HomeMy WebLinkAbout617 WHEDBEE ST., PREISS CARRIAGE HOUSE - PDP - 28-05 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - VARIANCE REQUESTMs. Katie Moore
Page Two
July 7, 2005
— The garage has always used the gravel alley access to service both Lots 1 and 2.
(Lots 1 and 2 are under the same ownership)
o Paving the alley will create an "industrial' look and feel and detract from the historical
context of the existing structures on Lots 1 and 2
• Owner will consent and abide to an agreed pro-rata share of paving costs if and when the City
chooses to pave the alley
With the above justification, we feel that a variance request is warranted. Please consider this
request and call 223-5556 with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
Ayres Asso ' Inc
Eric Lessard, P.E.
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MOORE7L.DOC
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RECEIVED
AIRES
ASSOCIATES
July 7, 2005
Ms. Katie Moore
City of Fort Collins
Engineering Department — Development Review
281 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80522
Dear Katie,
JUL 0 8 2005
CURRENT PLANNING
This letter is to request a variance for the alley improvements at 617 Whedbee St., Lot 2, Preiss
Subdivision. Current planning calls for the alley to be paved. However, the developer proposes
to maintain the current gravel condition. Justification for this variance is outlined in the following
points:
• The gravel alley is in good condition
• A paved alley may increase traffic and speeds through a neighborhood that contains many
rentals
o 2 prior alley developments in this block do not have pavement
• A sidewalk to Whedbee St. will be installed with a "Deed of Dedication" across Lot 1 for on -
street parking and pedestrian use
• The new Carriage House will be protected with a fire sprinkling system
• Allowable development on alley lots as dictated in the Land Use Code and Zoning has
changed over time
o The Code has become more restrictive for this type of backfill while increased density
housing in Old Town with better ability to scale costs increases
o The result of the 600 sq ft footprint restriction in the 4/18/05 iteration of Code, when
divided by the paving costs and tap and development fees will likely result in 25-30% of
the cost per sq ft of build out and brings the feasibility of the project to question as a result
o Current Code restricts to single-family residence (the plan for this specific residence calls
out one bedroom), whereas prior iterations allowed duplex use on both Lots 1 and 2
— This will result in less alley traffic while paving requirements have not been
correspondingly scaled back
• Historical significance and context
o The property on Lot 1 is on the Colorado Historic Register and has been restored in a
manner approved by that agency
o The original brick garage located on Lot 2 was constructed in 1896 and is listed as a
"significant structure" in the Laurel Historic District
Owen Ayres & Associates, Inc.
Engi nee rs/Scientists/S u rveyors
3665 JFK Parkway, Building 2, Suite 200, P.O. Box 270460, Fort Collins, CO 80527 MOORE7L.DOC
(970) 223-5556, Denver Metro (303) 572-1806, FAX (970) 223-5578
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