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Board legalizes multiple setbacks and approves STR at High Drive after adding visibility safety condition
Summary
At 6396 High Drive in Morrison the Board of Adjustment legalized several existing reduced front setbacks for decks, the primary structure and a garage (all built in 1972), and approved a special exception to allow a short‑term rental. The board denied no additional changes; it added a condition that the owner improve intersection visibility (for
The Jefferson County Board of Adjustment on June 18 legalized multiple existing reduced front setbacks on an older parcel at 6396 High Drive in Morrison and approved a special exception allowing a short‑term rental, while asking the owner to improve visibility at the driveway approach to High Drive.
Planner Sarah Hoemeyer explained the property’s unusual lot configuration makes the east, south and west lot lines all count as front setbacks for zoning purposes; the structures in question — decks attached to the primary dwelling, the primary dwelling's west setback and a detached garage — were built by prior owners in 1972. Staff concluded that the historical construction and lot shape established exceptional practical difficulty for requiring relocation and recommended legalization of the existing setbacks. The case packet also showed the property is served by a well and septic rated for two bedrooms and met defensible-space requirements; the Evergreen Fire Protection District provided a will‑serve letter.
During public testimony residents raised safety concerns about the driveway approach at the hairpin turn on High Drive, emergency access during heavy snow and wildfire risk, as well as trash and wildlife (bear) management. One neighbor said they had seen visitors struggle with the driveway during a winter storm and described elderly guests who had difficulty exiting vehicles on icy slopes. The applicant, Peter Zap, said he uses a local property manager, maintains on‑call contractors, would provide bear‑resistant trash solutions, and would notify guests about access and winter requirements. He also reported the owner has Verizon cellular coverage at the cabin and uses fiber/Wi‑Fi where available.
The board approved legalization of the existing reduced setbacks and approved the short‑term rental, with the condition that the owner either bring the driveway intersection up to current standards or add visibility‑improving devices (for example a curve/mirror) to improve safety for drivers entering and leaving the site. Planning staff will track follow‑up to ensure STR conditions and any required improvements are completed.
— Jefferson County Board of Adjustment meeting coverage
