Board of Adjustment approves variance at 146 Dynamite Drive to legalize unpermitted addition

The Gilpin County Board of Adjustment approved a variance for 146 Dynamite Drive in Black Hawk that will reduce required east and west side-yard setbacks from 30 feet to 15 feet, allowing the owners to bring an existing unpermitted addition into compliance and to construct a garage in the near term.

County planning staff told the board that a notice of violation for the unpermitted addition was recorded Aug. 8, 2023, after the current owners, Britney and Tyler Bridal, purchased the property in June 2024 and agreed to bring the work up to code. Staff said the lot is “exceptionally narrow,” and that the reduced setbacks are necessary for reasonable rebuilding and for eventual garage construction.

Two neighbors spoke in favor of the variance during the public hearing. Theresa Bliss said, “we have no problems with them, wanting to do what they're gonna do.” Kathleen Balfour, who identified herself as a local resident, also spoke in support: “I am in favor of granting this couple whatever it is that they are asking for.” Planning staff reported that they had posted notice in the paper and mailed letters to adjacent property owners and had received no written objections.

Commissioners on the Board of Adjustment discussed the typical time limit for building permits associated with a variance. Staff advised that the default permit-valid period is one year unless the board states otherwise in its decision. The board amended the approval to allow the owners additional time and specified that the permit process for the garage must be initiated within two years of the decision.

The board approved the variance by a 3-0 vote.

Ending: The decision regularizes an existing condition on a narrow Black Hawk lot and sets a two-year timeline for the owners to begin permitting for the garage. The county will monitor permit activity to ensure compliance with the variance conditions.