HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_12.11.2014City of George town, Texas
I listoric and Architectural Review Commission Workshop
mi'llutes
Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 6:00 prn,
Council and Courts Builditig
101 E, 711, Street, Georestow n, TX 78626
Members present: Nancy Knight, Acting Chair; Jennifer Brown;Ty Gipson; David Paul and Mary Jo
Winder,
C(I'mituissioners in'Training present: Rodoffo Martinez, Barbara Price
Commissioners absent: Anna Eby and Richard Mee
Staff present/ Matt Synatsclik, Historic planner, Andrerna Davila, Project Coordinator; Jackson Daly,
Executive Assistant; and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary.
A. Call to Order by Knight at 60 p,rn, with the reading of the meet4i.g procedures,
The Historic and Architectural Review Commission (FIARC), appoioted by the Mayor and the
City Council, is responsible for hearing ") and taking final action on Certificates of Design
Compliance applications based upon the City Council adopted Downtown and 01dTown Design
Guidelines and Unified T)evelopiiient Code.The Commission may, at any time, recess the Regular
SSession to convene Ceti Executive Session at the request of the Chair, a Comrtrissioner, the Director
or legal counscl for arry purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code
Chapter 551,
Awmmdme—s,
Staff Presentation
Applicant Press ntation (Limited to to minutes unless stated otherwise by the (-'orninission)
Questions from Commission to Staff and Applicant
Comments froni Citizens*
Applicant Response
Conirnission Deliberative Process
Commission Action
Legislative Regular Agenda
B, Discussion and possible action to approve the minutes frorn the October 23, 2014 rt!gular meeling,
Motion by Paul, second by Winder to approve thennnutes as presented. Approved 5 — 0.
The Reins below are listed in agenda onler, but the c'eises rind fictioris Torre taken in this order: D., G, C, H
and 1,
C, Public 1-tearing and possible action on as reqrtest for a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) for
infill coristrixtion for the property located at 913 Walnut Street hearing the legal description of
Din-inlit Addition, Block 90 (1-7), 0.1652 acres.
Synatschk presented the staff report, The applicant proposes to construct a 677 square foot accessory
structure, replacinga previous structure, The proposed two story accessory structure includes a 432
square foot garaf,,c on the first floor, with as 245 square foot play room on the second floor, The
Historic and AichOtxtural Pa'I of 6
moedngDe'cembc'Cl 6, 2014
property is used as as residence and currently, includes only the main dwelline
F`er UDC Section 4,09.020 J31, a Certificate of Design Compliance is required for "Construction of
Single-family or'Two-fanrily Residential structure or addition that exceeds the limitations of Section
4M9MO.13.
The applicant wishes to construct the structure within the setback, requiring a CDC to exceed Section
4,09,030.13,2: "Upper stories of single-family and two-family structures within the Old 'town Overlay
District are subject to as 10 foot side setback and a 15 foot rear setback, However, HARC rnay approve
as CDC, in accordance with theadopted Design GUidefines, to allow the utilization of the setback
requireinents for the underlying zon[i ig district,"
HARC' may allow the reduction in the overlay district setback requirements based upon the criteria
established in the M"IT'he proposed strUcture replaces a previous structure demolislied within fl-te
last year. Allowing the property owner to build to the required setbacks for the underlying RS coning
district will not have an adverse effect on surrounding properties and allows the applicant to utilize
their property,
The proposed project reClUires approval by thel listoric andArchitecturat Review Corntnission and
the Zoning Board of Adjustment prior to initiating construction. Case # SE-2014-004 was presented to
the ZBA on October 21, 2014 and failed to receive the required 75',/,,) rntforj ty for approv a I The
applicant hie; requested the ZBA reconsider the case based t.ipon nc,,w information.
`rhe applicant requires HARC approval for the
he use of the underlying 16 zoning district setbacks and
will return to ZBA cane Dec ernber 16, 2014 to review the underlying setbacks, Bassed on the fiticlings of
fact, and that the design of the new structUre Meetthe Design GUidelines, staff recornmends
approval.
Knight questioned the process of HARC making as rLding prior to Z13A giving any approvals on the
setbacks. Synatschk explained that HARC was n-verely reviewing the second floor setback
requirement, not the entire structure. The decision for the second floor setback was to be made
regardless of the location of the first floor setback.
Knight opened the Public Hearing and with no one comin fort1l, closed it,
There was discussion array onp , the Commissioners about the height of the structure and the
compatibility of other buildings like this in the neighborhood, 'nrere was further discussion (.,)f [lie
content and focus of the action to be taken,
Motion by Brown to approve the CDC-2014-039 as presented, Second by Gipson. Approved 4 — 1
(Knight opposed)
1), Public Hearingand possible action on a request fora Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) forrt
residential addition and infill Construction for the property located at 211 West 11th Street bearing
the legal descriptiom of Lost Addition, Block 64 (11r), 0.12acres.
Knight recused herself for this itern, statinga cunflict of interest, Gipson stepped in as temporary
Chair. Synatschk presented the staff report, The applicant proposes multiple changes to the Low
Priority struct-ure located at 211 West 11 th S3treet.The structure's previous owner received a
Certificate of Design Compliance for exterior alterations in 2006, wtuchincluded the addition of a
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WotirtgDet:,,embor fl, 2014
second floor and an addition to the rear of the struCtUre. The. approved or was partially completed,
and the structure has remained in a paTtial state of construction since that fire e.The current owner
seeks a CDC to complete the construction, replace the addition to the northeast corner of the
structure, and construct as new accessory building. "I"he subject property currently lacks a driveway
and approved parking area. The project requires the installation of as driveway to comply with
current development codes,
The applicant vvas available for questions, Winder asked if the applicant knew what was origimal to
the house. The applicant stated it was hard to say since the house had remained incomplete for So
many years. He felt like the sunbursts on the dormers were part of the addition done at a later time,
It was also discussed that the storie fireplace did not seern to b -0, original,
Gipson operied the Public Hearing and with nospeakers corning forth closed the Public 1-1caring.
Winder was concerned about what was original versus what was added later but reasoned that the
proposed addition is cornpatible to the house and the neighborhood,
Motion by Winder to approve CDC- 2014-043 as proposed with condition that the accessory
structure is approved contingent on the Zoning Board of Adjustments ruling of approval. Second
by Paul, Approved, 4 — 0.
Knif,,ht came back to the dais.
E. Public f-learing and possible action on a request for as Certificate of Design Conipliarwe (CDC) ,(or
exterior alterations and addition for the property located at 1804 Ash Street, bearing the legal
description of Hughes Addition, Bloc k'15 (NE/1"I'), 0,33 acres.
Synatschk presented the staffreport, The applicant requests, as Certificate of Design Compliance for
substantial alterations to the unlisted historic structures located at 1804 South Ash Street. Although
not listed on the historic resource survey, the Williarnson County Appraisal District sets the effective
date for construction at 1958. The alterations include removal of the existing porchand installation of
a new porch, now paint and exterior finishes for the structures,
" Me proposed porch does not reflect the design of the structure and creates a sense of false history for
the property. In addition, they two structures that comprise the property were built as individual
structures and later connected with a carport. Maintaining the individual character of the two
structures is important to preserve flic historic integrity of the site, The cast concrete construction of
the sn-taller structure is unique to Georgetown, representing a construction tvpe not duplicated
aniong the other historic resources of the community. Loss of the, construction type would rregativety
inipact the it'idividual property and the historic district overall.
I IARC provided direction to the applicant dUtingy as conceptual review at the September 25, 2014
meeting ,,, The Corninissioners requested a ort',ve simplified design for the porch and additional
erriphasis placed upon the one story structure, duce to its unique design characteristic,$.
Painting masonry structures is only appropriate if ffrt,� masonry was previously painted.The two
structures are Currently in their historic state, and should re rnain unpainted, Mortar arid masonry
materialsare susceptible to fUtLll'(,r moisture darnage and deterioration if painted, and should be left
in their original condition, The applicant did riot provide any it regarding a structural need
for paintitig the Structures,
fijslwicjnd Architecfiwal Roviow GIMMPI140�1 Page 3 of 6
Mc,etbif,Occrember 11, 2014
The proposed changes conflict with the design guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior Standards
for Rehabilitation by adding conjectural features and significantly altering the historic appearance of
the propertyStaff recotrimends denial of the proposed project and reqUt-=SIS 01M the applicant be
directed to discuss the project further with staff.
The applicant, Cathy Miller, explained the application in her words,
Commissioners asked questions regarding the application. They agreed that tire property could be
made to look much better, but did not want the applicant to change the historic structure, There was
as debate over the appropriateness of painting of the concret(,'� structure, Matt explained that the
concrete structure is not listed on the survey, although the house was listed a built in 1958. 'I'liere
have been no permits for the concrete structure. Knight felt like the structures could only be
improved, iha( tt"tere was not a reason to try to protect any historical aspects that have al'ea d.y been
destroyed,
Winder stated she has no issue with the rnoclifications aod paint for the house, but the concrete
structure is extraordinary and she felt like it should be studied more and not painted. She suggested
painfing only the trues of the carport and concrete structure to make them more compatible, instead of
painting them all one color,
Knight operved the Public Hearing and with no one coming forth, closed it,
Motion by Paul to return the CDC-20141-0ca staff for clarification and discussion, No seeond, this
motion died,
Andreina Davila explained that FIARCcan only approve the application, deny the application, or
approve the application with conditions.
Motion by Paul to deny the application and bring it back to HARC with as better plan, No second,
this tnotion died,
Motion by Gipson to approve CDC-2014-045 as submitted with the condition that the concrete
structure not be painted. Second by Paul. Approved 4 — 1. (opposed by Knight)
F, Public Hearing and possible action on as request for a Certificate of Design Cornpliance (CDC) for
relocation of the structure located at 214 West 3rd Street bearing the legal description of City of
Georf;etown, Block 14, Lot 7 (N/PT), 8 (w/p,r),
Synatschk presented the staff report, The property owner wishes to relocate the Medium priority
structure located at 214 West ward Street outside of the city limits of the Cipof Georgetown. The
Gone.* r intends to construct as building more compatible with the district in the future.
'rhe applicant proposes relocation of the structure to as company in Liberty I lilt, with the final location
unknown at this time. Although the structure will be saved, the approval results in the loss of as
historic resource for Georgetown,The applicant met with staff on October 29, 2014, prior to
submitting the final applicalion. Staff discussed the possibility of requiring notice posted in the local
paper and other methods fora mininium period of 60 days to allow time for an interested buyer to
relocate the property within the city limits. The ad was posted on Craig's List on October 30 and will
satisfy the proposed 60 day notice requirement on December 31, 2014
Much of the context of the northwest corner of the Downtown Overlay District has been
c.(,unpromised by new develop-n-tent, including the Williamson Cotinty Justice Center and detention
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Nlv,�tmg: Neember 11, 014
fa,wijities. 'rhe resulting loss of residential context supports the request to relocate the residential
structure f(.)r fLItUrL' COMTTICrcial development. Any future developnient of the subject site will require
review by city staff and the I listoric and Architechiral Review Commission for compliance with the
Unified Development Code and the Downtown and Old'Fown Design Guidelines.
After asking for questions froin the Commissioners, Knight opened the Public Hearing , and wifli no
speakers coming forth, closed it, I(rught also suggested that the El"I be added to file UDC as a
possible relocation site so that historic structures might stay closer,
Motion by Knight to approve CDC-2014-046 based upon the findings that the structureis no
longer compatible with the context of the historic district and the future development will be more
compatible with the historic overlay district. The applicant is required to post the structure� for sale
until December 31, 2014 to encourage relocation within the City of Georgetown. Second by Paul.
Approved 5 - 0.
G. PUblic Hearing and possible action on as request for as Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) for
exterior alterations and signage for the praperty located at 212 West 7th Street, hearing the le gal
dcscription of City of Georgetown, Block 41, Lot 2-3 (PTS), 0.17 acres.
Cipson recused himself frorn the clais, stating a conflict of interest, Synatschk presented the staff
report, The applicant is proposing one exterior change to the Low priority structure anti new
Fusin esssignage, The exterior afteration, installation of a new is is required to provide secondary
egress in case of an emergency.This alteration is necessary to protect the occupants, The door is
proposed for installation in the west wall of the structure, which is a secondary faqa(le, Staff reqUeStS
that the HARC require the exterior of the door be painted to match the building, limiting the visual
hTipact upon the structure.The applicant will also construct a raolp to address AD A accessibility due
to the exterior grade change.
The proposed sig-nage is appropriate for the structure, including, size, materials and placement within
the delineated sign fries ze,'I'he interior changesnand placement of the new I'IVAC will be reviewed by
staff for compliance with the UDC and all applicable building codes. 'I'lie applicant was available for
questions.
Knight openect the Public I learing and with no one coming forth, closed the I fearing,
Knight started the connnents and stated she did not like the door stylc and plan ernent, David
Andrews, representing, Chris and Becca Graves, explained that the door was placed in that location
because there were exterior panels on the outside of the bUilding and the interior of the building was
laid out so that the only way ofegress was through the hall that was located there. There seemed to
be no other solution for placement and the fire code reqUireS an egress for that side of the buildm&
Knight stated she did net think the signage, plastic with beat kht l,,ED fighting, met the Design
Guidelines, sections 97 and 9.2, Synatschk explained the plastic sign could be considered as an
exception. Winder stated she felt the door and the signage nret the Guidelines,
Motion by Winder to approve CDC -27014-047 as submitted. Second by Brown. Amended by Paul
to include that the exterior door should be painted to match the exterior structure as recommended
by staff. Second by Knight. Amendment approved 4 - 0. Motion approved 4 - 0.
Gipson carnet back to the dais:
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kleefii)& Dvcemborll,2014
I-L t cr I.,fiO r ,),o( cornments frorn Commissioners inTraining, There were no comments,
Staff up atefarad reminder of future meetings. The next a aetrot will be possibly Sign
Subcommittee meeting on January 1311, and a regular HARC meeting on January 22,,d at 6:00 p.m.
Motion by Knight to adjourn, warn by Mee, The
Approved, Nara" Knight, Acting hair
I h-siuric and Architectural Review Coaa misiio
r,.
Attest, [a`nni ?r Chi" Nyn
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