HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.apz.19960820PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Chairperson Sara Garton called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. with
members Jasmine Tygre, Roger Hunt Robert Blaich, Marta Chaikovska,
Steve Buettow and Dave Johnston present. Timothy Mooney was absent.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Blaich submitted a memo regarding DEPP Goals and Tasks from Tim Malloy,
Director of Long-range Planning. Garton stated the goals and enhancement
for the downtown area are ambitious in requesting P & Z response by
8/30/96, especially since the next regular P & Z Meeting isn't until 9/3/96.
Dave Michaelson will talk with Tim Malloy about waiting until the 9/3/96
meeting or the Commission will respond individually to Blaich.
Garton questioned the ISiS Theater HPC approval for the tear down of an
entire brick wall on the ISiS that originally wasn't going to be taken down.
Dave Hoefer, City Assistant Attorney was present at that HPC meeting. HPC
allowed them to taken down the wall and recreate it because the mortar was
in need of replacement. The owner is to make it as historical as possible.
Tygre inquired about the use of the new Poss building next door to Stewart
Title. The building was slated for office space and it is now clearly a home.
Garton said that it was Poss Architectural Offices, but was sold and is a
private home. Michaelson stated that there is a change in use issue here,
because, if approved for Commercial it did not mitigate for Ordinance 1. If
Residential then mitigation for Ordinance 1 was needed. He will check into
this. Buettow said that an ADU was done and Garton recalled that it may not
have been represented as only office space. She wanted to know when the
Trailer and Construction Walk-way could be removed so that the sidewalk
would be returned back to the town. She said there should be room to set-up
a Construction Office in building. Michaelson stated that this needed to be
requested.
Michaelson, staff, requested that the Aspen Valley Master Plan Amendment
be first on the agenda because the planner, Ellen Sassano, had a schedule
conflict with the County P & Z meeting at the same time.
Joe Wells, Public, stated that this scheduling issue has come up recently.
Wells said the meeting is noticed for a certain time and place and should be
kept to that time. Garton answered that the date is only noticed and not the
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
time. Hoefer explained that the order may be changed and if there is an
objection from the people, then Commission will make a determination which
has the most merit.
There were no public comments' on items not on the agenda.
Minutes
MOTION: Hunt moved to adopt the minutes of August 6,
1996 and August 7, 1996. Seconded by Blaich. All in favor,
motion carries.
PUBLIC MEETING:
Aspen Valley Hospital Master Plan Amendment Referral
Hunt disclosed that he and project manager, John Young, have a relationship
with a 6320 Corporation, Non-Profit. He doesn't have a problem but would
like to hear objections and be happy to step down.
David Hoefer, Assistant City Attorney, felt that Hunt's disclosure was
appropriate and saw no need to disqualify himself.
Ellen Sassano, Staff, introduced John Young and Ted Guy representatives for
Aspen Valley Hospital District. The application is going through County
Land Use Review Process. Sassano seeks referral comments from the City P
& Z perspective to take to the BOCC 8/28/96 meeting.
Sassano gave the history that funding was denied in the 1992 review. About a
year ago the voters approved the mil levy increase. The Master Plan for the
Hospital was revised based upon public input as a part of that vote.
Essentially a 5,504 square foot additional space is proposed to the existing
building of 64,616 square feet. Primarily the additions accommodate an
expanded and more efficient circulation for the Entry area, Emergency area
and expansion to Physical Therapy area. The revamping will accommodate
and relieve congestion to people coming into the hospital for regular services
and separate those coming in for emergency room services. There will be
about 14,500 sq.fl of remodeling to the interior of the existing hospital
building.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Sassano stated that the most significant change to the Hospital Campus is the
addition of the 37,603 square foot building. 27,320 square foot Medical
Office space accommodating Doctors with Hospital Privileges and 10,283
square foot, 15 One Bedroom, Affordable Units make up this 2 story with a
third story below ground building.
Sassano said parking will be reconfigured in from of Assisted Living Facility,
adjacent to the new building and create some underground parking. The
intersection will be reconfigured to better accommodate the new plan.
Sassano explained the county requested a Master Plan Amendment from the
1989 GMQS exemption and special review for the Medical Office Space in
the Public zone and 1041 to look at slopes.
Garton opened the recommendations/comments from the Commission.
Chaikovska expressed positive support for this project with no particular
concerns at this time. Tygre agreed with the concerns noted in Sassano
memo particularly to traffic and employee mitigation. Hunt questioned the
underground parking with respect to landscaped surfaces and restoration to
original contours, with basic support for this project also. Blaich stated
concern for the traffic, parking and signage. Buettow asked if the Hospital
would become more cost efficient with all the expansions. Johnston inquired
about the 15 one bedroom units. Garton commented concern for
transportation issues yet recognizes the need for the expansion.
Sassano answered Hunts concern that the intent is to bring the grade back at
contour.
Young explained that the final grade (the top of the structure) will be
landscaped much the same way as the Snowmass Conference Center with
light weight soils mixtures to protect the patient views from that side of the
Hospital. He said the actual final elevation is four feet lower for the top of
the landscape. The stand of oak that shields Meadowood from the Hospital is
protected and preserved. Young further explained by digging into the 19 year
old vegetated man-made hillside from the original construction of the hospital,
the structured parking would be 4 foot lower connecting in a pedestrian
manner between the hospital and the medical office building. He stated
parking will not be assigned to anyone but will be open parking for everyone.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Hunt asked if the driveway access is going down grade into the parking
structure.
Young stated that it is slightly up grade. He also noted that the costs of
improvements and the new building will be revenue neutral - the rents
doctors pay to the hospital will cover the costs of all these improvements or it
won't be built. He said the hospital will not directly subsidize in any way.
Young remarked this trend is a change in medicine and in the hospital
procedure as an out patient facility rather than an in patient facility.
Hal Clark, AVH Board, responded to the funding question. The primary
reason for the project is to improve patient care in the hospital. The #2
reason is to retain & attract doctors of high quality. He said providing
Physician space next to the hospital will aid in keeping the quality of
medicine high. He felt that with the free land from the County they can make
it work.
Young explained the Non-Profit 6320 corporation will fund the project by the
issuance of revenue bonds. As soon as the debt is paid, the hospital will own
the building.
Young replied to Johnston Employee Unit question. Employees of the
Hospital get first priority and the Housing Authority asked the County at large
to rent the units if not taken by Hospital Staff. Michaelson asked if the 15
units correspond to the square footage. Young said there are two points of
view on the number of units to be determined. The right number will be
determined with the Housing Board meeting 8/21/96.
Hunt had a technical question about the ER point of entrance.
Young responded that the general public will arrive at the same point but with
a new entrance, accommodating curb side parking through 5 minute and
handicapped spaces. He said ambulances will have a dedicated right-of- way
into the ER entrance and "the walking wounded" will come in the main
entrance and be steered left to ER/TRAUMA area of the hospital. People
veer to the right for the general area (patient visitation and offices). The new
entrance provides the ability to separate the family from the ER patient
efficiently. Much thought, planning and detail went into this new re-
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
configuration. Offices will be consolidated, the LAB expanded and
relocation of the blood bank were thought through by 100 members of the
hospital staff.
Garton said her comments relate to the applicants from a City Planning point
of view. Her concern is transportation. She stressed the need to improve the
entrances. Garton regrets any community services being moved from the city
limits, yet understand the need for the efficiency in the relocation.
Garton also noted that the need for the Medical Services Building with it's
private practices to go through GMQS. She asked that the BOCC take a hard
look at the amount of traffic generated and the actual cost from the
Maroon/Castle Creek area be added so that they pay their fair share.
She further stated adding another bus stop and good bus service along with
major planning on the traffic is essential in that narrow valley. She
commented that the waste water amounts are alarming.
Hunt would like to see RFTA include Senior Services and the new Medical
Service Building in an internal loop in the present stop. He said that it is
understandable that there is no auto connection because of the patient
proximity with the noise of the buses, but would like to see the design
encompass Senior Services.
Sassano said that alternatives with RFTA are being looked at with internal
circulation.
Young stated that they are sensitive to the patient sanctity and the seniors and
the bus will drop you off at any location when the driver is asked to do so.
Young stated that there are 32 conditions and many are transit related.
PUBLIC HEARING:
305 South Galena Conditional Use Review
Garton opened the public meeting and asked for proof of notification.
David Hoefer stated that the legal notice was correct and the Commission has
jurisdiction to proceed.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Suzanne Wolff, Planner, stated that the applicant is requesting conditional use
approval to permit short-term rental of six existing residential dwelling units
on the second floor of the Aspen Block Building, 305 South Galena. Wolff
said residential units in the Commercial Core zone district, located above
street level in historic landmarks may be rented for periods of less than six
months subject to Conditional Use Review. She said the proposed use is
consistent and compatible with surrounding uses and there are other
Commercial buildings in the immediate area with short and long term
residential uses on the second floor. The Brand Building, 81611, Aspen Drug
are a few of those examples. Wolff stated that they are not proposing any
additional services, not changing the units at all and essentially no additional
impacts will be created by short term rental of these units. She said that they
are currently rented long term with a six month minimum lease now and that
provision would be removed. She said since the use will not generate
additional employees, therefore affordable housing mitigation is not required.
Staff recommends approval.
Garton asked Sunny Vann, representing the applicant, if it is accurate to
represent that they presently get daily maid service for their long term rentals.
Sunny Vann replied that he was informed by Richard Dusseau and the
applicant stated that it is in fact the case.
Garton inquired about an increase in service.
Richard Dusseau explained that there is a provision in the leases that tenants
sign with a provision for daily maid service.
Vann stated that the distinction between this building and Harley Building
is that this building is not truly a hotel. He said it allows the applicant to rents
something for two weeks or two months during the high season at Christmas.
There are no services, no valet parking, no idea of renting it every single night
on a short term basis, but provide a mechanism to fill in those times when
rooms are available to generate income, otherwise they would be limited to
the six month lease.
Garton asked if there would be advertising and what do they do about
vehicles.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Dusseau answered that advertising would be mostly word of mouth and that
tenants have parking passes for the "A" section of town.
Vann stated that the parking privileges as any resident of the down town core.
Hunt asked if the downtown core is in the "A" section.
Vann replied that if you have a residence in the downtown core you actually
have a choice of which residential zone you want to park in. You have to
specify where. He said the parking would be much the same as the Lanedo
and others with joint additional permits.
Buettow stated that with this change the applicant would be allowed do a one
night rental. He said that this a major change with an extended period of time
for one night rentals from the six month lease option. He noted the Aspen
Area Community Plan promotes and generates long term accommodations for
employees.
Vann noted that this is a conditional use which means it is allowed subject to
mitigation of compliance with the various criteria. Vann said whether or not it
should allow short or long term rental is not a criteria for review, but the
impacts associated with the operation of the use, consistency with the
character of the neighborhood, whether it has an adverse impact on traffic or
trash and so on that matters. He further stated the decision has already been
made about what can be placed in that zone district and the fact that it is
allowed in a historic landmark is one other way to preserve and maintain that
historic landmark.
Hunt noted that the system for controlling parking (long term and short term)
is completely different. A lodging type passes are needed for parking if there
is no parking provided on site. He said short term pass is only good for a
certain # of nights. He asked how would the mechanics of this work.
Vann replied that currently it is not a lodging pass but if it was it would be
returned at check-out and copy of guidelines would be handed out at check-
in. Vann said that a level of management is required to make sure people
come in and out and daily maintenance service and will be provided out of the
applicant's residence.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Hunt said that is fine for the long term resident and it is now short term or
Lodge type of activity with respect to the parking situation. The passes will
be out in circulation with no control over them. He would like someone from
the parking and transportation to help with this issue.
Vann asked if the issue was the availability of parking or how its going to be
administrated.
Garton stated the Commission would be dictating how to register their guests
and, from a planning point of view they have designated parking for the
tenants. Garton noted that parking permits should be the same as the Harley
Baldwin Properties.
Vann stated that he didn't know how Harley handled parking but the simple
solution would be to have parking direct the procedure. He is willing to
accept a condition with parking.
Hunt stated that these 5 units need an on site manager.
Vann said that there was an on site manager would provide keys, access.
Garton replied that the applicant's letter indicated that there would be an on
site manager. She asked Hunt if he wanted a condition added from the
transportation department to view the intent? She added that the
administration could be a problem, but it is the applicant's problem.
Garton asked if someone was prepared to make a motion.
MOTION: Blaich moved to approve the conditional use
review to allow short-term rental of six existing residential
units at 305 South Galena Street with the conditions as
outlined in the Community Development Department Memo
dated August 20, 1996 with the additional condition that
Hunt just made to work out a parking plan with
Transportation Dept.
Seconded by Chaikovska.
In favor: Garton, Hunt, Robert, Chaikovska, Johnston.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Opposed: Tygre, Buettow.
There was no Public Comment.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Vet Text Amendment and Conditional Use Review
Garton opened the public hearing and asked for proof of notification.
Hoefer stated that proof of notification is legally correct and Commission has
jurisdiction to proceed.
Suzanne Wolff, Planner, explained that there are two parts to this application.
She stated the text Amendments related to the definition of a Veterinary clinic
and adding a veterinary clinic as a conditional use in the
Service/Commercial/Industrial and Rural and Remote zone districts. She said
the conditional use review for the specific request to allow a veterinary clinic
to Main Street. She asked the if the commission wanted the text amendment
to go first and proceed with the conditional use.
Hoefer explained the text amendment must be approved by council first
before that conditional use amendment can be approved. He said bifurcating
the issues was fine.
Garton reiterated that the text amendment must be first approved by council.
Krabacher asked the City Attorney to introduce his letter into the record
stating his objection.
Hoefer stated that for the record that he and John Worcester reviewed the
letter from Mr. Krabacher. Krabacher maintains that text amendment needs
to go to City Council before the conditional use can be considered. Hoefer
explained to the applicant that litigation could occur if P & Z proceeds
tonight. He said they might take the safer approach and present to Council
first but it would take a longer period of time. He stated this is up to the
applicant on how he wishes to proceed.
Joe Wells, representative for applicant, introduced the applicant Dr. Jon
Rappaport. Wells stated that any approval by P & Z was contingent upon
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
approval by Council of the text amendment. The applicant said that he
wanted to go ahead with the text amendment and Conditional Use Review.
Garton said that they will proceed with the text amendment.
Suzanne Wolff, Planner, explained that the specific text Amendment requested
to add the definition of a Veterinary clinic to the Land Use Code and to add
veterinary clinic as a conditional use in the Office zone district and staff is
proposing to add the use to a Service/Commercial/Industrial and Rural
Residential zone districts. The definition is as follows:
Veterinary Clinic means an enclosed facility within a
building or portion thereof for the care and treatment of
animals, where boarding of healthy animals is prohibited
and adequate provisions are made to avoid adverse impacts
on the surrounding neighborhood which might otherwise
result from noise or odors.
Wolff stated that in relation to the specific standards of the Aspen Area
Community Plan (AACP), one of the goals of the AACP is to revitalize the
permanent community by providing incentives for locals serving commercial
uses. A veterinary clinic is a use which would benefit local residents, and
which is currently not permitted and not available within the City of Aspen.
Wolff said that the Office zone district allows ;~professional business offices",
which includes offices for ;~physicians, dentists, etc. professionals who
primarily provide services rather than products." The majority of those
services are for the resident population and not for the tourist population. She
said many other medical offices are located within the Office zone district,
along with residential and other office uses. Staff recognizes that a veterinary
clinic has different impacts than other medical offices which can be
considered through the conditional use review.
Wolff noted that the Service/Commercial/Industrial (S/C/I) district allows
;~limited commercial use and industrial uses which do not require high or
generate high customer traffic volumes." A veterinary clinic would not
conflict with any of the existing or allowed uses. She also stated that the
Rural Residential zone district allows low density residential use and
compatible accessory uses such as farm buildings and use, nursery and
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
greenhouse. A veterinary clinic would be compatible with the other uses in
this zone district and have less impact than in more dense zone districts.
Wolff said that they have not proposed a vet clinic in any other commercial
districts in the City because most of the C1 zone districts are tourist
orientated.
Hunt stated that there was a vet clinic in the old Obermeyer building which is
SCI. How was it allowed.
Wolff said that they looked through the code and couldn't find veterinary
clinic addressed anywhere.
Garton asked Wolff if she wanted to respond to any of the letters.
Wolff said that the letters were specific to the conditional use.
Hunt noted that he had a problem with the vet clinic being in a residential
neighborhood because of the noise. He hasn't seen a plan of how they would
deal with this issue and the odor issue.
Garton stated that the criteria is different for the text amendment and the
conditional use. She asked Hunt if criteria 3 was not met on the text
amendment.
Hunt said that in the close proximity of a residential district he did not want to
see it but he was supportive of a vet clinic in SCI and Rural Residential
because the residences would be farther apart.
Chaikovska noted that there is no boarding of healthy animals, which would
seem to reduce the noise factor. She asked Dr. Rappaport if there are only
sick or animals that have had surgery or just come in for a visit, would seem
to create less noise than boarding healthy animals.
Rappaport stated that 90% of veterinary hospitals board healthy animals,
which accounts for 95% of the noise. He is only hospitalizing sick animals
that need intravenous medication and these animals are not making any noise.
Also the number of animals that would be in the hospital in this area would
not be significant. He said that in other areas where there are 20,000 to
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
30,000 people in a three mile radius, it is possible to have 3 -4 animals in the
hospital at one time. Rappaport stated that he hired the top veterinary
architect to design the space. He said that he has other clinics, even ones in
the same building with other offices, and he has never had a complaint about
noise or odor.
Joe Wells wanted to focus on the generic mitigation measures that the
Commission considers crucial before approving a conditional use for a vet
clinic in the residential or office zone district.
Garton asked to poll the Commission to decide if a vet clinic was appropriate
as a conditional use in this zone district, 702 West Main Street.
Garton opened the public hearing.
Joe Krabacher commented on the text amendment issue with respect to
procedure. He said the Commission makes the recommendation to Council
and Council adopts the code amendment (the text amendment). He said that
this is not an appropriate use for this zone district, it is in direct conflict with
the AACP. He stated that there is a significant difference between a vet clinic
and a medical clinic. He asked the Commission to take a look at the code
criteria and examine each district for this text amendment.
Garton reiterated that they are looking for the definition for the text
amendment and not conditional use at this point.
Krabacher asked to look for the appropriate zone district for this conditional
use. In the office zone district the conditional use relates to historic
structures. He further stated these conditional uses have been allowed as an
incentive for the preservation of historic structures. He said that by allowing
this clinic in the office zone district, it would be displacing residents which is
against the AACP.
Graham Means, Public, lives in an R-6 zone, and has real concerns about this
use. His concern is odor and that there will be a vent in which noxious gases
will be pumped from this building. He said that the noise can't be controlled
when the animal comes to and leaves the clinic. He stated that staff has not
responded to the issues.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Don Stapleton, Public, stated that he spent two years trying to put in an office
building on that lot and the different committees had so many rules that they
were not allowed to do it. He said that they have put the property up for sale
because of all of the legal hassles.
Garton asked the question to the Commission for a text amendment
"Is a vet clinic appropriate as a conditional use in this zone
district, 702 West Main Street."
Chaikovska said that since there is no overnight boarding and there are
provisions for noise and odor, she has no problem with it.
Tygre stated that separating the text amendment was a good plan. She said
that it is hard to take an animal that may not like to travel to the AABC for
treatment. She said that the definition of a veterinary clinic is appropriate and
is a local serving business. She said that she supports the text amendment.
Hunt responded that he supports the text amendment for SCI and Rural
Residential. He said that he has a problem with the Office zone and the noise
that is associated with vet clinics. He stated that he cannot support the
veterinary clinic in the Office zone.
Suzanne Wolff noted that there are noise levels within the code. The Office
zone district is included in the Residential use which is what would be
allowed.
Blaich replied that Tygre took care of all of his concerns and he does support
the text amendment. Blaich asked Dr. Rappaport if he had any other clinic in
an area like this one. He further said that the conditions must be met.
Rappaport stated that he has one that is adjacent to a residential house. He
said that they did special landscaping, and worked with the neighbor.
Buettow stated that he cannot support the text amendment because of # 1, #2,
#3, #4, #7 & #9. He would support it for the SCI areas but not here.
Johnston stated that he will support the text amendment based upon prior
comments.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Garton said that she will not support the text amendment in the office zone.
Garton asked for a motion from the original proposal from staff.
MOTION: Tygre moved to approve the proposed text
amendment to add the definition of veterinary clinic as a
conditional use in the Office, Service/Commercial/Industrial
and Rural Residential zone districts. Seconded by
Chaikovska. Motion passes 4 to 3.
Garton stated that the text amendment will be forwarded to Council.
Hunt asked if the conditional use could be limited to a certain amount of time.
Michaelson said that the ability is there in the conditional use permit. There
are limitations to the code.
Wolff stated that there is a public nuisance ordinance for a barking dog.
Garton said that now they need to consider this application as a conditional
use.
Joe Wells asked if this discussion could be opened at later date and get some
feed back from the Commission for what they would need to do.
Hoefer stated that the only concern that he had was that if it is opened for
comments by the Commission, then the Public Hearing has to be opened.
Garton said that it would be preferable to table to a date certain. The
applicant agreed.
Krabacher stated that this notice was sent out for public hearing and it should
be held.
Hunt said that he doesn't have sufficient information to proceed tonight.
MOTION: Hunt moved to table action and continue the
public hearing on the conditional use of veterinary clinic at
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
702 West Main Street at the developer's request and to
provide additional information on September 3, 1996.
Seconded by Johnston. All in favor, motion carries.
PUBLIC MEETING:
Aspen Mountain PUD Lot 5 (Grand Aspen Site) - Conceptual Review
Continued Public Meeting
Garton opened the Public Hearing.
Michaelson, Planner, explained that conceptual conditions were approved for
Lot 3 ;~The Top of Mill" on August 8. He asked that staff memo concerning
Dean Street location be reviewed by the Commission. He noted that there
have been a series of public meetings and that staff has proposed conditions.
He noted in the memo the bulk and the mass of Dean Street location is still of
concern, the height of the building is now 42 feet and the width is 250 feet.
Michaelson said that a joint resolution would be brought by September 3,
1996. He stated that the pedestrian path through this property to the Ritz and
Nell has been redesigned. He said the ice rink would be addressed at final
review. There was one letter from Joe Edwards at the time the staff memo
was written and some of those issues were dealt with concerning rezoning.
Michaelson further stated the purposed conditions of approval are to include
all representations of the applicant and the type and bulk of the Dean Street
Building. Options to be considered include reducing density and reducing
square footage of the units. He said at the time of Final PUD a detailed
landscape plan, proposed lighting plan and detailed development schedule
specifying the construction date are needed. Michaelson also noted that the
applicant must comply with the Engineering Memo dated June 26, 1996.
Garton wanted to clarify that these conditions apply to Dean Street.
Michaelson said that it is correct, completely independent of the Top of Mill.
Hunt stated that it part of the problem he has, number 47 applies to both sites.
He said that Dean Street and the Top of Mill are inter-related and cannot be
separated.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Michaelson said that there will be a unified resolution with Council. It has
been clearly represented by staff and the applicant that if the GEO Tech study
comes back between conceptual approval that 17 units cannot be placed on
Top of Mill, then the applicant will have to come back to the Commission.
John Sarpa, Applicant, stated the process has been complex. He thought that
the informal vote which was taken months ago worked through the height
issue. He commented that the Engineering Minutes Meeting had brought up
issues that were agreed on and others were not. He said there was no
problem with a condition to work with Engineering on all the issues raised,
but it doesn't require them to comply. There were several instances where
Engineering had one opinion and they had another.
Sunny Vann, Representative for the Applicant, stated that some issues were
also deferred pending submission of additional information for the next round
of review. He said the applicant has not agreed to everything in the
Engineering Minutes.
Michaelson said that if Engineering issues are not settled, then this
submission would not go any further than P & Z. He noted that the drainage
plan is significant for Top of Mill.
Vann replied that some of the issues are technical in nature and Council will
make the final decision on those issues. P & Z can make recommendation to
Council but staff will deal with some of the arcane issues. Vann said he is
looking for some kind of language that doesn't imply that they have
acquiesced all of those issues in that memo without the ability to further
discuss them.
Michaelson commented that the way that the memo is written, responses from
the applicant were to dedicate easements where needed so there will be
sufficient distribution for water. He asked if the word agreements was
deleted and it read representations instead.
Vann said there are significant issues on the size of the project for Lot 5.
Garton asked the Commission if they could resolve this issue.
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Vann stated Mooney, Hunt, Buettow, Garton, Chaikovska, and Johnston all
voted at the May meeting.
Buettow questioned the 3 foot parapet in terms of height. This wall was
included to mask the mechanical equipment which is viable but as an element
it could be manipulated and used specifically for that purpose.
Sarpa explained the parapets would only be where the flat roofs occur and the
ends of the building are ridges.
Garton asked if there was need for more discussion or to view the model
again. She said there were some concerns from the last meeting.
Hoefer stated Mr. Edwards letters were included in the packet and he will
respond to that letter.
Joe Edwards, Attorney for Michael Teschner, stated the 10 year old
geological survey recommended detail studies of this area (Top of Mill)
before any development is done. He said this P & Z Commission passed
Resolution 85-6 (Top of Mill) which recommends the PUD be delayed until
the ten conditions are met. Four or five of those conditions concern the
studies that geological recommendations be done. He further responded that
P & Z recommendation was taken by Council and included within the
language of the first amended PUD document dated Oct. 3, 1988.
Edwards questioned the processing of an application when there is a
possibility that nothing could be built there. He said it is a waste of time to
keep going through this process with no geological survey in place. He asked
that the applicant adhere to the agreements of the land use code regulations.
He stated that this P & Z denied rezoning the Ski Club Building to public,
instead it was rezoned R-15. He asked that the Commission review what is
allowable with the zoning before the conceptual approval is recommended.
Garton reminded everyone that Commission had a two hour work session on
how to proceed and this is conceptual review. She asked for the City defense
of why Commission is proceeding in this manner.
Hoefer stated that many of the previous agreements benefit the City of Aspen
and have a "good faith" agreement with Savannah. The commission has an
obligation to look at the substantive issues to determine if this project is the
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
best interest of the people of the City of Aspen as well as in compliance with
ordinances. He said that under the City Ordinance the zoning is to be looked
at in step 3 & 4 for the zone change. Hoefer noted this entire proceeding is a
public hearing with public input being encouraged. The zone change will also
be at public hearing. He said that the application submitted by Savannah
must meet the legal requirements.
Bob Hughes, Attorney for Savannah, had a written response to Joe Edwards
letter dealing with the amendment to the agreement. He stated in response to
Edwards most recent letter, they have always agreed to the geological study.
He noted that 33 units had been conceptually approved by P & Z for the Top
of Mill. He said that 8 years ago they paid the City $250,000.00 to get these
studies done and for them not to be able to go forward because the studies
haven't been done is one of the worse "Catch 22's".
Vann stated that there was a recommendation that zoning be changed to L2
now LTR, not be approved by the P & Z. The code in effect at the time, the
FAR could be varied, which are no longer in effect.
Hughes and Sarpa stated that the project has been down-sized.
Garton said that this Commission is proceeding in "Good Faith" bargaining
that there was an agreement struck and Savannah is coming in on the last part
of a very long (from the Meadows to the Ritz) last step in their agreement.
She noted that there are a lot of issues, especially on the Top of Mill. She
replied that the Commission did not agree to proceed with the conceptual
until the GEO Tech is received.
Michaelson described that the condition of approval for the record is from the
1985 Resolution that described additional GEOTech studies and cited
compliance with Jeffery Hines of March 1985 and July 1996. The planning
and zoning commission recognizes significant GEOTechnical issues remain
unresolved at this time (Top of MILL), and in fact may change the site plan
density or unit size as following adequate analysis of mitigation.
He also noted that the language is clear for the intent of the condition and
they could have to completely start over.
Sarpa stated there is literally nothing they can do without a significant
agreement with the Engineering Staff on the overall Drainage Study. He
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
asked why they can't continue with all the other issues that they are in
agreement with the conditions.
Vann stated that the City was comfortable with the conceptual on this project
subject to a fairly stringent set of conditions. He said that they are trying to
get back to the same place that they were before.
Garton asked if the building envelopes were resolved at the last meeting.
Michaelson replied that were in no position to provide the 8040 Greenline
Approval because the building envelopes may shift. He said that the point of
tonight was not to make a motion but rather review Dean Street and to bring
back a joint resolution on Sept. 3rd. It will be a joint resolution as submitted.
Garton stated that the Top Of Mill Resolution will be presented on Sept. 3.
Garton opened the public hearing.
Gene Reardon, Public, Fifth Avenue Condominium owner experienced
movement and damage in their building as well as the Field home, the Durant
and the Mountain Queen. He said it began with the Ski Company snow
making. He stated that the City, Ski Company and Savannah has to sit down
together and solve the problem.
Ziska Childs, Public, reiterated that the water flow into Fifth Avenue has
become more substantial since Savannah has hard packed and put left over
construction materials into the field. She said the geological and drainage
studies are needed for those that live in that area.
Hoefer noted that the studies are a substantive issue and not procedural.
Ann Murchison, Public, Fifth Avenue owner and Board Member asked if staff
would provide proposed conditions for approval on lot 3.
Michaelson replied that there was a memo from staff on August 3, 1996
addressing those issues.
Doug Hasset, Public, Aspen Lodging Company, asked for a GIS picture
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
facing town, looking down to the parking lot and townhomes for the Sept. 3
meeting.
Bill Poss, Architect, said that they will generate some sort of picture for the
next meeting.
Joe Edwards, Public, asked if the commission really wanted to approve a
multi-family huge project on an geologically unstable area.
Evelyn Childs, Public, owns 2 Fifth Avenue Units, she purchased the units
when they were built in 1968. She asked how the trash trucks, tourists, etc.
are going to get up the hill.
Garton asked the Commission if they had any more questions from the
applicant before they meet Sept. 3rd.
Garton expressed her concern for the Top of Mill.
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Jackie Lothian, Deputy City Clerk
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AUGUST 20~1996
Commission Comments ............................................................................. 1
Minutes ....................................................................................................... 2
Aspen Valley Hospital master Plan Amendment Referral ........................ 3
305 South Galena Conditional Use Review ............................................... b
Vet Text Amendment and Conditional Use Review .................................. 9
Aspen Mountain PUD Lot 5 (Grand Aspen Site) - Conceptual Review
Continued Public Meeting .......................................................................... 15
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