Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the plans show coverage below 50%, even though it appears to be more. He asked the applicant if they will comply with staff recommendations.

6 Mr. Leipziger replied “yes”.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve the site plan per staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Brian Maguire and unanimously approved by the members.

The architectural aspects of the project were now up for review.

Susan Istenes explained that the site has been vacant since the demolition of a commercial building in 2016. The existing home to the west (8110 Westmoreland Avenue) was constructed in 2005 and is +/- 2.67 feet shorter than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The subject property is a corner lot and there is not a house to the east. As required by Section 410.385 of the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District, to avoid tall, blocky building forms, new structures shall incorporate a transition in height and scale through one of six possible techniques. The following permitted technique is used: “Stepping-down to meet the approximate height of the adjacent structure.” The west side of the house steps down to one story. Clayton Gardens has traditionally been dominated by the use of standard size brick in a variety of red tones, although the original brick has been painted in some instances. The primary building material for the proposed home is red brick with secondary building materials of buff cast stone and hardie siding. The limestone will make up a maximum of 15 percent of the front façade and 3 percent or less of the remaining three façades. Hardie siding will make up a maximum of 15 percent of the rear façade, 5 percent of the east façade and 2 percent or less of the remaining two façades. The proposed roof is clad in asphalt shingles, slate grey in color. Sections of metal roof are also proposed with two south facing roof areas reserved for possible solar panels in the future. Black casement windows are proposed. An exposed aggregate driveway is proposed from the alley at the south end of the home that leads to a rear-entry, at-grade attached garage with a black paneled garage door. A 6-foot tall wood sight-proof fence is proposed along the west property line. A 6-foot tall brick privacy wall is proposed along the east side of the driveway and across the south end of the driveway. The brick wall is located in the rear yard of the property and therefore allowed to be 6-feet tall. Landscape buffering is proposed between the wall and the public sidewalk along North Brentwood Boulevard. Black metal gates are proposed along the southern portion of the wall to provide access to the trash enclosure and vehicle access to the garage. The project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District, the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District and the Architectural Review Guidelines. Staff is of the opinion that the design is compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby homes and recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Doerner indicated that the Georgian style house, which is a 2-story house with a 1-story side piece and a 1.5 story connecting wing, has the shape of a “C” to create an inner courtyard that is out of public sight.

Material samples were shown (roof, red brick, windows, stone and Hardie board).

Doerner indicated that the Georgian style house, which is a 2-story house with a 1-story side piece and a 1.5 story connecting wing, has the shape of a “C” to create an inner courtyard that is out of public sight. Material samples were shown (roof, red brick, windows, stone and Hardie board).

7 Chairman Lichtenfeld commented what a difficult site this site is. He made note of the third floor dormers on the Westmoreland elevation.

Mr. Doerner indicated that there’s just an access panel to gain entry to the attic space and in order to convert that space the trusses would have to be carved out.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the space over the garage could be a second living unit.

Mr. Doerner indicated that there’s no kitchen there.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that although the house is larger than others on Westmoreland, the one on North Forsyth that faces Westmoreland is similar in size; he added that the house looks terrific.

William Lieberman commented that it’s a good-looking house.

Ron Reim asked if this house was designed for a specific client.

Mr. Doerner replied “yes”.

Ron Reim stated that it is a large, stand-out house, but nice looking.

Chairman Lichtenfeld reiterated that it’s a nice design on a difficult site.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by William Liebermann and unanimously approved by the Board.

CITY BUSINESS – DISCUSSION

Chairman Lichtenfeld noted that this Commission previously began taking on specific Articles of the Land Use Code as a discussion item on agendas that were “light”. He indicated that since the last discussion, two new members, Carolyn and Rich, have been appointed. He then solicited ideas from the remaining members on how they wished to proceed.

It was decided that these discussions would be re-vamped and that Rich would tackle “Off-street Parking and Loading Regulations” and Carolyn would tackle “Site Plan Review”. Ron would address General Regulations; Will would address “Non-Conforming Uses” and Brian would address PUDs and SDDs. Staff indicated that they would add another discussion item onto the next “light” agenda.

Chairman Lichtenfeld advised the new members that the Article is presented, discussion is opened and that staff is included in the discussion.