HomeMy WebLinkAboutLETTER 585 Audubon St Unit B Minor Modification Approval of Setback 2024-03-06
Community Development Department Planning Division 970-577-3721 planning@estes.org
170 MACGREGOR AVE. P.O. BOX 1200, ESTES PARK CO. 80517 WWW.ESTES.ORG
March 6, 2024
Greg Scott
P.O. Box 2373
509 Pine River Lane
Estes Park, CO 80517
Sent via email: greg@homesbykingswood.com
RE: Minor Modification Approval– 585-B Audubon St. – Reduced Front Yard Setback
Dear Mr. Scott,
I have reviewed your request for a “Minor Modification,” specifically, your request to construct an addition
to the dwelling located at 585-B Audubon St, Estes Park, legally described as Lot 8 of The Crags
Subdivision, and identified as Larimer County Tax Parcel No. 3525322008. The property is within the
Estate (E) Zoning District.
Per the Estes Park Development Code (EPDC) Section 4.3, Table 4 – 2, a dwelling in the E Zone District
requires a front setback to be a minimum of 15 feet on non-arterial streets. The front setback proposed
with the building addition is 13.5’ from the north property line.
Section 3.7.A.2.a. of the EPDC provides staff the authority to grant a Minor Modification to a General
Development and Zone District Standard, “up to a maximum of ten percent (10%).”
Staff hereby grants this Minor Modification as described above with the following findings of fact:
1. The Modification (1.5’) is ten percent (10%) of the front setback standard (15’);
2. Special circumstances or conditions exist on the property, including:
a. Steep topography
b. The lot size is legal non-conforming and small in size (7484 square feet) relative to the
zone district minimum (1/2 acre), thereby limiting options for the addition
c. Adjacent private drive right-of-way to the north is abnormally wide;
3. Practical difficulty may result from strict compliance with the Code;
4. There can be beneficial use of the property without the minor modification;
5. The minor modification will not have the effect of nullifying or impairing the intent and purposes
of either of the specific standards, the Development Code, or the Comprehensive Plan;
6. The minor modification is not substantial;
7. The essential character of the neighborhood will not be substantially altered and adjoining
properties will not suffer a substantial detriment as a result of the minor modification;
Community Development Department Planning Division 970-577-3721 planning@estes.org
170 MACGREGOR AVE. P.O. BOX 1200, ESTES PARK CO. 80517 WWW.ESTES.ORG
8. The minor modification will not adversely affect the delivery of public services such as water
and sewer; and
9. It is unknown if the applicant purchased the property with knowledge of the setback
requirement.
This approval shall not constitute an exemption from building permits, zoning, or other applicable
regulations.
Please contact me at (970) 577-3727 or phornbeck@estes.org if you have any questions.
Regards,
Paul Hornbeck
Senior Planner