HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.council.20050124Reuular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24~ 2005
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE BONUS AWARD ........................................................... 2
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION .............................................................................................. 2
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS .................................................................................. 2
MINUTES -January 10, 2005 ........................................................................................... 3
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES .............................................................................. 3
· Ordinance #6, 2005 - Stage Road Subdivision Final PUD and Initial City Zoning
3
· Ordinance #7, 2005 Code Amendment - Mixed Use Zone District .................... 3
· Ordinance #8, 2005 - Soldner/Burlingame Ranch Initial Zoning .......................... 3
ORDINANCE NO. 7 ........................................................................................................... 3
ASPEN SATURDAY MARKET ....................................................................................... 4
ORDINANCE #37, SERIES OF 2004 - Aspen Consolidated Sanitation District Master
Plan SPA ............................................................................................................................. 5
ORDINANCE #49, SERIES OF 2004 - Highlands Villas Annexation ............................. 8
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 2004 - Code Amendment Open Space
TDRs ................................................................................................................................. 8
ORDINANCE #50, SERIES OF 2004 - Fox Crossing Subdivision ................................ 10
ORDINANCE #1, SERIES OF 2005 - Little Ajax PUD ............................... 16
ORDINANCE #2, SERIES OF 2005 Code Amendment Seasonal Outdoor Food
Vending ............................................................................................................................. 20
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24~ 2005
5. Councilwoman Richards said she is going to a CAST meeting Friday.
Councilwoman Richards said there may be discussion on a state wide RETT or allowing
counties to pass a RETT.
6. Mayor Klanderud said the RFTA board previously discussed selling the railroad
ties, which could potentially bring in quite a bit of money. There is commitment on the
RFTA board and that was part of the tax question to fund the trails and to have the entire
system done by 2010. Trail advocates are pushing to have that done before 2010. Mayor
Klanderud requested Council give thought to this issue before the next RFTA board
meeting and pass their thoughts on to Councilman Paulson and herself.
MINUTES - January 10, 2005
Councilman Torre moved to approve the minutes of January 10, 2005; seconded by
Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carded.
FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES
· Ordinance #6, 2005 Stage Road Subdivision Final PUD and Initial City Zoning
· Ordinance #7, 2005 - Code Amendment Mixed Use Zone District
· Ordinance #8, 2005 Soldner/Burlingame Ranch Initial Zoning
Councilwoman Richards moved to read Ordinances 6, 7, 8, Series of 2005; seconded by
Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carded.
ORDINANCE NO. 6
(SERIES OF 2005)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, APPROVING A FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT,
SUBDIVISION, GROWTH MANAGEMENT QUOTA SYSTEM EXEMPTION,
SPECIALLY PLANNED AREA, AMENDMENTS TO THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP
AND VESTED RIGHTS FOR THE STAGE ROAD SUBDIVISION/PUD, CITY OF
ASPEN, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO.
ORDINANCE NO. 7
(SERIES OF 2005)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN, COLORADO,
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 26.710.180 - MIXED-USE (MU) ZONE
DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF ASPEN MUNICIPAL CODE.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
ORDINANCE NO. 8
(SERIES OF 2005)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE ASPEN CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNING THE
SOLDNER/BURLINGAME RANCH ANNEXATION PARCEL NO. 1 TO THE
CONSERVATION (C) ZONE DISTRICT.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #7, Series of 2005; seconded by
Councilman Torre. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Richards, yes; Paulson, no; Semrau,
yes; Torre, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinances #6 and 8, Series of 2005; seconded
by Councilman Semrau.
Councilman Torre asked if the cultural uses are included in Ordinance #6. Chris Bendon,
community development department, told Council this is part of the application and
Council may remove that from the Ordinance at second reading. Councilman Paulson
said he opposes rubber-stamping ordinances on first reading. The first and second
reading should have equal weight.
Roll call vote; Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Richards, yes; Paulson, no; Torre, yes;
Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ASPEN SATURDAY MARKET
Bill Dinsmoor, chairman CCLC, requested approval of the Saturday market for 2005.
There are no changes in location. Some incremental operating changes were made during
last summer's market.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor
Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Mayor Klanderud said the main comment she received is that there is not enough produce
early on. The market is supposed to be Colorado grown and she would like the produce
vendors see what they can do to get more produce for the market in June and early July
even if it is from out of state. Mayor Klanderud said she likes the idea that local
memhants have volunteered for the selection of craft vendors and hopes it goes well.
Councilman Torte thanked everyone involved in last year's market; it is a tremendous
asset in the summer months. Councilman Semrau thanked Bill Dinsmoor and the CCLC
for all their work in producing the market. Dinsmoor requested Council approve the
market for several years rather than this be an yearly agenda item. Council said they
prefer to review it annually.
Regular Meeting
Aspen City Council
January 24, 2005
Councilman Torte moved to approve the Aspen Saturday Market in its current location
for the 2005 season; seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion canied.
ORDINANCE #37, SERIES OF 2004 - Aspen Consolidated Sanitation District
Master Plan SPA
Chris Lee, community development department, noted there are 4 issues from previous
meetings that Council should address; the residential design standards, building heights,
ownership and vested rights. Heather Stone, Design Workshop, said the applicants heard
Council wished to retain the berms and to open the views to Aspen Mountain. Ms. Stone
said changes that have been made result in a better project. Lee pointed out with this site,
not all residential design standards fit, like secondary massing. This design is around the
existing black top. Staff feels the applicant has met the guidelines as much as possible.
One guideline is that houses are directed towards the street. This is more of a private
access, not on a street. Lee requested the design standards be waived because of the
special location and the design around this location. The waiver of design standards
should be outlined in the PUD.
John Cottle, architect, reminded Council they asked the applicants to look at reducing or
eliminating the third floor, including looking at enlarging the footprint. Cottle said this is
an affordable housing project and the repetitiveness of the modules keeps cost down.
Custom design of units increases costs. The project started with 4 clusters the same. The
project now has 2 clusters the same and 1 with variation. The original design for each
fourplex was 2 two-bedroom units and 2 one-bedroom units. Cottle showed some
examples of redesigning the fourplexes and outlined the reasons the applicant does not
favor these solutions. Cottle pointed out one building to the third point of the roof is a
28-foot building. The code's measurement are to existing grade or finished, whichever is
more. The other cluster is 32 feet and the ridge is 4 feet higher. The buildi~ag that has
received the most objection is 30 feet to the l/3-point and 4 more to the ridge. Cottle
reminded Council they lowered the buildings between 8 to 2 feet.
Bruce Matherly, ACSD, noted Council discussed the requirement of the housing office to
get 1/10th interest in the housing. Matherly suggested an intergovernmental agreement to
accomplish the same thing. Council and the applicants agreed to have their attorneys
work out agreements, which they have. John Worcester, city attorney, said the agreement
is one the city can enforce in the future. If the project or units are sold, the city will
receive lA of 1% at that time.
Chris Bendon, community development department, brought up the last issue, vested
rights. Bendon reminded Council the city asked the Sanitation District to do a master
plan about 8 years ago as the city wanted to know what the ACSD planned to do with
their 3.5 acres. Bendon said the concept of master plan and of vested rights is to provide
reliance on both sides. Bendon told Council staff likes the plan and thinks it is
appropriate and does not have a problem with a long vested right. Bendon pointed out
these will not be built all at once but will be built on demand and financial capability.
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
Bendon said what will not vest are changes to life, safety codes. Staff supports the 15-
year vesting period to allow for the affordable housing to be vested.
Councilman Semrau noted there are no references in the ordinance to the residential
design standards. Councilman Semrau asked if the standards are all being waived. Lee
said this can be covered in the PUD. Bendon noted any changes would have to have
Council approval. Councilman Semrau suggested that the specific guidelines the
applicant is requesting to be waived should be listed in the ordinance or the PUD
agreement should be changed. Lee said the 3 that will be waived are orientation, building
form and secondary mass.
Councilwoman Richards asked if the third floor were removed, how much smaller would
the project be. Cottle said the third floor is a bedroom for the second floor units. The
fourplexes would be 3 one-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom units. Cottle said part of the
project is to provide more family-style housing. The ADA rule is to have equivalent
units in all accessible buildings.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing.
Toni Kronberg noted the AACP states affordable housing should be in town and dense.
Ms. Kronberg said all the lodge projects Council has approved in the past several years
have received height variances. Ms. Kronberg said comments about affordable housing
are that people need livable spaces. Ms. Kronberg said taking away the extra bedroom is
making units less livable. Ms. Kronberg said Council should approve the original
application with 21 units.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public heating.
Councilman Paulson asked about protecting the view corridor of Aspen mountain along
the trail; how will the parks department make sure the view is maintained. Stephen
Ellsperman, parks department, said they will work with the applicants with view
corridors and riparian restoration in mind. Councilman Semrau asked if the city had ever
granted vested rights for 15 years. Bendon said the Aspen Meadows had a longer time
and there is a proposed longer vested for the Bar/X ranch. Worcester clarified vesting
approval for 3 years does not mean the approvals go away after 3 years. The vesting
allows the applicants a guarantee there will not be intervening changes of the law that
will affect their project. Mayor Klanderud noted not all land uses reviewed by Council
are master plans from other quasi-governmental bodies. Bendon agreed the city rarely
sees a phased plan. Mayor Klanderud said this plan is linked to the purpose of the
applicant.
Councilman Semrau said this is a great master plan for day; however, as a policy giving
15 years vesting is a bad idea. The city wants to force applicants to improve their
projects as the rules are improved or changed. Worcester said there is also common law
vesting, which is court created and is equitable relief stating once an applicant has
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24~ 2005
approval and spends money in reliance on that approval. The court will state that rules
cannot be changed after money is spent.
Councilman Semrau agreed the appearance of the third story on one of the buildings from
the trail will make people unhappy. Cottle reiterated this is affordable housing and the
design is already pushing the limits by having two different designs. Councilman Semrau
said he does not favor going over the height limit for that third story. Mayor Klanderud
said she supports the design. Mayor Klanderud said she is sorry 5 units were cut out of
the plan. Ms. Stone said from a site perspective, this is like a balloon and if the height is
pushed down, the footprint has to go somewhere. If the footprint is spread in an east/west
design it becomes mom block like. The design tries to capitalize on the solar exposure;
each fourplex is about 25% solar exposure to their footprint. The increased coverage
decreases the integrity of the open space and more storm water retention area would be
needed.
Councilwoman Richards agreed the parcel is unique and when it was the sanitation plant,
thought was not given to having residences there. This is a municipal facility into which
all citizens pay. Councilwoman Richards suggested higher Sanitation District rates in
order to have the project done fight. Councilwoman Richards said she would like to see
what can be reworked with the design in order to eliminate the unit sticking into the view.
Councilwoman Richards asked if the approval could be amended in the future to allow
for more development. Bendon said this is a PUD and Council would have to approve a
PUD amendment. Councilman Paulson asked why the two buildings cannot be
rearranged. Ms. Stone said this would interfere with the views up Independence.
Matherly reminded Council the reconfiguration was done as a result of the site visit with
Council, looking at the different view planes and preserving what they could. Matherly
said these units need to remain affordable. The ACSD has had employee housing on site
since 1975. Matherly said they would like approval to master plan the site for affordable
housing to meet their needs over the next 15 years. Matherly pointed out the ACSD
reserved the fight for future uses of the trail itself related to the function of the ACSD,
one of which is construction of employee housing. The ACSD has 18 employees, 9 of
whom are housed on site.
Councilman Semrau said he feels the 400 square foot bedroom on the top floor could be
moved. Mayor Klanderud said the purpose of this master plan is to provide a
commtmity need; affordable housing has been identified as a need, and the Sanitation
District has taken a lead to provide for their employees. The ACSD revised the original
plan. Mayor Klanderud noted no adjacent homeowners are present. Ms. Stone said the
homeowners were part of the design process. Councilwoman Richards said this project is
over-reaching and is too much for her to approve. Councilman Semrau said the 30-foot
wall facing the trail is too difficult to accept; that is the only part of the project that he
cannot approve. Councilman Paulson said he, too, has a problem with the building
sticking into the view plane.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
Councilman Torte said he can support this proposal; it seems to have minimal impacts on
the trail. Councilman Torrc said he will support the 15-year vesting. Mayor Klanderud
stated she supports this project as reconfigured. Councilman Semrau said he would like
the ordinance amended to include the residential design standards exceptions - secondary
mass, building orientation and building forms, and to include affordable housing
guidelines currently in effect.
Councilrhan Semrau moved to continue Ordinance #37, Series of 2004, to February 14th
with the request to the applicant to remove the top floor on the most easterly building;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #49~ SERIES OF 2004 - Highlands Villas Annexation
John Womester, city attorney, told Council this is an existing subdivision in the county
with 16 units, all of whom petitioned to be annexed into the city. Worcester noted this
ordinance acknowledges the PUD agreement granted by the BOCC to allow the 16
homeowners to enclose their patios and porches.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor
Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Richards moved to adopt Ordinance #49, Series of 2004, on second
reading; seconded by Councilman Semrau. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Paulson, yes;
Torre, yes; Semrau, yes; Richards, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #48, SERIES OF 2004 - Code Amendment Open Space
TDRs
Mayor Klanderud explained this and Ordinance #50 were separated after first reading
since the code amendments stand alone and are for general application. Councilmembers
Richards and Paulson have to recuse themselves for Ordinance #50 because they live
within 300 feet of the proposed subdivision. Mayor Klanderud stated she was a guest of
Camilla Auger's at a Clinton fundraiser. Councilwoman Richards said she, too, was a
guest of Ms. Auger's.
Chris Bendon, community development department, told Council these two code
amendments were proposed by Walnut Property LLC. One amendment deals with the
historic TDR program and provides for two historic TDRs to be landed per residence for
properties within a subdivision that have been approved through a subdivision process.
These TDRs cannot be landed next to or directly adjacent to a historic resource. This
will be approved through the standard subdivision process, which includes noticing and
review by P&Z and Council. This will also require a recommendation from HPC.
Bendon said staff supports this and sees it as a financial incentive for the TDR program.
In order for the TDR program to be successful, it has to work for the private sector.
Regular Meeting Aspen Ci,ty Council January 24~ 2005
Bendon said the second amendment is preservation of open space parcels in or outside of
the city. This would allow Council to grant development allotments within the city in
recognition for a developer preserving and deed restricting an open space parcel. A
recommendation from the Open Space Advisory Board is required. Council can look at
how important the open space parcel is, how visible is it from town, is it part of a trail
connection, what development would be allowed on the parcel. Bendon told Council
staff supports this code amendment as another way to acquire open space for the
community.
Stan Clauson said these code amendments are important for the Fox Crossing project but
also because they reinforce preservation of historic resources and obtaining more open
space. This ordinance was reviewed by the HPC, who approved it, and P&Z, who also
approved it. Clauson pointed out these code amendments will not increase density in a
subdivision, just relocate mass within the subdivision and allow development without
going through the growth management process. Camilla Auger said the thought behind
the historic TDRs is to introduce more flexibility in a subdivision rather than putting one
TDR on every lot.
Mayor Klandemd opened the public heating.
Jon Busch said this TDR is by right rather than by review and it could create more
monster homes in the city.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public heating.
Mayor Klanderud said these TDRs can only be applied to a subdivision where them is a
historic resource. Mayor Klanderud noted these code amendments are by review not by
right. Mayor Klanderud asked where this might apply in the city. Bendon said these
TDRs cannot be used as part of a historic lot split as the TDR has to be one lot away from
the historic lot split. Mayor Klanderud reiterated the TDRs allow for increased FAR not
additional development rights. The open space transfers are development tights. Bendon
said Council will have to determine the development rights of a particular property
proposed for open space; the code amendment has no formula.
Councilwoman Richards asked if Council can determine where in a subdivision would
land. Bendon said Council may. Councilwoman Richards asked why two TDRs would
be permitted to land. Bendon said the city is relying on the private sector to preserve the
historic resources through the TDR program and it needs to be financially interesting.
Council may determine whether it is appropriate. The landing site will have to be
identified. This allows exemption from the growth management system. Mayor
Klanderud noted the ordinance is not clear that one receives a development tight they did
not have before and that should be clear in the ordinance. Councilwoman Richards said
the ordinance should also include that the receiving site cannot exceed the underlying
FAR.
ReRular Meetin~ Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #48, Series of 2004, on second reading,
with the understanding that language will be added to clarify this is a building right as
well as an exemption from GMQS and no more floor area than the underlying zoning;
seconded by Councilwoman Richards. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Richards, yes;
Torre, yes; Paulson, yes; Semrau, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #50~ SERIES OF 2004 - Fox Crossing Subdivision
Councilmembers Richards and Pauls0n live within 300 feet of this property and need to
recuse themselves. Councilman Paulson protested having to leave the room for this
discussion. John Womester, city attorney, said Council adopted an ordinance which
included acode of ethics for Council, together with conflict of interest. If one lives
within 300 feet of a proposed project, it is presumed one has a conflict. The rules of
ethics outline what a Councilmember is to do if it is deemed they have a conflict of
interest. These rules require a Councilperson disclose their conflict, refrain from voting
and physically absent themselves from the room. Worcester said the theory is that ifa
Councilperson has a conflict, they should not be in a position to influence other members
of Council, which requires absenting oneself from the room.
Chris Bendon, community development department, told Council this land currently
comprises 7 lots and the proposal is to divide them into 14 lots, one of which would be a
park parcel. The 7 existing lots allow for a total of 13 homes and the proposed 14 lots
would allow for a total of 19 homes. The existing 7 lots are between Lone Pine road,
Race alley and Race street. The Griffith lot split, which is included in the property, was
approved by Council several years ago. The Bennis property and the Walnut properties
are also included. The Walnut parcel includes the railroad parcel, the garage parcel, 4
houses on the west side of Race alley which has merged under the county code and split
into 2 conforming lots with 2 houses on each lot, one known as the north lot and one as
the south lot.
Bendon said the Walnut parcels all allow for a duplex as they are zoned R-6, a total of 8
residences. The Bennis property would allow for a duplex. The Griffith lot split
approval provides for 3 residences total, a single residence and a duplex. This totals 13
residences allowed by right. Bendon said 3 of the parcels in the Walnut property are
eligible for lot splits for the 8 development rights could be increased to 11 residences,
which will require Council approval.
The proposal is a resubdivision of all the land. The Griffith lot will be divided into 3 fee
simple lots. Because they went through lot split approval, it cannot be lot split again and
requires a formal subdivision. This will create 3 fee simple lots, each of which can
contain a duplex to a total of 6 residences allowed, requiring one development right.
There are lot line adjustments on the Griffith and Bennis parcels. There is a proposal for
the railroad parcel to be lot split. It currently allows a duplex; ifa lot split is approved it
would allow 3 residences and two new lots. This would require two development
allotments. This would be a total of 5 residences on the Railroad parcel.
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council Januarv 24, 2005
The other house at North cabin site is proposed for a lot split to create two single-family
sites. The old house and one cabin are historically designated. The old house plus cabin
parcel becomes two fee simple lots each with one single-family house. The garage parcel
is and remains a duplex lot. The south cabin is proposed for a lot split for two single-
family houses each on one lot. Interior to the project will be a parcel dedicated to park.
Bendon said one issue is Race alley. One of the city's subdivision standards requires a
determination on whether or not there is adequate infrastructure to serve the subdivision.
Race alley is a 20-foot fight of way developed as a two-way road. Bendon told Council
the city engineer and fire marshal comment this is not adequate to serve the subdivision
and it is not currently adequate. The options are to widen the road or to make it one-way.
The traffic safety advisory agreed that the road is currently inadequate and that needs to
be addressed by widening or one-way. Bendon noted by fight there could be an
additional 8 residences along Race street or Race alley. Staff is recommending one-way
is less destruction to properties along that right-of-way.
Bendon said the historic TDR proposal is consistent with the code amendment just
approved. The HPC gave a positive recommendation on moving the floor area around
within the subdivision. Bendon pointed out there is no more than 500 square feet landing
on any parcel. The parcels getting that extra FAR are along Lone Pine road and will be
within the range of the houses in the Mocklin subdivision.
Bendon pointed out the open space parcel is the Hunter Valley Way parcel, which the
Hunter Creek trail crosses. This parcel is in the county and the zoning is AFR-10, which
has one development right in the county of 5750 square feet, which could be increased to
15,000 square feet with TDRs. The allotments from that parcel into town provide for the
full subdivision of the Griffith properties, which only requires one development allotment
to go from 3 houses to 6. There would be 3300 additional square feet on the Griffith
properties. Fox Crossing lots 8 and 9 are internal to the subdivision and could end up
with residences and about 2200 additional square feet. These are not directly adjacent to
the historic resources. Bendon noted the school dedication fees need to be added to the
ordinance.
Camilla Auger, applicant, told Council this is a diverse ama. They are proposing a low
density, single-family development with a park in the middle, which will be open to the
public. They also propose to help develop the park on Spruce street. Ms. Auger
explained that the developers will give the Hunter Valley Way to the Aspen Valley Land
Trust as a third party, it will be 20 acres of open space along the Hunter Creek trail. Ms.
Auger said the plan is to restore the Griffith blue Victorian. The two cabins will be made
into one residence while preserving the look of two cabins. Ms. Auger handed out letters
from the fire department, the Smuggler trailer court homeowners association in support
of the project, Dale Will the county's open space director, and adjacent property owners
of Aley Park.
Stan Clauson, representing the applicant, gave Council maps with roadway changes and
increased readability. Clauson illustrated how this project will link a number of key open
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
spaces. There will be a trail from the north through the project and connecting to the
Oklahoma Flats trail. The park to the south of the Aley property will be improved with a
playground and a trail connection. Clauson showed the location of the historic house and
the relocated cabins, which will be historically designated.
Clauson said the pavement width of Race alley is 14+ feet in a 20 foot right-of-way with
a wider right-of-way where is comes into Spruce street. Clauson said the condition of the
wider section is a storage lot for vehicles. Clauson proposed the portion of the Race
street right-of-way which follows the old railroad alignment be vacated to allow lot 1 to
have a reasonable development width and Race street will be developed with a 28 foot
right-of-way and 20 feet of pavement and an 8 foot parking shoulder. Clauson noted this
is a subdivision, not a PUD, and there are no variances being requested. Every lot meets
the minimum 6,000 square foot standard. There are no height variances being requested
and no exemptions from the residential design standards. The proposal includes a
permanent meadow, deed restricted and available for public use.
Clauson said the original platting was to have this area be a very dense subdivision. Then
the railroad needed a turnaround, which disrupted the subdivision plans. Clanson said
interpretative signs will be included to provide background of the development of the
area. Clauson presented an illustrative drawing indicating the densities and the intensity
of development resulting from a code developed project. There is a stream that the
developers hope to enhance.
Gilbert Sanchez, architect, told Council he is working on restoration of the Griffith blue
Victorian as well as the two log cabins. Sanchez said the cabins are excellent examples
of post WWII rustic style. Sanchez pointed out what is unique about these 3 structures is
the way they sit on the landscape. Sanchez went over the proposed renovation plans and
told Council they have gone through conceptual with HPC. Sanchez said they have tried
to respond to the neighbors' comments during this process.
Ms. Auger noted they have attempted to move the density away from Race street, which
can least support it. Clauson said they have looked at looping the water main onto Lone
Pine. This water main currently dead ends on Walnut street. Jay Hammond, engineer,
told Council there has been interest in providing a street through the project from Race
street to Lone Pine. Hammond said the applicants looked at this in context within the
project and what it would do to the neighborhood. Harmnond noted installing a road
through the project would split the project into an east and a west project. Hammond said
the east part of the project would generate about a net increase of 30 vehicles/day.
Hammond pointed out the change of Race alley to a one-way street would bring more
traffic. Hammond said the west side of the project will have mom density and would
generate a net increase of 45 cars/day.
~tammond said from an internal standpoint, a connecting road would have negative
impacts on the development plan, the context of the historic preservation, the context of
the park. From an external standpoint, Spruce street is the only vehicular exit from the
neighborhood to the north and could have up to 300 vehicles/day. Hammond said an
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Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January, 24~ 2005
alternate route through the subdivision would create a new intersection off Spruce street,
a new intersection onto Lone Pine, and the intersection on Gibson. This would add 2
turning movements and 2 stop signs. Hammond said for convenience and directness,
going through the subdivision is not the best option. This would bring the new road close
to Hunter Creek and the residents have expressed some concern about that road.
Hammond recommended against a road through the project.
Brian Flynn, parks department, said staff feels the Hunter Way parcel would be an
important addition to the city's open space. It appears as the entryway to the Hunter
Creek valley. Mayor Klandernd asked if there is access to this parcel. Bendon said
legally there is access; however, physically there is no road. Mayor Klandernd said this
parcel may be sterile. Councilman Semrau agreed Council needs to know what the
development right is worth before they can assign development rights to another parcel.
Ms. Auger pointed out the access through North Spruce street. Ms. Auger told Council
there is a contract so the purchasers have an easement. When the purchasers are paid,
they will relinquish the easement and Hunter Way parcel. Councilman Semrau asked if
this application is rejected, would Ms. Auger provide access through her lot. Ms. Auger
said she has provided the purchaser with the right that if they cannot pay them and affect
the trade, they will have a development right. Ms. Auger noted that the combination of
giving investors tax credits and allowing the project to raise the money to purchase the
open space is a novel approach to obtaining more open space.
Councilman Semrau said for Council's purposes this is a new subdivision. Councilman
Semrau stated generally in new subdivisions of raw land, applicants require GMQS and
60/40 split with affordable housing. Bendon said that is correct; however, there is a lot of
development right inherent in this property. These development rights run with the
property. Ifa subdivision comes in to redistribute the existing development rights onto
newly configured lots, this does not trigger a growth management review. There are 3
additional development rights this project relies on. These could be acquired through the
growth management process where 60/40 would apply, or through some other
mechanism. The code amendment is a mechanism to allow Council to acknowledge
receipt of an open space parcel and to approve development rights in town, which is how
the applicant proposes to acquire these 3 development rights.
Mayor Klandernd asked what the housing requirement is in this subdivision. Bendon
said for the lots that have existing development rights and are being redeveloped, the
housing requirements is a cash-in-lieu payment or and ADU for each free market unit.
For the new development rights in exchange for the open space parcel, the recently
adopted code amendment states these parcels have to provide housing by cash-in-lieu or
ADU. Councilman Semrau asked if staff checked with county to make sure there is a
development right on the Hunter Way parcel. Bendon said there is one development
right, which would allow a 5,750 square foot housing with TDRs up to 15,000 square
feet.
Mayor Klandernd opened the public hearing.
13
Regular Meeting Aspen Citw Council January, 24, 2005
Jon Busch submitted a letter for the record. Busch told Council he is the property most
affected by this project. Busch pointed out the view of garages from his property. Busch
said his first concern is parking. There is no public parking proposed anywhere in the
subdivision, there is only parking for the residents. The additional nnits on Race alley are
proposed while taking away parking on Race street. Busch said he would like the trail
details finalized, where it will go, how wide it is, fencing, what the material will be.
Busch stated he does not support putting a road through the subdivision. Busch said
traffic slowing devices should be installed. Busch said he is concerned about the density
of the project and would prefer not to have ADUs, which could double that density.
Busch encouraged the applicant to keep all construction impacts on site. Busch said he
supports the project with those caveats.
Connie Harvey said this is a good project from the open space perspective. Ms. Harvey
went over the history of Hunter Creek and the many battles to keep it open. Hunter
Creek is Aspen's backyard; it is a wonderful place to go. Ms. Harvey said this is a
creative way to keep open space and keep monster houses out.
Councilman Torre moved to suspend the rules and extend the meeting until 11:30 p.m.;
seconded by Mayor Klanderud. All in favor, motion carded.
Muriel Frey, Hunter Creek resident, said she was told them was an easement to the south
of Hunter Creek that nothing could be built on that area. Clauson said the applicants had
a survey done and there is no easement on that open space parcel. Ms. Frey asked the
distance between the Hunter Creek building and the new subdivision. JeffLester, Hunter
Creek resident, said they like the comment about the applicant respecting the landscape
buffer and the pond. Lester said they do not favor the road through the project on to
Lone Pine. Ms. Auger said they are pleased to have the cooperation of Hunter Creek and
do not intend to do anything adverse to the landscape. Councilman Semrau asked if they
are willing to agree not to go up the embankment. Clauson said they would accept a
condition that would create a building envelope for that lot. Lester said they like the
public access to the open space area as well as having the historic buildings fronting that
space. Lester said they thought there would be 3 homes fronting Lone Pine and doubling
the density is a surprise.
Tim McFlynn said one of the most important values in this valley is access to trails and
open space. McFlynn said the ability to secure this valuable open space is inxmeasurable.
Many citizens worked to secure permanent access into Hunter Creek. McFlynn said
Council should work to take care of immediate neighbors' concerns in order to affect a
larger community value. Robert Zupancis noted he is located on Race street and Walnut
street. Zupancis pointed out the public portion of Race street is one half of a block and it
cannot handle construction parking. Zupancis presented a letter for the record. The
applicants have not addresed off site parking or visitor parking at all.
Loren Ryerson said adding sidewalks to this area is important to address pedestrian ease
of using this area. Ryerson noted it is not good policy of the city to add pedestrians to an
area that is already inadequate for safety. Ryerson said a trail in the middle of a
14
Regular Meeting Aspen Citw Council January 24, 2005
subdivision is not adequate. The safety issues of this area need to be looked at. Ryerson
said his preference is to widen Race alley rather than one-way it.
Colleen Burrows, Spruce Street resident, said this application has increased from 11 to 13
to 19 units. Ms. Burrows said it appears there is enough land to subdivide again to a total
of 21 units. Ms. Burrows would like Council to look at the possibility of any increased
density. Ms. Burrows noted the impacts grow every time the neighbors see this
application. Spruce street will have tO take all traffic from the development. Ms.
Burrows said the neighborhood supports Race Alley remaining two-way. Ms. Burrows
agreed the application has not addressed parking in the subdivision. Ms. Burrows
requested Council look at the impacts being pushed out of the subdivision on to
surrounding streets. LJ Erspamer, Spruce Street, said his biggest concern is that Race
alley remain the same. Erspamer said they like the plan and have worked with the
applicant. Erspamer said Council needs to look at the parking and the traffic in this area.
Bill Stirling said he worked with the applicant to assemble this project. R-6 is the most
dense zoning and the density in the west end is 8 houses/acre and this proposal is for 3
acre and a total of 19 units, which will be less dense than the west end. Stifling said an
advantage of assembling all this property into one ownership and application is that it
lends a coherence and pattern of development and a preservation of open space.
Mayor Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Semrau said there have been many questions raised by this application and
he would like to continue this in order to have some of the questions answered.
Councilman Semrau agreed that the trail through the project should be better defined,
what it will paved with, how wide. Councilman Semrau said he would like to see
sidewalks along the project, insuring real pedestrian access. Councilman Semrau said he
would like to hear from the city engineer and fire marshal about the width of Race alley.
Councilman Semrau agreed 14 feet cannot work for two-way traffic. Councilman
Semrau requested staff check with Pitkin County to find out about the development rights
on Hunter Way. Councilman Semrau stated this is not free open space; it is open space
being traded for development. The code amendment states it is up to Council to
determine what a development right is worth. Councilman Semrau requested a staff
recommendation on which way to one-way Race alley, if it is made one-way.
Councilman Semrau said he would like an outline of the applicant's intentions on ADU
or cash-in-lieu.
Mayor Klanderud said she is concerned about sufficient parking on site and
the neighbors should not have to bear the brunt of parking being pushed onto their streets.
Mayor Klanderud noted the park will remain part of the subdivision and will be
maintained by the homeowners. Mayor Klanderud said she is concerned about access by
the general public in the future. Mayor Klanderud stated this does not serve a public park
amenity but a great open space for the homeowners. Mayor Klanderud stated she wants
assurance that this will remain available to the general public. Mayor Klanderud stated
Hunter Way has been acting as open space for years and years. Mayor Klanderud
15
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24, 2005
requested the applicants look into dedicating a park across Lone Pine where the bus stop
is located.
Councilman Semrau stated when Council approves subdivisions, it is the chance to get
safe pedestrian access, safe parking, safe fire access. Councilman Torre agreed about not
expanding burdens to the surrounding roads.
Councilman Semrau moved to continue Ordinance #50, Series of 2004, to February 28th;
seconded by Councilman Torre. All in favor, motion carried.
ORDINANCE #1, SERIES OF 2005 - Little Ajax PUD
James Lindt, community development department, stated this is a 16 unit affordable
housing project off West Hopkins at the base of Shadow Mountain. Council earlier
approved a pre-annexation agreement and approved a subdivision for three-lots to enable
three single family residences. This would be the back up plan to an affordable housing
project consisting of 15 three-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom, category 4, for sale project.
The first floor contains 25 parking spaces, storage areas and two units. The second floor
is the first floor of the units, and the third floor is the bedrooms. This is a two-story
building along the street for lower mass. The building is 35 feet calculated from the
interior courtyard. The FAR is .94:1. Lot 3 will be deed restricted to the city with a
conservation easement at a discounted price to be preserved as open space.
Lindt stated staff feels the project is compatible with the neighborhood, which is made up
of diverse uses. The dimensional requirements are also compatible with the immediate
vicinity. Lindt said 25 parking space is 1.56 space/unit. The applicant is proposing auto
disincentives of homeowners dues based on how many vehicles one owns and bicycle
storage. Staff feels the parking ratio is appropriate based on these disincentives as well as
the proximity to town. The Housing Board recommends a more diverse mix in the
category of units. The applicants are willing to do this but will need a greater subsidy.
The applicants are requesting a waiver of the park dedication fee. The parks department
reconunended against this waiver. The parks department also recommend the West
Hopkins bikeway be maintained as a traffic calming measure. This project meets the
goals of the AACP to provide quality affordable housing close to transit and the
commercial core. P&Z voted 5 to 1 in favor of the project.
Charlie Kaplan, applicant, presented a model of the proposed project, illustrating the
entryway into the courtyard, the parking on the ground level. Kaplan pointed out the
ADA units on the first floor. Kaplan said they broke the building into separate masses.
The building along the street is low in scale and then steps up the hill. There are diagonal
slices through the building to break it into 5 smaller buildings, which also creates more
coruer units than in a typical design. The slices also link the buildings together with
bridges and with cimulation. The owners will be able to get to the open space to the
south without going down to the parking level. The slices also allow views through to
the mountain for the pedestrians.
16
Regular Meeting
Aspen City Council
January 24~ 2005
Kaplan showed the tuck under parking underneath the building, the private storage and
the mechanical rooms. There is a common space with indoor trash and mail room. The
courtyard has a planted section in the middle. Kaplan said the living spaces are 21 by 32
foot open space with the kitchen and dining area facing into the courtyard. The living
space faces the views and open space and are mostly glass. The top levels are the
bedrooms.
Kaplan noted this is a modem building and it fits in with the neighborhood because it is
an eclectic neighborhood with a lot of different styles, all of which makes Aspen quirky.
Mayor Klandemd asked about the ice and snow build up in the courtyard. Kaplan said
they did snow studies for P&Z and what it Will cost to maintain the area. Kaplan said the
island in the middle can store snow. This area will have to be plowed regularly.
Kaplan stated the project is costing a lot more than was projected. The applicants are
asking for an increase in subsidy. The cost of steel has doubled and is affecting the entire
construction industry. The city's fees are larger than expected to a total of $300,000,
water tap fees are $110,000; the sanitation district fees are $65,000, park impact fee
$57,000, and building permit fees $40,000. Kaplan said the original budget did not have
any extra money. Kaplan requested an $8,000/bedroom increase in subsidy or a total of
$376,000. Kaplan said any reduction in number of units will have financial implications.
The 15 unit plan would cost $8500/bedroom or $349,000 additional or 14 units
$9,000/bedroom or $258,000 additional.
Kaplan presented study models of the reduced schemes. The 15 unit scheme takes one
unit out of a bar; the 14 unit scheme takes one unit out of two bars. The parking would
remain the same in any scheme. The 14 unit scheme moves a comer of the building
down the hill 20 feet, which is where most of the cut would have been. The reduced
schemes widen the slots and open up the views and also move the building away from the
eastern property line. The bridges will remain in all schemes. Only 3 bedroom units
would be removed.
Councilman Semrau said this scheme has a lot of aesthetic interest. Councilman Semrau
asked what the exterior materials would be. Kaplan showed proposed materials; the
bottom band would be cedar boards or stained concrete. The middle band will be made
to be transparent using glass or a makes panel, which has an R-22 value. The top band
will be stained concrete board or painted corrugated metal.
Councilwoman Richards asked the cost of the open space parcel. JeffWoods, parks
director, is exactly what was negotiated. Steve Barwick, city manager, said the city fees
have not changed since the contract was signed. Kaplan said the water fees added
$28,000. Councilman Semrau said he thought water fees for 100% affordable housing
projects were waived. Kaplan said they are cutting their fees.
Councilman Semrau suggested mixing category 3, 4, and 5 on location. Councilwoman
Richards said the city could put in more money and buy down 4 units to category 3.
Councilwoman Richards agreed this is very exciting architecture and shows a lot of
17
Regular Meetin~ Aspen City Council January 24~ 2005
thought. Councilman Torre asked whether these are walkout units. Kaplan said most of
the units are walk out on the south side.
Mayor Klandemd opened the public hearing.
Martha Madsen said she has a letter from the assistant city manager stating that the city's
money would be better spent elsewhere than participating in this project as affordable
housing. Ms. Madsen said she is concerned about mass and scale of this structure. The
Shadow Mountain neighborhood guidelines recommend that larger buildings be broken.
up into modules.
Jean Greiner, recently moved to this neighborhood, said she uses the Midland trail daily.
This trail is just seconds from Hopkins street and one seems to be in the wilderness. The
most used access off5th. Ms. Greiner said she would hate to see this compromise the
wilderness experience. The trail is a big asset to the city. There is also a lot of use of the
bike/pedestrian trail along Hopkins street. Mike Haisfield, adjacent property owner, said
he is opposed to the increased traffic, parking and congestion.
Fonda Patterson thanked the Council and the developer to responding to the Friends of
Shadow Mountain who are committed to extending the Midland trail from the Marolt
bridge to downtown. Ms. Patterson said they own the property to the west, for which
they have a development approval. Ms. Patterson said snow storage is a concern so that
it does not drain into their property. Ms. Patterson said she hopes the applicant will give
a permanent easement up to the Midland trail through their property. Ms. Patterson said
she appreciates the roof line and also the slices through to the mountain. Ms. Patterson
showed a rendering of the Elks' building, the proposed building will be 230 feet from
east to west and wider then the Elks' building. Ms. Patterson encouraged Council to
approve the smaller building.
Toni Kronberg asked if the developer has submitted soils report to show that the land is
suitable for development. Kaplan said it has been. Ms. Kronberg asked if there is
concern about rock fall. Kaplan said they are looking at installing a protective barrier.
Ms. Kronberg noted that Hopkins street is the main alternate way for people to get from
town to Castle Creek. Ms. Kronberg said the parking spaces in this project should be
eliminated.
Mayor Klandemd closed the public hearing.
Mayor Klandemd said the troth is people drive and people have cars. Mayor Klandemd
said she would like to see two parking spaces/unit. Mayor Klandemd stated she likes the
bicycle storage. Mayor Klandemd said she is concerned about reduced homeowners dues
or price ifa purchaser does not have a car. That is very difficult to enforce.
Councilwoman Richards said she feels modem architecture is important and the living
situations will be superb. Councilwoman Richards said this project is trying to combine
community goals of preserving open space and providing affordable housing.
18
Regular Meeting Aspen City Council January 24~ 2005
Councilwoman Richards stated she would prefer the 14 unit project. It will reduce
neighborhood impacts; the parking on-site will be closer to two spaces/unit.
Councilwoman Richards said if Council subsidizes four units at category 3, that would
add about $320,000 to a 14 unit, 41 bedroom project equaling about $3.960 million or a
subsidy of $96,000/bedroom. Councilwoman Richards noted this is lower than the
subsidy for many othe~ projects. Councilwoman Richards said this project is in town and
making it fewer units would make it more compatible with the neighborhood.
Councilman Semrau said he feels this project is brilliant and a great culmination of work
from many people. Councilman Semrau agreed it is worth going with the 14 unit project.
Councilman Semrau said the subsidy is a good deal for in-town quality units.
Councilman Semrau noted projects that have given conservation easements or open space
often have the parks fee waived. Councilman Semrau said the developers will have to
have a drainage plan indicating all drainage be kept on site. Councilman Semrau asked
that the engineer also calculate the snow storage requirements.
Councilman Semrau moved to adopt Ordinance #1, Series of 2005, on second reading,
conditioned on 14 units, the city buy down 4 units to category 3, to include snow storage
in the drainage calculations, approve an increase in subsidy of $8900/bedroom and to
deduct any waiving of parks fees and reductions in the water tap fees; seconded by
Mayor Klandemd.
Councilwoman Richards said she does not want to waive the park fee; the city is buying
the open space parcel.
Councilman Semrau amended his motion to leave the parks fee in the ordinance;
seconded by Mayor Klandemd.
John Worcester, city attorney, asked the applicant if this motion passes, has the city
complied with its obligation under the pre-annexation agreement. Kaplan said yes.
There will be a temporary access until the city can gain permanent easements to connect
the Midland trail east to west.. Mayor Klanderud asked if the applicant is willing to make
the access from Fifth street a permanent easement. Kaplan said they are.
Councilman Semrau amended his motion to include a permanent trail easement from
Fifth to the Midland trail; seconded by Mayor Klandemd.
Councilman Torre said he cannot support this project as he does not feel the design fits
with the neighborhood. Councilman Torre said he does not think this will have the
greatest livability. Councilman Torre said he would like some free market units in order
to lower the subsidy. Mayor Klandemd said she likes the modem design and it helps
contribute to the eclectic style of Aspen. Mayor Klandemd asked if it possible to eke out
3 more parking spaces. Kaplan said he may be able to add one space; it is a question of
space. Mayor Klanderud said she does not want to contribute to pushing more cars out
onto the neighborhood.
19
Regular Meeting
Aspen City Council
January 24, 2005
Councilman Semrau move to delete the requirement about homeowners' dues; seconded
by Mayor Klanderud. Roll call vote; Councilmembers Semrau, yes; Torre, no; Paulson,
yes; Richards, yes; Mayor Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
ORDINANCE #2~ SERIES OF 2005 - Code Amendment Seasonal Outdoor Food
Vending
James Lindt, community development department, told Council this ordinance would
extend the GMQS exemption for seasonal outdoor food vending. This was approved last
year for a one-year trial basis. Staff recommends extending this for a year and amending
the ordinance to include the winter season.
Mayor Klanderud opened the public hearing. There were no comments. Mayor
Klanderud closed the public hearing.
Councilman Torte moved to adopt Ordinance #2, Series of 2005, on second reading
amending Section 5 to include the winter season; seconded by Councilman Paulson. Roll
call vote; Councilmembers Ton'e, yes; Semrau, yes; Richards, yes; Paulson, yes; Mayor
Klanderud, yes. Motion carried.
Councilman Semrau moved to adjourn at 12:45 p.m.; seconded by Councilman Torte. All
in favor, motion carried.
~~ S. Koch, City Clerk
20