The City Council has been discussing “viewsheds” in Beacon for quite some time, perhaps picking up steam during the building moratorium it imposed in 2017 that blocked all new building projects for six months. The moratorium was enacted in the name of reviewing Beacon’s water supply, as development growth has happened faster than anticipated. From the draft moratorium law: “The City’s vision was that development would be more gradual and take place over a period of years.” During the moratorium, the City Council reviewed several of its zoning laws that it wanted to change as Beacon develops.

What Is A Viewshed?

A “viewshed” is something that a City Council (or Planning or Zoning Board of a city) would consider when discussing how a new building or building addition might block or alter a view from surrounding spaces. if you’re not among the people hanging out in these meetings, the specific term might not ever enter your mind. But the bummer feeling of losing a view that you once had would probably enter your mind.

With several new buildings going up at once, zoning has been tightened since the 2017 building moratorium, including considerations around viewsheds. Scenic viewsheds were also included in the review that City Council must do for new projects, a rule that was adopted at the end of 2017, as reported in the Highlands Current.

Protection of viewsheds is a pursued point of interest that Council Member At-Large Lee Kyriacou has been discussing at City Council meetings, as well as at a second Beacon Zoning Discussion that was held for the public at Beahive a few months ago.

Viewsheds are back on the City Council’s agenda. The agenda for the April 8, 2019 City Council Workshop features an upcoming Linkage Zone and Protected Viewshed agenda item for Monday, April 29, 2019.

So What Are Your Favorite Views?

Room with a view.

View from a porch.

“Ready to move to Beacon for this view” type of view.

What are your favorite views? Take pictures with your smartphone or any camera and send them to us at editorial@alittlebeaconblog.com for consideration to be featured in a roundup article. Please include: