Carbondale board approves variance for ADA bedroom addition at 689 Lincoln Ave with limits on setbacks and impervious area

The Carbondale Board of Adjustment on an unspecified meeting date approved a variance allowing a reduced front-yard setback, a reduced street-side setback and an increased maximum impervious lot coverage for a proposed accessible bedroom and bathroom addition at 689 Lincoln Avenue.

Staff recommended approval, citing a qualifying medical need; the board approved the variance with conditions that set numeric limits on the encroachments and on maximum impervious coverage. Jared (staff planner) told the board that “staff is supporting and recommending approval of the variance as presented,” and provided draft findings and recommended conditions tied to the submitted design.

Why it matters: The homeowners said the addition is needed to accommodate mobility loss from a recently confirmed medical diagnosis. Applicant Michael described the diagnosis and mobility risks: “inclusion body myositis is a rare, nonfatal, degenerative progressive disease of the large muscles of the arms and legs,” and said the addition would improve circulation within the house and access to outdoor living areas. Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing largely supported the application; one neighbor asked the town to consider drainage and impervious-surface impacts.

The board heard that the variance package requests three specific changes to Lincoln Avenue East PUD standards: (1) reduce the 15-foot front-yard setback to 10 feet along Lincoln Avenue (limited by condition to no more than 40 feet along the property), (2) reduce the 10-foot street-side setback to 5 feet along Seventh Street (limited by condition to no more than 50 feet), and…