Board approves variance for large accessory structure at 10150 Pine Park Trail

The El Paso County Board of Adjustment on Feb. 12 approved a dimensional variance allowing an accessory building up to 8,800 square feet and 40 feet tall at 10150 Pine Park Trail.

Planner Jen Euler summarized the request for applicant Todd Wood and said the property is in the RR-5 zoning district; the county code normally limits accessory structures to approximately twice the footprint of the primary residence (here cited by staff as roughly 2,972 square feet and 30-foot height limits). Brett Dilts, with El Paso County engineering, said the parcel is not in a regulated floodplain, a drainage report was not required for the BOA application, and the anticipated runoff increase from the proposed building is negligible. He also noted the site is served by an unpaved county road and that the traffic study threshold was not met.

Euler pointed out that the public notice listed 8,000 square feet but the filed proposal seeks 8,800 square feet; she described the discrepancy as a typographic error and said no neighbors had registered opposition. Todd Wood told the board he bought the 5.5-acre parcel about a year ago and intends the building mainly for storage and indoor sports. "My plan right now is just pickleball and volleyball," Wood said, adding he included a modest amount of extra space in his application as a design buffer while finalizing quotes.

Commissioners asked about the requested five-year time frame for building-permit activation. Justin Kilgore, planning manager, said extending the usual one-year approval window to five years is not typical but has been granted in prior cases to give applicants time to assemble details. Wood said he requested five years because he is early in the procurement process and expects to act within that window.

Commissioner Williams moved to approve the variance, incorporating staff conditions and findings that equitable considerations warranted relief from strict dimensional limits. The motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote.

What happens next: the applicant may pursue building permits consistent with the board’s conditions; the county will monitor permit compliance and any required inspections.