Longmont Voter Approval for Open Space Sales

Longmont's charter treats park land and water rights differently from the rest of the city's property. Under section 13.2, the city can sell or convey lands "owned and used by the city for park purposes," and its water rights, only if a majority of the voters voting on the question approve. The council can sell or convey all other real property, including land the city holds as open space, by passing an administrative ordinance with the votes of two-thirds of its full membership. The section also lets the city exchange water or change the point of diversion of a water right without an election.

Question 3B rewrites the first sentence of section 13.2 to cover lands owned and used by the city "for either park purposes or open space purposes." A sale or conveyance of that open space then goes to Longmont's voters, and a majority of those voting on it decides. The City Council referred the question in Ordinance O-2026-48. None of the city's other three questions on the ballot, 3A, 3C and 3D, amends section 13.2, and none depends on the result of 3B.

The amendment exempts three kinds of open space transfer from the vote:

• public rights-of-way and easements for public roads, utilities and life-essential infrastructure;
• transfers for open space operations;
• the sale or conveyance of structures, dwellings or outbuildings on open space land.

These exceptions apply only to open space. Park land and water rights keep the present rule.

If a majority approves, the amendment takes effect when the city files a certified copy with the City Clerk and the Colorado Secretary of State, which the ordinance requires within 20 days of approval. It stays in the charter until voters amend it again.