May 5, 2016
TREASURE HUNTING
VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 14 | 75¢
Learn from the experts on how to set up a successful garage sale. PAGE 10
ElbertCountyNews.net E L B E R T C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Building permits increase in price Commissioners’ 2-1 vote raises fees by about 18% By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media
CDS Director Kyle Fenner explains how fees are calculated to the BOCC. The vote in favor of the resolution was 2-1. Photo by Rick Gustafson
In a 2-1 vote, the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners approved changes to fee schedules for building-permit applications, which will increase the permit fees for a single-family home by about 18 percent. The changes, due to take effect on May 15, adjust the fees currently charged by the county from 2005 valuations to reflect the August 2015 International Code Council valuation data for building-permit pricing.
District 1 Commissioner Robert Rowland cast the sole no vote, objecting to such a large increase on ideological grounds. District 2 Commissioner Kelly Dore, who voted in favor of the increase, argued that the taxpayers of Elbert County should not subsidize new builds at the expense of other county services. Building permit fees are based on valuations of the proposed structure, and for the past 10 years, the county has used 2005 values of $85.51 per square foot for a single-family residence to issue permits. The change raises valuations to 2015 rates, $111.53 per square foot. According to the Craftsman 2015 National Building Cost Manual, the
base cost to build a 2,400-squarefoot, four-corners (box shaped), single-family residence in the United States ranges from $103.68 per square foot for a “Good Standard” house to $219.65 per square foot for a “SemiLuxury” house. Regional rates vary and square-foot costs increase as designs become more elaborate. Independent market data, provided by Andrea Richardson of Stucy Realty Company in Elizabeth, showed that the average market price for a house in Elbert County is $136.23 per square foot. According to the county’s Community and Development Services department, the new schedule will Permits continues on Page 9
Project may give boost to artists Discussions focus on idea of providing space to live, work By Geraldine Smith Special to Colorado Community Media The idea of the starving artist, shivering in the early dawn, huddled over an easel, paint-stained hands grasping the color palette, the only illumination the hint of the rising sun as the landlord pounds on the bolted door demanding the rent and disturbing the quiet of the early morning, is a romantic notion fostered by Puccini and many subsequent dramatists. However, the romance of being a starving artist is lost on the real artist, who often struggles financially in the pursuit of creative expression. Elizabeth artists may find some relief if Artspace developers and the community of Elizabeth choose to develop a center with space for artists to create, enjoy affordable housing and sell and display their work. At a community meeting on April 21 at Frontier High School, Artspace representatives outlined the necessary steps for Elizabeth’s approval as a possible candidate for a development project. The steps include a feasibility study, followed by market analysis to explore the depth of the market, affordability and the amount
Junior Melissa Bonds adds detail to a new mural at the Elizabeth Public Library. The work was part of the EHS Big Help Day in which 200 juniors and seniors spent the day performing community service in Elbert County. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Students lend ‘Big Help’ Elizabeth High School teens offer assistance around town By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media Normally, skipping class is frowned upon, but on April 27, around 200 juniors and seniors from Elizabeth High School left their classrooms with the blessing of the school
board to participate in The Big Help Day organized by the EHS Student Council. “It’s always good to have community service in general,” said Megan Reyher, Elizabeth High School senior class president. “We put together a committee on our student council, four of us and one of our sponsors. Reyher gave credit for the idea of The Big Help Day to student council president Maryanne Hughes. The
original idea centered on engaging all four classes with community service, partly to give back to the community and partly to improve college applications. “We went before the school board and got it approved, and they thought it was a great idea,” Reyher said. “We just started calling organizations and seeing if they would be interested in
Space continues on Page 9
ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 12 p.m. | Classifieds: Mon. 10 a.m. | Obits: Mon. 10 a.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.
Help continues on Page 9