A Message from Our Community Development Director

Dear Community Members and Customers:
 
We have some significant changes in the Community Development Department I want to share with you.  Our Chief Building Official Mike Metheny has a new opportunity in the Valley and tendered his resignation with the City of Aspen.  We are sad to see him go but are pleased to know he will be right down the highway working as the Chief Building Official with Snowmass Village.  Mike’s last day with us will be Friday, July 3.
 
Mike has been with us for more than 14 years as an inspector, inspection manager, and CBO.  In that time, he has made countless contributions to our department and community.  His professionalism, institutional and local knowledge, and commitment to excellence with respect to ensuring the safety and quality of the built environment have been essential to our success. 
 
Mike has diligently applied building codes to ensure the safety of thousands of residents and visitors over the years, which is also a significant contribution to Aspen-at-large.  Mike’s expertise was a huge asset to our community and the development industry.  He also developed countless personal relationships with many customers and residents, adding an invaluable personal touch to our work.  Mike will be missed by our staff and our customers.  Please take him a moment to wish him well on his new direction.
 
Luckily for all, Stephen Kanipe has agreed to return to his former role as CBO effective Monday July 6.  Stephen needs no introduction, and I am so pleased that the level of service and professionalism in the Building division of the Community Development Department will be uninterrupted. 
 
As always, I am available to discuss these or other matters with you - our valued residents, customers, and friends.  Please stay safe and healthy.
 
Sincerely,
Phillip Supino

Planning Staff Capacity

In recent months, the Planning division of Community Development has experienced significant staff turn-over.  The loss of the Deputy Planning Director and Senior Planner prior to the pandemic and economic downturn means that the Planning staff has been and will continue to be short-staffed through at least the end of the year.  Despite the pandemic and downturn, planning caseload is on par with previous years.  Our staff remains focused on responsive, professional, and thorough customer service.  And being short-staffed has strained our ability to meet internal expectations for response times, project review times, and board and commission scheduling. 
 
For example, most P&Z, HPC, and Council agendas are limited to one land use item per meeting.  Planner of the day response times may be impacted, depending on the volume of inquires received and planner case load from week to week.  Review times for planning cases may be longer, as each of our planners is processing a larger volume of cases.  We ask for your patience as we work hard to continue to provide the services on which you all rely, albeit with sometimes longer timelines.  We are optimistic that through administrative process improvements and diligent work on the part of staff, we will continue to meet your expectations for the timeliness of our work.  We look forward to staffing-up soon.  In the meantime, your patience is appreciated.  Please contact Phillip Supino, Community Development Director, with any questions you may have: 970.429.2767, phillip.supino@cityofaspen.com.

Marolt Seasonal Housing Available for Rent Now

Summer lease starts June 15

Marolt Ranch seasonal housing is available for rent with move-in dates as early as June 15.  Interested renters must quality through the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority.  The units in Marolt offer an affordable option for those in need of housing in Aspen.  Leases are available for summer, winter, or both seasons from June 15 through April 30, 2021.  Units are $1250 per month and pro-rated for June.
 
Each unit has two rooms and a kitchenette.  Maximum occupancy is three people per unit.  More information, including photos, application requirements, and rates are available here.