HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondenceGarficld County
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
108 E¡ghth Street, Suite 407, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Tel: (970) 94s-8212
December L6,2O2L
RE: Glenwood Adventure Park - Roller Coaster Launch Building
Permit No. BLCO-11 -2t-7228
Good Afternoon, Steve:
First off, I want to apologize for the length of time our plan review of your building permit application has
taken. As you may know, Garfield County's building department has been understaffed for the past seven
weeks, and I have recently been hired in the role of Chief Building Official following Andy Schwaller's
retirement. Now that I am back on staff, one of my initial tasks is to complete the building permit plan review
for this project. However, before the Building Department can approve this permit there are other overriding
issues regarding compliance with Garfield County's Land Use & Development Code, requirements contained
in the Special Use Permit for this property, and review of the project by the local Fire District and Forest
Service - all of which need to be addressed before we are able to issue a building permit.
Although this project use was granted an initial "Determination of Consistency" by Sheryl Bower, Community
Development Director, on March 28,202I after finding it to be generally "consistent with the existing facility
and approvals" we now have before us much more descriptive information about the roller coaster launch
building, as well as the roller coaster structure itself as depicted in the architectural rendering included with
these plans. Although the roller coaster ride is not subject to Building Permit approvals, but rather subject to
State of Colorado approvals, the Building Department is still concerned by indications that height of the roller
coastergreatly exceeds maximum height limitations contained in the Land Use & Development Code. lt also
appears in the rendering that the roller coaster ride's structure will indeed be visible (if not highly visible)
from downtown Glenwood Springs, as depicted in the lower valley below the Adventure Park as illustrated in
the rendering - in contrast with specific language contained in the "Determination of Consistency" as cited
above.
The Defiance Coaster project has also not been previously discussed in any detail or submitted for review
with the local Fire District, a requirement for all commercial projects located within Garfield County. During
my recent conversation with Greg Bak (Glenwood Springs Fire District) he was totally unaware of this
proposed project. We strongly suggest that you provide Greg with a set of plans at your earliest opportunity
for his review, comments and approval. Also, our office has also not been provided with approvals from USFS
as described in the Director's Determination dated 3/28/2L, so please provide us with written approvals on
that issue as well.
ln addition to these broader planning issues described above which, again, must be addressed prior to permit
issuance, the Building Dept. is finalizing our review of submitted plans and we will be issuing a formal
"Corrections Report" following our discussion with the local Fire District so that your team can respond to
any outstanding items.
We appreciate your patience and will be back in touch at our earliest opportunity with our detailed plan
review comments and/or corrections report.
Dave Argo
Chíef BuildingOfficial
Te I : 970. 945. 1377 x1560
E ma i I : da rg o @ g a rfi e ld -co u nty. co m
Dave Arqo
Sent:
To:
Cc:
From:
Attachments:
Dave Argo
Thursday, December 16,20215:02 PM
sbeckley@ glenwoodcaverns.com
Sheryl Bower; Glenn Hartmann
Status of Roller Coaster Launch Building Permit
Roller Coaster Permit Letter.docx
Subject:
Steve:
I wanted to reach out to let you know the status of our plan review of your recent building permit application for the
roller coaster launch building (Permit No. BLCO-11-2L-72281. Please refer to the attached memo for more information
and several issues that will need to be addressed before we can issue a building permit.
Dave Argo
Chí ef B uil ding Of f t cial
Building Department
708 8th Sûeet, Suite 407
Glenwood Springs, CO 87607
Te I : 970. 945. 7377 x7560
Ema i I : d a rgo @ ga rfi e I d-co u nty.co m
We b : go rfie H -co u nty.co m
Garfielú
1
Garfield County
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
1O8 E¡ghth Street, Suite 401, Glenwood Spr¡ngs, CO 87607
Tel: (97o) 945-8212
Glenwood Adventure Park - Roller Coaster Launch Build
CoRRECTION NOTICE:
December 77,2027
Building Department Code Review Summary:
Construction Type: Type V-B with Fire Sprinklers
Occupancy Classifications:
Group Descr¡pt¡on Level Area / Fator = No. Occupants
727
t
2
L
6
A-5
s-2
B
B
F-1
Queue Areas at Guest Entrance/Exit
Mining Equipment Display
Photo Shop
Ride Operator Booth
Coaster Maintenance
Upper
Upper
Upper
Upper
Upper
635 sf
60 sf
200 sf
60 sf
550 sf
/5=
/3oo =
lLoo =
/ßo =
lLOO =
F-1 Coaster Maintenance Lower 815 sf /100 = $
TOTAIS 2320 sf L46
Building is considered "special Amusement Building" with occupant load > 50 people and is subject to l.B.C.,
Section 41L requirements. Applicant to verify compliance with this section and coordinate the following
items with local Fire District:r Automatic Fire Detectionr Automatic Fire Sprinkler System. Fire Alarmr EmergencyVoice/AlarmCommunications. Directional Exit Marking
Additional Pløn Review Comments requiring follow-up by the Applicant include the following:
A. Fire Sprinkler System - Local Fire D¡strict requires all new buildings at Glenwood Adventure Park to
have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed. Fire sprinkler system information provided on Sheet
A0.0 is confusing and contradictory. Also provide additional information as to specifications/type of
fire sprinkler system as per Fire District requirements and direction.
B. Height of Building - Architect to provide site plan overlay and calculations supporting building height
as per Garfield County requirements. (see attachment)
C. Height of Roller Coaster Structure - Applicant to provide additional information documenting actual
height of roller coaster track above existing grades on lron Mountain.
D. Egress Requirements - Building shall comply with l.B.C., Chapter 1.0 including Section LO29 -
Assembly Occupancies. Also see next item below.
E. Operational Program & Emergency Egress Plan - Provide greater detail describing emergency egress
routes for guests at primary queueing areas for roller coaster ride entrance/exit routes, including
description of queue line barriers which may impact egress in emergency situations. Also provide
additional information describing access & emergency egress at operator booth located opposite
guest ride entry. How is this intended to function in typical & emergency situations?
F. Guardrails - Railing detail 3 on Sheet 44.0 does not meet LB.C., Section 1015 requirements for 42"
minimum height. Revise & resubmit.
G. Placement of Safety Guards - Submitted plans are unclear as to exact locations of guardrails
intended to provide fall protection of guests. Submit comprehensive plan layout clearly illustrating
locations of all areas where guards will be installed, including at elevated platform adjacent to Ride
Operator Booth. What about fall protection along edge of maintenance deck at upper level Coaster
Maintenance? Revise drawings to clearly indicate all guardrail locations to provide fall protection for
guests as required by Building Code.
Dave Arqo
Sent:
lo:
Cc:
From:
Attachments:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Steve Beckley <sbeckley@glenwoodcaverns.com>
Friday, December 17,2021 1:38 PM
Dave Argo
Sheryl Bower;Glenn Hartmann; Nancy Heard; Doug Flentge
lExternal] RE: Status of Roller Coaster Launch Building Permit
View from City - New Coaster 2022jpg; Adventure Park Master Plan 3-10-2021 -
Proposed Coaster revised.pdf; New Coaster 2022.docx;2229 GWC Manufacturing
photos painting 2021-11-12.pd1; Gertslauer Coaster Approval - County.pdf
Follow up
Flagged
Subject:
Good Afternoon Dave
Congratulations on your new position at the County. Hopefully it will be a great experience and help expedite the permit
process.
After reviewing your letter we had a few comments:
1.. The design, height, visual impacts have not changed since we submitted the proposal and received approval to
proceed ln March. We did not represent that the coaster was not visible from town and presented a visual
representation of the coaster from downtown Glenwood Springs that shows that the Coaster is visible (see
attached visual representation). We did agree to paint the coaster in muted colors to lessen the visual impacts
of the coaster.
2. We will meet with Greg Bak and review the new coaster installation and address any concerns that he wants
addressed.
3. We will meet with the Forest Service and provide a written approval of the coaster project.
4. This is a SZ million dollar installation and the ride is currently being manufactured in Germany with a delivery
date around the end of March. (see attached photos).
Let me know if you have any questions
Thanks
Steve Beckley
Glenwood Gaverns Adventure Park
lron Mountain Hot Springs
970-618-7127 (cell)
From: Dave Argo <dargo@ga rfield-county.com>
Sent: Thursday, December L6, 202L 5:O2 PM
To: Steve Beckley <sbeckley@glenwoodcaverns.com>
Cc: Sheryl Bower <sbower@garfield-county.com>; Glenn Hartmann <ghartmann@garfield-county.com>
Subject: Status of Roller Coaster Launch Building Permit
1
Steve:
Proposed CoastersCavernsT/ê..vIw'6.112021
''r* d\'"*r,.stlauerEu ro-lLayout ProposGlenwood Caverns Adventure Par;ti"lrNT RlÞËs GMBHt\
: :'rs¡.,-
*- Track before the Blasting Tunnel
a--, \
I
1\
¿
ent
¡(i
i:
,, I\'\J\IvI.,iI .tIIt,\ifil,Iútl,ItIIII\&ttt.IIt)),()aI.!.I,IIt\'¿'/
l':l
Et:i
tÌ
Dave Argo
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Dave Argo
Wednesday, December 29,2021 4:02 PM
greg.bak@cogs.us
Glenn Hartmann; Sheryl Bower
Adventure Park Projects
Correction Notice BLCO- 1 1 -21 -7 2\B.pdl
Greg:
Sorry it's taken me several days to get back to you, but I was traveling out of state last week for the holidays. Glenn
Hartmann & I would still like to get together with you to discuss several projects up at the Adventure Park. Prior to my
departure for the holidays I issued a Corrections Notice (see attachment) for the new roller coaster launch building to
Steve Beckley's team - one of the projects which we need to discuss - and I believe Doug Flentge was going to provide
you with drawings of this new building for your review/comment.
ln addition, Glenn is more familiar than I am about the "bigger picture view" of other upcoming projects and I know he
will welcome your input on these as well. As you know, this week is a little hit or miss with everyone's office schedules,
but we are both available next week with the exception of Monday which is our New Year's holiday. We also have a
meeting with Beckley tentatively scheduled for next Friday so it would be preferable to meet with you before that t¡me.
l've copied Glenn & Sheryl Bower on this email, so please advise us about your availability to get together next week.
Happy New Year!
Dave Argo
Chief BuildrngOfficial
Garfidd
Building Department
708 9th Street, Suite 407
Glenwood Springs, CO 81607
Te I : 970.945. 1377 x1 560
E m o i I : d a rg o @ g a rf i e I d -co u nty. co m
We b : g a rfie ld-co u nty.co m
1
D
GARFIELD COUNry BUILDING DEPARTMENT
GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK DEFIANCE ROttER COASTER
rance
January 7,2022
A
1,.
r
2
The submitted plan states that the Launch Building is to be fully-sprínklered and alarmed. Todate I have received no sprinkler/alarm plans for review.
A fire hydrant shall be required within the distance determined by the design professional inaccordance with the 20L5 lFc, Table c102'1. lt is also requested that the design professionalevaluate the static water supply for additional needs.
Fire department apparatus roads shall be in accordance with 2015 lFc Appendix D. Ambulanceand Fire Engine access through the praza needs to be addresreo ,, *"r.No emergency access plan is observed in the subm¡tte¿ prans. ln tn" event of a coasteraccident' access will be needed to the full length of the .o.raur,r..k. At a minimum, this accessshatt be a maintained foot trair accessibre frori ;"r;o;;."ï.rk¡ns spot wide enough toaccommodate an ambulance stretcher (36,,).
3.
4.
B. Ot rCo NS
1,
2
Prevailing winds in the area may create a collapse potentiarfor the elevated port¡ons of thecoaster track' Have any studies been conducted that índicate the durability of this device inwindy conditions?
As with any new attraction, thís ride will undoubtedly increase the demand for the AdventurePark' lt is unknown how the park limíts admission to the stated population of roughly 1550persons' and what is the plan ín the future to keep the popuration manageable in the event ofan emergency requiring evacuation.
101 WEST 8TH STREET GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO 81601 970-384-6480 FAX 970_945_8506
Dave Argo
From:
Sent:
To:
Greg Bak <greg.bak@cogs.us>
Monday, January 10,2022 3:17 PM
Dave Argo
RE: [External] Adventure Park ProjectsSubject:
Dave, Glenn & Cheryl-
l,ve just been made aware of yet another project at the Adventure Park that I thought l'd bring to your attention. This is
for another expansion to the restaurant in the main visitors building that will require fire sprinkler protection. I received
plans for modification to the original system from the contractor today, which is the normal evolution. He has advised
them that continued expansion in this building will require more expansive modificat¡ons (ie: dry valve, etc).
Greg Bak
Fire Marshal
Glenwood Springs Fire DePartment
o - (970) 384-6433
c - (970) 379-9814
From: Dave Argo <dargo@garfield-county.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 29,2027 4:02 PM
To: Greg Bak <greg.bak@cogs.us>
Cc: G lenn Ha rtma n n <gha rtma n n @ga rfield-co u nty.com>; sbower@ga rfield-co u nty.co m
Subject: Adventure Park Projects
Greg:
Sorry it's taken me several days to get back to you, but I was traveling out of state last week for the holidays. Glenn
Hartmann & I would still like to get together with you to discuss several projects up at the Adventure Park- Prior to my
departure for the holidays I issued a Corrections Notice (see attachment) for the new roller coaster launch building to
Steve Beckley's team - one of the projects which we need to discuss - and I believe Doug Flentge was going to provide
you with drawings of this new building for your review/comment'
ln addition, Glenn is more familiar than I am about the "bigger picture view" of other upcoming projects and I know he
will welcome your input on these as well. As you know, this week is a little hit or miss with everyone's office schedules,
but we are both available next week with the exception of Monday which is our New Year's holiday. We also have a
meeting with Beckley tentatively scheduled for next Friday so it would be preferable to meet with you before that time
l,ve copied Glenn & Sheryl Bower on this email, so please advise us about your availability to get together next week.
Happy New Year!
Dove Argo
Chief BuildingOfficial
1
Garftelú Coanty
Dave Arqo
From:
Sent:
To:
Dave Argo <dargo@ nonamearchitects.com >
Monday, November 29,2021 1:25 PM
sbower@garfield-county.com;'g hartma n n@garfield -cou nty.com'
Next Staff Mtg. and Glenwood Caverns QuestionSubject:
Sheryl & Glenn:
Do you still have weekly staff meetings on Tuesday mornings? Will you be having one tomorrow? lf so, maybe it
would be beneficial for me to attend a portion of the meeting so that we can discuss one particular project.
ln my plan review of the most recent attraction up at Glenwood Caverns - the Defiance Coaster launch building
- I need to have the Planning Dept. provide review/commentary/approval about this submittal before I can sign
off on the building permit.
More specifically, the building itself is near the maximum allowable height (40 feet) but the peak height of the
roller coaster itself is approximately 60 feet in height, if not taller (plans aren't specific). Although the roller
coaster is not under review for building permit - its operational aspects are approved and inspected by the State
of Colorado - the fact is that this amusement park "structure" far exceeds our land use regulations height
restrictions and it will be highly visible from the lower valley.
I think we need to have a conversation about whether or not this complies with language contained in the land
use regulations prior to issuance of any building permits for the associated "launch building". What do you guys
think? I have some other obligations tomorrow, but I can make myself available for a "drive by" cameo
appearance at staff meeting (or afterwards) if that is beneficial . . . just let me know what time.
Døve Argo
Principol
NO NNUE ARCHITECTS
l2l Hideowoy Lone Glenwood Springs, CO Bl ó01
Iel:970,945.6738
Emoil: dorgo@NoNomeArchitecf s.com
1
Dave Arqo
From:
Sent:
lo:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Mike Foster < mikef@triumphdev.com >
Friday, January 21, 2022 B:03 AM
Dave Argo
Doug Flentge; Colleen Wirth
[External] Re: Permit No. BLCO-1'l-21-7228 Roller Coaster Launch Building
Defiance Coaster 3rd Party Review Ltr 012022.pdf
Dave,
I have had Steve Thomas from Shums Coda Associates complete an Architecture code review. I have since modified the
drawings to address his comments as well as your initial redlínes.
Steve has drafted a letter AND stamped the drawings as reviewed' See attached'
Link below has these updated documents for'iA" rrstt rrMEPrr. Civil drawings are still in the works, to be completed next
week.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2iif5a8vi1fis3z/AAASAwEkeCeAJBkMmViOCzADa?dl=0
I will forward these once completed.
Please let me know if you have any further comments.
Thank you!
Mike Foster
Triumph West
303-475-44t3
On Fri, Dec L7 ,2O2L at 3:59 PM Dave Argo <dargo@garf¡eld-countv.com> wrote:
Doug:
Attached is the Corrections Report for the new Roller Coaster Launch Building, which I am sending to you and the
Architect of the project. Again, I will be out of the office all next week, but I expect to be back in the office on Monday,
Dec.27.
Happy Holidays!
Dave Argo
1
ch¡ ef B u¡l d¡ng of f i ci ol
SHUMS CODA. ASSOCIATES
Colorado Regional Office
4610 S Ulster, Ste. 150
Denver, CO 80237
(303) 400-6s64
Fax: (925) 463-0691
Corporate Headquarters
5776 Stoneridge Mall Rd, Ste. 150
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(92s) 463-06s1
Fâx: (925) 463-0691
January 20,2022
Mr. Dave Argo
Chief Building Official
Garfield County
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
RECEIVED
JAN 2 V 2027"
GARFIELD COUNTY
ðó nr'r uHrrv DEvELoPM ENT
Re Deviance Coaster
Third Party Plan Review
Dear Mr. Argo:
This letter is to confirm that our firm has conducted a review of the architectural plans for the
above project. We did not review any other portions of the drawings. The plans are dated with
revision January 9,2022. We forwarded an electronic copy of the plans to the architect for
printing and submission to your department. Our reviewed stamp has been applied to the
drawings. Please let me know íf you would like an electronic copy of the plans. I would be glad
to send them to you.
All our concerns outlined in our plan review have been addressed. lt is our opinion that
architectural plans are in substantial compliance with the applicable codes adopted by
Garfield County.
Thank you for allowing us to conduct the review for this project. Please let us know if you need
any additional information.
Sincerely,
Stephen L Thomas, CBO
President
Dave Argo
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dave Argo
Friday, January 21,20229:24 AM
Mike Foster
Doug Flentge; Colleen Wirth; greg.bak@cogs.us
RE: Permit No. BLCO-11-21-7228 Roller Coaster Launch Building
Mike:
Thanks for your email response to our Plan Review Correction Notice dated Dec. 17.
It's good to see that Steve Thomas has reviewed this project for Building Code compliance, and I have printed his cover
letter and the updated architectural drawings stamped by Shums Coda Associates at 1.1" x L7" size for our records.
However, our office is not set up to accept digital drawings submission. Please submit (2) full-size sets of drawings once
the Civil Engineering drawings have also been updated so that we can review the entire set of revised drawings at one
time. After we receive updated hard copy plans from you, the Building Dept. will finalize our plan review of this project
which may take 5-10 business days given our current workload.
ln addition to the (2) sets to be submitted to the Building Dept. please also provide another full set of updated plans for
local Fire District approval and address those plans to Greg Bak, Fire Marshall.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter -
Dave Argo
Chief BuildingOfficial
Building Department
708 9th sûeet, Suite 407
Glenwood Springs, CO 87607
Te I : 970. 945. 7377 x1560
E moil : d o rgo @ ga rfie ld -cou nty.co m
Web : g a rfie ld -co u nty.co m
From: M ike Foster <mikef@trium phdev.com>
Sent: Friday, January 2t,2022 8:03 AM
To: Dave Argo <dargo@garfield-county.com>
Cc: Doug Flentge <DFlentge@glenwoodcaverns.com>; Colleen Wirth <cwirth@garfield-county.com>
Subject: [External] Re: Permit No. BLCO-11-21.-7228 Roller Coaster Launch Building
Dave,
I have had Steve Thomas from Shums Coda Associates complete an Architecture code review. I have since modified the
drawings to address his comments as well as your initial redlines.
Steve has drafted a letter AND stamped the drawings as reviewed. See attached.
1
Gørftelú County
Link below has these updated documents for "4" "S" "MEP". Civil drawings are still in the works, to be completed next
week.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2iif5a8vilfis3z/AAASAwEkeCeAJBkMmViOCzADa?dl=0
I willforward these once completed.
Please let me know if you have any further comments.
Thank you!
Mike Foster
Triumph West
303-475-44L3
On Fri, Dec 17 ,2O2L at 3:59 PM Dave Argo <dargo@garfield-countV.com> wrote:
Doug:
Attached is the Corrections Report for the new Roller Coaster Launch Building, which I am sending to you and the
Architect of the project. Again, I will be out of the office all next week, but I expect to be back in the office on Monday,
Dec.27.
Happy Holidays!
Dave Argo
Chief Buildingofficíal
Building Department
708 9th Sûeet, Suite 407
Glenwood Springs, CO 87607
Tel : 970. 945. 1 377 x1560
2
Garfield Cø.unty
Ema i I : d a rao @ qa rfie ld-co u ntv'co m