Being no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to recommend approval of the conditional use permit to the Board of Aldermen per staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Josh Corson and unanimously approved by the members.

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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION – 78 ABERDEEN PLACE

Eric Swillinger, representing Straight Up Solar, was in attendance at the meeting.

Louis Clayton explained that this is a request for review of the design and materials associated with the proposed installation of 12 solar panels on the roof of a detached garage. The subject property is located on the south side of Aberdeen Place between University Lane and DeMun Avenue in the Hillcrest Subdivision. In 2010, the Architectural Review Board approved the installation of 18 solar panels on the rear-facing portion of the roof of the two-story house. The applicant now proposes to install 12 rooftop solar panels to be surface mounted on the east and west facing portions of the pitched roof of the detached garage. The proposed solar panels measure 5.1 feet by 3.4 feet, are positioned in a symmetrical fashion, and encroach 4 inches into the required 2-foot set back from the northern roof edge, and 8 inches into the required 2-foot setback from the southern roof edge. Section 405.3920 of the Renewable Energy Systems regulations states that the Architectural Review Board may approve an applicant's request for alternative standards if, in the Board’s judgment, the purpose of the regulations will be satisfied and the alternative standards will have no adverse impact on any other property or unreasonably disturb the peaceful occupancy of adjoining or nearby property. The primary purpose of the required two-foot setback from any outside edge, ridge, or valley of the roof, is to provide adequate roof access for the Fire Department in case of a fire. The Fire Marshal has reviewed and approved the proposed design and notes that the potential of the Fire Department needing access to the roof of an uninhabited accessory building is very unlikely. The project has also received approval from the Hillcrest Subdivision Trustees. Louis noted that with the approval of the requested alternative compliance, staff is of the opinion that the proposal is in conformance with the regulations for roof mounted solar installations. Given the intended layout of the array and the design of the solar panels, staff is of the opinion that the solar panels are adequately screened from street view and recommends approval with the condition that all electrical lines servicing the solar array be painted a neutral color, to be approved by staff prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if Mr. Swillinger had anything to add.

Mr. Swillinger replied that he had nothing to add except that he is happy to comply with staff recommendation.

Mark Winings asked what the roof will look like after installation.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that the side of the pitched roof of the 1-story detached garage where the panels will be installed faces the alley.

Ron Reim asked if it is completely screened from the street.

Mr. Swillinger replied “yes”.

Mr. Swillinger replied “yes”.

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Mark Winings asked if the panels are the same as on the house.

Mr. Swillinger replied “yes”. He indicated that all wiring will be tucked under the panels; no wiring will be exposed.

Being no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve per staff recommendation. The motion was seconded by Craig Owens and unanimously approved by the members.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – ROOFTOP ANTENNAS – 100 CARONDELET PLAZA (RITZ CARLTON)

Bret Blackhurst, representing Verizon Wireless, was in attendance at the meeting.

Louis Clayton explained that the three-acre subject property is located on the south side of Carondelet Plaza adjacent to Forest Park Parkway. The property has a zoning designation of HDC High Density Commercial District and is located in the Forsyth Station Transit Oriented Development Overlay District. The site contains a multi-story Ritz Carlton hotel and a five-story parking structure. There are currently eight telecommunications antennas installed onto the east and west sides of an existing penthouse located at the southeast corner of the parking structure. The applicant proposes to replace the existing antennas with nine new antennas. Three antennas each are proposed on the west, south and east sides of the penthouse. The new antennas are four to eight feet tall and six inches to one foot wide. Section 405.3720.B of the Zoning Regulations requires Architectural Review Board approval of new telecommunications antennas when the number of antennas increases and there is a visible change to the property. The proposed antennas are located on top of a multi-story parking structure and are primarily visible from Forest Park Parkway. In lieu of a physical screen around the antennas, the applicant proposes to paint all equipment to match the building exterior, which minimizes the visual impact. The location and design of the antennas and equipment is consistent with existing antennas on the building. Louis stated that staff is of the opinion that the antennas will not have an adverse visual impact on adjacent properties and recommends approval as requested.

Mr. Blackhurst stated that there are eight existing antennas on the west and east side of the penthouse that will be replaced with nine antennas.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the antennas are the same size.

Mr. Blackhurst stated that the tallest new antenna is 8-feet; the tallest existing antenna is 6-feet.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked why the change.

Mr. Blackhurst indicated that new technology that offers better voice quality and data.