Local Planning Capacity Grant Program

Project Title: Local Planning Capacity Grant Program (Department of Local Affairs)

Project purpose or justification:

The project aims to modernize Buena Vista’s development review process, codify expedited review timelines, and align with Proposition 123 requirements. By improving permitting systems and updating development codes, the Town will expand affordable housing opportunities, accelerate review processes, and strengthen regional collaboration.

Process improvements streamline approvals and align Town-owned land and infrastructure with affordable housing. They also expand regulatory flexibility to support mixed-use housing that strengthens the economy and workforce stability.

Project Objectives:

• Implement a digital permitting system to cut review times in half.

• Update development code to incentivize affordable and inclusionary housing.

• Formalize intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with Chaffee County and Salida.

• Ensure compliance with Prop 123 fast-track requirements by 2026.

• Achieve 26 affordable units by 2026, supporting a 9% growth in housing stock.

Project scope:

The project includes consultant-led code audits, software procurement and implementation, legal support for IGAs, and targeted community engagement. It addresses systemic delays, modernizes permitting, and strengthens regional housing strategies.

In Scope:

• Land use code audit and amendments.

• Development review software purchase and implementation.

• Process improvements for inter-agency coordination.

• Community and stakeholder engagement.

• Tracking/documentation for Prop 123 compliance.

Out of Scope (but monitored):

• Direct construction of affordable housing units.

• County-level housing assessments (monitored for alignment).

• Broader comprehensive plan updates beyond affordable housing provisions.

Project deliverable:

• Fully implemented online permitting system.

• Updated inclusionary zoning and code amendments.

• Finalized IGAs with regional partners.

• Documentation of Prop 123 compliance.

• Submission of Rural Resort Petition.

Project stakeholders:

• Primary: Town of Buena Vista Planning Department, Board of Trustees.

• Regional Partners: Chaffee County, City of Salida, Chaffee Housing Authority.

• Community Stakeholders: Residents, cost-burdened households, seasonal workers, families, older adults.

• Vendors/Consultants: Code audit consultant, software provider, legal counsel.

Project Timeline:

• Phase 1 (Months 1–6): Consultant procurement (RFP), software selection.

• Phase 2 (Months 6–18): Code audit, community engagement, software rollout.

• Phase 3 (Months 18–24): Adoption of code amendments, IGA finalization.

• Phase 4 (Months 24–32): Full system launch, Prop 123 compliance demonstration.

Project Budget:

• Total Cost: $180,000

• Grant Request: $144,000 (80%)

• Local Match: $36,000 (20%)

• Budget Allocation:

  • $95,000 – Development review software implementation

  • $55,000 – Code audit and consultant services

  • $15,000 – Legal services for IGAs and policy drafting

  • $15,000 – Public engagement and communications