[BoulderCouncilHotline] Re: ADU ordinance on consent agenda tonight

[Morzel, Lisa]

Typos now corrected. 

In rereading once again the ADU Ordinance for tonight, I now see where my concerns on occupancy have been already addressed in the ordinance ( p. 122, line 21) so that is good. I wonder, however, why the provision on p. 132, under 9-8-5 (occupancy of dwelling units), paragraph b, line 14, states “ The occupancy of an attached accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory dwelling unit, or limited accessory dwelling unit miss meet the requirement of subsection 9-6-3 (a), BRC 1981.”  This seems inconsistent with council intent so I would suggest the provision on line 14 to be deleted from the ordinance. 

Regarding unit size measurement, I found address to this concern under "variances" that would be required to go before BOZA: p. 121, line 6, unusual physical conditions, section (A). Would an owner who wanted to build a straw bale detached accessory unit be required to go before BOZA to achieve 550 SF interior space?  Would that owner be required to pay a fee to go before BOZA for a variance to achieve 550 SF?  How much time would that take?

I would prefer specific language be written into this ordinance so that a owner who wants to build an energy efficient home using sustainable materials would be encouraged to do that and not be required to go through additional time, process, and money with a BOZA hearing/process.

Thanks. 

Lisa
> 
> 
> Lisa Morzel,
> Member of Boulder City Council
> 
> 303-815-6723
> 
> "We interact with one another as individuals responding to a complex haze of factors: professional responsibilities, personal likes and dislikes, ambition, jealousy, self-interest, and, in at least some instances, genuine altruism.  Living in the here and now, we are awash with sensations of the present, memories of the past, and expectations and fears for the future. Our actions are not determined by any one cause; they are the fulfillment of who we are at that particular moment.  After that moment passes, we continue to evolve, to change, and our memories of that moment inevitably change with us as we live with the consequences of our past actions, consequences we were unaware of at the time." The Last Stand, Nathaniel Philbrick
> 
> 
>> On Nov 8, 2018, at 9:41 AM, "Morzel, Lisa" <MorzelL at bouldercolorado.gov> wrote:
>> 
>> In reviewing the ADU ordinance in our packet for tonight’s meeting (consent agenda 3K), I see no language regarding measurement of interior space being allowed.  I raised this and 2 other issues (referred to below) as issues during the second reading I and other council members wanted included in this ordinance to allow encouragement for using sustainable construction materials (adobe, straw bale, other thick energy efficient construction materials). How are thick walls and measuring interior area rather than exterior area presented and allowed in this ordinance?  I would like to have this provision specifically included in this ordinance.
>> 
>> Secondly, on p 130, line 11, item c, regarding architectural design and materials, it states that “architectural design and materials shall be consistent with the existing residence on the site or the adjacent building(s) along the side yards up the lot.”
>> 
>> Again this provision would seem to discourage the use of adobe,  straw bale, or other energy efficient materials in constructing a detached ADU since most homes who may want to construct a detached ADU have an existing standard built single family house. I don’t mind trying to respect the current architectural but requiring the detached ADU to be built with similar materials seems outdated and not the direction the city should go, with respect to energy efficiency and addressing climate change. 
>> 
>> I would like to see the language modified and provide a suggestion:
>> 
>> “Architectural design shall be consistent with the existing residence on the site or the adjacent building(s) along the side yards up the lot.  Energy efficient construction materials are encouraged to be used.”
>> 
>> Finally, one last provision on p. 132, under 9-8-5 (occupancy of dwelling units), paragraph b, line 14, states “ The occupancy of an attached accessory dwelling unit, detached accessory dwelling unit, or limited accessory dwelling unit miss meet the requirement of subsection 9-6-3 (a), BRC 1981.” 
>> 
>> If one reads subsection 9-6-3 (a), BRC 1981, this limits the occupancy to no more than two persons. Council discussed this at length, and said we wanted to be more flexible so that a small family, single parent with multiple small children could legally occupy that unit. Where is this addressed in the current ordinance?
>> 
>> I just noticed these parts in the ordinance and apologize for the last minute notice. I’d like to have these provisions included in the final ordinance which may require this to go to a sixth reading. 
>> 
>> Thank you. 
>> 
>> Lisa
>> 
>> Lisa Morzel
>> Member, Boulder City Council
>> 303-815-6723 c
>> 303-938-8520 h
>>