- Potential moratorium on metal buildings
- The “Malone” delay and stern warnings
- Technical loopholes and “nesting”
- Defining the 20,000 sq. ft. rule
- An April 22 deadline
By Janet Sellers
At the Monument Planning Commission meeting on April 8, local officials began grappling with a question that could redefine the town’s skyline: When is a metal building an architectural asset, and when is it just an “over-sized barn?”
Potential moratorium on metal buildings
Planning Director Dan Ungerleider informed the commission that the Town Council has discussed a potential moratorium on all metal buildings. Such a move would effectively halt certain developments until the town can shore up its “outdated” and “confusing” design standards, he said.
The “Malone” delay and stern warnings
Senior Planner Jenna Gorney announced that the highly anticipated architectural presentation for Karl Malone Powersports had been pulled from the agenda. The removal comes on the heels of what Gorney described as “stern” feedback from the April 6 Town Council meeting regarding the Alpine Buick project.
It appears the Town Council’s concern with large metal structures has prompted the Planning Commission to reassess the rules before more projects move forward.
Technical loopholes and “nesting”
The commission spent considerable time discussing why the current rules are failing to meet the council’s expectations. A primary issue identified was “code nesting.” Current regulations limiting metal surfaces are buried within the Industrial Uses section of the town code. Because of this placement, these rules technically do not apply to commercial or retail projects—a loophole that has led to recent friction between developers and town officials.
Defining the 20,000 sq. ft. rule
Under the current industrial rules, buildings over 20,000 square feet are prohibited from using metal as a primary exterior surface if visible from public streets or trails. However, the commission noted that “primary exterior surface” remains poorly defined. Commissioners are now tasked with determining if that means 51% of a wall, a specific architectural grade of metal, or the skeletal frame itself.
An April 22 deadline
To bridge the communication gap with the Town Council, Chair Ray Egley and the commission have agreed to a tight turnaround. Commissioners must submit their individual questions and technical concerns to staff by April 22. These will be compiled into a formal memo to guide the next joint workshop with the council.
The goal, according to staff, is to move Monument toward a “community vision” that provides developers with clear, predictable standards while protecting the town’s aesthetic character.
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The Planning Commission usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for May 13. For further information, please visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment or contact 719-884-8028. A recording with a transcript of each meeting is available online.
Janet Sellers can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.
Other Town of Monument Planning Commission articles
- Monument Planning Commission, March 11 – Balancing growth and the “joy of being here”: Planning Commission recommends approval of auto dealership and Fire Training Facility (4/1/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Feb. 11 – Conexus proposes 158 apartments and townhomes on 23 acres (3/4/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Jan. 14 – Monument officials attend infrastructure workshop (2/4/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Dec. 10 – Commissioners recommend approval of 2026 zoning map, show appreciation for outgoing members (1/1/2026)
- Monument Planning Commission, Nov. 13 – Commission recommends controversial 158-home Conexus development and Commercial PUD (12/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Oct. 8 – Commission recommends approval of Legacy at Jackson Landing project (10/30/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Sept. 10 – September meeting cancelled (10/2/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, Aug. 13 – Planning Commission seeks community input on future development (9/4/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, July 9 – Commission welcomes new leaders, reviews major development amendment and vision for Monument’s future (8/1/2025)
- Monument Planning Commission, June 11 – June meeting cancelled (7/3/2025)
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