Board permits 5-foot front setback in Granby to replace a 1969 mobile home with modular house

The Grand County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance on Feb. 11 to allow a five-foot front-yard setback (instead of the standard 30 feet) for Lot 33, Moraine Park in Granby so the property owner can replace a 57-year-old mobile home with a 2,000-square-foot modular residence.

Planner Hannah Mahorney told the Board fixed infrastructure at the rear of the corner lot—a permitted well and a primary utility pole—would make pushing the house back 30 feet dangerous and expensive. Staff also noted that if the house were moved west to meet the setback it would create a tight condition against an existing garage, increasing fire and snow-shed hazards. The proposed modular home would sit in the historical footprint of the 1969 mobile home, and the applicant provided a petition showing immediate neighbors’ support; the Town of Granby reviewed the project and had no objections.

Applicant Justen Strang described infrastructure constraints including a power pole, well and mature trees and said the project would upgrade an aging, nonconforming structure to a modern, code-compliant home. Neighbor Jeff Alley Jr. spoke in support, noting benefits of an updated home for a local family. James Easley moved to approve the five-foot front setback; Thomas Johnson seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The approval carries standard conditions: payment of public notice fees, issuance of the variance within one year unless extended, assurance that exterior features remain within the approved building area, and a required surveyed setback verification and foundation verification at permitting.