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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 09.26.2019Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 3 Meeting: September 26, 2019 City of Georgetown, Texas Historic and Architectural Review Commission Minutes September 26, 2019, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Council and Courts Building 510 West 9th Street Georgetown, TX 78626 Members present: Terri Asendorf-Hyde; Lawrence Romero; Josh Schroeder; Steve Johnston; Amanda Parr; Pam Mitchell; Karalei Nunn; Catherine Morales Absent: Art Browner Staff present: Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager; Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst; Britin Bostick, Historic Planner; Sofia Nelson, Planning Director Call to order by the Chair at 6:00 pm. A. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the August 22, 2019 regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. – Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst Motion to approve Item A by Commissioner Johnston. Second by Commissioner Morales. Approved (7-0). B. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the New Construction of a Single-Family Residence at the property located at 907 S Elm, bearing the legal description of Block 27, Lot 6 (NW/PT) & Lot 7 (SW/PT) of the Glasscock Addition (0.07 acres). (2019-57-COA). – Nat Waggoner, AICP, PMP, Long Range Planning Manager Staff report was presented by Waggoner. The applicant is requesting to construct a 1,905 sq. ft. single-family structure on a vacant lot in the Old Town Overlay District. The structure is proposed to have a 5 3/4” Hardieplank lap siding with board and batten at the gabled ends. The applicant has proposed a steep pitched 12/12 cross-gabled roof with a street facing gabled dormer with single hung, divided light windows. The proposed structure meets the dimensional standards of the Unified Development Code (UDC) for the Residential Single- Family (RS) zoning district. The majority of the structures within the block are single story with the exception of two structures within the immediate area which have also incorporated a half story, such as the residences at 901 and 916 S. Elm. Both properties are located on a corner lot, which lessens the impact the 2nd story may have on adjacent, single story structures. The proposed structure is not compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood or District in terms of height, the proportion and the scale of the proposed building, particularly with the inclusion of a full 2nd story. Staff recommends that the applicant and Commission consider modification of the request that reduces the massing and protects the character of the block, which is defined by a majority single story structure. Commissioner Johnston asked what the proposed house will look like, and Waggoner presented the proposed site plan to the Commission. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 3 Meeting: September 26, 2019 Commissioner Romero asked staff what the previous review process was, and Waggoner indicated that the application would not have gone to the Commission and would have been reviewed by the Department. Waggoner also discussed compatibility of setbacks, mass and scale of this project with homes in the area near the property. There was discussion between the Commissioners and staff related to the compatibility of the proposed project to other homes similar in size, as well as with the neighborhood. The Commission proposed a one-story structure, as well as a one and a half story structure as opposed to a two-story structure for the applicant’s consideration. There was also discussion between the Commissioners and staff about the design guidelines and how to properly evaluate the proposed project. The Commissioners discussed other properties surrounding this proposed property as well as homes in the neighborhood, and whether the proposed project is compatible. The applicant, Billy Wehring, addressed the Commission and presented the proposed home design. He discussed the neighborhood impact, and diversity of style this project would provide. He also provided comments from homeowners in the surrounding area to the property in support of the project. Chair Schroeder opened the Public Hearing. The owner, Chance Leigh addressed the Commission. He stated that a one and a half story structure would not sell as there is no demand right now for that; the best option is a two-story home. Commissioner Nunn commented that the project is appropriate for the district. Even though the proposed home is a little bigger than other homes, it would help to make it a vibrant neighborhood and all houses should be considered not just the ones immediately next to this property. Chair Schroeder closed the Public Hearing. Motion by Commissioner Nunn to accept Item B (2019-57-COA) as presented. Second by Commissioner Johnston. Commissioner Romero commented that the two-story home would not be conducive to the area. A one and a half story would be a better fit. Chair Schroeder commented that there are other factors to take into consideration such as finances and the house being able to sell, as that keeps the district alive and thriving. Homeowners next to the property are in favor of the project and no one is at the meeting opposed to the project. Commissioner Parr asked about the option to delay the item to be addressed at a following meeting. Nelson explained that it would need to be addressed by within the next two meetings. Chair Schroeder asked the applicant if he would rather take the item to Council or have it discussed at the next HARC meeting. The applicant would like to take the item to Council. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 3 Meeting: September 26, 2019 Nelson reminded the Commission that a motion was made, and Commissioners need to vote on that motion. Motion to approve Item B (2019-57-COA). Motion approved (4-3) with Commissioners Morales, Romero, and Parr opposed C. Updates, Commissioner Questions and comments. Sofia Nelson, Planning Director Waggoner introduced the new Historic Planner, Britin Bostick. Alternate Commissioner Mitchell commented on the Commission’s vote, and also that she was in favor of the project as well. Nelson let the Commissioners know if there are any questions, the Commission can reach out to staff. She also commented on a survey for a downtown parking garage that will be sent out in October. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Johnston. Second by Commissioner Parr. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 pm. ________________________________ _________________________________ Approved, Josh Schroeder, Chair Attest, Amanda Parr, Secretary