September 8, 2020 — Meeting Minutes

CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 17:30 (05:30 PM)

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lichtenfeld at 17:30.

ROLL CALL

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

Absent: George Hettich

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AICP, Planning Director

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES AUGUST 17, 2020, MEETING MINUTES. 7-0

2 NEW BUSINESS

104 ARUNDEL PLACE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The subject property is located on the south side of Arundel Place just east of its intersection with Dartford Drive. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District. The project consists of the installation of a front yard retaining wall located along the sidewalk at the front of the house. The retaining wall ranges in height from 18 inches on the east side to 27 inches on the west side. The wall extends up and along both side property lines and the front steps for approximately 8 feet. The height along the east side property line is 18 inches and along the west side property line is 27 inches. Along the steps, the wall will be approximately 20 inches in height. The applicant intends to use a Versa-Lok retaining wall system, with a mosaic pattern, weathered style and a charcoal blend color.

Section 405.1900 of the Zoning Regulations requires that all walls located in the front yard in single-family zoning districts be approved by the Architectural Review Board prior to installation.

“Front yard masonry garden walls, planting boxes, retaining walls, plantings or ornamental or decorative fences may be erected as part of new construction, up to four (4) feet above the grade level in the front yard, provided such structure is an integral part of the architectural feature of the principal structure, is in compliance with sight distance standards and is approved by the Architectural Review Board.”

The Architectural Review Board prefers the use of masonry walls in front yards; however, modular block walls are allowed if they include three different block sizes, color variation and tumbled edges. The proposed design and materials of the retaining wall don’t appear to feature a varying color pallet as required by the Architectural Review Guidelines. The proposed location of the wall is parallel to and sits up against the public sidewalk. The Architectural Review Board has, for the last several years, preferred front yard retaining walls to be setback at least 3 feet from the sidewalk with a planted landscape bed within the 3-foot setback both for aesthetic purposes and to reduce potential conflicts between users of the sidewalk and the concrete wall. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed color and design of the wall is compatible with neighborhood character and the existing house, except that the applicant should provide clarification that the proposed color provides 3 color variations, instead of a single color as shown in the applicant provided sample products picture.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

1. THE WALL SHALL BE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE A VARYING COLOR PALLET

2. THE WALL SHALL BE SETBACK AT LEAST 3 FEET FROM THE BACK OF THE SIDEWALK EDGE AND THAT 3-

FOOT AREA SHALL BE PLANTED WITH SHRUBS OR SIMILAR PLANTS SUCH AS LIRIOPE PER STAFF APPROVAL AT

THE TIME OF BUILDING PERMIT.”

SHIRLEY CHU (SC) – APPLICANT AND OWNER OBI GRIFFITH (OG) – APPLICANT AND OWNER

OG – Addresses the Board and explains the blend product they are proposing to use.

CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION.

RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND.

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION. 6-0

128 NORTH BEMISTON AVENUE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The 16,200 square foot site is located on the east side of N. Bemiston Avenue, between Maryland Avenue and Pershing Avenue. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and is currently developed with a single-family home. The proposed project consists of the demolition of an existing wood deck and the creation of an outdoor patio/living space with a fireplace and seating areas, in the rear yard.

The proposed fireplace is approximately 9 feet high and 5 feet wide, is constructed with brick and is located on the north side of the proposed concrete interlocking paver stone patio. The proposed patio is approximately 1,347 square feet in area. The fireplace will be surrounded on both sides by a seating wall, approximately 2 feet in height and a total of 35 linear feet in length. A fountain will be installed opposite the fireplace on the other side of the patio. An 8-foot-tall brick archway will be installed on the north side of the patio and a black iron gate will be installed in the archway providing access from the rear portion of the driveway into the outdoor patio space.

The proposed fireplace is approximately 10 feet tall when measured from grade. It is located 13 feet 5 inches from the rear property line. It is constructed of brick, red in color and will blend in with the natural environment in the back yard. From the design renderings provided by the applicant, there appears to be a 6-foot-high wood fence that will help screen the fireplace from the property to the east. The proposed location is also screened from the north, east and west by extensive vegetation. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed outdoor living area and fireplace is compatible with the neighborhood character and the existing single-family structure.

Total lot impervious coverage is limited to 55 percent in the R-2 Zoning District. The proposed project will increase impervious coverage on site from 32 percent to 40 percent, which remains below the maximum allowed.

The primary building material of the proposed fireplace is red brick. The proposed interlocking concrete patio is Unilock, Umbriano style in Summer Wheat color and the edging materials are Mattoni, Sable Blend. The existing house is primarily constructed with red brick. The proposed design and materials of the outdoor space will not be highly visible from adjacent properties. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed design and materials are compatible with the existing house and neighborhood character.

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 proposed outdoor living space/fireplace is compatible in terms of mass, height and design with the existing house and surrounding neighborhood.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.”

JAMES DOLAN (JD) – OWNER EVE GILMAN (EG) – OWNER MATT FALK (MF) – WYDOWN FOREST TRUSTEE

JD – Explains the changes to the Board and offers to answer questions.

4 MF – Thanks the Board for their review of the project and for helping the trustees with the process as well and appreciate the comments from the Board at the last meeting. We don’t feel the canopy has been addressed, we would like that it be softened and there be addition of columns.

CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOTION TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.

RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND.

BOARD VOTES TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED. 6-0

333 NORTH FORSYTH BOULEVARD – SITE PLAN REVIEW – NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The 8,400 square foot site is located on the west side of N. Forsyth Boulevard just south of the northern Clayton city boundary. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and is located in the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District. The proposed project consists of the demolition of the existing house and the construction of a new 3,862 square foot (not including basement) single-family residence. The height of the proposed residence is 29 feet 5/8 inches as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof.

The purpose of the site plan review process is to provide a review of the following criteria listed below:

1. A project's compatibility with its environment and with other land uses and buildings existing in the surrounding area. >> The surrounding properties contain single-family homes. The project meets the setback, height, and impervious coverage requirements of the R-2 Zoning District and the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District. 2. The location and screening of a project's air-conditioning units and other associated equipment. >> The plans show the HVAC units located at the rear of the house. The units will be screened by a solid wood fence. 3. The location, adequacy and screening for trash. >> Trash will be stored in an approximately 40 square foot trash enclosure located on at the rear of the house adjacent to the HVAC units and pool equipment. It will be screened with a solid wood fence, approximately 4 feet in height.

4. Provisions for storm surface drainage shall be in accordance with the City’s design standards. Stormwater drainage shall be connected to a storm sewer whenever one is available as determined by the City. Disposal of storm or natural waters both on and off the site shall be provided in such a manner as not to have a detrimental effect on the property of others or the public right-of-way.

Impervious Coverage >> The Clayton Gardens Urban Design District limits impervious coverage to 40 percent of the total lot area and allows an increase in impervious coverage based on the garage placement. For this project, the allowable impervious coverage may be increased to 55 percent for the inclusion of an at-grade, rear entry garage. The existing impervious coverage on site is 38.2 percent. The new plans increase the impervious coverage to 54.4 percent. >> Front yard impervious coverage is limited to 30 percent in the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District. The proposed front yard coverage is 19.5 percent.

5 Stormwater Runoff >> The existing stormwater runoff, according to the MSD 15-year, 20-minute storm calculation is 0.46 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 0.53 CFS, which represents a 0.06 CFS increase. A drywell will be installed in the southeast corner of the rear yard to capture the differential runoff. The stormwater plan has been reviewed and deemed acceptable.

5. The applicant is required to submit a separate landscape plan showing existing trees, trees to be removed and trees to be replaced by canopy cover, species and condition. Such plans must reflect City of Clayton preservation standards. >> The proposed landscape plan provides a mix of plantings to address functional and design factors of the project. One street tree had previously been removed. There is one street tree and 300 square feet of existing canopy coverage on site with 300 square feet being removed. The replacement requirement is 3,864 square feet and they are proposing to replace a total of 4,500 square feet, which results in a surplus of 636 square feet of canopy coverage. The replacement trees exceed the native tree requirement with 37.5 percent native.

6. The site plan must state that all driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters are to be installed in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Public Works Department. >> The site plan states that all driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters are to be installed in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Public Works Department.

7. Provision of hookups to public utilities connections shall be installed in accordance with the standards of the Public Works Department. All connections shall be shown on the site plan. >> The location of the gas, sewer and water connections from the main to the house are shown underground in the front yard. The electric line connection will run underground from the rear to the southwest corner of house at the rear. The Public Works Department finds the utilities plan acceptable.

8. All developments shall provide adequate lighting to assure safety and security. Lighting installations shall not have an adverse impact on traffic safety or on the surrounding area. Light sources shall be shielded and there shall be no spillover onto adjacent properties >> Exterior lighting is proposed at all exterior doors and at the garage. All exterior lights will be 75 watts or less.

In considering and acting upon site plans, landscape plans and other applicable plans, the Plan Commission shall take the following objectives into consideration:

1. Creation of a desirable environment. 2. Promotion of a creative approach to the use of land and related physical facilities resulting in better design and development, including aesthetic amenities. 3. Combination and coordination of architectural styles, building forms and building relationships. 4. Preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as natural topography, vegetation and geologic features and the prevention of soil erosion. 5. Preservation of buildings which are architecturally or historically significant or contribute to the character of the City. 6. Use of design, landscape or architectural features to create a pleasing environment. 7. Inclusion of special features. 8. Elimination of deteriorated structures or incompatible uses through redevelopment or rehabilitation.

6 The height, setbacks and impervious coverage as proposed are in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Clayton Gardens 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.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.”

DAVE CORNELL (DC) – APPLICANT

DC – Addresses the Board and gives background on variances received to get to this Board and a presentation explaining the project.

CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND.

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED. 6-0

333 NORTH FORSYTH BOULEVARD – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE

The newer homes located along North Forsyth Boulevard are predominately two-story, constructed of brick. The basic massing of the proposed two-story home is articulated on all sides with windows and doors. The proposed massing is similar to other newly constructed homes in the area. The design lacks the use of ornamental features commonly found in the area such as the use of shutters and stone surrounds, that give homes a more traditional look. The proposed design utilizes square shapes and gives a minimalist appearance, with a contemporary style through the generous use of glazing. The existing home that will be demolished displays a bit of the same style, however its 1.5 story height and front facing garage detract from its appearance.

The home to the south (327 N. Forsyth Boulevard) was constructed in 2017 and is +/- 10 inches taller than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The existing home to the north (337 N. Forsyth Boulevard) was constructed in 1948 and is +/- 6 feet 5 ¾ inches shorter than the proposed home. As required by Section 410.385 of the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District, to avoid tall, blocky building forms, new structures shall incorporate a transition in height and scale through one of six possible techniques. The applicant elected to plant 3 columnar hornbeam trees between the subject property and the home to the north at minimum of 20 feet on center within the side yard to help break up the appearance of the taller structure, which meets the code requirement.

Within the immediate area and surrounding the subject property, existing homes feature a variety of building materials including red brick, painted brick, and siding and stone accent materials. The proposed house features

7 white colored brick as the primary building material. Fiber cement panels with stucco finish accent material is proposed on the front, rear and both sides. The proposed percentage of secondary materials is within the Clayton Gardens Urban Design district standards. Brick rowlock courses will be installed at the base of the windows on the front elevation and used on all of the windows, except those surrounded by fiber cement/stucco on the left and right elevations. The rear of the home will feature a centrally located covered terrace inset into the home, leading to a grassed terrace and a pool. A landscape wall and a front covered porch are featured on the front elevation of the home. The proposed roof is clad in charcoal blend architectural fiberglass shingles and black casement aluminum clad windows are proposed. Staff believes the proposed design and materials are compatible with the neighborhood character.

An 9-foot-wide exposed aggregate concrete driveway is proposed on the south side of the home that leads to an at grade rear entry garage with a carriage style garage door that is white in color. There is a 4-foot-tall wood fence at the ground level and underneath the proposed deck, access to which is from the first floor living area at the rear of the home. This enclosed area at ground level is the proposed location for trash, pool equipment and the air conditioning units. The fence provides adequate screening.

Retaining walls are proposed along the pool but the material, length and height were not specified. Because they are located in the rear yard, the impact of their appearance to the general public is negligible but the applicant should put on the record, those dimensions and material types.

The project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District, the Clayton Gardens Urban Design 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.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.”

DAVE CORNELL (DC) – APPLICANT

DC – Addresses the Board and gives background on variances received to get to this Board and a presentation explaining the project.

CAROLYN GAIDIS – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.

RICHARD LINTZ – SECOND.

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED. 6-0

CITY BUSINESS

PUBLIC ART ADVISORY DISCUSSION – MURALS

HAVING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 18:15

_______________________________

8 Recording Secretary

Document

September 8, 2020 — Meeting Minutes