Every water customer in Breckenridge faces mandatory outdoor irrigation limits after the Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to declare a water shortage and impose Stage 2 restrictions, citing drought conditions that have cut inflows to the town’s sole reservoir. The council also passed three ordinances on second reading, swore in two newly elected members, and appointed a new Mayor Pro Tem.
The restrictions, effective immediately, limit outdoor watering to two days per week, down from three. Even-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays and Thursdays; odd-numbered addresses only on Wednesdays and Fridays. No outdoor watering is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays. On permitted days, irrigation may not begin before 6:00 p.m. or run past 9:00 a.m. the following morning, and may not exceed three hours. Town Engineer Shannon Cahill presented the resolution and told council staff will reevaluate conditions every 30 days and return with recommended adjustments.
Violations carry a warning for the first offense, a $250 surcharge for the second, $500 for the third, and $750 for each subsequent offense. After a fourth violation, outdoor watering privileges are suspended for the duration of the restrictions. Flowers, plants and landscaping may be hand-watered or drip-irrigated at any time, as may newly planted landscaping installed within the past two years. Watering within the town’s public parks and golf course is also exempt.
New Council Members Sworn In, Mayor Pro Tem Appointed
The evening opened with the swearing in of Emily Lutke and Jay Beckerman, both elected in the April 7 municipal election. Council then appointed Carol Saade as Mayor Pro Tem for a two-year term, succeeding Dick Carleton, who held the position for the previous two years. Mayor Kelly Owens cited the council’s tradition of selecting the member with the longest continuous service for the role.
Public Comment
A community member introduced Lean On Us, a new local nonprofit focused on end-of-life support for Summit County residents in their final six months of life. The organization provides food, transportation, hospice counseling, emergency financial grants, and temporary housing for visiting family members, and works in partnership with Bristol/Cone Hospice and Mountain Dreamers.
E-Delivery Permit System Adopted
Council approved on second reading an ordinance formally establishing a permit system and fee structure for the town’s E-Delivery program. Since its pilot launch in November 2024, the program has removed more than 2,495 large trucks from downtown, delivered more than 482,866 products, and cut emissions by more than 84,370 pounds. The program’s 2026 operating budget is $1.54 million.
Permit fees are tiered by delivery frequency, number of locations served, dock time and vehicle type, and are projected to generate approximately $295,100 if all 17 current distributors participate — covering less than 20% of operating costs. Fees are capped at a 2% annual increase through 2028, after which council may adjust the structure by resolution. Sustainability + Parking Manager Jessie Burley presented the ordinance.
French Street Roundabout Right-of-Way Conveyed
Council approved on second reading an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of two town-owned right-of-way parcels to the Colorado Department of Transportation for the planned French Street roundabout. Parcel 1, a portion of Woods Drive, totals 0.1316 acres; Parcel 2, a portion of French Street, totals 0.1260 acres. Construction is slated to begin in early summer 2026, pending dedication of additional parcels by adjacent private landowners. State Highway 9 will remain open during construction, and the town bears no financial obligation for construction costs.
Workforce Housing Fast-Track Process Codified
Council approved on second reading an ordinance amending the town’s development and building codes to establish an expedited review process for qualifying affordable housing projects under Colorado’s Proposition 123. Projects in which at least 50% of residential units meet state affordability standards will be classified as Class C development applications and must receive a final decision within 90 days of a complete submittal. Local governments that adopt a compliant process by June 30, 2026 — six months ahead of the state deadline — qualify for a one-time grant of up to $45,000 with no local match required. Staff told council the Runway Development project is eligible for up to $2 million in Proposition 123 funding, which the town cannot access without an adopted fast-track process.
Proclamations
Mayor Owens proclaimed May 2026 as Building Safety Month under the theme “Built to Last,” recognizing the role of building and fire safety officials, architects, engineers, contractors and tradespeople in protecting public safety. May is also recognized statewide as Wildfire Awareness Month. Council members received challenge coins from the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Board in recognition of their December 2025 adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, which took effect January 13, 2026.
Council also recognized the 50th anniversary of the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, founded April 23, 1976. The BOEC now serves more than 2,000 participants annually through year-round adaptive outdoor recreation programs and operates across Western Colorado and Utah.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission approved a proposal by Beaver Run Resort to install a 5,000-square-foot temporary summer tent at 620 Village Road for conferences and private functions, operating June 4 through September 30. No public comment was offered on any agenda item.
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