The minutes were approved, after having been previously forwarded to each member. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – PROPOSED INSTALLATION OF A VINYL FENCE – 918 SOUTH MERAMEC AVENUE

Victor Vergara, homeowner, was in attendance at the meeting.

2 Susan Istenes explained that this request was originally on the July 17, 2017 meeting agenda, but was continued until the applicant could be present. The applicant has not made any changes to the original request or submission. The subject property is located on the east side of South Meramec Avenue between Watkins Drive and Clayton Road. A Fence Permit was applied for by the applicant back on May 11, 2017 and was notified on May 23, 2017 that the proposed project did not receive Administrative Architectural Review approval. The applicant was given the option to revise the fence material or apply to the Architectural Review Board. The proposed project consists of the construction of a fence along the north and east property lines with a gate across the driveway. The proposed gate is 6 feet tall, black metal, attached to the northwest corner of the house on one end and attached to a 6 foot tall brick pillar located north of the driveway on the other end. Stemming east from the brick pillar is approximately 30 linear feet of 4 foot tall black metal fencing. The project proposes 6 foot tall white vinyl fencing connected to the metal fence running the remainder of the northern property line and the length of the eastern property line. The proposed metal gate, brick pillar and section of metal fence are compatible with neighborhood character and the appearance of the house. Metal and brick are preferred materials and staff believes this section of the proposal would have a positive visual impact. White vinyl fencing is not a common material in the Davis Place neighborhood. Vinyl is also not a preferred material per the Architectural Review Board Guidelines. Vinyl as a building material requires full Architectural Review Board approval, regardless of the amount proposed. Staff believes a metal or wood fence would be more compatible with the neighborhood character. The proposed metal fencing and brick pillar would positively contribute to the neighborhood character, while the proposed white vinyl fencing is not compatible with the neighborhood character and therefore, staff recommends that the fence be constructed of wood or metal.

Mr. Vergara thanked the Board for the opportunity to make his presentation this evening; he noted that he’s lived in the St. Louis area for 5 years, but that he’s originally from Chile hence the accent. He stated that a vinyl fence in the back yard would have minimal impact. He then presented an aerial photo of Davis Place, highlighting all the vinyl fences that already exist (19 of them).

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the brick pier at the front fencing is his property.

Mr. Vergara replied “yes”.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if he is looking for a solid fence because of the pool.

Mr. Vergara replied “yes”.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if other materials were considered.

Mr. Vergara replied “yes” and noted that because of durability and maintenance, he chose vinyl. He added that his understanding is that water accelerates the deterioration of wood and that vinyl actually costs more than wood.

Vergara replied “yes” and noted that because of durability and maintenance, he chose vinyl. He added that his understanding is that water accelerates the deterioration of wood and that vinyl actually costs more than wood.

3 Joanne Boulton asked what is on the south side.

Mr. Vergara indicated that the wood fence on the south is his neighbor’s.

Scott Wilson asked if staff approved the existing vinyl fences.

Anna Krane indicated that staff needs to review the properties to make that determination but that it’s staff’s preference that vinyl not be used.

Joanne Boulton asked if the Code does not permit vinyl fences.

Anna Krane stated that the Code does not prohibit them but that they do require ARB approval.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that he believes prior requests for vinyl were denied.

William Liebermann asked if the Davis Place Trustees allow vinyl fences.

Mr. Vergara stated that the Trustees have seen his proposal.

Brian Maguire asked if his neighbor has seen his request and approves of it.

Mr. Vergara replied “yes”; adding that he’s glad to see the old chain link fence come down.

Joanne Boulton informed Mr. Vergara that they could get privacy with a wood fence.

Mr. Vergara asked why he could not have a vinyl fence when almost 20 other properties in his neighborhood have them.

Craig Owens explained to Mr. Vergara that he, too, lives in Davis Place and that in his 9.5 years as City Manager, he’s not approved a vinyl fence and assumes the fences that exist pre-date him or were constructed without proper permits and/or approval. He added that he would certainly approve a wood fence if his request for a vinyl one were denied.

Ron Reim commented that vinyl comes in other colors.

Scott Wilson stated that no matter the color, vinyl is vinyl.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve the fence per staff recommendations (wood or metal only; vinyl not approved). The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the members.

REQUEST FOR SIGNAGE MODIFICATION – REGIONS BANK – 8321 MARYLAND AVENUE