HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/2009
City of
W heat~iclge
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Minutes of Meeting
September 24, 2009
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CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Board of Adjustment was called to order
by Chair Bucknam at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, 7500 West 29`h Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Present:
Staff Members Present:
Tom Abbott
Janet Bell
Bob Blair
Alan Bucknam
Ryan Fisher
Paul Hovland
Larry Linker
Betty Jo Page
Adam Tietz, Planner I
Mark Westberg, Flood Plain Administrator
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for anyone to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda.)
Bob Howard
Mr. Howard questioned why the Planning Commission heard a variance regarding
signage at Exempla Lutheran. He believed this should have been a matter for the
Board of Adjustment to consider. Mr. Tietz explained that this case was not a
variance from city code, rather it was a request for a change to the Planned
Hospital District which was initially approved by Planning Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. WA-09-09: An application filed by Swiss Valley, LLC, for
approval of a variance to Section 26-412.D.2 of the Subdivision
Regulations to allow a new two-family residence at 6701 West 48'h
Avenue to have domestic water service from a well.
Board of Adjustment Minutes 1 -
September 24, 2009
The case was presented by Adam Tietz. 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. Staff recommended approval
for reasons, and with conditions, set forth in the staff report.
Board Member BELL stated that she would like to make sure the well permit
reflects the current ownership.
Kevin Larsen
23924 Matterhorn Drive, Indian Hills
Mr. Larson, the applicant, was sworn by Chair BUCKNAM. He stated he has
used the well for the past twelve years. There have never been negative results
from monthly water testing. He stated that he would check on registration of the
well. The subject site is the only one in the area that is buildable due to
topographical issues. There is also a lift station for the sewer system that ties in
with 48th Avenue.
In response to a question from Board Member HOVLAND, Mr. Larsen stated that
the original house was destroyed by an arson fire. To replace the income lost
from this house, he plans to build a two-family residence in its place.
In response to a question from Board Member BLAIR, Mr. Tietz stated that no
negative comments have been received from the public.
Board Member ABBOTT asked if there would be a shared agreement for the well
water. Mr. Larsen stated that there would be an agreement for both the well and
the sewer system.
There were no other individuals present who wished to address the Board. Chair
BUCKNAM closed the public hearing.
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. WA-09-09 is an appeal
to the Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas, the property has been posted the fifteen days required by law and
in recognition that there were no protests registered against it; and
Board of Adjustment Minutes -2-
September 24, 2009
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 application Case No.
WA-09-09 be, and hereby is APPROVED.
Type of Variance: A variance to Section 26-412.D.2 of the Subdivision
Regulations to allow a new two-family residence at 6701 West 48~h Avenue to
have domestic water service from a well.
For the following reasons:
1. An existing home on the property occurred up until a fire in 2008.
2. The well is 400 feet plus or minus deep so is not infiltration well.
3. The well has a state permit and has been tested for potability monthly
for a significant time.
4. No other development of additional properties is likely due to the
topography.
5. The economic feasibility of extending the domestic water to the
property would preclude reasonable development.
6. The variance was recommended for approval by staff.
With the following conditions:
1. Prior to issuance of a building permit for the new residence, evidence
of water potability must be provided and reviewed by the City.
2. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the structure, a
consolidation plat must be recorded with Jefferson County Clerk and
Recorder's Office.
3. A legal document must be created assuring access rights to the water
from the well to the residential property prior to issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy.
The motion carried 8-0.
B. Case No. WF-09-08: An application filed by Swiss Valley, LLC, for
approval of a Class II special exception permit to allow construction of a
two-family residence in the 100-year flood plain on property located at
6701 West 48th Avenue.
The case was presented by Adam Tietz. 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. Staff recommended approval
for reasons, and with conditions, as set forth in the staff report.
Board of Adjustment Minutes -3-
September 24, 2009
In response to a question from Board Member PAGE, Mr. Westberg explained
that Urban Drainage created a new flood plain map in 2007 which now locates
this property in a flood plain. The City has adopted this new flood plain map as it
official document. However, the applicant will not be required to purchase flood
insurance until the new map is adopted by FEMA which will probably occur in
2011. The applicant will be required to obtain a flood plain permit in order to
build the duplex.
In response to a question from Board Member BELL, Mr. Westberg explained
that the lowest habitable floor must be one foot above the flood plain level. Some
fill in Arvada will be required to attain this level.
In response to a question from Board Member FISHER, Mr. Westberg explained
that the flood plain review is very extensive and detailed.
Kevin Larsen
23924 Matterhorn Drive, Indian Hills
Mr. Larson was sworn by Chair BUCKNAM. He stated that when he first
purchased the property, it was not located in a flood plain. He was notified about
eighteen months ago when the flood plain map changed.
There were no other individuals present who wished to address the Board. Chair
BUCKNAM closed the public hearing.
Upon a motion by Board Member FISHER and second by Board Member
BELL, the following resolution was stated:
Whereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative officer;
and
Whereas, Board of Adjustment application Case No. WF-09-08 is an appeal
to the Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas, the property has been posted the fifteen 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.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that Board of Adjustment application Case No.
WF-09-08 be, and hereby is APPROVED.
Board of Adjustment Minutes -4-
September 24, 2009
Type of Variance: Approval of a Class Il special exception permit to allow
construction of a two-family residence in the 100-year flood plain on
property zoned R-2 and located at 6701 West 48`" Avenue.
For the following reasons:
1. The proposed construction will not result in raising the flood water
height in the area.
2. The damage due to floods will be minimized.
3. The utilities will be installed in a manner that will be protected from
flood damage.
4. The flood plain administrator has reviewed and supports the findings
of the flood plain analysis.
5. There were no objections to the proposed development.
6. A home existed previously and was destroyed by fire.
With the following conditions:
1. Building plans and a site plan must be prepared for the proposed new
building. The plans must be reviewed to insure compliance with the
Flood plain Control ordinance.
2. The lowest building floor elevation must be at or above 5,301.50 feet.
3. A Wheat Ridge Fill Permit must be obtained prior to commencement
of work.
4. As fill is proposed in a portion of the flood plain within the City of
Arvada, a Flood Plain Permit must be obtained from the City of
Arvada, if applicable.
5. Water and sanitary sewer services must be identified and not subject
to flooding.
6. The domestic water well shown adjacent to the proposed new building
must be waterproofed in a manner acceptable to the City.
A registered professional engineer shall certify that the building
foundation construction forms are set at elevations in conformance
with the building plans.
8. A registered professional engineer shall certify that the lowest
building floor elevation is at or above 5,301.50 feet as soon as possible
following construction of the lowest building floor. This is to occur
prior to assurance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
9. The elevation must be verified by an elevation survey after the
foundation has been poured, prior to other construction commencing.
10. A lot consolidation plat must be approved prior to issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy.
The motion carried 7-1 with Board Member PAGE voting no.
Board of Adjustment Minutes -5-
September 24, 2009
5. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
Chair BUCKNAM closed the public hearing.
6. OLD BUSINESS
There was no other business to come before the Board.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of minutes - July 23, 2009
It was moved by Board Member BELL and seconded by Board Member
HOVLAND to approve the minutes of July 23, 2009 as presented. The
minutes were approved by acclamation.
8. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Alan Bucknam Chair
Ann Lazzeri Secret
Board of Adjustment Minutes -6-
September 24, 2009