STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – In a special meeting today, YVHA Board members voted to pass a resolution that approved YVHA’s petition for annexation of the Brown Ranch property into the City of Steamboat Springs. This is the necessary first step for the timely annexation process to begin.

“With the dire need for affordable housing that we estimate to be 1,400 current households, we know that we need to start the process of annexation. This is the first step in the process, and we need the support of City Council to deliver the housing our community needs at Brown Ranch. We look forward to the next steps and stand ready to continue to be a trusted partner and advocate for the workforce of Routt County,” said Jason Peasley. Executive Director of Yampa Valley Housing Authority.

Annexing land into the City of Steamboat Springs is governed by a process established under Colorado law. The annexation of Brown Ranch begins with YVHA submitting a Petition for Annexation to the City of Steamboat Springs. The Petition principally details information about Brown Ranch and why it is eligible for annexation pursuant to State statute.

The next step is for the City Council to hold a Substantial Compliance Hearing. In this hearing, the Steamboat Springs City Council will determine whether the Petition includes the required information for annexation. If the City Council determines that the petition satisfies the requirements, it will schedule an Eligibility Hearing 30-60 days after the Substantial Compliance Hearing.

The Substantial Compliance Hearing will determine whether the Brown Ranch property meets the statutory requirements to be annexed. If the City Council determines that the Brown Ranch property meets the annexation requirements, the Council can vote to declare that the Brown Ranch is eligible for annexation, but this hearing will not annex the property.

YHVA will also need to submit an Annexation Application and Zone Map Amendment Application that establishes zoning for the Brown Ranch any time after the Substantial Compliance Hearing. There will also need to be an Annexation Agreement between YVHA and the City to clarify plans related to housing affordability, water and sewer service, US Highway 40 impacts and long-term maintenance of utilities, roads, parks and other community assets within Brown Ranch. In the past City Council has said it hopes to have the Annexation Agreement finished by late August 2023.

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