HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/2010♦���(
I City Of
WheatRidge
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Minutes of Meeting
January 28, 2010
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CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Wheat Ridge Board of Adjustment was called to order
by Vice Chair HOVLAND at 7:009 -m. in the City Council Chambers of the
Municipal Building, 7500 West 29 Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Present:
Board Members Absent:
Staff Members Present:
Tom Abbott
Janet Bell
Bob Blair
Ryan Fisher
Paul Hovland
Bob Howard
Larry Linker
Alan Bucknam
Betty Jo Page
Public Works
Adam Tietz, Planner
Meredith Reckert, Senior Planner
Sarah Showalter, Planner II
Tim Paranto, Public Works Director
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
Meredith Reckert introduced Sarah Showalter, Planner II in the Community
Development Department.
PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for anyone to speak on any subject not
appearing on the agenda.)
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Case No. WF- 10 -01: An application filed by Kevin Larson for approval
of a Class II special exception permit to allow construction of a two-
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010
family residence in the 100 -year flood plain on property located at 6701
West 48 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, set forth in the staff report.
A similar request was approved at the September 24, 2009 Board of Adjustment
meeting for the same property. Due to difficulties on the site the applicant is
proposing to locate the duplex in a different location on the property. Since the
new location of the proposed duplex lies in the floodplain, a new flood study was
required. Mr. Tietz submitted copies of a memo from Tim Paranto, Director of
Public Works, indicating support of the application.
In response to a question from Board Member FISHER, Mr. Tietz stated that the
present application does not affect the well on the property.
Board Member BELL asked if there was any concern about drainage or mud flow
coming from the adjacent hillside. Mr. Tietz explained that this is not a concern
since the properties in this area drain toward 48` Avenue.
Board Member HOWARD asked if the property had been legally subdivided. Mr.
Tietz stated that this question had been researched and it was determined that the
property is under one ownership, one address and a duplex is allowed on the lot.
A cross - access easement will be required across the western lot so access will be
available to public right -of -way in case the lot is sold in the future.
In response to a question from Board Member FISHER, Tim Paranto explained
that the road down the hill is a State frontage road and the City has been
maintaining it. Discussions are taking place with the City of Arvada regarding
maintenance since approximately 60% of the road is located in the City of
Arvada.
In response to a question from Board Member HOVLAND, Mr. Tietz explained
that the property is presently under one address, but when the duplex is complete
it will have its own address.
Kevin Larson
23924 Matterhorn Drive, Indian Hills
Mr. Larson, the applicant, was sworn by Vice Chair HOVLAND. He agreed with
the staff presentation.
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010
Board Member LINKER asked the applicant if it would be necessary to carry
flood insurance on the duplex.
Henry Hollender
9201 W. Tennessee Avenue, Lakewood
Mr. Hollender, engineer for the applicant, was sworn in by Vice Chair
HOVLAND. He stated that flood insurance will be required until the building is
completed. Once the elevation is accepted by FEMA, flood insurance will no
longer be required. The proposed elevation is 1.5 foot above floodplain elevation.
He stated that, although the duplex will be in a different location, nothing has
changed from his original engineering analysis.
Board Member HOWARD asked if the applicant would consider changing the
address to either West I -70 Service Road South or West 48 Place instead of
Avenue. Meredith Reckert and Tim Paranto indicated that staff would not
support a change in address.
In response to a question from Board Member LINKER, the applicant stated the
structure will not have a basement.
There were no other individuals present to address this matter.
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 -10 -01 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 -10 -01 be, and hereby is APPROVED.
Type of variance: A class II special exception permit to allow construction
of a two- family residence in the 100 -year flood plain.
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010
For the following reasons:
1. It will not increase the flood heights in the area.
2. Damage due to floods will be minimized.
3. Utilities will be installed in a manner that will be protected from flood
damage.
4. The Floodplain Administrator has reviewed and supports the findings
of the floodplain analysis.
With the following conditions:
1. The lowest floor elevation of the proposed duplex must be constructed
one foot above the base flood level of 5,300.35 feet.
2. The elevation must be verified by an elevation survey after the
foundation has been poured prior to other construction commencing.
3. A cross access easement must be obtained by the owner and recorded
with Jefferson County.
Board Member HOWARD moved to amend the motion to require that the
address be changed. The motion died due to lack of a second.
The motion passed 6 -1with Board Member HOWARD voting no.
B. Case No. WA- 10 -01: An application filed by Robert Chapman for
approval of an 8 -foot side yard setback variance from the 10 -foot side yard
setback requirement pursuant to Section 26 -61 LA.1 resulting in a 2 -foot
side yard setback for property zoned Residential -One and located at 11595
West 32 Avenue.
The case was presented by Sarah Showalter. She entered all pertinent documents
into the record and advised the Board there was jurisdiction to hear the case. She
reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. The applicant replaced an older
covered patio that was damaged by a severe storm. The new patio has the same
footprint as the original. A building permit was not issued for the patio and the
applicant received a stop work order. A setback variance is required to legitimize
the location of the patio so a permit can be issued. Staff recommended approval
for reasons set forth in the staff report.
Board Member LINKER asked if the original patio was constructed before Wheat
Ridge became a city. Ms. Showalter stated that the house was constructed before
the City's incorporation and there were no records concerning the patio.
In response to a concern expressed by Board Member HOWARD, Ms. Showalter
noted that the house is located on a corner lot which allows plenty of room for
emergency access to the back of the house.
Board of Adjustment Minutes 4
January 28, 2010
Robert Chapman
11595 West 32 °d Avenue
Mr. Chapman, the applicant, was sworn in by Vice Chair HOVLAND.
Mr. Chapman stated that he purchased the house in 2006. The house and patio
were severely damaged by last summer's hailstorm. The specs for the
replacement are almost the same as the original patio. He stated the patio is
complete except for installing a gutter.
In response to a question from Board Member HOVLAND, Mr. Chapman stated
that the neighbors are in favor of the patio.
Board Member FISHER expressed concern about the size of the variance.
Board Member BELL commented that this type of situation that dates back to the
county zoning is not uncommon in the neighborhood. The patio is barely visible
from the street and fits in very well with the neighborhood.
There were no other individuals present to address this matter.
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT 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. WA -10 -01 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.
WA -10 -01 be, and hereby is APPROVED.
Type of Variance: An 8 -foot side yard setback variance from the 10 -foot side
yard setback requirement pursuant to Section 26- 61 LA. 1 resulting in a 2-
foot side yard setback for property zoned Residential One.
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010
For the following reasons:
1. The variance is for the purpose of replacing an existing open -on-
three -sides patio roof of similar dimensions and setback
encroachments.
2. The variance would not alter the essential character of the locality.
3. The applicant is proposing a substantial investment in the property
that may not be possible without the variance.
4. The alleged difficulty or hardship has not been created by any person
presently having an interest in the property.
5. The request would not be detrimental to public welfare and would not
be injurious to neighboring properties or improvements.
6. The covered patio should have a very minimal impact, if any, on
surrounding properties.
7. Alternative locations for patio are limited especially due to the due to
narrow lot width. The west side of house which is 18 feet from the
side property line requires a 30 -foot side setback since the side yard is
adjacent to Simms, a public street, even with the provisions for the 2/3
reduction side setback for patios.
8. Staff recommends approval.
With the following condition:
1. None of the three open sides shall be allowed to be enclosed in the
future.
The motion passed unanimously.
9. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING
Vice Chair HOVLAND closed the public hearing.
10. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to come before the Board.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Minutes — October 22, 2009
It was moved by Board Member BLAIR and seconded by Board Member
BELL to approve the minutes of October 22, 2009 as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010
B. Resolution Designating a Public Place for Posting of Notices of Public
Meetings.
It was moved by Board Member FISHER and seconded by Board Member
BLAIR to approve the resolution designating the lobby of city hall and the
city's website as the public places for posting notices of public meetings The
motion passed unanimously.
C. Election of Officers
Ryan Fisher was elected to serve as Chair of the Board of Adjustment.
Janet Bell was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Adjustment.
D. Subarea Plan
Meredith Reckert invited interested Board members to participate in the 38
Avenue Subarea Plan process.
E. Re -open Public Hearing
Board Member ABBOTT requested that the public hearing be re- opened on Case
No. WA -10 -01 in order to add another condition.
It was moved by Board Member BELL and seconded by Board Member
FISHER to re -open the public hearing on Case No. WA- 10 -01. The motion
passed unanimously.
Vice Chair HOVLAND re- opened the hearing.
Board Member ABBOTT moved and Board Member FISHER seconded to
amend the motion approving Case No. WA -10 -01 to add the following reason
and condition:
Reason No. 9: Emergency access to the encroached deck area is adequate as
currently described.
Condition No. 2: The unimpaired emergency access to the deck area shall be
maintained.
The motion passed unanimously.
Vice Chair HOVLAND closed the public hearing.
Board of Adjustment Minutes 7
January 28, 2010
8. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Board Member LINKER and seconded by Board Member
HOVLAND to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The motion passed
unanimously.
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Ann Lazzeri Secretary
Board of Adjustment Minutes
January 28, 2010