Planning board approves ADU at 1801 Beck Avenue, adds firewall requirement

The Cody Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board on Jan. 15 approved a request to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) within an existing legally nonconforming structure at 1801 Beck Avenue, adding a condition that the remodel include a fire‑rated wall.

Jenny Kramer, the city planner who presented the item, told the board the building’s 1.5‑foot east setback violates the three‑foot minimum and that the application therefore requires special permission under city code sections 10134 and 10136. Kramer said staff’s review indicated the application met the qualifying criteria and recommended approval.

A board member with fire service experience raised concerns about the staff phrasing that the applicant “intends” to meet development standards and asked that the motion include an explicit requirement that the remodel construct a firewall to address reduced fire protection for neighboring properties. "I would like to propose that we add an item 5 onto that, which states that the remodel will include the construction of a fire rated wall," the member said.

Carla (committee member) moved to approve the request as recommended by staff with the additional condition requiring the firewall; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair said the approval is subject to final approval of a resolution of findings.

The staff report identified Hayden Bales of HSB Properties LLC as the applicant. Staff cited city code sections 10134 and 10136 in explaining the need for special permission because of the setback violation. The board did not receive public comment at the hearing.

The decision authorizes the applicant to proceed subject to the board’s findings and the additional fire‑safety condition; final administrative steps include issuance of any required permits and a formal resolution setting forth the board’s findings.