Blue River Monthly News & Updates
Upcoming Meetings/Announcements
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Planning & Zoning Commission
Tuesday, August 6, 6:00 p.m.

Town Board of Trustees
Tuesday, August 20th
5:00 p.m. Work Session
**The Work Session will be to discuss adding a new zoning district and adding liquor licensing to the Town Code.**
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Citizen Advisory Committee
September 4th, 6:00 p.m.

Trails Committee
August 13th, 6:00 p.m.

A complete list of Town meetings, socials, events, news, financials and more are available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver. 
Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest and greatest in Blue River.

Upcoming Trustee Talks

Coffee Talk
Friday, September 27 th , 7:00 a.m.
Coffee Depot

2019 Passed Ordinances
To read and learn about all new Town Ordinances, visit our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver/2019-ordinances



“Our new gateway signs have really captured the essence of Blue River, through the efforts and energy of the many volunteers involved. The uniqueness of our Town, the character of our community, and neighborly welcoming attitude of our residents is apparent in each detail of the final design. I am pleased that these signs will continue to welcome both residents and visitors to Blue River for years into the future. 

My sincere thanks to each individual who donated their time and energy to this project including our Citizen Advisory Committee, the Sign Committee, Roger Cox at House of Signs, our wonderful staff, and our Board of Trustees. Each of your contributions is reflected within these signs, and the care each of you placed within this labor of love is clearly visible in the warm “Welcome” provided to each person who enters our Town.”-Mayor Toby Babich

Do you know where the water for your beer comes from? On August 15, 2019, the Blue River Watershed Group will host its annual Headwater Hops Fest at Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina. The Hops Fest is held each year to highlight the work of the Blue River Watershed Group to protect and restore a healthy Blue River watershed through educational initiatives and results-oriented projects.
One benefit of protecting our mountain waters is the superb beer and spirits that are made right here in our community. The Hops Fest is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and spirit of our local entrepreneurial brewers and distillers AND demonstrate how their product is so intimately tied to the good health of the Blue River Watershed.

Tickets include unlimited drink tastings (ages 21+), commemorative glass, dinner, silent auction, and live music from Ms Amy & The Jet Set! $30 in advance, $35 day of.

Thanks to our generous sponsors:

Angry James Brewery

The Bakers' Brewery

Breckenridge Brewery

The Breckenridge Distillery

Broken Compass Brewing Company

Dillon Dam Brewery

Highside Brewing

Pug Ryan's Brewing Company
Summit County Chipping Program
You can protect your home from wildfire with help from the Summit County Chipping Program. Summit County government helps residents and property owners create  defensible space  by providing free chipping and disposal for branches, logs and small trees. If you clear woody vegetation from around your home and stack it in a slash pile, we’ll chip it and haul it away at no cost. 

When it comes to wildfire, it takes everyone to protect everyone.    

Pile Guidelines
Piles must be stacked by 8 a.m. on the Monday of your neighborhood's designated chipping week (see schedule below). Chipping and collection will take place Monday through Friday of your neighborhood's designated week. Improperly stacked piles, and any piles stacked after 8 a.m. on Monday, may not be identified or collected.
  • Stack piles neatly (no bags), with the large ends of branches facing the road.
  • Place piles within 5 feet of the roadway, but not touching the road or in drainage ditches.
  • Maximum pile size is 5' wide x 5' high x 10' long. Each household may put out a maximum of 10 piles. 
  • After crews have removed your pile, clear away any remaining branches, needles and debris.
  • Do not combine piles with neighbors' piles or place piles in other neighborhoods.
Materials Guidelines
Accepted materials include trees, logs and branches up to 12 inches in diameter, free of nails and wire. The following restrictions apply:
  • No willows or cottonwood: Willows and cottonwood have high moisture content, so they help to slow the spread of fire. They also clog chipping equipment because they are very fibrous. 
  • No construction or building materials, treated lumber, fence posts or signs.
  • No shrubs, rood wads, stumps, dirt or rocks. These items clog and damage chipping equipment.
  • No grass clippings, trash, weeds or bags of leaves.
Bad Pile
Good Pile
Schedule
Each neighborhood in Summit County has one designated week, listed below, during which households may set out piles of trees and branches for chipping and removal. Or view an  interactive map of the 2019 chipping schedule , where you can enter your address to find your neighborhood's chipping week.



Week 14: September 16-20
Town of Blue River
Fire Permits & Defensible Space
Per the Blue River Town Code, fire pits within the Town require a fire permit. Regulations and permitting has been modified for 2019. Permits are still obtained through Red, White and Blue on their website at www.rwbfire.org. There is now a fee for all fire pit permits. New permits are $50 and renewals will be $25. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.rwbfire.org/forms.aspx?FID=64%C2%A0.

Is your home "Firewise?" Living in a mountain community brings about different challenges including an increase for fire danger. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from a wildfire. Red, White and Blue Fire District is happy to help assess your home and make recommendations on how you can best create effective defensible space. Information was presented at the May Community Education Series and can be found on our website under the Community tab or contact Red, White and Blue Fire at www.rwb.org for more information.

The Town is working with Red, White and Blue on updating the Fire Code along with the other municipalities and County. A copy is available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver.
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Community Education Series
The Town of Blue River hosted another Community Education series "Mountain Landscaping." Tori Aidala, Blue River Resident and landscape architect with Norris-Design provided information on the types of landscaping and plants that are successful at 10,000'. Additional information was provided on the "good, bad and ugly" of daisies and weeds and the best treatments available.

Missed the presentation? Not a problem. All of our Community Education Series information and presentations are availble on our website under the Community tab.

Next up..winter weatherization, Thursday, September 12th.
Ride the Stage
New Flag Stops for 5:15 and 6:15 pm Departures from Breckenridge
 
You may now request stops to exit the bus at the following locations:
1.     West side of Hwy 9 near Blue River Road
2.     West side of Hwy 9 opposite Calle De Plata
3.West side of Hwy 9 opposite Town Hall

These flag stops are subject to the following conditions:
·     Drop-offs only at these flag stops
·    You may not board the bus at these locations
·    You must request the driver to stop
·    These stops can only be used on the 5:15 and 6:15 pm trips departing Breckenridge for Park County

2019 Boat Permits

The Town of Blue River is working on going GREEN! You may now obtain your Goose Pasture Tarn Boat Permits and Resident Stickers online. Permits and stickers, upon request may be mailed to you. Payment for Boat Permits may be submitted online. Boat permits are $20 for each vessal. Please submit one form and one payment for each permit requested.

Fill out and submit the form, then click PAY ONLINE.

www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver, click on the Goose Pasture Tarn tab.
Blue River Resident Stickers

Resident stickers will be available at the end of April. You may apply for your FREE car sticker online or stop in the office. Where requested, stickers will be mailed to you.

www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver, click on the Goose Pasture Tarn tab.
See a Code Violation? Have a non-emergency issue?
The Blue River Police Department provides 24/7 coverage of the Town of Blue River. Our Officers work to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors to our Town. As with any Town, there are, at times challenges. If you are in need of Police assistance, please follow these steps to having your issue resolved. Please do not contact the Police Officers directly to ensure your issue is receiving the proper attention.

  • To file a complaint, please visit our website and click on the Citizen Services link on the home page. You may also email [email protected].
  • If you have a non-emergency issue requiring Police assistance, please call the non-emergency dispatch line at 970-668-8600. The Police Officers will then be dispatched to you.
  • In an emergency, please call 911.
Wildlife
One of the best assets to the Town of Blue River is its abundant wildlife. Living in an area with wildlife is both facinating and challenging. While trash is usally the most discussed issue, it is important to remember to keep pets either on a leash or within 30' of voice command per the Town Code. Teach your children on what to do if they encounter wildlife. Be mindful of your speed and surroundings while driving in Blue River and NEVER feed the wildlife.

Following a few precautions will ensure your safety and that of the wildlife for years to come.
BEARS!-Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Garbage Kills Bears! Allowing bears to use trash and garbage as a food source creates serious problems for both people and bears. Because the food reward is so great, bears are willing to work hard to get at trash and garbage, and return often in hopes of finding more. These food-conditioned bears sometimes enter homes, garages or even vehicles in search of an easy meal. Bears in pursuit of such a good source of calories can do a lot of property damage, and even become aggressive.
Allowing bears to get into the garbage is one of the leading causes of humanbear conflicts. Being smart about how you handle and store your trash can protect your home and property, and help keep bears alive and wild. 

Please secure your trash cans. Per Town Code trash may not be placed outside until trash day and must be brought back by 6:00 p.m. that evening.Keep trash and recyclables safely locked inside your home or a sturdy, locked garage or outbuilding constructed of heavy wood or metal. Don’t leave any trash outside overnight; even empty bottles, cans, packages and recyclables have odors that attract bears. Don’t store trash on your deck or screened-in porch, and don’t stash your trash in your car, truck or camper. If you keep trash in your garage or an outbuilding, it should have sturdy doors and windows that lock.

In addition to trash, please do not leave out bird feeders as thei si a bear's delight.
Photo courtsey of Dave Britton, Blue River Resident.
Moose and Blue River go hand in hand. Moose are the top dog on the food chain and will roam wherever the willows and hand habitat allow. Blue River is prime moose habitat and they have an abundant population in the area. Moose cn be agressive if felt threatened. They will attack to protect their young and they will attack a dog if threatened.

If you see a moose, give it distance and put something between you and the moose. DO NOT approach for a selfie and do not let your pets loose around the moose. There is no parking along Hwy 9 and officers will be enforcing this as moose gather in the wetlands by the Tarn. The wetlands are a protected area. Please do not wonder or walk in the wetlands .
Trash/Recylcing
The Town of Blue River Municipal Code states that trash may not be placed curbside except pick up day and all receptacles must be pulled back by 6:00 p.m. that evening.

With the busy tourist season, we are seeing an increase in issues of trash being left out. To avoid receiving a notice of violation or ticket, please inform your guests, and property management companies of the Town Codes.

We encourage you to contact the trash companies if your trash has not been picked up and work to ensure compliance. There are two companies that provide trash pickup in Summit County, Timberline and Waste Management.

Recycling is available through the waste companies. Additonally, there is a large recycling drop off in Breckenrige on Coyne Valley Dr.

Coming to soon to Blue River Town Hall...GLASS Recycling! Look for more information coming soon.
Lodging/Short-term Rental Owners
Blog-Occupancy Limits
Occupancy Limits!
The question has come up lately about occupancy limits. This comes from both those that short term rent wondering what they can and can't do, as well as neighbors who wonder how many people are allowed in the home. In Blue River, the R1 (single family) zoning allows for "no more than one person per 400 square feet or two people per bedroom." This is true for all septic permits as well as for sewer connections. What this means, if you have a four bedroom home, you may have a maximum number of eight staying for a short term rental. Additionally, the Town Code allows for only five vehicles to be parked in the driveway and/or designated parking space.

While the Police will not be going home to home counting people, if you are found to be advertising or if a code complaint is filed you may receive a notice of violation and/or ticket and possibly revocation of your short term rental license.

Please keep this and your neighbors in mind when renting your home.

Registration/Taxes
Thinking about renting your home short-term? The Town of Blue River requires that anyone renting their home less than 30 days to be registered and pay sales/lodging taxes. Registration is $200 for the initial registration and $75 annually. Sales and lodging taxes in the amount of 12.275% are required on all rentals. Information is available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver under the Lodging License tab.

Registrations and taxes may be remitted online. For more information, contact Michelle Eddy, Town Administrator at [email protected].
Blue River Guests Notes

Visitors to the mountains often are not aware of our unique challenges. Please take time to inform your guests of these important notes and help to be a great neighbor in the community.

  • Trash may not be placed (including empty cans) curbside until pick up day. Bears are not necessarily asleep and some are beginning to wake. Secure trash appropriately and make arrangements for pick up.
  • There is no parking on Town roads. Town Code limits the number of vehicles allowed in a driveway/parking space to five per household.
  • Fire permits are required for ALL fire pits. Please observe any fire restrictions.
  • Be courteous of neighbors. Blue River has many full-time homeowners who work in the area. Please observe quiet hours and be respectful of property boundaries. Please do not sled or ski across neighboring properties.
  • Renters are not allowed use of the Goose Pasture Tarn.
  • Speed limits on all Town Roads is 15 mph.
First Annual Safety Days Success
On Saturday, July 20th, the Blue River Police Department held it's First Annual Blue River Safety Days. The day brought together members of the Blue River Police Department; Red, White and Blue Fire; Summit County Sheriff's Office; Alpine Sports; USFS; and Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Thank you to all who participated, volunteered and partnered to help make the event a great success.
911 Addresses are required on all homes within the Town of Blue River. Red, White and Blue Fire District will provide FREE reflective address numbers for your home.

The house numbers are vital to assisting fire and emergency personnel in locating your home in an emergency. Per the Blue River Municipal Code, 911 addresses are REQUIRED on all homes in Blue River. To have a firefighter come install numbers at your home, please email: [email protected]. 
Berms

As traffic in town increases and new construction fills in the spaces within the Town of Blue River, there is a desire to create a bit of quite. Berms are a popular choice for creating such space. They are natural looking, fit the landscape and create just the right type of buffer.

Before constructing a berm within the Town, know the guidelines and rules. First and foremost, a permit is required. Before any dirt is moved, contact the Building Department or visit our website to download an application. The application fee is $100. Below are the guidelines and requirements for installing a berm at your home.

Documents required for this submittal: Survey; Plot Plan, indicating the extent and location of the project, location of any trees affected (Separate permit required for tree removal.); and approved Septic Permit with plot plan if septic system work is included.
All berms within the Town shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the following design standards:
(1) Maximum height of berms shall not exceed eight (8) feet, as measured from existing grade to the top of the crown of the berm.
(2) Maximum slope of the berm shall not be greater than one to two (1:2) as a vertical rise to horizontal run.
(3) Berms shall be designed with both horizontal and vertical undulations so that the top of the berm undulates and so that the sides of the berm form a serpentine-like pattern. Vertical undulations shall be at least fifty percent (50%) of the maximum height. Horizontal undulations shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum width. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review all berm plans for approval to ensure that there are enough horizontal and vertical undulations to make the berm naturally appearing to be consistent with the natural surroundings.
(4) Berms shall be tied into existing grades along the entire length of their perimeter to ensure that berms are naturally appearing.
(5) Berms along property lines shall not be longer than two-thirds ( 2/3 ) of the length of the property line they adjoin (as measured from the toe of the slope at each end of the berm). This length shall be measured only along portions of the berm over two (2) feet in height. Adjacent property owners may propose to build one (1) longer berm along the length of the adjacent properties, provided that the overall length does not exceed two-thirds ( 2/3 ) of the combined lot length that the berm adjoins.
(6) Berms shall be compacted prior to planting, landscaping or revegetation.
(7) Berms shall be landscaped in their entirety at final grade with at least two (2) inches of topsoil. If topsoil is not used, the applicant may use two (2) inches of mulch (straw, hay, wood cellulose, etc.) prior to seeding. The top soil or mulch must be tilled at least four (4) inches deep into the soil prior to seeding. Straw and hay shall be certified as free of noxious weeds and shall not be in a state of decomposition so as to smother or retard the growth of natural grasses or groundcovers used by the applicant. Naturally occurring materials should be used throughout the berm site, such as natural logs, stumps, decorative dead trees and larger rocks of varying sizes or other naturally occurring materials. The entire berm area shall be landscaped with grass, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, annuals and trees. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the landscaped ground surface, as if viewed from above, covers at least eighty percent (80%) of the ground surface in a uniform manner, with no sizable bare spots. The groundcovers shall be free from weeds as identified by the County as invasive, noxious or otherwise nuisance weed species. The establishment and maintenance of revegetation is the responsibility of the applicant on both a short- and long-term basis; or of any new property owner if the property is transferred. Plantings of grass, groundcovers or flower seeds shall occur within ten (10) days following the surface soil preparation.
(8) Naturally occurring trees shall not be "buried" or incorporated within the berm so as to cause the trees to die unnaturally from piling up and stacking of soils above and around the natural ground level surrounding the tree trunks.
(9) All seed mixes, trees and shrubs, perennials, groundcovers and annuals shall conform to the Summit County Land Use and Development Code (Appendix 3-2), Required Plant Materials List (see Appendix 16-A of this Chapter). This Appendix lists species of plants, shrubs and mixes to assist the applicant with proven plants for use at the Town's high altitude and in limited growing conditions (semi-arid environment, short growing season, short frost-free period, extremely cold winters, etc.). The applicant shall take into consideration if there are proper water rights for use on the landscaped areas in case additional water is necessary for supplementing natural precipitation. The aforementioned Appendix lists types of vegetation to use for three (3) different ranges of precipitation.
(10) Landscaping of all berms shall take into account and be designed to be protected from snow storage areas and from snow sliding off of roofs. Hardy landscaping plants that will not be damaged by snow storage shall be located in those areas so affected by snow piled upon or against the berm. 
High Country Conservation Center, local municipalities, Summit County and partners have worked over the last year on developing the Summit Community Climate Action Plan: Strategies for a Sustainable Future. The Town of Blue River will be adopting the plan at the April Board of Trustees Meeting. A copy of the plan may be found on the Town website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver .
High Country Conservation
 The High Country Conservation Center’s (HC3) Energy Smart Colorado program provides Summit County homeowners with affordable energy audits that identify places in your home where a little extra air sealing or insulation could save you a lot of money on your utility bills. The price for an audit starts at $99 and increases incrementally depending on the size of your home – for a limited time, the Town of Blue River is offering BONUS GRANTS to residents that receive energy audits! If you decide to pursue an upgrade after your audit, HC3 also offers rebates of up to $400 to help cover the cost. Households at 80% AMI and under may be eligible for free audits and retrofit work. For more information, call Cody or Jess at  (970) 668 – 5703 , or visit  the Energy Smart Colorado webpage  to sign up. Let us help you make living in your home more comfortable, more efficient, and more affordable! 
Census 2020
Work has begun in preparation for the 2020 Census Count. The count is important as it not only accurately counts for all living in an area but grants, and federal/state funding is dependant on population. The Town of Blue River will be working with Summit County and other municipalities to ensure all are counted in the 2020 Census. More information will be coming in the near future.

In the meantime, are you looking to earn some extra income? The Census is now hiring. 2020 Census jobs provide great pay, flexible hours, weekly pay and paid training. For more infomation and to apply online go to 2020census.gov/jobs .
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