HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/22/2006CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AGENDA
June 22, 2006
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held before the City of Wheat Ridge Board
of Adjustment on June 22, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers of the
Municipal Building, 7500 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colarado.
l. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the tune for anyone to speak on any subject not appearing on
the agenda.)
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Case No. WA-06-08: An application filed by Walter Mackie for approval of a 5
foot side yard setback variance from the 10 foot side yard setback requirement
resulting in a 5 foot side yard setback and a 5 foot rear yard setback variance from
the 10 foot rear yard setback requirement resulting in a 5 foot rear yard setback
for property zoned Residential One B(R-1B) and located at 3892 Nelson Street.
5. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion about Alternates & Training
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of minutes - May 25, 2006
8. ADJOURNMENT
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CITY OF WAEAT RIDGE
PLAATNING DIVISION STAFF REPORT
Board of Adjustment CASE MANAGER: Jeff Hn-t
CASE NO. & NAME: WA-06-08/Maclde DATE OF MEETING: 7une 22, 2006
ACTION REQiTESTED: Approval of a 5 foot side yard setback variance from the 10 foot side yard
setback requirement resulring in a 5 foot side yard setback and a 5 foot rear
yard setback variance from the 10 foot reaz yud setback requirement resulting
in a 5 foot rear yard setback.
LOCATION OF REQiJEST: 3892 Nelson Street
APPLICANT (S):
OWNER (S):
APPROXIMATE AREA:
PRESENT ZONiNG:
Walter Mackie
Walter Mackie
7,585 square feet (.14 aeres)
Residential-One B (R-1B)
ENTER INTO RECORD:
(X) CASE FII.E & PACKET MATERIAi,S (X) DIGTTAL PRESENTATION
(X) ZONING ORDINANCE
( ) SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Locarion Map
Subject Prope
BoazdofAdjustment 1
Case WA-06-08/Niackie
Jurisdiction
All notification and posting requirements have been met; therefore, there is jurisdiction to hear this case.
1. REQUEST
The properry in quesfion is located at 3892 Nelson Street, and is approximately .14 acres in size _
. The properiy has Residential-One B(R-1B) zoning and currently has a single family residential
structure on it.
The applicant, Walter Mackie, is requesting this variance as the property owner "
The request is for approval of 5 foot side and rear yazd setback vaziances from the 10 foot side and rear yard
setback requirements resulting in 5 foot side and rear yard setbacks for the purposes of construcring a detached
garage.
The development standards for detached garages in the R-1B zone district can be summarized as follows:
o Front Yard Setback: 30 feet
o Side Yard Setback: 5 feet if the structure is less than 8 feet in height; 10 feet if the structure is
greater than 8 feet in height.
o Rear Yard Setback: 5 feet if the structure is less than 8 feet in height; 10 feet if the structure is
greater than 8 feet in height.
The applicant is proposing a detached garage setback 5 feet from both the side (south) and the rear (east)
roperiy lines. The detached garage is approximately 22 feet wide by 20 feet deep (440 square feet) lffEM
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II. CASE ANALYSIS
The property is 7,585 square feet in size, or .14 acres. The properiy measures 63.85 feet wide with a depth of
118.8 feet. The property cunently has a single family residential structure on it of approximately 1008 square
feet in size.
The applicant has expressed that conforxning to the required 10 foot side and reaz yard setbacks would be
problemaric because of tuming radii given the location of the house and the size of the lot. The applicant has
also expressed that allowance for the garage with 5 foot setbacks would be consistent with the exisfing built
environment in the neighborhood, as this particular regulation for 10 foot setbacks compared to 5 foot setbacks
was enacted recently.
It is correct that in 2003, the setback requirement which is applicable to this variance was changed. Prior to the
current regularion, adopted by City Council in 2003, the setback requirement was 5 feet in the R-113 zone
district for detached garages, regardless of height. Therefore the proposed garage would have been allowed
under the previous setback requirements.
The applicant is also proposing a standard sized two car detached garage. A Typical dimension for a two car
gazage is 22' X 22'. The proposed garage will be 22' X 20'.
There appears to be mulfiple detached garages in the viciniry that are less than 10 feet from either side or rear
property lines Two permits found indicate structures built with less than 10
foot side and/or rear yard setbacks. A persnit was issued in 1994 for a 1200 square foot detached garage on the
property located at 4000 Nelson Slreet, with a conforming 5 foot iear yard setback. A permit was also issued
for a 600 square foot detached garage with a 5'6" reaz yard setback for the property located at 3862 Nelson i
\
Boazd of Adjustment
Case WA-06-08/Mackie
Street. There have been several variance cases in the vicinity of this request, however none were found that
were specifically compazable to this case.
The applicant has also submitted a petition from sunounding property owners in support of the request i
UJIM.
Analysis and calcularions have been done regazding all other development standards with this request, such as
lot coverage requirements and size requirements for detached garages. All other development standards have
been met with this request.
II. VARIANCE CffiTERIA
Staff has the following comments regarding the criteria used to eualuate a variance request:
1. Can the property in question yield a reasonable return in use, service or income if permitted to be
used only under the conditions allowed by regulation for the district in wluch it is located?
If the request is denied, the property may still receive a reasonable return in use. The property may still be
used as a single-family residence without the need for any vaziances.
2. If the variance were granted, would it alter the essential character of the locality?
The request would have a minimal on the essential character of the locality. The majority of the physical
improvements done in the vicinity were under prior regulations, specifically a 5 foot rear and side yard
setback requirement prior to 2003. There are multiple detached garages in the vicinity that appear to be
closer than the current 10 foot side and rear yard setbacks, however none immediately adjacent to the
subject property.
3. Does the particular physical surrounding, shape or topographical condition of the specific property
involved result in a particular and unique hardship (upon the owner) as distinguished from a mere
inconvenience if the strict letter of the regulations were carried out?
There are no unique conditions related to shape or topography that render any portion of the property in
question unbuildable.
4. Has the alleged difficulty or hardship been created by any person presently having an interest in the
property?
The applicant has created his own hazdship by requesting a garage in this locafion. There may be other
alternatives for placement of the garage to be more in compliance with setback requirements.
5. Would the granting of the variance be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other
property or improvements in the neighborhood in which the property is located, by, among other
things, impairing the adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, substantially increasing
the congestion in public streets or increasing the danger of fire or endangering the public safety, or
substantially diminishing or impairing property values within the neighborhood?
Approval of the variance would not be deh-imental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in
the area. There may be a slight decrease in the supply of light and air to the properties to the east and
south, given that approval of the variance would result in a shucture closer to the property lines than is
allowed under current development standards. The request would not substantially increase the
congestion in public streets, increase the danger of fue or endanger the public safety. Property values
should not be impacted as a result of this request.
Boazd of Adjustment
Case WA-06-08/Mackie
6: If criteria 1 through 5 are found, then, would the granting of the variance result in a benefit or
contribution to the neighborhood or the community, as distinguished from an individual benefit on
the part of the applicant, or would granting of the variance result in a reasonable accommodation
of a person with disabilities?
The request would not result in a substantial benefit or conhibution to the neighborhood disringuished
from an individual benefit on the part of the applicant.
The request would not result in a reasonable accommodation of a person with disabilities.
III. STAFF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Upon review of the above request, staff concludes that the above criteria are supportive of the variance request.
Staff has found that there aze unique circumstances atLributed to these requests that would warrant approval of a
variance. Therefore, staff recommends APPROVAL for the following reasons:
1) Compliance with 10 foot side and rear yard setbacks would result in difficult turning movements into
the gazage for vehicles if the garage were placed in the location shown on the site plan.
2) Alternarive placement would eliminate a significant portion of usable backyard space for the property
owner.
3) The request is consistent with the existing conditions in the surrounding area, as the majority of the
detached garages in the vicinity were constructed under prior regulafions, specifically a 5 foot side and
rear yard setback requirement.
4) Multiple property owners in the yicinity have signed a petition in support of the request.
Board of Adjustment
Case WA-06-08/MacMe
NOTICE: According to Colorado law you must commence any legal action 6ased .
upon any defect In ihis Improvement Lowtion Certihcale wilhin 3 years after you frsl . ,
discover such tlefecL In no event, may any aclion based upon any defect in Ihis A~-
Improvement Location Certificate be commenced more lhan tea years from the date Mefiropolitan S urveyors, LLC. .
qf the certificalion shown hereon. ~
NOTE TO USER: - 3534 SoUth LinCOln Street
This document Is for title insurance purposes oniy and is the product of a site Englewood, Colorado 80110
iection. Deed line evidence not suppoded by found property comer marker§ was (303)-761-5607 ~
,ed on anaytical wrrela(ion ofpublic improvements antl lines of occupation. M FAX (303)-761-5166 '
2cWal Properry survey is recommended if exacUocaAons ot improvements and deed - JOB N~: NEL - 389L
lines are requlred. BORROWER: MACKIE
IMPROVEMENT LOCATION CERTIFICATE
*An actual Property Survey may yield different value(s).
"NqTE: The subject property is not within a"Special Flood Hazard Area" however it is within a Rlood
Hazard Area descriUed as "Areas between the limits of the 100-year flood and 500-year flood; or certain
areas subject to 100-year flooding with average depths less than o.ne (1) foot or where the contriUuting
drainage area is less than one square nlile; or areas protected by levees from the base flood."
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Address: .
3892 Nelson
Street, Wlleat Ridge, Colorado
Description:
Lot 4,
Block l,
(per I,ender)
WHEATRIDGE MANOR THIRD FILING,
County of JEFFERSON, State of COLORADO.
■nCERTIFICATIONo■
T'iereby certify that this Improvement Location Certificate was prepared for:
COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS, INC.
L..at it is not a Land Survey Plat or Improvement Survey Plat and that it is not to Ue relied upon for the
estaUlishment of fence, Uuilding or other future improvement lines. I further certify that the
improveuients on the above descriUed parcel on this date 1/8/2001 except utility connections, are
entirely within the boundaries of the parcel, except as shown, that there are no encroaclmients on the
described premises by improvements on any adjoining premises, except as indicated, and there is no
apparent evidence or sign of any easement crossing or burdening any part of said parcel, except as noted.
This certificate does not constitute a title search to determine ownership or easements of record not
shown on the recorded plat. All easements shown are per the recorded plat unless otherwise stated.
The property described hereon is (XX) is not within a Special Flood Hazard Uoundary in accordance
with the current H.U.D. I'lood Insurance Rate Map dated 2/4/1988 befc',~ Community Panel number
085079 0005 C. The accuracy of the flood map is not part of this~~~p~gp,~
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George G. Haller, P.L.S. No. 25946 or
EXHIBIT 1 Robin D. Rasinussen, P.L.S. No. 26604
June 1, 2006
I would like to request a variance in lot setback from 10 ft.
to 5 ft. to build a 2 car garage, 22 ft. wide by 20 ft. deep.
When I bought the house in 2001 the setback was 5 ft.
Under the current setback of 10 ft., It would be extremely
Difficult to turn into the proposed garage from the existing
Driveway, as there is a support post holding up the corner
of the patio.
Thank you for your consideration.
EXHIBIT 2
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NELSON STREET
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63.35" EXHIBIT 3
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63.35
The Home Depot # 1502
5215 WADSWORTH BLVD, ARVADA, CO 80002
(303) 456-4000
~:ri Jun 02 09:16:49 2006
JALTER MACKIE
GARAGE
271147
The materials in this garage will cost $1592.74
This Price does not include any Special Order Items.
Drawing: 3-Dimensional View
v
A 0 100 200 Feet
-omm%-~- -1
I am Walter Mackie, I am in the process of building a
garage at 3892 Nelson St. Wheatridge, co 80033. I have
applied for a variance to build five feet from the side and
back of my property line, instead of the required ten feet. I
would like your view on this matter. Thank you.
~ Sri~e
,&hln4 .4-
q7
EXHIBIT 5
r,o1 2~12 242
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE BOARD OF ADNSTMENT
Minutes of Meeting
May 25, 2006
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair BELL at 7:00 pm.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Tom Abbott
Janet Bell
Bob Blair
Paul Hovland
Bob Howard
Larry Linker
Davis Reinhart
Members Absent: Paul Drda
Staff Present: Travis Crane, Planner
JeffHirt, Planning Tech
Tim Paranto, Public Works Director
Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary
The following is the official set of Board of Adjustment minutes for the public hearing of
May 25, 2006. A set of these minutes is retained both in the office of the City Clerk and
in the Community Development Department of the City of Wheat Ridge.
3. PUBLIC FORUM
There were no individuals present who wished to address the Board at this time.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
Board Member REINHART moved and Board Member BLAIR seconded to
revise the order of the agenda to hear Case No. TUP-06-01 as the first item.
The motion passed unanimously.
A. Case No. TUP-06-01: An application filed by Medved Autoplex for
approval of a one-year Temporary Structure Permit to allow an office
trailer on property zoned Commercial One and located at 11001 West I-70
Frontage Road North
The case was presented by Travis Crane. He entered all pertinent documents into
the record and advised the Boazd there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He
Board of Adjushnent - 1 -
OS-25-06
reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff recommended approval
for reasons, and with conditions, as outlined in the staff report.
Those individuals wishing to address this case were swom in by Chair BELL.
5cott Albertson
1667 Cole Blvd, 9100, Golden
Mr. Albertson, attorney for the applicant, was swom in by Chair BELL. In
response to questions from the Board, he confirmed that there would be no loss of
net parking spaces as a result of the temparary use permit. Hummer Corporation
is requiring Medved to construct a new building for the Huwiner dealership. The
new building would be constructed in the location of the present temporazy
building. It was not necessary to obtain a temporary use pemut for the existing
temporary building because the area was zoned for such a building. He stated that
the temporary building would not exacerbate parking issues along Parfet Street.
He commented that parking along Parfet has decreased due to additional on-site
parking as well as a decrease in the amount of inventory and number of
employees. He stated that the applicant is in agreement with conditions suggested
in the staff report.
In response to a question from Board Member REINIIART, Mr. Albertson stated
that a one-year temporuy perxnit would be sufficient time for construction of the
new building.
In response to question from Boazd Member ABBOTT, Travis Crane stated that
he did not believe the temporary use would exacerbate pazking on Parfet Street.
Enforcement of parking issues on Pazfet Street would be handled on a complaint
basis.
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT and second by Board Member
HOVLAND, the following resolution was stated:
Whereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative officer;
and
Whereas, Board of Adjustment Application Case No. TUP-06-01 is an appeal
to this Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas the property has been posted the ten days required by law, and in
recognition that there were no protests registered against it; and
Whereas, the relief applied for may be granted without detriment to the
public welfare and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of
the regulations governing the City of Wheat Ridge.
Board of Adjustment - Z -
OS-25-06
Now; therefore, be it resolved that Board of Adjustment Case No. TUP-06-01 .
be, and hereby is approved.
For the following reasons:
1. There should be no impact on the amount of light and air in the
neighborhood.
2. There should be no resultant air, water or noise pollution in excess of
what is already occurring.
3. There will be no impact on utilities, parks or schools.
4. There will be no anticipated increase in automobile traffic in the area.
With the following conditions:
1. Written permission shall be obtained from Xcel Energy to allow
encroachment into their easement prior to issuance of a building
permit for the structure.
2. The temporary building shall be allowed for one year starting from
the date of occupancy of the structure in the new location.
3. Current landscaping displaced by these improvements shall be
accommodated elsewhere on the site in a location that is visible by the
general public and as approved by staff.
4. No additional parking shall be allowed on Parfet Street and, as per
testimony from staff, this shall be enforced on a complaint basis.
The motion passed 7-0.
B. Case No. WF-06-02 (continued from Apri127, 2006): An application
filed by Patrick and Laura Koentges for approval of a Class II Floodplain
Exception Permit to allow construction of a single family home on
property zoned Residential One and located at approximately 3430 Simms
Street.
Board Member ABBOTT disclosed that he is an acquaintance of the applicant and
that he has no financial interest in this case.
The case was presented by Jeff Hirt. He entered all pertinent documents into the
record and advised the Board there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He also
entered a memorandum from the city's floodplain administrator dated May 24,
2006 into tiie record. Staff originally recommended denial of the applicarion for
reasons ouUined in the staff report. However, staff agrees with the floodplain
administrator's recommendation contaihed in the May 24th memo (received after
the staff report was prepazed) that the application should be approved with one
condition.
Board of Adjushnent - 3 -
OS-25-06
Tun Paranto, Director of Public Works and Floodplain Administrator, stated that
he recommended approval of the application with the condition that the applicant
provide evidence of the righf to enter the adjacent property to perform the
required grading. Board members reviewed the memo at this time.
Those individuals wishing to address this cas.e were sworn in by Chair BELL.
Patrick Koentges
3391 Oak Street
Mr. Koentges, the applicant, assured the Board that he would not build a structure
in an area that could incur future flood problems.
In response to a question from Board Member ABBOTT, Tim Paranto stated that
the revised grading plan would remove any fill from the floodway so the volume
would remain constant without raising the floodplain elevation. The grading plan
requires 25-30 feet of grading north of the subject property toward Lena Gulch to
ensure the adequate flow of water. Mr. Pazanto stated that he would withhold
approval of the application until such time as the applicant shows he has
permission to access that property. The proposed shucture will not haue a
basement and all livable space will be well above the 100-yeaz floodplain. The
applicant also plans to build a retaining wall in order to provide fixrther protection.
Board Member BELL asked about runoff problems during construction. Mr.
Pazanto explained that, if this application is approved, the applicant will submit a
grading plan and erosion control plan to be approved by the city before a building
permit will be issued.
There were no other individuals who wished to speak at this time. Therefore,
Chair BELL closed the public hearing portion of the meeting.
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT and second by Board Member
BLAIR, the following resolution was stated:
Whereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative officer;
and
Whereas, Board of Adjustment Application Case No. WF-06-02 is an appeal
to this Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas the properTy has been posted the ten days required by law, and in
recognition that there were no protests registered against it; and
Whereas, the relief applied for may be granted without detriment to the
public welfare and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of
the regulations governing the City of Wheat Ridge.
Board of Adjustment - 4 -
OS-25-06
Now, therefore, be it resolved that Board of Adjustment Case No. WF-06-02
be, and hereby is approved.
For the following reasons:
l. The variance has been approved by the director of public works who
is the city's floodplain administrator, and the project has been
recommended for approval by staff.
With the following conditions:
1. All the floors of the structure, including mechanical systems, must be
placed at a minimum of one foot or more above the 100-year flood
level as per city ordinance.
2. No impairment of the floodway shall occur. Structures and site grade
shall be built at a level as submitted by the applicant to the city,
including the retaining wall.
3. Off-site grading of the site to the north must be approved by the city
prior to issuance of a building permit.
The motion passed 7-0.
(Chair Bell declared a brief recess at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at
8:06 p.m.)
C. Case No. WA-06-06: An application filed by Holly Hall and Stephanie
McNamaza for approval of (A) a 3.5 foot side yazd setback variance from
the 15-foot side yard setback requirement resulting in an 11.5 foot side
yard setback; (B) a 10-foot rear yard setback variance from the 15-foot
rear yard setback requirement resulting in a 5-foot rear yard setback; and
(C) a 136 square foot variance to masimum lot coverage for property
zoned Residential One (R-1) and located at 3880 Everett Street.
Board Member HOVLAND disclosed that he is associated with the applicant
through membership in the same homeowners association and that he has no
financial interest in the case.
The case was presented by Trauis Crane. He entered all pertinent documents into
the record and advised the Board there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He
reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. He advised that two additional
letters of objection had been received by staff. These were entered into the record
and reviewed by the Board. Staff recommended approval of all three variance
requests for reasons outlined in the staff report.
Boazd of Adjustment - 5 -
OS-25-06
In response to a question from Board Member ABBOTT, Trauis Crane stated that
he did not feel the hazdship was self-imposed given limited lot coverage
requirements in this zone district, larger setbacks and grade changes.
Boazd Member HOWARD asked if there was any comment regarding the shed
during the building permit process for the applicant. Trauis Crane responded that
it was not considered because the plans showed the shed would be demolished.
Since then the applicant decided to keep the shed.
Those individuals wishing to address this case were sworn in by Chair BELL.
Holly Hall
3880 Everett Drive
Ms. Hall, the applicant, stated that She didn't intend to violate zoning ordinances.
She made an assumption, based on adj acent properties, to keep the shed five feet
from the lot line. Due to setback limits, she had to change the design of her
garage to a smaller one which eliminated storage space. Therefore, she decided to
keep the storage shed. She entered into the record five documents depicting the
site plan and photos of her back yard and the shed. Improvements were made to
the grading of her back yazd which preclude placement of the shed in the graded
area. Paint and roofmg on the shed were improved to match the house. She
stated there are mature trees on the north and east sides of the shed. There will be
a 6' fence on the south. Her neighbor, Elizabeth Grant believes her property
value would be decreased by the location of the shed; however, her property
values have stayed the same in 2005 and 2006 according to county assessar's
records.
In response to a question from Board Member ABBOTT, Ms. Hall stated the shed
was 12-feet by 12-feet in size and 9-1/2 feet on the high end and 9 feet on the
lower end. It is 2 feet higher than the fence on the low end and 2-1/2 feet higher
than the fence on the high end.
Bill Whitfield
4015 Everett Street ,
Mr. Whitfield lives across the street from the applicant. He spoke in support of
the variance because he believed it would be an improvement to the
neighborhood. He is involved with Wheat Ridge 2020 and stated that the
applicanYs renovation of her house is a shining example of the type of renewal
that Wheat Ridge is hying to foster. He believed the applicanYs renovation to her
property has added value to other properties in the neighborhood: The shed
represents 25.9% lot coverage which is only .9% over city requirements.
Elizabeth Grant
3881 Estes
Ms. Grant lives directly behind the applicant ancl spoke in opposition to the
variance request. The shed is next to her property line and is very visible and
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presents an obstruction to her property that will reduce her property values. She
suggested that there were three other locations for the shed on the applicanYs
property affect her property. She did not agree with the city's staff report because
the applicant was aware of the setback requirements before she started to build.
The applicant also promised to remove the shed and then changed her mind. The
location of the shed violates the R-1 zoning regulations. She stated that she had
been informed by the city that the applicant would be required to comply with
setback regulations. She stated that the reason the applicant is asking for a
variance is that she made her house too large. She commented that many older
sheds are encroaching in the neighbarhood and iYs time to stop these situations
from occurring and further degrading the neighborhood.
Board Member HOWARD asked where the property line existed. Ms. Grant
stated that she believed it was midway between the two fences
Catherine Grant
3881 Estes
Ms. Grant is the daughter of Elizabeth Grant. She spoke in opposition to the
application. She stated that there aze no mature trees involved to screen the shed
but scrub trees that are going fo be removed. The shed will shade the azea where
her mother wanted to plant a garden.
Jay Peck
825 Carmel Drive
Mr. Peck stated that realtors and appraisers have indicated the shed would amount
to a$5,600 economic loss in property value to the applicant. .
Holly Hall returned to podium to state that an ILC exists which shows that the
chain link fence is on the property line.
Board Member ABBOTT commented that the staff couid have made an
admiuistrative variance for lot coverage. Travis Crane agreed and explained that
the application is before the Boazd because of the other two variance requests. He
commented that when city council modified setback requirements for accessory
structures in 2003, the R-1 zone district was the only district which remained
unchanged.
There were no other individuals who wished to address the case.
Upon a motion by Board Member HOVLAND and second by Board Member
BLAIR, the following resolution was stated:
Whereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative offlcer;
and
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Whereas, Board of Adjustment Application Case No. WA-06-06 is an appeal
to this Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas the property has been posted the ten days required by law, and in
recognition that there were protests registered against it; and
Whereas, the relief applied for may be granted without detriment to the
public welfare and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of
the regulations governing the City of Wheat Ridge.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that Board of Adjustment Case No. WA-06-
06(A) be, and hereby is approved.
For the following reasons:
1. The 136 square foot increase to maximum lot coverage is fairly
insignificant given a lot size of 15,000 square feet.
2. The lot is oversized at 15,000 square feet and the impact of the increase to
lot coverage will not have an impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
There are several lots within the neighborhood which meet or exceed the
25% maximum lot coverage in the R-1 zone district. The 136 foot
increase is less than 1% increase in total lot coverage making it less than
26%.
3. The shed has been appropriately designed to match the character of the
main structure and, as such, will give the property a cohesive feel.
4. The request will not affect the adequate supply of light or air to adjacent
properties.
Board Member REIHNART stated that he would support the motion because lot
coverage is not the issue that would impact the adjacent property.
Board Member ABBOTT stated he would not support the motion because he
believed the property could still yield a retum in use without the need for a shed
or related variances; the variance would not result in a benefit or contribution to
the general neighborhood; and letters in opposition were submitted by three
immediately adjacent neighbors. He believed the hardship was self-imposed by
the applicant due to recent construction and landscape unprovements. Since the
shed is 12-foot by 12-foot by 9-feet in height a smaller shed could be built and
still be within the ordinance.
Board Member HOVLAND commented that if the variance is granted, there is
still the option to move the shed elsewhere on the property. Further, the request
only exceeds lot coverage requuements, which are the most restrictive in the city,
by less than 1%
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OS-25-06
Board Member HOWARD offered a friendly amendment that if the motion
is denied, the shed is to be removed within thirty days. The amendment was
not accepted by Board Members HOVLAND and BLAIR.
Motion failed 4-3 with Board Members ABBOTT, HOWARD and LINKER
voting no.
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT and second by Board Member
HOWARD, the following resolution was stated:
Whereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative officer;
and
Whereas, Board of Adjustment Application Case No. WA-06-06 (B) and (C)
is an appeal to this Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas the property has been posted the ten days required by law, and in
recognition that there were protests registered against it; and
Whereas, the relief applied for may not be granted without detriment to the
public welfare and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of
the regulations governing the City of Wheat Ridge.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that Board of Adjustment Case No. WA-06-06
(A) and (B) be, and hereby is denied.
For the following reasons:
The square footage lot coverage variance was denied.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
Chair BELL closed the public hearing.
7. OLD BUSINESS
Chair BELL announced that new bylaws for the Board of Adjustment have
been approved by City Council.
Trauis Crane announced that Rob Osbom has been appointed as executive
director of Wheat Ridge 2020.
Chair BELL commented that, since the new bylaws have been approved,
members could now begin encouraging cirizens to serve as alternates on the
Board.
8. NEW BUSINESS
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A. Approval of Minutes - April 27, 2006
It was moved by Board Member BLAIR and seconded by Board
Member ABBOTT to approve the minutes of April 27, 2006 as
presented. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Other Matters
• Chair BELL suggested that it is time to schedule an orientation session
for the Board with Jerry Dahl.
• Chair BELL expressed appreciation to members for remembering to
make any disclosures they may have regarding cases scheduled before
the Board.
Chair BELL distributed copies of a Denver Post newspaper article
concerning a proj ect by the city of Northglenn to update two older
homes in the city to demonstrate to residents what can be done to
improve their older, smaller homes. She commented that this
coincides with the goals of Wheat Ridge 2020.
Board Member ABBOTT commented that Wheat Ridge 2020 plans to
provide similar help for homeowners who wish to update their homes.
He comxnented that some of the current setback regulations inhibit
homeowners who want to increase the sizes of their garages, for
example.
Board Member HOVLAND commented that he believed a proj ect
similar to the one in Northglenn would be a good idea for Wheat
Ridge.
Travis Crane stated that the city has recently hired a new planner who
will be working on the comprehensive plan and sub-azea plans. Staff
and the consultant are also in process of re-examining the entire
zoning code.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Janet Bell, Chair
Board of Adjustment
Ann Lazzeri
Recording Secretazy
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