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Boulder board approves setback variance for 4380 Butler Circle
Summary
The Board of Zoning Adjustment voted 4–0 to grant a combined side-yard setback variance allowing a garage addition at 4380 Butler Circle after staff concluded the lot'shape creates a hardship and that solar-access standards are met.
The Boulder Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a setback variance for 4380 Butler Circle, voting 4–0 to allow a west-side garage addition that results in an approximate 5.3-foot setback at its closest point where the combined setback standard requires about 9 feet.
Staff presented docket BOZ2025-00012 and recommended approval, saying the wedge-shaped lot creates an unusual buildable area and that the proposed garage would meet the applicable variance criteria. "Staff is in support of the variance request as it has been presented within the application," a staff member said during the hearing.
The variance applies only to the garage corner under review; staff and the city attorney emphasized that approving a variance does not change the land-use code. Staff said the project had already gone through building permit review and that solar-access protections were satisfied. The application shows a proposed total floor area of about 3,287 square feet (maximum permitted approximately 3,605) and proposed building coverage of roughly 1,910 square feet (maximum about 2,555). The architect, Chad Kipfer, described the rear of the lot as "incredibly tight," saying the garage interior measures about 18 feet 9 inches and the exterior about 19 feet 4 inches to make a functional compact parking/storeroom space.
Two nearby residents, Christine Welker (4370 Butler Circle) and Julie Welker (4376 Butler Circle), spoke during public comment raising concerns about views, potential snow drifting between homes, higher winter heating bills from added shade, landscaping access, fire risk and potential impacts on property values. "I'm concerned about the fire hazard... and the unsightliness," Christine Welker said. Board members and staff responded that notice had been provided to adjacent property owners via mailings, a public yard sign and newspaper postings, and staff explained that a shadow (solar access) analysis had been reviewed as part of permit processing.
During deliberation board members cited the lot'shape and the limited functional alternatives for a smaller garage as reasons the application met the criteria under the land'use code (H1(a'd) and H5(a'd)). Member Jill Lester moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded by an unidentified board member and the motion passed 4'0to'0 with votes recorded in favor by Jill Lester, Drew, Sean and Katie Crane.
The board's action applies only to the specific setback variance for the garage addition. Other elements of the larger house project have been handled in separate building-permit review and were not before the board. With the motion approved, the board moved on to administrative items and other agenda matters.
