In 1997, Summit County, along with the towns of Breckenridge and Blue River, adopted the Joint Upper Blue Master Plan. This plan provides the overall guidance for land use and development decisions made in the Upper Blue Basin.
The joint plan, however, provides general policy guidance but does not address specific issues, such as mapping of appropriate land uses. As a result, the County still relies on the 1988 Plan's land use maps to direct land use decisions in unincorporated locations. These maps are outdated and do not reflect many of the changes in planning philosophy and development patterns that have occurred in the last 16 years.
The primary effort of this new Upper Blue Basin Master Plan is to update the 1988 maps, identifying appropriate land uses in unincorporated areas of the basin. The Upper Blue Basin Master Plan is intended to supplement the policies of the Joint Upper Blue Master Plan.
Other new issues addressed in the plan include: mapping and protection of significant summer and winter routes and trails; and mapping of visually important landscapes.
The Upper Blue Planning Commission, a citizen's commission appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, is responsible for developing and ultimately adopting the master plan. In February, 2004 the Upper Blue Planning Commission commenced work on the Upper Blue Basin Master Plan. Meetings are held at least once a month on the plan development. Members of the public are encouraged to attend meetings and provide input during this process.
If you would like more information on the Upper Blue Basin Master Plan, or desire to be included on a mailing list for future meetings, please contact John Roberts at 970.668.4205 or johnR@co.summit.co.us.
View a copy of the draft master plan.
Upper Blue Basin Maps:
Upper Blue Basin
Land Use
Land Use North
Land Use South
TDR Basin
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Visually Important Areas
Summer Trails
Winter Trails