HomeMy WebLinkAboutVariance Requests - 05/20/2025
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May 20, 2025
RE: THE LINDEN
VARIANCE FOR THE UTILITY EASEMENT ALONG LINDEN STREET & WILLOW STREET
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
City Staff,
The following is an official variance request to not dedicate the standard 9’ utility easement along Linden Street and
Willow Street that is typically required along the collector street section. General information about the project is
presented below and detailed information about the nature of this request follows.
General Information
The project site is located along Willow Street in between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue in Fort Collins. One half of
the property has several existing buildings and a concrete parking area. The other half of the property is currently
covered in gravel and is being used as an overflow parking area for Ginger and Baker. The proposed development
consists of two mixed-use buildings with a reduced setback requirement and will be constructed directly adjacent to
Linden Street and Willow Street Right-of-Way.
Justification
We don’t believe there will be any adverse effect on utility spacing in Linden Street and Willow Street Right-of-Way
(ROW). Utility easements were not required for surrounding developments along Willow Street and there is no additional
benefit to dedicating a utility easement along this property. Currently all communication, electric, gas, water, and
sanitary are within the ROW. All the proposed water and sanitary sewer will be services from the existing utility mains and
no additional lines will be installed along the Willow Street frontage. No gas service is required for the proposed
buildings and the existing gas service will be removed and stubbed at Linden Street. Any proposed electric lines or
transformers required for this project will be coordinated with The City of Fort Collins Light and Power. Electric lines and
transformers will be installed on-site within a utility easement, but a small portion of electric line will be run under the
sidewalk in Willow Street. This line meets separation requirements with the existing utilities. A looped electric connection
will be added between Linden Street and Lincoln Avenue through the proposed parking lot. Additionally, foundations for
the proposed buildings will not encroach into the ROW.
Conclusion
The variance requested in this letter will not have an adverse impact on the Cities capital and maintenance costs, nor will
it reduce the design life of the respective improvements. The requested waiver will not be detrimental to public health,
safety, or welfare. We believe this variance is a minimum change that will afford relief and is the least modification
possible. If you should have any questions as you review this Variance Request, please feel free to contact us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
EPG GROUP, INC.
MASON RUEBEL, PE
Project Engineer