HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence-ArchitectJOHN L. TAUFEFT & ASSOCTATES, tNC.
Landscape ,AnchiEectrune / Land planning
Api'l9,2025
John Plano, Chief Building Official
Garfield County Community Development Department
108 8'h Street Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Re: Brettleberg Condominiums -Accessibility to Deck Renovations
Dear John,
The Brettelberg Condominium owners have submitted a building permit application to the Garfield
County Building Department regarding renovations to existing wooden decks, platforms, stairs and
guardrails located on the west side of the building complex that overlooks the slopes of the Sunlight
Mountain Resort ski slopes.
The Brettleberg Condominiums were constructed in the late 1970's to the early 1980's. Because of the
age of the complex, there are no accessible routes available anywhere on the property.
The existing configuration of the area consists of an upper deck area that contains the hot tub and the
lower deck area functions as a walk out/sitting area. Circulation between the upper deck area and lower
deck area is via wooden stairways.
The renovations include demolishing the existing wooded decks, platforms and stairs and replacing
them with concrete decks,metal stairways and cable guardrails. Since the anticipated design expands
the exislingarca footprint, the design calls for new concrete retaining walls in order to retain the
sloping terrain on the south end of the project. A new hot tub will replace the existing hot tub.
The configuration of the renovated area includes two concrete levels. The upper level is built into the
slope and will contain the new hot tub while the lower area will serve the same function as a walk-
out/sitting area. Circulation between the upper deck and the lower deck is via two (2) sections of metal
stairs.
The accessible route to this area, from the upper residential units and parking lot to the upper and lower
decks is via two (2) sections of metal stairways. The elevation difference between the two (2) deck
levels is four (a) feet each. The metal stair design anticipates a width of 48" between handrails. The
proposed metal stair design is in compliance withADA standards.
In addition to the proposed metal stair route, there is a proposed alternative accessible route connecting
the two (2) deck levels is via two (2) exterior vertical platform lifts ( VPL's). One VPL would be
situated along the eastem retaining wall which would provide access to the upper deck and the other
would be situated along the west side of the retaining wall separating the two (2) deck levels.
9O9 Colonado Avenue o Box 2271 o Glenrnuood Spnings,CO A16Oa(97A) 945-1337 . FAX (97O) 945-7914
This VPL would provide access from the upper deck to the lower deck. The two (2) VPL's are
designated as 'Future Platform Lifts' on the Site Plan.
The Brettleberg owners request that the proposed VPL's not be installed at this time for a number two
(2) reasons. First, the overall costly expense of the two units. The units are extremely expensive to
purchase, install and maintain. The second is the long term dependabilrty and functionality of the units
6eing exposed to extreme cold and moist weather conditions at an elevation of 8,200 feet. For possible
fuur; use, the required electrical connections will be roughed in during the initial construction effort.
If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact my office at
(e70) 6t8-04e7.
Sincerely,
L.
John L. Taufer. Landscape Architect