HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/22/1998Minutes of Meeting
October 22, 1998
CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chair
MAURO at 7:3 p.m. on October 22, 1998, in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado,
3. APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
(This is the time for anyone to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.)
There was no one signed LIP to speak.
This case was presented by Sean McCartney. He reviewed the staff report and presented
slides and overhead projections of the subject property. He entered all pertinent documents
into the record and advised that there was jurisdiction for the Board to hear the case. He
stated staffs recommendation for denial of the application.
Board Member ECHELMEYER noted a correction to the staff report. If the applicant were
to reduce the size of his proposed structure to 19' x 28% it would involve a 44 square foot
loss rather than a 19 square foot loss in size.
The applicants were sworn in by Chair MAURO.
Board Member ABBOTT asked the applicant to explain the hardship associated with this
case, Mr. Boom replied that if placed on the south, the addition would be built over an
existing well, the pitch of the roof would not match. and it would prevent light to the living
room. If the addition were to be built in the back of the structure, it would be located over
the leach field. If a long narrow addition were to be built. it would require a center \vall or
support beams and the room would be long and narrow which would be impractical for the
proposed PUI-POSe of providing an extra bedroom and laundry room.
In response to a question from Board Member ABBOTT, Nir. Boom stated that an architect
prepared the drawings of the proposed addition.
Several alternative possibilities were discussed; however, the applicants did not believe any
of the alternatives would be feasible.
David Amdahl
4235 Vivian Street
Mr. Amdahl was sworn in by Chair MAURO. He stated that he was in favor of the
application and submitted the follo"ing exhibit into the record:
Exhibit "A" Letter from Dana and Janice Thompson, 12290 West 42nd
Avenue asking the Board to approve the application.
Board Member HOVLAND SLIggested moving the addition further to south. Mr. Boom
replied that this would clear the well house by only four feet, the entry way would not line
up and it would result in a long narrow bedroom of 22' x 10'.
Board Member ABBOTT expressed concern about the lack of architectural detail on the
drawings.
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT and second by Board Member JUNKER the
following resolution was stated:
X- Viiereas, the applicant was denied permission by an administrative officer, and
Whereas, the Board of Adjustment Application Case No. WA -98 -28 is an appeal to this
Board from the decision of an administrative officer; and
Whereas, the property has been posted the fifteen days required by law and there were no
protests registered against it; and
Whereas, the relief applied for may be granted without detriment to the pudic welfare and
without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the regulations governing the City
of \k`heat Ridge; and
Whereas, the Board finds that, based upon all evidence presented, the evidence and facts in
this case do support the granting of this request,
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that Bedard of Adjustment Application Case No, WA -98-
28 be and hereby is APPROVE.
Type of Variance: Five foot front yard setback variance to the thirty foot front yard setback
requirement to construct a 2 -foot by 24 -foot addition.
For the Following Reasons:
I . Desi.tn alternatives are limited by site obstructions: a well on the south, a leach field
oil the west and various mature trees. The existing roof lines create a significant
desion problem which limits the possible location for any addition.
?.
There are several front yard encroachments of similar dimensions within the
neighborhood.
. A letter was submitted frog neighbors speaking in support of the addition.
4. It can be expected that this addition will,result in an improvement to the
ne:igltborhood and increase in property value.
With the-Following Condition:
L Design elements and materials of the exterior elevations shall be similar to the
existing structure and be compatible in design; and the design, as built, will be
created by a registered architect.
Board of Adjustment Page 3
October 22, 1998
-'s to be
Board Member HOWARD asked the reason for the condition requiring drawing
completed by a registered architect. Board Member ABBOTT replied that. because a
substantial variance was involved, he wanted to make sure that the addition would match the
house and not detract from the neighbors' property values.
The motion carried by a vote of 6-1, with Board Member HOVLAND voting no and Board
Member THIESSEN absent.
K Case No. WA-98-29: An application by Jim and Meda Goddard for approval of -a variance
from the 1,000 square foot lot coverage requirement for detached garages for the purpose of
adding a second structure of 1,440 square feet. Said property is located at 3885 Depew
Street and zoned R- IA.
This case - was presented by Sean McCartney. He reviewed the staff report and presented
slides and overhead projections of the subject property. He entered all pertinent documents
into the record and advised that there wasjurisdiction for the Board to hear the case. He
stated staft7s recommendation for denial of the application.
Board \-lember ABBOTT asked for clarification regarding the staff report's reference to an
access easement to the north. Mr. McCartney replied that, since the applicant wished to
provide access to the building for his neighbor to the north, an access easement would be
necessary if the property to the north were to be sold.
Board IMeniber HOVLAND asked if there Would be room for a door oil the north side of tile
bUikfin' lt*tllC applicant C0111plies with the thirty foot setback requirement, Mr. McCartney
replied that it would be difl With a five-foot setback to the north, but tile building could
be moved to the south to provide more room for additional driveway space on the north.
Board of Ad4istment Page 4
Octobter 22. 1998
Mr. Goddard advised the Board that fie purchased the building (which was delivered from a
company in Petinsvivania) based on information he received from an individual in the Wheat
Ridge Bui Iding Department who informed hitu that he could construct a building Lip to 30%
of the lot size but did not explain the 1,000 square foot requirement for detached garages.
He stated that he circulated a petition along with a picture of the proposed building and
drawings of its proposed location to all of his neighbors. All of the neighbors were in favor
of his building as weil as the location. He also stated that if he had to comply with a thirty-
foot setback. thereby placing the structure in the middle of his lot, he would not erect the
structure.
Mr. McCartney explained that if the applicant wanted to proceed with a six-foot setback
fi-orn the east property line (rather than the thirty feet required by code), it would be
necessary for him to make an application for another variance to allow for reporting and
repUblishin-.
Board Nlernber'ABBOTT asked for further explanation regarding hardship. Mr. Goddard
-replied. that lie needed tile storage space for his vehicles as vvel I as some materials from his
business.. He also stated that the lot is presently filled. with weeds.and he plans to install
extensive landscaping He also stated that the neighbor to the east would not be able to view
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the garage from his house.
Chair MAURO asked for a point of clarification regarding tile applicant's request to erect
the building six feet from the property line. Mr. McCartney replied that the Board could
hear all testimony at this meeting and continue tile case to December 10. 1998 to allow time
for reposting and republishing of the additional 24-foot setback variance request.
In response to .1 question from Board Member ECHELMEIYER regarding fire code
requirements. Nilr- McCartney replied that he believed the separation between the proposed
metal Kidding and the brick L
arage would meet fire code but that he would request a fire
Study to be conducted before hearing the case oil December 10.
Ken Oiler
40005 Depew Street
Mr, filler was sworn in by Chair MAURO.< He stated that fie owned the property to the
north of the applicant and was in favor of the applicatiort.,
Walt Pettit
3930 Eaton
Mr. , Eaton was sworn in by Chair MAURO, He stated that lie was in favor of the application
'_('bcCaLISC-.additional landscaping would enhatice the view from his residence which is
covered %vith weeds.
(Chair MAURO declared a brief recess at 9:05 p.m. to allow for repair of the tape recorder.
Tile meeting was reconvened at 9.10 p.m.)
Board of AdJUStIllelit Page 5
October 22, 1998
It was moved by Board Member HOVLAND and seconded by Board Member, WNLIKER to
continue Case No. WA-98-29to December 10, 1998, based on the'fact,that the-setback
variance was not included in the original request and, therefore, must be repo sted.
The motion carried by a vote of 7-0, with Board Member T141ESSEN absent.
C. Case No. 1VA-98-30 An,appli6ation by Curtis Krey for approval of a variance from the 5-
foot side yard and 30foot fron't yard setback requirements for a storage shed. Said property
is located at 7110 West 29th Avenue and zoned R-2.
This case was presented by Sean McCartney. lie reviewed the staff report and presented
slides and overhead projections of the subject property. He entered all pertinent documents
into the record and advised that there was jurisdiction for the Board to hear the case. lie
stated staffs recommendation for approval of the application.
Board Member HOVLAND expressed concern about the site triangle for the neighbor's
driveway and asked if there had been any complaints regarding
the obstruction of view. Mr.
McCartney replied that the Citythid n6t any complaints. Board Member Al Bo
commented that eNistino shrubbery also interfiered with the site triangle.
Board Member HOVLAND asked if it-would be possible to allow a variance which could be
terminated at the time of sale of the property, Mr. McCartney replied that it would be nearly
iniposslible to'ent'6rce because the City would have no way o4nowing when the property
was sold.
Board Member ABBOTT suggested the possibility of a Temporary Use Perrn&but also
expressed his concern about the site triangle.
Board of Adjustment Patge 6
October 22, 1998
Curtis Krey
7110 West 29th Avenue
I'vir. Krey was sworn in by Chair MAURO. He explained that he needed the shed to store his
bicycle trailer., He stated that he has rheumatoid arthritis and rides his bicycle for exercise as
prescribed by his doctor.
Board Member ECHELMEYER asked Mr. Krey if he could use a bike rack attached to the
bac of his vehicle. Mr. Krey replied that, due to Ws arthritis, it was nearly impossible for
him to negotiate a bike rack.
Board Member WALKER suggested the possibility of storing the bicycle trailer on the side
of'tfi4�h()LlSe. Mr. Krey replied that, in addition to security concerns, there would be no room
to drive tile car to.this location and attach the trailer.
k. Krey replied that he Would agree to remove the shed when he is no longer able to ride
his bicycle. Board ABBOTT again.suggested the possibility of issuing a TUP
, xilich would be renewed'every year. Mr. McCartney replied that if the present request were
to be denied, the applicant could make a new request for a TUP with variances.
Board Member ABBOTT asked the applicant if he could make some sort of driveway to
allow parking of the trailer on the side of the house.!, r. Krey replied that this would
prevent him from getting to the back yard. N/Ir.-Krey also comillented that lie should have
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contacted the City regarding placement of the shed even though the shed contractor assured
him that the location of the shed complied with all of the City of Wheat Ridge regulations.
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Board Member ECFIELMEYER expressed concern that tile shed is an eyesore to the
C0111111 till ity and 1'elt the applicant should make some ad ' justillents such as using,a bicycle
rack. Mr. Krey replied that, because ot'his arthritis as well as his wife's arthritis, a bike rack
is unmanageable for him and tile trailer works extremely well for his put
Board Member HOWARD suggested moving the shed to abut the front of tile house. Mr.
k,' Krey felt that this would present an cycswe,w his house. A
Upon a motion by Board Member ABBOTT and second by Board Member
ECFIELMEYER, the following resolutiorimas stated:,
Whcr6as, the applicant was denied permission an administrative officer,!. taxi
Whereas, Board of Adjustment Application Case No, WA-98-30 is all appeal to this Board
, , , .from ithe decision of all administrative officer; and
Whereas, tile property has been posted the fifteen days required by law and there were no
protests registered against it; and
Board of A4justmeot Page 7
October 22, 1998
Whertits. the relief applied for may, not be granted without subs antiallyimpairing the intent
and putl5ose of the regulations governing the City of Wheat Ridge, and,,i
Now, therefore, be it resolve&tha Board of Adjustment Application Case No. WA-98-30
be, and hereby is, DENIED.
Type of Variance- Variance from the five-foot side yard and 30-focit yard setback
requirements for a storage shed.
For the Following Reasons:
There Would appear to be at least one alternative location which could be viable for
continued use of the current bicycle trailer storage.
The current shed structure encroaches upon the site triangle of both driveways
thereby creating a safety issdee
Tile shed was constructed'. Athouta permit.
The motion carried by a vote of 7-0 with Board Member THIESSEN absent.
Board Member ABBOTT moved and Board Member WALKER seconded that the shed can
remain in place no longer than the time of the January Board of Adjustment meeting or
when the temporary use permit is applied for, whichever occurs sooner. and that the City's
application fee be waived if the applicant chooses to apply for a temporary use permit in
time for the January meeting.
The motion carried by vote of 7-0 with Board Member THIESSEN absent.
5. CLOSE THE PUBL1 HEARING
Chair MAURO declared the public hearing closed. X
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Case No. WA-98-29 In response to requests for clarification concerning the continuation of
Case No, WA-98-29, Mr. McCartney outlined the procedures for hearing the case on
December 10. 1998.
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Board of A(�Iustment IM
October 22, 1998
D. Existinc- Storage Sheds - Board Member HOWARD asked if there was a plan to bring all
storage sheds into compliance within the City of Wheat Ridge. Mr. McCartney replied that
many existing sheds are legally nonconforming.
7. NEW BUSINESS J
A. Approval of Minutes of Se temper 24 ' 1998 -. t, was moved by Board Member HOWARD
and seconded by Board Member WALK to approve the minutes as, presented The
motion Carried by a vote of 6-0 with Chair MAURO abstaining and Board '1
THIESSEN
B. Studv Session • Fol,lowirt t
.� brie r, Board Member HOVLAND moved and Board
Member Wi\t-KER seconded that a study session with the City Attorney be scheduled for
�December 2. 1998. The motion carried,by,a vote,ol'TO with Board Member THIESSEN
absent. Mr. McCartney stated that herwould c6ntact-the City Attorney to see if this would fit
into his schedule.
Asa
8. ADJOURNiNIENT
lt moved by Board Member ABBOTT and seconded by Board Member
ECIIELMEYER to adjourn the meeting a 10:25 pm. The motion carried by a vote of 7-0
with Board IN-lernber T141ESSEN absent.
LINDA I'VIAURO, Vice Chair Ann 1,azzeri, Secretary
Board o _s *Board bfAdJUStInert
Board of Aqjustment P,
October 22. 1998