May 3, 2021 — Meeting Minutes

CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD Virtual ZOOM Meeting MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 1730 (05:30 PM)

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld at 17:32.

ROLL CALL

Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld, City Manager David Gipson, Aldermanic Representative Richard Lintz, Robert Denlow, Helen DiFate, George Hettich and Carolyn Gaidis answered roll call.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan Istenes, AICP, Planning Director Annisa Kumerow, Planner Anna Krane, AICP, City Contracted Planner

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the regular meeting of April 19, 2021 were approved unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: 801 CHOPHOUSE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – SIGNAGE

The applicant for Agenda item number 1 was not present at the time the item was called, therefore Chairman Lichtenfeld called for Item 2, Discussion Item on the use of construction materials other than wood (such as vinyl/composite) for deck railings for decks located in the rear yard.

DISCUSSION ITEM USE OF COMPOSITE OR VINYL MATERIALS FOR REAR YARD DECKS RAILINGS

Susan Istenes gave summary of discussion item topic and asked the Architectural Review Board to consider allowing homeowners to use vinyl or composite material for the railings/posts of decks located in the rear yard of residential dwelling units. Currently the ARB allows the decking material to be wood or vinyl/composite, but not the railings and post covers, which must be wood or metal.

Steve Lichtenfeld – wants to be consistent in materials and consistent in color (deck and railing materials).

2

Helen DiFate – has used/design composite decking. Mfg. specs are provided for decking, but with handrails, posts for railings serve structural purpose and need to be wood. Sleeve is put over wood post, same material as deck boards. Her concern is it is a field installation and moisture can get in. Concerned with potential wood rot if wood posts not exposed. Railings across top and balusters (infill components) according to Building Code 2018 Residential Building Code, requirements for live loading in code. Railing at top needs to take 200 pounds lateral load in either direction. Internal components sustain 50 pounds lateral load. Nothing in mfg. literature that speaks to that. If they comply with height requirements, they can legitimately say they comply with building code but don’t mention section they comply with. When inquiring of manufactures is identified as propriety information therefore a design professional doesn’t know if the material complies with code. Composite material needs to be labled to ensure testing requirements are met but this type of material isn’t labeled. Therefore, can’t recommend using composite railings for a deck. Visually okay. Can’t determine if it meets building code.

Discussion regarding code and deck height and live loads. The integrity of materials is not subject to Plan Commission Architectural Review Board – that is the responsibility of Building Commissioner. This material is commonly approved for use in many places. Discussion regarding the review and approval of the material as it relates to the building code. ARB is an aesthetic approval process, rather than structural approval process.

Rich Lintz – still against shiny vinyl but composite is acceptable. Steve Lichtenfeld – suggests matching color and about matching woodgrain. George Hettich – suggests caution on requiring matching colors and woodgrain. May be too restrictive. Carolyn Gaidis – suggest approving on case by case basis Steve Lichtenfeld – leave requirement open

Susan Istenes – noted most backyard decks are approved administratively because they are not visible from public right of way.

Steve Lichtenfeld – simply and keep it remaining as administrative approval rather than coming to Board for Approval. Others concur.

Rich Lintz – if staff has any thought that a neighbor would be upset concerned then it should be brought to the ARB for approval.

Susan Istenes – agreed staff will scrutinize proposed location of decks and material to ensure its location and material may not be offensive to neighbors.

Helen DiFate – Using this material you will be required even after admin approval, to obtain a building permit and as part of the permit review process, you will have to show that the railings comply with the building code, including load requirements.

Susan Istenes – confirmed no caveats about color or finish except to avoid the shiny appearance of material. Colors shall be coordinated but don’t necessarily have to match (deck railings and decking material).

End of discussion, Item 2.

3

Carolyn Gaidis made a motion to table Item 1 because applicant was not present. Richard Lintz – second. Unanimously approved, tabled again to May 17, 2021.

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There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 18:16 (6:16 p.m.)