Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPEC110055 pec_results_102411PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION October 24, 2011 1:00pm TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS / PUBLIC WELCOME 75 S. Frontage Road - Vail, Colorado, 81657 MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT Michael Kurz None John Rediker Tyler Schneidman Bill Pierce Henry Pratt Luke Cartin Pam Hopkins SITE VISITS None 20 minutes A request for the review of variances from Section 12-6D-6, Setbacks, Section 12-6D-8, Density Control, and Section 12-6D-9, Site Coverage, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Chapter 12-17, Variances, Vail Town Code, to allow for the construction of a garage within the side setback in excess of the allowable gross residential floor area and site coverage, located at 2586 Davos Trail/Lot 4, Block E, Vail das Schone Filing 1, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110053) Applicant: William R. Aylesworth, represented by Steve Francis Planner: Bill Gibson ACTION: Approved MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Schneidman VOTE: 7-0-0 Bill Gibson made a presentation per the Staff memorandum and forwarded the Design Review Board’s recommendation that variances be granted for the applicant’s original garage design (4:12 roof pitch). Mrs. Francis, representing the applicant, stated that there was a steep driveway condition on the site which she believed warranted the variances for the proposed garage addition and new driveway. Commissioner Pierce noted his support of the applicant’s revised garage design (2:12 roof pitch). Commissioner Pratt asked for additional information about the Design Review Board’s recommendation. Bill Gibson explained the Design Review Board’s recommendation was in response to their belief that the 4:12 pitch roof was architecturally compatible and allowed for roof materials other than built up tar and gravel. There was no public comment. 20 minutes A request for the review of a variance from Section 11-6-3A-1c, Height, Business identification signs in Sign District 1, Sign Regulations, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Chapter 11-10, Variances, Vail Town Code, to allow for the installation of awnings with less than eight (8) feet of minimum height clearance above pedestrianways, located at 186 Gore Creek Drive (The Lodge at Vail)/ Lots A, B, C, Block 5C, Vail Village Filing 1, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110055) Applicant: Tochter, LLC, represented by Leah KS Mayer Planner: Rachel Dimond ACTION: Approved with Condition(s) MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Hopkins VOTE: 7-0-0 1. This sign variance approval is contingent upon the applicant obtaining Town of Vail design review approval for the awning sign. 2. This variance shall be granted to all businesses located on the north façade at the Lodge Promenade. Rachel Dimond made a presentation per the Staff memorandum and outlined the Design Review Board’s recommendation of a variance approval for awning height. Commissioner Pratt asked if the photo in Attachment B was a rendering of the proposed awning design. Rachel Dimond responded in the affirmative. Commissioner Pratt explained that the awning was differing in design from the other awnings. Leah Mayer, representing the applicant, provided details on the proposed awning and explained that all awnings on the subject façade are significantly different. There was no public comment. 45 minutes A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council for prescribed regulation amendments to Title 12, Zoning Regulations, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 12-3-7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, to amend the regulation of indoor and outdoor ski storage, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110054) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Rachel Dimond ACTION: Recommendation of approval with modification(s) MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Schneidman VOTE: 6-1-0 (Pratt opposed) The proposed regulations shall be amended to establish outdoor ski staging as an accessory use only, not a conditional use. Design review approval of outdoor ski staging shall be valid for one year. An additional provision shall be added to only allow the amount of outdoor ski staging necessary to operate the business. Section 11-7-17 shall be amended to be Section 11-7-18. The duration of use section shall be amended to allow outdoor ski staging from 6am until the close of the associated business. Outdoor ski staging shall be permitted without any design review approval until December 18, 2011, after which design review shall be required. By May 1, 2014, the PEC and Town Council shall review the outdoor ski staging regulations to evaluate the program and determine if amendments should be explored. Rachel Dimond made a presentation per the Staff memorandum with a PowerPoint presentation. Commissioner Hopkins stated that the regulations should be a short-term solution with a set end time until a permanent solution is established. She expressed concern about this use detracting from the beautiful village as it will be occurring outside the establishments. Commissioner Kurz expressed that the Commission requested regulations be written as a conditional use permit. He inquired as to the applicability of including a sunset time period in the regulations as suggested by Commissioner Hopkins. Commissioner Hopkins expressed that there should be a goal in the regulations that encourages the users of this use to seek a better solution than outside use of space. She believes this is a great customer service that will flourish and she believes that future improvements to the concept should be employed as they are found. She is concerned that this use will detract from the village. She pointed out the amount of time focused on newspaper rack designs, streetscape, etc. Commissioner Pratt asked for clarification regarding the limitation on the height of structures in the proposed regulation. Rachel Dimond clarified that the six-foot height limit did not apply to tents. Commissioner Pierce inquired as to the ability to place a time frame on this use if it were to become an accessory use. Commissioner Cartin stated he sees two separate issues regarding hotel verse commercial ski rental establishments. He suggested that the requirements include removal of this use from outside the business by 5 or 5:30 verse 7pm. Commissioner Rediker asked several questions. He inquired with regard to the definition of a retail establishment with rentals. He expressed a concern that there will be a rush for retail establishments to provide this service. He said we may want to narrow the definition of which establishments can offer this service. He suggested that there be a time frame on all approvals. He stated concern about some limitation on the number of racks and the ski yard beginning to look like an outdoor bazaar. He also expressed concern about the enforcement of the aesthetics section of the proposed regulations. He asked if it would be practical to have the racks manned, as it could be costly for smaller businesses. He suggested that a height limitation may be necessary for tents. He said he understands why lodges need this use, but is concerned about retail establishments and ski shops providing this service. Johannes Faessler, representing the Sonnenalp, stated that Staff has done a good job establishing regulations for a service the Sonnenalp has been providing for over 20 years. He suggested that the allowed timeframe for operations be left more flexible as his racks are pushed into the store in the retail aisles just before closing. He also stated that one cannot assume that all the skis are going to be picked up the next day as some are being pulled and brought back to the lodge for the guest’s departure. He agreed with Commissioner Hopkins that there is probably a better solution out there, but he does not believe this use will go away. He is concerned that there is no commercial ski storage permitted on the first floor which forces this use outside of establishments. He suggested that the retail surrounding Eaton Plaza may be a good area to allow commercial ski storage as they are largely not open in the summer due to removal from the village core. Lance Thompson, representing the Sebastian, stated his business’s ability to accommodate any time frame for having the skis put away. Adam Hart, representing the Double Diamond, inquired as to the allowable sign area. He stated that having the racks outside in the evening allows him to accommodate more customers as he places the racks on the first floor of the rental area at night. Jeff Babb, representing Vail Resorts operations, spoke to his ability to have the skis placed away by the 7 pm time frame. He spoke to the need to have the racks manned and he asked that 6 square feet of signage be considered in the regulations. He spoke to how Vail Resorts allows for other entities to come into the ski yard to utilize the space. Johannes Faessler inquired as to how the approval of these applications will occur as ski season is fast approaching. Rachel Dimond responded that should the use be permitted as an accessory use subject to design review only, review by the DRB could occur on November 16, as second reading of an ordinance could occur as quickly as November 15. Commissioner Kurz, suggested that an accessory use was appropriate, sign size of 6 square feet was appropriate, a provision for a revisiting the regulations after three ski seasons. He added that providing for a 30 day amnesty to start the ski off to get your plan approved. Commissioner Rediker stated he is in favor of extended ski rack storage outside, 6 square feet of signage, and approval on a annual basis. He stated he would like to see a statement that no more racks shall be permitted that is necessary for the operation of the business. He said he believes that a sunset clause that would terminate the regulations in three years may be too short based on the investments that will be made by businesses. Commissioner Hopkins stated that she was only looking for a provision to revisit the regulations to make improvements after three ski seasons. Commissioner Cartin expressed a concern that the first floor being allowed for storage of racks could entice people to use the outdoor space and aisles to start a new business. Adam Hart of the Double Dimond asked about provisions prohibiting the blocking of store fronts. Commissioner Pratt stated he believes it is important to not limit the approvals to one year, but to call-up an approval if there is a problem. He stated six square feet of signage is appropriate but maybe more should be allowed for logos. He would recommend that certain establishments receive Staff approval if they have been operating without problems. 45 minutes A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council on prescribed regulation amendments to Chapter 12-15, Gross Residential Floor Area, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 12-3-7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, related to the calculation of gross residential floor area on the lowest level of a structure that contains a garage in the Hillside Residential, Single-Family Residential, Two-Family Residential, and Two-Family Primary/Secondary Residential Districts, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110043) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Bill Gibson ACTION: Approved MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Rediker VOTE: 6-1-0 (Cartin opposed) Bill Gibson made a presentation per the Staff memorandum. Kathy Langenwalter, local architect, spoke to the examples that were selected by Staff and how they exhibit the topic being discussed. She made herself available for questions. Commissioner Pierce noted that the proposed amendments are what the Commission had requested Staff to prepare. Bill Gibson further clarified that the basement GRFA deduction is separate from the other GRFA deduction. The basement deduction is not intended to be blended with other credits like the garage deduction to artificially allow larger garages. Commissioner Cartin expressed concern about double deductions being applied to the same floor area. Commissioner Hopkins stated that this clarification makes sense and is needed. Commissioner Pratt expressed concern about designers “gaming” the system, but noted that the sample calculations demonstrated the case for the proposed amendments. Bill Gibson reiterated that some existing homes will be allowed to become larger than under the current regulations, but only to the same extent already allowed for other homes in the same zone district. 60 minutes A request for a final recommendation to the Vail Town Council for prescribed regulations amendments to Title 12, Zoning Regulations and Title 14, Development Standards, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 12-3-7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, to provide regulations that will implement sustainable building and planning standards, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC090028) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Rachel Dimond/ Kristen Bertuglia ACTION: Tabled to November 14, 2011 MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Pratt VOTE: 7-0-0 Kristen Bertuglia made a presentation per the Staff memorandum. Martin Haeberle stated that there is support for this countywide program in all communities except Eagle and Gypsum. Commissioner Pierce asked if a recommendation should be made at this time. Rachel Dimond suggested that this is the beginning of many hearings to inform the PEC prior to making any formal recommendations. Commissioner Hopkins stated that it is admirable to keep up with the game. She said that for now, education will help and then we can increase standards to be good stewards of the planet. Rachel Dimond stated that any architectural examples would be helpful to determine how many points are already accrued by new homes. Kristen Bertuglia stated that the Town conducted a cost analysis study and the increase in cost would be between 3% and 10%, depending on the structure of such a program. Martin Haeberle stated that construction is of high quality so Vail homes are already more efficient than the standard home in Denver. Commissioner Pierce stated that the size of driveways should be addressed when discussing heated driveways. He added that alternative sources of heating should be explored. Commissioner Hopkins stated that in addition, useless solar panels should not be permitted. Commissioner Cartin stated that innovation should be split up with design, construction and those innovations contributing to longevity. He added that the Walking Mountains building in Avon is innovative, not just green to be green. Commissioner Pratt stated that you should not be able to buy GRFA as an incentive to be innovative. He added that points for solar panels should only be achieved when the panels lay flat on the roof and are integrated with the structure. He added that when building a house with snowmelt under ecoBuild, the fee was $80,000. Rachel Dimond stated that Staff may propose to eliminate the bonuses for snowmelted driveways including steeper grades and less snow storage. Kristen Bertuglia stated that the goal is to reduce heated space. Michael Kurz stated that the goal of local ecosystem health should be the primary goal. He stated its naïve to think anything we do will affect local climate change. However, he stated that improving the gold medal trout status and similar items should be addressed specifically. He added the program is terrific, specifically the concept of providing incentives. Commissioner Cartin identified the gems paradox- the more efficient you become, the more you use resources. Martin Haeberle stated that many mechanical systems are a result of this paradox. Commissioner Kurz asked about studies on cost/square foot between a regular house and a LEED home, for example. Commissioner Hopkins stated in her experience, it can be an approximate 5% increase in cost. Jim Lamont of the Vail Village Homeowners Association stated you need criteria to give more points for buildings that build less square footage than what they are allowed to build. He added that the Town should understand how the regulations will affect cost. Warren Campbell mentioned that while the original owner may want the improvements, the next owner may wish to change the home, and thus, change how points have been achieved. Commissioner Pierce suggested not pushing for solar panels that don’t produce energy. Kristen Bertuglia explained the efficiency requirements of a rebate program. 5 minutes A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council for a prescribed regulations amendment, pursuant to Section 12-3-7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, to amend Chapter 12-22, View Corridors, Vail Town Code, to allow for the maintenance of designated view corridors impacted by vegetation, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110056) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Warren Campbell ACTION: Tabled to November 14, 2011 MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Pratt VOTE: 7-0-0 5 minutes A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council on prescribed regulation amendments to Chapter 12-6, Residential Districts, Vail Town Code, pursuant to Section 12-3-7, Amendment, Vail Town Code, to establish a new zone district, Vail Village Townhouse (VVT) District, and setting forth details in regard thereto; and a request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council on proposed amendments to Chapter VII, Vail Village Sub-Areas, East Gore Creek Sub-Area (#6), Vail Village Master Plan, pursuant to Chapter VIII, Implementation and Amendment, Vail Village Master Plan, to include recommendations related to a new Vail Village Townhouse (VVT) District, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110040, PEC110041) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Bill Gibson ACTION: Tabled to November 14, 2011 MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Pratt VOTE: 7-0-0 5 minutes A request for a recommendation to the Vail Town Council for prescribed regulations amendments, pursuant to Section 11-3-3, Prescribed Regulations Amendment, Vail Town Code, to Sections 11-7-15, Public Parking and Loading Signs for Private Property, Vail Town Code, and 11-7-16, Informational and Directional Sign for Public Parking on Private Property, Vail Town Code, and setting forth details in regard thereto. (PEC110021) Applicant: Town of Vail Planner: Bill Gibson ACTION: Withdrawn Approval of September 26, 2011 minutes MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Cartin VOTE: 7-0-0 Approval of October 10, 2011 minutes MOTION: No action because hearing did not have quorum. Information Update Adjournment MOTION: Kurz SECOND: Cartin VOTE: 7-0-0 The applications and information about the proposals are available for public inspection during regular office hours at the Town of Vail Community Development Department, 75 South Frontage Road. The public is invited to attend the project orientation and the site visits that precede the public hearing in the Town of Vail Community Development Department. Please call (970) 479-2138 for additional information. Sign language interpretation is available upon request with 24- hour notification. Please call (970) 479-2356, Telephone for the Hearing Impaired, for information. Community Development Department Published October 21, 2011, in the Vail Daily.