HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-03-04 PZC MINUTES\
CITY OF ENGLEWOOD PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
• March 4, 1980
•
I. CALL TO ORDER.
The regular meeting of the City Planning and Zoning Commission
was called to order at 7:00 P. M. by Chairman Judith B. Pierson.
Members present: Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer, Pierson,
Tanguma
Romans, Acting Ex-officio
Members absent: Becker, Smith, Williams
Also present: Associate Planner Alice Fessenden
Mrs. Pierson stated that she would like the record to show
that Commission member-elect Milton Senti is in attendance.
Mrs. Pierson asked that the record also reflect that Mr. Don
Williams had notified the staff that he would be unable to
attend; he is employed by the State Highway Department and
was held over on a "snow watch".
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
Mrs. Pierson stated that the Minutes of February 20, 1980,
are to be considered for approval .
Tanguma moved: The Minutes of February 20, 1980, be approved
as written.
The motion was seconded.
AYES: Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer, Pierson, Tanguma
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Williams, Becker, Smith
The motion carried.
Mrs. Becker entered the meeting and assumed her place with
the Commission members .
III. JOHN J. LITTLEHORN
R-1-C Single-family Residence
R-2-C Medium-Density Residence
CASE #4-80
Mrs. Pierson stated that the request before the Commission
is to rezone property from R-1-C, Single-family Residence, to
R-2-C, Medium Density Residence.
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Tanguma moved:
Carson seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #4-80 be opened.
AYES: Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Carson, Draper, McBrayer,
Pierson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Williams, Smith
The motion carried.
Mrs 0 Pierson stated that she would like to review the criteria
that is taken into account by the Planning Commission in the
consideration of any rezoning request.
Mr. Smith entered the meeting at 7:05 P. M. and took his place
with the Commission.
Mrs. Pierson stated that this criteria includes:
lo The possibility of a mistake in the original zoning of
the areao
2. Any significant changes that have occurred in the area
under consideration that would render another zone classi-
fication more applicable.
3. Whether or not a person is denied the use of his land be-
cause of existing zoning.
Other factors which are also considered by the Commission are:
1. The area should complete at least one city block of
compatible zone classification, or should consist of at
least one city block and be contiguous to like or compatible
zoning classification.
20 Proof should be presented that there is a demand and need
for enlarging the existing zone classification.
30 There must be compliance with all of the provisions of the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinanceo
4. The proposed rezoning must comply with the Comprehensive
Plan.
Mrs. Pierson stated that with these factors in mind, she would
ask that comments made during the course of the Public Hearing
be confined to these aforementioned items o
Mrs. Pierson then asked for the staff report o
Mrso Romans asked the pleasure of the Commission on whether
or not those testifying before the Commission should be sworn
in? She stated that she had discussed this briefly with
Assistant City Attorney DeWitt and he indicated that the
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procedur e this evening should be at the pleasure of the
Planning Commissiono
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Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt the formal procedures of
swearing in should be followed. Mr. Smith agreed that the
more formal proceedings should be followed. Mrs. Pierson
stated that she would agree, and announced that everyone
wishing to testify before the Commission, or to comment or
to ask questions, would be requested to come forward and be
sworn in.
Mrs. Dorothy Romans was sworn in, and testified that she is
the Assistant Director of Community Development in the Planning
Division. Mrs. Romans stated that the matter before the
Planning Commission is an application for rezoning filed by
Mr. John J. Littlehorn, and by William R. and James W. Jackson,
owners of three of the four parcels involved in the request.
Mrs. Romans stated that it was her understanding that the
Messrs. Jackson have the first right of refusal on the fourth
parcel, that being controlled by the Seventh Day Adventist
Association of Colorado as trustee for Mrs. Banks. With the
agreement on the fourth parcel, Mr. Littlehorn and the Messrs.
Jackson do have an interest in the total area under considera-
tion. Mrs. Romans stated that the subject site, which was
designated on the map by Miss Fessenden, has frontage on West
Quincy Avenue, which street is a designated arterial and serves
as a truck route through the City of Englewood. The property
is presently zoned R-1-C, Single-family Residence, which would
allow development of single-family homes with a minimum lot
area of 6,000 square feet and a minimum frontage of 50 feet.
This zone district will allow such uses as public facilities,
educational institutions and religious institutions, and will
also allow the home owner the right of a "home occupation"
which must meet standards set forth in the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance.
The subject site abuts property on the west which is zoned
for I-1, Light Industrial; this industrial area has developed
quite intensely in the last 10 years. The subject site abuts
land that is zoned R-1-C, Single-family Residence, on the
east and south, and is adjacent to an R-1-C District on the
northo
Mrs. Romans stated that the subject site is comprised of four
parcels, which were indicated on the map by Miss Fessenden.
Parcel #1 is owned by Mr. John J. Littlehorno Parcel #2 is
under the ownership of William R. and James W. Jackson; Parcel
#3 is owned by Midwest Real Estate Exchange, Inco, which is a
business owned by the Messrs. Jackson; and Parcel #4, is in
the ownership of the Seventh Day Adventist Association of
Colorado and Mrso Rosa Lee Banks. Mrso Romans stated that it
is her understanding that Mrs. Banks, who is now confined to
a nursing home, has given this parcel to the Churcho Mrs.
Romans also stated that these ownerships have been verified
with the Arapahoe County Assessor's Office.
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Mrs. Romans stated that the action required of the Planning
Commission following the public hearing, is to continue the
Hearing, or to table the matter to a date certain, or to make
a recommendation to the City Council that the matter be either
approved or denied.
The subject parcel is approximately 1.56 acres in area. The
permitted maximum density in the R-1-C Zone District is seven
units per net acre. In R-2-C, the permitted maximum density
is 14 units per net acre. Development in the R-2-C District
is limited to single-family and two-family residences; there
may not be any triplexes or four-plexes constructed. Mrs.
Romans pointed out the lack of interior access to the subject
site; access will have to be provided by the developers to
serve the interior of the lots, which will require roughly 1/4
of the land area for street purposes. This would decrease the
total area available for development, and the number of units
that could be placed on the property would also decrease pro-
portionately.
Mrs. Romans stated that the applicants have listed the
following as reasons for their requested rezoning:
1. That because of the increased intensity of the industrial
development in the areas to the northwest, west and south-
west, which are zoned I-1, Light Industrial, it would be
more difficult to obtain financing to construct single-
family residences or to attract buyers if the financing
could be found for construction.
2. That under the R-2-C Zone District, land costs would be
reduced and the applicants could build low-maintenance,
energy efficient, affordable housing. This would help
attract more famili~s to Englewood.
3. That the R-2-C, Zone District, would provide a more
adequate buffer between the single-family areas to the
east and the light industrial uses to the west.
4. That the land is not desirable for single-family parcels
due to the lack of suitable road access to each of the
subject properties, but by clustering the two-family
units under a Planned Development, a desirable living
environment could be created.
The subject property has been within the corporate limits of
the City since 1955, and was automatically zoned for single-
family development upon annexation. Mrs. Romans stated that
there have been no major changes in zoning in this immediate
area since it was annexed; the primary changes that have occurred
have been in the intensity of use, and cited the development
of the industrial area to the west, and the residential area
to the east. Mrs. Romans stated that Mr. Littlehorn has been •
before the Planning Commission on previous occasions in relation
to this property. In April of 1975, Mr. Littlehorn came before
the Planning Commission requesting a Subdivision Waiver to
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divide his ownership, which at that time extended east to
South L . pan Street, into six si es. Five of the sites would
front o n South Lipan Street, an d the sixth would be a long,
narrow p arcel to the rear of the residential lots on South
Lipan Street. Mr. Littlehorn i n dicated at that time that
this sixth parcel would be combined with those parcels under
the ownership of the Messrs. Jackson for a joint development.
In June of 1976, Mr. Littlehorn and the Messrs. Jackson applied
for an I-1, Light Industrial Zone classification on their
property, and included that owned by Mrs. Banks. Following
the Public Hearing, the Planning Commission voted to deny the
I-1 zoning. There is no record of an appeal to the City
Council following the Planning Commission's decision. In
September of 1977, Mr. Littlehorn and the Messrs. Jackson
again came to the Planning Commission, requesting a change
of zone classi f ication from R-1-C, Single-family Residence,
to R-2-C, Medium Density Residence. The Planning Commission
at that time determined that the rezoning request be denied,
and so recommended to the City Council. An appeal to the City
Council was filed in October of 1977 by the applicants. The
City Council reviewed the Findings of Fact adopted by the
Planning Commission and elected not to hear the applicant's
appeal. The applicants had, in the interim, applied to the
Board of Adjustment for a variance to lower the minimum lot
area of each of the five building sites from 6,000 square feet
to 5,100 square feet; the motion was made to approve this re-
quest; however, the motion did not carry. Mr. Littlehorn then
determined that his right to use the ground had been denied,
and took the matter to Court. The Court decision agreed that
Mr. Littlehorn 's rights had been denied by the City Council's
refusal to hear his appeal, and the matter was remanded to City
Council for hearing. Mr. Littlehorn had, since the time of his
appeal to City Council, sold off the south 120 feet of the
large parcel, selling a parcel 60' x 68' to the owners of 4325
South Lipan Street and the owners of 4335 South Lipan Street.
The City Council felt, when the matter came up for Public
Hearing before the Council on January 28th, that with the sale
of these two parcels of ground that the area had been changed,
and that this might have an effect on the determination by both
the Commission and the City Council. The matter was then re-
ferred back to the Planning Commission for rehearing and recom-
mendation.
Mrs. Romans discussed the Comprehensive Plan, and the Generalized
Land Use Map. Mrs. Romans pointed out that the land use as de-
picted on this map is not in specific detail and boundaries do
not break on any given line. Rather, the map is generalized
and the depiction of projected land use is shown in specific
areas by irregular shapes or blobs. This map indicates that
the subject area is in between that which is designated for
industrial development, and that which is designated for
single-family development. The staff has taken the position
that this is a peculiar or unique piece of property: it does
not face the "f ront " of any use, but rather is bounded by the
back yards of the residential uses along South Lipan Street
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and West Radcliff Drive, the side or rear of Industrial uses
abut the property on the west, and West Quincy Avenue, a major
arterial, abuts the property on the north. The staff does
recommend that the rezoning be approved, with the following
conditions:
1. That the subject properties be developed as a single
unit under the Planned Development District regulations.
2. That the matter be brought before the City Planning
and Zoning Commission in twenty-four (24) months for
review and if a Planned Development has not been approved
and recorded and construction pursuant thereto undertaken,
the Planning Commission shall reconsider the use and the
development of the subject property.
Mrs. Romans stated that utilities are available for service
to this area; there is a six inch (6") water line in West
Quincy Avenue; there is a 15 inch sewer line in West Quincy
Avenue, and an eight inch (8 11 ) sewer line along the west
boundary line of the subject property. Mrs. Romans pointed
out that the City has an allotment of 300 sewer taps per year,
and that the applicants would have to work within this restriction,
but the lines are there for service.
Mr. Smith asked if the rezoning extended across West Quincy
Avenue? Mrs. Romans stated that it is projected to the center-
line of West Quincy Avenue. She stated that wherever possible,
zone districts break at the centerline of streets, alleys, or
at rear property lines.
Mr. Smith pointed out that the one condition suggested by the
staff is that construction be begun within 24 months; he asked
why the lengthy time limit? Mrs. Romans pointed out that one
of the conditions is 1hat a Planned Development be approved;
this can be a rather lengthy process in itself, and it was
felt by the staff that the 24-month limitation was realistic.
Mr. Smith noted that on Page 9 of the Staff Report, reference
is made to 22 units; he asked how many units could be built
on this site. Mrs. Romans stated that ordinarily 25% of the
land area is required for access. In this instance, the sub-
ject site is 1.56 acres +/-without any provision for access,
so approximately 50,000 square feet would be available for
development. She stated that she did not see how more than 16
or possibly 17 units could be constructed on the site after
access is provided. Mrs. Romans added that if the access is
dedicated to the City, it would have to be a 50 foot street,
with a 90 foot cul-de-sac for turning movements.
Mrs. Pierson asked if there were further questions of Mrs.
Romans? No further questions were asked by the Commission
of Mrs. Romans. Mrs. Pierson then asked if Mr. Littlehorn
and the Messrs. Jackson were present?
•
Mr. John J. Littlehorn was sworn in, and stated that the
Messrs. Jackson are not present, but that he does have an
affidavit to speak in their behalf on this matter. They
are the owners of Parcels 2 and 3, and have a contract to
purchase Parcel #4, which action will be finalized later
this month. Mr. Littlehorn stated that this area has been
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a problem, which has aggravated as the City grew. Mr. Little-
horn stated that under the present R-1-C regulations, and the
present configuration of the property, the most that can be
developed on the site is three homes, with "huge back yards."
Mr. Littlehorn stated that the applicants will go along with
the conditions suggested to be imposed in the staff report.
He stated that he is aware that they will have to come back
to the Planning Commission and City Council for approval of a
Planned Development. He stated that the applicants want to
use the property in a reasonable and economical way.
Mr.Smith asked if he understood that the Messrs. Jackson
have finalized the purchase of Parcel #4. Mr. Smith stated
that he was under the impression that the Church did not own
or have control of the property until such time as Mrs. Banks
was deceased. Mr. Littlehorn stated that Mrs. Banks is now
confined to a nursing home; the Jackson Brothers have a con-
tract with tne Church to purchase the property, which will
be finalized this month.
Mr. McBrayer stated that he also is concerned about the 24-
month time period. He asked if this much time was needed.
Mr. Littlehorn stated that he felt the 24-months was very
definitely needed. He pointed out that he has been working
on this matter for over two years, and is still unable to
use the land.
Mrs. Pierson stated that Mr . Littlehorn has testified that he
is authorized to speak for the Jackson Brothers; she asked if
he also had authorization to speak on behalf of Midwest Real
Estate Exchange, Inc.? Mr. Littlehorn stated that the Midwest
Real Estate Exchange, Inc. is one of the businesses owned by
the Jackson Brothers, and he does have authorization to speak
for them.
Mrs. Pierson then asked if Mr. Littlehorn had authorization to
speak on behalf of Mrs . Banks or the Church? Mr. Littlehorn
stated that he did not; only for the Jackson Brothers under
their contract to purchase the land.
Mrs. Pierson asked if the Planning Commission recommended that
the rezoning be granted with the conditions suggested by the
staff, whether Mr. Littlehorn had authority on behalf of the
Messrs. Jackson to agree to these conditions, and did he in
fact agree with the conditions? Mr. Littlehorn stated that
he did have the authority to agree to the conditions, and he
does, in fact, so agree.
Mrs. Pierson asked if there were others in the audience who
wished to speak in favor of the rezoning?
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Mro Mike Littlehorn
4301 South Lipan Street -was sworn in and stated that he
f eels that the rezoning would allow
a better use of the property, and would make a good buffer
zone between the industrial and single-family residential
areao He stated that he would like to see the property rezonedo
Mro Tanguma asked Mr. Mike Littlehorn i f he was any relation
to the applicant, Mr. John Littlehorn? Mro Mike Littlehorn
stated that he is related to the applicant o
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the property at 4301 South Lipan
Street is listed in Mro Mike Littlehorn 's name; he is an ad-
joining property owner.
Mrso Pierson asked for those in opposition to present their
caseo
Mr. Steve Neyer
4330 South Lipan Street -was sworn in and stated that following
the public hearing before the Planning
Commission on the rezoning request, which public hearing was
held on September 20, 1977, Findings of Fact were adopted by
the Commission , Seven conclusions were reached by the Commission
at that time, and Mr. Neyer stated that he felt the following
four still pertain:
(4) That property owners in the adjacent area have relied on
the present R-1-C, Single-family Residence Zone District
which is applied to the subject site to maintain the low-
density residential character of the neighborhood o
(5) That it has not been shown that the property cannot be
developed under the present zone classification.
(6) It was not shown that the original zoning of the subject
area was in error.
(7) That the present zone classification will continue to
conserve and stabilize the value of the property and to
promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare
of all in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan.
Mro Neyer stated that this application is concerned with a
portion of the same area as was encompassed in the 1977 re-
quest; at which point in time, the rezoning request was denied 0
Mr. Neyer stated that as far as a buffer between the industrial
use and the residential use, there is no buffer between the
Harvey Park Towing Yard across West Quincy Avenue and the resi-
dential useso He stated that he felt approval of the requested
R-2-C Zone District would be spot zoning 0
Mrs. Becker asked the location of the towing yard; is it to •
the northwest of the subject property? Miss Fessenden indicated -
the towing yard on the map.
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Mr. George Stampados
4325 South Lipan Street -was sworn in and stated that he does
not feel a development for two-family
use will be in conformance with the character of the neighborhood,
and might well be detrimental to the neighborhood. Mr. Stampados
stated that the Jason Park is to the north of this area across
West Quincy Avenue, and children have to cross this street to
get to the park. He felt that a medium-density development would
increase the amount of traffic using West Quincy Avenue, a
heavily traveled street at the present time, and create a more
hazardous condition for those children crossing the street.
He stated that he felt single-family homes are more likely to
attract families with children than a two-family development.
He pointed out that the school district has lost and is losing
school population, and the multi-family character of the develop-
ment as proposed by Mr. Littlehorn would be more likely to
attract people who a r e transient. Mr. Stampados stated that
"spot zoning" would violate the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
and the Comprehensive Plan; the rezoning, if approved, would
impose on the security and trust that the residents have in
the neighborhood. Mr. Stampados stated that at the beginning
of the meeting it was brought out that the site could hold a
given number of units; Mr. Littlehorn has testified that at
the most, they could have a total of four units at the present
time; if the rezoning were to be approved, they could construct
up to four times that amount, or 16 units. He stated that he
just could not see the merits of the rezoning, and is opposed
to it.
Mrs. Robert Taylor
1090 West Radcliff Drive -was sworn in and testified that she
is an artist, and is concerned with
the appearance of the proposed development, the height and
visual aspects of the proposed development. She asked if Mr.
Littlehorn could construct three story structures on the site,
and she also inquired about landscaping?
Mrs. Romans stated that the height restrictions in the R-1-C
and the R-2-C zone Districts are the same: two stories or 25
feet. Mrs. Romans stated that the R-2-C Zone District does
require that 40% of the lot be in landscaping.
Mr. Smith noted that on Page 9 of the Staff Report, in Y3, it
states that "lower construction costs per unit would be possible
and the ability to spread out the recovery cost of the land be-
tween 22 units versus 11 units would be available." He noted
that Mr. Littlehorn has testified that he could construct only
three houses on the land, whereas Mrs. Romans had testified
that seven residences could be constructed on the land. Dis-
cussion ensued. Miss Fessenden pointed out that if the develop-
ment was based on the amount of frontage alone, three units is
all that Mr. Littlehorn could construct; if one considers the
gross square footage of the site, there is sufficient area to
accommodate seven single-family dwellings.
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Mr. Littlehorn stated that he has explored the possibility of
putting a roadway into the site; if the City requires a 50 foot
roadway and a 90 foot cul-de-sac, this would take so much of
the ground they would have a problem with lot sizes, setbacks,
etc. He stated that he didn't feel it was feasible to have a
public dedicated roadway into the site. He stated that he was
considering a private road to service the interior of the site,
and he is considering construction of "round" houses. Mr.
Littlehorn stated that he does not build things just to make
money, but the project must be economically sound. He stated
that the units might have garden level apartments, which he
personally likes. Mr. Littlehorn stated that with the pressures
from society today to conserve energy, he is considering many
different things for the development.
Mr. Smith stated that if Mr. Littlehorn does not anticipate
putting a road in, would this not stop the development? Mrs.
Romans stated that Mr. Littlehorn stated that the roadway
would not be dedicated to the City; it would be a private
roadway. Mrs. Romans pointed out that roadways less than 50
feet have been approved in other projects, but also pointed
out that the discussion of roadways is more in line with con-
sideration of the Planned Development, and not on the merits
of the rezoning. Mrs. Romans emphasized that the figures
quoted in the staff report as maximum development are just
that --they do not take into account the need for access.
Some of this property is land-locked, and cannot be used un-
less access is provided. If the rezoning is approved, then
the actual design of the proposal will have to be considered.
If the rezoning is not approved, and if the applicants want
to develop the site with more than the three buildings per-
mitted by the existing frontage, the site would have to be
subdivided, and access provided to the interior of the property.
Mr. Smith stated that he felt the members of the audience
were present because they are interest in the impact on the
area. He stated that there is a lot of difference in the im-
pact of 20 units vs. 10 units. He reiterated that the staff
report mentions 22 units and 11 units. One of the reasons
given for the rezoning request is the applicant's inability
to use the property. If seven units can be developed on the
site, the land can be used --it is a feasible development.
He stated that if the 11 units mentioned by the staff in the
staff report were reduced by 25% --to accommodate the area to
be devoted to street purposes --they could build seven units.
Mr. Littlehorn stated the units are contemplated to be not
more than two bedroom in size and there would be one or two
children per unit at the most. He stated that if this was
balanced out per person, he didn't feel the impact would be
greater than that of a single-family development. Mr. Littlehorn
stated that he would not attempt to build single-family resi-
dences on a speculative basis on this property; he stated that
people would not buy them in that location.
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Mr. Draper asked for more information on the proposed roadway
under consideration by Mr. Littlehorn? Mr. Littlehorn stated
that a lot of it would depend on the requirements of the City.
He stated that the only individuals to use the roadway would
be the residents and the fire department. Mr. Littlehorn
stated that the roadway and cul-de-sac would not have to be
extended the full depth of the site; he stated that he was
considering the possiblity of a 10-foot wide roadway with a
crushed rock surfacing.
Mr. Stampados stated that he understood the City wanted suf-
ficient space in the cul-de-sac for the fire engines to maneuver
without backing up; he asked if it would be possible to locate
the roadway in such proximity that protection could be given to
the rear of the structures on the west side of South Lipan
Street from the proposed roadway?
Mrs. Pierson asked if it was possible to put in a gravel
roadway in the City? Mrs. Romans stated that the staff would
recommend that the roadway be constructed to City specifications.
Mr. Littlehorn stated that the requirements of the Fire Depart-
ment for roadways are very stringent. He suggested that per-
haps the discussion is straying from the subject of the rezoning.
Mrs. Becker stated that she would agree and asked that the dis-
cussion be centered on the rezoning.
Mr. Littlehorn stated that Court decision on the case was in
regard to confiscatory zoning; the applicant is denied the
use of the land under the present zoning, and cannot find an
alternative to get around the problem. He stated that he is
trying to cooperate with this Department, and feels that this
proposal is very reasonable. Mrs. Pierson stated that she un-
derstood the decision on the court case was on a flaw in the
procedure that was followed. Mr. Littlehorn stated that this
was correct; however, this hearing must be conducted properly
before the confiscatory action in the case can be heard.
Mrs. Pierson reviewed the Court decision on the matter, and
stated that the holding was that Mr. Littlehorn had been denied
the opportunity to present evidence and arguments in support
of his application before the City Council. The ruling was on
procedural deficiencies. There would have to be another ruling
on any question of confiscatory action.
It was noted that the Staff Report is to be included in the
record of the Public Hearing.
Draper moved:
Carson seconded: The Public Hearing on Case #4-80 be closed.
AYES: Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Carson, Draper,
Mc Brayer
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Williams
The motion carried.
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Mrs. Pierson declared a recess of the Commission at 8:15 P.M.
The meeting reconvened with the following members present:
Draper, McBrayer, Smith, Tanguma, Pierson, Becker, Barbre,
Carson. Absent: Williams
Mrs. Pierson stated that the Commission may table the matter
until a date certain, or make a recommendation that the re-
zoning request be approved, or denied. She asked the pleasure
of the Planning Commission?
Mrs. Becker stated that one of the concerns that is voiced by
opponents to the medium density zone classifications is that
the duplexes do not in fact bring in families with children.
She asked whether there were any statistics on this question;
do duplexes really attract families with children, or is it
singles or young couples? Mrs. Romans stated that in this in-
stance, with the units containing only two bedrooms, it probably
will not attract families with many children. To attract
families with children, you really need to develop the three
and four bedroom units.
Mrs. Pierson questioned that this was really at issue on whether
or not the rezoning should be approved.
Mr. Tanguma stated that he would like to ask Mr. Senti, a long-
time realtor, to give the Commission the benefit of his ex-
perience on whether or not duplexes are an imposition on the
neighborhood --just what their impact is, and the type of
families who occupy duplexes . Mrs. Pierson stated that she
felt this might be more appropriate at a later time in the
meeting.
Mr. Smith stated that economic feasibility is given as one of
the reasons for requesting the rezoning. He stated that he
does not think the site was improperly zoned in the beginning,
and he does feel that the matter of economic feasibility for
development as single-family is an issue. He stated that it
has been brought out that the site is not desirable for single-
family development because of lack of good access. He stated
he feels that the construction of three units on the site vs.
seven doubles does indicate that the land can be used. Mr.
Smith then discussed a development on Colorado Boulevard which
has become a "neighborhood" by itself, by screening out the
industrial area. He stated that if this could be done on this
site, and have seven single-family homes constructed, he felt
that the question of "economic feasibility" is not something
for consideration. Mr. Smith stated that he felt the City is
getting into the low-cost housing market by the construction
of 10 units for low-income families, plus the additional 100
units for the elderly. He stated that an individual cannot
be forced to build low-cost housing. He questioned that the
economic question was something that should be considered in
the matter of rezoning.
Mr. McBrayer stated that he felt the R-2-C Zone District would
create a good buffer between the single-family district and
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the industrial district. He pointed out that a rezoning re-
quest for I-1 zoning on this property was denied because it
would impose the industrial zoning right next to the single-
family residential district. If Mr. Littlehorn is now denied
the R-2-C zoning and has to try to develop the property for
single-family purposes the same situation would be created:
single-family residential development would abut I-1 Industrial
development. Mr. McBrayer stated that he did not think it
would be feasible to develop seven single-family residences
on this site; he stated that the price of the homes would be
excessive --the houses would cost more than the average resi-
dential unit in Englewood. This would impose extremely ex-
pensive housing against the industrial district, which is not
good. He stated that he felt the property owners would be
denied the use of the property if the rezoning were to be
denied. The I-1 Zone District is actively developing, and he
felt the need for a buffer between the industrial and single-
family district is more apparent now than in the past.
Mrs. Pierson stated that it is apparent that the I-1 develop-
ment has changed the character of the area. It has not been
shown that the proposed rezoning would be in conflict with
the Comprehensive Plan, and she stated that she felt the
Planning Commission should recommend to City Council that the
rezoning be granted.
Becker moved:
Draper seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City
Council that the rezoning of the following
described property from R-1-C, Single-family Residence, to
R-2-C, Medium-Density Residence be approved: Beginning at the
Northeast corner of the Northwest one-quarter (1/4)
of the Northeast one-quarter (1/4) of Section 9, Township 5
South, Range 68 West of the 6th P.M.; thence West along the
North line of said Section 9, said North line also being the
centerline of West Quincy Avenue, a distance of 99 feet to the
true point of beginning; thence continuing Westerly along the
North line of Section 9, a distance of 231.8 feet, to the
North line of Jensen's Subdivision 2nd Filing, City of Englewood,
County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado; thence East along said
North line of Jensen's Subdivision 2nd Filing a distance of
163.8 feet to the Southwest corner of the parcel of land de-
scribed in Book 2951, Page 442 in the Arapahoe County Clerk and
Recorder's Office; thence North along the West line of the
parcels of land described in Book 2951, Pages 441 and 442, a
distance of 120 feet to the Northwest corner of the parcel of
land described in Book 2951 on Page 441; thence East along the
North line of said parcel of land described in Book 2951, Page
441 a distance of 68 feet; thence North a distance of 210 feet
to the true point of beginning, said tract of land containing
1.56 acres more or less.
This recommendation to rezone the subject property is
contingent on the following conditions:
1. That the subject properties be developed. as a singl~
unit under the Planned Development District regulations.
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2. That the matter be brought before the City Planning
and Zoning Commission in twenty-four (24) months for
review and if a Planned Development has not been approved
and recorded and construction pursuant thereto undertaken,
the Planning Commission shall reconsider the use and the
development of the subject property.
Mr. Smith asked that the staff clarify for the benefit of the
audience the requirement of a Planned Development. He stated
that inasmuch as one of the conditions for approval is the
submission and approval of a Planned Development for the site
he would vote for the motion.
Mrs. Romans explained that the Planned Development District
is a district that overlays the entire City and is applied
upon specific application. The applicant must bring in a
survey and detailed drainage plan, and a site plan must be
submitted. Mrs. Romans emphasized that the Planned Develop-
ment cannot change the density or the use permitted in any
zone district. The plan would have to show the location of
the buildings, parking areas, landscaping and access. The
Planning Commission would have to have a Public Hearing on the
Planned Development; if the Planned Development were then
recommended to City Council, the City Council could also hold
a Public Hearing. If the Planned Development is approved by
the City Council, it is recorded in the Arapahoe County Clerk
and Recorder's Office, and any construction permits issued
must be in compliance with the recorded Planned Development.
Mrs. Romans pointed out that the Director of Community Develop-
ment may make "minor" changes in the recorded plan; any major
changes in the plan must be reconsidered by the Planning Com-
mission and City Council.
Mr.Barbre asked when the contract on sale of Parcel #4 would
be closed, and if it should not be consummated, would this
have any effect on the decision of the Commission? Mrs.
Pierson stated that it would not; the entire area would be
treated as a whole, and would all be rezoned if this is the
determination of the Commission.
Mr. Draper stated that he felt the matter of economics does
play a very vital role in the decision of the Commission; he
stated that he did not think this subject parcel would develop
under the present zoning, and he would rather see an R-2-C
Planned Development, than to leave the site as it is.
Mr. Carson stated that he felt there was no need for a buffer
zone in this area; he indicated the zone pattern to the north
and pointed out that the residential abuts against the industrial
zoning, and "they get along with light industrial down there."
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Mr. Tanguma agreed that the residents may "get along with
the light industrial zoning", but that a great many of them
don't like it. He stated that the light industrial develop-
ment moved in after the residences were constructed. Mr.
Carson stated that he lives in this general area and he likes
it. Mr. Tanguma stated that he felt it would be wrong to
impose the light industrial classification right against
single-family residential, and that the Commission has an
opportunity to correct this situation.
Mr. McBrayer stated that the staff had made reference to the
fact that the previous I-1 Zone request for this property was
denied because it was felt the I-1 Zone classification should
not be imposed against the R-1-C, Single-family residence
district. If this property is not rezoned to R-2-C, the Com-
mission would be forcing the R-1-C to abut the I-1 on this
property.
Mr. Smith stated that he would vote in favor of the motion at
this time; he still feels that to be able to construct seven
single-family units on the site is economically feasible, and
he questioned the "need" for a buffer; he stated that he felt
the buffer of the R-2-C Zoning would be a benefit after the
rezoning, but diq not think the land should be rezoned to
create a buffer. Mr. Smith stated that this property is
unique; it does have very limited access, which would cut
down on the intensity of development. He stated that he
agreed that something must be done with this property; he
questioned that the R-2-C Zone District would attract families
with children. But, inasmuch as one of the conditions sug-
gested on the rezoning is that the applicants come back for
approval of a Planned Development, he would vote for the motion.
The vote was called:
AYES: McBrayer, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Draper
NAYS: Carson
ABSENT: Williams
The motion carried.
Mrs. Pierson advised members of the audience that the motion
to recommend approval of the rezoning has passed, and will be
referred to City Council . The City Council will have to hold
a Public Hearing on the matter, also.
Mrs. Pierson also announced a t this point that the boards and
commissions of the City are composed of volunteers; anyone who
is interested in serving on the Planning Commission or any
other board or commission in the City should submit a letter
of application to the City Manager's Office.
IV. PUBLIC FORUM.
There was no one present who wished to address the Commission
under Public Fo r um.
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V. COUNTRY CLUB JOINT VENTURE. CASE #21-78
Mrs. Romans reported that the property has been sold and the
contact with the new owner is in Salt Lake City, Utah, a
Mr. Richard S. Prows. She reported that several people were
in a couple of weeks ago to discuss the site with the staff.
The new owners have engaged a market analyst who is doing a
market study on the site. She stated that she understood that
they plan to go ahead with development of the first phase.
Mrs. Romans stated that she understands that the Utilities
Department is going ahead with the design of the sewer line
to service the development.
Mr. Smith asked if any permits had been issued for Phase #1?
Mrs. Romans stated that none have been to this date; the owners
have until March 12, 1980 to obtain permits before the expira-
tion of the variance.
VI. DIRECTOR'S CHOICE.
Mrs. Romans stated that the Denver Regional Council of Govern-
ments annual dinner meeting will be on March 19th, at the
Regency Inn beginning at 6:00 P.M., dinner to be served at
7:00 P.M. The John Christensen award is given at this time,
and the scheduled speaker will be a Kenneth E. Boulding. The
City will pay the expenses for the Commission members who wish
to attend, and the Commissioners are responsible for the ex-
penses of any guest they may wish to take. The reservations
are $12.00 each; Mrs. Romans asked that those wishing to go to
this dinner please notify the staff.
Mrs. Romans stated that the City Manager's office has asked
that the staff check with those individuals who want their
business phones and addresses listed on the roster. Mr.
McBrayer and Mr. Draper indicated that they want their business
numbers listed; the remainder of the members did not.
VII. COMMISSION'S CHOICE.
Mrs. Pierson stated that the next regular meeting of the
Planning Commission is March 18th, and the study session is
scheduled for March 29th, at 8:00 A. M.
Mrs. Pierson asked if there was any way the statistics could
be obtained on the people moving into the neighborhoods --
families with children, singles, etc. Mrs. Romans stated that
Miss Fessenden is doing a very detailed housing report, and
Mrs. Young, Planning Assistant, is also doing a population
study. Both of these reports will be available to the Com-
mission members upon completion. Mrs. Romans commented that
when she was a member of the Englewood School Board, a study
indicated that there were children who were living in the
duplexes in the school system.
•
-17-
Mr.Tanguma asked if Mr. Senti had any information on the impact
the medium-density developments would have upon the residential
areas and the school system? Mr. Senti stated that there probably
would not be too many children from a medium-density develop-
ment such as was considered this evening. He pointed out that
if the units were to have basements, you might expect families
with children to reside there, but if the units are only two-
bedroom, and with no basements, he felt there would be very
few children living in these units.
Mrs. Becker stated that she felt it would be very interesting
to determine if attitudes toward medium-density developments
change after people live in close proximity to them for a time.
Mr. McBrayer asked how the Commission could get such feed-back.
Mr. Smith stated that he lives in an R-2 area; half of the
block is very well kept, but the remainder is very poorly
maintained. He stated that he felt if a property is purchased
strictly for "investment" purposes, the property owner is not
as apt to keep it up as one who lives in a part of the unit.
Further discussion on the population and number of children
to be expected in medium-density developments ensued. Mrs.
Becker noted that there are many "little ones" around, and
she stated that she would be interested in finding out where
these young families are living. Mr. Smith stated that a lot
of this information would be available in the Census, particularly
if these children are pre-school age.
Mrs. Romans stated that the density factor being used in the
population study is 2.39 per dwelling unit for the single-
family areas. This factor indicates that in the single-family
area, there is .39 children per household, assuming a typical
mother/father/child situation.
Mrs. Romans commented on the fact that I-1 does abut the R-1-C
Zone District to the north; but that as far back as the mid-
1950's, it was the concern of the Commission that there should
not be I-1 and R-1 Zone Districts abutting. Brief discussion
ensued.
Draper moved: The meeting be adjourned.
Mrs. Pierson declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 P.M.
G trude G. Welty
R 'cording Secreta
-18-
MEMORANDUM TO THE ENGLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ACTION
OR RECOMMENDATION OF THE CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.
DATE: March 4, 1980
SUBJECT: Recommended Approval of Rezoning Request
RECOMMENDATION:
Becker moved:
Draper seconded: The Planning Commission recommend to City
Council that the rezoning of the following
described property from R-1-C, Single-family Residence, to
R-2-C, Medium-Density Residence be approved: Beginning at the
Northeast corner of the Northwest one-quarter (1/4) of the
Northeast one-quarter (1 /4) of Section 9~ Township 5 South,
Range 68 West of the 6th P.M.; thence West along the North
line of said Section 9, said North line also being the center-
line of West Quincy Avenue, a distance of 99 feet to the true
point of beginning; thence continuing Westerly along the North
line of Section 9, a distance of 231.8 feet, to the North line
of Jensen's Subdivision 2nd Filing, City of Englewood, County
of Arapahoe, State of Colorado; thence East along said North
line of Jensen's Subdivision 2nd Filing a distance of 163.8
feet to the Southwest corner of the parcel of land described
in Book 2951, Page 442 in the Arapahoe County Clerk and Re-
corder's Office; thence North along the West line of the
parcels of land described in Book 2951, Pages 441 and 442, a
distance of 120 feet to the Northwest corner of the parcel of
land described in Book 2951 on Page 441; thence East along the
North line of said parcel of land described in Book 2951, Page
441 a distance of 68 feet; thence North a distance of 210 feet
to the true point of beginning, said tract of land containing
1.56 acres more or less.
This recommendation to rezone the subject property is contingent
on the following conditions:
1. That the subject properties be developed as a single
unit under the Planned Development District regulations.
2. That the matter be brought before the City Planning and
Zoning Commission in twenty-four (24) months for review
and if a Planned Development has not been approved and
recorded and construction pursuant thereto undertaken,
the Planning Commission shall reconsider the use and the
development of the subject property.
AYES: McBrayer, Pierson, Smith, Tanguma, Becker, Barbre, Draper
NAYS: Carson
ABSENT: Williams
The motion carried.
By Order of the City Planning Commission
etary