Commission approves 8040 Green Line review for 550 Lazy Chair Ranch Road; engineering conditions to be finalized at permitting

The Aspen Planning & Zoning Commission approved staff’s recommendation for an 8040 Green Line review at 550 Lazy Chair Ranch Road, clearing a proposed addition that includes a two‑story, two‑car garage with living space above, and renovations to the primary house and pool house.

Applicant representative Erin Wackerley of Bend and Adams told the commission the parcel is an outparcel of the Maroon Creek Club subdivision, just under 2.2 acres, and is subject to the 8040 Green Line requirement because most of the lot lies within 150 horizontal feet of the 8,040‑foot elevation line. She said the design does not request any variances and is compliant with zoning.

"This is applicable to all properties within the city that fall within 150 feet horizontally of the 8,040 elevation line," Wackerley said, describing design elements intended to minimize grading and avoid adverse environmental impacts. The project team said the proposed new garage structure is sited on a relatively flat, open area, will be screened by existing trees, and will have limited grading; the existing open space on the southern portion of the property will remain undisturbed.

Staff planner Tilly Pines reviewed the 8040 standards and explained that all standards have been met, with a small number met subject to conditions. The engineering department’s conditions require the applicant to finalize a stormwater management plan that adheres to city standards, and the utilities department requires finalized ECU (equivalent unit) water‑use calculations for the new living space and two bathrooms before building permit issuance.

Commissioners questioned siting, total floor area, driveway permeability and runoff treatment, and the applicant said the addition is roughly a 1,200‑square‑foot structure and that the total proposed floor area reported in the presentation is about 6,837 square feet (the project remains under the stated allowable floor area of roughly 7,000 square feet). The applicant also said the project is a candidate for high‑energy‑efficiency prefabricated building components and must meet Aspen's energy code.

There was no public comment. During deliberation commissioners described the project as generally standard, with minimal impacts subject to the engineering and utilities conditions. A motion to approve resolution number 7 (Series of 2026) for the 8040 Green Line review at 550 Lazy Chair Ranch Road was made, seconded and approved on roll call.

Final technical compliance (stormwater treatment details, ECU calculations, height over topography, lighting, and other permitting requirements) will be verified at building permit review.