MINUTES

CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

DECEMBER 18, 2017

CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The City Plan Commission/Architectural Review Board of the City of Clayton, Missouri, met on the above date at 5:30 p.m. Upon roll call, the following responded:

Present: Steve Lichtenfeld, Chairman Craig Owens, City Manager Joanne Boulton, Aldermanic Representative Ron Reim Brian Maguire Scott Wilson

Absent: William Liebermann

Also in Attendance: Kevin O’Keefe, City Attorney & Stephanie Karr, Acting City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AICP, Planning Director Anna Krane, Planner

Chairman Lichtenfeld welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked that all cell phones be turned off and that conversations take place outside the meeting room.

MINUTES

The minutes of the November 20th meeting were presented for approval. The minutes were approved, after having been previously distributed to each member.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – FRONT YARD WALL – SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE – 7749 MARYLAND AVENUE

Robert Effinger, contractor, was in attendance at the meeting.

The antenna will be visible from adjacent taller buildings; however, the pole appears similar to a typical metal light pole. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed antenna

3 and light pole is compatible with the alleyway conditions and will not negatively impact the neighborhood character and recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Marcus stated the pole/equipment will be at the alley in the parking lot behind The Diamond Shop. He stated that the 16 X 26 antenna will be on top of the 38.5-foot tall pole, which includes a light at 34 feet.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the pole is new.

Mr. Marcus replied “yes”.

Scott Wilson asked about the pole cover.

Mr. Marcus stated it is galvanized.

Hearing no further questions or comments and hearing nothing from the audience, Ron Reim made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the Board.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – EXTERIOR ALTERATION – SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE – 7620 MARYLAND AVENUE

Paul Doerner, project architect, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that this is a request for review of the design and materials associated with proposed alterations to the existing façade, a new front walkway framed with two pillars, the construction of a covered front porch with a Juliet-balcony and a shrub wall; the proposed alterations will impact all four elevations of the existing home. The proposed façade alterations include painting all sides of the building grey, adding black shutters to the front elevation windows and adding black iron planter boxes below the front elevation windows. The new walkway and porch are constructed of concrete stamped with a brick pattern. The proposed covered front porch is constructed of iron columns and a black metal roof. The Juliet-balcony features a black iron railing, matching the proposed planter boxes, and a black metal roof. Two brick pillars with coach lights are proposed framing the new walkway with a shrub wall extending east and west from the pillars. The existing home has a primary building material of red brick with secondary materials of stone and tan stucco. The home features tan casement windows and grey/black roof shingles. Painting the entire façade grey will simplify the appearance of the existing structure and blend the different façade materials. The block features homes with various primary building materials including red brick, painted brick, stone and siding. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed façade painting is compatible with the existing neighborhood character. Window shutters are a common accent piece on the existing homes in the neighborhood. The addition of black shutters and planter boxes will add traditional architectural elements to the house. A new concrete walkway with a stamped brick pattern is proposed in the front yard connecting the porch to the

The addition of black shutters and planter boxes will add traditional architectural elements to the house. A new concrete walkway with a stamped brick pattern is proposed in the front yard connecting the porch to the

4 sidewalk. Stamped concrete is a preferred paving material and the proposed brick pattern is consistent with the house. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed shutters, planter boxes and walkway are compatible with the neighborhood character. The new front porch will extend approximately 5 feet from the front wall of the home, as allowed by the zoning code. The proposed porch will accentuate the existing front entrance. The design and materials will add character and depth along the front elevation. Front porches and covered entrances are common along the block. The proposed porch with a second story balcony is unique, while still being compatible with surrounding properties. A new shrub wall is proposed to enclose the front entryway. The wall will be approximately 26 inches tall with 2.5 feet tall brick columns on either side of the front walkway. Coach lights are proposed on top of the columns. Brick is a preferred front yard wall material per the Architectural Review Guidelines. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed design and materials of the wall and pillars are compatible with the house and neighborhood character. The proposed changes will increase impervious coverage on the lot. In the R-2 Zoning District, maximum impervious coverage in the front yard is 45 percent and maximum total lot coverage is 55 percent. The proposed project will increase front yard impervious coverage to approximately 26.4 percent and total lot coverage to 44.2 percent, which is below the maximum allowed. The existing tree located in the center of the front elevation will be removed as part of the project. The tree contributes a large canopy to the front yard and neighborhood. It is recommended that a new front yard tree is planted to replace the lost canopy coverage on site. Director Istenes continued by stating that the project as proposed 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 design and materials of the alteration are compatible with the neighborhood and recommends approval with the condition that the applicant plant a tree of the same or similar species to the tree being removed.

Mr. Doerner presented a photo of the existing house and a color rendering, after proposed renovations are implemented. He stated that the owners are trying to update and improve the home’s appearance, especially because the addition is different than the original house. He noted that the addition of a porch and walkway will help identify the entryway. He informed the members that the owner’s would prefer not to plan a new tree so they would like to retain the existing tree and simply have it trimmed.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that the proposed changes are an improvement and will result in the home being more consistent with other homes on the street.

Ron Reim stated that he prefers the existing tree remain and trimming it back is acceptable.

Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed.

Rosemary Hardy, 7603 Maryland Avenue, asked how far the front porch sticks out.

Mr. Doerner stated that it projects just a bit further north than the stone addition.