[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6211109,"mediaKeyId","3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769","parentId",3699628,"title","BOZA approves solar-access exception at 3585 Longwood Avenue despite small new shadows on three neighboring lots","audioSeconds",2925,"startMs",1954000,"endMs",4879000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769&start=1954&end=4879","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769/thumbnail_1954000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6211109/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/BOZA-approves-solar-access-exception-at-3585-Longwood-Avenue-despite-small-new-shadows-on-three-neighboring-lots","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211109-cc37a91a93384d4a2e5cd89bc3aa8b7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770881286&Signature=LpbAdIR2Y28ZohUoNsRd0q9~-sXsP6FHLGo9u94HICtmwAR9XuUwyPY~lXHhv5gk5c5d~gEE8pv3V8ARA37OFczk4P5LMYTzVyu6HA3j8AzOlKiC6vB-JStmr3nO9U11pX9DHLIiaWrmzbRxY-l4M1Rz9W~YPttGle7MsCEVDTD1bcEnJ7-RMw5PH1NMfYjizwXlfhownTMK-5NBm72IRKw54qyDNYPp5TLUE3Wsp1TRaLknjr8FrWECcDLaD6X1xIivQ70w-fCdqHX5tKrI66V1Of2SqSw6-Z91C-3be5GTowYvAcONd3UM27Ug6Xjrg9Wj-O0B74uGoQ3nxfDJlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boulder City, CO","date","2025-06-07T07:49:52Z","article","The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a solar-access exception for 3585 Longwood Avenue that allows changes to the upper story roofline that staff said will create only a small amount of new wintertime shadow on three neighboring properties (3555 Longwood and 3130 and 3140 Cottrell Court). The motion passed by unanimous roll call.

Why it matters: Boulder’s solar-access rules in “solar access area 1” are intended to protect neighbors’ ability to collect solar energy in south yards, south walls and rooftops. The board's decision permits an owner to increase habitable headroom on an upper level in a way staff concluded will not cause a significant loss of solar potential for the impacted properties.

Staff findings and measurements: Robbie Wyler, BOZA liaison, described the lot as steep—dropping roughly 20 to 30 feet toward properties to the north—so the house projects long winter shadows. Staff said the project produces a small net increase in shaded area (staff estimated under 150 square feet of additional shadow, after accounting for some shading reductions elsewhere) and that those new shadows fall mainly on areas staff considers unlikely to be ideal locations for ground-mounted solar arrays. Wyler explained that solar-shadow calculations use December 20 (the winter solstice period) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to model worst-case shadow lengths and noted that some existing shade will be removed elsewhere on the site. As Wyler summarized on the record: “we feel that 6 a through I are being met in full as it has been presented by the applicant.”

Applicant presentation and neighbor outreach: Lisa Larson, the project architect, told the board the changes are modest (about a 50-square-foot modification to provide habitable headroom) and that the property’s grade change—about 33 feet from the top of the main floor to the adjacent property line—drove the dramatic shadow profile. Larson said the owner had reached out to neighbors; two impacted neighbors submitted written support (3555 Longwood and 3130 Cottrell) and one directly impacted property (3140 Cottrell) did not provide a written response.

Board discussion and vote: Board members said the topography made the lot unique, that the proposed change does not increase building coverage beyond city limits, and that the additional shadows are narrow and limited in extent. Ben Doyle moved to approve BOZ2025-00005; Drew Eisenberg seconded. The roll call was unanimous in favor (Sean Haney — yes; Drew Eisenberg — yes; Katie Crane — yes; Ben Doyle — yes; Nikki McCord — yes).

What’s next: With BOZA approval, staff told the board the applicant may proceed to finalize building-permit plans and return the project to the planning and building-permit process for verification of numerical standards.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5-13-25 Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","BOZA approved a solar-access exception for 3585 Longwood Avenue to allow modest roofline work that will add limited wintertime shadow on three neighboring lots, with staff finding the request meets the city’s solar-exception criteria.","taxTitle","Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado","taxId",3386,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6211114,"BOZA approves setback variance to rebuild east deck at 825–827 Dewey Avenue",1389,523000,1912000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769&start=523&end=1912","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6211114/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/BOZA-approves-setback-variance-to-rebuild-east-deck-at-825827-Dewey-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211114-2216071473f6f0e039abba4e6971fe0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770881286&Signature=f4YOcRbA3OMgcN~pzjsoClikPcakCRGmx0~pCFkPAWBGhEiLBxuagv0jk5QyJ~snFWbUa1afoQHwhWkio6tVfiCLcYVPLYYqCamKqVpvYuhZhxyxbaGJclaasxd-hcpwkLzSsNGn5HEQbnEoqnxMn8aV9wWvzuTOeoDyLo6Fo6F89QKhRVEOSbfN3c9zjFaUH27ljsXnoKE6R63VvsqHgtXTS0iPVic2v3m4NRAdDDxKvzi1n-1PQSwave~B1GW7kvWYMRnN5~lQ9mGLiugCFhgbRm1D-GJ3cUJlMO~bvgkA0tqDFi39AYwM5IsyrHOz1VcCE~lUri4fi-L0CL38iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a setback variance for 825–827 Dewey Avenue to allow replacement of an elevated east deck and an entrance cover, a move the applicant says is required because the existing deck suffered structural and water-damage problems. The motion to approve passed on a recorded vote of 5–0.

The variance modifies the combined side-yard requirement for a property zoned RMX-1, where the code requires the two side yards to total at least 15 feet. Robbie Wyler, BOZA liaison for the City of Boulder, told the board the existing west setback will remain at about 1 foot 8 inches, which creates a required east setback of roughly 13 feet 4 inches; the applicant proposes an east setback of about 7 feet 6 inches, matching the existing condition. Wyler said staff reviewed the project through the building-permit process and recommended approval: “staff is recommending approval of the setback variance request as it has been presented within the application.”

Why it matters: combined-side-yard rules are intended to preserve spacing between structures; a variance lets the owner rebuild a deteriorated exterior feature while staying within other limits (building coverage and floor-area ratios) that staff verified during permit review.

Details and background: The duplex was built circa 1966. The building permit for a larger renovation of both units was approved in November 2024, but the deck replacement was removed from that permit while the owner pursues the variance. Wyler told the board that the existing and proposed building coverage (about 2,245 square feet versus a maximum of 2,269) and floor area (proposed 3,427 square feet versus a maximum of 3,539) have been checked as part of the building-permit review. Alex Perulis, the project architect with Mountain Design Build, said the team is not adding coverage or changing the original footprint and that the replacement is needed because of poor flashing and water damage: “we're really not trying to add any additional, building coverage or or change the original footprint. Everything that we're doing is in that original footprint.”

Public comment and board discussion: No members of the public spoke on the item. Board members said the lot and house layout are unique, the work does not increase footprint or building coverage, and the proposal meets the code criteria. Drew Eisenberg made the motion to approve (\"I'll move to approve DOZ202500004\"), Katie Crane seconded, and the roll call recorded unanimous votes in favor (Sean Haney — yes; Drew Eisenberg — yes; Katie Crane — yes; Ben Doyle — yes; Nikki McCord — yes).

Outcome and next steps: The variance was approved and, if the applicant proceeds, the building permit will be revised and resubmitted to include the east deck work. Applicant and staff said the work will be coordinated with the existing permit review.

","The Board of Zoning Adjustments voted unanimously to approve a variance to combined side-yard setback standards so an applicant can replace an elevated east deck and entrance cover at a duplex on Dewey Avenue. Staff recommended approval after finding the proposal met the code criteria; no members of the public spoke on the item.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6211104,"Boulder staff propose eliminating minimum off-street parking citywide; front-yard parking variances may move to administrative review",1987,5085000,7072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769&start=5085&end=7072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3699628-31a87e31aa2442034206860e98efd769/thumbnail_5085000.jpg","/articles/6211104/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Boulder-staff-propose-eliminating-minimum-off-street-parking-citywide-front-yard-parking-variances-may-move-to-administrative-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6211104-f7c47277feb64200544449e0f1ac1741/orig.mp4?Expires=1770881286&Signature=KAQgA7wHeq1q8ESMbseUu~fXQz8vw155QD88OStrMRH27SU~Oz6zmahz8SDzjqbJoq3SePoqKlfhKxznQqVTPxvmYYMr~mtjd3yFHkhayrnj3kGwdogWLfnZh2uZk3XD5Mny~7~ctuyBuO-ywYTYbe18FN9lH24jL2R6GM0s5VmzuQO~xMcoyyw8PMrcH5eIttZ-HEg13bCSvjuy~gB5yf265KPnf1af4u5yGkIMWZ6xbDjBwDyJ9Aiez11KDEejtbsW2NAndbfXMvsQG5SGrLfypIdffZL6q5szugp779~rC1z9KK7X27IpvUz3aHNUIYwO7vABy0t9F-tHW5qvpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff told the Board of Zoning Adjustments that they will ask City Council to adopt an ordinance eliminating minimum off-street parking requirements citywide and to make a series of related changes to on-street management and transportation-demand-management rules.

Why it matters: Minimum parking requirements shape how neighborhoods are built, influence housing costs and vehicle travel, and affect the availability of on-street parking. The proposed changes — part of the city’s Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS) work program — would apply to new development and redevelopment and implement council direction in the wake of a Colorado legislative bill affecting local parking rules.

Key points from staff: Lisa Hood, principal city planner, summarized the package and said the city intends to present two ordinances (off-street and on-street parking) to council in early June, with the TDM ordinance to follow. Hood said the state law discussed in the meeting (referred to by staff as House Bill 24‑1304) restricts local minimums for specific land uses in defined transit-service areas and that the city’s map shows the state’s transit-service area covers roughly 77% of Boulder parcels; council directed staff to pursue citywide changes rather than create a patchwork of different rules inside and outside the state-defined area.

Hood said the proposed land-use ordinance would remove minimum off-street parking ratios from the zoning code and would also simplify and clarify other code references to required parking. Staff recommended several accompanying actions: easier mechanisms to share parking on private sites; updated EV-charging provisions tied to the number of on-site parking spaces actually provided; and upgraded bicycle-parking standards for security and usability.

Front-yard parking and BOZA: The code currently prohibits parking in the front landscaped yard, with a limited exception in lower-density districts when a site already meets its required parking. Because the proposed ordinance removes minimum parking requirements, staff proposed replacing the code’s “required parking” trigger with a test tied to whether a driveway leads to a legal off-street parking space on the property. In practical terms, that keeps the front-yard prohibition but allows two driveway spaces in some districts when the driveway leads to a legal off-street space; the key procedural change is to let some of those variances be handled administratively if all impacted adjacent property owners provide written support. Lisa Hood described that as a tool to reduce the number of cases that must automatically be scheduled before BOZA while maintaining neighbor protections.

On-street and neighborhood pilots: Hood said staff also plan adjustments to how on-street parking is managed — including triggers for staff review around large projects, a “park-and-walk” pilot near schools intended to reduce drop-off congestion, and a pilot in the Goss Grove neighborhood that would move from timed parking to paid parking for non-permit holders while distributing eco passes to residents.

Board response and next steps: Board members asked questions about how the administrative variance process would identify impacted neighbors, how shadowing and technical parking calculations are validated, and whether the incremental approach will match actual on-the-ground patterns (many homes already have driveway parking in front yards). Several board members voiced support for the broad policy direction; Ben Doyle said, “broadly, I think this is the right policy direction for the city.” The ordinances will go to planning board and council for formal hearings; if council adopts, staff said the effective date would be late June (staff cited an anticipated effective date of June 26 contingent on council action). Staff told BOZA the changes would apply to new development and redevelopment, and that current exemptions and administrative processes would be preserved in an updated form.

","City staff told the Board of Zoning Adjustments they plan to remove minimum off-street parking requirements citywide, update bike- and EV-parking rules, and shift some front-yard parking setback variance reviews to an administrative track if impacted neighbors agree. The changes respond to state legislation and a multi-year city study and will go","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

BOZA approves solar-access exception at 3585 Longwood Avenue despite small new shadows on three neighboring lots

BOZA approves setback variance to rebuild east deck at 825–827 Dewey Avenue

Boulder staff propose eliminating minimum off-street parking citywide; front-yard parking variances may move to administrative review