Own a piece of Mt Bross

[tlongpine]

I inquired with the seller about on-site construction.

Q: "Is building and construction permitted on this site?"
A: "Hi Tyler, Thanks for your interest. You would need to speak to the Town of Alma for this question. Thanks, ---- ----."

This seems like a question a man in his role should be prepared to answer. Does that answer strike anyone else as unusually coy?

[BillMiddlebrook]

Yes

[tlongpine]

The town of Alma doesn't prohibit construction, per se. The Board of Trustees (City Council) has to approve it though. 18-10-90(c) provides the most problematic clause (in red).

Sec. 18-10-20. Building permit required.

(a) A building permit shall be required for any new construction or change of the use on vacant land within the Town.
18-13
(b) It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, structurally alter or change the use of any building or other structure without first obtaining an approved building permit from the Board of Trustees.
(c) It shall be unlawful to change the use of any vacant land, except for agricultural purposes, without first obtaining a special use permit from the Board of Trustees (see Section 18-10-90 of this Article). (Ord. 1981-1 §1; Ord. 2011-18 §1)

Sec. 18-10-90. Special use permit.

(c) Approval for all special use permits must be made by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. Consideration for noise, pollution, compatibility with surrounding uses and the health, safety and welfare of the general public shall be given to the application.

[Tortoise1]

It would seem pretty likely the seller has been through this issue before. At some point they may have to accept a contract contingent upon approval of the buyer's intended use. Or maybe they already know that Alma is tough to deal with - and they are now just trolling for a gullible buyer.

[tlongpine]

It would seem pretty likely the seller has been through this issue before. At some point they may have to accept a contract contingent upon approval of the buyer's intended use. Or maybe they already know that Alma is tough to deal with - and they are now just trolling for a gullible buyer.

I suspect this is the case - sounds like the owner is stuck at an impasse w/ the Town.

Q: "That's an oddly cryptic response. Should I read it as you don't know, or you won't say?"
A: "Hi Tyler,
This is a complicated question and it would be unethical for me to just say yes.

The town will give you a hard time about a septic system, but it could be countered with an incinerary toilet. The resistance will be stiff, but I have had no official word when I ask the question to the town.

You could have a micro home or trailer on wheels where it is temporary in nature and not permanent and this does not fall under zoning for building.

Regards,
---- ----"

Fixed: "This is a difficult question and it would be disadvantageous for me to just say no."

In short, buyer beware. If the buyer wants to build, the most responsible contract would involve an escrow holding deliverable upon approval of the special permit.

[adamjm]

In short, buyer beware. If the buyer wants to build, the most responsible contract would involve an escrow holding deliverable upon approval of the special permit.

That would be responsible, and I bet unacceptable terms for the seller.

[speth]

The town of Alma doesn't prohibit construction, per se. The Board of Trustees (City Council) has to approve it though. 18-10-90(c) provides the most problematic clause (in red).

Sec. 18-10-20. Building permit required.

(a) A building permit shall be required for any new construction or change of the use on vacant land within the Town.
18-13
(b) It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, structurally alter or change the use of any building or other structure without first obtaining an approved building permit from the Board of Trustees.
(c) It shall be unlawful to change the use of any vacant land, except for agricultural purposes, without first obtaining a special use permit from the Board of Trustees (see Section 18-10-90 of this Article). (Ord. 1981-1 §1; Ord. 2011-18 §1)

Sec. 18-10-90. Special use permit.

(c) Approval for all special use permits must be made by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. Consideration for noise, pollution, compatibility with surrounding uses and the health, safety and welfare of the general public shall be given to the application.

Is Alma such a desirable community that people are willing to jump through hoops to develop there? I thought the only thing Alma excelled at was collecting speeding tickets.

[BenfromtheEast]

I don't think anyone has posted this yet.
http://denver.craigslist.org/reo/4635408173.html

For what it's worth:

You cannot build a house on this property.

[Doctor No]

I don't think anyone has posted this yet.
http://denver.craigslist.org/reo/4635408173.html

For what it's worth:

You cannot build a house on this property.

Ah, that's where I'd seen it (and what I remembered about it). Thanks!

[tlongpine]

In short, buyer beware. If the buyer wants to build, the most responsible contract would involve an escrow holding deliverable upon approval of the special permit.

That would be responsible, and I bet unacceptable terms for the seller.

Ha - I would imagine so. Sounds like this has been on the market for years, so he's going to have to bend at some point.

[tlongpine]

I don't think anyone has posted this yet.
http://denver.craigslist.org/reo/4635408173.html

For what it's worth:

You cannot build a house on this property.

From the same Craigslist posting: "The opportunities are endless that range from potential Silver Prospecting, Solar/Wind Farm, Part of the Colorado Hut System/Hostel, Private/Extreme Skiing, Nature Private Reserve, Recreational Site, etc."

[Chicago Transplant]

^^ They forgot "14ers.com winter gathering base camp"