Mindy Leary, Gilpin County. On June 25, 2019, the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners met at the Gilpin County Courthouse to discuss topics like work contracts, boundary line eliminations, a landmark designation and a liquor license renewal. Sky Blue’s contract was presented and approved for a new Human Services Building. 

County Planner, Dan Horn, presented a public hearing, BOA #19-01, to the board concerning a request for a variance that would permit the construction of a new 864 square foot garage 18 feet from the applicants’ west property line. A building permit was already approved by the Plans Reviewer with an original setback of 30 feet. The applicant then decided to apply for a variance instead.

Gilpin County Zoning Regulation requires a minimum 30-foot setback from all property lines within a subdivision. The property is located in the Dory Lakes Subdivision which has retained a side setback of 15’ since the subdivision’s inception. “There would be no foreseeable adverse impact or objection from neighbors on either the west or east property lines, as there are existing encroachments on those homes/garages on the property setback,” wrote Horn.

Although we had initially submitted an application for a permit on the garage with the intention of complying with the 30 foot setback, our recent layout of the exact location of the west property line and measurement made us realize how far into the backyard this would place the garage, wrote Horn, speaking for the applicant. 

The Staff Recommendation states, “The overriding rationale on which a variance should be judged is whether or not an identifiable significant physical constraint associated with the specific site would cause an undue and/or unavoidable hardship. Based on the fact that a building permit was approved and ready to be issued with a 30 foot setback, I don’t see how undue hardship comes into play and is therefore avoidable. Staff recommends denial of this variance application and recommends the original building site with a 30 foot setback.”

Next on the agenda, Horn presented Boundary Line Elimination #19-03 request for Brandy Hale at 592 Morning Star Circle. The applicant would like to consolidate two lots into one; one lot is vacant and the other is improved with dwelling. The board approved the request.

Horn then presented Boundary Line Adjustment Application #18-05 for approval from the board in regard to 114 Lodgepole Way, Missourri Lakes #2 Subdivision. The applicant, Ty Mattern, is requesting to adjust the boundary line of three separate lots in order to give his house more separation from surrounding properties he intends to sell. 

Horn went on to say that all utility easements have been vacated and re-platted to follow the new lot layout. The resulting lots will all be buildable according to current zoning and septic regulations. The board approved BLA #18-05.

The property owner of the Frontenac Mine is seeking local landmark designation from the Board of County Commissioners. Stephen Strohminger, community development director, presented the information, saying that the applicant desires to develop the area into a park with trails that have views of the historic structures.

Robert Young Jr., representing Elk Horn investments, owners of the Frontenac Headframe/Shaft House on Pewabic Mountain, has submitted a building application to re-roof this house in order to initiate the process of landmark designation for the property. The board approved that the property is eligible for this designation after a stay of 120 days be issued for the permit.

Reconvening as the Board of Health, the commissioners reviewed an annual liquor license renewal application for Underground Liquors, located at 15107 Highway 119. Per usual, a background check of the owners was conducted by the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office and no records of any negative contact or issues were found. The application was then approved at the local level.

The Planning Commission recommended to the board to appoint Shannon Arrington, who is the current victim services coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office, as first alternate to the Planning Commission. After reviewing her letter of intent which stated, “I would like to volunteer my time, skills and talents to assist in planning the future of our county,” the board granted her appointment.

(Originally published in the July 4, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)