Staff is of the opinion that the project meets the criteria for site plan approval and therefore, recommends approval with the condition that to ensure the future maintenance and operation of the dry well and French drain, the applicant shall record the approved site plan with St. Louis County, and submit proof of recording to the City prior to the issuance of a building permit.

6

Ms. Strutman presented a site plan to the members.

Mr. Volz presented a drainage map [existing and proposed] and explained the storm water drainage plan, noting the addition of a front yard drywell that pipes water to the street and a rear yard French drain. He added that there will be less drainage toward the rear neighbor’s as well.

Scott Wilson asked what the drywell system will look like from the street.

Mr. Volz stated that it can’t be seen.

Scott Wilson asked if a system such as this is preferred over connecting to the storm sewer.

Mr. Volz replied “yes” adding that MSD does not like direct connection to the storm sewer; a system like this detains/slows water flor and prevents flooding downstream.

Brian Maguire asked how close to the house a drywell can be.

Mr. Volz replied “very close”.

Scott Wilson referred to the large dead tree that has to be removed.

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.

Because there was no one left in the audience except for the applicants, Susan Istenes spoke only to the proposed home’s compatibility, stating that staff is of the opinion that the proposed design and materials are compatible with the neighborhood character and that the project is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Architectural Review Guidelines. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed house is compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby houses and recommends approval as submitted.

Ms. Strutman presented a color rendering of the proposed home to the members.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that the house is refreshing; different than Lauren’s usual traditional designs.

Samples of the brick, Indiana limestone, roof and windows were presented. Also presented were elevation drawings.

Samples of the brick, Indiana limestone, roof and windows were presented. Also presented were elevation drawings.

7 Joanne Boulton asked if the windows are casement.

Ms. Strutman replied “yes”.

Ron Reim commented that the height of the second floor windows are shorter than he would expect.

Ms. Strutman indicated that the second floor ceiling height is only 8-feet.

Joanne Boulton commented that she loves the solution for the shared bathroom.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that it’s a good-looking house and works well with the house to the east.

Ms. Strutman informed the Chairman that she designed that house as well.

Ron Reim stated that he’s okay with the house not having shutters.

Joanne Boulton asked how close the brick color of this house will be to the house to the east.

Ms. Strutman stated that this is a red brick house; the brick on the house to the east is more of a taupe color.

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

SITE PLAN/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – NEW CONSTRUCTION – SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE – 656 LANGTON DRIVE

Lauren Strutman, project architect, was in attendance at the meeting. Also in attendance was David Volz, project civil engineer, and the builder, Ken Debrecht.

Because there was no one left in the audience except for the applicants, Director Istenes spoke only to staff’s conclusion that the height, setbacks and impervious coverage as proposed are in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Clayshire Urban Design District. Stormwater will be adequately managed on site and the landscape plan features plantings that are appropriate for the size of the site and character of the neighborhood. Staff is of the opinion that the project meets the criteria for site plan approval and recommends approval with the condition that to ensure proper maintenance and operation of the drywell, the applicant is to file the approved site plan with St. Louis County and provide proof of filing to the City prior to issuance of a building permit.

Context elevation drawings were shown. Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the house looks good.

9 Ron Reim commented that the house is noticeably larger than others.

Ms. Strutman stated that the back part of the house is predominately one story.

Joanne Boulton stated that this is setting the tone for the neighborhood and noted that this is a deep lot.

Chairman Lichtenfeld said it’s a unique site.

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

CITY BUSINESS – LAND USE CODE DISCUSSION

The General Provisions Article was the topic of discussion for this evening.

Chairman Lichtenfeld began by stating that he would like to have the Articles assigned ahead of time. He asked the recording secretary to email a list of the Articles that are still in need of discussion to the members. He asked that the members select which Article or Articles they would like to address and provide that information to staff with a copy to him.

A copy of the City’s zoning map was displayed.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that he believes all the members understand the purpose of the zoning regulations. He then referenced the various zoning districts within the City, and asked what properties in the City have a zoning designation of “Service District”. Staff indicated that there are only a few properties that have that zoning designation and they are on the far western portion of the City and include where the City’s mulch pile is.

Chairman Lichtenfeld then asked about right-of-way vacations and how the property is split. Director Istenes indicated that typically, areas of vacated property are equally split between owners, unless the vacated portion originally came from one property in which case it would go back to that property.

Chairman Lichtenfeld, referring to the “Violations and Penalties” Article, asked who is an “officer” of the city.

Director Istenes indicated that an officer can be any staff member who deals with code enforcement.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about court proceedings.

Director Istenes indicated that an officer can be any staff member who deals with code enforcement. Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about court proceedings.

10 Acting City Attorney Karr indicated that “court” in this instance refers to municipal court; although changes are possible via Senate Bill 572.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked about Overlay Districts.

Director Istenes indicated that the Overlay and Urban Design Districts are covered in Chapter 410 of the Land Use Code.

Ron Reim referred to the proposed senior living facility on Clayton Road that was just conceptually presented and the expectation of area residents that zoning designations would remain as is.

Acting City Attorney Karr indicated that zoning regulations are constantly changing and that’s a reason protests of a rezoning recommendation by the Plan Commission can be submitted by owners within 185 feet of the property which is the subject of rezoning, in which case, a rezoning approval by the Board of Aldermen would require a super majority vote.

Ron Reim asked if individual condominium owners can file independent protests.

Acting City Attorney Karr replied “yes”.

Having no further business before the Commission this evening, the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. _______________________________ Recording Secretary