Pitkin County land‑use board approves side‑yard setback variance for agricultural shed at 555 Katy Park Lane

At a Pitkin County land‑use board meeting on April 1, 2025, members approved a side‑yard setback variance allowing an existing agricultural shed to remain at 555 Katy Park Lane in Snowmass Creek Canyon.

Erin Macherley, an attorney for the applicants, said, "We're here tonight to request a side yard, setback variance for the property at 555 Katy Park Lane." The board approved the staff‑recommended resolution by a 3‑0 vote.

The property, Lot 3 of the Twin Creeks Ranch subdivision (also referred to in the submission materials as the OB Joyful Subdivision), is roughly 43 acres and lies outside the Pitkin County urban growth boundary in mostly RS‑30 zoning with a small sliver zoned AR‑10. The agricultural shed that is the subject of the variance sits near the western property line; at its closest point to the revised lot line the shed is a little over 1.5 feet inside that line and at its farthest point a little over 10.5 feet inside, while the applicable side‑yard setback requirement for the RS‑30 and AR‑10 districts is 50 feet. The applicants requested relief to recognize the existing location and avoid relocating the structure, which they say would create practical difficulties.

Macherley told the board that the applicants bought the parcel in 1998 and that a lot‑line adjustment approved that year altered lot boundaries; she said the applicants believe that change created the nonconformity that now requires a variance. She also noted that the structure is not visible from Highway 82 or Snowmass Creek Road and that adjacent neighbors submitted letters supporting the variance.

Doug Weiser, one of the property owners, described the parcel as the family's permanent home and said the structure has been in its current location for many years. "This is our permanent home. We don't have another residence," he said. He told the board he helps manage seasonal water delivery to neighboring properties and that the family maintains good relations with neighbors who support the request.

County staff recommended approval in a draft resolution circulated to the board. The staff memorandum recommended granting a 48‑foot, 5‑inch side‑yard setback variance where 50 feet is required, citing existing conditions "not of [the applicants'] making." The draft resolution conditions noted by staff require that the structure remain in its present configuration and that no other structure occupy the same footprint; the applicants were advised to pursue permitting for the existing building consistent with Administrative Decision 05/2024 and applicable county building permits.

Board members asked whether the structure appeared on earlier approvals tied to a 1998 lot‑line adjustment and a subsequent 1041 hazard/site review. Staff and the applicants said they could not find public documentation showing the shed at the time of the earlier approval. After discussion the board voted to approve the variance on a motion based on the staff recommendation; a second was recorded and the vote was 3 in favor, 0 opposed.

With the vote completed, the applicants will proceed to obtain required permits and comply with the conditions tied to the variance. The board had no further business and adjourned the meeting.