedient and responsible and environmentally safe manner possible.

The board recently passed a resolution setting a ballot question that would go out to the voters to ask the voters if open space could be broadened to be used for parks and related types of amenities as well. So that will be appearing on the November ballot, which is coordinated with the county.

The short answer to your question is yes. Residents can expect additional improvements to infrastructure in the Town of Frederick. A couple of years ago, the Town Board approved the Transportation Master Plan that identified improvements focused on intersection widening, curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements. The first one we were able to complete was Colorado Boulevard and Tipple. It has definitely relieved congestion throughout the peak hours. As we move forward, we're looking to replicate that type of improvement to several intersections in town. Our Transportation Master Plan identified locations where the need for this level of improvement, such as the turn lane and the widening can be put into place. We are looking at areas like Silver Birch and Bella Rosa, and Silver Birch and Godding Hollow. We were recently awarded a grant for Colorado Boulevard and Bella Rosa, it was approximately $2 million for the DRCOG grant project there. That is a joint effort with the Town of Firestone.

Also, we anticipate sharing more surveys and opportunities for our residents to tell us what's important to you. Over the summer, we asked a lot of questions about transportation related to your commute, your feeling of safety while driving throughout the Town of Frederick? We heard very loud and clear that there are some challenges with our infrastructure as it pertains to congestion and safety concerns. So as this Board will not be moving forward with a tax initiative to support some of those infrastructure changes, we want to ensure your safety and your quality of life.

Throughout the course of this last year, the team has been working hard to engage the community across the entire Town of Frederick to find out what they envision for the future of the downtown. Questions about the types of amenities that would help activate the downtown. And what would help drive them to want to come to the downtown. We're excited to have received nearly a thousand responses every time we've gone out and asked the community to give us their feedback. As we go into the next six months, we'll be working on drafting that plan, and we'll again want to come back to the community for input to find out what do they like, what do they have concerns about, so we can make sure that plan is reflective of the wishes of the community.

The town is currently reviewing plans for the proposed Silverstone Marketplace Development, which is coming at Highway 52 in Colorado Boulevard, with the Anchor Store King Soopers there. One of the major questions we get is about the congestion and the improvements coming for Highway 52. As a staff, we meet with CDOT regularly. We meet with our MPO, which is a planning organization where we can request funding called DRCOG. CDOT has indicated that a big resurfacing project will happen on 52. And while it won't widen anything, it will improve the drivability, the potholes, the cracking out there. They're planning on that for probably the end of 2025, beginning of 2026. And that'll go all the way from I-25 to Highway 85. It's a big improvement that we are looking forward to. 

As developments come in, we will see the opportunity to widen lanes to help with congestion issues, intersection improvements, and making sure that development pays its own way. 

Another area that we're focused on is working with our neighbors to the south of Highway 52 and the city of Dacono. We've been meeting with them regularly to identify areas where we can collaborate. So it's got a little bit of a regional aspect to it, but we've been big advocates lately for improving Highway 52 and we want to make sure that continues. 

As a resident of the Town of Frederick your voice can be heard by advocating for this region or for Highway 52 improvements in particular, a couple of things that you can do. There was a survey at one point from CDOT in particular that they asked questions of our area on the conditions of Highway 52. Unfortunately, that survey has closed, but they do have help information, phone numbers listed on their website that we're happy to provide. They are always welcome to share your feedback if you see any areas of concern specifically related to safety. 

As the Board of Trustees and staff, we work with our state representatives, Representative Parenti in particular has been helping us advocate our voice in the town of Frederick to expedite attention to Highway 52. I would implore you to get involved with your congressional leaders, house district leaders, and state representatives. You have a few of them who are running for election now and making sure that your voice is heard loud and clear that Highway 52 is a safety concern that needs to be addressed now. 

I don't know if you've been out on the Frontage Road at Tipple where it connects to the I-25 Frontage Road. That was a project the Town took the lead on and worked with CDOT to get a street light put up. And it's also something where as long as the Town shows the initiative and wants to see that improvement done, we can definitely work with our state transportation organization in getting that done. So yes we could look into and talk to CDOT and make sure that it's something that meets their requirements and that it feels like the right thing to do in that location.

Our department launched a long-term planning effort for the area around Milavec called the Community Parks Master Plan. It focuses on future improvements to that area, including the reservoir, Bella Rosa, a golf course, and Centennial Park. The primary focus of that plan is for it to be a community-driven process so that we can shape the next 20 to 30 years of those improvements. That process is currently ongoing. We have a project website and you can visit Frederickco.gov to get there. We have some initial concepts for the area that were developed from the initial surveys and comments that we received from people this summer and we would very much love to get everyone's feedback on those concepts. We'll work over the next 10 to 12 months to refine those concepts based on more input we receive from the community to figure out what those areas are going to look like.

Yes, the fire district, it is a separate entity from the Town of Frederick. They do have a new fire station that is currently in the construction process in Windham Hill. I believe it will be done probably in the first quarter or close to the second quarter of 2024.

The board has prioritized the Bella Rosa golf course in the strategic plan. There were some difficult decisions made this last year to shut down the full-service restaurant due to the subsidies needed to keep that running. We looked to push that money towards improving the short-term playability of the golf course. And there's stuff in the Community Parks Master Plan that ties in. Some initial improvements that we've heard already from the community that they'd like to see are improved playability, wider fairways, more parking, and things like that. But again, nothing is definite yet. We're still taking public input and we want to hear from you.

In our short-term trail planning, we've focused on some of those missing segments that are in town. A number of our trails are built as development in the community comes along. And as that comes along, oftentimes there are segments that are missing from one neighborhood to another. So those are the first things that we're prioritizing for the next three to five years. Longer term for the priority trail system, our POST Master Plan prioritizes a number of corridors around town. Typically, those align with major transportation corridors. So oftentimes those trails are improved as development comes along and those transportation corridors are improved. And we do that because we're able to leverage additional funds from those developers so that it's not entirely taxpayer dollars that are footing the bill to construct those.

One way we're approaching soliciting feedback is through our Comprehensive Plan update. We’ve asked what type of amenities community members want to see in the Town of Frederick and we utilize that information in our retail attraction strategy. We also have a retail consultant that works on behalf of the Town of Frederick to help bring potential opportunities to Frederick for consideration. 

We've completed a retail attraction strategy as well to help quantify what opportunities might be a good fit for Frederick and then as was mentioned in one of the earlier questions about the upcoming Silverstone Marketplace with King Soopers as the anchor, the applicant who's going to be developing that site and the broker from the real estate group have opened their doors to feedback from the community to understand what types of shops community members want in that shopping center. So, if there's something that the community is lacking they can try to attract some of that. On the other hand, if we have too much of something then they can take that feedback as well. 

One other thing that I hope our community members will appreciate is that we do hear back all the time about the importance of the small-town feel of Frederick and that while we are growing and while change like these amenities needs to come, a lot of consideration is made to ensure we preserve the town heritage and atmosphere. We don't want to lose FRED in growth and I think that our Board and especially all of our staff members who are helping us as we go through this growth are doing a fantastic job to make sure that we can do both responsibly and hand-in-hand.

We have over 20 neighborhood parks in the Town of Frederick so maybe outside of this call if you don't mind sharing specifically which park you'd like some special attention to. We just started the department in January of 2022 so short-term we're really focused on improving our institutional capacity and that's to improve maintenance of the things that we already own as a town including the neighborhood parks, open spaces, trails. By doing that we'll improve staff training, operational planning, additional staffing, and new and improved equipment, so we're still working through some of that. In the long term, we're also simultaneously taking a holistic planning effort and approach to figure out what the priority improvements are in all of our neighborhood parks. We have 20 of them so we're trying to figure out what areas we need to focus on first with the resources that we have today - what can be improved, how can we incorporate water conservation efforts in those, are some of the things that we're looking at long-term.

Our Transportation Master Plan identified several intersections and one of those is the Silver Birch and Bella Rosa intersection that's needed to be widened. We are taking the template that you see at Colorado Boulevard and Tipple and the improvements to replicate that throughout the town. We are looking at a phased approach for the intersection of Silver Birch and Bella Rosa. We'll have an interim design that's going to add some turn lanes and then as development and traffic builds out in that area we're going to look to put in the sidewalk improvements, ramps, striping, and traffic signals.

That intersection was one that the Town of Frederick and Firestone teamed up to request grant money to do some big improvements. We were able to acquire $2 million to help put in bigger turn signals, and widen that intersection. It'll connect down into Bella Rosa, and so we've got trail improvements planned there. So, yeah, just a general intersection improvement. Typically, there's some right-of-way acquisition that has to happen too. And as we expect to start design, I'm going to guess the end of this year, early '24, will be identifying areas of need for that intersection to improve. 

But it is a positive that both Frederick and Firestone are looking to improve that. That is our town boundary line with them, and so both of us have definite needs to see that area widened and improved. This intersection was on our Capital Improvement and Transportation Master Plan Improvement project list last season because I believe there were some drainage components and some engineering work that needed to be done prior to. 

If you look at the golf course and the water from drainage that comes through Bella Rosa, drains to the north across Bella Rosa, you'll see that box culvert improvements are needed. And so, the timing of those improvements, so we're not impacting the citizens continually is something we're coordinating and making sure that we're doing the best for our residents.

You've stumped the entire room in the town of Frederick Town Hall. I don't believe we are aware of a fire station in that particular location at this time.

A17 Ridgeway has been improved to its ultimate configuration to the very north border of the Town of Frederick. You'll notice it does turn to dirt when it gets into Firestone. As you continue north into what they call Frontier, we're crossing a jurisdictional boundary there that they'll have to take the lead and ownership of that improvement going north. So Frederick has done a great job improving its roadway of its improvements to Ridgeway going north to the end of our town boundary.

About a year ago, we adopted a water efficiency plan. That plan focused around conservation measures. The Board directed staff to hire someone who could specialize in championing programs and projects all focused around conservation. And we've done that. Kylie, is our water conservation specialist. She's been championing a lot of programs related to landscape modifications and water modifications. 

Conservation is kind of a new area where the board has really focused on making a measurable improvement on our water usage of the town. We're not going to be putting water that really is good treated water on the ground to water turf areas. 

We're going to be making modifications that we have raw water and we have less need for high-level turf. I'll add internally our parks department obviously were one of the larger water users in town and so we've been working very diligently to implement that water conservation plan internally. We have two staff that are certified irrigation auditors that's made us more efficient by being able to program our controllers to be more responsive to what's going on with the environment. To that end we are working to install smart irrigation controllers. We've done about six parks already this year and we hope to finish the rest of the irrigation systems in 2024. Those will allow us to control those systems from anywhere on earth with an internet connection so the rains or it's windy or anything like that we're able to turn those off and then long-term as we look to improve those neighborhood parks like I mentioned before really taking a hard look at what turf do we need for active use. Are there areas that we can have more native planning? Are there areas where we can limit some of that non-functional turf? So those are all some of the short long-term things that we're looking at internally.

The Town takes transparency very seriously. Our strategic plan helps us to achieve that. It is continually being developed, reviewed, and redone as necessary. All of our board meetings are live streamed, and if you miss one the video is posted to our website. We also have community tour and talks, offering an opportunity to talk with our staff members and elected officials. We hold public meetings and conduct surveys to get community feedback. Additionally, all Trustees and Mayor Crites phone numbers and email addresses are on our website. FrederickCO.gov 

We also encourage residents to download our town app, there's a transparency portal there. Just in terms of your concern that goes through the app, you can see when it's submitted, who it's submitted to, and when the issue will be resolved. So it doesn't go into a dark hole and there's transparency in regards to that. 

The board has been working very diligently on adopting a code of ethics, as well as working on developing a transparency portal on our website. On our website currently, there's a whole page dedicated to the strategic plan. The strategic plan is the vision of the community where the board has collected feedback from the community and formed that into a plan, and that certainly has quite a bit of information on there.

That particular area we have attempted to tie this to development improvements that are also going on along Ridgeway with a project that's been in and out of activity. And so we may be getting to a point where we need to, as a Town, make some decisions about making these improvements ahead of this development.

William Bailey will go all the way, not all the way through the entirety of the town, but from Tipple to Highway 52. What we run into with your question is another jurisdiction to the north of us in Firestone has to also align and have the same roads that will extend all the way through. As development comes in, I think we get a little challenge to make sure those continuous connections happen in that manner. In regards to paving dirt roads, our team has a very robust program within the Town of Frederick that all dirt roads receive some type of maintenance at least monthly. 

In addition, there are some dirt roads that receive more, but we are aware of the dirt roads and the conditions and we work to improve in the best that we can. As part of that, within our Transportation Master Plan. It focuses on high volume traffic areas and addressing those needs first and those typically fall within intersections because it's serving a much broader population. So, within that Transportation Master Plan, it identifies those priorities as intersections first and then those things that have lesser traffic that are further on the list.

Frederick is a Statutory Town, which means that it follows state laws in its structure and operation.  Six Trustees and one Mayor serve as elected officials to guide the Town through the “big picture” of establishing mission/vision/goals.  The Mayor serves as the presiding officer for the Town Board meetings but does not carry any additional voting weight.  The Mayor may be part of ceremonial events as the spokesperson for the Town.  

Most municipal candidates spend their own funds to campaign and/or may receive donations toward their campaign.  There are specific rules and filing requirements regarding this.  This information may be obtained at Town Hall and will be provided to you at the time you pick up a petition packet.

You may place campaign materials in any private property location where you have permission from the property owner.  You may not place materials on public property or in the public right of way (for example, on utility poles).  You also may not campaign at Town Hall or within 100 feet of the building.

You may register or make changes to your registration online at the Secretary of State’s website: GoVoteColorado. Voter registration is also available at Town of Frederick Town Hall (401 Locust St.), the Weld County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, and any Colorado motor vehicle or driver’s license office. 

If you are temporarily away from home (but not moving), you may apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to a temporary address.  Contact the Town Clerk’s office to apply.

The Town Clerk’s office can assist you in getting a replacement ballot.  Once a replacement is issued, the original one becomes void.

Unlike the elections that you experience at the County level, municipal elections do not have Vote Centers.  However, you are able to vote in person by bringing your ballot to Town Hall and depositing it in the drop box there.  If you receive a replacement ballot, you may vote it immediately at Town Hall.

The Town of Frederick values the right of every eligible voter to vote.  An Election Worker at Town Hall can provide assistance so that you are able to cast your ballot in a confidential and secure manner.  

An election judge is required by law to be a registered voter in the State of Colorado.  You do not need to be a resident of Frederick.  

Judges will work in teams to verify eligibility of ballots received.  This involves a great level of attention to detail and the ability to work as a team with others.  It is important that the group contains persons with the ability to use a computer to manage the data on an Excel spreadsheet, and to conduct a basic search from a web-based database.  The votes will be tallied using machines designed for that purpose.  Judges will receive training in operating these machines, but should have the natural aptitude toward operation of business machines in general.

Judges will be required to attend a training session and work the following shifts:  

Please note that while these are the anticipated work times, some flexibility may be available depending on team scheduling. We encourage anyone interested to apply even if they are unsure they can attend every listed hour.

• Monday, March 30: Mandatory training and first shift from 10 am to 5 pm
• Tuesday, March 31, from 1 pm to 5 pm
• Friday, April 3, from 1 pm to 5 pm
• Monday, April 6, from 9 am to 5 pm
• Tuesday, April 7: Election Day from 9 am to 11 pm or until finished 
• Tuesday, April 16: post-election from 7:30 am to 9 am 

March 30 and April 7: Mandatory – All judges must attend
March 31, April 3, April 6, and April 16: Optional – Most judges will be needed, but not all will be required to attend.

This role is considered a volunteer position.  However the Town will pay you $15.00 per hour for the actual hours worked or attending training.

Interested parties can complete and submit the online application to be considered for an Election Judge position for the 2026 election. Apply by the deadline of March 15, 2026

Since the completion of the Public Works facility, the Town’s population has grown from less than 10,000 to over 17,000. The new Public Works building is being constructed based on a space needs analysis with data related to staffing and sustainability for the next 50 years. The space will be sufficient to store necessary equipment to bring outsourced services in-house for improved services to residents and offer multi-purpose space.

Our facilities planning aligns with the directives outlined in our Strategic Plan, which the Board has emphasized due to resident input. They have highlighted the need for facilities master planning and improvements in services like asphalt patching and snow control.

Strategic Plan 4.1 Complete work on a short-term and long-term Master Plan taking into account the growth needs of the Town.

1. Enhance Town Infrastructure
2. Leveling up Services (snow, pothole maintenance) - bring inhouse - req’s storage equipment (We’ve heard you)
3. New Parks and Open Space Dept.

Q3: What was the process for evaluating sites for the new Public Works facility?

A3: The Town hired the firm Stantec to evaluate and analyze six other sites across town on a 40-50 data points of criteria which fell in the categories of:

Functional: size/shape, site access, traffic & site circulation, connectivity, environmental

Land Use / Community: zoning, policy and community support, safety, land use & urban design

Implementation: land acquisition/displacement, site preparation, cost

We will not have a total cost estimate until the final phase of design. However, as stewards of public resources the Town will consider phasing opportunities of building to complete the project as a 50-year building.

Certificates of Participation (COP's)

• Certificates of Participation (COPs) are a form of lease-purchase financing and are one of the most common financing methods used by Colorado local governments to construct capital improvements.
• In a COP transaction, the issuer leases the identified property to a trustee pursuant to a site lease and then leases the property back from the trustee pursuant to a lease purchase agreement (lease). Lease payments are subject to annual appropriation by the governing board of the issuer from any legally available funds and such payments are used to pay debt service on the COPs.
• The issuer renews the lease annually by appropriating sufficient funds to make the next year’s lease payments as part of its annual budget process.  If payment is not appropriated for the coming year, the issuer loses its right to occupy and utilize the leased facility until the end of the site lease; however, the issuer would continue to own the leased property.
• When the lease is paid off, the issuer has purchased the trustee’s leasehold interest in the leased property, which is no longer encumbered by the lease.  
• COPs and other annually-appropriated lease financings are not considered to be multi-year financial obligations under Colorado law.

We will continue to provide updates as we make further progress on this project. Residents can reach out to us with any questions or concerns they may have.

The Town conducted a Water Rate Study in 2023-24 to address rising costs and ensure there is enough money to:

•    Maintain and improve the water system
•    Purchase water rights
•    Participate in major projects like NISP

The study found that current water rates fall short of providing enough revenue. The rate adjustment would:

•    Cover costs for NISP (79% of the increase)
•    Address higher operations and maintenance costs (9.3%)
•    Support new capital improvement projects (11.7%)

• The community outreach process began in August 2024 with a survey and comment form posted on the Town website. This allowed residents to review findings from the water rate study and select their preferred water rate option.
• From August 2024 through January 2025, the Town provided regular updates across its communication channels, keeping residents informed about the status of the water rate adjustment, estimated rates for the most favored option, and opportunities to share feedback.
• The survey results, including the community’s preferred water rate option and resident comments, were presented to the Board of Trustees for consideration in adopting a water rate adjustment.  

The Water Fund relies on revenues from Water Share Fees (developers pay for water rights in the building permit process). These revenues, called Capital Contributions, are unpredictable and hard to plan for. Here’s a look at how these revenues have changed:

•    2019: $4,930,586

•    2020: $7,483,977

•    2021: $11,731,714

•    2022: $6,239,219

•    2023: $6,887,160

•    2024 (estimate): $2,705,343

•    2025 (estimate): $2,895,000

As you can see, these revenues are decreasing, which impacts the fund’s ability to pay for future projects.

•    The Water Fund’s 2023 year-end Net Position (the difference between assets and liabilities) is $133,677,506.

•    Of this, $97,827,177 is invested in capital assets (such as equipment, infrastructure, and water rights).

•    The Unrestricted Net Position, which can be used for projects or other expenses, is $35,850,329.

•    Colorado Big Thompson Unit Water Purchases: ~$2,100,000 annually - Why are Colorado Big Thompson Unit Water Purchases necessary?

The Town's water supply plan identified purchasing at least 30 units of CBT each year. This purchase allows the Town to build up units to meet the existing obligations to provide CBT in lieu to meet previous agreements while also building a credit bank to provide flexibility for commercial development incentives and to be used within the Town's Water Allocation and Reservation program. 

•    Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP): ~$2,200,000 annually - What is NISP? The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) is a critical project that will:

Provide the Town with 2,600 acre-feet of water annually for drinking water and some non-drinking uses after wastewater treatment.

Help ensure a long-term water supply for the growing community.

Participation in NISP is expensive, and the Town may need additional funding (like bonds) if it increases participation to secure more water.

•    Windy Gap Storage: ~$900,000 annually - Why is Windy Gap Storage necessary?

The Town funds Windy Gap Storage because Windy Gap water cannot be diverted for treatment every year due to variability. To address this, the Town needs storage for available Windy Gap water to use in future years when it is unavailable. Per decree requirements, this water can only be stored in specific reservoirs, with limited capacity. The Town has an agreement with the owners of Dry Creek Reservoir, which meets these requirements. Over the past few years, the Town has been diverting water into this storage. This year, the storage is expected to reach capacity, enabling the Town to begin treating Windy Gap water for delivery to residents.

These three obligations alone will use up the unrestricted funds in less than seven years.  

The Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) is a critical project that will:

•    Provide the Town with 2,600 acre-feet of water annually for drinking water and some non-drinking uses after wastewater treatment.

•    Help ensure a long-term water supply for the growing community.

Participation in NISP is expensive, and the Town may need additional funding (like bonds) if it increases participation to secure more water.

Our community continues to grow and plan responsibly; we work to plan strategically long into the future. Yes, we have proposed four baseball and softball fields and two soccer fields at Frederick Recreation Area, and those will likely be the priority for construction prior to this area. However, as the Town grows, that number of fields will not be enough to serve our community. We've proposed two baseball and softball fields and soccer fields for this area to accommodate additional future growth.

The Town purchased this land in 2018. It was purchased for the water rights associated with it, to supplement the Town's non-potable water portfolio, and to serve as open space. However, with community outreach in 2020, as reflected in the 2021 Parks, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan, residents indicated that they desired an additional regional or community park and open space to serve the growing population of Frederick west of I-25. Instead of buying an additional 25 to 40 acres west of I-25 for a new community park, Town staff believe it would be a better use of taxpayer money to explore using this existing Town-owned land and gather community input on the idea.

This project aims to create a vision and goals for Town staff to refine this area over the next several years. One consideration will be to identify funding for this area and prioritize construction phasing based on our outreach in this planning effort. It will likely take 20 to 30 years, at a minimum, to fully realize the vision for this area. Still, projects such as passive trails, trailheads, and vegetation improvements would likely occur sooner.

The Town would have a variety of funding sources, but the emphasis in our strategic planning would be on new development fees as the primary funding source. Additionally, the Town has a 0.5% sales tax dedicated to Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails. In addition, the Town can apply for and receive a number of local, state, and federal grants. We continually focus on ensuring funding exists to construct new amenities and provide for long-term, sustainable maintenance.

The Town of Frederick has a Transportation Master Plan that calls for long-term improvements to the Town's road system. If constructed, this park and open space would follow the Plan's recommendations to enhance intersections, roadways, and ingress/egress to the parking areas using proper traffic engineering planning. Since the most active amenities in this area will likely be built in the future, new developments would necessitate roadway improvements before construction of the park and open space began.

While this proposal does call for active use recreation, the vast majority, approximately 80%, of the property will be converted from agricultural production to native grasslands and will restore and enhance several wetlands on the site. Our goal with the open space portion of the land will be to preserve natural resources, significantly strengthen them, and allow for passive recreation in those areas on paved and unpaved trails.

Most likely. The proposed baseball and softball fields at this area and Frederick Recreation Area would be programmed by the local Recreation District and would likely hold youth and adult activities in the evenings. However, the impact of lights on neighboring residents is a key finding of our community engagement, and any lights will be downward facing, with zero horizontal light pollution. We would develop a policy that they are only utilized by a reasonable cutoff time of day and only during programmed sports events.

No. The CVPRD is a separate entity from the Town. However, we collaborate very closely with the district. Once a new Town park is completed, the CVPRD may offer recreational programming to the area's residents and children.

This proposal calls for this area to be a major trailhead and access point to the Frederick Central Loop Trail, a priority goal of the Town's 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Over time, the Central Loop Trail will connect several neighborhoods, arterial roadways, and commercial/mixed-use centers throughout Frederick.

Our community continues to grow and plan responsibly; we work to plan strategically long into the future. Yes, we have proposed four baseball and softball fields and two soccer fields at Frederick Recreation Area, and those will likely be the priority for construction prior to this area. However, as the Town grows, that number of fields will not be enough to serve our community. We've proposed two baseball and softball fields and soccer fields for this area to accommodate additional future growth.

The Town purchased this land in 2018. It was purchased for the water rights associated with it, to supplement the Town's non-potable water portfolio, and to serve as open space. However, with community outreach in 2020, as reflected in the 2021 Parks, Open Space, and Trails Master Plan, residents indicated that they desired an additional regional or community park and open space to serve the growing population of Frederick west of I-25. Instead of buying an additional 25 to 40 acres west of I-25 for a new community park, Town staff believe it would be a better use of taxpayer money to explore using this existing Town-owned land and gather community input on the idea.

This project aims to create a vision and goals for Town staff to refine this area over the next several years. One consideration will be to identify funding for this area and prioritize construction phasing based on our outreach in this planning effort. It will likely take 20 to 30 years, at a minimum, to fully realize the vision for this area. Still, projects such as passive trails, trailheads, and vegetation improvements would likely occur sooner.

The Town would have a variety of funding sources, but the emphasis in our strategic planning would be on new development fees as the primary funding source. Additionally, the Town has a 0.5% sales tax dedicated to Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails. In addition, the Town can apply for and receive a number of local, state, and federal grants. We continually focus on ensuring funding exists to construct new amenities and provide for long-term, sustainable maintenance.

The Town of Frederick has a Transportation Master Plan that calls for long-term improvements to the Town's road system. If constructed, this park and open space would follow the Plan's recommendations to enhance intersections, roadways, and ingress/egress to the parking areas using proper traffic engineering planning. Since the most active amenities in this area will likely be built in the future, new developments would necessitate roadway improvements before construction of the park and open space began.

While this proposal does call for active use recreation, the vast majority, approximately 80%, of the property will be converted from agricultural production to native grasslands and will restore and enhance several wetlands on the site. Our goal with the open space portion of the land will be to preserve natural resources, significantly strengthen them, and allow for passive recreation in those areas on paved and unpaved trails.

Most likely. The proposed baseball and softball fields at this area and Frederick Recreation Area would be programmed by the local Recreation District and would likely hold youth and adult activities in the evenings. However, the impact of lights on neighboring residents is a key finding of our community engagement, and any lights will be downward facing, with zero horizontal light pollution. We would develop a policy that they are only utilized by a reasonable cutoff time of day and only during programmed sports events.

No. The CVPRD is a separate entity from the Town. However, we collaborate very closely with the district. Once a new Town park is completed, the CVPRD may offer recreational programming to the area's residents and children.

This proposal calls for this area to be a major trailhead and access point to the Frederick Central Loop Trail, a priority goal of the Town's 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Over time, the Central Loop Trail will connect several neighborhoods, arterial roadways, and commercial/mixed-use centers throughout Frederick.

Your address was sampled at random from a list of all addresses from the post office. This is a standard service offered by the post office. It is not a city government file and no household member is named in the file.

Polco uses your ZIP code - and, after continued use, your name - to verify your residency against publicly available voter information in your state. With verified respondents, we can reduce the risk of one person answering many times. By entering your email address, you can create an account and find out when we post a new question on Polco.

Polco is a private company that helps residents give input to their local governments to better inform policy decisions. Using Polco saves the local government money by replacing older, more expensive methods of getting input. It saves staff from having to build and maintain online engagement tools or manage multiple input channels. The app and the website let a broader range of people give public input, and they protect respondents’ privacy. Your personal information is never shared with anyone, not even your local government.

The resident of the property should complete the survey.

We have randomly selected households within our jurisdiction to receive the survey. We would also like to choose in an unbiased way a person within each household to complete the survey. This way we ensure the results are representative of our community as a whole. While it may seem a bit strange, using the “birthday method” is a simple way to select an adult from within each household without permitting bias in our results.

We would prefer that you complete the survey. The “birthday method” described in the letter creates the most representative sample of our jurisdiction. You’ll be surprised at how much you can contribute.

Yes, the government is here to serve all residents, and it is important to us that we get feedback from a complete cross-section of our residents.

No, please don’t fill it out again. Because responses are anonymous, we don’t know who already completed a survey. Since we only want one response from each person, those who already sent in a survey should not return another one. The second copy is distributed as a reminder to all people selected to be sent a survey. Thank you for completing the first survey.

The sample was designed to be as representative as possible of the population of our city, so by sending copies of the survey to people who request a copy, we would skew the sample and make the results less meaningful.Please wait for the open participation period that will start around July 14 – 28, 2025.

Results of the survey will be shared with the Town of Frederick leadership team and Board of Trustees. Results will guide our work to support the Towns Strategic Plan. Resident opinions are encouraged and supported to address essential community needs and issues.

We want to compare the demographic profile of those responding to the demographic profile of the municipality as presented by the Census. In order to be able to do this we asked our race and ethnicity question the same way the Census does. The census designates Hispanic as an ethnicity, not a race.

Frederick, does not have its own ZIP code because it shares ZIP Codes with Longmont (80504) and Erie (80516) based on outdated USPS routing. This sharing leads to issues such as lost tax revenue, delays in emergency response, and confusion for businesses. The U.S. Postal Service has recognized the need for unique ZIP codes for smaller communities, and there are ongoing efforts to address this issue. 

The absence of a unique ZIP code can lead to several issues, including:

•    Delayed mail delivery: Communities may experience longer delivery times for important documents, medications and packages.

•    Mis-delivery of mail: ZIP code misalignment can result in mail being sent to the wrong address, leading to confusion and potential delays.

•    Delayed emergency response: In emergencies, having a unique ZIP code can help ensure that emergency services can reach the correct location quickly.

•    Local tax revenue issues: Unique ZIP codes can affect local tax revenue by ensuring that taxes are collected and distributed to the correct town or cities.

•    Loss of community identity: Communities may feel less distinct and may lose their unique identity if they do not have a dedicated ZIP code. 

An estimated $1.5 million each year is misallocated to neighboring communities.

Everyone—residents, businesses, first responders, and the town as a whole.

Frederick is working with the USPS and Congressional Legislators to establish a unique ZIP Code for the Town. H.R 3095 is currently in congress addressing the issue.

Submit a letter or testimonial showing your support—every voice makes a difference!

The Town of Frederick is seeking 80530 to be inclusive to all Frederick parcels. However, that potential change will be determined by the United States Postal Service. 

Work Areas: Construction will occur in public rights-of-way and public service easements, some of which may be near or within residential lot areas.

The public rights-of-way, or ROW, are the legally designated areas of land, typically managed by your local government, that allow public access for transportation and utilities, including roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, and underground or overhead utility lines. This could result in some roads being partially closed and light disruption.

No. The Town of Frederick is not requiring residents to switch internet providers. In 2020, Frederick voters overwhelmingly passed Ballot Question 2A, which restored the Town’s local authority to partner with private companies to expand broadband access. This measure was designed to foster a more competitive marketplace—not to mandate service changes. The fiber installation project is part of this effort to bring service options to our community. You may continue using your current internet provider or explore new options once the infrastructure is in place.

Yes. Contractors are required to notify residents before accessing yards or beginning construction. This is typically done with door hangers or direct contact. If you feel you weren't adequately informed, please let the contractor know directly using the Construction Contact Form or call (844) 380-8090.

For yard access, contractors will notify residents by knocking on their doors and requesting permission in advance. If you have a utility pole in your yard, they will likely need access to that area. In general, you’ll be informed ahead of time if access to your property is required. Keep an eye out for door hangers, flags, or markings that may indicate upcoming work. If crews arrive, they should identify themselves and explain the reason for their visit—you always have the right to ask for verification.

If you have a question, comment, or concern about the fiber installation, you can reach out in two ways:

• Online: Fill out the Construction Contact Form

• By Phone: Call (844) 380-8090

This contact directly connects you with Intrepid’s construction team, who can provide updates or address any concerns related to the work being done near your home or business.

Contractors often take photos as part of their standard procedures. These photos serve two main purposes: to document that a door hanger was left as proof of notification and to record the condition of the area before any work begins. This helps ensure that your property is protected and restored properly after construction. Photos are used for project documentation and accountability.

Yes. Intrepid’s contractor, NICXCO and or J&R, is performing the work. Their team members should be wearing identifiable clothing, and their trucks will be marked with the NICXCO name. If you're unsure or want to verify, don’t hesitate to ask for identification—they should be able to provide it.

Yes. Once the installation is complete, crews are expected to fully restore the area, including the use of appropriate backfill and repair of the surface to match the original condition as closely as possible. If you have concerns about the work being done or would like an update on the status, please get in touch with the fiber project team at (844) 380-8090 or complete the online form, which is directed to the project managers. They can provide more detailed information or arrange for a follow-up if needed.

Contractors are responsible for repairing any damage caused during construction. If you notice an issue with your irrigation system or sprinkler heads, please report it immediately using the Construction Contact Form or call (844) 380-8090.

Yes. Once fiber installation is complete, contractors will restore the area to its previous condition, including backfilling, reseeding grass, or fixing landscaping as needed. If you feel the restoration was incomplete, reach out to the contractor directly using the Construction Contact Form or call (844) 380-8090.

Yes. Our Engineering Department confirms that using pea gravel as backfill is standard practice for utility work that is still in progress. Pea gravel safely fills the hole and is easily removed for future excavation as the work continues. It fills in the void or fall area while being easily removed through vacuum excavation for the continuation of work. Upon completion of work, they should fully restore the area, including in-kind backfill and surface repair.

Above-ground utility boxes (also called pedestals) are part of the fiber infrastructure and are placed according to utility easement access. Their placement is planned to minimize disruption while ensuring service functionality.

Contractors are expected to clean up after their work. If debris or trash remains, please report it using the Construction Contact Form or call (844) 380-8090.

No. Please do not move construction markers, flags, or equipment. These are necessary for identifying underground utilities and ensuring safe installation.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a mechanism used by communities to fund eligible improvements within a designated area. TIF dollars can only be used within an urban renewal (redevelopment) area. An area may be designated as an urban renewal (or redevelopment) area after the following:

• Independent blight study or conditions survey has been prepared and presented first, to the municipality’s Urban Renewal Authority (the Authority) or Board, and second, to its Board of Trustees;
• Market analysis has been completed in order to determine the potential for future uses within the urban renewal area, and their potential timing;
• Urban renewal plan document and supporting financing plan (impact analysis) have been prepared;
• Stakeholders have been contacted and invited to comment on future uses and required improvements within the area; and
• Board accepts the findings of the conditions survey and adopts (by resolution) the urban renewal plan.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a unique mechanism that enables an Urban Renewal Authority or board to use the net new tax revenues generated by projects within a designated urban renewal area to help finance future improvements. TIF is a new source of tax revenue, not an additional tax, that would not be available but for new investment.

When a redevelopment project is being planned, the Urban Renewal Authority or Board analyzes how much additional property and/or sales taxes may be generated once it is completed. That “tax increment” then can be used by the urban renewal entity either to finance the issuance of bonds or to reimburse developers for a portion of their project costs. In either case, the new tax revenue that is created must be used for improvements that have a public benefit and that support the redevelopment effort, such as site clearance, streets, utilities, parks, the removal of hazardous materials or conditions, or site acquisition.

Source: Denver Urban Renewal Authority

The legal term “blight” describes a wide array of urban problems, which can range from physical deterioration of buildings and the environment, to health, social and economic problems in a particular area. According to Colorado State Statute (CRS 31-25-103) (2), a “blighted area” is defined as follows: “Blighted area” means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four of the following factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare; 

1. Slum, deteriorated, or deteriorating structures;
2. Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout;
3. Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness;
4. Unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
5. Deterioration of site or other improvements;
6. Unusual topography or inadequate public improvements or utilities;
7. Defective or unusual conditions of title rendering the title non-marketable;
8. The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes;
9. Buildings that are unsafe or unhealthy for persons to live or work in because of building code violations, dilapidation, deterioration, defective design, physical construction, or faulty or inadequate facilities;
10. Environmental contamination of buildings or property;
11. The existence of health, safety, or welfare factors requiring high levels of municipal services or substantial physical underutilization or vacancy of sites, buildings, or other improvements;
    1. If there is no objection of such property owner or owners and the tenant or tenants of such owner or owners, if and, to the inclusion of such property in an urban renewal area, “blighted area” also means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of any one of the factors specified in paragraphs (a) to (k.5) of this subsection (2), substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations, or constitutes an economic or social liability, and is a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare. For purposes of this paragraph (1), the fact that an owner of an interest in such property does not object to the inclusion of such property in the urban renewal area does not mean that the owner has waived any rights of such owner in connection with laws governing condemnation.

Source: Colorado Revised Statute 31-25-103(2).

By initiating the process of designating an area for urban renewal, a community is sending the message that they are interested in assisting with its revitalization. Through the planning process, market opportunities are identified and the private sector is engaged in understanding these opportunities, as well as the tools which are available to assist with project implementation. Property owners and businesses benefit from both the public and private commitments and investment through association and proximity. (Also see “impacts to property values.”)

It can affect your property values, and more often than not, in a positive way. Frequently, when an urban renewal area is designated, property values increase. This happens because many times private individuals begin to purchase land (speculation) in anticipation of both future development and increased property values. It also happens because properties located within an urban renewal area are often perceived by the development community as valuable because of the availability of financial incentives which are not available outside the district.

The Colorado Statute requires that the boundaries of the area be defined “as narrowly as possible. Conversely, the boundaries of the survey area can be defined more broadly in an effort to understand, comprehensively, the range of factors contributing to “blight.” Both areas may include some vacant and under-utilized parcels and should include areas either adjacent to or influenced by key qualifying parcels.

No. The ability to condemn property is a right of any municipality under eminent domain, regardless of whether or not it is in an urban renewal area. The use of condemnation by government is limited to instances deemed necessary for the “public good” and usually as a last resort. Property for an urban renewal project is most often acquired by private interests in arms-length transactions at fair market value. Most municipalities are extremely reluctant to use their condemnation powers for many reasons, not the least of which is the lengthy acquisition and negotiation process.

Colorado State Statutes specifically describe the method by which property owners are compensated under a condemnation action. Generally, compensation is provided for real property and business moving and relocation expenses.

Input from “stakeholders” who participate in the public process to define a vision for the area is incorporated into the urban renewal plan. The plan is then presented to the urban renewal entity for review, discussion and approval, and ultimately the plan document is presented to the Board of Trustees for adoption.

The same municipal regulations which applied prior to the urban renewal designation, apply after, e.g. zoning, special districts (if any), etc. The presence of urban renewal does not impose additional restrictions on property use. Rather, it makes available additional tools (incentives) to assist with implementation projects which are consistent with the urban renewal plan.

1. Determine Survey Area Boundaries;
2. Verify Presence and Location of Blighting Conditions;
3. Prepare Conditions Survey *;
4. Present Conditions Survey Findings to Urban Renewal Entity and the Board for Acceptance;
5. Identify Market Opportunities Within Area and Quantify Timing;
6. Together with Stakeholders – Define Future Role of Area in Community;
7. Prepare Urban Renewal Plan;
8. Complete Financial Analysis (Tax Increment Finance – TIF);
9. Complete Impact Analysis (as per legislation) and Share With All Impacted Taxing Bodies;
10. Present Urban Renewal Plan to Urban Renewal Entity and the Board for Adoption;
11. Issue Request for Projects; and,
12. Implement Plan.

* Based on conditions survey findings, modify boundaries for urban renewal area, if necessary

Neighborhoods are not necessarily declared “blighted,” rather, “areas are determined to have conditions present such that it can be determined eligible for an urban renewal designation.” The “area” in its entirety may or may not include a neighborhood or neighborhoods. Having a home within an urban renewal area should not have a direct impact in terms of value – either positive or negative – depending on its relationship to potential reinvestment zones. Experience has proven that properties within or in the vicinity of potential reinvestment activity tend to increase in value upon designation as an urban renewal area as property owners begin to speculate on the likelihood of acquisition offers.

There is no additional assessment to properties within an urban renewal area and no increase in the mill levy with formation of the district. Any increase in tax payments by property owners would be associated with an action other than creation of the urban renewal area, or an increase in the taxable value of property because of investments that are happening in the area.

Residents within an area that are senior citizens are further protected under the Homestead Exemption. Referendum A, the homestead exemption for senior citizens, passed on a state-wide vote in November of 2001. The amendment provides an actual value reduction (exemption), up to a maximum of $100,000. This applies only to primary residences for citizens over the age of 65. Also, this actual value reduction is applicable only to a primary residence that has been owner-occupied for the 10 years immediately proceeding the subject tax year. This homestead exemption for senior citizens began with 2002 property taxes that were payable on or after January 1, 2003.

Nothing has to happen to low-income residents within an urban renewal area. In fact many communities elect to require or encourage the inclusion of low- and moderate-income residential units in the area in an effort to maintain a greater level of diversity. Having said this, however, if new investment or reinvestment was proposed that could potentially dislocate existing residential units – there could be a range of outcomes. If the units are acquired by the Urban Renewal Authority, residents owning their homes would need to be compensated for their home, in addition to any relocation expenses. The sale of units by private residents to a private entity needs to occur through arms-length transactions. Compensation to property owners is generally equal to or in excess of fair market value and usually includes potential expenses including those related to relocation. Tenants of residential products which are sold in an urban renewal area would need to work with the owner of their property on issues related to relocation (if necessary), unless, there is a federal program attached to the unit or resident (i.e., housing vouchers, etc.). Under this scenario, specific federal guidelines would need to be followed related to relocation of residents.

Whereas the Urban Renewal Authority can continue into perpetuity, the Tax Increment Financing District has a potential life of 25 years. The length of time necessary to make improvements in the area will depend on the severity of conditions contributing to “blight” and the urban renewal plan vision. The Authority will continually balance decisions related to the cost of improvements (and/or projects) and potential revenue these costs may leverage.

Qualifying expenses for TIF dollars are explained above. The method by which stakeholders in an area apply for money will ultimately be determined by the Urban Renewal Authority. Generally speaking, however, the Authority will either issue a Request-for-Proposal (RFP), asking stakeholders to bring forward projects or simply wait for them to surface with continued community education. Once projects are advanced to the Authority for consideration, they will be evaluated for consistency with the urban renewal plan and analyzed relative to their ability to qualify for funding.

As stated previously, the Urban Renewal Authority will continually balance decisions related to the cost of improvements (and/or projects) and potential revenue these costs may leverage. The strategy for implementing the urban renewal plan, which will involve spending money to make improvements, participate in projects, and encourage investment and reinvestment will ultimately be defined by the Authority with input from stakeholders in the area. Factors they will need to consider include market timing, property owner interest, severity of “blighting” conditions, and other criteria.

Public buildings are always built within the required codes (building, fire safety, zoning, etc.) at the time they are constructed. If conditions arise post-construction that qualify as “blighting,” the decision to arrest these conditions lies with the Urban Renewal Authority. As explained above, the selection of which improvements to make and when will be based on criteria established by the authority with input from the stakeholders in the area.

As per the Statute, “’blighted area’ means an area that, in its present condition and use and, by reason of the presence of at least four factors…” If the Urban Renewal Authority intends to use eminent domain for the acquisition of properties in the area, five conditions must be present. Note: Individual properties within the area do not need to have even one condition present. Rather, factors contributing to “blight” must be present somewhere within the area.

The reference to 120 days is related to adoption of the urban renewal plan. Once the Board of Trustees of the municipality opens the public hearing, they have 120 days to either adopt, refuse adoption, or take no action related to adoption of the plan. If they either refuse to adopt the plan or take no action related to adoption, the Board may not consider creation of an urban renewal plan in the subject area for 24 months.

Yes, the base can go up and down and the direction is largely tied to the elimination and introduction of improvements (buildings) in the urban renewal area over time. Generally speaking, if there is going to be a decline, it will happen early in the 25-year life of the TIF district. Assuming a gradual trend in investment and reinvestment, any losses in improvements will be off-set by value increases.

No. A property is not found to be “blighted,” an area is found to have conditions present which contribute to, or perpetuate “blight”. The designation of “blight” in an area has a fairly short shelf-life – generally limited to the time it requires to prepare and adopt the urban renewal plan. Following adoption, the emphasis tends to be on the financial opportunity provided by the availability of Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Board of Trustees – cause urban renewal plans and amendments to be prepared, approved and implemented; acquire real property by eminent domain, if that is the will of the Board; and enter into agreements with the urban renewal entity

Planning and Zoning Commission – review urban renewal plan for consistency with comprehensive plan; consider (and opine on) proposed projects within the area

Urban Renewal Authority – make recommendations to the governing body of municipality that created district; prepare conditions survey, urban renewal plan and financing plan for district and present to governing body for authorization;
(by ordinance) powers relating to implementation of the project plan authorized by governing body; acquire blighted, deteriorated … real property for preservation or restoration of historic sites; acquire, construct, reconstruct or install public works or improvements; enter into agreements to implement plan including for – the acquisition of property, reimbursement to developer, sale of land, issuance of bonds, etc.; and, any power necessary and convenient to carry out implementation

Being within an urban renewal area will: allow more flexibility in what owners can do with your property (e.g., residential in an area that is predominantly non-residential – market conditions permitting); allow taxes to be spent on improvements in a targeted area; identify capital improvements needed to accommodate future investment; potentially provide property redevelopment / expansion financial assistance; and, balance growth across community.

Being within an urban renewal area will not: prevent owners or tenants from continuing a business or land use; raise property tax mill levy or sales tax rate; force owners to improve their property (especially at a higher standard than outside the area); diminish the value of property; or prevent property owners from selling their property.

Contractors, developers, and customers who require large quantities of water for approved projects may apply. All requests are subject to Town review and approval.

A $4,500 deposit is required for each hydrant meter. The deposit, less any damages resulting from misuse, will be issued after the meter is returned and final bill payment is received. Additional charges will be assessed for any damages that occurred while in the applicant's possession. Water is charged at the hydrant meter rate established by the Town of Frederick Fee Schedule.

Meters may only be used on hydrants designated and approved by the Town. Unauthorized use may result in penalties or revocation of rental privileges.

The rental period depends on your project needs and Town availability. Extensions may be requested but are not guaranteed.

The renter is responsible for all repair or replacement costs. Damage fees will be assessed during the return inspection.

For questions or assistance with the application process, please contact our Administrative Services Division at 720-382-5500 or email Administrative Services. For questions or assistance with an existing rental, please contact Public Works at 720-382-5800

In order to promote efficiency, voter participation, compliance with the Colorado Voting Rights Act and to reduce Town election costs.

• In the regular election of 2024, there were a total of 1,242 votes cast, in the special coordinated election of 2023 there were a total of 4,438 votes cast. 3,196 more voters participated in the 2023 coordinated election (November) than the 2024 regular election (April).
  • Historical Voter Turnout
    • April 2024 – Mayor and Trustee Election
      • Total Votes Cast: 1,242
    • November 2023 – Ballot Question
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 4,438
    • April 2022 – Trustee Election
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 1,398
    • April 2020 – Mayor, Trustee, and Ballot Question
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 2,511
    • April 2018 – Trustee Election
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 1,344
    • April 2016 – Mayor and Trustee Election
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 742
    • April 2014 – Trustee Election
      
      • Total Votes Cast: 703
• Moving the Town's regular election from April to November in even-numbered years would allow, among other things, the Town to enter into an agreement with the Weld County Clerk and Recorder, who would conduct a coordinated election including the Town, substantially reducing the burden on town staff and resulting in cost savings to the Town.
• Recent elections show that coordinating with the County costs significantly less than running a Town election on our own. A coordinated election in 2023 cost about $15,400, compared to about $35,000 for the Town’s independent 2024 election, largely due to ballot printing and vote-counting equipment.
• While costs can vary, coordinating with the County could save the Town an estimated $15,000–$20,000 per election. Coordinated elections also make the process easier for voters and reduce administrative work for Town staff.

• Board members elected in the 2024 election; terms will expire in November of 2028. An extension of 6 months to their terms.
• Board members elected in the 2026 election will serve terms that expire in 2030. An extension of 6 months to their terms.

• C.R.S., § 31-10-109(1)(a) states “Pursuant to section 31-11-112(2), the governing body of each municipality, in consultation with the clerk and recorder of the county in which the municipality is located, may submit to a vote of the registered electors of the municipality for placement on the ballot the question of whether the regular election date of such municipality shall be changed to either the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each odd - numbered year or the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November in each even - numbered year[;]"
• The Colorado Revised Statutes require that this question be submitted to a vote of the registered electors.

• If the voters approve the ballot question, the Town will adopt an ordinance to implement the voter-approved change to the election date.
• If the voters do not approve the ballot question, Town elections will continue to be held in April of even-numbered years.

No. This is a proposed 1% sales tax on taxable purchases.

A 1% sales tax equals about $1 per $100 spent on taxable goods. Not all purchases are taxable.

Estimates suggest approximately $4 million annually, depending on economic activity.

Revenue would be dedicated to transportation projects only and remain local.

Sales tax helps distribute costs among residents, visitors, and people who use Frederick’s roads and businesses.

The measure may appear on the November 2026 ballot.

Visit the Transportation Initiative page, sign up for updates, and participate in engagement opportunities.