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AGENDA
Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission
REGULAR MEETING
July 18, 2017
4:30 PM Sister Cities Meeting Room
130 S Galena Street, Aspen
I. SITE VISIT
II. ROLL CALL
III. COMMENTS
A. Commissioners
B. Planning Staff
C. Public
IV. MINUTES
V. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 303 W Hopkins Ave - Residential Design Standard Variation
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. ADJOURN
Next Resolution Number: 10, Series 2017
Typical Proceeding Format for All Public Hearings
1) Conflicts of Interest (handled at beginning of agenda)
2) Provide proof of legaJ notice (affi d avit of notice for PH)
3) Staff presentation
4) Board questions and clarifications of staff
5) Applicant presentation
6) Board questions and clari fications of applicant
7) Public comments
8) Board questions and clarifications relating to public comments
9) Close public comment portion of bearing
10) Staff rebuttal /clarification of evidence presented by applicant and public comment
1 1 ) Applicant rebuttal/clarification
End of fact finding.
Deliberation by the commission commences.
No further interaction between commission and staff, applicant or public
12) Chairperson identified the issues to be discussed among commissioners.
13) Discussion between commissioners*
14) Motion*
*Make sure the discussion and motion includes what criteria are met o r not met.
Revised April 2, 2014
303 W. Hopkins Avenue
Residential Design Standard Variation Review
July 18, 2017
Page 1 of 5
MEMORANDUM
TO: City of Aspen Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM: Hillary Seminick, Planner
THRU: Jennifer Phelan, Deputy Community Development Director
RE: 303 W. Hopkins Avenue | RDS Variation Request
MEETING DATE: July 18, 2017
APPLICANT/OWNERS:
William E. Connor Trust, William Connor,
Trustee. 909 S. Rock Blvd. #f, Reno, NV
89502. 775.813.8841
REPRESENTATIVE:
Stan Clauson Associates, Inc.
LOCATION:
Lot 2, Erdman Partnership Lot Split
CURRENT ZONING & USE:
Medium Density Residential (R-6) zone
district; single family home
PROPOSED LAND USE:
Single-family residence
SUMMARY:
The applicant is requesting one Residential
Design Standard variation that will allow for
an addition above an existing garage that does
not meet the standards for Articulation of
Building Mass.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning
Commission deny the applicants’ request for a
Residential Design Standard variation to permit
for an addition that does not meet the
Articulation of Building Mass standard.
Figure A. Image of subject property
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303 W. Hopkins Avenue
Residential Design Standard Variation Review
July 18, 2017
Page 2 of 5
LAND USE REQUESTS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES:
The Applicant is requesting the following land use approval:
§ Variation from the Residential Design Standard pursuant to Land Use Code Section
26.410.030.B.1.d. Articulation of Building Mass, Option 1, Maximum Sidewall Depth which
states:
Maximum Sidewall Depth. A principal building shall be no greater than fifty (50) feet in
depth, as measured from the front-most wall of the front façade to the rear wall. An
accessory building that is completely separated from the main building is permitted.
Garages, sheds and accessory dwelling units are examples of appropriate uses for an
accessory building.
No additional land use reviews are requested in the application. Planning and Zoning Commission is
the final review authority for the request.
PROJECT LOCATION AND BACKGROUND:
The subject property is located in the Medium Density Residential (R-6) zone district. This property
is located within of the Aspen Infill Area and is situated at the corner of S. Second Street and W.
Hopkins Avenue, both of which are public streets. A single-family home was constructed on the
subject property in 1994 and purchased by the current owner in 1996 (Pitkin County Assessor, June
30, 2017). The flat lot is 7,500 sq. ft. in gross and net lot area measurements. The combined side yard
setbacks for the property are 15’, with a minimum side yard setback of 5’. The allowed floor area for
the lot is 3,450 sq. ft. and the existing floor area of the residence is 3,978 sq. ft.; therefore, the floor
area of the home is 528 sq. ft. over what is allowed by underlying zoning.
Figure B. Site Location Map, indicated by outlined parcel
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303 W. Hopkins Avenue
Residential Design Standard Variation Review
July 18, 2017
Page 3 of 5
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The Applicant requests a variation from Articulation of Building Mass, Option 1, Maximum Sidewall
Depth as shown in Figure C for an addition to an existing single family residence. The home is 528
sq. ft. over the allowed floor area for a lot of this size. Drawings have been provided by the applicant
and provided in Exhibit B. The Applicant proposes to remove an existing window well so that there
is less exposed subgrade area, which would reduce the amount of Floor Area calculated towards the
basement and allow this excess Floor Area to be shifted above grade to construct an addition, if
approved by the Commission. To be able to shift this Floor Area, the Applicant cannot trigger
demolition of the house.
STAFF COMMENTS:
The intent of the Articulation of Building Mass is to reduce the overall perceived mass and bulk of
buildings on a property as viewed from all sides. Articulation should convey forms similar in
massing to historic Aspen residential buildings. This standard is critical to the Infill Area where
small lots and historic buildings are prevalent. With intent of these standards in mind, Staff has
reviewed the request against the RDS variance review criteria for each standard. The Code states
that each request for RDS variance must meet one of the following criteria.
a. Provide an appropriate design or pattern of development considering the context in which the
development is proposed and the purpose of the particular standard. In evaluating the context
as it is used in the criteria, the director may consider the relationship of the proposed
development with adjacent structures, the immediate neighborhood setting, or broader
vicinity as the director feels is necessary to determine if the exception is warranted; or
b. Be clearly necessary for reasons of fairness related to unusual site-specific constraints.
A variance from the Articulation of Building Mass standard would permit an addition that would
result in a two-story volume 60’7” in length. The intent of the standard is to reduce perceived mass
and bulk, and this addition would only expand an existing non-conforming aspect of this home. Staff
Figure C. West Elevation, with proposed addition called out in red
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303 W. Hopkins Avenue
Residential Design Standard Variation Review
July 18, 2017
Page 4 of 5
finds the request for the addition would only increase bulk and mass of the building. The neighboring
property, 315 W. Hopkins, has a similarly configured massing to the ally of the property. The subject
property, shown in Figures D and E, and the neighboring property in Figures F and G, both have
garages accessed by the alley that have deck area above. An addition to the garage would not be in
context with the nearest neighbor to the west. There is not a neighbor east of the other side yard lot
line, which faces S. Second Street.
Staff finds the variance request does not meet the neighborhood standard. There are no site-specific
constraints associated with this parcel that warrant the granting of this variance for inflection. Staff
finds that criterion 26.410.020.D.2 (a) and (b) are not met.
Figures D & E: Subject property, 303 W. Hopkins, subject property, alley view
Figure F & G: 315 W. Hopkins, neighboring property to the west, alley view
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VI.A.
303 W. Hopkins Avenue
Residential Design Standard Variation Review
July 18, 2017
Page 5 of 5
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission deny the request for a variance from
required articulation of the building mass standard. The addition would increase the appearance
of massing and bulk along the north lot line and is in conflict with the intent of the massing
standard which “seeks to reduce the overall perceived mass and bulk of buildings on a property
as viewed on all sides.” Staff finds that there is no site specific constraint or neighborhood
pattern to support this variance.
RECOMMENDED MOTION (ALL MOTIONS ARE WORDED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE):
If the Commission believes either variation criterion is met, the Commission may use the
following motion to approve the request: “I move to approve the request for a variation from the
Residential Design Standard as noted in Resolution ___, Series of 2017.”
If the Commission does not believe either criterion is met, the Commission may choose to deny
approval of the resolution. The motion, with the following edits should be included: “I move to
deny the request for a variation from the Residential Design Standard as noted in Resolution ___,
Series of 2017 with the following additions and deletions to the resolution
1) The title shall replace the word ‘approving’ with ‘denying’.
2) Section 1 shall delete the word ‘approves’ and replace it with it ‘denies’.
3) The last sentence of section 1 shall be amended to read: “The Planning and Zoning
Commission has found that the addition would increase the appearance of the massing and bulk
of the building and is in conflict with the intent of the massing standard which “seeks to reduce
the overall perceived mass and bulk of buildings on a property as viewed on all sides.”
Additionally, the Commission finds that there is no site specific constraint or neighborhood
pattern to support this variance.
4) Section 1A shall be deleted.
Attachments:
Exhibit A – Residential Design Standard Variance Criteria
Exhibit B – Application
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VI.A.
1
RESOLUTION NO. __
(SERIES OF 2017)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APPROVING A RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARD VARIATION FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 303 W. HOPKINS AVE., LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LOT
2, BLOCK 46 SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED
JULY 25, 1990 IN PLAT BOOK 24 AT PAGE 48 AS RECEPTION NO. 324662, COUNTY
OF PITKIN, STATE OF COLORADO.
Parcel ID: 2735-124-75-001
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department received an application from
William E. Connor Trust (Applicant), represented by Stan Clauson Associates, Inc., requesting
the Planning and Zoning Commission approve a Residential Design Standard Variation at
303.W. Hopkins Avenue; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 26.410.020.D of the Land Use Code approval for a
Residential Design Standard Variation may be granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission
at a duly noticed public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, upon initial review of the application and the applicable code standards, the
Community Development Director recommended denial of the application; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed and considered the
proposal under the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, has reviewed and considered the
recommendation of the Community Development Director, and has taken and considered public
comment; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission finds that this resolution furthers and
is necessary for the promotion of public health, safety and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO, THAT:
Section 1:
Pursuant to the procedures and standards set forth in Title 26 of the Aspen Municipal Code, the
Planning and Zoning Commission hereby approves the request for a Residential Design Standard
Variation from the Articulation of Building Mass standard, and as depicted in Exhibit 1. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has found the proposed design to meet the requirements of the
review criteria for a Residential Design Standard variation.
A. Conditions of Approval. This approval does not exempt the project from compliance
with applicable zoning regulations of the City of Aspen’s Land Use Code, including, but
not limited to Section 26.575.020, Calculations and Measurements.
Section 2:
All material representations and commitments made by the Applicant pursuant to the
development proposal approvals as herein awarded are hereby incorporated in such plan
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VI.A.
2
development approvals and the same shall be complied with as if fully set forth herein, unless
amended by an authorized entity.
Section 3:
This Resolution shall not affect any existing litigation and shall not operate as an abatement of
any action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue of the ordinances repealed or amended
as herein provided, and the same shall be conducted and concluded under such prior ordinances.
Section 4:
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Resolution is for any reason
held invalid or unconstitutional in a court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be
deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions thereof.
APPROVED by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Aspen on this 18th day of
July, 2017.
__________________________________
Skippy Mesirow, Chairman
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
Andrea Bryan, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Nicole Henning, Deputy City Clerk
Exhibit 1: Approved plans for RDS variation (recorded)
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VI.A.
Exhibit A – Residential Design Standard Variances
303 W. Hopkins Ave.
Page 1 of 2
26.410.030. Single-family & duplex standards
A. Applicability. Unless stated otherwise below, the design standards in this section shall apply
to all single-family and duplex development.
B. Location and Massing.
1. Articulation of Building Mass (Non-flexible).
a) Applicability. This standard shall apply to all lots except:
(1) Lots outside of the Aspen Infill Area.
b) Intent. This standard seeks to reduce the overall perceived mass and bulk of buildings
on a property as viewed from all sides. Designs should promote light and air access
between adjacent properties. Designs should articulate building walls by utilizing
multiple forms to break up large expansive wall planes. Buildings should include
massing and articulation that convey forms that are similar in massing to historic
Aspen residential buildings. This standard is critical in the Infill Area where small
lots, small side and front setbacks, alleys and historic Aspen building forms are
prevalent. Designs should change the plane of a building’s sidewall, step a primary
building’s height down to one-story in the rear portion or limit the overall depth of
the structure.
c) Standard. A principal building shall articulate building mass to reduce bulk and mass
and create building forms that are similar in scale to those seen in historic Aspen
residential buildings.
d) Options. Fulfilling at least one of the following options shall satisfy this standard:
(1) Maximum Sidewall Depth. A principal building shall be no greater than fifty (50)
feet in depth, as measured from the front-most wall of the front façade to the rear
wall. An accessory building that is completely separated from the main building is
permitted. Garages, sheds and accessory dwelling units are examples of
appropriate uses for an accessory building. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
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VI.A.
Exhibit A – Residential Design Standard Variances
303 W. Hopkins Ave.
Page 2 of 2
Staff Finding: The length of the sidewall measurement of the addition on the north side yard
setback is 60’7” long. This is 10’7” in excess of what is permitted by this standard. The
addition would increase the appearance of massing and bulk along the north lot line and is in
conflict with the intent of the massing standard which “seeks to reduce the overall perceived
mass and bulk of buildings on a property as viewed on all sides.” Staff finds that there is no
site specific constraint or neighborhood pattern to support this variance. Staff finds that
neither criterion 26.410.020.D.2.a or is 26.410.020.D.2.b is met for this Standard.
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ALTA COMMITMENT
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
Sch edu l e A
Order Number: Q62008407
Property Address:
303 W HOPKINS AVENUE, ASPEN, CO 81611
1. Effective Date:
05-12-2017 At 5 :00 P.M.
2. Policy to be Issued and Proposed Insured:
"TBD" Commitment
Proposed Insured :
TO BE DETERMINED
Customer Ref-Loan No.:
$0.00
3. The estate or interest in the land described or referred to in this Commitment and covered
herein is:
A FEE SIMPLE
4. Title to the estate or interest covered herein is at the effective date hereof vested in:
WILLIAM E. CONNOR, II, TRUSTEE OF THE WILLIAM E . CONNOR, II LIVING TRUST DATED
AUGUST 20, 1991
5. The Land referred to in this Commitment is described as follows:
LOT 2, BLOCK 46 SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JULY 25, 1990 IN
PLAT BOOK 24 AT PAGE 48 AS RECEPTION NO. 324662, COUNTY OF PITKIN, STATE OF COLORADO.
Copyright 2006-2017 American Land Title Association. All Rights Reserved
The use of this Form is restricted to ALTA licensees and ALTA members in good standing as of the date ~
of use. All other uses are prohibited. Reprinted under license from the American Land Title Association .
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