HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/12/2019 - Zoning Board Of Appeals - Agenda - Regular MeetingRalph Shields, Chair
Shelley LaMastra, Vice Chair
Bob Long
John McCoy
Taylor Meyer
Ian Shuff
Butch Stockover
Council Liaison: Ross Cunniff
Staff Liaison: Noah Beals
LOCATION:
City Council Chambers
300 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make
special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for assistance.
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 12, 2019
8:30 AM
• CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
• CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (Items Not on the Agenda)
• APPEALS FOR VARIANCE TO THE LAND USE CODE
1. APPEAL ZBA190046
Address: 515 Cowan Street
Owner/Petitioner: Allison Shaw & Arjanus De Bruijn
Zoning District: C-L
Code Section: 3.8.3
Project Description:
The variance is to store bicycles in an accessory building as part of a home occupation. Home
occupations are required to operate from the primary building, not an accessory building.
2. APPEAL ZBA190047
Address: 1736 Concord Drive
Owner/Petitioner: Devin A. Martinez
Zoning District: R-L
Code Section: 4.4(D)(2)(c)
Project Description:
The variance is for a proposed accessory building to encroach 5 feet into the required 15 foot rear-yard
setback.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
AGENDA
Zoning Board of Appeals Page 2 December 12, 2019
3. APPEAL ZBA190048
Address: 821 W. Mountain Avenue
Owner: Jim & Jane Grant
Petitioner: Jeff Gaines, High Craft Builders
Zoning District: N-C-L
Code Section: 4.7(E)(4); 4.7(F)(2)(b)2.
Project Description:
The variance is to modify an existing garage. The proposed modifications will increase the wall height to
14.75 feet of an existing building that encroaches into the 5 foot required side-yard setback by 3.5 feet.
Additionally, the proposal increases the eave height to 14.75 feet, the required eave height is 10 feet.
• OTHER BUSINESS
• ADJOURNMENT
Ralph Shields, Chair
Shelley La Mastra, Vice Chair
Bob Long
John McCoy
Taylor Meyer
Ian Shuff
Butch Stockover
Council Liaison: Ross Cunniff
Staff Liaison: Noah Beals
LOCATION:
City Council Chambers
300 LaPorte Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80521
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make
special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-6001) for assistance.
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
9:30 AM
• CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Stockover made a motion, seconded by Shuff, to approve the October 10, 2019 Minutes.
The motion was adopted unanimously.
• CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (Items Not on the Agenda)
• APPEALS FOR VARIANCE TO THE LAND USE CODE
1. APPEAL ZBA190044 – DENIED
Address: 201 S. College Ave.
Owner: Fort Collins Museum of Art
Petitioner: Nicole Vatrano, DaVinci Sign Systems
Zoning District: D
Code Section: 3.8.7.1[G][3][a]; 3.8.7.2[G][1]; 3.8.7.2[G][2]
Project Description:
This is a request to build an additional primary freestanding monument style sign at 201 S. College Ave.
This building is in the (D) Downtown district and would require the following 3 variances: 1) Exceed the
limit of 1 primary sign allowed per frontage. The proposed sign would be the third freestanding sign. 2)
Exceed the height limit of 7 feet when setback 0 feet from the property line. The proposed sign is 11
feet tall setback 0 feet. 3) Allow an animated/wind driven design, such designs are prohibited. The
proposed sign contains a "spinning" wind driven element.
Staff Presentation:
Beals showed slides relevant to the appeal and discussed the variance request. The proposed sign
would be placed on the north side of the current staircase at the building’s entrance. The proposal is
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MEETING MINUTES
Zoning Board of Appeals Page 2 November 14, 2019
for the sign to be 11 feet in height, have a center portion that spins from wind, and to be illuminated
with multiple colors. Currently there is a tenant directory sign on the south side of the stairs. There is
also an agave leaf, which is freestanding, representing the Blue Agave restaurant also in the building.
The agave leaf does count as a sign since it is marketing for the business and the directory sign also
counts toward the total amount of signs. The Museum of Art currently has a banner on the front of
their building and a sandwich board sign, both of which are within code and are not counted as
freestanding signs. The request is for a new sign to be right on the property line, which limits the
height to 7 feet. Also, code prohibits any animation or motion of signs, whether wind-driven or not.
Boardmember Meyer asked about the allowed signage per tenant. Beals confirmed that only one
freestanding sign is allowed per building. This is common among current buildings, usually they use a
directory type sign to address all tenants. There are additional signs attached to the building, which is
not what we are addressing, they are allowed signs on the building itself. Discussion regarding signs
versus art. According to the definition of a sign, this agave leaf would qualify as a sign. The element
and color are used for the marketing of their business.
Boardmember McCoy asked about the current banner sign and sandwich board on the stairs landing
and asked if these count towards the total signage for the building. Beals explained these do not
count towards the overall sign allowance as they are temporary. In this case, the permit allows the
banner to be up for three months to advertise the exhibits on display in the museum. Permits can also
be issued for the sandwich board sign from the engineering department to encroach into the public
right of way.
Boardmember Stockover requested additional information on the time limit for banners as this is
different than the south end of town. Beals confirmed this schedule is specific to this type of banner in
the Downtown district.
Boardmember Shuff asked for clarification on the setback and height requirements when moved
further from the property line. Beals will locate the exact code and report back.
Assistant City Attorney VanHall clarified the definition of sign in our code, the exclusion is regarding
works of art that do not include commercial speech. Commercial speech is any speech proposing a
commercial transaction. Speech is a broad term, including graphics, writing, etc. and would be
included in commercial transaction.
Beals described the sign code setbacks, from 0-5 feet from the property line the sign would be limited
to 7 feet in height, between 5-10 feet in setback the height is 8.5 feet, 10-15 feet in setback would be
10 feet in height and the numbers continue to increase.
Boardmember Meyers asked if the blue agave leave was permitted and if there was a variance
request as that was the second freestanding sign. Beals confirmed it was permitted, but not sure if
there was a variance request or not. It’s possible the structure could have been placed as art and the
owner was informed afterwards that it would count as a sign, requiring a permit.
Applicant Presentation:
John Shaw, representing DaVinci Signs Systems, and also serves on the museum board. Mr. Shaw
has a long history with signs and they do not apply for a variance lightly. The museum currently has
an identity crisis, the banner sign identifies the exhibit on display, but most people don’t realize this is
the museum of art. The directory sign is used for all tenants in the building and it does not indicate the
Museum of Art is the main owner/occupant of the building. Regarding the agave leaf sign/sculpture,
Mr. Shaw believes this building would qualify for 2 freestanding signs as it has 2 street frontages –
College and Oak Street even though Oak is a plaza. The agave leaf does not have verbiage and he
considers it art. Museums across the country have been given more latitude regarding signage. The
MOA letters are designed to be whimsical; the portion that turns is 18 inches in diameter and can be
turned manually to engage pedestrians. They have no other area to place the sign. This building has
specific rules under historic preservation, therefore items cannot be mounted on the face of the
building. The banner itself is a challenge, there are cables that go into the ground, nothing
permanently holds it to the building. The proposed sign is meant to be pedestrian friendly. There are
trees, light fixtures, etc. as part of the plaza and the museum gets lost in the mix.
Vice Chair LaMastra asked why the sign needs to be 11 feet in height. Mr. Shaw explained this is
based on overall design and the other existing elements including the directory sign to be similar in
height. LaMastra inquired if the “MOA” letters are something that will be easily recognized as the
Zoning Board of Appeals Page 3 November 14, 2019
Museum of Art. Mr. Shaw replied maybe not. However, the sculpture attracts your attention and the
“Museum of Art” is then printed at about 2 inches in height on the middle piece of the sign. LaMastra
requested more information on how this helps to identify the business if the name is 2 inches in height
on a piece of the sign that can rotate away from viewers. Mr. Shaw replied this size would allow both
pedestrians and motorists in slow traffic to be able to able read the sign. The point is to spark interest
and engage people to take a closer look.
Boardmember Meyer wanted to clarify if the Museum of Art text is written on both sides, Mr. Shaw
confirmed it is. Mr. Shaw also confirmed the MOA letters are one foot in depth with layering so they
can still be seen from the side.
Boardmember Shuff asked about the location in Oak Street Plaza, the nature of this area means the
sign could be climbed on by children. Mr. Shaw explained they discourage kids from climbing on
everything already, the current sign, the railing, etc. Shuff also asked about the Directory sign height,
which is 10-11 feet. They are hoping to have 2 signs of similar height flanking the stairway.
Lisa Hatchadoorian, Executive Director of the Museum, addressed the board. The museum has been
in this community since 1983 and in this building since 1990. This is a 1911 second renaissance
revival building. The museum features modern and contemporary art of local regional and national
artists. They do get a lot of walk-in traffic, most of that is because of the exhibit banner. The building
itself is a heavy, blank building and people don’t always realize they are there and open. For the past
couple of years they have been making an effort to be more visible to the public, specifically from the
Oak Street Plaza side. There are walls over the windows, the public cannot see anything coming from
the inside especially at night during this darker time of year, and they want to grow their street
presence. They have been fundraising for a couple of years for this sign and they would like the
board’s support.
Vice Chair LaMastra asked about nighttime visibility. The document submitted to the board says the
proposed sign is non-illuminated. The applicant replied they are going to discuss external lighting.
Discussion regarding lights pointing up and if they are allowed by code versus lights pointed down
and how they would be attached to the landmarked building. The lighting will affect how the sign
looks, that information would be appreciated.
Vice Chair LaMastra questioned if they looked at revising the existing tenant directory sign. The
applicant replied that they do not consider the sign theirs to change, that is Brinkman’s sign. There is
also a tenant directory sign inside the building as well. Brinkman was never approached on re-doing
the current sign.
Boardmember Stockover inquired how long they plan to occupy this space. Ms. Hatchadoorian
confirmed they do own the building with Brinkman, and they intend to be there forever.
Mr. Shaw addressed the board again regarding the sign lighting. The initial design was for the whole
sign to spin and therefore it would have been non-illuminated. Now the main part is static and only the
small middle portion is spinning so they can illuminate the sign itself. The sign would either be non-
illuminated or halo-illuminated.
Audience Participation:
Lili Francuz, boardmember of the museum, addressed the board. In the early 80’s she remembers
visiting this building and the only reason she knew where it was located was when she was informed
it was the old post office. Currently when she tells friends about an exhibit they still don’t know where
the museum of art is unless she tells people it’s in the old post office building. She believes the
proposed sign will increase traffic to above 30%.
Cheryl Rogers, 230 Jackson Ave., addressed the board. She has been the proprietor of the museum
for 30 years and continually explains to people where the museum is located. The banner on the
building has a description of the exhibits, but they are not allowed to put their name on the banner,
which also causes confusion. It would benefit the community to know where the museum is located.
Ryan Norton, 201 S. College, addressed the board. Mr. Norton is a community member, born and
raised in Fort Collins. He believes we can use this opportunity to propel Fort Collins forward and
showcase another amenity available in our city. This is the right thing to do for this museum and this
community.
Board Discussion:
Zoning Board of Appeals Page 4 November 14, 2019
Chair Shields asked staff about the Oak Street frontage comments. Beals explained that currently,
Oak Street Plaza does not count as street frontage or public right of way. The language in our code
defines public right of way as used for carrying car traffic. It’s possible this was approved under
previous code and that Oak Street Plaza might have been considered a street frontage at that time.
That does affect their current sign allowance.
Boardmember Meyers asked about increasing their building frontage in order to increase their
allowed signage. Beals confirmed there are 2 ways to calculate your sign allowance, based on the
property line frontage, or building frontage. The City allows the greater of the two. This calculation
does include both freestanding signs and wall-mounted signage.
Boardmember McCoy questioned the historic preservation guidelines for wall mounted signs. Beals
confirmed that historic preservation does review how the sign attaches to the building material.
Proposals such as these have potential to go in front of the landmark preservation commission.
Beals also addressed the applicant and explained they can have further discussion regarding
Museum of Art verbiage on the exhibit banner.
Boardmember Shuff stated the blue agave leaf is questionable as a sign, but he understands the
color aspect and that Oak Street Plaza is not considered a street frontage.
Vice Chair LaMastra understands using the company colors would still be considered signage as it
ties back to the business. We don’t know the history on whether that was approved based on Oak
Street being considered a public right of way or not. Regardless, this proposal is a large increase in
signage, doubling the number of signs along College Ave.
Chair Shields suggested they focus on College Avenue signage. The directory sign is more of a
directory bar, but technically counts toward the number of signs.
Boardmember Stockover requested specifications regarding directory signs, he thought they had to
be 2 feet by 2 feet, 4 square feet. Beals confirmed traditionally those are the dimensions, however
regarding freestanding sign regulations, the directory sign would still count as a sign.
Vice Chair LaMastra questioned why re-doing the existing directory sign was not addressed with
Brinkman.
Boardmember Shuff commented the directory sign does fit into the design elements of Oak Street
Plaza. There is a level of consistency, however the directory sign is somewhat ineffective. By adding
another sign of similar scale, they may start to compete with each other.
Vice Chair LaMastra is not inclined to grant two freestanding signs within a 12 foot span when the
option to re-do the current sign was not pursued.
Boardmember Stockover agreed the museum might have an identity crisis, when reading this
proposal he was not sure which building this was referring to. However, Stockover believes this
proposal would add to the sign clutter and still not accomplish the goal of driving traffic to their
location. He is not willing to support a variance on the sign code if he doesn’t feel it will be successful.
Even without the blue agave sculpture/sign, the number of signs is still being doubled.
Vice Chair LaMastra stated that seeing the MOA letters would not communicate what this business is.
The 2 inch lettering on a rotating panel does not convey their message and is not solving the
marketing issue. There is already sign clutter in place and she cannot support adding another sign
especially at this size and scale.
Boardmember McCoy liked the sign itself, but can’t accept 2 monument signs on the front of the
building. This is such a recognized building in Fort Collins, there is no other like it.
Chair Shields stated he also really liked the sign, but would like to see coordination with other tenants
regarding signage for this building.
Boardmember Meyer believes there should be an exception within sign code for museums as they
provide a cultural experience. It almost seems there was an oversight when the first sign was
constructed. Would suggest the applicant pursues a redesign of the existing sign.
Boardmember Shuff liked the sign as it makes a statement. Thinks the moving part is kinetic, not
animated, so there are no issues for him. The flanking of 2 competing signs on either side of the
stairs adds to the visual clutter. If there is already a directory within the building, then work with your
partner to revise the current sign.
Vice Chair LaMastra would be more supportive of one sign that is over the allowable height, making a
statement as a sculpture, than 2 oversized signs 12-15 feet apart from each other.
Zoning Board of Appeals Page 5 November 14, 2019
Boardmember Stockover made a motion, seconded by McCoy, to deny ZBA190044 for the
following reasons: the existing number of freestanding signs exceeds the standard by 100%
and this would increase it even more, the one current freestanding sign could be redesigned,
and insufficient evidence has been provided to determine if the proposal is detrimental to the
public good.
Yeas: Shuff, McCoy, Shields, Meyer, LaMastra, Stockover. Nays: none.
THE MOTION CARRIED, THE ITEM WAS DENIED.
• OTHER BUSINESS
2020 Annual Work Plan
• ADJOURNMENT
Ralph Shields, Chairperson Noah Beals, Senior City Planner-Zoning
Agenda Item 1
Item # 1 - Page 1
STAFF REPORT December 12, 2019
STAFF
Noah Beals, Senior City Planner/Zoning
PROJECT
ZBA190046
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Address: 515 Cowan Street
Petitioner/Owner: Allison Shaw & Arjanus De Bruijn
Zoning District: C-L
Code Section: 3.8.3
Variance Request:
The variance is to store bicycles in an accessory building as part of a home occupation. Home occupations are
required to operate from the primary building, not an accessory building.
COMMENTS:
1. UBackground:U
The property is in the Limited Commercial Zone district. Residential and nonresidential uses are both
permitted.
The property is approved for single family detached dwelling unit. The occupant of a residential dwelling
unit may operate a home occupation in a dwelling unit subject to certain restrictions. The general purpose
of these restrictions are to limit the home occupation from becoming a primary use and not subordinate to
the dwelling unit.
2. UApplicant’s statement of justification:U See petitioner’s letter.
3. UStaff Conclusion and Findings:U
Under Section 2.10.2(H), staff recommends approval and finds that:
• The variance is not detrimental to the public good.
• The C-L zone district allows for a mix of uses.
• On the same block face other residential structures have been converted to nonresidential uses.
• The bicycles will be stored completely within the garage or trailer.
• The use of the garage does not exceed 50% of floor area of the primary structure.
Therefore, the variance request will not diverge from the standard but in a nominal, inconsequential way,
when considered in the context of the neighborhood, and will continue to advance the purpose of the Land
Use Code as contained in Section 1.2.2
4. URecommendation:
Staff recommends approval of APPEAL ZBA190046
Application Request
for Variance from the Land Use Code
The Zoning Board of Appeals has been granted the authority to approve variances from the requirements of
Articles 3 and 4 of the Land Use Code. The Zoning Board of Appeals shall not authorize any use in a zoning district
other than those uses which are specifically permitted in the zoning district. The Board may grant variances where it
finds that the modification of the standard would not be detrimental to the public good. Additionally, the variance
request must meet at least one of the following justification reasons:
(1) by reason of exceptional physical conditions or other extraordinary and exceptional situations unique to the
property, including, but not limited to physical conditions such as exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or
topography, the strict application of the code requirements would result in unusual and exceptional practical
difficulties or undue hardship upon the occupant/applicant of the property, provided that such difficulties or
hardship are not caused by an act or omission of the occupant/applicant (i.e. not self-imposed);
(2) the proposal will promote the general purpose of the standard for which the variance is requested equally
well or better than would a proposal which complies with the standard for which the variance is requested;
(3) the proposal will not diverge from the Land Use Code standards except in a nominal, inconsequential way
when considered in the context of the neighborhood.
This application is only for a variance to the Land Use Code. Building Code requirements will be determined
and reviewed by the Building Department separately. When a building or sign permit is required for any
work for which a variance has been granted, the permit must be obtained within 6 months of the date that
the variance was granted.
However, for good cause shown by the applicant, the Zoning Board of Appeals may consider a one-time 6 month
extension if reasonable and necessary under the facts and circumstances of the case. An extension request must
be submitted before 6 months from the date that the variance was granted has lapsed.
Petitioner or Petitioner’s Representative must be present at the meeting
Location: 300 LaPorte Ave, Council Chambers, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Date: Second Thursday of the month Time: 8:30 a.m.
Variance Address Petitioner’s Name,
if not the Owner
City Fort Collins, CO Petitioner’s Relationship
to the Owner is
Zip Code Petitioner’s Address
Owner’s Name Petitioner’s Phone #
Code Section(s) Petitioner’s Email
Zoning District Additional
Representative’s Name
Justification(s) Representative’s Address
Justification(s) Representative’s Phone #
Justification(s) Representative’s Email
Reasoning
Date ___________________________________ Signature __________________________________________
Bikeadelic Rentals LLC
515 Cowan St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
November 6, 2019
Dear Zoning Board of Appeals members:
I am respectfully requesting a variance to the following Home Occupation license requirements:
• Such use shall be conducted entirely within a dwelling
• There shall be no exterior storage on the premises of material or equipment used as a part of the home
occupation.
Because Home Occupations are by definition currently occupied homes rather than new development, I believe that the
requirements for Home Occupation licenses are primarily designed to meet the following relevant and important
purposes of the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code:
• (K) fostering a more rational pattern of relationship among residential, business and industrial uses for the
mutual benefit of all.
• (M) ensuring that development proposals are sensitive to the character of existing neighborhoods.
I believe that our proposed home occupation meets both purposes because there is already a commercial property
(Apparel Imaging Specialties LLC) two doors down from our house and our house falls within the same limited
commercial district according to the City of Fort Collins FCMaps web map. Houses used for commercial purposes are
well integrated in our neighborhood.
The only outward sign of commercial use of our property in the foreseeable future would be a logo that we plan to put
on our pick-up truck and cargo trailer, the latter being generally parked in our gravel parking area next to the garage,
adjacent to the alley behind our house. We have no plans to receive customers at our house, as we deliver rental
bicycles to them, so there would be no problems with traffic congestion nor taking up on-street parking.
Therefore, it seems reasonable to request permission to store commercial property (bicycles) in our garage where our
workbench is for convenience in bicycle maintenance, and in our cargo trailer in preparation for delivery. My
justifications for this request are:
#2: The proposal will promote the general purpose of the standard for which the variance is requested equally well or
better than would a proposal which complies with the standard, as it:
• Land Use Code Purpose K: maintains a rational pattern of relationships among residential and business uses for
the mutual benefit of all
• Land Use Code Purpose M: is sensitive to the character of the existing neighborhood.
#3: The proposal will not diverge from the Land Use Code standards except in a nominal, inconsequential way when
considered in the context of the neighborhood, because it only consists of the unobtrusive enclosed storage of bicycles,
in numbers only slightly higher (10-20) than would be found in a normal residential garage, and cargo trailers are
common residential property for owners of snowmobiles, ATV’s, etc.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your decision.
Sincerely,
Allison E. Shaw
Sketch of 515 Cowan St. parcel showing the location of the garage and trailer where 10-20 bicycles would be stored if waiver granted
Agenda Item 2
Item # 2 - Page 1
STAFF REPORT December 12, 2019
STAFF
Noah Beals, Senior City Planner/Zoning
PROJECT
ZBA190047
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Address: 1736 Concord Drive
Petitioner/Owner: Devin A. Martinez
Zoning District: R-L
Code Section: 4.4(D)(2)(c)
Variance Request:
The variance is for a proposed accessory building to encroach 5 feet into the required 15 foot rear-yard setback
COMMENTS:
1. UBackground:U
The property is part of the Lexington Green subdivision that was approved in 1966. This property is a
corner lot and abuts two other residential properties. The side setback approved for this subdivision is 7ft
and differs from the standard zone district side setback of 5ft. The rear setback is the zone district standard
of 15ft.
In general, the purposes of setbacks, but limited to, are to preserve neighborhood character, provide safe
passage for first responders and create separation for privacy. For this property the 15’ rear setback is the
east property line. The abutting property to the east along the shared property line has a 7’ side setback.
2. UApplicant’s statement of justification:U See petitioner’s letter.
3. UStaff Conclusion and Findings:U
Under Section 2.10.2(H), staff recommends approval and finds that:
• The variance is not detrimental to the public good.
• The abutting neighbor enjoys a 7ft setback from the shared property line.
• The width of the encroachment is 12ft.
• The accessory structure is one story.
Therefore, the variance request will not diverge from the standard but in a nominal, inconsequential way,
when considered in the context of the neighborhood, and will continue to advance the purpose of the Land
Use Code as contained in Section 1.2.2
4. URecommendation:
Staff recommends approval of APPEAL ZBA190047
Agenda Item 3
Item # 3 - Page 1
STAFF REPORT December 12, 2019
STAFF
Noah Beals, Senior City Planner/Zoning
PROJECT
ZBA190048
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Address: 821 W. Mountain Avenue
Petitioner: Jeff Gaines, High Craft Builders
Owner: Jim & Jane Grant
Zoning District: N-C-L
Code Section: 4.7(E)(4); 4.7(F)(2)(b)2.
Variance Request:
The variance is to modify an existing garage. The proposed modifications will increase the wall height to 14.75
feet of an existing building that encroaches into the 5 foot required side-yard setback by 3.5 feet. Additionally,
the proposal increases the eave height to 14.75 feet, the required eave height is 10 feet.
COMMENTS:
1. UBackground:U
The property was annex and subdivided into the City in 1887. The original primary structure was
demolished. The primary structure that exists today was constructed in 2006.
The general purposes of building/eave height standards include, but are not limited to, maintaining the
character of the neighborhood, reduce looming effects of buildings on adjoining properties and to help
maintain sense of privacy.
The accessory building was built when the original structure existed and has been updated in time. When
the accessory structure was built it was setback 1.5ft from the property west property line.
2. UApplicant’s statement of justification:U See petitioner’s letter.
3. UStaff Conclusion and Findings:U
Under Section 2.10.2(H), staff recommends approval and finds that:
• The variance is not detrimental to the public good.
• The increase eave height is 14.5ft in width of the building and tappers 0ft.
• The overall wall increase is 40sf.
• The proposed changes do not include a window on the west side.
Therefore, the variance request will not diverge from the standard but in a nominal, inconsequential way,
when considered in the context of the neighborhood, and will continue to advance the purpose of the Land
Use Code as contained in Section 1.2.2
4. URecommendation:
Staff recommends approval of APPEAL ZBA190048
821 West Mountain Ave. Variance Request Explanation
This variance request seeks the following modifications to Fort Collins NCL district standards:
● Increasing the height of an existing nonconforming wall within a side setback:
Per LUC 4.7(E)(4), a 5’ side setback is required in the NCL district. The existing
detached garage is located such that the west wall is approximately 1’-6” off the
west side lot line. This existing wall terminates at an eave, at a height of 7’-6”.
This proposal seeks to increase the height of this wall such that it would
terminate into the rake of a modified roof, with the building’s ridge being rotated
90 degrees. While existing wall plate height will remain at 7’-6”, the wall would
extend to a height of 14’-9” at the peak of the new roof.
● Exceeding the allowable eave height for a detached accessory:
Per LUC 4.7(F)(2)(b)(2), the maximum eave height allowed along a side lot line is
10’ for a detached accessory without habitable space. As noted above, a
triangular portion of wall would extend above this height limit to the new roof
peak.
The homeowners would like to make modifications to the existing detached garage at the rear
of this lot to create a playful structure that would anchor and define the backyard as well as
provide extending outdoor spaces. The volume in terms of area and height contained within
the garage would not change through these modifications, nor would the use of the structure
as a small two car garage. What the homeowners have asked for are alterations that will give
the structure a sense of purpose and presence in the yard, making it a building they can enjoy
both as an interesting backdrop to the house and as the starting point for several small outdoor
living spaces. They have approached the design with a sense of lightheartedness and the
inspiration of garden ‘follies’, which include whimsical elements and might bellie the actual use
of a structure.
While the walls of the garage will remain in place, changing the direction of the gable roof and
increasing its slope has been central from the start in setting the stage for the homeowners’
goals. As an added bonus, turning the roof orientation would set the south side up for future
solar panel installation. All new extensions off the building including a porch cover and pergola
have been designed to meet current LUC requirements, meaning that the increase in roof and
associated existing wall height within the setback is the only element of the project requiring a
variance. To meet building code requirements based on fire separation distance from the
property line, both the existing and extended sections of the west wall of the garage would be
provided with one-hour fire resistance, and the rake would have no overhang.
Justification Criteria 1 – By reason of exceptional physical condition or situation unique to the
property, the strict application of the code requirements would result in undue hardship:
Strict application would require the entire structure to be demolished and rebuilt to enable the
gable roof to be turned as proposed.
Justification Criteria 3 - Proposal will not diverge from the standard except in a nominal,
inconsequential way when considered in the context of the neighborhood:
Rear accessory structures are commonly located within side setbacks throughout old town
neighborhoods including along this alley, and a variety of heights and roof forms are
represented in these nonconforming structures. The proposed new roof form and orientation of
the building is well within this typical range of volumes, and several garages that are
substantially larger in size and height than the proposal, and do not meet current LUC criteria
exist along this alley. Adjacent examples are garages serving 829 West Mountain Ave and 826
West Oak St.
Several additional factors exist that ameliorate potential impacts of the proposed change. This
garage is set back a generous 23’ from the alley, further than almost all other garages along the
alley, and faces another nonconforming garage to its west. Lots along this section of the block
slope down about 4’ from street-fronting buildings to the alley, meaning that even with the
proposed modification the garage would remain relatively small in stature as viewed from
primary buildings. As noted previously, the current 1’ eave overhang along the west side will
be eliminated with the new roof having no overhang along this side. This will increase the
effective separation between neighboring structures, and remove the garage’s current west
side eave projection nonconformity under LUC 3.8.19(A)(6).
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
XX
X X
X X
(
(E) GARAGE
(E) SHED
$
$
$
$
$
$
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7<3812
0" O.H.
6+2:(6675((7
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NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
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NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
6&$/(&+(&.
JIM & JANE GRANT
A REMODEL FOR:
821 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, 80521
A9.0
VARIANCE
*$5$*(3/$16
&KHFNHU
$XWKRU
KEYNOTES
1/4" = 1'-0"
(E) GARAGE PLAN
1/4" = 1'-0"
(N) GARAGE PLAN
$
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6
6
6
6
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NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
'
5$:1
&+(&.('
'$7(
NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
6&$/(&+(&.
JIM & JANE GRANT
A REMODEL FOR:
821 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, 80521
A9.1
VARIANCE
*$5$*((/(9$7,216
6(&7,216
&KHFNHU
$XWKRU
1/2" = 1'-0"
3 N/S THROUGH GARAGE
KEYNOTES
SECTION NOTES
&('$51$,/(5)520[
6 [522)'(&.,1*3(5(1*,1((5,1*
6 %5$&(6)520[
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6 [5$)7(563(5(1*,1((5,1*
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(/(9$7,21
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6 [5$)7(57$,/63(5(1*,1((5,1*
1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE EAST
1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE SOUTH
1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE NORTH
1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE WEST
1/2" = 1'-0"
2 DETAIL @ GARAGE ENTRY COVER
1/2" = 1'-0"
1 DETAIL @ WALL
$//['(&.,1*72%(3$,17('3,1(
$//[5$)7(5672%(3$,17(''28*/$6),5
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1/4" = 1'-0"
GARAGE ROOF PLAN
*$5$*(
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6&$/(&+(&.
VARIANCE JIM & JANE GRANT
A REMODEL FOR:
821 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, 80521
9
0+-*
1" = 20'-0"
SITE PLAN
1/8" = 1'-0"
ENLARGED SITE PLAN SITE PLAN LEGEND