HomeMy WebLinkAboutordinance.council.011-87 ORDINANCE NO. I c~ ~
(Series of 1987) co ~
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL REPEALING AND RE-
ENACTING SECTION 24-9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE, HISTORIC DESIGNATION
WHEREAS, the City Council of Aspen, Colorado (hereinafter
"Council") deems it to be in the best interests of the City of
Aspen to repeal and re-enact Section 24-9 of the Municipal Code;
and
WHEREAS, Council has made the following findings with regard
to said Code amendment:
1. The Aspen Area Comprehensive Plan: Historic Preserva-
tion Element, adopted on October 7, 1986, contained an
implementation program including: creation of proce-
dures for review of demolition and removal of historic
structures, creation of procedures for sunsetting or
extension of Aspen Historic Preservation Committee
(hereinafter "HPC") approvals, and study of historic
district expansion.
2. The City is presently involved in a code simplification
effort to make the code more understandable. As part
of this effort, it is recognized that the format of
Section 24-9 should be consistent with the rest of the
code; and the processes and standards for historic
designation and development review should be clarified
for the benefit of City decision-making entities,
property owners and the general public.
3. The administration and decision-making functions of the
HPC, Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council as
related to Section 24-9 should be clearly defined so to
assist in making designation and development review
processes comprehensive, fair and expeditious,
4. The development review processes should be expedited
through assignment of responsibilities to the Planning
and Development Director and giving HPC greater
flexibility to approve minor development projects in a
one-step review process.
5. Development guidelines for historic landmarks and
development within historic overlay districts should be
approved by Council and utilized by HPC in the review
processes.
6. The purpose of the demolition review is to provide a
process of obtaining agreement between the City and
owner with regard to the most appropriate use and
preservation plan for the structure whenever possible,
and to avoid the imposition of economic hardship on the
owner of the structure.
; and
WHEREAS, having received and considered the recommendations
of the Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission, Council desires to
repeal and re-enact Section 24-9.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO:
SECTION 1
That Section 24-9 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Aspen, Colorado be repealed and re-enacted to read as follows:
ARTICLE IV. HISTORIC OVERLAY DISTRICT AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Sec. 24-9.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this article is to:
(a) Ensure the preservation of Aspen's character as a his-
toric mining town because of its importance to the
economic viability of the community as an inter-
national ski resort and cultural center.
(b) Promote the cultural, educational and economic welfare
of Aspen through the preservation of historic struc-
tures and areas and the preservation of the historic
character of the community.
(c) Encourage productive and economically attractive uses
of historic structures.
(d) Support the implementation of the Aspen Area Comprehen-
sive Plan Historic Preservation Element.
Sec. 24-9.2 Administrative and Decisionmaking Entities.
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(a) General. The purposes of this article shall be carried
out by the city Council, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC)
and the Planning Director.
(b) city Council. The City Council shall have the
following powers and duties in regard to this article:
(1) Approval of the designation of H, Historic Overlay
Districts and Historic Landmarks, Sec. 24-9.3
(b) (6);
(2) Review of appeals from decisions of the HPC
conditionally approving or disapproving an
application for development or demolition, or
suspending action on a demolition application,
Sec. 24-9.7; and
(3) Adoption of Historic District and Historic
Landmark development guidelines, Sec. 24-9.4(d)
(2).
(c) Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and
Zoning Commission shall have the following powers and
duties in regard to this article:
(1) Recommendation of approval or disapproval of the
designation of an H, Historic Overlay District or
Historic Landmark to the City Council, Sec. 24-
9.3(b) (5) .
(d) Historic Preservation Committee (HPC).
(1) Powers and duties. The Historic Preservation
Committee (HPC) shall have the following powers
and duties in regard to this article:
(i) Recommendation of approval or dis-
approval to the Planning and Zoning
Commission and the City Council of the
designation of Historic Landmarks and an
H, Historic Overlay District, Sec. 24-
9.3(b) (4);
(ii) Review and approval, approval with
conditions, or disapproval of develop-
ment involving a Historic Landmark or
development within the H, Historic
Overlay District, Sec. 24-9.4;
(iii) Review and approval, approval with
conditions, or disapproval of demolition
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involving a Historic Landmark, or any
structure within an "H" Historic Overlay
District or any structure rated as a
"4", or a "5" by the HPC in its evalua-
tion of the inventory of historic sites
and structures of the City of Aspen, as
periodically amended, Sec. 24-9.5;
(iv) Periodic evaluation of the inventory of
historic sites and structures, Sec. 24-
9.3.
(v) Recommendation of approval, approval
with conditions, or disapproval to the
Board of Adjustment on a request for
variance involving a Historic Landmark
or development in the H, Historic
Overlay District, Sec. 24-9.8;
(vi) Recommendation to the City Council of
Historic District and Historic Landmark
development guidelines, Sec. 24-
9.4(d) (2); and
(vii) Recommendation to the Planning and
Zoning Commission to initiate amendments
to this article, Sec. 24-9.3(b).
(2) Qualification for Membership. Members of the HPC
shall be qualified electors in Aspen and residents
for two (2) years prior to appointment.
(3) Membership: Appointment, removal, terms and
vacancies.
(i) The HPC shall be composed of seven (7)
members and three (3) alternate members,
and shall be appointed by the City
Council. Nominations for membership
shall be presented to the City Council
by the Aspen Historical Society and the
community-at-large, and through personal
application. Each member shall hold
office for a term of three (3) years.
An alternate member shall attend all
meetings and shall be allowed to vote in
the absence of a regular member. There
shall be no restraint on the number of
terms any member may serve. When a
regular member resigns, the alternate
member with the most seniority on HPC
shall automatically be appointed as a
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regular member in replacement.
(ii) The HPC, to the extent practicable,
shall be composed of persons with
expertise and experience in architec-
ture, landscape architecture, city
planning, history, real estate, finance,
law, fine arts, general contracting,
commerce and industry.
(iii) Members shall serve in accordance with
the laws of Colorado and may be removed
before the expiration of their appoint-
ment, by a majority vote of the City
Council. In the event that any member
is no longer a qualified elector or is
convicted of a felony or an offense
involving moral turpitude while in
office, the City Council shall terminate
the appointment of such person.
(iv) Members shall serve without compensa-
tion.
(v) At the first regular meeting in August,
the members of the HPC shall elect one
(1) of their members as Chairperson and
one (1) as Vice-Chairperson. In the
absence of the Chairperson, the
Vice-Chairperson shall act as Chair-
person and shall have all powers of the
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be
eligible for re-election.
(vi) The Chairperson of the HPC shall admin-
ister oaths, shall be in charge of all
proceedings before the HPC, shall decide
all points of order on procedure, shall
transmit reports and recommendations of
the HPC and shall take such action as
shall be necessary to preserve order and
the integrity of all proceedings before
the HPC.
(vii) The Secretary of the HPC shall be the
City Clerk or the City Clerk's designee.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes,
mail notices of regular meetings to
members three (3) days in advance, mail
notice of special meetings, serve
personally or leave notice at members'
usual place of residence two (2) days in
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advance, and maintain the files of all
- studies, plans, reports and recommend-
ations made by the HPC.
(viii) Any member of the HPC who has four (4)
or more absences from regular meetings
during the calendar year may be subject
to removal by the City Council.
(4) Staff. The Planning and Development Agency shall
be the professional staff of the HPC. A represen-
tative of the Planning Office and a representative
of the Building Department will be available at
all meetings to provide advice to the HPC.
(5) Quorum and necessary vote. No meeting of the HPC
shall be called to order, nor may any business be
transacted, without a quorum consisting of at
least four (4) members being present. All actions
shall require the concurring vote of a simple
majority of the members of the HPC then present
and voting.
(6) Meetinqs, hearinqs and procedure.
(i) Regular meetings of the HPC shall be
held on the second and fourth Tuesday of
each month. Special meetings may be
called by the Chairperson or a majority
of the members.
(ii) All meetings and hearings of the HPC
shall be open to the public.
(iii) Public hearings shall be set for a time
certain.
(e) Planning Director. The Planning Director shall have
the following powers and duties in regard to this
article:
(1) Exemption of development within an H, Historic
Overlay District, Sec. 24-9.4(c);
(2) Approval of minor modifications to a development
order, Sec. 24-9.6;
(3) Approval of minor modifications to a development
order for demolition, Sec. 24-9.6; and
(4) Provision of planning and technical assistance,
including recommendations to the HPC, the Planning
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and Zoning Commission and the City Council in
regard to this article and informing HPC regarding
historic preservation items being heard by other
City boards in advance of those hearings.
Sec. 24-9.3 Designation of H, Historic Overlay District, or
Historic l~ndmarks and Establishment of Inventory
of Historic Sites and Structures.
(a) Standards for Designation. Any structure or site that
meets one or more of the following standards may be designa-
ted as H, Historic Overlay District and/or Historic Landma-
rk:
(1) Historical Importance. The structure or site is a
principal or secondary structure or site commonly
identified or associated with a person or an event
of historical significance to the cultural, social
or political history of Aspen, the State of
Colorado or the United States;
(2) Architectural Importance. The structure or site
reflects an architectural style that is unique,
distinct or of traditional Aspen character;
(3) Architectural Importance. The structure or site
embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a
significant or unique architectural type or
specimen;
(4) Architectural Importance. The structure is a
significant work of an architect whose individual
work has influenced the character of Aspen.
(5) Neighborhood Character. The structure or site is
a significant component of a historically signifi-
cant neighborhood and the preservation of the
structure or site is important for the main-
tenance of that neighborhood character.
(6) Community Character. The structure or site is
critical to the preservation of the character of
the Aspen community because of its relationship in
terms of size, location and architectural similar-
ity to other structures or sites of historical or
architectural importance.
(b) Procedure for Desiqnation, Amendment, Rescinding. Any
structure or site that meets one or more of the stand-
ards in Sec. 24-9.3(a) (1)-(6) may be designated H,
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Historic Overlay District and/or Historic Landmark, by
the City Council in accordance with the following
procedures:
(1) Initiation. A proposed designation, amendment to
a designation, or rescinding of a designation, H,
Historic Overlay District and/or Historic Land-
mark, may be initiated by the City Council, the
HPC, or one hundred (100%) percent of the owners
of the property proposed for designation.
(2) Submission of Application and Sufficiency Review.
Before any structure or site shall be considered
for an H, Historic Overlay District or Historic
Landmark designation, an Application for Historic
Designation shall be submitted to the Planning
Director.
(i) The application for Historic Designation
shall include the following:
(aa) a boundary description of the
site;
(bb) a street address and a
description of the structure
or site;
(cc) an explanation of why the
designation is consistent with
one (1) or more of the
standards in Sec. 24-9.3(a)
(1)-(6); and
(dd) any other evidence that
supports the proposed designa-
tion.
(ii) Determination of Completeness. The
Planning Director shall determine
whether an Application for Historic
Designation is complete within ten (10)
working days of its receipt. If it is
determined the application is not
complete, the Planning Director shall
notify the applicant of the deficiencies
in writing. The Planning Director shall
take no further action on the applica-
tion until all deficiencies have been
corrected or otherwise settled.
(3) Recommendation of Planning Director. Within ten
(10) working days of a determination of complete-
ness, the Planning Director shall complete the
review of the application and submit a written
recommendation to the HPC regarding whether the
application conforms to the standards in Sec. 24-
9.3 (a) (1)-(6).
(4) HPC Recommendation. The Application for Historic
Designation shall be reviewed by the HPC and a
written recommendation shall be submitted to the
Planning and Zoning Commission within thirty (30)
days of receipt of the Planning Director's
written recommendation.
(5) Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation.
(i) The Planning and Zoning Commission shall
conduct a public hearing on the proposed
designation and make a written recom-
mendation to the City Council within
forty-five (45) days of HPC's action on
an Application for Historic Designation.
(ii) For a proposed designation of less than
fifty (50) individual properties, a
written notice of the public hearing
shall be published once in a newspaper
of general circulation in Aspen at least
fifteen (15) days prior to the hearing.
A written notice shall also be sent at
least fifteen (15) days prior to the
hearing date to the owner or owners of
the property subject to the proposed
designation. In the case of City
Council and HPC initiated designations,
written notice shall be sent by certi-
fied mail as specified In the case of
owner initiated designations, written
notice shall be sent by first class mail
as specified.
(iii) For a proposed designation of fifty (50)
or more individual properties, the
public hearing shall meet the require-
ments of Sec. 24-12.4 of the Municipal
Code.
(6) City Council Review and Approval or Disapproval.
Upon receipt of the Planning and Zoning Commission's
recommendation, the city Council shall hold a public
hearing on the proposed designation, consider the
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recommendations of the HPC and Planning and Zoning
- Commission, and may designate the structure or site H,
Historic Overlay District and/or Historic Landmark, if
it meets one or more of the standards in Sec. 24-
9.3(a) (1)-(6). The public hearing shall meet the
requirements of Sec. 24-12.6 of the Municipal Code.
(c) Recordation of Desiqnation. Upon the effective date of
an act by the city Council designating an H, Historic
Overlay District or Historic Landmark, the Secretary of
the HPC shall notify the Building Inspector of the
designation and shall record among the real estate
records of the Clerk and Recorder of Pitkin County,
Colorado, a certified copy of the ordinance creating
the H, Historic Overlay District or Historic Landmark.
The ordinance shall contain a legal description of the
structure or site designated.
(d) Placement on City's official Zoninq Map. Upon the
effective date of an act by the City Council designat-
ing an H, Historic Overlay District or Historic
Landmark, the Secretary of the HPC shall notify the
Planning Director and the H, Historic Overlay District
designation shall be placed on Aspen's official Zoning
Map.
(e) Rescinding Desiqnation. An application for rescinding
designation shall follow the same submission require-
ments and review procedures as for designation de-
scribed in subparagraph (b) above except that with
respect to subparagraph (b) (2) (i) (cc), an explanation
shall be included describing why the designated site or
structure is not consistent with the standards in
Section 24-9.3(a) (1)-(6) .
(f) Establishment of Inventory of Historic Structures.
(1) There is hereby established an inventory of
historic structures in the City of Aspen. The
inventory shall be maintained in the offices of
the Planning and Development Agency at all times
for inspection by the general public during
regular business hours. The inventory of historic
structures shall include all structures in the
city of Aspen originally constructed prior to 1910
which continue to have historic value, and such
other structures identified by the HPC as being
outstanding examples of more modern architecture.
(2) It shall be the responsibility of the HPC, based
on the recommendations of the Planning Director,
to evaluate the inventory of historic structures
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at least once every five years, and to hold a
public hearing to solicit comments on its eval-
uations. The purpose of the evaluation shall be
to determine those structures which are to be
removed from the inventory, any structures which
should be added to the inventory, and to rate all
structures which remain on the inventory.
(3) The HPC evaluation process shall proceed as
follows. The structures on the inventory shall be
categorized as to whether or not they are Historic
Landmarks. No further action need be taken with
respect to Historic Landmarks. All structures
which are not Historic Landmarks shall be eval-
uated by the HPC as to their current architectural
integrity, historic significance and community and
neighborhood influence. Structures shall be
assigned with a rated value of between 0 and 5,
based on guidelines established by the HPC and
ratified by Ordinance of city Council. Structures
which are rated 0 and 1 shall be deemed to have no
historic value and shall be removed from the
inventory. Structures rated 2 through 5 shall
remain on the inventory and periodically be re-
evaluated as provided above.
Sec. 24-9.4 Development in an H, Historic Overlay District or
Involving a Historic Landmark.
(a) Overview of Development Review in an H, Historic
Overlay District or Involvinq a Historic Landmark. Any
development within an H, Historic Overlay District or
development involving a Historic Landmark must be
reviewed in accordance with the provisions of this Sec.
24-9.4, unless exempted under Sec. 24-9.4(c). If not
exempted, development is categorized as Minor or
Significant Development which must obtain approval of
the HPC. Minor Development review and approval is a
one-step process. Significant Development must go
through a Conceptual and Final Development Plan review
and approval process.
(b) General Prohibition. No development shall be permitted
within the H, Historic Overlay District or involving a
Historic Landmark unless:
(1) The development is not subject to the provisions
of this section; or
(2) The development is exempted by the Planning
Director pursuant to Sec. 24-9.4(c); or
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(3) The development is approved by the HPC as either
Minor or Significant Development pursuant to the
procedures outlined in Sec. 24-9.4(e) because it
meets the standards of Sec. 24-9.4(d).
(c) Exemption.
(1) Development which is not subject to the provisions
of this section shall include any interior
remodeling of a structure, repainting of the
exterior of an already painted structure and
choice of color of any exterior architectural
feature. Such development shall not require the
review by the Planning Director or HPC, and shall
proceed directly to building permit review, when a
building permit is required for the activity.
(2) Development which the Planning Director shall
exempt shall include repair of existing archi-
tectural features, replacement of architectural
features when found necessary for the preservation
of the structure, and similar remodeling activi-
ties which create no change to the exterior
appearance of the structure and have no impact on
its character.
(3) Prior to initiating any development which an owner
believes to be exempt under the provisions of
Section 24-9.4(c) (2), the owner shall consult with
the Planning Director to obtain a determination of
exemption. Development which the owner believes
is eligible for exemption from the provisions of
this section shall require an Application for
Exemption to be submitted to the Planning
Director in the form provided by the Planning
Director. The Planning Director shall determine
if the application is complete within five (5)
working days of its receipt. If it is determined
that the application is not complete, the Planning
Director shall notify the applicant of the
deficiencies in writing. No further action shall
be taken on the application until all deficiencies
have been corrected or otherwise settled. Once
the Planning Director determines the application
is complete, a decision whether the proposed
development may be exempted from the terms of this
section shall be made within five (5) working days
in the form of a Certificate of Compliance issued
by the Planning Director to the Building Inspec-
tor.
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(d) Review Standards for all Development in H, Historic
Overlay District and all Development Involvinq Historic
Landmarks.
(1) Development in Historic Overlay District and all
Development involvinq Historic Landmarks. No
approval for any development in the H, Historic
Overlay District or involving Historic Landmarks
shall be granted unless the HPC finds that:
(i) The proposed development is compatible
in character with designated historic
structures located on the parcel and
with development on adjacent parcels
when the subject site is in a Historic
Overlay District or is adjacent to a
Historic Landmark.
(ii) The proposed development reflects and is
consistent with the character of the
neighborhood of the parcel proposed for
development.
(iii) The proposed development enhances or
does not detract from the cultural value
of designated historic structures
located on the parcel proposed for
development or adjacent parcels.
(iv) The proposed development enhances or
does not diminish or detract from the
architectural integrity of a designated
historic structure or part thereof.
(2) Additional Development Guidelines. The City
Council, upon recommendation of the HPC, shall
establish additional guidelines for use by HPC in
the review of all development in H, Historic
Overlay District and involving Historic Landmarks,
in accordance with the procedures in Sec. 24-
9.2 (b) (3).
(e) Procedure for Review.
(1) General. Before HPC approval of development with-
in an H, Historic Overlay District and all
development involving Historic Landmarks, an
Application for Minor Development, or Application
for Significant Development, whichever is applica-
ble, shall be submitted to the Planning Director
and shall be reviewed and approved by the HPC.
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(2) Initiation. An Application for Minor Development
or an Application for Significant Development
shall be submitted by the owner, an agent author-
ized in writing to act on the owner's behalf, or
other person having a written contractual interest
in the parcel of land proposed for development.
All applications shall include the name and
address of all owners of the property, the address
of the property and the name of the structure (if
applicable). If the applicant is not the owner,
the applicant's name, address and interest in the
property shall be given.
(3) Procedure for Review of Application for Minor
Development.
(i) Minor Development shall be defined as
follows:
(aa) Erection of an awning, canopy,
sign, fence or other similar
attachments to or accessory
features of a structure, provided
however, that in the process of
erecting said attachments, none of
the original materials of the
structure are destroyed or removed.
Incidental destruction or removal
necessary to erect any attachment
shall not make the action signifi-
cant development;
(bb) Remodeling of a structure where
alterations are made to no more
than one (1) element of the
structure, including but not
limited to a roof, window, door,
skylight, ornamental trim, siding,
kickplate, dormer, porch, stair-
case, and balcony;
(cc) Expansion or erection of a struc-
ture wherein the increase in floor
area of the structure is two
hundred and fifty (250) square feet
or less; or
(dd) Erection or remodeling of combina-
tions of, or multiples of no more
than three (3) of the following
features: awnings, canopies, signs,
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fences and other similar attach-
ments; or windows, doors, skylights
and dormers. Erection of more than
three (3) of the above listed
features may be defined as minor if
there is a finding that the cumula-
tive impact of such development is
minor in its effect on the charac-
ter of the existing structures.
(ii) Submission of Application. An Applica-
tion for Minor Development shall be
submitted to the Planning Director. It
shall include the following:
(aa) A written description of the
proposed development.
(bb) An accurate representation of
all major building materials,
such as samples and photo-
graphs, to be used for the
proposed development.
(cc) A scale drawing of the
proposed development in
relation to any existing
structure.
(dd) A statement of the effect of
the proposed development on
the original design of the
historic structure (if
applicable) and/or character
of the neighborhood, and why
the proposed development meets
the review standards in Sec.
24-9.4 (d) .
(ee) Any other information consid-
ered reasonably necessary for
the review of the application.
(iii) Determination of Completeness. The
Planning Director shall determine if an
application is complete within ten (10)
working days of its receipt. If it is
determined the application is not com-
plete, the Planning Director shall
notify the applicant of the deficiencies
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in writing. No further action shall be
taken on the application until all
deficiencies have been corrected or
otherwise settled.
(iv) Recommendation of Planninq Director.
Once the Planning Director determines
the application is complete, review of
the application shall be accomplished
and submitted as a written recommenda-
tion to the HPC regarding whether the
application conforms to the standards in
Sec. 24-9.4(d).
(v) Review by HPC. Upon receipt of the
recommendation of the Planning Director,
the HPC shall review the application.
If the HPC finds that the application
meets the standards in Sec. 24-9.4(d),
and the procedural requirements of this
article, the application for minor
development shall be approved.
(4) Review of Application for Siqnificant Development.
(i) Significant development shall be defined
as follows:
(aa) Erection of an awning, canopy,
sign, fence or other similar
attachments to or accessory
features of a structure that, in
the process of erecting, causes
original materials of the structure
to be destroyed or removed;
(bb) Erection or remodeling of combina-
tions of or multiples of any single
feature of a structure which has
not been determined to be minor;
(cc) Expansion or erection of a struc-
ture wherein the increase in floor
area of the structure is more than
two hundred and fifty (250) square
feet;
(dd) Construction of a new structure
within an H, Historic Overlay
District; and
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(ee) The redevelopment of the site of a
historic landmark which has
received approval for demolition
when a redevelopment plan has been
required by the HPC pursuant to
Section 24-9.5(c) (2) (vi).
(ii) Review and Approval of Conceptual
Development Plan.
Submission of Application for Approval
of Conceptual Development Plan. Before
HPC consideration of approval for a
Conceptual Development Plan, an Applica-
tion for Approval of Conceptual Develop-
ment Plan shall be submitted to the
Planning Director. The application
shall include the following:
(aa) A sketch plan of the proposed
development showing property
boundaries and predominant existing
site characteristics.
(bb) Conceptual selection of major
building materials to be used in
the proposed development.
(cc) A statement of the effect of the
proposed development on the origi-
nal design of the historic struc-
ture (if applicable) and/or
character of neighborhood, and why
the proposed development meets the
review standards in Sec. 24-
9.4 (d) .
(dd) Any other information considered
reasonably necessary for the review
of the application.
(iii) Determination of Completeness. The
Planning Director shall determine if an
application is complete within ten (10)
working days of its receipt. If it is
determined the application is not
complete, the Planning Director shall
notify the applicant of the deficiencies
in writing. No further action shall be
taken on the application until all
deficiencies have been corrected or
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otherwise settled. Once the Planning
Director determines the application is
complete, review of the application
shall be accomplished and submitted as a
written recommendation to the HPC
regarding whether the application
conforms to the standards in Sec. 24-9.4
(d).
(iv) Review by HPC. Upon notification that a
complete application has been submitted
for review, the HPC shall hold at least
one (1) public hearing on the applica-
tion. Notice of the time and place of
the public hearing shall be given at
least fifteen (15) days in advance by
publication in a newspaper having a
general circulation in Aspen. The HPC
shall approve the Conceptual Development
Plan if they determine that the plan
meets the standards in Sec. 24-9.4(d).
(v) Effect of Approval of Conceptual
Development Plan. Approval of a Concep-
tual Development Plan shall not con-
stitute final approval of significant
Development or permission to proceed
with development. Such approval shall
constitute only authorization to proceed
with an Application for a Final Develop-
ment Plan.
(vi) Limitation on Approval of Conceptual
Development Plan. Application for a
Final Development Plan shall be filed
within one (1) year of the date of
approval of a Conceptual Development
Plan. Unless an extension is granted by
the HPC, failure to file such an
application shall render null and void
the approval of a Conceptual Development
Plan previously granted by the HPC.
(vii) Review and Final Approval of Significant
Development Plan.
(aa) Submission of Application for Final
Development Plan. Before consider-
ation of a Final Development Plan,
an Application for Final Develop-
ment Plan shall be submitted to the
Planning Director. The application
18
shall include:
1. A written description of the
proposed development.
2. An accurate representation of
all major building materials,
such as samples and photo-
graphs, to be used for the
proposed development.
3. Scale drawings of the proposed
development in relation to any
existing structure.
4. A statement of the effect of
the details of the proposed
development on the original
design of the historic struc-
ture (if applicable) and/or
character of neighborhood, and
how the details of the
proposed development meets the
review standards in Sec. 24-
9.4(d). Also, a statement of
how the final plan conforms to
the representations made
during the conceptual review
and responds to any conditions
placed thereon.
5. Any other information consid-
ered reasonably necessary for
the review of the application.
(bb) Determination of Completeness. The
Planning Director shall determine
if an application is complete
within ten (10) working days of its
receipt. If it is determined the
application is not complete, the
Planning Director shall notify the
applicant of the deficiencies in
writing. No further action shall
be taken on the application until
all deficiencies have been cor-
rected or otherwise settled.
(cc) Recommendation of Planninq Direc-
tor. Once the Planning Director
determines the application is comp-
19
because it creates no change to the exterior of the
structure and has no impact on the character of the
structure.
(b) Standards for Review of Demolition. No approval for
demolition shall be granted unless the applicant has
demonstrated that:
(1) The structure proposed for demolition is not
structurally sound despite evidence of the
owner's efforts to properly maintain the
structure; and
(2) The structure cannot be rehabilitated or
reused to provide for any beneficial use of
the property; and
(3) The structure cannot be practicably moved to
another site in Aspen; and
(4) A demolition and redevelopment plan is
submitted when required by HPC, or for any
partial demolition, which mitigates to the
greatest extent practical any impact that
occurs to the character of the neighborhood
of the parcel where demolition is proposed to
occur; and
(5) The demolition plan mitigates to the greatest
extent practical any impact the proposed
demolition has on the historic importance of
the structures located on the parcel and
adjacent parcels; and
(6) The demolition plan mitigates to the greatest
extent practical any impact on the architec-
tural integrity of the historic structure or
part thereof.
(c) Procedure for Review of Applications for Demolition.
(1) Submission of Application. Before HPC review of
proposed demolition or partial demolition of a
structure, an Application for Demolition shall be
submitted to the Planning Director.
(2) Application for Demolition.
An Application for Demolition shall include the
following:
21
(i) The name and address of all owners of
the property where demolition or partial
demolition is proposed. If the ap-
plicant is not the owner, the ap-
plicant's name, address and interest in
the property. The owner's authorization
for the application to be submitted must
be included.
(ii) The address of the property where the
demolition or partial demolition is
proposed and name of the structure
proposed for demolition or partial
demolition.
(iii) A written description of the structure
proposed for demolition or partial
demolition , and its year of construc-
tion.
(iv) A report from a licensed engineer or
architect regarding the soundness of the
structure and its suitability for
rehabilitation.
(v) An economic feasibility report that
provides:
(aa) estimated market value of the
property on which the structure
lies, in its current condition, and
after demolition or partial
demolition;
(bb) estimates from an architect,
developer, real estate agent or
appraiser experienced in rehabilit-
ation addressing the economic
feasibility of rehabilitation or
reuse of the structure proposed for
demolition or partial demolition;
(cc) all appraisals made of the property
on which the structure is located
made within the previous two (2)
years; and
(dd) any other information considered
necessary to make a determination
whether the property does yield or
may yield a reasonable return on
investment.
22
(vi) A written statement of how the demoli-
tion conforms to the review standards of
Section 24-9.5(b).
(vii) A redevelopment plan and a state-
ment of the effect of the proposed
redevelopment on the other struc-
tures on the property and the character
of the neighborhood around the property
shall be submitted unless waived by the
HPC.
(viii) Any other information considered
necessary for the review of the appli-
cation.
(3) Determination of Completeness. The Planning
Director shall determine if an application is
complete within ten (10) working days of its
receipt. If it is determined the application is
not complete, the Planning Director shall notify
the applicant of the deficiencies in writing. No
further action on the application shall be taken
until all deficiencies have been corrected or
otherwise settled.
(4) Recommendation of Planning and Development
Director. Once the Planning Director determines
the application is complete, review of the
application shall be accomplished and submitted as
a written recommendation to the HPC regarding
whether the application conforms to the standards
in Sec. 24-9.5(b).
(5) Review by HPC. Upon receipt of the recommend-
ation of the Planning Director, the HPC shall hold
at least one (1) public hearing on its consider-
ation of the application. Partial demolition shall
be exempted from the public hearing requirement
unless the Planning Director determines that the
proposed demolition involves removal of a portion
of the structure possessing significance according
to the standards of Section 24-9.3(a). Notice of
the time and place of the public hearing shall be
given at least fifteen (15) days in advance by
publication in a newspaper having a general cir-
culation in Aspen. Notice of the time and place
of the hearing shall also be given by the posting
of a sign in a conspicuous place on the premises
for which the application has been made at least
23
ten (10) days prior to the hearing date, by
publication in a newspaper having a general
circulation in Aspen and by written notice sent by
first class mail at least ten (10) days, or
delivered personally at least five (5) days, prior
to the hearing date, to owners of property within
three hundred (300) feet of the property in
question. A list and stamped preaddressed
envelopes with the names and addresses shall be
supplied as the names and addresses appear upon
plats or records in the Pitkin County Clerk and
Recorder's office and on the tax records of Pitkin
County.
The HPC shall approve the application if it meets
the standards in Sec. 24-9.5(b) (1) through (6), if
for demolition, and Sec. 24-9.5(b) (4) through (6)
if for partial demolition, suspend action on the
application for good cause, as defined in Section
24-9.5(c)(6) below, or deny the application if it
does not meet the applicable standards.
(6) Suspension of Action. The HPC shall only be
authorized to suspend action on a demolition
application when it finds that it needs additional
information to determine whether the applicant
meets the standards of Section 24-9.5 (b) or that
the proposed demolition is a matter of such great
public concern to the City that alternatives to
the demolition must be studied jointly by the City
and the owner. Alternatives which the HPC may
consider having studied shall include, but not be
limited to finding economically beneficial uses of
the structure, removal of the structure to a
suitable location, providing public subsidy to the
owner to preserve the structure, identifying a
public entity capable of public acquisition of the
structure, or revision to the demolition and
redevelopment plan.
The HPC shall be required to specify the addi-
tional information it requires and/or the alterna-
tives it finds should be studied when it suspends
action on the development application. Action
shall only be suspended for the amount of time it
shall take for the necessary information to be
prepared and reviewed by the Planning Director,
but in no case shall suspension be for a period to
exceed six months.
All decisions of the HPC to suspend action on a
demolition application shall be subject to appeal
24
582
to City Council by the applicant pursuant to
Section 24-9.7.
(7) Continuation of Review. Upon receipt of the
requested materials from the applicant, review of
the demolition application shall continue. Review
shall occur pursuant to the procedures of Section
24-9.5 (c) .
Sec. 24-9.6 Insubstantial Modification of Development or
Demolition Approval.
(a) An insubstantial modification to an approved develop-
ment or redevelopment plan may be authorized by the
Planning Director. An insubstantial modification shall
be limited to technical or engineering considerations,
first discovered during actual development and not
reasonably anticipated during the approval process,
such as a change in shape or location of a single
window, awning, door, staircase or other feature on the
structure or use of a material made by a different
manufacturer that has the same quality and approximate-
ly the same appearance as originally approved.
(b) All other modifications shall be approved by the HPC
pursuant to Sec. 24-9.4 or 24-9.5, whichever is
applicable.
Sec. 24-9.7 Appeal.
(a) Any action by the HPC in approving or disapproving a
development order for development or demolition or
suspending action on a demolition application or in
rating a structure on the Inventory of Historic
Structures may be appealed to the City Council within
sixty (60) days of the decision. The reasons for the
appeal shall be stated in writing.
(b) The City Council shall consider the application on the
record established before the HPC. The City Council
shall affirm the decision of the HPC unless Council
shall determine that there was an abuse of discretion,
or a denial of due process by the HPC. Upon deter-
mining that there was an abuse of discretion or denial
of due process, the Council shall be authorized to take
such action as it shall deem necessary to remedy said
situation, including but not limited to reversing the
decision, altering the conditions of approval, changing
the length of time during which action on a demolition
application has been suspended or the terms of the
suspension, or remanding the application to HPC for re-
25
hearing.
Sec. 24-9.8 Variances.
The Board of Adjustment shall not take any action on a
variance request for development in the H, Historic Overlay
District or development affecting a Historic Landmark,
without receiving a written recommendation thereon from the
HPC.
Sec. 24-9.9 Violations and Remedies.
(a) Whenever the performance of any act is required or the
commission of any act is prohibited, pursuant to the
terms of this article, failure to comply shall consti-
tute a violation of Chapter 24 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Aspen. All penalties therein contained
shall be applicable.
(b) Any development or demolition ordered by an official or
agency of the City of Aspen within the H, Historic
Overlay District or affecting a Historic Landmark, for
the purpose of remedying conditions found by the
official or agency to cause immediate danger to life,
health, or property shall be construed as not being in
violation of this article.
Sec. 24-9.10 Definitions.
Character means the height, site coverage, setbacks, siting,
massing, fenestration, materials, and scale of materials.
H, Historic District and Historic Landmark development
guidelines shall be established to give further explanation
of the qualities that compose character.
Compatible Means consistent with, harmonious with, similar
to and/or enhances the mixture of complimentary architec-
tural styles, either of an individual structure or the
character of the surrounding structures.
Demolition means the act of demolishing a structure.
Development means the carrying out of any building activity,
or the making of any material change in the appearance of
any structure, except demolition. Development includes
remodeling, erection, alteration and redevelopment.
Exterior architectural feature means the architectural
style, design, and general arrangement of the exterior of a
26
582 , a 457
structure, including but not limited to the texture,
materials, windows, lights, signs, and other fixtures
appurtenant to a structure.
H, Historic Overlay District means a site or area designated
by the City Council as an H, Historic Overlay District under
the provisions of this Article.
Historic Landmark means a structure designated by the City
Council as a Historic Landmark under the provisions of this
Article, either within or outside of an H, Historic Overlay
District.
Neiqhborhood means the area adjacent to or surrounding a
Historic Landmark characterized by common use or uses,
density, style and age of structures and environmental
characteristics.
Partial demolition means the act of demolishing part of a
structure.
Planninq Director means any person specifically designated
by the City Manager to carry out the provisions of this
article, including that person who is appointed as the head
of the Planning and Development Agency and such persons
employed within the Planning and Development Agency as may
be designated to assist in carrying out any or more of the
provisions of this article.
Site means one (1) or more parcels with one (1) or more
structures.
Structure means anything constructed, installed, remodeled,
or portable, the use of which requires location on a parcel
of land. It includes a movable building, used either
temporarily or permanently. Structure also includes walk-
ways, paths, fences and signs.
Section 2
The City Council hereby ratifies the Inventory of
Historic Structures Evaluation Guidelines established by HPC
on January 15, 1987, a copy of which is attached hereto and
incorporated by reference.
Section 3
Ratings of structures on the Inventory of Historic
Structures in effect as of the date of adoption of this
ordinance may be appealed to the City Council within sixty
(60) days of the adoption of this ordinance.
27
Section 4
If any section, subsections, sentence, clause, phrase
or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid
or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,
such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and
independent provision and such holding shall not affect the
validity of the remaining portions thereof.
Section 5
A public hearing on the Ordinance shall be held on the
/~ day of ~~ , 1987, at 5:00 P.M.
in the City Council Chamber, Aspen City Hall, Aspen,
Colorado.
INTRODUCED, READ AND ORDERED PUBLIS}IED as provided by
law by the City Council of the City of Aspen on the ~ ~ day
~_ ~/~~--~ , 1987.
of
4j~_ ~ William L. Stirling, ~/
%
Mayor
C~,.~.~'.~h,~n~. K~ch, City Clerk
FINALLY adopted, passed and approved this t//~A~'~ day
of ~- , 1987.
1 ,~'~% William L.
'~ '.'. ~.. :, Mayor
AT~S~-~
.
,~a,.~hr~n ~. Koch, City clerk
SB2'76
28
Exhibit to Ordinance N,~mher 11 (Series of 1987)
0 - Structure was incorrectly placed on Inventory and is
actually neither old nor reconstructed.
1 - Structure is old, but has been so drastically altered to not
be easily recognizable as a Victorian or mining era struc-
ture. Its situation in the neighborhood typically has
minimal historic influence because the neighborhood has been
substantially rebuilt with new structures of a larger scale,
or the structure is badly deteriorated.
2 - Structure has been altered in a way that has negatively
affected its historic architectural integrity. Typically,
the structure cannot be associated with any important
historic person or event, and is merely representative of a
miner family home environment. Neighborhood influence is
also not significant because the structure's historic
qualities have become nominal.
3 - Structure has been altered in a way that negatively affects
its historic architectural integrity; however, the structure
retains some historic significance because of particularly
distinctive historic structural elements and/or its contri-
bution to the historic character of a neighborhood. In a
few cases, the structure has been associated with an
historic person or family.
4 - Structure has been altered in a way that is considered
compatible with the original architecture; and the historic
character is preserved. Structure typically has strong
positive influence in the neighborhood's historic character
and may be associated with important historic persons or
events. In all cases, structures were in their original
location, to the best of staff and HPC's knowledge.
5 - Structure appears to be unaltered or has been carefully
restored/reconstructed. In some cases, structures were
rated in the 1980 Inventory as excellent or exceptional
rather than notable. Typically, these structures are very
good representatives of an historic architectural style and
craftsmanship, and have a strong positive influence on the
neighborhood's character. Structures evaluated at 5's may
also be associated with important historic persons or
events.
CITY OF ASPEN
INVENTORY OF HISTORIC STRUCTURES:
Undesignated Structures Evaluated By
Historic Preservation Committee
January, 1987
Structures Scored 4 and 5
EVALUATION
AREA ADDRESS LOT BLOCK SCORE
Commercial Core
305 E. Main 1/2B, C 80 4
309 E. Main D 80 4
309 E. Hopkins C 81 4
303 E. Main A, B 80 5
406 E. Hopkins K, L, M 87 5
209 S. Galena 88 5
419 E. Hyman F, G 89 5
506 E. Hyman/
210 S. Galena K, L 94 5
529/531 E. Cooper/
405 S. Hunter 96 5
Main Street
616 W. Main 24 4
205 W. Main H, I 52 4
527 W. Main C 31 5
320 W. Main N, O, P 44 5
West End
716 W. Francis O, 1/2P 15 4
712 W. Francis 1/2P, Q 15' 4
700 w. Francis R, S 15 4
609 W. Smuggler G 21 4
323 W. Hallam D, E 43 4
121 W. Bleeker D, 1/2 E 58 4
834 W. Hallam K, L 10 5
421 N. 5th H, I 21 5
629 W. Smuggler A, B 21 5
334 W. Hallam 1/2 K, L 42 5
214 W. Bleeker N, O, P 50 5
515 W. Gillespie 4, 5, 6 99 5
Undesignated Structures
Evaluated by HPC
Page 2
AREA ADDRESS LOT BLOCK SCORE
Community Church
127 E. Hallam F, G 65 4
110 E. Bleeker M 65 4
134 E. Bleeker R, S 65 4
216 E. Hallam K, L 71 4
222 E. Hallam M, N 71 4
202 N. Monarch K, L, M 78 4
105 E. Hallam B, C 65 5
Hallam Lake
514 N. 3rd A, B 40 4
225 W. Smuggler D, E 48 4
314 W. Gillespie 6, 1/2 5 91 4
330 W. Gillespie 4, 1/2 5 91 4
240 Lake 1/2 12, 13, 14, 15 103 4
120 W. Francis N, O, P 55 5
330 Lake 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 103 5
W. Bleeker/
W. Hallam
610 W. Hallam Q 22 4
1000 E. Cooper K, L 34 4
623 E. Hopkins F, 1/2 G 99 4
West Aspen Mountain
212 W. Hopkins p, Q 52 4
219 W. Hopkins D 53 4
124 E. Cooper p, Q 69 4
214 E. Hopkins N, O 74 4
lete, he shall complete his review
of the application and submit a
written recommendation to the HPC
regarding whether the application
conforms to the standards in Sec.
24-9.4 (d) .
(dd) Review by HPC. Upon receipt of the
recommendation of the Planning
Director, the HPC shall review the
application. If the HPC finds that
the Final Development Plan conforms
to the approved Conceptual Develop-
ment Plan and the substantive and
procedural requirements of this
Article, the Application for Final
Development Plan shall be approved.
(ee) Expiration of Approval. Failure to
obtain a building permit for final
development approval granted by the
HPC within a period of eighteen
(18) months following the HPC's
action shall render such approval
invalid. Renewal of a prior
approval may be granted by the HPC
for an additional period not to
exceed twelve (12) months upon
receipt of a written request for
such review from the applicant. In
granting said renewal, the HPC
shall consider whether conditions
in the neighborhood of the applica-
tion or in the community have
changed such that renewal is not in
the best interest of the community.
Sec. 24-9.5 Demolition of Historic Structures.
(a) General. No demolition and total removal of a Historic
Landmark or any structure within an "H" Historic
Overlay District or any structure rated as a "4" or a
"5" by the HPC in its evaluation of the inventory of
historic sites and structures of the City of Aspen, as
periodically amended, shall be permitted unless the
demolition is approved by the HPC because it meets the
standards of Sec. 24-9.5(b) (1) through (6). No
demolition and removal of a portion of any structure
subject to these provisions shall be permitted unless
the partial demolition is approved by the HPC because
it meets the standards of Sec.24-9.5(b) (4) through (6)
or unless the partial demolition and removal is exempt
20