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BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO., DENVER
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
September 4, 1979
Regular Meeting
Aspen Planning and Zoning Conunission
The Aspen Planning and Zoning Conunission held a regular meeting on September 4,
1979, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. Members present were Olof Hedstrom,
Lee Pardee, Perry Harvey, Roger Hunt and Joan Klar. Also present were Karen Smith
and Jolene Vrchota of the Planning Office and Lou Buettner of the Engineering
Office.
Approval of Minutes
Conunissioner
Conunents
Proposed Zoning for
Wright-Gant
Annexation,
Public Hearing
Hunt moved to approve the mintues of July 17, 1979, with
corrections, Harvey seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Hunt stated there were two excavations in town with no acti-
vity for a substantial period of time and he wished to ask
the building department to investigate. One is next to the
Durant Mallon the corner of Original and Durant. He felt
this was a very unsafe condition and a possible hazard. He
also objected to the number of parking spaces used during
the construction. The other site is the Aspen Inn. He also
asked why the Pitkin County Bank and Trust does not have any
sidewalks on the Hunter Street side. Smith said they are
waiting for any possible future delineation of a downtown
improvement plan. They have a waiver of one year with
temporary minimal improvements. Hunt also voiced his concern
for employee housing. He felt they should consider amending
the code to allow for smaller studios. He submitted drawings
of the type of housing he envisioned. It should be strictly
rental units for low income employees. Klar agreed they
should encourage this type of housing but did not feel it
was appropriate for the local government to develop. Pardee
agreed that this type of employee housing was the most cru-
cial and suggested a conunittee to pursue this amendment.
Harvey supported this proposal. Smith noted the City and
County is pursuing this idea with the direction of the recent
survey which indicates which housing was the most needed at
this time. Hedstrom asked Hunt, Anderson and Pardee to meet
on this item and come back with suggestions.
Pardee asked that the Planning Office submit a list of the
items that P&Z has asked for in the past. He noted that they
had requested a landscape plan, a transportation plan and
a storage plan for the Water Plant Housing which never came
back to them. He also noted P&Z approved a condominiumiza-
tion with the condition that one unit be controlled and they
had never seen the documents come back for review. He also
asked the status of the Zoning Enforcement Officer they had
requested. Smith said the Council supported their recom-
mendation for a Zoning Enforcement Officer and they are
looking for the budget to support it.
Harvey asked the status of the Aspen Waterfront Restoration
Program as presented by Mr. Benedict. Smith said there was
no formal status, they are looking at several proposals at
this time. They wish to use the direction of the survey to
guide their decisions. Hunt again asked about the excava-
tions noted above. Smith said she would alert the Building
Inspector.
Smith asked the P&Z to consider RMF for this property. The
house is located South of Highway 82 directly East of the
Castle Creek Bridge. The surrounding zoning is RMF/PUD,
R-15/PUD, R-6 and some R-30. She submitted an improvement
survey. She noted there are six dwelling units in the
building, the records in the County show four legal units.
The previous owners thought they were buying six units and
the present owner estimates the two extra units were in-
stalled sometime between 1964 and 1969. The owner wishes to
be annexed into the City to secure the zoning that will
allow it to become a conforming unit and thereby allow him
to make improvements to the property. He also wishes to
bring this employee housing into the City. The RMF zoning
would allow additional buildout on the property. She
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Regular Meeting
Aspen Plann~ng and Zoning Cotnlrlission
Septenilier 4, 1979
Mr. Jenkins
reconunended RMF/PUD with restrictions on the buildout and
rental of the units, provided that the issue of the legality
of the two units can be worked out. Hunt suggested zoning
the property R-15/PUD. smith said that would limit them
to improving the building by 10% of the replacement value
of the building per year. There is pending legislation to
increase this percentage for residential or lodge uses.
Hedstrom opened the public hearing.
Jenkins, a member of the Board of the Villa of Aspen town-
houses, said they support the improvement of the property
but are concerned if they are allowed to increase the number
of people living there. He also questioned if the change
from the County to the City would affect the roof line. He
felt a change could affect the Villas.
Gary wright, owner of the property, expressed his desire to
make the building as legal and safe as possible which is
difficult in a nonconforming structure. The present struc-
ture has a flat roof that leaks and he wishes to replace it
with a gabled roof. He felt the building was in need of
attention and felt it was an important issue since it is
the first house visible upon entering the City. He noted
he wished to condominiumize in the future for long term
employee housing. There has been interest from the business
conununity to buy these units for employees. He said he was
able to get a building permit for the gabled roof improve-
ment if there was no increase in living space. This roof
increases the height of the building by 6 feet. There is
a heating unit on the flat roof that is very visible and he
wishes to change that to a pitched roof.
Hedstrom closed the public hearing.
Smith said there would be no change in the height limitation
between the County and City. He is within the limits with
the gabled roof. Wright said he would work with the Villas
on the roof line change so as not to affect their view.
Hunt asked how many parking spaces were provided. Wright
said there were eight spaces in the Villas parking lot.
Harvey asked how many bedrooms there were in the building.
Wright said there were 12 bedrooms but some were excessively
small.
Harvey suggested zoning the property R-15 and if the pending
legislation passes, he would then be able to improve. Hunt
agreed that, with the present alignment of Highway 82, R-15
would be appropriate. He felt if 82 were realigned, they
should then consider RMF. Smith noted there is a potential
for expansion toward Highway 82 but with the expansion they
must attempt to reduce the nonconformity. Hedstrom polled
the members for zoning. Hunt was in favor of R-15/PUD,
Harvey agreed with RMF/PUD. Wright indicated a piece of
property owned by the Villas that they wish to subdivide
and sell to Wright. He has no intention of increasing the
size of the building and is willing to so deed restrict.
He wishes to reduce the density in two of the units with a
six month minimum lease on all. If he obtains the land from
the Villas and the P&Z and Council grant the exemption, the
building will be conforming. Klar was in favor of ~~/PUD.
She asked if Wright was willing to restrict all the units.
Wright said he wishes to live in one unit and is still nego-
tiating with the rest of the building. Pardee agreed with
RMF/PUD with the restriction that there be no further devel-
opment in the physical size of the structure. Hunt sug~
gested the wording "no expansion of footprint or living
space". Smith suggested "footprint or internal floor area".
Hunt felt this would allow them to use the area that will
be created by the gabled roof. Wright said he did wish to
use this space but was willing to reduce the density of the
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BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO., DENVER
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
September 4, 1979
Regular Meeting
Mobile Home Zone
District
Bil Dunaway
Brooke Peterson
Jeffrey Sachs
Aspen Planning and Zoning Conunision
building. Pardee did not wish to see a reduction in the
number of employee bedrooms but was against an increase,
also. He was agreeable to a trade of an undersized bed-
room for a loft. Smith suggested the wording "no expansion
of footprint or number of bedrooms". Harvey felt the appli-
cant, the City Attorney and City Planner should negotiate
the language. Smith asked if they wished to address the
legality of the two units. The Board asked for assistance
from the staff. Hunt asked the mix of bedrooms. Smith
said there are two three-bedroom, two two-bedroom and two
one-bedroom apartments. Hunt asked how the proposed loft
would affect these numbers. Wright said in one of the
three bedrooms, they wish to reduce it to two and adjust
the awkward layout; in the other three bedroom, one bedroom
is more a closet, 8'xlO' with no windows. Harvey asked if
they could require that the two units without building per-
mits be inspected.
Pardee moved to table action on the Wright-Gant annexation
pending clarification of the legality and putting the intent
of the conunission in the proper language for our considera-
tion at our next meeting, Hunt seconded. All in favor,
motion approved.
Vrchota noted that they discussed three alternatives at
their last meeting; allowing mobile homes as a conditional
use, a permitted use or adopting a new zone district speci-
fically for mobile homes. She reconunended adopting the new
zone and asked for their suggestions on the draft, Hedstrom
polled the members for opinion on the alternatives; Pardee
did not support a new zone, the rest felt a separate new
zone was appropriate. Vrchota began discussing the speci-
fics of the ordinance creating a mobile home district.
The permitted uses would be mobile home parks and accessory
buildings and uses, conditional uses would be the same as
in the R-6 zone. She reconunended reducing the proposed
20' front yard setback to 5', possibly 10'. She also recom-
mended reducing the proposed 25' height limitation to 15'.
She reconunended allowing residential uses, single family or
duplex, as a conditional use so as not to encourage a con-
version.
Hedstrom opened the public hearing.
Dunaway did not feel it wise to allow single family Or du-
plex units, even by conditional use review. Future P&Z'S
may not feel as strongly about this issue and may change the
intent of this provision.
Brooke Peterson, attorney for the Mobile Home owners at
Smuggler, supported the alternative to set up a separate
district for mobile home parks. The homeowners at Smuggler
feel that 5' is sufficient for the setback requirement. He
asked that the height limitation allow the height of the
existing single family dwelling and the accessory building.
He agreed with Dunaway's conunents regarding conditional
uses and single family and duplex dwellings.
Sachs felt they should discuss the restrictions on additions
to mobile homes. He asked if they wished to allow double-
decked mobile homes with the 25' height limitation. Harvey
noted that the Uniform Building Code does not allow double
decked mobile homes. .
Hedstrom closed the public hearing.
Harvey asked how they could correct the parking situation.
They can come up with a great plan but in February the road
is three feet wide because of the snow buildup. Vrchota
said the units are 12'-14' wide and with 5' setbacks, there
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Regular Meeting
September 4, 1979
Anderson Subdivision
Preliminary Plat
and Condeptual
Submission
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Aspen Planning and Zoning Conunission
is still enough room for the required 9' parking space.
They are considering requiring one space per lot.
William Levin, part owner of the trailer park property,
said with the existing setbacks, each parcel can park at
least one car. Hunt asked if the trailer hitch was allowed
in the setback. Vrchota said her reconunendation for a five
foot setback includes the hitch in the setback.
Pardee agreed that a separate zone for mobile homes is ap-
propriate but supported allowing single family houses or
duplexes as conditional uses.
Hunt moved to table action on zoning to include mobile home
parks to September 11, 1979, Harvey seconded. All in favor,
motion approved.
Vrchota introduced the item. She noted that in their pre-
vious discussions, there was a problem with the trail align-
ment on the property. Jeff Sachs, attorney for the appli-
cant, has presented a proposal to draw the lot line for the
third lot but not to.allow development on this lot without
full subdivision review. The applicant would be willing to
contribute a trail easement along the river, the Planning
Office is asking for a "fisherman's easement". City
Engineering notes that the code requires that there be a
public or private road accessing any City lot. The appli-
cant has provided an easement across one lot to the other.
The purchaser of this lot must accept and recognize this
easement. She noted that the Open Space Advisory Board
looked at this parcel and did not consider this a high
priority open space acquisition.
Hedstrom opened the public hearing.
Vrchota stated that the applicant notes that the park dedi-
cation fee would be required in the final plat for the two
smaller lots but not on the larger lot. Sachs said they
have been negotiating on the easement and have decided that,
before this goes to final plat, the easement will be staked,
reviewed and approved by Brian Stafford. He asked that the
park dedication fee on the single family and duplex lots be
waived in consideration of this easement. He asked that
they impose a condition that Lot 3 cannot be developed until
the single family residence is removed with a 60-day grace
period following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
for the new structure on Lot 3 and during such grace period
the existing single-family residence on Lot 1 will be re-
moved. He noted there have been inquiries into relocating
the single-family cabin. As far as the road easement, the
strip is 20' wide by 56~' long. The P&Z can give an excep-
tion to the code for a private road but this land is then
subtracted from the square footage of the lot. They must
then redraw the lot line to allow for the minimum lot size.
Lou Buettner of the City Engineering Department noted that
the 20'x56~' strip is about 1/5 of the total lot. He noted
they would collect taxes on an easement, not on a private
road.
Hedstrom closed the public hearing.
The Board was concerned that they were splitting this
parcel into three lots. Sachs noted that the third lot
would have to go through Growth Management Review to be
able to build anything. The preliminary plat showed the
split creating only two lots. Harvey did not think the
easement was such a sacrifice since it may not be paved and
is considered a "fisherman's easement". The Board discussed
the problem of access to the one lot without a driveway.
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BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO., DENVER
Regular Meeting
Golf Course Pro Shop,
Conditional Use,
Public Hearing
Smuggler Enclave
Zoning
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Aspen Planning and Zoning Conuniss~on September 4, 1979
If the square footage of the road is subtracted from the
total area of that lot, they must then redraw the lot line
to bring that lot up to the minimum lot size. Buettner
reconunended taking the land from Lot 1 so it could not be
figured into the density at a later date. He also recom-
mended the maintenance and upkeep of this private road be
tied to Lot 3.
Hunt moved to table this application to September 11, 1979,
pending explanation from Ron Stock concerning the legal
aspects, Harvey seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Smith introduced the application. The City wishes to
operate a golf course pro shop and related facilities at
the Plum Tree Inn. Recreational buildings and sports shops
are conditional uses in the P-Park district. Jim Holland,
Director of Parks, explained the uses intended for the site.
The Planning Office reconunends approval conditioned upon
landscaping to minimize the visual impact on Highway 82
and that there be painting in a color that is compatible
with the Plum Tree. The use is compatible with the uses
of the surrounding land.
Hedstrom opened the public hearing. There were no conunents.
Hedstrom closed the public hearing,
Pardee asked why they could not use this for a tennis pro
shop also. Smith noted there is a tennis pro shop on the
property. She also noted that this would restrict them
from uses other than golf. Hunt asked where they would do
golf cart maintenance. Holland said they would be repaired
at the Parks Building. Hunt asked what type of signs they
would be using. Holland said they are planning a coordi_
nated sign program to route the golfers. Hunt asked if they
have the landscaping plan designed. Smith said they could
condition their approval upon the review and approval of the
landscape plan by the City Engineer. Hunt preferred that
the building be painted in earthtones. Holland said they
hope to cover the building with cedar siding, Hunt sug-
gested including in the motion that the previous site
discontinue its use as a pro shop 30 days after occupancy
of the new site. Holland said they need this space for
bag storage, etc.
Hunt moved to recommend approval of conditional use of a
golf course pro shop and the structure being moved on-site
north of the parking lot provided and conditioned that uses
are limited to golfer registration including driving range
control, retail sales of golf equipment, golf cart rental
and golf pro business office, the building is painted or
covered using earthtone colors compatible with the existing
lodge, that there be a landscape plan executed, including-
trees, to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer,
Pardee seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Hunt moved, for the purposes of annexation, to temporarily
zone the Smuggler Enclave R-15A, Pardee seconded. Hunt
withdrew his motion.
Hunt moved to reconunend the following zoning of the Smuggler
Enclave: Section 1, the trailer park, is zoned
as SPA to allow proper time to develop a zone for mobile
home parks, Section 2 is zoned R-15A, Section 3 is zoned
RMF, Section 4 is zoned O-Office. The rationale for zones
2-4 is that the zoning is consistent with adjacent proper-
ties and actually, the O-Office and RMF is a record correc-
tion as they resulted in a lack of contiguity of previous
annexations and the P&Z fully intends to address the
Smuggler Trailer Park zoning issue with reconunendations on
September 11, 1979, Pardee seconded. All in favor, passed.
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Regular Meeting
September 4, 1979
Peppermint Tree,
Use Determination
Beriro Subdivision
Exemption
Aspen Planning and Zoning Cotnlrlission
Smith introduced the application. She stated the applicant
wishes to locate a candy store/ice cream shop in the C-l
district. The C-l zone includes uses that are not primarily
tourist oriented. The P&Z must find that a candy store is
so similar to the list of permitted uses that it ought to
have been on the list. Smith noted that candy stores are
listed in other zones and she felt it was not ignored in
the preparation of this list. She also noted the applicant
stated in their letter that they wish this location because
of the prospect of tourist traffic. They estimate their
percentage of business as 65% tourist, 35% local. She noted
their previous location was in the Conunercial Core and their
percentage of business would be based on that location. The
use is generally aCknowledged as a local oriented business.
Based on all this information, the Planning Office recom-
mends against this use in this zone.
Hunt questioned their rationale in approving the Chocolate
Soldier. Smith said the minutes note that it is not a sit-
down restaurant facility.
Mabel Macdonald said their business caters to locals as well
as tourists. Hunt also noted the Chocolate Soldier is just
up the street from this proposed location. Klar did not
feel they could deny this application when they had approved
the similar application a few years ago. She felt they must
keep a better eye on this type of application.
Pardee moved to allow the Peppermint Tree as a conditional
use in the C-l zone with the reasoning being that this is
not food service but retail sales and things that are pack-
aged (candy, etc), are much more similar to a retail sale
and the conditional use does not include the retail sales of
cones and that this is established as a precedent for future
applications and further move to set a conditional use
hearing for as soon as possible, Hunt seconded. All in
favor, motion approved.
Grice introduced the application. The applicant wishes to
separate three 3,000 square foot lots. Two lots are vacant,
the third and middle lot is occupied by a Victorian. The
minimum lot size for the zone is 3,000 square feet, single
family residences are not allowed in the C-C zone. The
granting of this exemption will result in no development.
The City Engineer is concerned that there is no sidewalk
and requests an 8' sidewalk. The City Attorney recommends
approval. The Planning Office recommends approval sUbject
to the construction of an 8' sidewalk across all three lots
or, in the event that the property is developed in the next
12 months, the owner agree to enter into an agreement for
the construction of the sidewalks.
Klar noted that, if they require a sidewalk now, if there
is construction in the future, they would have to tear it
up for utilities, etc. Buettner agreed that they would have
to tear it up and noted this was the reason for the sidewalk
improvement agreement. Harvey felt it an undue hardship
that they construct a sidewalk that will be torn up.
Peter Van Domelen, representing the applicant, noted there
will always be a gap in the sidewalk since the sidewalk
across the parking lotiof Bullock's is not paved. The
applicant wishes to sell the two lots surrounding the Vic_
torian since he was not allowed to tear down this structure.
The building is not in suitable condition for relocation.
Hunt moved to reconunend exemption from strict application of
subdivision regulations applied to the Beriro subdivision
of Lots D, E, and F, Block 24, City and Townsite of Aspen,
provided that the owner construct an 8' sidewalk across
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BRADFORD PUBLISHING CO., DENVER
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Regular Meeting
Aspen Planning and Zoning Conunission
September 4, 1979
Lots E within 12 months of Council approval of this exemp-
tion, Pardee seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Hibberd
Subdivision
Exemption
Grice introduced the application. The property is located
at the corner of North 7 and North Street. The applicant
requests condominiumization. City Engineering reconunends
approval subject to the granting of an easement for drainagE
and the installation of water meters by April 1, 1980. The
rent is .47/square feet. The Planning Office reconunends
approval subject to the conditions of the City Engineer,
the property being deed restricted to six month minimum
leases, the notice and option provisions of Section 20-22(aJ
and further that the north unit be deed restricted by
covenant limiting both price and occupancy of the north
unit for a period of five years.
Harvey moved to reconunend exemption from strict application
of the subdivision regulations as applied to the Hibberd
Subdivision of a duplex on Lot G, H, and I, Block 8, City
of Aspen, provided that 1) both units comply with the six
month minimum lease with no more than two shorter tenancies
per year and is so deed restricted, 2) the granting of a
10' drainage easement along the westerly boundary of Lot G
between North Street and the alley, 3) that individual
water meters are installed prior to sale of either unit in
any case no later than 90 days after Council approval of
this exemption, 4) that the north unit be deed restricted
by covenant limiting both price and occupancy for a period
of five years to the moderate and middle income guidelines
as set by the City of Aspen, Pardee seconded. All in favor.
motion approved.
Horizons III,
Subdivision
Exemption
Grice introduced the application. City Engineering notes
that they propose two driveways which is not consistent wit]
the City code. They also wish the applicant to install
separate electric and water meters and to enter into an
improvement district for the construction of curb, gutter
and sidewalks. Since this is a new unit, it cannot fall
under the rental guidelines. The City Attorney and Planninc
Office reconunends approval sUbject to the six month minimum
lease restriction with no more than two shorter tenancies
per year and subject to the City Engineer's comments,
Pardee moved to reconunend exemption from strict application
of the subdivision regulations as applied to the Horizons
III subdivisions subject to the property being held deed
restricted for six month minimum lease term, no more than
two shorter tenancies in any calendar year and subject to
the comments of the City Engineer in his memo of August 14,
Harvey seconded. All in favor with the exception of Hunt,
motion approved.
Tipple Lodge
Resolution
Hunt asked that they add that this subdivision may poten-
tially reduce the number of tourist units and place adverse
pressure on surrounding zones for tourist acconunodation.
Mrs. Faulkner read a formal statement to the conunission
appealing to them for the approval of this subdivision.
The conunission thanked her for the statement and for their
honesty in the deliberation of this very important issue.
Klar apologized for confusing the Tipple Inn and the Tipple
Lodge. Hunt felt his main problem with the application was
the disintegration of management. Harvey was disappointed
that they could enforce on-site management but could not
force an owner to short-term his unit.
Hunt moved to approve Resolution 79-14 as written with the
addition of paragraph 7 stating, "The potential reduction 0
supply of tourist units in the lodging districts would plac.
adverse additional pressure on surrounding residential
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Regular Meeting
September 4, 1979
Resolution Recom-
mending Against
Alternate Members
to P&Z
Special Meeting
September 11, 1979
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Aspen Planning and Zoning conunission
zones for tourist accommodations, Pardee seconded. All in
favor, motion approved.
Hunt moved to deny and remove from the record Resolution
79-13, Pardee seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Hunt noted a typographical error in the resolution.
He also suggested changing "two years" to "five years",
the Board supported this amendment.
Hunt moved to adopt Resolution 79-15, with a change in the
first line in paragraph two to read, "In the past five
years, there has been only one occasion where there was not
a quorum present at a regular meeting, etc.", Pardee
seconded. All in favor, motion approved.
Hedstrom called a special meeting of the P&Z for Tuesday,
September 11, 1979, at 5:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.
Klar moved to adjourn the meeting, Pardee seconded. All
in favor, motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
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Sheryl en, Deputy City Clerk
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