HomeMy WebLinkAboutLand Use Case.CU.720 E Hyman.1976-CU-6ASPEN /PIT
130 s
aspen
FOR FILE: Aspen Athletic Club
Department
[reet
1611
Food Facility Modification Granted by Planning and Zoning Commission,
October 19, 1976.
See Minutes for details.
ME
TO: ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FROM: DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
FOR
RE: ASPEN ATHLETIC CLUB's Request for a Use Determination
FACTS
The Aspen Athletic Club Building was approved under
Ordinance 19 in 1974 which was an interim zoning measure .
pending adoption of a new comprehensive zoning ordinance for
the City of Aspen. The Building Inspector approved a set of
plans on August, 1974 and issued a building permit: Included
in these approved plans is an area in the club designated as a
bar with kitchen facilities which has a pass- through to the
lounge area. In March of 1975, a new comprehensive zoning
ordinance became effective and designated the area where the
building is located as an office zone. In an office zone
athletic clubs were permitted as a conditional use. In April
of 1976 the office zone was amended so as to delete athletic
clubs as conditional uses. Subsequent to April, 1976, the
Aspen Athletic Club, Inc., was informed that the food facility
as it was shown on the approved plans did not contain the
proper equipment to pass health inspection. On the basis of
this information, the plans were revised to provide sufficient
space for the equipment necessary to comply with the health
regulations. The change involved a new location of the food
preparation area and did not involve an increase in the size
of the lounge where the members will sit.
The revised food facility will occupy an area of
96 square feet and it is located in the basement of the building
so that there is no direct access from the street and the food
facility cannot be seen from adjacent properties. The food
facility will serve prepared foods, mainly sandwiches and
beverages. There will be no griddle or stove in the facility,
only a warming device. The food service facility is designed
basically to serve the demands generated by the Aspen Athletic
Club.
INTRODUCTION
Aspen Athletic Club, Inc., believes it is entitled to
revise the food facility on two grounds. First of all, that
the food facility is an accessory use to an athletic club
and secondly, that the Aspen Municipal Code provides for such
an expansion for non - conforming uses.
DISCUSSION
1. SNACK BARS ARE ACCESSORY USES TO ATHLETIC CLUBS.
The character of the building determines the customarily
incidental uses which are permissible in connection with its
use. An accessory use is defined by the Aspen Municipal Code
in Section 24- 3.7(a)(2) as "a use that is naturally and normally
incidental to, subordinate to, devoted exclusively to the
principal use of the premises, and does not change the basic
character thereof as determined by its principal use."
Obviously, it is a factual question whether a snack bar is
customarily incidental to the use of an athletic club.
The case law is sparse on this particular question.
There is one Pennsylvania case which matter of factly states
that an ordinance which permitted a private club with facilities
structurally designed for sports and athletic events allows
as an incidental use, a canteen. Appeal of Hawcrest Association
160 A. 2d 240 (Pa. 1960). The court neither cited cases nor
stated a rational in support of its holding. However, a later
Pennsylvania case does give some insight in the kind of
- 2 -
considerations that must be taken into account when determining
whether a use is incidental or not. In Gross v. Zoning Board
of Adjustment, 424 Pa. 603, 227 A. 2d 824 (1967), the owner
of a bowling alley applied for permission to construct a
restaurant and cocktail lounge as an accessory use. The court
allowed the restaurant on the following basis: That most
bowling alleys have restaurants; that it entailed no expansion
to the present building; that it occupied only 3.5% of the
business premises; and the income from the facility would
constitute only a small fraction of the gross business of the
bowling alley.
Clearly, the food facility is an accessory use, as that
term is defined by the Aspen Municipal Code, and should be
permitted as of right. The food facility would not change the
basic character of the principal use of the building and it
would clearly be subordinated to the principal use. The food
facility would occupy an extremely small percentage of the
building and the income produced therefrom would constitute
only a small portion of the gross income of the club. Moreover,
a food facility is a use that is naturally and normally
incidental to recreational clubs. Almost every golf club,
tennis club, bowling alley and swim club, as well as other
athletic clubs, have some facility for dispensing food and
beverage. The proposed food facility for the Aspen Athletic
Club has all the incidents of an accessory use as that term is
defined by the Aspen Municipal Code and should be allowed as of
right.
2. THE FACT THAT ASPEN ATHLETIC CLUB IS A NON - CONFORMING USE
DOES NOT PROHIBIT A FOOD FACILITY AS AN ACCESSORY USE.
Hal Clark is mistaken in Comment 1 of his recommendation
to the Planning and Zoning Commission. There is no authority
- 3 -
for his comment that the food facility cannot be an accessory
use to a non - permitted use. In fact, there is law to the
contrary. Gross v. Zoning Board of Adjustment supra involved
this precise question. The bowling alley was allowed as a
variance in a residential zone. Pennsylvania has consistently
held that a lawful, non - conforming use may validly be expanded
by a reasonable accessory use which is not detrimental to the
public health, welfare and safety:
"We have consistently held that a lawful, non - conforming
use ... may validly be expanded by a reasonable accessory
use which is not detrimental to the public health,
welfare and safety... ". Pennsylvania's ruling in this
regard is premised upon the view that the owner of a
property to which a lawful, non - conforming use is
attached enjoys the vested property rights thereto
which may not be abbrogated unless it is a nuisance
or abandoned or is extinguished by eminent domain;
and that a zoning ordinance cannot preclude a natural
and reasonable expansion thereof. It appears to us
that a use permitted by variance or special dispensation
is comparable and establishes in the property owner
a vested right similar to that in a lawful non- conform-
ing use situation. If this be so, then logic and
fairness compels a conclusion that the granted use may
be added to by a normal and reasonable use flowing
therefrom." 277 A. 2d 824, 826 -827.
So clearly, the food facility can be and is an accessory
to a non - conforming use.
3. THE FOOD FACILITY WOULD NOT GENERATE ANY GREATER PARKING
DEMANDS IN THE AREA.
Hal Clark feels that the revised food facility should be
denied because of the potential of increased demands on parking
in the area and thefact the Aspen Athletic Club has no reserved
parking spaces (Comment 3). Clearly the food facility would not
increase the demand on parking at all. The sole purpose of the
food facility is to accommodate people already on the premises
for other purposes. It would be merely providing the users
of the club with the ability to grab a quick lunch without
going to other restaurants in town. The food facility will not
advertise in any manner and will not generate any independent
- 4 -
clientele of its own.
Moreover, one of the conditions of approval of this
project under Ordinance 19 was that no off street parking
be provided for the members of the club. The reason for this
is that the Planning and Zoning Commission wanted to discourage
use of the automobile in the downtown core area. Now Hal Clark
is recommending denial of the revision for the very reason
that there is no off street parking provided. Aspen Athletic
Club, Inc., should not be made subject to this catch 22 in
this situation. It is also noteworthy that the adjacent
property, which contained the Pitkin County Grainery, does
cater to an independent clientele and does not have any
reserved parking facilities for its customers.
There is no justification for the denial of the
Aspen Athletic Club's request for the revised food facility
on the basis of insufficient parking, and a denial on such a
basis would be arbitrary and capricious. Clearly, the revised
food facility would generate no greater burden than is already
generated by the building itself with the existing food facility.
4. SINCE THE ATHLETIC CLUB IS A VALID NON - CONFORMING USE
IT CAN EXPAND THE EXISTING FOOD FACILITY PURSUANT
TO 524- 12.4(b) OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE.
No one disputes the fact that the Aspen Athletic Club
itself and the original snack bar approved under Ordinance 19
are non - conforming uses. This being so, then it seems clear
that §24- 12.4(b) applies so that the food facility can be
extended throughout the parts of the building manifestedly
arranged for it.
However, Sandy Stuller, the City Attorney, in a letter
to Clayton Meyring which is enclosed in your packet, argues
that the status of the Aspen Athletic Club is a non - conforming
conditional use"
- 5 -
She arrives at this position on the basis that athletic
clubs under the office designation prior to the April rezoning
were conditional uses; thus the effect of the April rezoning
is to make athletic clubs a "non- conforming conditional use ".
Sandy then proceeds to assert that any expansion must follow
the procedures for expansion of conditional, as opposed to
non - conforming uses. This would mean that Section 24- 3.3(c),
not 24- 12.4(b), of the Aspen Municipal Code would dictate the
procedures for revision of the food facility.
I believe that Sandy is relying too much on semantics
in arriving at her interpretation of the problem and not enough
on basic zoning law. Focusing on the latter clearly shows
that §24- 12.4(b) of the Aspen Municipal Code controls the
situation in hand.
A general definition of non - conforming use is. "A lawful
use of premises existing on the effective date of the zoning
regulations and continued thereafter, which does not conform
to such regulations." 82 Am. Jur. 2d Zoning & Planning, §178.
It does not matter in this definition what the nature of the use
was prior to the change in zoning, i.e. of right or conditional.
For once it becomes a prohibitive use, regardless of its
former status, it is non - conforming. The fact that the use was
once conditional is rendered moot by the change in zoning that
prohibits the former conditional use. Thus, it would seem to
follow that the provisions regulating non - conforming uses should
control the question of expansion to the food facility.
Sections 24- 3.3(c) and 24- 12.4(b) contemplate two
distinct situations that cannot sensibly be read together.
Either the present use of the Athletic Club is a conditional
use or it is non - conforming. It is a non - sequitur to classify
the use as a "non- conforming conditional use ". I submit that
the athletic club is a non - conforming use and thus subject to
the provisions of 524- 12.4(b).
— 6 -
CONCLUSION
The proposed revision of the Aspen Athletic Club
food facility can be justified on the basis of either an
accessory use to an existing use or a permitted expansion
of a non - conforming use. Furthermore, the impact of the
revised food facility is negligible in light of the fact that
the revision represents simply a change in location and not
a more intensive or different use. Finally, the food facility
is consistent with uses of adjacent property and would not be
an affront to the existing zoning scheme for the area.
On these bases I request approval for the proposed
revision of the food service area of the Aspen Athletic
Club.
Respectfully submitted,
DWIGH K. SHELLMAN, JR., for
DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.,
AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
The Wheeler Opera House
P. O. Box G -3
Aspen, Colorado 81611
(303)925 -2710
- 7 -
ASPEN ATHLETIC CLUB
SQUARE FOOTAGE COMPUTATIONS FOR FOOD FACILITY
Approved Plans: Proposed Relocation:
Square Footage = 23.25 sq. ft. Square Footage = 93 sq. ft.
Ratio of Food Ratio of Food
Facility to Facility to
Athletic Club Athletic Club
23.25 sq. ft. _ .002% 93 = .009
10013 (sq. ft. of 10113
Athletic Club)
Square Footage Square Footage
Ratio of Food Ratio of Food
Facility to Facility to
Aspen Athletic Aspen Athletic
Club Building Club Building
23.25 = .0009% 93 = .003
26935 (sq. ft. for 26935
Aspen Athletic
Club Building)
October 19, 1976
Planning and Zoning
Pitkin County
City Hall
Commission
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Re: Aspen Athletic Club
Food Facility
Dear Sir:
I signed a petition against a full service restaurant
and bar to be located in the Aspen Athletic Club Building,
apparently because of misrepresentation.
I have no objection to the food facility as outlined in
the recent letter dated October 7, 1976.
Sincerely,
Ja
o r.� V
e'c" Z�S
'Y6
_ ,
MEMO
TO: HAL CLARK
PLANNING DEPT.
FROM: CLAYTON MEYRING
CHIEF BUILDING INSPECTOR
DATE: October 19,1976
Re: Kitchen in Aspen Athletic Club
I have reviewed the various sets of plans that have been
submitted to my office of the CDES Building now known as the
Aspen Athletic Club. The sequence of events are as follows:
The first set of plans of which the building permit
was approved under Ordinance 19 authority was August
8, 1974 which showed a basement containing locker
rooms, two handball courts and shower massage and
toilet rooms.
The next set of plans submitted Nov. 6, 1975 showed
a sub - basement and basement. The sub - basement showed
two handball courts and a squash court. The basement
plan showed a lap pool, whirlpool, lounge, massage
rooms, exercise rooms, lockers, shower and toilet
rooms. A permit was issued for the structural portions
of the sub - basement footings and walls only Nov, 7,1975.
The next set of plans submitted Jan. 19, 1976 showed in
addition to the two handball and squash court a
mechanical and storage rooms in the sub - basement.
The basement showed in addition to the lap pool, whirl-
pool, lounge, massage rooms, exercise room, lockers,
shower and toilet rooms a laundry and storage room.
In addition a reception room having a bar sink was
added. Another permit was issued Jan. 19, 1976 to
complete the structural portions of the footing ,walls
and floors of the basement and sub - basement.
The next set -of plans submitted March 8, 1976 was
supposed to be the final plans of which approval could
be given for a complete revised set. The plans were
more complete than the Jan. 19th plans, but no change
in the floor plans of the basement and sub - basement.
I have plans of which a change was made July 14 & 15,
1976 where the laundry was moved to the sub - basement
and the original basement plan which had the laundry
and storage room became the service bar area, pro shop
and a general redesign of the reception area.
sue^ ,
9l n
0
- - / /00-
DONAL J. FLEISHER
October 13, 1976
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Gentlemen:
A week ago I was contacted by a citizen of Aspen who presented me with a
petition against the request by the Aspen Athletic Club to modify its food
service facilities. This party grossly misrepresented the future plans of
the Aspen Athletic Club and had the facts so contorted that I was led to be-
lieve they were planning to operate a full- service food operation with a three -
way liquor license. I reluctantly signed the petition and sincerely regret
that I did so. With this letter I request that my name be removed from the
petition.
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I would like to inform you that I
am whole heartedly in support of the club's request for permission to relocate
and expand the food and beverage facility it plans to install.
I have always understood that the club would provide food and beverage facili-
ties suitable to an athletic club operation. I think those members who wish
to spend lunch hours at the club should have food service facilities available
to them.
If the relocation will facilitate the club in putting in the required facilities
to comply with health regulations, it is my opinion that they should not be
denied this right.
Sincerely,
ld
cc: Chick Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom - Box 4815
Dick Kienast - 406 W. Smuggler
Nick Coates
Dwight Shellman
Jim Daggs
THE DONALD J. FLEISHER COMPANY, INC.
P A $oar i�966, Aspen, Colorado 81611 (303) 925 -2122
620 E. Hyman
LAW OFFICES
DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
AND ASSOCIATES
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, P.O. BOX G -3
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611 (303) 925 -2710
October 15, 1976
Mr. Hal Clark
Planning Office
City Hall
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Re: Aspen Athletic Club
Dear Hal:
Please find enclosed copies of a floor plan for the
basement of the Aspen Athletic Club which indicates
the approximate location of the approved food facility
and the requested relocated food facility. I have also
enclosed a copy of the floor plan for the relocated
food facility.
Sincerely yours,
JoA David Seigle7 for
D4JIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR. ,
AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
JDS:mfm
enclosures
i93 sq. ft in
I -
_ t - --
Scale 1/4" l' II
I A = Approved Location
B = Requested Relocation
1 i _
v
�.
A
_
�-�
23.25 sq. ft-
+'
i93 sq. ft in
I -
_ t - --
Scale 1/4" l' II
I A = Approved Location
B = Requested Relocation
1 i _
r --c � — I � —�_
J
call
tA
:
R EL04�T %bT-\
IK
I 1i
> � 1 m _/` -•` ` f �� .-a i� 1 0 1 Q �GG.•tc. �'�1C�iKili � t ' `� t {i =- �
SZ 7
71 c 1� A �
IL IL
�
�
,
�� ! .asst, E!FC L %f c G0.'X';' � 1 ` `' 7 v
i
IN
L Z - f l
c i
.r
c '. __ _ —•r' � 1 ��� 1iJ��i'�./��h�..'� ,!3'2 YL IG.�!� 1
f t 1 � �_ _� `� i _ _ .. _ , ; Tti j /'G Cu}. !J,!.✓,.�d, . G�}/4.! ,�.'
1=
• aL j.
I ` j
Aspen Athletic Club - food facility
Those withdrawn from Petition:
Dr. Jack Crandall
630 E. Hyman
Donald J. Fleisher
620 E. Hyman
Eloise H. Ilgen
729 E. Hopkins
Jack D. Ilgen
729 E. Hopkins
Linnea A. Riley
800 E. Hopkins #A -1
Bernard Hudson
800 E. Hopkins
Valerie Gustaveson
800 E. Hopkins $A -2
Anne Chapman
623 E. Hopkins
Floyd Wasinger
P. O. Box 7263
City Market
Those on Petition and reason:
W. R. Walton - started Petition
Mary Babic - building destroyed her view
Marjorie Fisher - no reason
Don Stew Westerlind - will be at hearing
Elsie Snyder - liquor license, even though withdrawn, bothers her
John F. Snyder - same as above
Barbara J. Popish - parking
Louis Popish - parking - will be at meeting
Jennie Popish - parking
Nancy Kappeli - general principals
S. P. Kelly - no reason
Jessie J. Bates - parking
K. H. Bates - parking
Rosemary Krans - no reason
Those who were not at home:
Carl R. Nutzhorn
Lucille Baltzar
G. Johnson
Bernard P. Popish
Beverly Joyce Popish
Arthur Kuen
John Hayes
David Fleisher
Carla Astor
CERTIFICATE OF HAND DELIVERY
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
attached notice has been delivered to the following persons
by hand delivery this 14th day of October, 1976:
George Huggins
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman,Apt. A
Aspen, Colo.
Marshall Smith
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. B
Aspen, Colo.
Joe Luciani
Hy West 'Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. C
Aspen, Colo.
Michele Game
Hy West Condos
835 E. Hyman, Ant. D
Aspen, Colo.
Frank Erikson
East Hopkins Condos.
825 E. Hopkins, Apt. 1S
Aspen, Colo.
Nancy Edlin
East Hopkins Condos.
825 E. Hopkins, Apt. 2S
Aspen, Colo.
Terry_ & Barbara Young
East Hopkins Condos.
825 E. Hopkins, Ant. 3S
Aspen, Colo.
Jay Haygood /Howard Freeman
East Hopkins Condos.
825 E. Hopkins, Apt. 1N
Aspen, Colo.
Francis & Lyman Bielefeldt Boynton /Waskey
Hy West Condos. East Hopkins Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. E 825 E. Hopkins, Apt. 2N
Aspen, Colo. Aspen, Colo.
Susan Capiel
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. F
Aspen, Colo.
Ann Bickley
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt.
Aspen, Colo.
Ginnie Phillips
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt
Aspen, Colo.
John Hayes
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt
Aspen,Colo.
Buzz Patten
East Hopkins Condos.
825 E. Hopkins, Apt. 3N
Aspen, Colo.
Johnson
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
G 800 E. Hyman, Apt. .A -C
Aspen, Colo.
Chapman
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
H 800 E. Hyman, Apt. B -F
Aspen, Colo.
Waggaman
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
T 800 E. Hyman, Apt. C -G
Aspen, Colo.
Bruce Holzapfel
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. J
Aspen, Colo.
Karin Erickson
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt
Aspen, Colo.
Sy Smith
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt
Aspen, Colo.
Garland
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
800 E. Hyman, Apt. D -M
Aspen, Colo.
Phil Walker
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
K 800 E. Hyman, Apt. E
Aspen, Colo.
Louis Schoolman
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
L 800 E. Hyman, Apt. F
Aspen, Colo.
Mary Ann Mitchell
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
800 E. Hyman, Apt. G
Aspen, Colo.
Jason Densmore
Mountain View Condos.
819 W. Hyman, Apt. 1
Aspen, Colo.
Patricia Seifert
Mountina View Condos.
819 M. Hyman, Apt. 2
Aspen, Colo.
Robert Morris
Mountain View
81913. Hyman,
Aspen, Colo.
Bobby Burns
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. B4
Aspen, Colo.
Carol Williams
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. B5
Aspen, Colo.
Guy F. Grover
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 101
Aspen, Colo.
Bill and Pat Boyd
C ondos. Centennial Park Condos.
Apt. 3 830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 102
Aspen, Colo.
Sherry Croker
Mountain View Condos
819 E. Hyman, Apt. 4
Aspen, Colo.
Milton Zale
Mountain View Condos
819 E. Hyman, Apt. 7
Aspen, Colo.
Penelope Wilson
Mountain View Condos
819 E., Hyman, Apt. 8
Aspen, Colo.
Michael Riley
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins,
Aspen, Colo.
Michael Pokress
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 103
Aspen, Colo.
Steve Golieb
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 201
Aspen, Colo.
Robert Blauman
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Ant. 202
Aspen, Colo.
Joe Parrish
Centennial Park Condos.
Apt. Al 830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 203
Aspen, Colo.
Valerie Gustaveson
Larkspur
800 E1 Hopkins,
Aspen, Colo.
Bernard Hudson
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins,
Aspen, Colo.
Apt
David Hovdesven
Centennial Park Condos.
A2 830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 301
Aspen, Colo.
Reynolds Chace Springborn
Centennial Park Condos.
Apt. A3 830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 302
Aspen, Colo.
Belton Fleisher
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. A4
Aspen, Colo.
David Fleisher
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. A5
Aspen, Colo.
Jorge Eduardo Kopper
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. BI
Aspen, Colo.
Frau Waidner
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. B2
Felicia M. Lee
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 303
Aspen, Colo.
Pitkin County Grainery
Karen Kirkwook
716 E. Hyman
Aspen, Colo.
Pope Rowland
700 Block
East Hyman
Aspen, Colo.
C. Tyrell Garth
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. B3
Aspen, Colo.
Patio Building: Protection Systems, Inc.
630 E. Hyman Betty Henry
Aspen, Colo.
Valley Answering Service
Betty Henry
Chris' Hair Styling
Christine Proffit
Stitch 'n Time
Judy Rouse
Stained Glass Studio
Michael Ohnmacht
Dr. Jack Crandall
The Barber Shop
W. D. McLain
Aspen Computer Service
Don Voltmer
Tidivations
Nature's Storehouse
Terry Badger
Aspen Audio Clinic
Charles Witt
The Sewing Bee
Billy Vagneur
Sandy's Office Supply
Sandra Williams
Tina's Treasure Chest
Nikki Mayer
Source One
Bill Leonard
Aspen Studio of Photography
Lil Lwely
Eugene E. Saltzberg
Joane Ross
William H. T. Murray
Joane Ross
Ashley /Moore
Ralph Ashley
Gary Turnau, M. D.
Sue Toth
Aspen Camera Repair
Lil Lwely
Aspen Medical Laboratory
Theo Walker
CERTIFICATE OF HAND DELIVERY
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
attached notice has been delivered to the following condominium
managers by hand delivery this 14th day of October, 1976:
Sy Smith, President
Hy West Condos.
835 E. Hyman, Apt. L
Aspen, Colo.
George Vicenzi, Manager
East Hopkins Condos.
601 W. Hallam
Aspen, Colo.
C. Johnson, Caretaker
Chatelet Condo. Enterprises
800 E. Hyman
Aspen, Colo.
Rosemary Krans, Manager
Mountain View Condos.
819 E. Hyman, Apt. 5
Aspen, Colo.
Valerie Gustayson, Manager
Larkspur
800 E. Hopkins, Apt. A -2
Aspen, Colo.
Bayard Hovdesven, Manager
Centennial Park Condos.
830 E. Hopkins, Apt. 301
Aspen, Colo.
J
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the
attached notice has been delivered to the followinq persons
by depositing a copy hereof in the United States Mail, postage
prepaid, on the of �� 1976:
BLOCK 27, East Aspen Addition
BLOCK 28, East Aspen Addition:
Lots K, L, M, N and 0 - Larkspur
Associates, 800 E. Hopkins, Aspen.
Lots P, 0, R and S - Centennial
Park 'Condos. c/o Bayard Hovedsven,
et al, Box 3810, Aspen.
Lots K and L, Michael Otte & Rich.
Sherriff, Box 11299, Aspen.
Lots M,N and 0, Marjorie Fisher,
718 E. Hopkins, .Aspen.
BLOCK 31, East Aspen Addition: Lots A and B, Riverview Associates,
Rich. Meeker, First National Bank
Building, Aspen.
BLOCK 99, City of Aspen:
BLOCK 100, City of Aspen:
Lot C, Guell & Guenard, Box 15128,
Aspen.
Lots D, E and F, Raymond & Jessie
Bates, 819 E. Hopkins, Aspen.
Lots G and H, East Hopkins Condos.,
825 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen.
Lots K and L, Chatelet Condo. Enter-
prises, 800 E. Hyman, Asnen.
Lots M and N, Joseph & Barbara Popish,
800 Block E. Hyman, Aspen.
Lots 0, P and n, Jennie Popish,
824 E. Hyman Ave., Aspen.
Lots R and S, Bernard Popish,
826 E. Hyman Ave., Asnen.
Lots H and I, W. R. Walton, Box 665,
Aspen.
Lots R and S, Patio Blda., 630 E.
Hyman Ave., Aspen. Jack Crandall
Lots F, G, H and I, Mountain States
Communications, Inc., 310 E. Main St.,
Asnen.
BLOCK 104, City of Aspen: Lots A and B, Mary Babick,
701 E. Hopkins, Aspen.
Lots C and D,Andre Ulrvch,
Box 2202, Aspen.
Lots E and F, Carla Astor,
Box 864, Aspen.
Lots C and H, Lucille Baltizer,
727 E. Hopkins Ave., Aspen.
Lot I, Jack & Eloise Ilgen,
729 E. Hopkins, Aspen.
Lots K and L, Mike Otte & Rich.
Sherriff, Box 11299, Aspen.
Lots M
Block,
Lots 0
419 E.
BLOCK 105, City of Aspen: Lots A
300 S.
and N, Leo Rowland, 700
E. Hvman, Aspen.
and P, Theo. Loutsoubos,
Hayman, Aspen.
thru D, Hannah Dustin, Ltd.,
Spring St., Aspen.
Lots E thru I, Tonawanda Corporation,
8532 W. Schlinaer Ave.,
Milwaukee, Wisc.
Lots K thru P, Victor & Werner Kapelli,
and W. 20.73' 720 E. Cooper,
of Lot O. Aspen.
Lots R and S, Simon & Nora Kelly,
and E. 9.27' Box 1583, Aspen.
of Lot Q.
BLOCK 111, City of Aspen: Lots A
801 E.
Lots E
819 W.
Lots G
835 E.
thru D, John & Elsie Snyder,
Hyman, Aspen.
and F, Mtn V iew Condos.,
Hvman Ave., Aspen.
thru I, Hy West Condos.,
Hvman Ave., Aspen.
Lots K and L, Arthur Kuen,
802 E. Cooper, Aspen.
Lots M thru O, Adolph & Joseph Miklich,
634 W. Francis, Aspen.
CERTIFICA OF HAND D ELIVERY
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true copy of the attached
Notice has been delivered by hand on or before September 30, 1976
to the following addresses:
716 E.
Hyman Street
732 Cooper Street
Aspen,
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
801 E.
Hyman Street
802 Cooper Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
820 E.
Hyman Street
805 Cooper Street
Colorado 81611
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
822 E.
Hyman Street
300 Spring Street
Aspen,
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
824 E.
Hyman Street
307 Spring Street
Hopkins Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
826 E.
Hyman Street
635 Spring Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
835 E.
Hyman Street
704 Hopkins Street
819 Hopkins Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado
81611
250 S. Original 714 Hopkins Street
(Apts. across from Aspen, Colorado 81611
Aspen Athletic Club)
Aspen, Colorado 81611
819 E.
Hyman Street
718 Hopkins Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado 81611
707 E.
Hyman Street
720 Hopkins Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Patio
Building
722 Hopkins Street
East
Hyman Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
800 Hopkins Street
620 E.
Hyman Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Studios Next to Larkspur
Victorian
Square
Hopkins Street
East
Hvman Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
811 Hopkins Street
Bell Mountain Lodge
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Cooper Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
819 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
City Market
Cooper Street
825 Hopkins Street
Aspen,
Colorado 81611
Aspen, Colorado 81611
729 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
727 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
719 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
715 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
701 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
625 Hopkins Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
pp ;
- 2 -
.,1 /mart Fi�c
YI":\�
TO: Aspen Planning Commission
FROM: Planning Staff (HC)
RE: Aspen Athletic Club Food Facility Modification
DATE: October 15, 1976
This is a continuation of the public hearing on the modification of the
food facility at the Aspen Athletic Club. A plan of the proposed
change is enclosed in your packet for review as requested. The Planning
and Zoning Commission has agreed to a site inspection and we suggest
that at 6:30 P.M. you adjourn the meeting to the site of the Atholetic
Club for decision on the request. We understand that the Club has
withdrawn its request for a liquor license.
The Planning Office has reconsidered the application and has the following
comments:
1. We feel the scope of the food facility is
constrained by the lack of a Liquor license;
the remote basement location; and accessibility
to the food facility being limited to members
only as those who have paid an entrance fee
to the Club. These limitations should be incorpor-
, ated as legal restrictions on the use of the
food facility.
2. The Athletic Club is a substantial recreational
facility which undoubtedly will precipitate
significant use. Limited food service to members
only in a constricted area appears an appropriate
accessory use.
3. The applicant will present evidence to confirm the
misunderstandings surrounding the petition in opposition
to the expansion as to representations on the food
facility use.
4. New public notices have been sent out to the adjacent
property owners for this hearing.
5. The Planning Office would recommend apporval of the
_modification of the Athletic Club food facility
provided the restraints suggested in comment number
one can be legally and successfully imposed on the
food facility.
0
4SrP _M
4THLE11C
CW8 Corner of Hyman & Original -. Box 3279
October 7, 1976
Aspen, Colo. 81611 - 303 - 925 -1400
Dear Neighbor:
Please find enclosed a notice of a hearing to be held on the
Aspen Athletic Club's proposed relocation of their food
facility in the new Athletic. Club Building. From some of the
questions raised in the first hearing, held this week, there
seems to be a great deal of_,confusion regarding the nature
of the food,. facility.;:;
The food facility is'a` snack bar; it is not a full service
restaurant as has been represented by some of those who oppose
the Athletic Club's request for the relocation. The plans
for the building were approved in 1974 by the Planning and
Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen and the Construction
Permit was issued in August of that year. The 1974 approved
plans included a small.food facility serving the Athletic
Club which is located in the basement of the building. This
food facility consisted of an area of 23 square feet
(approximately 3.1 feet x 7.5 feet). Subsequent to the
approval mentioned above,'the developers were informed that the
space allocated.,for. the food facility was inadequate to
sufficiently accommodate all of the equipment needed to comply
with the health regulations. On the basis of this information,
the plans for'the food facility were revised. The revised
plans, which are -the subject of the hearing that is being
held, relocated the food facility ten feet away from the original
facility as approved by the Commission andiexpanded its area
to 93 square feet. The food facility serves a lounge area
which has couches, chairs and a few tables with a total seating
capacity of 24 people.
The food facility will dispense soft beverages and prepared
food. No alcoholic beverages will be served at the Club.
Originally the Athletic Club had intended to have beer and
wine available for its members and applied for a liquor license.
However, that application has been withdrawn..: `,There will be
no grill in the facility, only a warming device. The purpose
c �JF,�,
Page Two
October 7, 1976
of the food facility is to provide members of the club with
sandwiches after they work out at the club. It will also
provide those members who have a limited lunch hour a chance
to eat and exercise within that time. The food facility is
not visible from street level and is not open to the general
public. To get to the food area, one has to be either a
member of the club or pay the daily admission price to the
club of $5.00. The food facility will not advertise and will
not seek to cater to an independent clientele.
I hope this clears up some
concerning our request for
questions that this letter
food facility, please feel
number. If you would like
about, a tour of the build
of the questions you might have
the relocation. If you have any
does not answer, or concerns about the
free to contact me at the above
to see the area that we are talking
ing can be arranged.
Sincerely,
David A. Glander
Director
7 Z� 2��r
Public Notice
Notice is hereby giver_ that a Public Hearing will be held
on October 5, 1976, at 5:15 PIS in the Citv Council Chambers
before the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission. The hear-
ing is to consider a modification of the Aspen Athletic
Club food facility pursuant to Section 24 -3.3c of the City
Zoning Code. The Aspen Athletic Club is located at 724 F.
Hyman St., Aspen, Colorado. A copy of the proposal may be
examined in the City /County Planning Office during normal
working hours.
/s/ Kathyrr. S. IIauter
City Clerk
WORLDWIDE SKI CORPORATION
September 21, 1976
To The Members of the Pitkin Co. Planning and Zoning Commission:
It was my intention to appear before this meeting of the P &Z this evening
to discuss the proposal before you regarding a snack bar facility to be located
In the Aspen Athletic Club. Unfortunately a last - minute family obligation
has made it impossible for me to be present; I respectfully request that this
letter may be read, however, and that its contents will be included in the
minutes of the session.
I understand the P &Z's concern that a restaurant located In the athletic
club facility might generate automobile traffic. On the other hand, a snack
bar serving sandwiches and light beverages is hardly a full - service restaurant.
Personally, I intend to use the club facilities during my lunch break. If
I am able to pick up a sandwich at the athletic club it wi 11 not be necessary for
me to search for a parking place in front of a restaurant elsewhere in Aspen
before arriving at the athletic club.
Moreover, by nature athletic club members are persons more inclined to
walk than drive. I sincerely feel that a food service at the club will not generate
traffic.
I hope that you will approve the Aspen Athletic Club's request for permission
to install a snack bar.
As the publicity director for World Pro Skiing, a position %h ich requires
considerable travel, I have had the opportunity to visit many athletic clubs
throughout the United States. From my first hand experience, it is not unusual,
indeed it is the standard, for athletic clubs to provide food service.
P.O. BOX 4580 • ASPEN, COLORADO 81811 • (303) 925.7884
World Wide Ski Corporation administers NASTAR, World Pro Skiing, and Bob Beattie Racing Camps,
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Dear Commission Member:
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I am writing in
regard to the club's request for permission to relocate and
expand a food and beverage facility.
It was my understanding, based on the literature distributed
by the club, that there would be a food and beverage facility
in the club. I think that such a facility would greatly
compliment the club in that, after use of the athletic
facilities, one could grab a quick bite to eat rather than
having to go out for lunch. This is important for those of
us who wish to spend our lunch hour at the club and only
have a limited amount of time to exercise and eat.
The relocation apparently would facilitate the club in
putting in the needed facilities to comply with heath regu-
lations. I hope that you will grant the Aspen Athletic
Club's request for permission to modify their present facili-
ties to accommodate the food service area.
Sincerely,
CC: Chick Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom -.Box 4815
Dick Kienast - 406 14. Smuggler
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Dear Commission Member:
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I am writing in
regard to the club's request for permission to relocate and
expand a food and beverage facility.
It was my understanding, based on the literature distributed
by the club, that there would be a food and beverage facility
in the club. I think that such a facility would greatly
compliment the club in that, after use of the athletic
facilities, one could grab a quick bite to eat rather than
having to go out for lunch. This is important for those of
us who wish to spend our lunch hour at the club and only
have a limited amount of time to exercise and eat.
The relocation apparently would facilitate the club in
putting in the needed facilities to comply with heath regu-
lations. I hope that you will grant the Aspen Athletic
Club's request for permission to modify their present facili-
ties to accommodate the food service area.
Sincerely,
cc: Chick Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom - Box 4815
Dick Kienast - '406 W. Smuggler
f
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Dear Commission Member:
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I am writing in
regard to the.club's request for permission to relocate and
expand a food and beverage facility.
it was my understanding, based on the literature distributed
by the club, that there would be a food and beverage facility
in the club. I think that such a facility would greatly
compliment the club in that, after use of the athletic
facilities, one could grab a quick bite to eat rather than
having to go out for lunch. This is important for those of
us who wish to spend our lunch hour at the club and only
have a limited amount of time to exercise and eat.
The relocation apparently would facilitate the club in
putting in the needed facilities to comply with heath regu-
lations. I hope that you will grant the Aspen Athletic
Club's request for permission to modify their present facili-
ties to accommodate the food service area.
Sincerely,
CC: Chick Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom - Box 4815
Dick Kienast - 406 W. Smuggler
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Planning and Zoning Commission
Dear Commission Member:
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I am writing in
regard to the club's request for permission to relocate and
expand a food and beverage facility.
It was my understanding, based on the literature distributed
by the club, that there would be a food and beverage facility
in the club. I think that such a facility would greatly
compliment the club in that, after use of the athletic
facilities, one could grab a quick bite to eat rather than
having to go out for lunch. This is important for those of
us who wish to spend our lunch hour at the club and only
have a limited amount of time to exercise and eat.
The relocation apparently would facilitate the club in
putting in the needed facilities to comply with heath regu-
lations. I hope that you will grant the Aspen Athletic
Club's request for permission to modify their present facili-
ties to accommodate the food service area.
Sincerely,
cc: Chic Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom - Box 4815
Dick Kienast - 406 W. Smuggler
fA� .
y
M
e:lIT OrYj 49,E s 197 eo 0�
y
C. �
Tyr 2Jt�
I�t ski'•
/ 76
A
7
r
IK SieoKU) '
6 �o
44
G A , FO-1-41
GCO �5, • I—I pL�vrvs A-1
A —I
�.-
��70 Sf
ll �
7a/ o ,-
MEMORANDUM
TO: ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FROM: DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
FOR
RE: ASPEN ATHLETIC CLUB's Request for a Use Determination
FACTS
The Aspen Athletic Club Building was approved under
Ordinance 19 in 1974 which was an interim zoning measure
pending adoption of a new comprehensive zoning ordinance for
the City of Aspen. The Building Inspector approved a set of
plans on August, 1974 and issued a building permit. Included
in these approved plans is an area in the club designated as a
bar with kitchen facilities which has a pass- through to the
lounge area. In March of 1975, a new comprehensive zoning
ordinance became effective and designated the area where the
building is located as an office zone. In an office zone
athletic clubs were permitted as a conditional use. In April
of 1976 the office zone was amended so as to delete athletic
clubs as conditional uses. Subsequent to April, 1976, the
Aspen Athletic Club, Inc., was informed that the food facility
as it was shown on the approved plans did not contain the
proper equipment to pass health inspection. On the basis of
this information, the plans were revised to provide sufficient
space for the equipment necessary to comply with the health
regulations. The change involved a new location of the food
preparation area and did not involve an increase in the size
of the lounge where the members will sit.
The revised food facility will occupy an area of
96 square feet and it is located in the basement of the building
so that there is no direct access from the street and the food
facility cannot be seen from adjacent properties. T'ne food
facility will serve prepared foods, mainly sandwiches and
beverages. There will be no griddle or stove in the facility,
only a warming device. The food service facility is designed
basically to serve the demands generated by the Aspen Athletic
Club.
INTRODUCTION
Aspen Athletic Club, Inc., believes it is entitled to
revise the food facility on two grounds. First of all, that
the food facility is an accessory use to an athletic club
and secondly, that the Aspen Municipal Code provides for such
an expansion for non - conforming uses.
DISCUSSION
1. SNACK BARS ARE ACCESSORY USES TO ATHLETIC CLUBS.
The character of the building determines the customarily
incidental uses which are permissible in connection with its
use. An accessory use is defined by the Aspen Municipal Code
in Section 24- 3.7(a)(2) as "a use that is naturally and normally
incidental to, subordinate to, devoted exclusively to the
principal use of the premises, and does not change the basic
character thereof as determined by its principal use."
Obviously, it is a factual question whether a snack bar is
customarily incidental to the use of an athletic club.
The case law is sparse on this particular question.
There is one Pennsylvania case which matter of factly states
that an ordinance which permitted a private club with facilities
structurally designed for sports and athletic events allows
as an incidental use, a canteen. Appeal of Hawcrest Association
160 A. 2d 240 (Pa. 1960). The court neither cited cases nor
stated a rational in support of its holding. However, a later
Pennsylvania case does give some insight in the kind of
- 2 -
considerations that must be taken into account when determining
whether a use is incidental or not. In Gross v. Zoning Board
of Adjustment, 424 Pa. 603, 227 A. 2d 824 (1967), the owner
of a bowling alley applied for permission to construct a
restaurant and cocktail lounge as an accessory use. The court
allowed the restaurant on the following basis: That most
bowling alleys have restaurants; that it entailed no expansion
to the present building; that it occupied only 3.5% of the
business premises; and the income from the facility would
constitute only a small fraction of the gross business of the
bowling alley.
Clearly, the food facility is an accessory use, as that
term is defined by the Aspen Municipal Code, and should be
permitted as of right. The food facility would not change the
basic character of the principal use of the building and it
would clearly be subordinated to the principal use. mhe food
facility would occupy an extremely small percentage of the
building and the income produced therefrom would constitute
only a small portion of the gross income of the club. Moreover,
a food facility is a use that is naturally and normally
incidental to recreational clubs. Almost every golf club,
tennis club, bowling alley and swim club, as well as other
athletic clubs, have some facility for dispensing food and
beverage. The proposed food facility for the Aspen Athletic
Club has all the incidents of an accessory use as that term is
defined by the Aspen Municipal Code and should be allowed as of
right.
2. THE FACT THAT ASPEN ATHLETIC CLUB IS A NON - CONFORMING USE
DOES NOT PROHIBIT A FOOD FACILITY AS AN ACCESSORY USE.
Hal Clark is mistaken in Comment 1 of his recommendation
to the Planning and Zoning Commission. There is no authority
- 3 -
for his comment that the food facility cannot be an accessory
use to a non - permitted use. In fact, there is law to the
contrary. Gross v. Zoning Board of Adjustment supra involved
this precise question. The bowling alley was allowed as a
variance in a residential zone. Pennsylvania has consistently
held that a lawful, non - conforming use may validly be expanded
by a reasonable accessory use which is not detrimental to the
public health, welfare and safety:
"We have consistently held that a lawful, non- conforming
use ... may validly be expanded by a reasonable accessory
use which is not detrimental to the public health,
welfare and safety... ". Pennsylvania's ruling in this
regard is premised upon the view that the owner of a
property to which a lawful, non - conforming use is
attached enjoys the vested property rights thereto
which may not be abbrogated unless it is a nuisance
or abandoned or is extinguished by eminent domain;
and that a zoning ordinance cannot preclude a natural
and reasonable expansion thereof. It appears to us
that a use permitted by variance or special dispensation
is comparable and establishes in the property owner
a vested right similar to that in a lawful non- conform-
ing use situation. If this be so, then logic and
fairness compels a conclusion that the granted use may
be added to by a normal and reasonable use flowing
therefrom." 277 A. 2d 824, 826 -827.
So clearly, the food facility can be and is an accessory
to a non - conforming use.
3. THE FOOD FACILITY WOULD NOT GENERATE ANY GREATER PARKING
DEMANDS IN THE AREA.
Hal Clark feels that the revised food facility should be
denied because of the potential of increased demands on parking
in the area and thefact the Aspen Athletic Club has no reserved
parking spaces (Comment 3). Clearly the food facility would not
increase the demand on parking at all. The sole purpose of the
food facility is to accommodate people already on the premises
for other purposes. It would be merely providing the users
of the club with the ability to grab a quick lunch without
going to other restaurants in town. The food facility will not
advertise in any manner and will not generate any independent
- 4 -
clientele of its own.
Moreover, one of the conditions of approval of this
project under Ordinance 19 was that no off street parking
be provided for the members of the club. The reason for this
is that the Planning and Zoning Commission wanted to discourage
use of the automobile in the downtown core area. Now Hal Clark
is recommending denial of the revision for the very reason
that there is no off street parking provided. Aspen Athletic
Club, Inc., should not be made subject to this catch 22 in
this situation. It is also noteworthy that the adjacent
property, which contained the Pitkin County Grainery, does
cater to an independent clientele and does not have any
reserved parking facilities for its customers.
There is no justification for the denial of the
Aspen Athletic Club's request for the revised food facility
on the basis of insufficient parking, and a denial on such a
basis would be arbitrary and capricious. Clearly, the revised
food facility would generate no greater burden than is already
generated by the building itself with the existing food facility.
4. SINCE THE ATHLETIC CLUB IS A VALID NON - CONFORMING USE
IT CAN EXPAND THE EXISTING FOOD FACILITY PURSUANT
TO 524- 12.4(b) OF THE ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE.
No one disputes the fact that the Aspen Athletic Club
itself and the original snack bar approved under Ordinance 19
are non - conforming uses. This being so, then it seems clear
that §24- 12.4(b) applies so that the food facility can be
extended throughout the parts of the building manifestedly
arranged for it.
However, Sandy Stuller, the City Attorney, in a letter
to Clayton Meyring which is enclosed in your packet, argues
that the status of the Aspen Athletic Club is a non - conforming
conditional use ".
- 5 -
She arrives at this position on the basis that athletic
clubs under the office designation prior to the April rezoning
were conditional uses; thus the effect of the April rezoning
is to make athletic clubs a "non- conforming conditional use ".
Sandy then proceeds to assert that any expansion must follow
the procedures for expansion of conditional, as opposed to
non - conforming uses. This would mean that Section 24- 3.3(c),
not 24- 12.4(b), of the Aspen Municipal Code would dictate the
procedures for revision of the food facility.
I believe that Sandy is relying too much on semantics
in arriving at her interpretation of the problem and not enough
on basic zoning law. Focusing on the latter clearly shows
that 924- 12.4(b) of the Aspen Municipal Code controls the
situation in hand.
A general definition of non - conforming use is: "A lawful
use of premises existing on the effective date of the zoning
regulations and continued thereafter, which does not conform
to such regulations." 82 Am. Jur. 2d Zoning & Planning, §178.
It does not matter in this definition what the nature of the use
was prior to the change in zoning, i.e. of right or conditional.
For once it becomes a prohibitive use, regardless of its
former status, it is non - conforming. The fact that the use was
once conditional is rendered moot by the change in zoning that
prohibits the former conditional use. Thus, it would seem to
follow that the provisions regulating non - conforming uses should
control the question of expansion to the food facility.
Sections 24- 3.3(c) and 24- 12.4(b) contemplate two
distinct situations that cannot sensibly be read together.
Either the present use of the Athletic Club is a conditional
use or it is non - conforming. It is a non - sequitur to classify
the use as a "non- conforming conditional use ". I submit that
the athletic club is a non - conforming use and thus subject to
the provisions of §24- 12.4(b).
— 6 -
CONCLUSION
The proposed revision of the Aspen Athletic Club
food facility can be justified on the basis of either an
accessory use to an existing use or a permitted expansion
of a non - conforming use. Furthermore, the impact of the
revised food facility is negligible in light of the fact that
the revision represents simply a change in location and not
a more intensive or different use. Finally, the food facility
is consistent with uses of adjacent property and would not be
an affront to the existing zoning scheme for the area.
On these bases I request approval for the proposed
revision of the food service area of the Aspen Athletic
Club.
Respectfully submitted,
1
DWIGH K. SHELLMAN, JR., for
DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.,
AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.
The Wheeler Opera House
P. 0. Box G -3
Aspen, Colorado 81611
(303)925 -2710
- 7 -
LAW OFFICES
DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
AND ASSOCIATES
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, P.O. BOX G -3
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611 (303) 925 -2710
September 22, 1976
Mr. Hal Clark
Planning Office
City Hall
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Re: Aspen Athletic Club, Inc.
Dear Hal:
On October 5,1976, Aspen Athletic Club, Inc., will
appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission to
request a modification of the food facility located
in the basement of the club. This modification is being
sought pursuant to 924 -3.3 of the Aspen Municipal Code.
We would like to hand deliver notice to the adjacent
property owners. On the basis of my conversation with
Barb, the procedure that we are going to follow is
that your office will prepare the notice and our office
will hand deliver it to the neighbors.
If the above is not satisfactory, please get in touch
with me. Otherwise, I am awaiting notification that
the notice has been prepared.
Sincerely yours,
J D ASSOCIATES, P.C.
JDS:mfm
LAW OFFICES
DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
AND ASSOCIATES
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
THE WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, P.O. BOX G -3
ASPEN, COLORADO 81611 (303) 925 -2710
September 13, 1976
HAND DELIVERY
Mr. Hal Clark
Planning Office
City Hall
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Re: Aspen Athletic Club Food Facility
Dear Hal:
I would like on behalf of the Aspen Athletic Club, Inc.
to request a use determination pursuant to Section
24- 2.1(b) of the Aspen Municipal Code for the proposed
expansion of the food facility located in the basement
of the Aspen Athletic Club Building.
The plans submitted to and approved by the Building
Inspector in August of 1974 show a small area adjacent
to the lounge designated for food and beverage service.
Subsequent to this approval, the Health Inspector in-
formed the Club that based upon the plans, the food
facility did not have the proper equipment to pass in-
spection. On the basis of this information, the plans
were revised to provide sufficient space for all the
equipment necessary to comply with the health regulations.
The food facility will cater primarily, if not solely,
to the members of the Athletic Club. The food service
area is approximately 96 square feet in size and cannot
be seen from either the street or adjacent properties.
It will serve prepared food, mainly sandwiches, and
beverages. There will be no griddle or stove in the
facility, only a warming plate. The food service area
is designed basically to serve demands generated by the
Club and no one else.
I feel that this limited food facility is "an accessory"
use to the Athletic Club, so that it would be a use by
right. Most recreational clubs, whether it be golf,
tennis or athletic, usually have some type of facility
to serve food and beverages to their members. The impact
of the proposed facility would be minimal since it is
Mr. Hal Clark
September 13, 1976
Page Two
mainly catering to people already on the premises for
other purposes and cannot be seen from the street.
Moreover, the food facility itself would be compatible
with the existing office (0) zone in light of the fact
that the neighboring property (Pitkin County Grainery)
contains a small restaurant.
I would appreciate the opportunity to present this in-
formation to the Planning & Zoning Commission at their
next meeting which I believe is Monday, September 20th.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
S incerely yours,
Dwight K. Shellman, Jr.
for DWIGHT K. SHELLMAN, JR.
AND ASSOCIATES, P. C.
DKS:dj
City of Aspen
130 South Galena Street
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Planning and Zoning Commission
Dear Commission Member:
As a member of the Aspen Athletic Club, I am writing in
regard to the club's request for permission to relocate and
expand a food and beverage facility.
It was my understanding, based on the literature distributed
by the club, that there would be a food and beverage facility
in the club. I think that such a facility would greatly
compliment the club in that, after use of the athletic
facilities, one could grab a quick bite to eat rather than
having to go out for lunch. This is important for those of
us who wish to spend our lunch our at the club and only
?lave a 11MITed amount of time to exercise and eat.
The relocation apparently would facilitate the club in
putting in the needed facilities to comply with heath regu-
lations. I hope that you will grant the Aspen Athletic
Club's request for permission to modify their present facili-
ties to accommodate the food service area.
Sincere?
S -Imo
cc: Chick Collins - Box HH
Roger Hunt - Box 3944
Danny Abbott - Box 2265
John Schuhmacker - Box 3528
Olof Hedstrom - Box 4815
Dick Kienast - 406 W. Smuggler
e 9 € of a street:
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 20, 1976
TO: Clayton Meyring
FROLS:',Pandra M. Stuller
RE: Aspen Athletic Club
Clayton,
Let me summarize my discussions today with Dwight
Shellman concerning the Aspen Athletic Club. I cannot agree
that the snack and liquor bar is an accessory use; nor do I
agree that that use was approved by the P &Z during the Ordin-
ance- 19 .reivews. However, at the time they were preparing
their plans they were r_onLtructing in an 0 district in which
. athletic clubs" were a conditional use. The P &Z approved a
snack .bar (prepared foods) in a small area near the area where
an enlarged one is now proposed. Their most recent plans now
anticipate a larger snack bar area, the preparation of foods
on the site and the dispensing of alcohol. Section 24 -3.3
prevent; the enlargement or expansion of a conditional use
unless "the enlargement or expansion receives the prior_ approval
of the V &j which approval shall be obtained by repetition
of the granting procedures herein provided ". So, at a minimum,
the revised plans must he resubmitted to the P &Z for approval.
I also inform.cd Dwight that unless the busies ess is
designed to prepare full meals at the snack bar, they could
not apply for a two -way license. pie agreed and determined,
insteau, to apply for a tavern license M new type of license
requiring sale only of sardwiches and light snacks). By copy
of the memo I am advising Kathy that they wish to amend their
application, publish notice for a tavern license, and abandon
their original application for a beer and wine.
One matter gives me difficulty yet and that is the
recent amendments to the code which merge. the 0 and 0 -2 dis-
tricts and do not show athletic clubs as e=ither a conditional.
or permit:tcd use in the resulting now 0 district. Section
24- 12.4(b) reads, however:
Nemorandum to Clayton Meyri -ng
August 20, 1976
Page 2
Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout
any parts of a building which were manifestly
arranged or designed for such use at the time of
the adoption or amendment of this code, but no such
use shall be extended to occupy any land outside
such building.
Consequently, if the snack area were constructed prior
to these recent changes, the amendments probably do not affect
this application. However, I am copying John into this memo
and request some comment as to exactly the construction and
adoption timing so I can determine if the use is appropriate
at all given the interim effects of the recommendation.
SMS : ric
cc Kathy Hauter
John Stanford
P
L
3�)
south q:jvi. .,ia street
aspen, co> cr)vodo, ' B 16 1 1
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 20, 1976
TO: Clayton Meyring
FROM;i�:Gandra M. Stuller
RE: Aspen Athletic Club
Clayton,
Let me summarize my discussions today with Dwight
Shellman concerning the Aspen Athletic Club. I cannot agree
that the snack and liquor bar is an accessory use; aor do I
agree that that use was approved by the P &Z during the Ordin-
ance_- 19 .rei.vews, However, at the time they were preparing
their plans they were constructing in an 0 district in which
. athletic clubs" were a conditional use. The P &Z approved a
snack bar (prepared foods) in a small area near the area where
an enlarged one is now proposed. Their most recent plans now
anticipate a larger snack bar area, the preparation of foods
on the site and the dispensing of alcohol. Section 24 -3.3
prevents the enlargement: or expansion of a conditional use
unless "the enlargement or expansion receives the prior approval
of the QQ which approval shall be obtained by repetition
of the granting procedures herein provided ". So, at a minimum,
the revised plans must he resubmitted to the P &Z for approval.
I also inform ^d Dwight that unless the business is
designed to prepare- full meals at the snack bar., they could
not app for a two - way license. He agreed and detenained,
instead!, to apply for a tavern license (a new type of license
requiring sale only of sandwiches and light snacks). By cony
of th.s memo I am advising Kathy that they wish to amend their
application, publish notice for a tavern license, and abandon
their original appl.icaLion for a beer and wine.
One mattci gives me difficulty yet and
recent amenMents to the coda which merge the 0
tr:i.ct5 and do not show athletic clubs as either
or permitted use in the resulting now O district
24- 1 2.4(b) reads, however:
that is the
and 0 -2 dis-
c conditional.
. Section
V
_.L.. I. '': ...". if L= Vii �.•. '_ %'� •_ .
- �K 23.25 sq. ft.
A.
_ V
X93 sq. ft: <
a .
I !
I
f
y_ S • � I 1
� r _ n � i.
i i•
.... - _
A
�
a .
I !
I
f
Scale 1/4" = l'
A = Approved Location
B = Requested Relocation
I
I
' 1
1 ;
I
- 3
i
1
1
f� -
y_ S • � I 1
� r _ n � i.
i i•
.... - _
Scale 1/4" = l'
A = Approved Location
B = Requested Relocation
I
I
' 1
1 ;
I
- 3
i
1
1
f� -
I 1
jr. oa
eAZdt
1 jai S ' !
zz
qq 1
tt .'4� ^ �cY "��� - - � j rr: „X�1 Z(Y.✓.'�itlG "%l iy� ?'s'?'s,v i wi„—
V
'
1 t
�'� j � l�� I \ \ 1/ �}lyY'•� ? /c'� O � � L �! \ ,1 �'`• I „� i r y
I ts
Iii
l
yr
R
it
'` .} Y..S, -"' y- i2y - . '• a?t�.'y�k r3.p s ':��?.
� � I -�-# 0
�. :r" S -r ra. _ .._ _ `_. - VOW � so
\'gyp � '
�
> �
I y J l�..J qw/ / ✓ ��y Z
_—
,
I �I
I 1
jr. oa
eAZdt
1 jai S ' !
zz
qq 1
tt .'4� ^ �cY "��� - - � j rr: „X�1 Z(Y.✓.'�itlG "%l iy� ?'s'?'s,v i wi„—
V
'
1 t
�'� j � l�� I \ \ 1/ �}lyY'•� ? /c'� O � � L �! \ ,1 �'`• I „� i r y
I ts
Iii
l
yr
R
it
'` .} Y..S, -"' y- i2y - . '• a?t�.'y�k r3.p s ':��?.
� � I -�-# 0
�. :r" S -r ra. _ .._ _ `_. - VOW � so
TO: Aspen Planning Commission
FROM: Planning Staff (HC)
RE: Aspen Athletic Club - Food Facility Request
DATE: September 17, 1976
This is a request by the Aspen Athletic Club for expansion of a food
facility. The Planning and Zoning Commission under Ordinance 19
Review had previously approved a snack bar (prepared foods) small
area near the area where the enlarged one is now proposed. It should
be noted that the Athletic Club has applied for a tavern license.
The approval of which requires the sale of sandwiches and light snacks.
Building plans will be submitted to the P & Z for your review at the
P & Z meeting.
The comments of the Planning Office are as follows:
1. Restaurants (food facilities) and /or athletic
clubs are no longer a permitted or conditional
use in the Office zone. Therefore, technically the
food facility cannot be an accessory use to a nonpermitted
use.
2. Since the restaurant and athletic club are non - conforming,
Section 24- 12.4(b) may apply which reads as follows:
"Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout
any parts of a building which were manifestly arranged
or designed for such use at the time of the adoption
or amendment of this code, but no such use shall be
extended to occupy any land outside such building."
3. The Athletic Club building has no reserved parkLng
on -site. Addition to the uses allowed in the building
would aggreviate this congestion problem.
4. The Planning Office recommends denial of the applicant's
request as it is an extension to an existing non- conform-
ing use and not explicitly approved under Ordinance 19.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Aspen Planning Commission
FROM: Planning Staff (HC)
RE: Aspen Athletic Club - Food Facility Request
DATE: September 17, 1976
This is a request by the Aspen Athletic Club for expansion of a food
L facility. The Planning and Zoning Commission under Ordinance 19
Review had previously approved A snack bar (prepared foods) small
a area near the area where the enlarged one is now proposed. It should
be noted that the Athletic Club has applied for a tavern license.
The approval of which requires the sale of sandwiches and light snacks.
Building plans will be submitted to the P & Z for your review at the
"` ✓"� P & Z meeting.
The comments of the Planning Office are as follows:
1. Restaurants (food facilities) and /or athletic
clubs are no longer a permitted or conditional
use in the Office zone. Therefore, technically the
food facility cannot be an accessory use to a nonpermitted
use.
2. Since the restaurant and athletic club are non - conforming,
Section 24- 12.4(b) may apply which reads as follows:
"Any nonconforming use may be extended throughout
any parts of a building which were manifestly arranged
or designed for such use at the time of the adoption
or amendment of this code, but no such use shall be
extended to occupy any land outside such building."
3. The Athletic Club building has no reserved parking
on =site. Addition to the uses allowed in the building
would aggreviate this congestion problem.
4. The Planning Office recommends denial of the applicant's
request as it is an extension to an existing non- conform-
ing use and not explicitly approved under Ordinance 19.