HomeMy WebLinkAboutmintues.boa.19850214 C I T Y 0 F ,.A ,
_9 _P _F---N
BOARD Of
February 14, 1985
City Council Chambers
4:00 p.m.
AGENDA
I . Nirlutcs
Dece2nber 13 . 108A?
IT , Old Busines-c
Case J.�84-23/Frarik 7-loods -- nd 7d Rodgers
III . New
C,ase '5-1/Chzateau Snow Condominium Assoc.
TV. Adjourrment
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Re ular Meeting Board of Adjustment _ February 14, 1985
Vice Chairperson Francis Whitaker called the meeting to order at
4 : 10 p. m. with members Charlie Paterson, Josephine- Mann , John
Herz ( arrived late ) , and Rick Head present .
Motion:
Josephine Mann moved to table the minutes to the end of the
meeting; seconded by Charlie Paterson . All in favor; motion
carried.
CASE #84-23 FRANK WOODS AND ED RODGERS , continued hearing
Paul Taddune, city attorney, and Bob Hughes ,jointly requested
this matter be tabled. Bob Hushes , attorney, noted technically
he represents the applicant : Gideon Kaufman is the applicant ' s
real attorney. Hughes represents the people selling the property
to the applicant . The city has potential interest in the
property and it is advisable to table the case: for a couple of
weeks . Let the city resolve its negotiations .
Whitaker commented he has been in contact with the mayor. The
mayor did not give him direction on the subject before the
hearing. Did Taddune receive instructions from the mayor'?
Taddune replied the city requests a continuance . Hughes recalled
at. the outset of the submission the city showed interest in
acquiring the property for open space . The city is pursuing this
slowly .
Taddune advised not to communicates the conversations between
Council and board members because the city' s view is different
from the Board' s function. ComingYling the Communications between
Council and the Board is not productive. A disclosure of
communications may be necessary .
The Board discussed a date for tabling.
Motion:
Charlie Paterson moved to table case #84--2! to March 7 , 1985 :
seconded by Josephine Mann . All in favor ; motion carried .
CASE #85-1 CHATFAU_SNOW CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
Whitaker read the variance requested:
"Property is located in the RMF zoning, category and
exceeds the allowable floor area ratio. Section 24--
3 . 4 , area and bulk requirements : enclosing decks will
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board of Adjustment February 14 , 1985
increase the floor- area of a nonconforming structure .
Section 24-- 13 . 3 (a ) : no such nonconforming structure may
be enlarged in a way that increases its nonconformity.
Applicant appears to be requesting an undetermined
increase in fI.00r area by enclosing the decks . "
Attorney, owner, and applicant , Erin Hazen :introduced herself.
She presented the affidavit for posting the public notice . She
also submitted to the record a letter from Robert Sterling,
architect for the building, dated February 9, 1985 :
"At your request: in April. of 1984 , I examined the conditions
at Chateau Snow on Waters Avenue and calculated the external
floor area ratio of the building for the purpose of a future
review with the City of Aspen . In my letter to you on April
7 , 1984 , I summarized my Vind:ings as follows :
Lower floor 412 . 070 s . f.
First floor 3 , 619 . 837
Second floor 3 , 579. 728
Third fluor 3 , 921 . 993
This , with a lot size of 6, 000 s . f. , results in an FAR of
1. . 922 .
In this calculation, i included all areas to be enclosed
with glass . Subsequent to the calculation I have found that
the first floor patio areas not covered by overhangs should
have been excluded . The adjustment of this area (.295 . 298
s . f. ) revises the FAR to 1 . 873 . Further discussion ques-
tions my inclusion of the deck areas on the second and third
floors as partt of the overall area.
The Municipal Code,, Section 24 -3 . 7 ( e) , paragraph ( 1 ) ,
stat:cs : ' The calculation of floor area of a building or a
portion thereof shall include above grade decks , stairways ,
balconies , and any other area under a horizontal projection
of a roof or balcony even though those areas are not sur-
rounded by exterior walls , when such areas are necessary for
the function of the building . ' Since the roof overhang and
deck of each unit serves to Form the roof of the unit below,
my interpretation is that these elements are functional in
terms of the Code and are therefore included .
There is of course , the likelihood that the City may have a
different, interpretation . In the event they feel those
areas should not be included, the calculation changes as
follows :
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting____ Board of Adjustment February 14, 1985
Original calculation Net Change Reduced Area
Lower floor 412 . 070 . 000 412 . 070
Second floor 3 , 619 . 837 . 000 3 , 629 . 037
( incl. . patio)
Third floor 3 , 579 . 728 344 . 062 3 , 235 . 666
Fourth floor 3 , 921 . 993 209. 810 3 , 712 . 183
Totals 11 , 533 . 628 553 . 872 10 , 979. 756
This calculation results in an FAR of 1 . 83 , a net change of
2 . 3%
Neither of these floor area ratios seem relevant to me
at this point . Since construction of the building was
completed in 1969 and no FAR requirements existed at that
time, the building is already nonconforming under present
regulations . The manner in which the FAR is interpreted now
is meaningless . The relevant points are that some measure
must he taken to correct the problems and it is my opinion
that the glass enclosures contained in the proposal sub -
mitted by JDM Construction Company presents the most
permanent solution to the leakage problems at the bal-
conies . My only advice to you at this time is for you to
assure that the existing structure is capable of supporting
the now toads and that no exposure to liability is presented
by molting snow and ice falling OD lower structures from
above. During your preparation for this review, you may
have already done this .
For the purpose of the review, I would certainly recommend
the approach you have taken in favor of attempts to solve
the problem by rebuilding and repairing the decks and
railing and caulking against moisture penetration . it
appears t ►al - there is too much movement in the building
during the freeze-thaw cycle and these measures result in
temporary solutions at best . I would further point out that
whether or not you are increasing a nonconforming use is not
as important an issue as losing the building, which seems to
be the case if further deterioration continues .
If I can be of further help in this matter, let me know. ''
E . Hazen introduced John Dillon , the management company' s repre-
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting_ Board of Adjustment February 14, 1985
sentative , who will explain the history of the building and the
history of the leakage. She also introduced John Watkins , the
contractor from JDM Construction . Watkins has proposed enclosing
the spaces . Watkins will guarantee his work .
E . Hazen did include, in the submission four letters which
illustrate the history of the problems with this building and
history of remedies: - - One letter, from a previous owner ,
articulates the shabby conditions , the decay, and deterioration
of the ceilings under the balconies in 1982 . In response to that.
deterioration , a letter, dated October 28, 1982 , indicates the
remedies and the costs . A membrane was installed on the decks .
The deck boards were replaced. Soffits were repaired. Caulking,
trim, and flashing were .implemented. These repairs were inade-
quate. if the decks are not addressed now, the building will
suffer structural damage. A letter from a structural engineer .
Robert Patti .11o, indicates structural damage and cracks in walls
on the third floor. A photograph documents a crack in a mirror
on the second floor . The building may he moving:. The building
was constructed in 1969.
Brian Hazen , owner , summarized the information presented in the
photographs . He referred to a series of photographs that
illustrated the damage. The soffits were repaired .less than
three years ago . The problems are worse in the last three ,years
than in ten years . Repairing the building has been troublesome.
The damage is in the soffits . The leakage comes through the edge
of the balconies . The flower- boxes provide more places for
leakage . The decks are supposedly leak-proof. Unit 203 has
severe damage on both balcony soffits . The water on the bal--
conies runs towards the sliding glass doors . The water even--
t.uall.y will penetrate the residence. Linit. 202 , on the eastern
side of the building, is decaying. unit 201 is experiencing
severe decay on the soffit on the balcony. Also unit 102 , the
bottom floor unit on the eastern side of the building, is
experiencing severe decay.
The most severe damage is to the entryways . Water threaten;
electrical boxes . Builders concluded the circular cracks on the
mirror hanging on the wall adjacent to the deck of unit 203
resulted both from the shifting building and water-loaded decks .
Snow builds up on the decks , melts , and loads up again on the
decks . He recommended a site visit .
John Dillon noted the balconies , decks , and soffits have been
treated every year for eleven years . The deck membranes have
been repaired and resurface=d. Thousands of dollars have been
spent on trimming, caulking, and waterproofing. The situation is
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board of Adjustment February 14, 1985
impossible. Water can penetrate too many areas . $1 , 000 to
$1 , 500 are applied yearly to this problem. The results are
inadequate. He had recommended to the Board of Directors of the
Chateau Snow Condominiums a new approach: cover the decks . This
solution discourages rain , ice , and snow build-up on the decks .
Covering decks is the only viable alternative. The membranes of
the balconies have been replaced and repaired without. success .
JDM Construction recommended covering the: decks . The problem
occurs and is addressed repeatedly year after year . Management:
wants to solve the problem. The problem is unsovlab.le with
conventional methods , for example , the repeated replacement of
trine, _ siding, caulking, etc .
Whitaker inspected the property yesterday. Is there any drainage
system from the balconies? Are the balconies catch basins
for water and snow? Dillon answered there are drains in each
balcony and a system of duct. works . PVC membrane is underneath.
The drains have no heat tapes . Whitaker observed during has site
visit that snow had not been removed from the balconies . Snow
had been allowed to acc:ummulate. Hemoving the snow and instal-
ling heat tape in drains will eliminate the problem. Dillon
noted the same leakage problem is exhibited during the summer-
time. The decks are typically repaired during May and .Tune to
accommodate the short - term summer rentals . The property is fresh
and new for the summer . By mid-September , the building is a
complete mess . The summer rains cause deterioration also.
Whitaker requested the location of the drains . Dillon explained
the drains run beck toward the building and run down the leer-.
imeter° of the walls . The drains do not protrude from the side of
the deck. Whitaker asked arc there drywells On the ground.
Dillon answered yes .
B . Hazen explained leakage through the deck itself is not a
problem. The membrane is tine. The membrane is located four
inches: up along the side. The problems are the construction of
the balconies where the runners meet and the different surfaces
on the flower boxes and on th- flocks . `l'he:' water runs under i h2
walls . The drains are not the problem . The water- runs along at
i.nast. Len surfaces es on the water may not oven reach the
floor of the balcony.
Herz asked with the amount of water damage why not shovel the
snow. B . Hazen replied the snow is shoveled. bast year snow was
shoveled twice completely by December 20th . where is no place to
shovel the snow on a daily basis . Perhaps , snow could be
shoveled to the entryways and then hauled away. Whitaker argued
by not removing the snow, the owners are creating their own
problem. He had a problem wills a solar system. Wager and a darn
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board---of Adjustment February 14, 1985
were problems . He shoveled his roof 54 times one winter to
prevent; leakage into the liouse. Then he biter corrected the
situation . One photograph shows snow to the parapet on a deck .
B . Hazen argued the owner- of the building will not. shovel the
edge of the balconies and -the flower boxes every time it snows .
More modern ways address snow removal. . Whitaker agreed the
balcony is not properly designed for runoff. The building is
poorly designed and constructed.
John Watkins , engineer- with JDM Construction, commented the
design of the bu:iIdin9 is bad. The third story stair---steps .
Half of the deck is over a hiving area of the unit below. He
proposed the sun spaces t.o keep out. the water. The solution
offers a solar heat gain during the winter . E . Hazen asked if
heat tapes would solve IL he problem. Wat.kires answered no.
B . Hazen asked where would the water, run with the sun spaces on
the balcony. Whitaker- questioned natural drainage. Where on the
south slope can accumulated water drain? The solution completely
encloses the balconies . There is no place for the runoff. He
does not see the drainage system. B . Hazen noted the drainage is
in t:Ile e<:rst bcIlcor►y floor. That system does not. accommodate all
the water . Too many horizontal surfaces are built into the
decks . Those varied surfaces increase the water problem. Even
the architect of the building admits the proposal is the only
permanent solution to save: the building. Whitaker asked where
does the melted water travel on the front side of the deck . Where
is the existing drain? B . Hazen replied the drain is toward the
sliding glass doors .
B . Hazen cited the letter from Bob Sterling. That letter states
the floor area ratio is not increased. Bill Drueding, building
inspector, commented ore the letter. Sterling does not quote
the entire FAR regulation . Drueding quoted the regulation that
defines this structur~e as nonconforming; and that concludes
enclosing the balconies will increase the FAR :
"For the purpose of calculating allowed floor area ratio
above grade decks and balconies shall be considered neces-
sary to the function of the building if' use for required
access into the principal use of the building is
nonresidential . . . Above grade decks acid balconies constructed
in conjunction with the building or t-)ortion thereof whose
principal use is residential ( the present application) shall
not be considered necessary to the function of the building
provided that. the area of such fent.ures is less than or
equal to 15%' . "
Drueding understood 15 0 of the allowed FAR for above grades decics
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting_ Board of Adjustment _ February 14 ,_ 1985
is exempted. The regulation assumes above grade decks do not
increase the bulk of residential buildings . Once the decks
are enclosed, the decks are no longer considered above grade
decks . Consequently, t.e decks are part, of FAR. The enclosed
decks will increase the bulk of the building. B . Hazen challenged
the interpretation or the 15%. Drued_ing clarified 15% of
allowable FAR is exempted. If the allowable square footage were
6, 000 , 15% of 6 , 000 square feet , or 900 square feet , would be
exempted from the FAR calculations . B . Hazen argued the letter
states if the calculation is less than 900 square feet: that
square footage.' is exempt . Drueding argued once the decks are
enclosed the decks are no longer considered above grade decks .
An exterior wall is included in the enclosing process . Enclosed
decks are no longer considered above grade decks . An exterior
wall is included in the enclosing process . Enclosed decks are
counted in FAR. The windows become the vertical walls . Enclos-
ing decks make the decks part of the building, enclosing makes
the space liveable B . Hazen disagreed. He noted if Drueding' s
interpretation is correct , the increase is only 2 . 3%. This
percentage increase in the size, of the building can serve the
building . Increasing the allowed FAR by 2 . 3% is a minor amount
to save the building.
Paterson asked why is glass designed for the lowest -floor . The
first floor is not experiencing leakage and does not have
balconies . B . Hazen replied the design is not absolute. Sun
space windows are not the only solution . The goal is to enclose
or cover the deck . Given the proposed solution the first. :floor
should not experience any damage, even if the first were not
enclosed. Paterson explained the Board grants the minimum to
solve the problem. The proposal for the three floors is not the
minimum. The minimum is two floors . Addressing only two floors ,
can the applicant solve the problem? Dillon replied in theory
the "top--two-floors" proposal could work . He cannot guarantee
the association that the lower level will be immune from damage.
If the solution were to stop the penetration o l- water at the
second and third levels , the first level should remain dry.
B . Hazen noted around level is cement. . Dillon noted a garden
level exists . The bottom of the door is approximately 2 1/2 to 3
feet below ground level . There is a well . water could accum--
mulate in the well . Paterson said snow will melt off the south-
exposed window; the melted know will work its way to the lower
level . Freezing could also be a problem. Dillon said a good drain
system it necessary. The still that the door sliders sit on is no
more than 1/2 inch .
Whitaker commented in all the years he has served on the Board
he does not recall granting a variance because of faulty constru--
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting—_ Board of Adjustmen-t v FebrRqj_y_j_4, 1985.
ct i or] He quoted from a letter- submitt(--�d by Robert M. Pattil lo ,
c Atan , dated October 4 , 1984 :onstructural CODSU t
"The cause of the infiltration problem (_-:an be traced back to
the o r ip- i n a I design, which al I owed for the relatively
extensive weather- exposure without a comparable increase in
protection measures . The deign d e t ai I s were p r o b a 1)1 y
considered state.--of--the-art in the l a t e 1960 ' s , but have
since (I e m o rits t ra t e(I shortcomings . No positive slope was
provided for deck drains : the drain risers are not heated ;
no flashing was installed at rail caps , corners , or planter
walls ; there is an excessive number of exposed wall corners ,
overhangs , and niches which are difficult to seal . "
The analysis demonstrates the construction is at fault . No
applicant has ever asked for a variance to increase the size of
a building because of faulty v construction . Paterson argued the
Board considers and evaluates h'ardship, whether the hardship is
the fault of construction , earthquakes etc . Whitaker added the
Board also considers it' the solution is the only possible one.
He. is not convinced t It e r e is not another s ol u t i(-)11 . Other
deck drains , heating the risers ,
solutions invo] ve slop-ins to the-ng he
treating th e flashing, etc . The solutions are suggested in
Pattillo ' s letter.
B . Hazen said the packet contains many letters . Hansen , Haberman
Construction provided a bid to install new runners , flashing,
caulk , etc. 11,u t, , t 1-1 e firm will not g u a r a ri t(_-e the permanent
elimination of leakage . Paterson noted a freeze-thaw cycle
exists in addition to the s t r o n q southerly exposure . Those
planter's are a definite problem. He has a deck clean of any
items a ri(-I 11e liras a i in J 1 a r problem. 11 i s deck leaks . He shovels
his deck constantly . There is a hardship . The applicant is also
burdened with the fact the property is rented. The owner is not
physically present after every snowfall . Whitaker agreed a
problem ex4sts . But , he w It nts to x P-1 o re the other
solutions . B . Hazen repeated Dillon had stated those solutions
had been tried over the -last, I en years without success . Whitaker
asked if' the drains have been heated . Dillon answered yes . Also ,
the management had removed snow regularly from the balconies
throughout the years until this winter- . The management-, did not
make the customary repairs this past summer because it decided to
investigate the present process . Management is not removing snow
this winter . Whitaker asked when snow was removed regularly y were
there 'Leaks D i l l o n answered y(--s . During the first spring
Di 1 [on worked for Coates , Reid, and Waldron , eleven years a,,TO ,
the company (-!on t rr:ic t ed someone to seal the balconies and to
repair the soffit. areas . Dealing with the leaks and soffits has
Fi
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Re ular Meeting_____.___ Board of Adjustment _____ February 14, 1985
been an annual. ordeal . Hundred of tubes of caulking have been
applied. Noth=ing has worked to shore the building. The general
contractors quote bids for flashing and for trimming the caps ,
but no one guarantees their work .
Robert Phillips , structural consultant for the applicant , said
there are other options to solve the problem. But: , those
solutions involve extensive rebuilding. The balcony for one unit
is the ceiling of the lower unit. . If all the ra.i l sings and
planters were eliminated , if the floor system were rebuilt , such
action could solves they problem. Eliminating the water seepage
points may solve the problem. During that tri►2c: the units would
be uninhabitable and exposed to the elements . Completely
reconstructing the balconies is impractical . Intercepting water
melting off the glass at each story is important . Heated leader
pipes and gutter systems are necessary.
Herz asked is the deck , once enclosed, considered a liveable
area. Drueding answered yes . The proposal also increases floor
area, the proposal does not add units . B . Hazen stated the
enclosed space is not liveable . He reasoned adding bedrooms
increases values . But the units are rented. The additional
hundred square feet will not increase the gain of a two-bedroom
unit: renting for $200 per night: . Paterson asked for the actual
square footage of the balcony.
Drueding asked is the applicant, creating more deck space.
B . Hazen replied no . The design incorporates one continuous deck
separated by moveable panels . The board and applicant discuss
and clarify the deck design . B . Hazen repeated the design is not
the only solution. The design is only a concept for discussion
for the variance . He understood design is not a Board considera-
tion . Sterling' s letter concluded FAR did not matter. Saving
the building is the goal . The proposed solution saves the
building. Drueding argued the bu=ilding will have twice the
allowed FAR. FAR regulations discourage increasing bulk of
buildings . Enclosing the decks will increase the visual. bulk .
B . Hazen reasoned the passive solar gain and the prevention of
deterioration offset: the minor increase in FAR. Drueding
repeated FAR regulations were applied to residential zones two
years ago to monitor the bulk . The Green Duplex located in the
same area as Chateau Snow precipitated the residential FAR
requirement: . Drueding' s concern is that owner will challenge
increased FAR for the Chateau Snow Condominiums .
Herz asked what will the applicant, do to save the building if the
variance is denied . B . Hazen had no answer except the building
could collapse . PaLtillo answered abandon the balconies , re-
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board_ of_Ad,iustment February 14, 1985
roof, :install sliders , and build half-height windows . The
aesthetics would not be compatible with the original design . The
building may be as bulky as it appears now. The other options
are impractical . B . Hazen repeated the balcony is the ceiling
for the lower unit . Removing the balcony is questionable .
E . Hazen argued balconies are an existing property right . She
questioned taking away that property right .
Mann queried Watkins . Could Watkins guarantee no leakage with
the proposed remedy? Watkins answered he would guarantee the
workmanship. Minor leaks around the windows will persist. . But ,
enclosing space will reduce the present damage . He will guaran -
tee that. . Mann asked where will water flow. Watkins replied
down the edge of the glass into a gutter system. B . Hazen said
at the bottom of each floor a gutter would run at an angle and to
the side . Apply heat tape to the gutters to prevent freezing.
pattil. lo suggested extending and tieing the present deck drains
to the proposed gutter system.
Harz asked if the Board can grant a variance with a condition
that the enclosed space must be uninhabitable . Whitaker replied
the problem is enforcement .
Whitaker asked if the proposed glass is fixed. Dillon preferred
fixed glass . The bottom units only have one sill between the
unit and the catch basin . That situation worries him. Also ,
the proposed design provides architectural unit { b . Iiaxert
noted other !complexes in the neighborhood look similar . He cited
the Winterhaven . Dillon remarked the windows and skylights
cannot guarantee complete eradication of the penet:rat.ion of water
into the interior . But , the solution is far better than the
present: situation .
Herz noted the solution provides a thermal benefit . B . Hazen
explained the Man is to the the area and to create a passive
solar gain . Whitaker remarked fixed windows w:i l i create an
intolerable situation during the summer. B . Hazen clarified open
windows are situated at the bottom. Some owners want a sliding
glass door to the outdoors . Owners do not necessarily want to
abandon the decks .
Mann read to the record a letter from ,_Jack 0. O' Neill , dated
January 27 , 1985 :
"The subject, case scheduled to appear before the Board of
Adjustment on February 14 , 1985 , requests a variance to
permit the chateau Snow Condominium Association to :increase
the floor area of an already nonconforming structure.
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board of Ad.ustment February 14, 1985
Apparently the increase in floor space will be achieved by
enclosing the now open decks on the Waters street side of
the building.
I aim the owner of a condominium unit in the adjacent. ( 940
East Waters ) Silverglo Condominiums . Specifically i own
unit 301 , a third floor unit on the southwest corner of the
Silverglo property and directly adjacent to the Chateau
Snow.
In addition to my objection to any nonconforming use of
property in the City of Aspen , I find the proposed variance
particularly objectionable since enclosure of the decks at
Chateau Snow will obscure the view of Aspen Mountain which
now exists from the two bedrooms of my property . Granting
of such a variance by the Board of Adjustment would result
in a decrease in the value of my property.
I am confident that the Board of Adjustment will not permit
a further variance of an already nonconforming structure
when the requested variance would do economic: harm to
adjacent property owners . "
Head questioned how the solution will impact the viewplane .
B . Hazen expressed surprise more owners did not. respond.
Paterson replied only one person lives in the corner unit on the
third floor. B . Hazen noted the third story of the Silverglo may
be higher than the third floor of the Chateau Snow .
Whitaker closed the public hearing for the Board' s comments .
Herz remarked the Board upholds the zoning laws . The request
does :impact FAR. No other alternative exists except to eliminate
the decks which will ruin the building. He does not want
responsibility for not preventing the collapse of a building.
The applicant has a strong hardship . He would grant the
variance.
Head concurred with Herz . Bawd on the lengthy correspondence in
the packet the proposed solution is the only approach to resolve
a very complex problem. Removing balconies is questionable since
the balconies area the ceilings of the lower units . He would
favor the variance.
Paterson apologized for the solution to remove the balconies .
That suggestion is highly impractical because of the living areas
below. There is a hardship. The applicant is not requesting a
r
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting __ Board of Adjustment February 14, 1985
tremendous increase in square footage. He hesitated calling the
square footage FAR. There is no other sensible way to solve the
problem. As a designer, he would consider this solution the only
workable one. The app l i cant has a d(-finite hardship and pract,i-
cal . He. would grant: the variance .
Mann agreed the applicant has demonstrated an hardship . She i-s
uncomfortable with the proposed solution . Remember the Board
must. grant 11 m i n imum v a r 1 ance. May be orily consider the two
upI>er decks . That is the minimum. The Board must consider- that
III illim it III. Based on Pat.erson , s reasoning she is more favorably
disposed.
Whitaker <Ir7ued that the app-l :icarrt has not exhausted a_11 possi -
bilities . Pattillo ' s letter stated the structural. defects .
Those structural defects probably can be eorrect.c.'d for toss money
than the greenhouse solution . Slope the decks . Regularly remove:
the snow. tltiI ize ht�at. tapes . Plan for the escape of the
water . No elan handles that . There is no reason to grant the
variance unless all the possibi -1 ities are exhausted. The hoard
of Adjustment will be subject to severe criticism upon approval.
Of this huge glass: structure.
Hurd asked would t.hF� city be I 1 ab le for fa.i:Lure to grant a
variance if a baiconv rotted , collapsed, and killed someone .
Whitaker argued the balcony will not collapse , the balcony is the
structural roof for the lower apartment .
Paterson agreed there are ot:her• solutions : streamlining the
balcony, sloping, C�tc . But , the freeze-thaw cycle will persist .
Water may melt in drains close to the building. Some areas, tre
not exposed to the sun . Those are the locations for the sloping
outside drains . As water tnf-Its from the glass: and moves down
ward, ice builds up. The system will deteriorate in three or
four Years . The present: problems w i i l pens i.st . Wh i taker
conceded the closed walls complicate the problem. He. encouraged
.,toning the deck back toward the wall and the drains ; and heat.;in ;
the drains .
Whi taker re 0 p e 11ud the public hearing. H . Hazen s Lat,ed the
drains are not causing the problem. Whitaker argued the water is
not. properly channeled to the drain . B . Hazen said Whitaker ' s
problem is really the design , an argument that is not acceptable:
to the Board. Whitaker repeated the Board does riot. grant
vari.anr'-es unless a possible solutions are exhausted. The-
appl ca 1-1 has not. exhausted al I solut,ions . Herz requested Peter -
son ' s comments on the design . Paterson emphasized the perspec-
t ive drawing makes Lhe structure -appear huge. `1`he structure is
1'.'
RECORD OF_PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meetinng_,____ Board _of___Adjustment_ February 14, 1985
really small . The lot is a sixty foot lot. . The proposal will
not impact. . The Chaten" Snow will not impact any more than the
Winterhaven . Head noted the enclosure will not extend beyond the
existing balcony.
Paterson commented the Board has always favored solar gain .
Saving fuel supports the variance. He is considering primarily
the practical difficulty. The applicant has triad to solve the
problem over the past five years . Spending vast amounts of money
for major reconstruction yields little success or gain. The
present building: is a beautiful design . Many times beautiful
designs are not practical . The owners are trying to save the
building . The problem is real . He strongly favored granting they
variance. Many alternate solutions may not work either .
Whitaker argued that poor design without addressing the water
Flow and the freeze-thaw cycle is not a reason for granting; a
variance . Paterson reasoned the step design complicates the
problem. The Board will be remiss if it does not grant: this
variance . There is a hardship . There is a practical diffi-
cul t.y. The solution will not impact, the neighborhood. The
building is nicely setback . The building is quiet . He suggested
-imposing a provision to the approval : the applicant: should add
curb and gutter . Barry Edwards , city attorney, commented the
Board cannot: impose that condition.
Whitaker closed the public hearing .
Motion:
Charlie Paterson moved to grant the variance for case #85- 1 ;
seconded by Rick Head. Whitaker requested a roll call vote:
Charlie Paterson aye
Jo Mann aye
Francis Whitaker nay
Rick Head aye
John Herz aye
Motion carried with Whitaker opposed .
Motion:
Charlie Paterson moved to table the minutes of December 13 , 1984 ,
to March 7 , 1985 : seconded by Rick Head . All in favor; motion
carried.
Motion:
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting Board of Adjustment February 14, 1985
Charlie Paterson moved to adjouru tbe meetiug at 5 : 20 p. m. ;
seconded by Wick Bead, All in [ovor: motion carried .
-Barbara 0nrr: s , Deputy Ciiy Clcrk
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