August 19, 2019 — Meeting Minutes

CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 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, Ron Reim, Robert Denlow, and George Hettich answered roll call.

Absent: Interim City Manager Janet Watson, Aldermanic Representative Richard Lintz, Carolyn Gaidis

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

Stephanie Karr, City Attorney Susan M. Istenes, AIPC, Planning Director Scott Dedert

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

The minutes of the regular meeting of July 15, 2019, and August 5, 2019, were approved with a minor amendment to July 15, 2019 on page 4, “may” was corrected to “many”.

RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE BOTH MINUTES WITH THE CORRECTION.

ROBERT DENLOW – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES THE MINUTES

2 NEW BUSINESS

8129 PERSHING AVENUE – SITE PLAN REVIEW – NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The 6,000 square foot site is located on the north side of Pershing Avenue, between North Forsyth Boulevard and North Brentwood 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 3,460 square foot single-family residence. The height of the proposed residence is 28 feet 3/8 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 along the northern elevation on the rear wall of the proposed detached garage with 6 evergreen shrubs surrounding them. There is an existing fence located on the neighboring property to the north that will provide screening to the north, provided it remains in place.

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 55 percent for the inclusion of a rear entry detached garage. The existing impervious coverage on site is 41.7 percent. The new plans increase the impervious coverage to 54.7 percent. >> Front yard impervious coverage is limited to 30 percent in the Clayton Gardens Urban Design District. The proposed front yard coverage is 20.4 percent.

Stormwater Runoff >> The existing stormwater runoff, according to the MSD 15-year, 20-minute storm calculation is 0.34 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 0.38 CFS, which represents a 0.04 CFS increase. The additional runoff will be piped to a dry well system in the front yard. The stormwater

3 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 an attractive planting design of trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcover. The tree chart indicates that there is 3,250 square feet of proposed canopy coverage. The canopy coverage requirement is 2,760 square feet; therefore, the proposed canopy coverage is in excess of the minimum requirement by 490 square feet. The plan provides meets the native tree requirement with 36.4 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 northwest corner of the rear 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 the front entry door. All exterior lights shall 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 CONDITIONS:

1. TO ENSURE THE FUTURE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF THE DRY WELL, THE APPLICANT SHALL RECORD THE APPROVED SITE PLAN WITH ST. LOUIS COUNTY, AND SUBMIT PROOF OF RECORDING TO THE CITY PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT. AND

1. SHOULD THE NEIGHBORING FENCE TO THE NORTH BE REMOVED AND NOT REPLACED, THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE OPAQUE SCREENING IN THE FORM OF ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING OR A FENCE, AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS.”

DON FLOWER (DF) – Chesterfield Address

DF – We’ve worked hard on this project. It’s out first project in Clayton so we’ve worked directly with the City to make sure this home is good for Clayton. I’ve spoke to the neighbors also and they are happy with the arrangements and the home.

Chairman Lichtenfeld – This is one of the smallest single family lots in the City. Yours is 6,000 square feet and it think Clayton has a 7,500 minimum now. But you made it work! I was concerned that the home would look very large compared to the older homes in the neighborhood but it looks nice.

RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH THE STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS

ROBERT DENLOW – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES

8129 PERSHING AVENUE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE

The homes located along Pershing Avenue are predominately two-story. The basic massing of the proposed two- story home is articulated on all sides with windows, doors, variations in material and wall offsets. The proposed massing is like other homes in the area.

The home to the west (8133 Pershing Avenue) was constructed in 1938 and is +/- 2 feet shorter than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The existing home to the east (8125 Pershing Avenue) was constructed in 1939 and is +/- 4 feet 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. To mitigate the height difference to the west, the proposed home is 6 feet narrower than the existing homes to the east and west, and the left side setback is 6 feet. The setback on the east side is 11.56 feet; 6 feet wider than the minimum required 5 feet. The proposed plan utilizes a hip roof on the main structure to slope away from the east and west homes. Additionally, the roof is blended with the steeper “salt box” gable of the west neighbor and the plate height was lowered below the gutter

5 line of the east neighbor. Smaller gables, the utilization of a half story over the stairs and soft roof pitches serve to lower the appearance and blend in with the east/west structures.

The immediate area of Clayton Gardens surrounding the subject property features a variety of building materials including red brick, painted brick and siding. The proposed house features a primary building material of white brick with grey undertones. Limestone and brick surrounds are used over the windows and doors. Aux Vase Buff is a natural stone that has a creamy gray color and it will be used around the windows. The second-floor bay window casing is made of MiraTEC composite boards that will be painted a dark grey to match the window and door casing. The top of the second-floor bay window is a bronze metal roof. The front balconies will be steel, also painted in dark grey. Both west facing bay windows are Hardie lap panels and MiraTEC casing that will be painted dark grey. The rear elevation feature Hardie lap siding, painted dark grey and is featured on +/22 percent of the second story, which is below the maximum allowable 25 percent in the design district. Staff believes the proposed design and materials are compatible with the neighborhood character.

A 9-foot-wide stamped concrete driveway is proposed on the east side of the home that leads to an at-grade detached garage in the rear of the property, with a double door carriage style garage door. The driveway features 3, 3-foot x 11-foot strip planters 2.5 feet apart in the middle of the driveway setback behind the front building line by approximately 5 feet. They will be planted with Ajuga reptans which is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features dark green, shiny leave. There is a six-foot-tall wood trash enclosure on the east elevation adjacent to the garage. There are two air conditioning units located on the north side of the detached garage which will be screened by six evergreen shrubs and an existing fence located on the neighboring property to the north.

On the west side of the home, the applicant proposes to add a 6-foot-high by 6-foot-long piece of cedar board fence to match the neighbor’s existing fence. The west side neighbors fence extends to the rear and intersects with an existing 6-foot fence across the north (rear) neighbor’s property line eastward to where it intersects with an iron fence on the east neighbor’s side property line. The east side neighbor plans to replace their fence with a board fence when the proposed project is completed. The proposed trash enclosure completes the fencing of the rear yard. There is a 42-inch bronze fence from the proposed garage to the veranda to enclose a small pet area in the rear yard.

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 TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS TO BE REVIEWED UNDER THE BUILDING PERMIT SUBMISSION: 1. SHOULD THE NEIGHBORING FENCE TO THE NORTH BE REMOVED AND NOT REPLACED, THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE OPAQUE SCREENING IN THE FORM OF ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING OF A FENCE, AROUND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS.”

DON FLOWER (DF) – Chesterfield Address

DF – Kept to color soft to match what is on the street currently. It’s a little bit of the off color and gloss. I brought samples. *Explains samples and what they will be used for in the design.*

Chairman Lichtenfeld – I like the house. I hope it will set an example for future development in this area. You brought detail to the home that the other homes that were build in the 50s don’t have. I’m very comfortable with it.

Robert Denlow and George Hettich – Both agree it’s a good home

RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION

GEORGE HETTICH – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES

950 FRANCIS PLACE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – SPECIAL ANTENNA

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “Consideration of a request by Megan Flower, an agent on behalf of AT&T, for the review of the design and materials associated with the construction of telecommunications antennas on a building rooftop. Article XXVI of the Zoning Regulations require Architectural Review Board approval of new telecommunications antenna applications which create a visible change to the property. As part of the proposal, the applicant will upgrade some existing AT&T antennas and equipment and install one new antenna.

The 950 Francis Place building currently contains several antennas from multiple carriers. AT&T has four antennas behind a stealth screen system. The applicant is proposing to remove an existing antenna and replace it with a larger antenna. The existing screen system is located in the middle of the southern half of the building roof. The applicant proposes to use new equipment that will extend three (3) feet higher than the building height, and the equipment will blend in with existing brick façade with a neutral brown.

The proposed location and design of the additional antenna is consistent with existing antennas. The proposed antenna location is setback from the edge of the roof, screening the antenna from view at street level. Currently, there are three existing antennas, one of which stands out with a white. It is staff’s recommendation that the white antenna be changed to match the existing neutral brown to help camouflage the proposed equipment.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:

1. THE APPLICANT SHALL PAIN THE EXISTING WHITE ANTENNA TO A NEUTRAL BROWN.”

MEGAN FLOWER (MF) – Wentzville Address

MF – Notes the antennas are for T-Mobile and apologizes for filling out the application with AT&T and that the plans say T-Mobile. We notified T-Mobile to paint the antenna.

Chairman Lichtenfeld – Do you understand the staff recommendation?

MF – Yes

RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE WITH STAFF RECOMMENDATION

ROBERT DENLOW – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES

73 CRESTWOOD DRIVE – ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD – EXTERIOR ALTERATION/RENOVATION

Director Susan M. Istenes summarizes the following staff report: “The applicant came before the Architectural Review Board on July 15, 2019, was approved for a front yard fence, and is now coming back with a request for the same fence to be located along Clayton Road.

The approximately 17,634.2 square foot site is located at the northwest corner of the Crestwood Drive along Clayton Road in the Claverach Park Subdivision. The property has a zoning designation of R-2 Single Family Dwelling District. The proposed project consists of the construction of a 6-foot high wood privacy fence along the southern property line extending the length of the property along Clayton Road.

Section 405.1900 of the Zoning Regulations requires that all fences 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.”

Historically, the Architectural Review Board has considered requests for front yard fences that are not in conformance with the zoning requirements. For instance, 6-foot-tall ornamental or decorative fences (not solid wood, chain link or vinyl) have been approved on secondary front yards of corner lots when a sufficient landscape buffer is provided along the street and the fence style and location is consistent with neighborhood character.

The proposed design and materials of the fence are not consistent with the Architectural Review Board’s preference for ornamental or decorative fencing in front yards; however, the proposed fence is consistent with other fences along this area of Clayton Road. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed fence is compatible with neighborhood character.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION IS TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED.” RON REIM – NOTES THAT LAST TIME HE RECUSED HIMSELF BECAUSE KERRY IS HIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR, HOWEVER, WITH THE LACK OF QUORUM IF HE RECUSES HIMSELF AND AFTER DISCUSSION WITH STEPHANIE KARR, THERE IS NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR FINANCIAL GAIN IN VOTING ON THE FENCE.

KERRY VETTER (KV) – OWNER

KV – After coming here last month I realized I wanted to extend my fence along Clayton Road.

Chairman Lichtenfeld – Would the fence be inside or outside the shrubbery?

KV – On the street side of the shrubbery.

Chairman Lichtenfeld – We would recommend you do something similar to what your neighbor on the east has, to help soften the fence.

RON REIM – MOTION TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED WITH THE OPTION TO THE SECTION OF THE FENCE THAT RUNS NORTH TOWARDS THE HOUSE TO STEP DOWN OR REMAINS AT 6’ AND THE SUGGESTION TO PLANT LANDSCAPE ALONG CLAYTON ROAD.

ROBERT DENLOW – SECOND

BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES

HAVING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:30 (18:30).

_______________________________ Recording Secretary

Document

August 19, 2019 — Meeting Minutes