November 4, 2019 — Meeting Minutes
CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2019 1730 (05:30 PM)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld at 1730.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Steve Lichtenfeld, Aldermanic Representative Richard Lintz, Ron Reim, Carolyn Gaidis, Robert Denlow, and George Hettich answered roll call.
Absent: Interim City Manager Janet Watson
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE
Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AIPC, Planning Director Scott Dedert, Planner
CHAIRMAN REQUESTS
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked that all cell phones be turned off and that conversations take place outside the meeting room.
Chairman Lichtenfeld also asks that anyone who speaks please spell out their last name.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RICHARD LINTZ – MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 2019.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 2019.
NOTES
SUSAN ISTENES NOTES THAT THE APPLICANT FOR ITEM 1 – OLD BUSINESS HAS FORMALLY WITHDRAWN THEIR APPLICATION IN ORDER TO RESUBMIT WITH PLANS REFLECTING THE STAFF REPORT OF NOVEMBER 04, 2019. THIS ITEM WILL NOT BE HEARD TONIGHT.
2 NEW BUSINESS
6317 CLAYTON ROAD – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “This is a request by David and Heather Perkin for review of design and materials associated with construction of a new detached two-car garage, enclosed porch, and minor exterior building renovations at a recently approved live/work unit in the Clayton Road Urban Design District. The 6,080 square foot property is located on the north side of Clayton Road between DeMun Avenue and Skinker Boulevard and has a zoning designation of C-2 General Commercial District.
The proposed detached garage will be located in the rear yard of the property, with access from the alley. Currently, the entire rear yard is paved and used for surface parking. According to the applicant, the existing structure is 1,190 square feet and the proposed garage is approximately 690 square feet. The proposed height of the garage is 15.3 feet to the top of the roof. Site Plan Review may be required, at the discretion of the Director of Planning, for accessory structures that exceed 25 percent of total square footage of the existing principal structure.
The proposed garage is to be constructed of red brick veneer to be consistent with the neighboring garages. The roof material of the proposed garage will be asphalt shingle to match the existing residence. The garage door facing the alley will be white in color, and the east elevation shows four windows that will match the house. The exterior lighting is proposed facing the principal structure only and not the alley. Exterior lighting shall not exceed 75 watts.
The submitted plans identify the location of the trash enclosure to be next to the proposed detached garage along the east property, setback 3 feet and screened using a cedar fence.
Currently, the HVAC system is located north of the existing deck, and the applicant proposes to relocate the system east of the screened-in porch. The HVAC system will be screened by the proposed cedar privacy fence.
The proposed enclosed porch will be approximately 175 square feet located in the rear of the principal structure and will be constructed of 6x6 treated posts, a metal roof, and be screened with a metal mesh. A walk-out patio is proposed below grade with access from the basement.
The applicant is proposing to convert the area between the garage and principal structure, which current is paved, into approximately 1,500 +/- square feet of green space in the rear yard with landscaping including a garden bed and a variety of trees.
The proposed alterations to the main building include: painting the exterior of the building and trim around the windows an off-white in color, removing a canopy above the front door, and repairing the existing stained-glass windows while adding exterior windows to protect the stained-glass from the elements. The applicant is also proposing new landscaping and a new exposed aggregate sidewalk in the front yard, which will give the building a refreshed appearance
Staff believes that the proposed detached garage and exterior renovations match the architectural details of the existing residence and surrounding properties. Staff is of the opinion that the detail work proposed is compatible with the historic character of the building style. This project meets the height, setbacks, and impervious coverage requirements of the C-2 General Commercial District and Clayton Road Urban Design District.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS TO BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY STAFF PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT:
1. THE APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT A SITE PLAN THAT IDENTIFIES THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT.”
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MIKE KILLEEN (MK) – Architect Heather Perkin (HP) – Owner
MK – Addresses the Board and would like to add to the staff report that the homeowner is really trying to create a space for them to live. They have tried to match the architecture of the current building. Describes why the homeowners are taking the front awning down.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – It looks good and will be more attractive. The home seems very flat without the canopy on the front, but I don’t see any real problem with that though.
Carolyn Gaidis – Asks multiple questions regarding pervious materials and if they were considered.
HP – We’ve talked about stepping stones or a small gravel of some sort. I would prefer greenspace over a sidewalk.
MK – We have brought some materials. *describes them
Chairman Lichtenfeld – There is a metal roof over the screened porch.
MK – Yes, in the rear but we didn’t bring material for that.
HP – We own the property next to this one and we did a very similar remodel there with the same roof type.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – You understand the staff recommendation?
HP – Yes.
RICHARD LINTZ – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION.
GEORGE HETTICH – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
732 FRANCIS PLACE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The subject property is located mid-block on Francis Place. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and is located in the Clayshire Subdivision Urban Design District (UDD).
The project consists of redoing the front porch, changing the white windows to black, replacing the handrails with metal, and reusing the gutters, downspouts, and white Hardie board fascia. Within the rear yard, a new black garage door with frosted glass is proposed along with new black windows, the retaining wall is to remain. On the east and west elevations, new vents are proposed on the home. The applicant is also proposing a new titled window as well as a new egress window from the basement that will be black in color.
4 The proposed renovation of the accent materials will be +/- 2% to the front façade wall cover. The renovations on side of the home depicted by the elevations and application indicate that the accent material will not exceed the required 25% maximum. In the Clayshire Subdivision UDD, many of the single-family homes have variety of windows with accent shutters. The applicant is proposing to maintain the black shutters and replace the windows with Anderson Series 100 that will be metal clad and black in color.
Staff is of opinion that the proposed front porch and window modifications are compatible with the character of the home and the neighborhood.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.”
JIM WERNER (JW) – Architect and homeowner representative
JW – Addresses the Board and adds that there was an existing railing that we would like to replace.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – This will make a major update to the home and a vast improvement – we are happy to see it. Is there an inground pool? I could not see it when I went to look.
JW – Yes.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – You are planning to enclose the porch for a three-season room?
JW – The back porch – it is already a three-season room and it will get insulated windows and HVAC will be added eventually.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – Is the home owner occupied right now?
JW – No, it’s been vacant for years.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – I think it is a great update and that there are other homes that could use this update.
Richard Lintz – The front walk way is being replaced how?
JW – That is phase two.
RICHARD LINTZ – MOTION TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
234 CRANDON DRIVE – SITE PLAN REVIEW – NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “On June 17, 2019, the Plan Commission voted 5 – 0 to approve the site plan for the project, subject to staff conditions (staff conditions were unrelated to the location of the air conditioning units). On June 28, 2019, the City received a letter dated June 27, 2019, from Carl and Gail Lang appealing the decision relating to the location of the air conditioning compressors.
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On October 8, 2019 the Board of Alderman voted to appeal the decision of the Plan Commission in relation to the location of the outdoor air-conditioning units. As a result the applicant is coming back before the Commission to request approval of a Geothermal system.
The 13,297 square foot site is located on the east side of Crandon Drive, between University Drive and Kingsbury Boulevard. 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 demolition of the existing house and the construction of a 5,240 square foot (not including basement) single-family residence. The height of the proposed residence is 29 feet 9 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 Geothermal system located along the northwestern side of the home with the use of the wells. Geothermal systems are maintenance free, so there will be nothing visible from the street.
3. The location, adequacy and screening for trash. >> Trash will be stored in an approximately 40 square foot trash enclosure located east of the garage at the end of the driveway.
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 50 percent for the inclusion of an at-grade, side entry garage. The existing impervious coverage on site is 25.2 percent. The new plans increase the impervious coverage to 40.4 percent. >> Front yard impervious coverage is limited to 30 percent in the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District. The proposed front yard coverage is 19.1 percent.
Stormwater Runoff >> The existing stormwater runoff, according to the MSD 15 year, 20 minute storm calculation is 0.66 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 0.75 CFS, which represents a 0.09 CFS increase. The additional runoff will be piped to a dry well system in the rear yard. The stormwater plan has been reviewed and deemed acceptable.
6 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 an attractive planting design of trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcover. There are four street trees and 18,555 square feet of existing canopy coverage on site with 18,378 square feet being removed. The plan provides a surplus of 77 square feet of canopy coverage and meets the native tree requirement with 46.7 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 along the north side yard. 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.
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 TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION, TO BE REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY STAFF PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT:
1. TO ENSURE THE FUTURE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE DRYWELL, THE APPLICANT SHALL RECORD THE APPROVED SITE PLAN WITH ST. LOUIS COUNTY, AND SUBMIT PROOF OF FILING TO THE CITY.”
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BRUCE KORN (BK) – higgenbothems Construction
BK – Addresses the Board but has nothing to add to the staff report.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – So with the geothermal there is no exterior machinery – it’s all underground or within the home?
BK – Correct
Chairman Lichtenfeld – Would you estimate what the cost differential is to go with geothermal over the conventional system
BK – Geothermal is typically twice as much as a conventual system
Chairman Lichtenfeld – Is there payback to that over time?
BK – The federal Government has tax credits available that change year after year and the amount diminishes.
Chairman Lichtenfeld – What about maintenance for the wells?
BK – It is a closed loop system and are four feet under ground so it’s highly unlikely that there would be any damage that would need fixed.
Robert Denlow – How common is geothermal in this area?
BK – About 80% - it is highly efficient
Robert Denlow – If I were to install this year what would my tax credit be?
BK – I am not an accountant, but I think right now is 26%.
Richard Lintz – The installation is a mess. The drilling is dusty and noisy, which once it’s done it’s done but it’s a mess.
RICHARD LINTZ – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION.
CAROLYN GAIDIS – SECOND
BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES
HAVING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 18:15.
_______________________________ Recording Secretary
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