Understanding the Hillcamp Development Process
- Save the Lone Tree Bluffs
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Before Brookfield Residential can build the proposed Hillcamp subdivision—a 343-home project planned for the mesa tops south of Lone Tree—the company must go through a detailed, multi-step review and approval process with the City of Lone Tree and several other agencies.
Below is a breakdown of who’s involved, what each step of the process looks like, and how YOU can stay informed and make your voices heard.
⚖️ Key Players
City of Lone Tree: The City’s Planning Division reviews all development proposals within city limits. They check every application against Lone Tree’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Design Standards and Guidelines, as well as any other adopted planning documents that apply to the project.
Brookfield Residential: Brookfield is a North American developer of master-planned communities and the residential real estate arm of Brookfield Corporation, a publicly traded Canadian multinational. Locally, Brookfield is partnered with RidgeGate Investments and may also appear in public documents as BC-RG Mesa Tops JV LLC. The development is officially called Hillcamp, but you may also see it referenced as Mesa Tops in files.
Rampart Range Metro District: Rampart Range is the local metro district that partners with developers to build infrastructure—roads, utilities, and other public improvements—for new housing areas. Rampart Range's board is primarily made up of representatives of Coventry Development (the master developer of RidgeGate and a close partner to Brookfield) so they're heavily invested in the project.
🗂️ Process & Timeline
Brookfield and RidgeGate have submitted four separate applications that must be approved before construction can begin:
Hillcamp Sub-Area Plan (RG24-0007) – Overall site plan, design guidelines, and land use layout.
Hillcamp Southridge Preserve Preliminary Plan (SB25-0009) – 170.86 acres; 82 single-family homes and 22 tracts.
Hillcamp RidgeGate Rural Residential Preliminary Plan (SB25-0010) – 221.35 acres; 261 single-family homes and 52 tracts.
Cabela/Hillcamp Drive Subdivision Plat (SB25-0014) – Proposed extension of Cabela Drive to provide main access into Hillcamp. Rampart Range Metro District is listed as the applicant. The land they want to develop for the road is current open space owned by the City fo Lone Tree.
🔍 The Five Stages of Approval
1. Completeness Review: City planners check that all required documents and studies are included in the submission.✅ Status: Completed.
2. Technical Review: City staff—including Public Works, Planning, and Engineering—review the developer’s technical reports (drainage, grading, traffic, wildfire mitigation, etc.) for compliance with city codes. Brookfield’s consultants, led by JR Engineering, submit revisions based on city feedback.🔁 This back-and-forth process often requires multiple rounds—Hillcamp is currently in the second round of technical review.
3. Public Referral: Once the City’s internal review is complete, the applications are shared with outside agencies such as Douglas County, South Metro Fire, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and Parker Water & Sanitation for comment.
During this stage:
Only property owners within 200 feet and nearby HOAs are notified by mail.
All other residents must sign up for City email alerts to receive updates and submit written comments. EVERYONE SHOULD SIGN UP!!!!!!!
The referral period typically lasts about 35 days.
A dedicated project webpage will be hosted on Lone Tree’s website once public review begins.
Public meetings are expected to start in 2026, after additional rounds of technical review.
4. Planning Commission Hearing: The Planning Commission reviews the proposal and makes a recommendation to the Lone Tree City Council.📣 Residents are encouraged to attend and provide public comment.
5. City Council Hearing: The final step before approval. The City Council holds a public hearing to decide whether to approve or deny the Hillcamp project.🗣️ This is the community’s last opportunity to speak directly to decision-makers.
📬 Stay Involved
Residents can monitor the Hillcamp project’s progress and sign up for notifications on new development applications through this link.
🌿 Take Action
The Hillcamp proposal isn’t just about new homes—it’s about the future of Lone Tree’s open space, wildlife corridors, and our city’s connection to nature. It isn't just about Lone Tree as the East/West Regional Trail connects several Douglas County communities and draw visitors from all over. Every resident deserves a say in how this land is developed.
✔️ Stay informed.✔️ Attend public meetings.✔️ Share your concerns.✔️ Help preserve the bluffs that make Lone Tree special.
