The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a setback variance for 825–827 Dewey Avenue to allow replacement of an elevated east deck and an entrance cover, a move the applicant says is required because the existing deck suffered structural and water-damage problems. The motion to approve passed on a recorded vote of 5–0.

The variance modifies the combined side-yard requirement for a property zoned RMX-1, where the code requires the two side yards to total at least 15 feet. Robbie Wyler, BOZA liaison for the City of Boulder, told the board the existing west setback will remain at about 1 foot 8 inches, which creates a required east setback of roughly 13 feet 4 inches; the applicant proposes an east setback of about 7 feet 6 inches, matching the existing condition. Wyler said staff reviewed the project through the building-permit process and recommended approval: “staff is recommending approval of the setback variance request as it has been presented within the application.”

Why it matters: combined-side-yard rules are intended to preserve spacing between structures; a variance lets the owner rebuild a deteriorated exterior feature while staying within other limits (building coverage and floor-area ratios) that staff verified during permit review.

Details and background: The duplex was built circa 1966. The building permit for a larger renovation of both units was approved in November 2024, but the deck replacement was removed from that permit while the owner pursues the variance. Wyler told the board that the existing and proposed building coverage (about 2,245 square feet versus a maximum of 2,269) and floor area (proposed 3,427 square feet versus a maximum of 3,539) have been checked as part of the building-permit review. Alex Perulis, the project architect with Mountain Design Build, said the team is not adding coverage or changing the original footprint and that the replacement is needed because of poor flashing and water damage: “we're really not trying to add any additional, building coverage or or change the original footprint. Everything that we're doing is in that original footprint.”

Public comment and board discussion: No members of the public spoke on the item. Board members said the lot and house layout are unique, the work does not increase footprint or building coverage, and the proposal meets the code criteria. Drew Eisenberg made the motion to approve ("I'll move to approve DOZ202500004"), Katie Crane seconded, and the roll call recorded unanimous votes in favor (Sean Haney — yes; Drew Eisenberg — yes; Katie Crane — yes; Ben Doyle — yes; Nikki McCord — yes).

Outcome and next steps: The variance was approved and, if the applicant proceeds, the building permit will be revised and resubmitted to include the east deck work. Applicant and staff said the work will be coordinated with the existing permit review.