Board of Adjustment approves variance to legalize setbacks at 13189 West Grand Place in Morrison

The Jefferson County Board of Adjustment approved a variance to legalize two existing setbacks at 13189 West Grand Place in Morrison, legalizing a 14.7‑foot front setback where 20 feet is required for an attached garage and a 16.9‑foot side‑to‑street setback where 20 feet is required for a primary structure adjacent to a collector street.

Staff planner Sarah Homeyer told the board the primary structure — a single‑family dwelling with attached garage — appears largely unchanged since it was built in 1974 and was permitted under an improvement location certificate (ILC) process used at the time. Homeyer said the ILCs were less precise than the modern improvement survey plats now required and that staff found the applicant had established an “exceptional practical difficulty” because the structure’s location reflected historic permitting procedures, not a self‑imposed condition. After review, staff recommended approval with no conditions.

Applicant Diane Pierce affirmed her testimony under oath and asked the board to consider that the county’s historic permitting process left present owners with the discrepancy. Pierce said she had paid more than $3,000 to address the matter and pressed staff about why setbacks in 1974 were not clearly documented. Board member Mister Warrington noted that several questions raised by the applicant—about historical county decisions and documentation—were beyond the jurisdiction of the board and its packet information.

The motion to approve was made by Board member Mister Milovick and seconded by Miss Porter. The board secretary called the roll; recorded votes were aye from Mister Johnson, Mister Worthington, Miss Porter, Mister Milavec/Milovick, and Chairman Lester. The resolution approving case 25‑112463VC was adopted and staff advised the applicant to follow the plan for next steps with planning and zoning.

Why it matters: The resolution legalizes existing development that predates modern survey and setback verification requirements; approval prevents the county from requiring relocation of the existing structures and allows the property to proceed with required permits.