Citation in context
September 8, 2020 — Meeting Minutes
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CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 17:30 (05:30 PM)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lichtenfeld at 17:30.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld, City Manager David Gipson, Aldermanic Representative Richard Lintz, Carolyn Gaidis, Robert Denlow, and Helen DiFate answered roll call.
Absent: George Hettich
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AICP, Planning Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES AUGUST 17, 2020, MEETING MINUTES. 7-0
Istenes, AICP, Planning Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES AUGUST 17, 2020, MEETING MINUTES. 7-0
2 NEW BUSINESS
104 ARUNDEL PLACE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The subject property is located on the south side of Arundel Place just east of its intersection with Dartford Drive. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District. The project consists of the installation of a front yard retaining wall located along the sidewalk at the front of the house. The retaining wall ranges in height from 18 inches on the east side to 27 inches on the west side. The wall extends up and along both side property lines and the front steps for approximately 8 feet. The height along the east side property line is 18 inches and along the west side property line is 27 inches. Along the steps, the wall will be approximately 20 inches in height. The applicant intends to use a Versa-Lok retaining wall system, with a mosaic pattern, weathered style and a charcoal blend color.
Section 405.1900 of the Zoning Regulations requires that all walls located in the front yard in single-family zoning districts be approved by the Architectural Review Board prior to installation.
“Front yard masonry garden walls, planting boxes, retaining walls, plantings or ornamental or decorative fences may be erected as part of new construction, up to four (4) feet above the grade level in the front yard, provided such structure is an integral part of the architectural feature of the principal structure, is in compliance with sight distance standards and is approved by the Architectural Review Board.”
The Architectural Review Board prefers the use of masonry walls in front yards; however, modular block walls are allowed if they include three different block sizes, color variation and tumbled edges. The proposed design and materials of the retaining wall don’t appear to feature a varying color pallet as required by the Architectural Review Guidelines. The proposed location of the wall is parallel to and sits up against the public sidewalk. The Architectural Review Board has, for the last several years, preferred front yard retaining walls to be setback at least 3 feet from the sidewalk with a planted landscape bed within the 3-foot setback both for aesthetic purposes and to reduce potential conflicts between users of the sidewalk and the concrete wall. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed color and design of the wall is compatible with neighborhood character and the existing house, except that the applicant should provide clarification that the proposed color provides 3 color variations, instead of a single color as shown in the applicant provided sample products picture.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
FOOT AREA SHALL BE PLANTED WITH SHRUBS OR SIMILAR PLANTS SUCH AS LIRIOPE PER STAFF APPROVAL AT
THE TIME OF BUILDING PERMIT.”
SHIRLEY CHU (SC) – APPLICANT AND OWNER OBI GRIFFITH (OG) – APPLICANT AND OWNER
OG – Addresses the Board and explains the blend product they are proposing to use.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION.
RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND.