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Public Referral Is Open for Hillcamp!!!

Updated: 2 days ago

The City of Lone Tree has opened public referral for four development applications related to the proposed Hillcamp project.


This is one of the most important phases in the development process because decisions made at this stage determine whether the project can even move forward as proposed.


What Is Public Referral — and Why It Matters

Public referral is the City’s formal request for written comments on development applications from agencies, HOAs, and the public.


During referral:

  • City staff review all submitted comments

  • The developer must respond to issues raised

  • Concerns entered now become part of the official public record


If issues are not raised during referral, they are much harder to introduce later.This is where the paper trail is built.


Deadline to comment: Tuesday, February 10, 2026


Important: These Applications Are Interconnected — But Not Equal

There are four separate Hillcamp applications, all under review at the same time. Each application must receive its own set of public comments.


However, not all four applications play the same role in whether Hillcamp can proceed.There is a clear dependency structure, and some decisions matter more than others.


START HERE:  The Hillcamp Sub-Area Plan (The Framework)

The Sub-Area Plan is the blueprint for Hillcamp. It establishes:

  • Overall land use

  • Road networks

  • Open space configuration

  • Design standards and development expectations


Once a Sub-Area Plan is adopted, everything that follows is shaped by it. If the framework is flawed, later applications inherit those flaws. Scroll to the bottom of the page and use the Comment Response Form to input your thoughts.

 

CRITICAL FOCUS: Cabela Drive / Hillcamp Drive Extension (The Gatekeeper)


The Cabela Drive / Hillcamp Drive extension Final Plat proposes the primary access road for the entire Hillcamp development. This application is likely to be reviewed first, because the Sub-Area Plan and both Preliminary Plans are dependent on the access point shown via this roadway extension.


Why This Matters So Much

If the Cabela Drive / Hillcamp Drive extension is not approved:

  • The City cannot finalize decisions on the other applications as currently proposed

  • Hillcamp’s access, traffic, and safety assumptions fall apart

  • The remaining applications would likely require revisions, continuance and conditions tied to new access.


What to Focus On in Comments

  • Emergency access and wildfire evacuation

  • Loss of existing open space currently used by the public and wildlife

  • Traffic safety and congestions isssues

  • Safety concerns related to unstable soils and areas identified as landslide-prone by Colorado Geological Society

  • Financial impacts, including the long-term maintenance of the road by the City of Lone Tree and the pedestrian bridge by Lone Tree or Douglas County

  • This access is not identified in the RidgeGate 7th Amendment Planned Development District


Use the Comment Response Form in the middle of the application page to submit your thoughts.



This is the mainpart of the subdivision that plans for 261 single-family homes, including roads, utilities, parks, and open space. Here is a link to the Comment Response Form on this application.



This is a smaller but still significant residential part of the development located nearest Bluffs Regional Park and portions of the East-West Trail. Use the Comment Response Form on the Southridge Preserve application page.


Key point for both preliminary plans: The entire subdivision assumes the Cabela Drive / Hillcamp Drive access exists. If access is unresolved or denied, these plans cannot stand as proposed.

 

Key Issues to Focus On in Preliminary Plan Comments

  • Amenities & trails are primarily designed for Hillcamp residents, not the broader community

  • Wildlife habitat and movement corridors would be significantly impacted

  • Much of the labeled “open space” functions as internal subdivision land, not truly accessible public open space

  • Significant hillside grading and terrain modification conflict with claims of “preserving topography”

  • Cumulative impacts to surrounding communities and Douglas County

  • Wildfire risk for nearby rural communities like McArthur Ranch and Surrey Ridge which are wells and not on city-maintained fire hydrants

  • Drainage concerns for a new subdivision located above established neighborhoods

  • Drought concerns especially as the region experiences one of the warmest winters in recent memory


Important Reminder: These Are Developer-Provided Materials


Everything posted on the City’s application webpages — studies, reports, and narratives — was prepared by consultants HIRED AND PAID for by the developer.


They are:

❌ Not approvals

❌ Not City conclusions

❌ Not independent reviews


Public referral exists so agencies and residents can question, challenge, and scrutinize these materials.


How to Make Your Input Count

  • Submit separate comments for each application

  • Start with the Sub-Area Plan

  • Spend extra time on the Cabela Drive / Hillcamp Drive extension

  • Focus on access, safety, wildfire evacuation, wildlife, traffic, water and long-term impacts

  • Even short, thoughtful comments matter!


You may also upload letters or documents with your comments.


Bottom Line

Public referral is not a formality.This is where the rubber meets the road.


This is the moment to speak up — thoughtfully, clearly, and while the City is still required to listen.



 
 
 
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