HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 2003-10-07RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting of the Estes Valley Board of Adjustment
October 7, 2003, 7:00 a.m.
Board Room, Estes Park Municipal Building
Board:
Attending:
Also Attending:
Absent:
Chair Jeff Barker, Members Bill Horton, Wayne Newsom, Al Sager,
and Cliff Dill
Chair Barker, Members Horton and Sager
Director Joseph, Planner Shirk and Planner Chilcott and Recording
Secretary Williamson
Wayne Newsom and Cliff Dill
Chair Barker called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The following minutes reflect the
order of the agenda and not necessarily the chronological sequence. Chair Barker
advised all items would remain open to public comment after 8:00 a.m. and no votes
taken until 8:00 a.m. due to the earlier than published start of the meeting. This
procedure was adhered to for all items on the agenda.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
a. The minutes of the September 9, 2003 meeting.
2. LOT 3. MURPHY SUBDIVISION. 350 STANLEY AVENUE. APPLICANT: JOY
BRYANT - VARIANCE REQUEST FROM SECTION 5.2.D.8 OF THE ESTES
VALLEY DEVELOPMENT CODE.
Planner Chilcott reviewed the staff report. This is a request for a six foot variance
from the ten foot building separation requirement to build a carport four feet from the
northern side of the existing duplex. The dimensions of the proposed carport are
twenty-two feet wide by twenty-two feet long for a 484 square foot footprint. The site
plan shows a second carport on the southern side of the duplex. A variance is not
requested for this carport; however, the location shown for the second carport does
not comply with the ten foot building separation requirement and will need to be
relocated prior to Planning sign off on the building permit. The existing duplex is a
legal nonconforming use that can continue in accordance with EVDC Chapter 6.
There are special circumstances associated with this lot. The lot is undersized for
the “E” Estate zoning district. This lot has platted setbacks that are more restrictive
than the EVDC building/structure setbacks. The request is a sixty percent variance
and is substantial. The proposed addition may not substantially alter the essential
character of the neighborhood. The applicant could build a carport in the flat, grassy
area to the west of the duplex. This would require redesign of the driveway. The
applicant could also build a carport or garage attached to the northern side of the
duplex that could comply with setbacks. The variance, if granted, offers the least
deviation from the regulations that will afford relief to build the proposed carport as
shown on the site plan.
Mike Kingswood was present to represent the applicant. He questioned the need for
a surveyor to come out to the property twice. He feels that setting the footings is just
a function of measuring with a tape from the survey stakes. He would like to remove
the condition of approval requiring a second visit to verify the foundation by a
surveyor. He feels it is an unnecessary expense. Director Joseph stated it is
reasonable to require a surveyor to set the survey stakes and verify the footings
prior to pouring, if a variance is granted and the work is done with zero tolerance to
the setback approved.
Public Comment:
None.
It was moved and seconded (Sager/Horton) to approve a six foot (6) variance
from the ten foot (10) building separation requirement to build a carport four
feet (4) from the northern side of the existing duplex and the motion passed
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 2
October 7, 2003
with two absent. All variances granted by the Board of Adjustment shall
become null and void if a Building Permit has not been issued and paid for,
and the work commenced within twelve (12) months from the date the variance
is granted.
1. A registered land surveyor shall set the survey stakes for the foundation forms.
After the footings are set and prior to pouring the foundation, the surveyor shall
verify compliance with the variance and provide a setback certificate.
2. Compliance with the submitted plans.
3. LOT 2. BLOCK 6. RECLAMATION SUBDIVISION. 250 & 252 THIRD
STREET. APPLICANT: WARREN & KAREN SPRINGER - VARIANCE
REQUEST FROM SECTION 4. TABLE 4-2 OF THE ESTES VALLEY
DEVELOPMENT CODE.
Planner Chilcott reviewed the staff report. This is a request for a five foot variance
from the ten foot rear yard setback to build a storage shed five feet from the rear
(southern) property line. The dimensions of the proposed one-story storage shed
are twelve feet wide by thirty-four feet long for a 408 square foot footprint. The
applicant proposes removing the two existing storage sheds on the lot and replacing
them with the 408 square foot storage shed. This shed would be located on the
southwest corner of the lot and would remove a portion of the existing driveway.
The lot is undersized for the “R-2” Two-Family Residential zoning district. There can
be a beneficial use of the property without the variance. The existing duplex can
continue to be used. This is a fifty percent variance which is substantial. The
proposed addition may not substantially alter the essential character of the
neighborhood. The proposed storage shed can not be placed on the lot without a
variance. The variance request offers the least deviation form the regulations that
will afford relief.
Warren Springer, applicant, was present. He spoke with Dave Cearlock, State
Electrical Inspector, regarding the need for 12.5 feet of clearance from the top of the
proposed storage shed and the existing power line. Mr. Springer does not believe
this will be an issue.
Public Comment:
None.
It was moved and seconded (Horton/Sager) to approve a variance request of
five feet (5) from the rear yard setback of ten feet (10) to buiid a storage shed
five feet (5) from the rear property line (southern) and the motion passed with
two absent. All variances granted by the Board of Adjustment shall become
null and void if a Building Permit has not been issued and paid for, and the
work commenced within twelve (12) months from the date the variance is
granted.
1. Compliance with the submitted plans.
The two existing storage sheds shall be removed from the lot.
Compliance with Greg Sievers’ memo to Alison Chilcott dated September 24
2003.
Compliance with Jim Duell’s letter to Alison Chilcott dated September 23, 2003.
A registered land surveyor shall verify compliance with the variance and
provide a setback certificate.
Prior to Planning Department sign off on a building permit for the storage shed,
a registered land surveyor shall calculate the existing and proposed lot
coverage and provide this information to staff. As required by EVDC Section 4
Table 4-2, lot coverage shall not exceed fifty percent.
The applicant shall submit a building permit application that demonstrates
compliance with EVDC Section 7.11.D Minimum Off-Street Parking
Requirements, i.e. a minimum of four parking spaces must remain on site to
serve the two units.
That prior to issuance of a building permit the applicant shall correct any code
violations found by the Code Enforcement Officer.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 3
October 7,2003
4. LOT 14. LITTLE VALLEY 1ST FILING. INTERSECTION OF DOLLAR LAKE
ROAD AND BLACK SQUIRREL DRIVE. APPLICANT: HOWELL & J'ANN
WRIGHT. - VARIANCE REQUEST FROM SECTION 4. TABLE 4-2 AND SECTION
1.9.E OF THE ESTES VALLEY DEVELOPMENT CODE.
Planner Shirk reviewed the staff report. The applicants wish to build a single-family
dwelling with a detached 30-foot wide garage. The lot is located in Little Valley, at
the intersection of Dollar Lake Road and Black Squirrel Drive, and is zoned “RE”
Rural Estate, which has a minimum lot size of 2.5-acres and 50-foot building
setbacks. The lot is relatively flat, at 1.8 acres is sub-sized for the zone district, has
an unusual shape, and has an “L” shaped access easement jutting from the west
property line. The required setback is measured from the edge of the easement, not
the actual property line. Staff finds no special circumstances or conditions that
would result in practical difficulty in conforming to the height limit. The applicant has
submitted a design that indicates ability to comply with the height limit with the
exception of one small area. The fact the majority of the house is able to comply
indicates there is no special hardship associated with this lot. The property could be
developed without variances. The proposed house could be situated on the lot in a
manner that would reduce the requested setback requests, though the proposed
house size and shape would require a setback variance. The house could be
redesigned to allow compliance with the setback and height requirements. The site
plan could be revised so the house runs parallel to the slope, which would minimize
or eliminate the need for a height variance. Staff recommends a “limits of
disturbance” be delineated on the site plan. This is because the applicant requests
to build outside the mandated building setbacks. The Applicant's predicament could
be mitigated through methods other than variances. The Little Valley Owner’s
Association has submitted a letter of support for this variance request.
Paul Bennett of Van Horn Engineering was present to represent the applicant. He
stated the alignment of Black Squirrel Drive limits the buildable area. The applicant
IS asking for a height variance for a small portion of the house in order to limit site
impact and to save some trees. The applicant is willing to lower the finish floor to
meet the height requirement. He stated he understands there is no hardship for the
eastern property line; therefore the applicant is willing to move the garage within the
50 foot eastern setback. He would like to propose a 25 foot western setback from
the Black Squirrel easement and leave the garage detached.
Boa^ Member Horton questioned how many trees would be saved by granting the
he'ght variance. Mr. Bennett stated that 3 or 4 trees in the 15 inch category would
fQe °! lf they .0W®!:ed the finish floor t0 meet the hei9ht requirement. Planner Shirk
the site d^s<turbance attaCh th6 9ara9e and by detachin9the garage you will increase
Public Comment:
None.
Mr. Bennett stated that attaching the garage would require additional grading due to
the natural drainage running between the proposed house and detached garage.
Kn?.eruShl?f u6 ?the P|acement of the house is fine but he still feels the garage
should be attached to the house. Director Joseph advised the drainage is a valid
reason for separating the garage from the house.
?OVe^d and ®erconded (Sager/Horton) to approve a variance request of
twenty-five feet (25) from the western side yard setback of fifty feet (50) to
build a single family home and detached garage twenty-five feet (25) from the
western property line as shown on the drawing attached to the end of the
minutes and the motion passed with two absent. All variances granted by the
Board of Adjustment shall become null and void if a Building Permit has not
been issued and paid for, and the work commenced within twelve (12) months
from the date the variance is granted.
1. Redesign of the site plan to meet approved setbacks. Design should follow
example shown in Figure 1 .B of Staff report.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment
October 7, 2003
2.Compliance with Limits of Disturbance standards set forth in Section 7.2.D of
the EVDC.
3. Full compliance with the Uniform Building Code
4. Prior to pouring foundation, submittal of a setback certificate prepared by a
registered land surveyor.
5. Compliance with the site plan.
It was moved (Sager) to approve a height variance of no more than 38 feet as
determined by the building permit submittal. There was no second and the
motion died.
It was moved and seconded (Horton/Barker) to disapprove a height variance of
38 feet and the motion passed - -
voting “no” Sager.
Those voting “yes” Horton and Barker. Those
5.LOT 11, PARK HILLS SUBDiVISiON. 287 JOEL ESTES DRIVE. APPLICANT:
STEVE MCNEILL - VARIANCE REQUEST FROM SECTION 4. TABLE 4-2 OF THE
ESTES VALLEY DEVELOPMENT CODE.' " -----------------------------
This item was continued from the August 5, 2003 and September 9, 2003 Board
meeting. Planner Shirk reviewed the staff report. This request has been before the
Board on two previous occasions. The original request has been amended, and no
longer requires a side yard setback variance. The nature of the request has been
changed to increase the setback from the east property line (Bucher) and to
increase the setback and reduce the amount of encroachment along Mall Road.
This has resulted in an increase of encroachment along Joel Estes Drive. In
addition, the applicant has redesigned the proposed house to eliminate the third
story, which would have been out of character for the neighborhood.
Lonnie Sheldon of Van Horn Engineering was present to represent the applicant
impact fromrelohrhome9n ‘he addi‘i0n and 3 Ph0t0 SimUlati°n Sh0Win9 ,he
Public Comment:
^teofan UCHr4tfl?p5HJthel ESteS Drive-stated he is in support of the new submitted
prf nlTll- H u djheIrf are current|y 5 cars/trailers parked along the road which
moved SpathaZard‘ He.would like t0 see the cars that are not used every day
moved before the variance is granted. y y
Sn r0f'?ha,?nnn)t!d tI®'® ^ aC,i''! parl<in9 enforcement in the unincorporated
portion ^ the County. There is no mechanism to prevent parking on public rioht of
ways He does however feei it is within the discretion of tte eSard to SPac^a
condition of approvai that the cars be removed from the right-of-way He stated the
Board also has the discretion to place a time limit on the completion of thi p“
reque^aSHe fl!o hat' c63'®5 DrlV®' SPa°ke in 0PPosition *6 proposed variance
rnaH u H f concems ^garding the vehicles parked on the side of theemergeiPcy.068 n0' be"eVe ® fir® ®n9in® C°Uld driVe down 'he '•oad 'p® avent°of an
reoITesrh HnpeLs0PnJOel Est®S«?li,''e' Spoke in 0PPosition ,0 the proposed variance
storage on the site S Parkin9 °f VehiCl®S °n ,he r0adway and with
Mr. Sheldon stated the vehicles parked on the right-of-way were removed from the
^trnrpeth at 0arf ?request- The variance is needed in order to build a garage to
nSnhhnrQ add!!l0fnal ,tem.s- He stated the right-of-way is narrow; however9 the
ctoF 0U d f0rm an imPr°vement district to widen the roadway. Mr. Sheldon
2 ntpmInp|aPP ICa?h V?U-lld a9ree t0 limit the number of cars parked on the street to
ThP pnn^ipL f rS‘ Tbe|.|:ai,er and unl,censed car will be removed after construction.
The applicants would like a year from this November to complete construction.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment 5
October 7,2003
The Board questioned how they could enforce a time limit. Director Joseph stated
the applicant would have to come back to the Board and ask for an extension. The
Board could at that time move to deny the requested extension and require the
applicant to remove what has already been built. Mr. Sheldon stated the County
already has a rule that the building must be done within 2 years. He stated the
intent of the applicant is to complete the shell of the building as soon as possible.
Board Member Horton does not understand the need for a time limit. Chair Barker
explained that in past testimony it was a concern of the neighbors. Neighbors have
testified that past construction on the site has taken months if not years to complete.
Board Member Horton stated he is aware of the past testimony. He stated he has
reviewed the past proceedings.
Chair Barker stated he is concerned with the timing issue and a year seems like a
long time. He has a problem with limiting the number of cars parked on the right-of-
way.
Mr. Sheldon stated that a couple of retaining walls need to be constructed first
before construction of the foundation can begin. The applicants would like to get the
foundation in before the ground freezes. He stated the applicant has the money and
is ready to move fon/vard.
Charlie Phillips, architect, advised construction drawings have not been completed
for this project, and a month or two would be needed before construction could
begin. Also, a building permit would need to be obtained before construction could
begin.
It was moved and seconded (Sager/Horton) to approve a variance request of
twenty feet (20) from the Mall Road setback of fifty feet (50) and thirty-four feet
(34) from the Joel Estes Drive setback to build an addition to an existing cabin
thirty feet (30) from Mall Road and sixteen feet (16) from Joel Estes Drive and
the motion passed with two absent. All variances granted by the Board of
Adjustment shall become null and void if a Building Permit has not been
issued and paid for, and the work commenced within twelve (12) months from
the date the variance is granted.
1. Compliance with the site plan.
2
3.
Compliance with the Uniform Building Code.
Prior to pouring foundation, submittal of a setback certificate prepared bv a
registered land surveyor. y
4. New construction shall be consistent in style, materials, and color of existing
cabin. This shall be addressed with the building permit submittal.
5. The applicant shall have one year from October 15, 2003 to complete
construction.
6. REPORTS
Director Joseph welcomed new Board Members Bill Horton and Cliff Dill. He also
thanked Judy Lamy for her service.
7. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
It was moved and seconded (Sager/Barker) that Bill Horton be nominated for
Vice-Chair and it passed unanimously with two absent.
There being no further business. Chair Barkei^journed the meeting at 8:45 a.m
Jarker, Chair
J^queiyn Williamson, Recording Secretary
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Estes Valley Board of Adjustment
October 7,2003
BLACV: SQUIRREL Dl
EDSEOPROAO
EASEMENT
25* SETBACK LINE
RELOCATED HOUSE
EDGE
EASEMENT
RELOCATED GARA(
/25* SETBACK LINE
10* UTILITY EASEMENT
50‘SETBACK LINE
PROP LINE