Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2020 03 11

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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE DEPARTMENT City staff is repealing the temporary administrative rule that was adopted on February 26, 2020 by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department (“Temporary Rule”). The Temporary Rule was intended to address wildlife and vegetation concerns and to protect and preserve the City’s open space lands consistent with the City Charter and Municipal Code by restricting construction of gates in fences along private property abutting City open space land. It was also intended to initiate a formal process for staff to bring forward potential updates to open space and building codes to address private access and fences on properties that abut open spaces in Louisville. A recent request to add additional gates abutting open space precipitated the issuance of the Temporary Rule. City staff found that request to be inconsistent with the current Municipal Code regarding protection of open space. The administrative regulation was meant to clarify the Municipal Code regarding access of open space and allow for a broader citywide conversation over the course of the next several months. Based on additional information received by staff, including recent public comment and current and past open space management practices, City staff is assessing measures to preserve and protect the open space lands. City staff is addressing concerns raised by additional accesses to open space through measures other than by restricting gates on private property. The Temporary Rule issued did not change then-current operational procedures. The City did not issue citations or fines or further restrict residents regarding current access into open space. We appreciate the community’s strong interest in these issues and their engagement with City staff and City Council to share their concerns. If you have follow-up questions, please contact the City at 303.335.4735. 9