Red Feather Tavern

[Tracy Hicks]

Hi Rebecca and all! 

Hope you all are doing well and preparing for a wonderful long weekend. 

Commissioner Kefalas and I attended the RFLPAC meeting yesterday and it was brought up that there is concern over building permit times for the rebuild of the Red Feather Tavern. The Tavern burnt down this past April and many of the PAC members communicated that the permitting times were of a concern to the applicant and their engineer. PAC members also let the Commissioner and I know that there is economic concern for the Red Feather area. The big question here is if building permits can be expedited. I spoke to Eric and as of now no building permit has even been applied for. 

I also spoke to Justin Currie, who is assigned a Planning Inquiry on this for expansion of outdoor seating. He let me know that he already spoke to the applicant, Blaise (last name escapes me) and has communicated what is needed on the planning side and there has been no issues or push back on what is required. 

Thanks, 

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	Tracy Hicks (she/her) Planner II
	Community Development Department  200 West Oak Street, Suite 3100  PO Box 1190 Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 498-7698 hic...@larimer.gov https://www.larimer.org/planning

[Eric Fried]

Their last name is Terrebonne. I have spoken to and exchanged emails with the dad, Paul Terrebonne, several times, but not with his son Blaise.

I was told there was structural damage to some trusses, and smoke damage to others. I told Paul that we would need an engineer's report on the fire damage and what was needed to restore the building to at least the condition it was in prior to the fire, but that they were not required to bring the building up to current codes. It also depends on whether the building had prior land use and building permit approval, was non-conforming, or was not in compliance with our codes. No doubt property research is needed.

I understand the new plan is to tear down and rebuild. If they choose to do so, they likely lose any non-conforming status they have, and must meet current Land Use Code rules, which could be hard. They should work closely with our planners to make sure they understand the implications and processes involved. 

New buildings must comply with current Building and Electrical Code requirements. They will need to submit plans drawn and stamped by Colorado engineer(s) and architects with their permit application. Assembly uses including taverns/restaurants may need to install fire sprinklers, and must meet all accessibility, exiting, energy efficiency and other requirements. Red Feather has issues with water and wastewater. This site is in a High Wind, Heavy Snow, and Wildfire Hazard Area.

Given what is involved here, I think it is unlikely that a replacement tavern could optimistically be operating before next Summer, not this one. We should help set realistic expectations. 

	Eric Fried Chief Building Official
	Community Development Department Building Division 200 W Oak St., Suite 3100 Fort Collins, CO 80521  Phone: (970) 498-7705 www.larimer.gov/building

[Amy White]

Good Morning, 

If they are going to tear it down, is there any need to do research?  We couldn't find any planning approval.  Justin, what have you told them is the path forward for planning approval? 

I know there was talk about bringing  in a food truck, port-a-potties and continuing to do the entertainment piece through the summer.  Would that require a special events permit?  I think we left it at one point that if there wasn't a danger of the building collapsing, that may be a possibility????

	Amy White Code Compliance Supervisor
	Community Development  Department 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, 80521 | 3rd Floor W: (970) 498-7708  awhite@larimer.org | www.larimer.gov

On Fri, May 26, 2023 at 9:59 AM John Kefalas <kefa...@co.larimer.co.us> wrote:

Thank you Eric, Tracy et al. My ask is that Justin or other appropriate staff communicate with the business owners - what is needed to move this rebuilding project forward and set realistic expectations. The economic implications are potentially serious as there are not many places for tourists to get a meal in RFL.

	John Kefalas County Commissioner, District 1
	Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St | 2nd Floor PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522-1190 W: (970) 498-7001 Cell:  (720) 254-7598 jkef...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org

[Justin Currie]

I had a pre-app meeting on Wednesday the 24th with Blaise Terrebonne and it was for if they decide to tear the damaged building down and build a new one.  The review process it would fall under is Administrative Special Review since they want to have outdoor seating and it's within 300 ft. of existing residential zoning/uses.  It seemed that they were still trying to figure out exactly what they wanted to do moving forward.  Blaise had some additional questions that were more appropriate for the Building Dept. and County Health Dept. and I advised him to reach out to them.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

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	Justin Currie Planner II
	Community Development Department 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, 80521 | 3rd Floor W: (970) 498-7695 |  curr...@co.larimer.co.us | www.larimer.gov