HomeMy WebLinkAboutlanduse case.boa.822W-Smuggler.011-87
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Case 187-11 / John Doremus
BEFORE THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE REQUESTED ZONING OR USE
VARIANCE DESCRIBED BELOW:
Pursuant to the Official Code of Aspen of June 25, 1962, as
amended, a public hearing will be held in the Council Room, City
Hall, Aspen, Colorado, (or at such other place as the meeting may
be then adjourned) to consider an application filed with the said
Board of Adjustment requesting authority for variance from the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24, Official Code of
Aspen. All persons affected by the proposed variance are invited
to appear and state their views, protests or objections. If you
cannot appear personally at such meeting, then you are urged to
state your views by letter, particularly if you have objection to
such variance, as the Board of Adjustment will give serious
consideration to the opinions of surrounding property owners and
others affected in deciding whether to grant or deny the request
for variance.
The particulars of the hearing and of the requested variance are
as follows:
Date and--Time--of--Meeting-:
Date:
Time:
October 15, 1987
4:00 p.m.
Ownerror-Variance:
A P pel 1 an t- for
Variance:
John Doremus
Name: John Doremus
Address: 822 W. Smuggler St.
Location -ord.,,..al,,llun -of property:
Location:
822 W. Smuggler St.
Variance Re\lu.,s1:-ed-: Zoning is R-6-Residential. Required
setback is 15 feet for rear yard. Variance of 10 feet is
requested.
Will applicant be--reuresented-by -counsel-:
Yes:-
No:~
The City of Aspen Board of Adjustment
130 South Galena Street, Aspen, Colorado 81611
Remo Lavagnino, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk
CITY OF-ASPEN
BOARD OF--ADJUSTMENT
OCTOBER -15.--1987
4: 00 -P.M;.
A G--E ND A
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1987
IV. CASE 187-11
John Doremus
V. ADJOURNMENT
,
<
-,
RECORD- -oF--PROCEEDINGS
BOARD-eF~S-------------------___ --SEP'l'EMBER--3-r -1.981
Chairman Remo Lavagnino called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.
ROL-r.--CAL-L
Answering roll call were Francis Whitaker, Charli"e Paterson,
Josephine Mann, Rick Head, Anne Austin and Ron Erickson.
MINUTES OF--MJGUST--I-3.---198-1
Ron Erickson moved to accept minutes as corrected.
Charlie Paterson seconded the motion with all in favor.
CASE 18T-9--I)}tl,E-- AND --SALLY-POTVIN
Applicant appears to be requesting a rehearing of Case 187-9
which was a request for conversion of a carport to a garage that
already encroaches into the rear yard setback.
Joe Edwards, representative for the Potvins: I just have a few
more things to present. Joe first entered into record affidavit
of posting, photograph of posting and copy of original sign of
posting.
Fred Gannett: This is a continuation of a public meeting. We
have to give notice to the public that the issue is coming up for
reconsideration.
Ron: The last meeting on this was complete.
Joe: We felt that since the last hearing was closed and it was
completed that anybody who might have been paying attention may
have felt that there was not further reason for them to ever
concern themselves with it and since we were asking to re-open
the issues that it would be appropriate to give notice again.
Also notifications were sent to all surrounding property owners.
Remo: I just want to know if that is the procedure we should
follow in the future on re-opening a case like that.
Fred: Paul and I have talked on whether or not it is necessary
to send out letters to everybody within 300 ft. We have not come
to a definite conclusion. In terms of reposting on the premise
that would be our minimal requirement.
Remo: I appreciate the applicant going through the whole
process.
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Joe: The other thing I would like to introduce and I am pulling
it out of Dale's home photo album is the original photo that sort
of precipitated our finding out that he did not really do it as I
have referred to in the affidavit. It is hard to see that from
the zerox but I am going to put the original photo in your file
so that everyone can see it.
Dale brought his home photo album to the last meeti~g and I saw
it but we were really trying to concentrate more on variance than
the nonconforming use issue and it didn't dawn on me until the
conclusion of the hearing that the fact that the east wall of the
carport had always been connected to the house and therefore had
always been part of the principal residence. I realized the
significance after the hearing.
One of the reasons for our denial which Francis pointed out quite
strongly was that Dale had done it when he connected the roof.
He caused the problem by causing this to become a nonconforming
structure at that time. When I went over it with Dale, I said
"Dale what is the story on this wall?" He said, "Well I don't
know, let's call and see if I can find the prior owner".
We were able to do that and we got--let me tender the original
affidavit from the owner. He was able to find ~Ir. Fultz whose
father had built this house in 1962 who advised us that that is
the way it had always been. When he originally buil t it, he
built that east side wall continuous with siding from the house
to the carport all the way along. Therefore, the carport was
always a part of the principal structure. Therefore, Dale had
not caused the nonconformity when he came in in 1982 and did the
roof connection.
I apologize to the Board for my not having found that out in my
prior conversations with Dale. I had decided to describe the
history. The sidewall didn I t come up until I saw that
photograph.
Remo: Well the photo itself
because there is no date on it.
year.
Joe: There is none other than Dale's testifying that he took
these photos which he can do and should do when he first bought
the house and put them in his family album in 1982.
would not have been too valid
It could have been taken last
Dale: I certainly would testify that these are original pictures
taken at the time I purchased the house in 1982. Basically our
recollection is that the east wall was connected and in order to
document this we went back and talked to the prior owner and he
verified our recollection that that indeed was the case.
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We tracked him through addresses that we had from other
agreements that we had when we purchased the house and were able
to locate him and he concurred with the fact that the east wall
was connected.
Joe: So that became significant in my mind that because one of
the main reasons that we had been turned down was that we had
caused our own hardship. Therefore I called up Erin who was then
acting on this matter and was discussing what we ought to do
about it. It was her suggestion that we br ing it back to the
Board. That this is a good piece of evidence and that the Board
should probably have an opportunity to relook at the matter in
light of that and therefore I went through the process again.
The other thing that we did since we discovered that Dale had not
caused the problem and it had been like that for 25 years, we
resubmitted our request for the building permit back to the
Building Department. In my letter to Jim Wilson which you have a
copy attached--
Remo: Did you ever get a reply?
Joe: Jim Wilson and I had a phone conversation on Exhibit A
under the partition for re-hearing--that is my letter to Jim on
the l3th of August--Jim and I had a phone conversation on the
24th August and I asked him what position the Building Department
would take with respect to my letter of August l3th. His
response to me was that this was the first time anything like
this had ever come up and that he felt like he would prefer to
have the Board decide it than him unilaterally take a position on
it. I asked if it would be all right if we could incorporate an
appeal of his decision not to act positively on our request with
our desire to rehear the issue of the variance because of our new
evidence. He said "Fine, that would be no problem". He would
agree to that.
I asked Jim to prepare
would prepare a letter.
letter to that effect.
in a letter that fact and was told he
As of today, I have not received the
Bill Drueding: I talked to Jim about an hour ago and we had
talked about it before about the possibility and an hour ago he
said he did not write a letter and that any comment to the Board
would be that he defers to the Board. He is not going to make a
decision, he is going to leave it up to you guys.
Remo: That is what he would have told us anyway.
Joe: So he did deny our request but he said "I feel
case of first impression". That is one of he words.
first time he had ever seen anything like this.
that is a
It is the
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Remo: But he made a determination that he was not going to give
you a permit.
Joe: That is correct.
Remo: So he did make that determination that you were in some
violation.
Charlie: Otherwise he could not come before us.
Joe: He did not determine that we were in violation. He did not
go that far, Remo. He just said "I won't issue you your permit--
Remo: Why?
Joe: He said nI think this is something I have never seen before
and I want to defer this to the Board".
Bill: He left it up to you guys.
Joe: That is exactly what he said.
Anne: It is still a nonconforming structure.
Fred: There are some questions of fact that need to be answered.
The facts that I see as major to your decision are as to whether
or not the east wall existed as represented in 1982. If the
question in fact is correct then that takes the issue to the
Board. Bill's refusal to make a decision constitutes a rejection
of a permit. The Board has the ability to appeal or to reverse
that decision by making a determination that the wall did exist
and by then taking the subsequent--
Remo: He could have made that determination then.
Fred: He could have.
Remo: That the wall existed by the same evidence that we are
getting.
Bill: That is not what he was asked to do.
Remo: Well now, wait a minute.
talking about.
Fred: It appears to me without talking to Jim that Jim, based on
the new issue presented to him, did not feel that he could make a
positive decision in favor of the applicant because of the
newness of this issue. And that essentially what he was deferr-
ing to the Board was the opportunity to--the fact of not making a
decision, he rejected it. He appealed his decision on that basis
or to go to the second issue of looking at the possibility of
That is what Fred is just
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granting a variance. That is not to say that he couldn't have.
He just simply chose not to.
Now we have not been in a position--Bill and I have talked at
length about this--I haven't talked to Jim nor has my office
talked to Jim in terms of making a recommendation to him as to
either grant or deny the permit. We are prepared to make
recommendations to the Board on that basis. We were not asked
and did not make recommendations to the Building Depqrtment.
Joe: So I guess if everyone's read my memo, I don't want to be
redundant and bore anybody but I do want to make a couple of
pOints. We are here really sort of reviewing two things. One,
we are reviewing Jim Wilson's defacto rejection of our new
request for the issuance of a permit on the grounds of the
nonconforming use, nonstructural addition. And the second thing
we are doing is bringing back for your reconsideration our
request for a variance based on the fact that we did not cause
the problem which was one of the primary reasons for our
rejection in the first place.
Ron: Fundamentally, Jim Wilson did not make a decision. The
decision was Bill's to make. Bill made a decision. Bill rejected
the permit based on his interpretation of the code. So you are,
in effect, appealing Bill's decision. Bill's decision was
ratified by Jim's decision not to overrule it or not to take any
other action to it. So essentially what we are doing is
appealing a decision of the zoning office so--
Remo: Well, let me understand then from Bill--why did you reject
the permit based on the new evidence that was presented to you as
far as--
Bill: Because I still feel that under Section 24.l3-3 Section A
that the fact that the wall was there or not, further enlargement
of that carport to a garage increases nonconformity. And I go to
that Section--no such nonconforming structure may be enlarged or
al tered in a way which increases non conformity. My interpre-
tation has been basically upheld by other people I work with, the
Planning Department, former City attorneys and this Board of
Adjustment that the addition of this bulk on this sort of foot-
print that this bulk from a carport to a garage increases the
nonconformity. That, in essence, is still my interpretation and
that is what basically I think you have to have a rule.
Remo: Bulk being enclosure--that is bulk.
Bill: Absolutely.
Remo: And that by definition is in the code?
Bill: The word bulk is not.
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Remo: It isn't.
Bill: OK. It may not be enlarged. I feel it is an enlargement.
We are not dealing with an enlargement as necessarily FAR, not
necessarily footprint. I feel that added addition of those walls
is an enlargement in those setbacks and it increases the noncon-
formity.
Francis: When that house was built in 1962 there was 5 ft rear
yard setback?
Remo: That's right.
Joe: Our argument really is based on Section l3-5A which you can
also refer to the highlight of l3-3. Both of those sections are
quoted in my memo to you on pages 2 and 3. What it essentially
says what the nonconformity we have here is not a bulk
nonconformity, it is not a use nonconformity. Our nonconformity
is a setback of 7 ft 8 in.
Remo: But he has made a distinction now by what his definition
of bulk is. And I don't know whether you have addressed that. I
read your memo and everything and I--and now he is bringing in an
issue that enclosing a carport increases it. Not the argument
that you gave-nit increases its bulk by addition of the
enclosure.
Joe: Its bulk is not nonconforming. If we had some kind of
volumetric nonconformity, then I would agree.
Remo: So that has to be FAR you are saying.
Joe: That's right. If we had an FAR problem such that we are
now enclosing an additional space and violating the FAR then I
would agree that that enclosure would be an expansion of a non-
conforming FAR. The only thing that we were turned down for was
that fact that we were in the setback. The rear yard setback.
That is the nonconformity. That pad has been poured for 25
years.
Remo: You have made yourself quite clear. I am trying to get
this subtle distinction that he is making that the enclosure of 4
walls creates bulk. You have not addressed bulk in your memo.
Joe: I did because what it says is Section 24-l3.5A says that on
any nonconforming structure work may be done on ordinary repair,
repair or replacement of nonbearing walls provided, and this is
the bulk thing, provided that the cubic content existing shall
not be increased. We already had a floor, a ceiling. We had
walls and we had partial walls on the north and the west side.
What we have done is replace those partial walls on the north and
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the west side with full walls but the cubic volume is defined by
the parameters and we did not increase that.
Remo: Let me find that out. If this were part of the main
building and it did not have any walls--if this were a structure
and it was part of the main bUilding--a room let's say--didn't
have any walls--had a ceiling--would you enter that into the FAR?
Bill: If this were part of the main structure and--
Remo: It didn't have any walls.
Ron: Like a porch.
Bill: And a porch and it went into and it's already--
Remo: It is not enclosed--it's open.
Bill: The thing is the carport is exempt from that--
Remo: No, this is the main bUilding. It has nothing to do with
a carport--a room in a main premise that does not have any walls.
Bill: My interpretation there is--we don't have the clearest
codes here--sometimes you can't talk to each other--will you
repeat that?
Remo: We are trying to find out what constitutes bulk. If the
carport were part of the enlargement--
Bill: Here is what I am saying. This is where we get onto those
three words--this enlargement thing. What he is doing with these
walls is enlarging the in the setback he is enlarging this thing.
It's adding bulk. He is continuing construction within that
setback whether it be up or down. He is continuing construct-
ion--addi tional bulk--addi tional construction in the setbac k to
make this more so it will stand longer. And the intent is not to
encourage survival. So basically we are stuck with--if you read
this enlargement--not FAR, it doesn't say may be enlarged. That
is just my interpretation. That is my basis of it. It you don't
agree with that--
Fred: I think when the Building Department has been in situat-
ions like this it has to interpret the section as narrowly as
possible and to use the term "enlargement" is a very broad
platform for saying that any action that increases the appearance
of the nonconforming structure is prohibited. We have hit on
this case here something that challenges that premise head on.
And the question is is whether or not the terminal argument
includes the concept of adding density interiorly--not exteriorly
into that encroachment. I think that is why I look at it as a
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factual issue. If the factual issue is such that the enlargement
does not, by the activity of the applicant, increase the noncon-
forming which in this case here means moving into the setbacks,
it may not be an enlargement. It may not constitute an addit-
ional encroachment.
Francis: According to my geometry which I studied a long time
ago, cubic content means 3 dimensions. The roof and the east
wall and part of the other walls were in existence in 1962. Is
that correct?
Joe: Correct.
Francis: Then it seems to me that by putting a garage door, the
cubic content is not being increased.
Joe: On this issue exhibit B to this memo that I gave everybody
is a case in which the Supreme Court in New Hampshire where
exactly this same issue came before the court and they say that
where a storage room, and instead of using it as a garage, there
was an open carport which encroached into a rear yard setback and
they enclosed it and made a storage room out of it. The question
was is that an expansion of a nonconforming use. And the court
held no. It said "Where storage room which owners of a noncon-
forming property constructed by enclosing a previously open
carport and pouring a cement floor and which did not constitute
living quarters for another family and did not effect the
proximity of the dwelling to adjoining lot lines and where the
added room did not enlarge the square footage of the dwelling so
as to render the lot size proportionately more inadequate, the
construction of the storage room did not constitute an expansion
of a nonconforming use".
So this very identical issue-nit isn't Colorado lawn-but that
very issue happened in New Hampshire under the very same facts
and they felt that that is not an expansion of the nonconforming
use. And I said the nonconforming use was in the setback and we
did not expand that.
We also in sort of desperation--we offered to under Section 3,
what it says here in nonconforming uses that you cannot enlarge
them but it says you can retract them. It does not say what
happens when you don't do anything. I think that is what para-
graph 5 refers to and says that you can make changes to non-
structural as long as you don't expand the content. But in
desperation because it was specific and says because we can do
things to decrease the nonconformity, we have even suggested to
Mr. Wilson that we would move it back 6 inches. And therefore
decrease the nonconformity. We would, however, want to enclose
it. That would cost Dale $4,000.00 because it is a huge beam
that supports that end of the carport, a huge post and it is a
monumental job to move it back even 6 inches. That would include
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moving electric meters and gas lines but it is cheaper than
taking this thing to District Court and being in Court for
another year about it. As a last ditch alternative we would
definitely prefer something else.
And there is a case there which I cited that is a Colorado case
which is found under C which is the Purlmuder case where this
deals not necessarily with an area variance. It deals with use
variance which is more strict. But in that case tl}e guy had a
brick yard and they zoned him residential and he then proposed to
change it to a shopping center and the Court said that a
commercial use is more restrictive than an industrial use and
therefore since you are going down in intensity use scale you
absolutely have a right to do it and the Board of Adjustment or
Building Department can't deny you that right. And that is a use
variance and we are dealing with an area variance, that would be
analogous of our request of an absolute right to reduce the
nonconforming.
Going on to the second request which is the issue of the re-
hearing of the variance. I cited in the memorandum some quotes
from American Jurisprudence to try to clarify this distinction
between use and area variances because the first time we were
here I was not that clear in that distinction and I thick there
was some confusion in everybody's mind. There were statements of
this as an illegal use and it is not either a garage or a
carport. This is an allowed use by right in this zone. And the
only variance that is involved is strictly a setback variance.
And the court cases have held that when you are dealing with an
area variance which does not really change the character of the
use of the neighborhood. It is not like plopping a commercial
use in the middle of residences. Then a lesser standard of
burden of proof is allowable. You don't have to find the
unnecessary hardship. All you have to find is the lesser
standard there.
Ron: The lesser standard being practical difficulty.
Joe: And Dale has some additional presentations on that. We
went in and measured his automobile and I would like to tender
another exhibit where hen-this is Dale's writing but I will
explain it to everybody. We have 24 ft 6 in. It is actually
about 24 ft lO inches from the back of the house all the way to
the front of the existing carport/garage. Now that is actually
about 10 inches. But along that side wall are gas lines and some
utilities. There is electrical--
Remo: That are in the carport area--
Joe: That are in the carport area and you really don't have the
use of that last 4 inches. You just couldn't drive a car all the
way up--
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Remo: These utilities come out a lot more than 4 inches. They
come out about 4 feet.
Joe: Well they may but they are running up along the back of the
wall, they come out about 4 inches. Now they may--
Remo: Well, the utilities themselves--I don't know whether it is
a washer/dryer or whatever and it is defined by t.he concrete
coming up off of the carport.
Joe: As it existed--
Remo:
storage
use the
are.
And it also-nit doesn't show on here--there
on the left hand side and the right hand side.
footprint of the garage, it would be just where
is also
If you
the lips
Dale: We are discounting that. If I took all that out, I would
still be limited to a loss of 4 inches at a minimal for the
existing gas lines and electrical lines along that back wall.
Joe: We were trying to see if it was possible if we moved it all
the way back to the setback, would his car fit in there. And the
answer is no.
Remo: Right.
Joe: By 3 inches with no space--
Remo: Right.
variance too.
But then we are here to allow you the minimum
That is part of our--
Joe: We were trying to figure out what would fit in there. And
these dimensions of the car being l6 ft long and that door frame
that holds the garage door is 9 inches back and the track
mounting for the door that would have to go behind that we came
up with l7.l and then our encroachment setback of 7 ft 8 inches
comes to 24 ft 9 inches and if we took our washer and dryer and
all the utilities and all the cabinets and he work bench and
everything that is along the back wall of the house out we would
only have 24 ft 6 inches. So we come up 3 inches short being
able to even stuff the car in there at all and I think this is
evidence of a practical difficulty. It would be extremely
difficult tOn-in fact it is impossible to fit the car in a garage
if we have to conform to the setback.
Ron: I don't know if that would be a practical difficulty. But
I think you have defined what the minimal variance would be. I
don't think we could cut that variance down at all because he
can't fit the car in.
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Joe: The practical result is that you have to have room to walk
around the car.
Ron: What I am say ing is we really can't cut back the request
for 7 ft 8 inches.
Remo: I think we can. I don't understand--if you took the
utilities out you could still have it 4 feet that we could get
rid of here. We are allowing a foot so you don't hit some
obstructions so you don't hit those utilities. But there is
definitely 4 feet between the back wall and that curb part at the
end so that your car has to go within the framework of that curb
cut, right? That is what we should be measuring in length and
width. And that is what we need. That would be the minimal of
anything.
Joe: 7ft 8 inches is just a basic reasonable number to have room
to get around the car at both ends.
Remo: But you can get around the front. You could cut the
utilities there now. But you have got those things so you are
negating your own thing by having the util i ties. I don't think
we are going--
Joe: I don't want to get hung up on that. I just want to show
you that it was physically impossible to conform to have a garage
and conform to the setbacks. And if we are dealing with a
variance as opposed to an appeal of a denial of a permit under
our first request that we think we are entitled to by right, then
we have to go into-nand you guys are all familiar with this-
-and I pointed out in here that the clearest case of practical
difficul ty and this is quoting from page 6 of my memorandum--
first off they say that practical difficulty is generally agreed
that it is a less stringent requirement than unnecessary hard-
ship. So it is some lesser burden and what constitutes practical
difficulties. Those are 2 very generic words. What the heck does
that mean?
The Court essentially says there is no pertinent definition, that
you guys have to decide that on a case by case basis. But one of
the criteria "it has been held that practical difficulty is shown
by circumstances which demonstrate that a literal enforcement of
the zoning restrictions would have the adverse effect of pre-
cluding full enjoyment of the committed use, or would render
conformity with the zoning restrictions unnecessarily burdensome.
And so that really is our argument that it would be unnecessarily
burdensome to try to drive that all the way back and to require
him to cut off his garage. And that to no allow him to have an
enclosed garage where everybody else on the block has one is
denying him and precluding him the full enj oyment of the pe r-
mitted use which is a garage enclosed. I have pointed the real
bazaar inconsistency in the code whereby Butch Clark on the
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corner was allowed to access his house from 2nd street and put
his garage 5 feet from the alley. Yet everybody else has to be
l5 feet from the alley. So the 4 corner lots--
Remo: But he is also l5 feet from the adjoining property owner
in the rear.
Anne: No.
Joe: Actually he isn't.
Remo: Well, he should be. That would ben-that is the reason why
he gets 5 feet on the alley is because he loses lO feet in the
rear. Whether he has got that or not that doesn't make any-nand
also isn't there a 6 and 2/3 foot requirement on a corner lot?
Bill: Yes.
Remo: So that he would lose because he has a corner lot and it
has to do with vehicular traffic being able to look around the
corner so the setbacks are set back a little bit more on a corner
lot. So he loses something by having a corner lot. He isn I t
necessarily gaining and that is a quirk in the code.
Joe: It isn't just a quirk that I find out that on one hand we
say might have all of this space down the alley and then our own
code allows a way that causes a constriction at either end which,
if anything, it ought to be wider at the ends for sight visibil-
ity.
Remo: It is. It is required.
the alley side.
But it is on the corner, not on
Joe: Perhaps the Board may want to recommend the Council to
consider taking a look at that some day. It does seem to be a
quirk that we ran across. Beyond what is in our memorandum I
don't have anything else to add. We would ask theBoard to either
grant the variance or in the alternative to find that we are
entitled to replace the nonstructural walls and we are not
expanding the cubic content and either one of those would be
satisfactory.
Remo: You use the word replacement about an 18 inch overhang or
something? I don't believe that came out in the first meeting.
What is this l8 inch--a partial wall?
Joe: No. Down from the roof there is a post a beam with a flat
board roof.
Remo: Sort of a valance?
Joe: Yes. It came down from the roof on the posts. There was a
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wall. A sort of skirt or valance or whatever you call it. But
it was above the height of people walking and then it filled in
from there on up to the roof. And what we are proposing to do is
fill it in from there to the floor and put a garage door in there
that you can open and shut.
Remo: That wasn't brought out.
Joe: That is true, it wasn't.
Remo: And I did not know what you were talking about replacing a
wall. You are extending that replacement which in essence is the
same thing as expanding. The issue is still before us. It
doesn't change the issue much. But you still want to completely
enclose.
Joe: Correct.
Ron: I am confused as to when the various walls were construct-
ed. We know now that the original east wall was in existence in
1962. What about this wall here? When was that constructed?
Dale: That was completed then also.
Ron: That was a compl ete wall.
Joe: That was built--
Ron: That was a full wall--enclosed wall.
Joe and Dale: Yes.
Ron: So this part of the house, when was that part of the house
built?
Joe: In 1970.
Ron: '70? We didn't even hear of an addition in '70, did we?
Bill: Sure.
Ron: I thought it was '8l. '80 and '81. We talked '72.
Joe: That was an addition that was added in 1970.
Ron: OK. This was done in 1970 here.
Joe: Correct.
Ron: OK. When was this part built?
Joe: There was a partial wall up high right here.
The valance
13
,
..
ran all the way across like this. And Dale extended these down
to the ground all the way along here.
Ron: What about that one?
Joe: I don't know.
already here? Or was
piece right here?
Dale, this little section here. was this
that extended when you extended this little
Dale: I think that that was probably added.
Ron: So this was all added later.
Joe: About 2 years ago. No, a year ago.
Ron:
me to
posts
south
And the thing is--I am not an architect so it is hard for
understand, I can conceive of a carport very simply being 4
with a roof on it. You are talking about north, west and
nonbearing walls.
Joe:
We are talking about north and west nonbearing walls.
Ron: But the thing is up until 1981 or '82 when you connected
the garage or the carport to the house, prior to that there was
an opening this far, right?
Joe: There was an overhang in the roof.
Ron: An overhang between the main--that' s right--but sometime
anyway you connected this which is the roof line to the house.
Joe: Right.
Ron:
where
guess
here?
OK. So this point here or
the roof was bearing, right?
these, this is what held the
say this corner here--that is
The posts, you had 2 posts, I
thing up, right? These posts
Joe: There are posts there, I don't--
Ron: The thing is that there is a post there.
post, right? You take that out of there, the
fall down. What I want to know in 19 81, what
roof up?
That is a bearing
roof is going to
was holding that
Joe: The posts.
Ron: Posts. Where?
Dale: The same spot they have always been.
Ron: Here. Well no, you are saying this is the roof.
I mean
14
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,
"
there is a wall here holding it up, right?
Joe: No, nobody said that wall is holding it up.
Ron: So where is the post?
Joe: They are not shown on this drawing. But they are in here.
There is about 6 or 8 of them.
Ron: So in other words, this carport was not connected to this
addi tion at all.
Joe: It has always been connected by this east wall.
Remo: By the east wall. It would have been an enclosure but it
had no bearing load on the carport.
Ron: OK. What I am saying is that the main house was not
holding up the roof or doing any of the bearing--
Remo: I don't know about the main house.
the main house?
The same thing with
Ron: No. It had nothing to do with the carport. The carport is
holding up the roof of the main house and the main house is
helping support the roof of the carport.
Joe: If you took away the posts, I doubt that little piece of
siding that was flanged in there is going to hold anything.
Ron: I was just trying to understand what a nonbearing wall was.
Remo: More pertinent is the east wall.
attached to the posts?
Dale: The posts sit about 3 and l/2 feet in from the east wall.
The posts are in the interior.
Was the east wall
Remo: What supports the east wall? It stands by itself?
Dale: It is a framed wall.
Remo: 2 X 4s and attached to the house. And it is free standing
all the way back? Or it is attached to the roof I guess.
Ron: Pulled up to the house. Is it attached to the house too?
So in other words that keeps it from blowing in at that corner
there. We were talking about your argument--something about--you
were talking about reducing the nonconformity. That you are
allowed to reduce the nonconformity of the structure. The
ordinance says that. But I think there is one thing to be
considered here and that is that the secured space is a different
15
"
,.
"
.
,
structure than nonsecured space? I think that we will all agree
with that. Right?
Joe: Either of those is allowed by right in this zone.
Remo: That is right.
Joe: Either a secured space or nonsecured space--absolutely
allowed by right. The only nonconformity here is the intrusion
into that setback.
Remo: Right.
Ron: I don't understand that.
Joe: Well, they are two different things. The one is a use--
Ron: Oh, I understand that--
Joe: One is the setback.
Ron: I under stand that. But the thing is that I don't think
that they are the same. I don't perceive them as being--
Remo: Well, what distinction do you make?
Ron: What I am saying is that a secured space, and basically
that is what you are doing here, up until right now it has been
an unsecured space. He wants to make that a secured space.
Remo: Bill's argument is bulk. Bill's argument is that any wall
that--
Ron: I am not talking about security in terms of freedom from
theft. What I am saying is--maybe it is to keep the birds out, I
don't known-the winds from blowing through, the rain from coming
in. I mean a structure that is unsecured and is open allows the
el ement s to come in. When you close that off, you allow the
elements not to come inn-that is a separate structure completely.
Remo: Oh, I don't know about that. You can keep a window open--
Ron: I think it is a difference between a leanto and a cabin.
Joe: Both are allowed, Ron.
Ron: I am trying to understand this, that is all.
Charl ie: We are going too far here.
long here already.
These minutes are a book
Francis: I wish we would move on here.
16
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r
"
Charlie: We have nitpicked this to death.
Remo:
Board,
them.
If we still have questions to be asked by members of the
they should be heard and the appl icant should address
Anne: My question is on the first page of Joe's letter. It says
"In this case whether you use the encroachment area ~s a carport
or garage, a storage space or a bedroom is irrelevant". My
concern is "or a bedroom". I think we have to define here--a
carport or a garage is the same thing. A bedroom isn't.
Remo: The definition is accessory building. We have to put in
any kind of motion that we make that this is an accessory
building where no bedrooms are allowed and no addition like a
second story. You could use the same argument that if you put a
second story on this, the footprint doesn't change.
Anne: That is my concern. My concern that this cannot be
converted into a bedroom down the road.
Remo: Unless we say that this is an accessory building, I think
we preclude them from--
Joe: We would be glad to commit that this be used for nothing
but a garage ever. And that it would not be a bedroom. I should
have left that out because that does lead one to believe that
maybe we are expanding the residential thing and it clearly is
not our intention. Absolutely we would agree to a covenant not
to do that. I was just making a point to Jim Wilson that the
allowed uses are not what we are talking about here. The
nonconformity we are talking about is 7 ft 8 inches.
Remo: Are there any other questions from the Board?
There were none and Remo closed the public portion of the
meeting.
Charlie: This case has become so long winded and is being such
an overkill, I wish to make my statement very short. I am in
favor of this variance on the basis of the new evidence.
Josephine: I am glad that Jim Wilson brought this to us. I want
to acknowledge what Bill has said about his interpretation of
this and I agree with Bill that there is a question here about--
it isn't clear that this is not an enlargement. That some of
those walls were extended outward and so on. I am very happy
that we are the ones who are deciding it. I am in favor of this
variance now that we got that east wall decided upon. That
really helps matters. There is a practical difficUlty here
because the structure was built a long time ago. There is a
l7
<
practical difficulty here because you can't make a car fit in
without extending into the rear yard setback. I think it ~lOuld
be unnecessarily burdensome to say that this lot just can't have
a garage door on it because it is too far back into the setback.
I agree, it is encroaching into the setback but we know that that
neighborhood has a lot of encroachments so I would say that I
would be willing to grant this variance the way it is.
Rick: I agree with Charlie: I think this is quite a bit of
overkill on this. I too share both Charlie's and Josephine's
opinions. I would agree to grant this variance. I might begin
by saying that I commend the council for the applicant. I think
he has done a tremendously thorough expansive job on this and the
points he has raised are well taken. I particularly am interest-
ed in his way of circumventing all of this by moving the wall
back 6 inches and reducing the nonconforming. That is certainly
an avenue of getting around, circumventing this whole thing. But
I agree and think that there is a practical difficulty. I think
the findings by the Court in Massachusetts wherein they say that
we do not agree that the defendant's enclosure of the carport
constitutes an expansion of the nonconforming use. I think that
lends some credence to this whole matter. I further agree that
it does promote and secures the public community's safety. I
think thefts and all the things that are going on in that
neighborhood probably could constitute an avenue for which we
could grant a variance. And I further agree that it is within
the spirit of this code. I think this is certainly a case where
we should grant a variance.
Francis: My main argument in the first hearing was that the
applicant had created his own hardship. Now that new evidence
has been put before us that objection is no longer valid. I
agree again with what the Massachusetts Supreme Court said and I
also feel that the cubic content will not be increased. That is
very important. I am in favor of the variance.
Anne: I don't feel that we are changing the use by changing it
from a carport to a garage. We are not increasing the bulk in my
opinion. And as long as we limit the use as an accessory
building, I have no problem with granting this variance.
Ron: I have nothing to add.
Remo: I don't think the Board has really addressed the issues
here. The first one beina that--I think there are two issues
here. One of them is--his first--he has 2 requests and no one
has addressed the 2 requests that he has asked for. The first
one is to replace a non-structural wall on a nonconforming use in
which he is really addressing the Building Department's assess-
ment of what they believe to be an increase to bulk of a noncon-
forming use. I would deny them. I think what we are doing here
is opening up Pandora's box. Anyone who has a carport now based
l8
,
.
,
.
,
on what all these people that sat here will now be able to
enclose it without adding, as Francis said the cubic content
would not be increased. So that anyone who has a carport now can
enclose it. That is, in fact, what you are say by granting this
variance. And I would be against granting him the variance.
Well not granting him a variance but granting him the interpre-
tation opposed to the Building Department's interpretation that
we are not adding bulk or cubic content to it. Rather I would
grant him the variance based on the fact that we have now
grandfathered his request for a variance by the establishment of
an east wall that existed since 1962 giving us the basis for
actually 2 and l/2 enclosures of a structure--the one wall being
a nonbearing west wall. All he added was a portion of that wall
and a portion of the rear wall since the valance existed. And on
that basis it seems to me that if we orant him a variance from--
through the practical difficulties and through the spirit of the
ordinance in allowing him these few extra feet to enjoy the
property right that others are enjoying in the same vicinity and
zone. We satisfy the applicant and we also satisfy the integrity
of this Board and we don't disrupt a principal involved here that
might allow everyone else who has a carport to come before us and
give us the same arguments--not as a precedent but as a principal
involved here about enclosing their carport and not adding any-
thing to the footprint or any square footage or whatever other
arguments that were faced here. So if you are letting him have a
variance, I would be in favor of it but I would definitely define
it as a variance and not a contradiction to the Building
Inspector's interpretation of the code. In effect, I think what
it does is negate everything he has done before on that basis and
anything in the future that might come before us. And it has not
really been determined yet how to define that particular area.
Fred: From the City attorney's viewpoint in terms of Erin's
research, they have also asked us to recommend to the Board that
the Building Inspector's interpretation not be overruled and that
preserves for us the opportunity to explore the interpretation of
the code and bring it to Council for elaboration if necessary.
It doesn't set a precedent until we find out in that respect as
to whether there are other applicants with similar situations.
If the Board chooses to grant a variance--as the Board well knows
it doesn't create a precedent. Each situation is considered on
its own merits and is not to be relied on other than principals.
I recommend that the Board not overrule the other office's
decision.
Francis: In some cases where the Board has granted a variance
with certain restrictions, there has been a document prepared to
record it in the County Clerk's Office.
Fred: We do recommend 2 things. One is that the variance be the
minimum variance only so that it is an accessory building not to
include a second story. And secondly that a covenant be prepared
19
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,
....,
,
.
.
and recorded in the real records in this county.
Remo: I suggest to the Board that the City Attorney's Office
prepare a resolution to that fact and a motion to that fact
regarding this case affirmatively if the Board grants this
variance.
Fred: We would be happy to review the form. We will have Joe do
this thing for us.
Remo: We still have to come to vote as far as the determination
of that.
Joe: We have no problem with the restriction of no second floor
and that it is to remain for use as a garage.
Charlie: I move that we grant this variance on the basis of the
motion prepared by Mr. Edwards and checked by the City Attorney.
Ron seconded the motion.
Ron: Was that the way you want to do it? Shouldn't we take
first things first and that is that we uphold the Building
Department's ruling and that second that we grant a variance--
Remo: I think that is inherent in the minutes as part of the
record.
Joe: You have disposed entirely of the case by granting the
variance and the other issue not to ever be confronted.
Remo: But it is still part of the record anyway because we
talked about it.
Joe: And you have considered it and no decision was reached and
that allows total flexibility to the Building Department and the
City Attorney to do something at Council if they so desire.
Fred: I would prefer that your motion stated the variance be
granted to allow the applicant to obtain a building permit to
enclose the structure and create a garage. And that the
restrictions that were made be included in that document, that
there be no further encroachment that it be as an accessory
building.
Charlie: I so move that we change to that wording.
Francis seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Rick Head, yes, Josephine, yes, Charlie, yes,
Francis, yes, Remo, yes.
20
.
.
,
'.
Variance was granted.
Charlie made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Josephine seconded the motion with all in favor.
The time was 5:l2 pm.
/\ . }11 /'
- - -blttt'/-) fliT -(;!{u1lttf-- -
Jqnlce M. carney, City Deputy Clerk
IJ
21
.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Case 187-11 / John Doremus
BEFORE THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE REQUESTED ZONING OR USE
VARIANCE DESCRIBED BELOW:
Pursuant to the Official Code of Aspen of June 25, 1962, as
amended, a public hearing will be held in the Council Room, City
Hall, Aspen, Colorado, (or at such other place as the meeting may
be then adjourned) to consider an application filed with the said
Board of Adjustment requesting authority for variance from the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24, Official Code of
Aspen. All persons affected by the proposed variance are invited
to appear and state their views, protests or objections. If you
cannot appear personally at such meeting, then you are urged to
state your views by letter, particularly if you have objection to
such variance, as the Board of Adjustment will give serious
consideration to the opinions of surrounding property owners and
others affected in deciding whether to grant or deny the request
for variance.
The particulars of the hearing and of the requested variance are
as follows:
Date and--Tim~of'Meeting-:
Date:
Time:
October 15, 1987
4:00 p.m.
Ownerror-Yariance:
A P pel 1 an t- for
Variance:
John Doremus
Name: John Doremus
Address: 822 W. Smuggler St.
Location-ord.,,.cxl.,lloll of'prooertv:
Location:
822 W. Smuggler St.
Variance Re\lu.,s1:-ed-: Zoning is R-6-Residential. Required
setback is 15 feet for rear yard. Variance of lO feet is
requested.
Will applicant be--re-p-resented-by -counsel:
Yes:'
NO:~
The City of Aspen Board of Adjustment
l30 South Galena Street, Aspen, Colorado 8l6ll
Remo Lavagnino, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk
.
'1 .
'I
~, Date:
Appellant: John
Owner: John
CITY OF ASPEN
Doremus
Case No.:
822 W, Smuggler St.
925-6866
822 W. Smuggler' St.
Aspen, Co. 81611
822 W. Smu~~1er St. (Tree House Condominiums, unit A)
'Lot!=< M.N.O.Block 8, City of Aspen
(street and Number of Subdivision Block and.Lot No.>
Doremus
Address:
Phone:
Address:
Location of Property:
Building Permit Appl,ication and prints or any other Pertinent
data must accompany..this application, and will be made part of
CASE NO.:
THE BOARD WILL RETURN THIS APPLICATION IF IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ALl
THE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTIONOP-PROPOSED EXCEPTION SHOWING JUSTIFICATIONS
, .
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback
requirements. Pl43ase see .attachment #1 describing .
justifications., See, also, site plan map and arch1tectural
plans.
Will y_ou be represented~ by, counsel?
(
Yes
No
x
(Applicant's Signature)
..
===========c=c====ac===~.=aa=s...a==a=================aaa==\
PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE REQDIRING THE BUILDING INSPECTOR T(
FORWARD THIS APPLICATIO!f TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND REASON FOR Noo
GRAIlTING:. - R-~-~ ~~~
9;:~, ?/~'1/0F':-~
49<~~ ~
DECISION ~_' , DATE,
DATE OF HEARING
SECRETAHY
~s~f/
PERHIT REJECTED, DATE /?-;l~ f(7
APPLICATION FILED 9'-2-2--'li?
MAILED
,
_ 1J8e" MIIIn S"r_
A,~~ ~. Colorado 81811
303IBR!5-!5973
t
BUilDING PERMIT APPLICATION
ABPEN.PITKIN
REGIONAL BUILDING DE_RTMENT
General
Construction
Permit
1
Jurisdiction of
No.11320
Applicant to complete numbered spaces only.
1.
2,
J)
3.
4.
MAIL ADDRESS
iff.
5,
DRESS
6.
7,
6. Class of work:
o NEW
o ALTERATION
o REPAIR
o MOVE
o WRECK
9. Change of use from
Chlnge of use to
PLAN CHECK FEE
PERMIT FEE
TOTAL FEE
10.Valuation of work; $
TyJ)4l ofConUruclion
O<;cup.ncy Group
Lot A,..
1,. REMARKS:
SlUolBuildin9
(TotaISQuar. Ft.)
No, 01 SIO,'.'
Mal<, Dec. Lo.d
NO. OF BEDROOMS
EXISTING ADDEO
I.Jse Zone
(,
Fl.. SO,lnlel." ReQuired
o V'I 0 No
NO. of Owellin<j Unit I
o FSTAEET PARKING SPACES,
Coyere.:l
Uneov"ed
Speci.' Appro..ls
AEOUI'RED
AUTHORIZED BY
DATE
ZONING
FIRE MARSHALL
.Q,PPLICATION ACCEPTEO
PLANS CHECKED
APPROVED FOR ISSUANCE
HEALTH DEPT.
SOIL REPORT
BV
BV
BV
DATE
DATE
DATE
PARK DeDICATION
WATER TAP
, NOTICE
SEPARATE PERMITS ARE REQ~ FOR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING,
HEATING, VENTILATING OR AIR CONDITIONING.
THIS PERMIT BECOMES NULL AND VOID IF WORK OR CONSTRUCTION
AUTHORIZED IS NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 120 DAYS, OR IF CONSTRUC.
TlON OR WORK IS SUSPENDED OR ABANDONED FOR A PERIOD OF 120
DAYS AT ANY TIME AFTER WORK IS COMMEN.CED.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ AND EXAMINED THIS APPLICATION
ANO KNOW THE SAME TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT. ALL PROVISIONS OF LAWS
AND ORDINANCES GOVERNING THIS TYPE OF WORK WILL BE COMPLIED WITH
WHETHER SPECIFIED HEREIN OR NOT. THE GRANTING OF A PERMIT'DOES NOT
PRESUME :TO GIVE AUTHORITY TO VIOLATE OR CANCEL THE PROVISIONS OF
ANY OTH R STATE OR LOCAL LAW REGULATING CONSTRUCTION OR THE PER.
FORMAN OF CONSTRUCTION.
ENG. DEPT.
OTHER (SPECIFY)
TH IS FO
IS A PERMIT ONLY WHEN VALlOATED
WORK STARTEO WITHOUTPERMITWILL BE DOUBLE FEE
SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTOR
, NAT RE F OWNER IF WNE~_eUI_LDERI
PERMIT VALIOATION CK.D
M.O.D
VALIDATION
CASH 0 PLAN CHECK VALIDATION CK.D
M.O.D
CASH 0
WHITE - INSPECTOR'S COpy YELLOW - ASSESSOR'S copy PINK - BUILDING DEPARTMENT FILE
GOLD - CUSTOMER'S COpy
t
ATTACHMENT #1 TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on
lots M,N, & 0, Block 8, City.
Justifications for Variance
In March, 1977 a minimal variance for a 5', rear yard
setback was granted to this building project to preserve
a grove of cottonwood trees, an existing ditch providing
their water supply, and to compensate for the adjacent
properties not conforming to their own required setbacks.
o
The latter also created a need to turn the duplex 45 from
the street frontage, as well as a set back to provide air,
light, and privacy.
Please see attached copies of the 1977 variance request.
With the approval of the previous variance in 1977, permission
was granted to build within 5' of the rear property line,
allowing the building a 10' encroachment. The actual
encroachment was only 6.25', resulting in an actual setback
of 8.75' rather than 5',
This application requests a variance to add a small additional
room to the second floor level of unit A of the Treehouse
Condominiums which is an enlargement of the master bath and
workout room. The only available area to add this additional
room is over the garage, which was the subject of the original
variance request.
The justifications for this variance are the same as the original
variance request; ie: the practical difficulties of the adjacent
neighbors having built within their side yard setbacks;
~
.
the preservation of the large mature cottonwood trees in the
center portion of the lots, (Incidentally, these trees, and a
great many more have been preserved as the accompanying photos
disclose.) and the practical difficulties of preserving
and relocating the existing ditch through the property.
Finally, it should be noted that, because the entire structure
o
has been turned 45 from the street frontage, the encroachment
into the setback area of the rear yard is minimal. (see site
plan attached here to)
In conclusion, it is respectfully submitted that:
all the same special conditions which existed
at the time of the original variance continue
to exist today,
the special circumstances which applied to this'
property previously have not changed,
and the granting of this variance, as previous,
will not adversely effect the general purpose
of the comprehensive general plan.
..
5' RPtj-l"ck
variance grante
1977
standard 15'
variance
TREE HOUSE CONDOMINIUM
Located on Lots M,N,& O. Block 8
City of Aspen
,
;:'0
o
o
~
SITE PLAfJ
'" ~ 2..0'
.--
o
o
,
#
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZON I NG ADJU~ fr1ENT
CITY OF ASPEN
'DATE MA-RCH8.1977
CASE NO.
APPELLANT
John Do remus
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
PHONE 925-6866
925-5106
OWNER
, John Doremus
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
LOCATION OF PROPERTY
Lots M, N, & 0, Block 8, City
Between 7th and 8th on Smuggler Street.
(Street & Number of Subdivision Blk. & Lot No.)
Building Permit Application and prints or any other pertinent
datfr must accompany this application, and will be made part of
CASE NO.
TilE BOARD WILL RETURN TillS APPLICATION Ir IT DOES NOT CONTAIN
ALL THE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED EXCEPTION SHOWING JUSTIFICATIn"S:
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback requirements. Please
see attachment #1 describing justifications. See also site plan maps.
,/
./
,
--
Will you be represented by counsel
? Yes No X
SIGrjED~ GL IJZ~
~t
PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE REQUIRING TilE BUILDING INSPECTOR
TO FORWARD THIS APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND REASON
FOR NOT GRANTING:
~
,
~
ATTACHMENT #1 TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on lots M, N, & 0,
Block B, City.
Justifications for Variance
1. Because the adjacent dwellings on either side of the subject lots have
built substantially to the property line, rather than observing the normal
5' side yard, it has been most difficult to properly design even a modest
sized duplex which would give reasonable light and air, yard and a modicum
of privacy. In an attempt to not be totally overwhelmed BY these 2 and 3
story neighbors, the proposed duplex was turned almost 45 which orients
to the street and yet provides side yards where some privacy and light and
air can be achieved. The result of this approach has caused small trian-
gular portions of the 1 story garages to encroach into the rear yard set-
back.
2. There are, located in the center portion of the subject lots, six mature
cottonwood trees. It has always been the earnest desire of the proponent
to preserve as many of these trees as possible and the architect has
literally designed the units around this grove of trees. Half or more of
the larger trees in this grove will be lost (as can be observed on the
accompanying maps) by strictly observing the rear yard setback, Although
the largest tree (2' diameter) clears the building, without a variance to
the setback, we have been advised that in the process of digging of the
basement roots may be damaged, and with a 2 story wall, all the large
branches on one side would be removed. With the setback variance, this
large native tree would remain virtually untouched.
3. Finally, we respectfully submit that another natural feature gives
cause for consideration of this variance, As can be seen on the map ex-
hibits, there is an existing ditch crossing the lot. This ditch has
naturally provided water to the aforementioned cottonwood trees for many
years. We have shown relocation plans both with and without the variance
being granted, and as can be seen, it becomes impossible to retain the ditch
within the heart of this grove without the variance as proposed. There is
significantly less ditch to relocate if the variance is granted.
4. In conclusion, it should be mentioned that with the subject duplex set
further back to the rear as proposed, the streetscape from Smuggler Street
is much more attractive and desirable. The conforming plan does not relate
to the neighbors setback and tends to block their east and west views.
~
r~ .
J
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ATTACHMENT #2 TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on lots M, N, & 0,
Block 8, City.
Names and Addresses of Owners
Adjacent to the Property in Question
Lots A & B, Block 8
Charles B. & Helga Marqusee
P.O. Box 10610,' Aspen, CO 81611
Lots C & D, Block 8
Robert W. & Anne W. Pullen
c/o Bank of the Southwest Building
Suite 1905
Houston, Texas 77002
Lots K & L, Block 8
Jack A, Titus
2817 Maple Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201
Fredrik & Nancy W. Zachariasen
2235 Villa Heights Road
Pasadena, California 91107
Lots E & F, Block 8
Lots P & Q, Block 8
Barbara K. McLaughlin
P.O. Box 1263, Aspen, CO 81611
Lots D, E & F, Block 9
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
806 West Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611
TREEHOUSE CONDOMINIUM
Located on Lots M,N, & 0, Block 8
City of Aspen
ditch & trees
preserved as
result of
variance
Courtyard
entrance showing the
trees preserved
TREEHOUSE CONDOMINIUM
Located on Lots M,N, & 0, Block 8
City of Aspen
view from
street showing
trees preserved
by setback
variance
.
one of the
larger trees
in side yard
fed by ditch
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CITY OF ASrErI
DATE MA.RCH 8 \977
.
John Do remus
CASE'NO.
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
PHON E 925-6866
77- :J
APPElLANT
OWNER
John Doremus
925-5106
,)
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspr~l
LOCATION OF PROPERTY Lots /1, N, & 0, Block 8, City
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Behleen 7th and 8th on Smuggler Street.
(Street & Number of Subdivision Blk. & Lot No.)
Building Pe~mit APPlication and prints or any other pertinent
data must aCcompany this application, and will be made part of
CASE NO, 77-5"
THE BOARD I'JILL RETURN TillS APPLICATION IF IT DOES NOT CONTAIN
ALL TilE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTI ON OF PROPOSED EXCEPTION SHOHI NG JUSTI fI CATInnS:
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback requirement.s., ,-.Plea$eSr.01 *"\~'~lO.()~
see attachment #1 describing justifications. See also site plan maps: ~,j",
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Wll1 you be represented by counsel
? Yes No X
SIG~ ~ / J!/Un~
Atffe 1 ant
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PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
TO FORWARD THIS APPLICATION TO THE
FOR NOT GRANTING:
REQUIRING THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND REASON
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APPLICATION IS MADS FOR A BUILDING PERMIT TO BUILD
'A TWO-FAMILY DWELLr~G. The proposed two-family dwelling
would have a rear yard of 5 feet. The required rear yard
is l5 feet. Sec. 24-3.4 Area and bulk requirements
R-6 Zoning District.
(\.l\~' ' ,
Chief Buildin~ Inspector ~
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Status igllcd Clay tOll ll.
PE RM IT RE J ECHO, DATE DEC I S I ON -1/l it ,:torP DA H
APe LJ CA TI ON FIlED J'!1IL,<;/,- 10,7? Om If ""'" NG ar~N n
MAILED_ ~.:2<I;1911 SECR[Tft.Ry.111ctJ.f}u,~ VJ~__
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'. III'tAOl"OAD runUBHING CO.. DENVII':A RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
f.:
v Regular Meeting Board of I\djustments I\pril 7, 1977
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Old business
,The meeting was called to order at 4:l5 PM. Members pr.esent
were Charles Paterson, Gil Colestock, Re, 0 Lavignino, Fred
Smith and Josephine Mann. Others present were the City
Attorney Dorothy Nuttall. ' :t
Colestock moved to approve the minutes fLom the March 22
meeting. Paterson seconded. Motion passed.
Lavignino stated that a member had been approached about
what was going to happen to his case. Nuttall said that
the person should go through the proper channels. Everything
should be discussed in a public hearing. 1\11 procedure
questions can be discussed, but the merits of a case should
be public.
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Paterson was nominated as Ex Officio member to the Board
of I\ppeals. Mann seconded. Motion passed.
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Case 77-5.
John Doremus
Lavignino opened case 77-5: John Doremus. A variance to
a rear yard setback requirement was requested. The justifi-
cation for variance is l) In order to provide privacy and
light and air the proposed duplex has been set at a 45 degree
angle. ' This causes small portions of the garage to encroach
on the rear yard setback. 2) If rear yard setback is
observed we will have to lose several large trees. 3) If
rear yard setback is observed the ditch will have to be moved
which supplied most of the trees with water. 4) Also set
back the house would be much more attractive in the neigh-
borhood'.
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Doremus said that front yard is on Smuggler's Creek.
Encroachment into set back is five feet. Balcony infringes
on set back. The wall of the house is in violation of the
set back. Tried to move garages so everyone could get
more light and air. If has to move ditch will lose two
6-8" cottonwood trees. This is the original house plan
moved back. The garage access is lO-l2' from the alley.
It is realistic to get ditch to large group of trees and
swing it around. We are limiting garage to one story
flat roof. The house has a pitched two story roof.
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Letters were read by Lavignino into the record.
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1) Mrs. Pullen is adjacent to property 15-5 feet."' She. ,
will be against if his building is closer to the property
line. She will lose her view to the south. To grant the
request would defeat the purpose of the code.
2) Barbara McLoughlin Moore strongly objects to the
variance. It would make it a more dense and crowded area.
If we allow variances it will make the zoning code
meaningless. It is only a request to benefit one individual:
3) F. Zachariasen felt that granting this variance would be
a mistake. This is a quiet residential area. Five feet of
greenery between house and stroet is not much more than
condos provide. If it becomes a pattern in the area for
houses to cover all available ground area, the character will
be destroyed. It is important to maintain the single family
appearance.
4) Jack Titus asked to deny a request for the variance.
Any rcquost would do violence to the existing neighborhood.
It would make structures too close together.
Lavignino opened the meetinCf to the audience.
" ~egular Meeting corOnueu
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Board of ^d;U~ents
l\pril 7, 1977
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John Schumacher appeared for Mr. Pullen. He wanted me to
object to this variance. He is opposed to it because it
would inhibit his view. The alley could be opened so that
some of the traffic could be diverted.
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John Stanford said that he would going to request that it
be opened. It would allow access from seventh street.
Lavignino asked if a variance was reques_ed to build it
as originally built. Did set back requirements exist when
it was built since the case is based on hardship of set
back not being met.
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Schumacher said that the request is based on preserving
those trees.
Lavinino closed the public portion of the hearing.
Colestock said that he was concerned over the cars parked
behind the garage and that they would jut into the alley.
Could happen. That was his only reservation. Otherwise
he would be in favor of the plan.
Mann said it was a practical difficulty because of the
trees and water. Would like to grant the variance which
would allow those to be saved.
Smith said he would have no problem with the variance if
it wasn't opposed to by all the neighbors. The neighbors
are not opposing it for the right grounds. Advice is to ask
for tabling and go explain it to neighbors. If objections
were removed, Smith would not object. It looks like an
improvement. If neighbors not think so, we should not be
making up their minds for them.
Paterson said that it was a minimal request. There are the
practical difficulties as Mann mentioned. Other than the
trees and stream the neighbors on either side are a practical
difficulty in this matter. House he is designing is '
designed around their infringement upon light and air.
Personally discount neighbors on either side and what their
objections are. They don't know what they are saying. The
only neighbor I am concerned about is the one directly to
the north. Most of these letters are only written with only
half the knO\~ledge they should have. Sometimes applicants
fault and sometimes don't live in town. I would be in favor.
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Lavignino agreed with Charlie. Practical difficulties do L
exist. Trees are worthy of that consideration of saving thl~.
It is a minimal variance. It does not adversely affect
anyone in the area except perhaps the neighbor to the north,
In favor of granting this proposal. Suggest to neighbors
anyway and let them see the situation.
Doremus said that there will be a garage. He already has
a parking space which handles his car.
Paterson offered Doremus the chance to table it.
Paterson made a motion to grant on the basis of presentation
that it is a minimal impact and that practical difficulties
exist in so much as the trees, the stream and the neighbors
on each side. It is a minimal request and will not
adversely affect the general purpose of the general comprehen-
sive plan.
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It should be noted that the board reacted to general plans.
These are not construction drawings.
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Cll-1Y. OF ASIJEN
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81 (d 1
CCHTIFICIITE 01' OCClIPNICY
~City of Asp~n, Colorado
l,crr 1.1, II,
I, 0
DATE: November lB,
1977
JlLOCY,
5
City
ADDITIon
This is to Certify that a certain structure located
520/522 VI,
Smueg1er
<:t
and miNED by
John Doremus
el:ecLec1 under BUILDING PERIUT IW.
9h-77
,1971-' cr.:,r"pli.es
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wi th the requiremcn ts of the UNII'Ol'J.l I3UILDING COlli"
19 _L3______
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Edition.
Occupancy Group H
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Type ConstrucLion V-N
3
Fire Zone
COHMENTS AND RESTHIC'rIONS:
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ell i c- r }\ i 1-.1 in,:, 111:'1,,0,.[, ,,' \:
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II
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
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CITY OF-ASPEN
BOARD OF-ADJUSTMENT
OCTOBER -15.--1987
4: 00 -P;'M-.
A G-'E N-D A
III. MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1987
IV. CASE '87-11
John Doremus
V. ADJOURNMENT
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Case '87-11 / John Doremus
BEFORE THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE REQUESTED ZONING OR USE
VARIANCE DESCRIBED BELOW:
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Pursuant to the Official Code of Aspen of June 25, 1962, as
amended, a public hearing will be held in the Council Room, City
Hall, Aspen, Colorado, (or at such other place as the meeting may
be then adjourned) to consider an application filed with the said
Board of Adjustment requesting authority for variance from the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24, Official Code of
Aspen. All persons affected by the proposed variance are invited
to appear and state their views, protests or objections. If you
cannot appear personally at such meeting, then you are urged to
state your views by letter, particularly if you have objection to
such variance, as the Board of Adjustment will give serious
consideration to the opinions of surrounding property owners and
others affected in deciding whether to grant or deny the request
for variance.
The particulars of the hearing and of the requested variance are
as foll ows:
Date and--Time-of-'Meetincr:
Date:
Time:
October 15, 1987
4:00 p.m.
Owner-ror--Variance:
A P pel 1 a'n t- for
Variance:
John Doremus
Name: John Doremus
Address: 822 W. Smuggler St.
Location-or'descri:ption--of'prouerty:
Location:
822 W. Smuggler St.
Varrance-Request-ed': Zoning is R-6-Residential. Required
setback is 15 feet for rear yard. Variance of 10 feet is
requested.
Will' auulicant be-revresented'bv- counsel':
Yes:- , -
No:...:..X
The City of Aspen Board of Adjustment
l30 South Galena Street, Aspen, Colorado 8l6ll
Remo Lavagnino, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk
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'\ppellant: John Doremus'
Owner: John Doremus
CITY OF ASPEN
o
Case No.:
Address: 822 W, Smuggler St.
Phone: 925-6866
Address: 822 W, Smuggler'St,
Aspen, Co. 81611 '
Location of Property: 822 W. Smuggler St. (Tree House Condominiums, unit A)
-T,ot!': M.N.O. Block 8, City of Aspen
<Street and Number of Subdivision Block and.Lot No.)
Building Permit App~ication and prints or any other Pertinent,
data must accompany.'tbis application, and will be made part of
CASE NO.:
THE BOARD WILL RETURN THIS APPLICATION IF IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ALl
THE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTIONOP-PROPOSED EXCEPTION SHOWING JUSTIFICATIOnS
, ,
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback
requirements. Please see attachment #l describing .
justifications., See, also, site plan map and arch1tectural
plans.
Will ~ou be represented>bY,counscl?
( )
Yes
No
x
(Applicant's Signature)
,
==================ac==acBc==coaaaaa====================ceca
PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE BUILDING INSPECTOR TC
PORWl'.RD THIS APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OP ADJUST?1ENT AND REASON FOR ROO
GRAlITING:. ~ R-t,-,~ ~~~
?:;1-r~' r~'110p-~~
a:eL .~fL'
J Sfatus / -
PER HIT REJECTED, DATE '?-;1):- t7
APPLICATION FILED f'-2-2--ri7
MAILED
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DECISION __' , DATE,
DATE OF HEARING
SECRETARY
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C1UILDING PERMIT APPLICATION ,0
ABPEN.PITKIN
REGIONAL BUILOING OEPARTMENT
General
Construction
Permit
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eoe Eant Main Street
a_r. ", Colorado 81811
30~2!5-!5973
Jurisdiction of
NO,l1320
Applicant to complete numbered spaces only.
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2,
J)
3.
"MONE
4.
LICENSE NO.
MAIL ADDRESS
&.
5,
[NO'....EER
DRESS
6.
7.
8. Class of work:
oNEW
o REPAIR
o MOVE
o WRECK
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9. Chlnoe of use from
Change of un to
PLAN CHECK FEE
p[R"",r FEE
TOT AI.. FEE
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1 O.Vlluition at work: $
Tv.:..ofCanUtuCI,on
OCCUI,.ncyC..ouo
LOlA'..
II. REMARKS:
Sl~. 01 BUIld,",
(Tot.llISQu.'. Fl.)
NO, 01 SIO...,
M... Dec. Loed
t.
FI'.Sp,Inlo'... Rite",,,,...,
o v.. 0 No
No. 01 O....II'n'lUn'u.
Co~.t'"
UncO....M
SPlei.1 Appronh
AEQUIRED
AUTNORIZED BY
OA.n
ZONING
FIRE MARSHALL
APPLICATION ACCEPTED
PLANS CHECKED
","PPROVED ""OR ISSUANCE
HEALTH OEPT.
IV
BY
SOIL REPORT.
BY
PARK DEDICATION
DATE
CATE
DATE
WATER TAP
. NOTICE
SEPARATE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING,
HEATING, VENTILATING OR AIR CONDITIONING.
THIS PERMIT BECOMES NULL AND VOID IF WORK OR CONSTRUCTION
AUTHORIZED IS NOT COMMENCED WITHIN 120 DAYS, OR IF CONSTRUC.
TlON OR WORK IS SUSPENDED OR ABANDONED FOR A PERIOD OF 120
DAYS AT ANY TIME AFTER WORK IS COMMEN.CEO.
I HEREBV CERTIFV THAT I HAVE READ AND EXAMINED THIS APPLICATION
AND KNOW THE SAME TO BE TRUE AND CORRECT. ALL PROVISIONS OF LAWS
".ND ORDINANCES GOVERNING THIS TYPE OF WORK WILL BE COMPLIED WITH
WHETHER SPECIFtED HEREIN OR NOT. THE GRANTING OF A PERMIT.DOES NOT
PRESUME TO GIVE AUTHORITY TO VIOLATE OA CANCEL THE PROVISIONS OF
ANV OTH R STATE OR LOCAL LAW REGULATING CONSTRUCTION OA THE PEA.
FORMAN OF CONSTRUCTION.
ENG DEPT.
OTHER (SPECIFY)
THIS FO IS A PERMIT ONLY WHEN VALIDATED
WORK STARTED WITHDUTPERMITWILL BE DDUBLE FEE
//
I ~"T RE f W~ R IF WN[_R.~!J'LOE.R'
PERMIT VALIDATION
CK.O
M.O.O
VALIDATION
CASH 0 PLAN CHECK VALIDATION
CK.O
M.O.O
CASH 0
WHITE - INSPECTOR'$ COPY
YELLOW - ASSESSOR'S copy
PINK - BUILDING DEPARTMEr.n FILE
GOLD - CUSTOMER'S COpy
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ATTACHMENT #l TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSnlENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on
lots M,N, & 0, Block 8, City.
Justifications for Variance
In March, 1977 a minimal variance for a 5', rear yard
setback was granted to this building project to preserve'
a grove of cottonwood trees, an existing ditch providing
their water supply, and to compensate for the adjacent
properties not conforming to their own required setbacks,
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The latter also created a need to turn the duplex 45 from
the street frontage, as well as a set back to provide air,
light, and privacy.
Please see attached copies of the 1977 variance request,
With the approval of the previous variance in 1977, permission
was granted to build within 5' of the rear property line,
allowing the building a 10' encroachment. The actual
encroachment was only 6,25', resulting in an actual setback
of 8,75' rather than 5',
This application requests a variance to add a small additional
room to the second floor level of unit A of the Treehouse
Condominiums which is an enlargement of the master bath and
workout room. The only available area to add this additional
room is over the garage, which was the subject of the original
variance request.
The justifications for this variance are the same as the original
variance request; ie: the practical difficulties of the adjacent
neighbors having built within their side yard setbacks;
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the preservation of the large mature cottonwood trees in the
center portion of the lots, (Incidentally, these trees, and a
great many more have been preserved as the accompanying photos
disclose.) and the practical difficulties of preserving
and relocating the existing ditch through the property.
Finally, it should be noted that, because the eutire structure
has been turned 450 from the street frontage, the .encroachment
into the setback area of the rear yard is minimal. (see site
plan attached here to)
In conclusion, it is respectfully submitted that:
all the same special conditions which existed
at the time of the original variauce continue
to exist today,
the special circumstances which applied to this'
property previously have not changed,
and the granting of this variance, as previous,
will not adversely effect the general purpose
of the comprehensive general plan.
5' sot.}-\~ck
variance grante
l'277
standard 15'
variance
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TREE HOUSE CONDOMINIUM
Located on Lots M,N,& 0, Block 8
City of Aspen
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5" +'
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SITE PLAfJ
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TREEIIOUSE CONDOMINIUM
Located on Lots M,N, & 0, Block 8
City of Aspen
ditch & trees
preserved as
result of
variance
Courtyard
entrance showing the
trees preserved
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TREEHOUSE CONDOMIN 10M
Located on Lots M,N, & 0, Block 8
City of Aspen
view from
street showing
trees preserved
by setback
variance
one of the
larger trees
in side yard
fed by ditch
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APPEAPTO BOf1RD OF ZON I NG ADJUSQENT
CITY Of ASPEN
, DA TE MARCH 8. 1917
CASE NO.
APPELLANT
John Do remus
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
PHONE 925-6866
925-5106
OWNER
. John Doremus
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
LOCATION OF PROPERTY
Lots ~1, N, & 0, Block 8, City
Between 7th and 8th on Smuggler Street.
(Street & Number of Subdivision Blk. & Lot No.)
Buildin~ Permit Application and prints or any other pertinent
data must accompany this application, and will be made part of
CASE NO.
THE BOARD WILL RETURN TillS APPLICATION Jr IT DOES NOT CONTAIN
ALL THE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED EXCEPTION SIlOI'IWG JUSTIFICATIOnS:
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback requirements. Please
see attachment #1 describing justifications. See also site plan maps.
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Will you be represented by counsel
7 :;:"w,"96 14~
~l ant
PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
TO FORWARD THIS APPLICATION TO TilE
FOR NOT GRANTING:
REQUIRlfJG TilE BUILDlflG INSPECTOR
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND REASON
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ATTACHI1ENT #1 TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on lots 11, N, & 0,
Block 8, City.
Justifications for Variance
1. Because the adjacent dwellings on either side of the subject lots have
built substantially to the property line, rather than observing the normal
5' side yard, it has been most difficult to properly design even a modest
sized duplex which would give reasonable light and air, yard and a modicum
of privacy. In an attempt to not be totally overwhelmed BY tllese 2 and 3
story neighbors, the proposed duplex was turned almost 45 which orients
to the street and yet provides side yards where some privacy and light and
air can be achieved. The result of this approach has caused small trian-
gular portions of the 1 story garages to encroach into the rear yard set-
back.
2. Tllere are, located in the center portion of tile subject lots. six mature
cottonwood trees. It has always been tile earnest desire of tile proponent
to preserve as many of these trees as possible and the architect has
literally designed the units around this grove of trees. Half or more of
the larger trees in this grove will be lost (as can be observed on the
accompanying maps) by strictly observing the rear yard setback. Although
the largest tree (2' diameter) clears the building, without a variance to
the setback, we have been advised that in the process of digging of the
basement roots may be damaged, and with a 2 story wall, all the large
branches on one side would be removed. With the setback variance, this
large native tree would remain virtually untouched.
3. Finally, we respectfully submit that anotller natural feature gives
cause for consideration of this variance. As can be seen on the map ex-
hibits, there is an existing ditch crossing the lot. This ditch has
naturally provided water to the aforementioned cottonwood trees for many
years. We have shown relocation plans both with and without the variance
being granted, and as can be seen, it becomes impossible to retain the ditch
within the heart of this grove without the variance as proposed. There is
significantly less ditch to relocate if the variance is granted.
4. In conclusion, it should be mentioned that with the subject duplex set
further back to the rear as proposed, the streetscape from Smuggler Street
is much more attractive and desirable. Tile confonning plan does not relate
to the neighbors setback and tends to block their east and west views.
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ATTACHMENT #2 TO
APPEAL TO BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
CITY OF ASPEN
Re: John Doremus appeal for rear yard setback variance on lots M, N, & 0,
Block 8, City.
Names and Addresses of Owners
Adjacent to the Property in Question
lots A & B, Block 8
Charles B. & Helga Marqusee
P.O. Box 10510,' Aspen, CO 81511
lots C & D, Block 8
Robert W. & Anne W, Pullen
c/o Bank of the Southwest Building
Suite 1905
Houston, Texas 77002
lots E & F, Block 8
Jack A. Titus
2817 Maple Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201
lots K & L, Block 8
Fredrik & Nancy W. Zachariasen
2235 Villa Heights Road
Pasadena, California 91107
Lots P & Q, Block 8
Barbara K. McLaughlin
P.O. Box 1253, Aspen, CO 81511
lots D, E & F, Block 9
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
806 West Hallam, Aspen, CO 81511
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CITY OF ASPErI
DATE ~~RC:H 8 1"77
John Doremus
CASE'NO.
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspen
PilON E 925-6866
77-~
APPELLANT
OWNER
John Do remus
925-5106
;
ADDRESS Box 224, Aspr']
LOCATION OF PROPERTY
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Betvleen 7th and 8th on Smuggler Street.
(Street & Number of Subdivision Blk. & lot No.)
Building Pe~mit Application and prints or any other pertinent
data must accompany this application, and will be made part of
CASE NO. 77-0
lots M, N. & 0, Block 8, City
THE BOARD HIll RETURN THIS APPLICATION IF IT DOES NOT CONTAIN
ALL THE FACTS IN QUESTION.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED EXCEPTION SHO\-lING JUSTIFICATInrIS:
This appeal is for a variance to the rear yard setback requirements,. -'-lleasesr.or. **'~'~10.0~
see attachment #1 describing justifications. See also site plan maps. L~",
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Will you be represented by counsel
? Yes No X
SIG~ ~ /t!rLL-n~
Ape 1 ant
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PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
TO FORHARD THIS APPLICATION TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND REASON
FOR NOT GRANTING:
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APPLICATION IS MADS FOR A BUILDING PERMIT TO BUILD
'A TWO-FA~rrLY DWELL:::IG. The proposed two-family dwelling
would have a rear \-ard of 5 feet. The required rear yard
is 15 feet. Sec. 2q-3.4 Area and bulk requirements
R-6 Zoning District.
(\l\~' '
Chief Buildinro Inspector ,~
, - -,~
Status igned Clayton H.
PERMIT REJECTED, DATE DECISION -C}/ul,.107P DATE
ApPLICATION FllfDJ!\IL~-,O,7? OAT[ IF N'^,"NG~, ? 'LiJ. 1, /q17.
MAL LED_ ~~/917 sECRETARy-111aYJLtJJ/t~__
IIRAOP'ORO PUOLlSHING CO., OENVr:R
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting
Board of Adjustments
April 7, 1977
Old business
Case 77-5.
John Doremus
,The meeting was called to order at 4:l5 PM. Members present
were Charles Paterson, Gil Colestock, Re, 0 Lavignino, Fred
Smith and Josephine Mann. Others present were the City
Attorney Dorothy Nuttall. ,-(
Colestock moved to approve the minutes f~om the March 22
meeting. Paterson seconded. Motion passed.
Lavignino stated that a member had been approached about
what was going to happen to his case. Nuttall said that
the person should go through the proper channels. Everything
should be discussed in a public hearing. All procedure
questions can be discussed, but the merits of a case should
be public.
Paterson was nominated as Ex Officio member to the Board
of Appeals. Mann seconded. Motion passed.
Lavignino opened case 77-5: John Doremus. A variance to
a rear yard setback requirement was requested. The justifi-
cation for variance is l) In order to provide privacy and
light and air the proposed duplex has been set at a 45 degree
angle. ' This causes small portions of the. garage to encroach
on the rear yard setback. 2) If rear yard setback is
observed we will have to lose several large trees. 3) If
rear yard setback is observed the ditch will have to be moved
which supplied most of the trees with water. 4) Also set
back the house would be much more attractive in the neigh-
borhood'.
'd f d . 1 " " kl
Doremus sa~ that ront yar ~s on Smugg er sCree .
Encroachment into set back is five feet. Balcony infringes
on set back. The wall of the house is in violation of the
set back. Tried to move garages so everyone could get
more light and air. If has to move ditch will lose two
6-8" cottonwood trees. This is the original house plan
moved back. The garage access is 10-l2' from the alley.
It is realistic to get ditch to large group of trees and
swing it around. We are limiting garage to one story
flat roof. The house has a pitched two story roof.
Letters were read by Lavignino into the record.
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l) Mrs. Pullen is adjacent to property 15-5 feet." She
will be against if his building is closer to the property
line. She will lose her view to the south. To grant the
request would defeat the purpose of the code.
2) Barbara ~lcLoughlin Moore strongly objects to the
variance. It would make it a more dense and crowded area.
If we allow variances it will make the zoning code
meaningless. It is only a request to benefit one individual.
3) F. Zachariasen felt that granting this variance would be
a mistake. This is a quiet residential area. Five feet of
greenery betl'leen house and street is not much more than
condos provide. If it becomes a pattern in the area for
houses to cover all available ground area, the character wil
be destroyed. It is important to maintain the single family
appearance.
4) Jack Titus asked to deny a request for the variance.
Any request I'lould do violence to the existing neighborhood.
It would make structures too close together.
Lavignino opened the meetincr to the audience.
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Board of Adjustments
I\pril 7, 1977
Regular Me~ting Continue~
John Schumacher appeared for Mr. Pullen. He wanted me to
object to this variance. He is opposed to it because it
would,inhibit his view. The alley could be opened so that
some of the traffic could be diverted.
John Stanford said that he would going to request that it
be opened. It would allow access from seventh street.
Lavignino asked if a variance was reques~ed to build it
as originally built. Did set back requirements exist when
it was built since the case is based on ~ardship of set
back not being met.
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Schumacher said that the request is based on preserving
those trees.
Lavinino closed the public portion of the hearing.
Colestock said that he was concerned over the cars parked
behind the garage and that they would jut into the alley.
Could happen. That was his only reservation. Otherwise
he would be in favor of the plan.
Mann said it was a practical difficulty because of the
trees and water. Would like to grant the variance which
would allow those to be saved.
Smith said he would have no problem with the variance if
it wasn't opposed to by all the neighbors. The neighbors
are not opposing it for the right grounds, Advice is to ask
for tabling and go explain it to neighbors. If objections
were removed, Smith would not object. It looks like an
improvement. If neighbors not think so, we should not be
making up their minds for them.
Paterson said that it was a minimal request. There are the
practical difficulties as Mann mentioned. Other than the
trees and stream the neighbors on either side are a practical
difficulty in this matter. House he is designing is '
designed around their infringement upon light and air.
Personally discount neighbors on either side and what their
objections are. They don't know what they are saying. The
only neighbor I am concerned about is the one directly to
the north. 1.lost of these letters are only written with only
half the knO'.vledge they should have. Sometimes applicants
fault and sometimes don't live in town. I would be in favor.
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Lavignino agreed with Charlie. Practical difficulties do
exist. Trees are worthy of that consideration of saving th, TI
It is a minimal variance. It does not adversely affect
anyone in the area except perhaps the neighbor to the north_
In favor of granting this proposal. Suggest to neighbors
anyway and let them see the situation.
Doremus said that there will be a garage. He already hqs
a parking space which handles his car.
Paterson offered Doremus the chance to table it.
Paterson made a motion to grant on the basis of presentation
that it is a minimal impact and that practical difficulties
exist in so much as the trees, the stream and the neighbors
on each side. It is a minimal request and will not
adversely affect the general purpose of the general comprehen
sive plan.
It should be noted that the board reacted to general plans.
These are not construction drawings.
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CITY. OF ASIJEN ****'************'1
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CEHTJ!'"JClI'J'C Of' OCCUP1"rcy
~City of Aspen, Colorado
01,TE: November lo, 19ii
1,0'1' [,I,
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BLOCY,
City
ADDI'l'IOrl
'I'his
to Certify that a certain structure located
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[320/822 H.
Smuggler
and OI'INEO by
John Doremus
911-n
,197 L/ c";,'p1ie5
erected under BUILDING PERInT tJO.
v;i th the requirements of the UNlf'OPJ-l BUILDING COlJi':,
19 _TL____
Edition.
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Occupancy Group H
:
Type Construction V-N
3
Fire Zone
CONMENTS AND HESTIUCTIONS:
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County of Pitkin
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State of Colorado
AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE BY POSTING
OF A VARIANCE HEARING BEFORE
THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF
'ADJUSTMENT (Pursuant to
Section 2-22 (c) of the Municipal
Code)
follows:
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says. as
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I ' _~f!i,v ~~;-ruf
1_______________________________
, being or
representing an Applicant' b.efore the City of Aspen B;ard of
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Adjustment, personally ce'rt'ify that the a.ttached photograph
,........
fairly and accurately represents ~he sign posted as Notice of the
,
variance, hearing on thfs matter in a conspicuous place on the
subject property (as it '60uld be seen from the nearest public
that the said sign was posted' and visible continuously
~ & Z7\_ day of .'sZ:J::YT:-e7P/Lf(5<!-",:"" 19EL, to the
day of .. . (;c'rc'6M , 19n. (Must be posted for
.~ ~
C'-'.
way)
and
from the
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at least ten (1~) full days
before the:;hearing date).
A_ ,PPL, ~I T, '4'..A J /7
.... YVr\... ,}LV c:,.1"1-'14:'~
Signat re
S'~ribed and sworn to before me
t~:c "5'<4 day of tr-UJhR~ _,
19~, by 'it/-' n ' '/) fi) F i1'1l~ ~~~
WITNESS MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL.
My commission expires: i -:J-j-7'D
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NC tary PUbl:i,c
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Address
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The following are names and addresses within 300 ft,
of the subject property of this application as obtained
from the current Pitkin County Assessors tax roll.
Subject Property
Tree House Condominiums, unit A
Lots M,N,O, Block 8
John Doremus
822 W. Smuggler St,
Aspen, Co, 8l61l
Tree House Condominiums, unit B
Lots U,N,O, Block 8
Belton Fleisher
Elizabeth Fleisher
820 W, Smuggler St,
Aspen, Co, 81611
Aspen 1.leadows
Metes and Bounds
Hadid Aspen Properties
515 S, Galena St.
Aspen, Co. 8161l
Lots A,B,C,D,E,F, Block 1
Arnold Gachman
Harriette Gachman
480l Butler Rd.
Fort Worth, Tx. 76109
905 W, North
Aspen, Co,
Lorenzo Semple, Jr.
Joyce M. Semple
c/o Robert Ross
2200 North Central Rd.
Fort Lee, N.J. 07024
Tract 3, West Solar Sub,
Lots O,P, Block 2
H.H. Vandemoer
Marion hI. Vandemoer
Nancy E. II ill (formly Vandemo(
P.O, Box 668
Sterling, Co. 80751
Lots Q,R,S, Block 2
John Schuhmacher, Jr.
Marianne H. Schuhmacher
P.O. Box 3528
Aspen, Co. 8l6ll
Lots E,F,G,H,I, Block 3
H.H. Vandemoer
Marion U, Vandemoer
Nancy E, Hill(formly Vandemol
P.O.Box 668
Sterling, Co. 80751
Tract 2, West Solar Sub.
Donnelly Erdman
Cinda Erdman
P.O. Box 10640
Aspen, Co. 81612
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Lots K,L, Block 8
Fredrik Zachariasen
Nancy Zachariasen
2235 Villa Heights Rd.
Pasadena, Co. 91107
Lots Q,R,S, Block 3
Heinz Coordes
Karen Coordes
233 W. Main St.
Aspen, Co. 8l61l
Lots A,B, Block 8
Charles Marqusee
Helga Marqusee
P.O, Box 10610
Aspen, Co. 8l6l2
Lots C,D, Block 8
Robert W, Pullen
Anne W. Pullen
Suite No. 620
2200 South Post Oak Blvd.
Houston, Tx. 77056
Lots E,F, Block 8
Jack A. Titus
2817 Maple Ave,
Dallas, Tx. 7520l
Lots G,H,I, Block 8
LBH Condominium Association
units A and B
LBH Association Condos,
Lucy Reed Hibberd
1937 East Alameda Ave.
Denver, Co. 80209
Lots A,B,C,D, Block 14
Tom Daly
200 W, Bleeker St.
Aspen, Co. 8lGll
Lots J,K,L
Barry L. Lefkowitz
Box 364
Aspen, Co. 816ll
Lots J,K,L, Block
Herb Klein
743 W, Smuggler St.
Aspen, Co. 8l6ll
Lots N,O, Block 14
David Fleisher
Gina Berko
730 W. Smuggler St,
Aspen, Co. 81611
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Lots A,B, Block l5
Sharon L. Ochsman
735 W. Smuggler ST.
Aspen, Co. 81611
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Lot C, Block 15
Gary Albert
l3 Silver Hell Lane
West Berlin, N.J. 08091
Lot K, Block l5
The Baptist Church
726 W, Frances St,
Aspen, Co. 81611
Lots P,Q, Block 8
Vincent Galluccio
The Tent Condominium Assoc,
P.O. Box 8065
Aspen, Co. 81611
Lots R,S, Block 8
Charles Knight
Anne Knight
c/o The Rachael Collection
201 S. Galena St.
Aspen, Co. 81611
All of Block 9
U.S. Department of Agricultur
The Forest Service
806 W. Hallam St.
Aspen, Co. 81611
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Case 187-11 / John Doremus
BEFORE THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE REQUESTED ZONING OR USE
VARIANCE DESCRIBED BELOW:
Pursuant to the Official Code of Aspen of June 25, 1962, as
amended, a public hearing will be held in the Council Room, City
Hall, Aspen, Colorado, (or at such other place as the meeting may
be then adjourned) to consider an application filed with the said
Boar d of Adj ustment requesting author ity for var iance from the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24, Official Code of
Aspen. All persons affected by the proposed variance are invited
to appear and state their views, protests or objections. If you
cannot appear personally at such meeting, then you are urged to
state your views by letter, particularly if you have objection to
such variance, as the Board of Adjustment will give serious
consideration to the opinions of surrounding property owners and
others affected in deciding whether to grant or deny the request
for variance.
The particulars of the hearing and of the requested variance are
as follows:
Date anir-TiEe-ofMe-etina:
Date:
Time:
October l5, 1987
4:00 p.m.
Owner -fir-Variance:
Appellant for
Variance:
John Doremus
Name: John Doremus
Address: 822 W. Smuggler St.
Location -or de",.al",tion--of property:
Location:
822 W. Smuggler St.
Variance----Re\lu.,st-ed-: Zoning is R-6-Residential. Required
setback is l5 feet for rear yard. Variance of lO feet is
requested.
Will' aDDl'icant be-represented-by counsel:
Yes:'
NO:~
The City of Aspen Board of Adjustment
l30 South Galena Street, Aspen, Colorad08l6ll
Remo Lavagnino, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Case 187-11 / John Doremus
BEFORE THE CITY OF ASPEN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AFFECTED BY THE REQUESTED ZONING OR USE
VARIANCE DESCRIBED BELOW:
Pursuant to the Official Code of Aspen of June 25, 1962, as
amended, a public hearing will be held in the Council Room, City
Hall, Aspen, Colorado, (or at such other place as the meeting may
be then adjourned) to consider an application filed with the said
Board of Adjustment requesting authority for variance from the
provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24, Official Code of
Aspen. All persons affected by the proposed variance are invited
to appear and state their views, protests or objections. If you
cannot appear personally at such meeting, then you are urged to
state your views by letter, particularly if you have objection to
such variance, as the Board of Adjustment will give serious
consideration to the opinions of surrounding property owners and
others affected in deciding whether to grant or deny the request
for variance.
The particulars of the hearing and of the requested variance are
as follows:
Date and--Time--ofuMeeting-:
Date:
Time:
October l5, 1987
4:00 p.m.
Owner-fir-Variance:
A P pel 1 an t- for
Variance:
John Doremus
Name: John Doremus
Address: 822 W. Smuggler St.
Location or de",ctiJ;>tion-'of prQperty:
Location:
822 W. Smuggler St.
Variance Re\lu.,st-ed-: Zoning is R-6-Residential. Required
setback is 15 feet for rear yard. Variance of 10 feet is
requested.
will applicant be--'representedi>y counsel:
Yes:'
NO:~
The City of Aspen Board of Adjustment
l30 South Galena Street, Aspen, Colorado 8l6ll
Remo Lavagnino, Chairman Jan Carney, Deputy City Clerk