HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 10.28.2021City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
October 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Council and Courts Building
510 West 91h Street Georgetown, TX 78626
Members Present: Terri Hyde; Michael Walton; Lawrence Romero; Steve Johnston; Faustine Curry;
Pamela Mitchell; Robert McCabe; Karalei Nunn
Members Absent: Catherine Morales
Staff present: Britin Bostick, Historic Planner; Mirna Garcia, Program Manager; Nat Waggoner,
Assistant Director
Meeting called to order by Chair Curry at 6:05 pm.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registration form which can be
found at the Board meeting. Clearly print your name, the letter of the item on which you wish to
speak, and present it to the Staff Liaison, preferably prior to the start of the meeting. You will be
called forward to speak when the Board considers that item.
On a subject not posted on the agenda: Persons may add an item to a future Board agenda by
filing a written request with the Staff Liaison no later than one week prior to the Board meeting.
The request must include the speaker's name and the specific topic to be addressed with sufficient
information to inform the board and the public. For Board Liaison contact information, please
logon to http://government.georgetown.org/category/boards-commissions/.
A. At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to address the Board.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2021 regular
meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. - Mirna Garcia, Program
Manager
Motion to approve by Commissioner Romero. Second by Commissioner Hyde. Approved 5-0
with Commissioner Nunn abstained.
C. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
for an 8'-0" setback encroachment into the required 25'-0" street -facing garage setback and a 2'-
6" encroachment into the required 6'-0" side setback for the construction of a detached carport
17-0" from the rear street (west) property line and X-6" from the side (north) property line at
the property located at 1812 Eubank Street, bearing the legal description Lot 6, Block 4, Eubank
Addition. (2021-54-COA) — Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Staff report by Waggoner. The property owner is ready to complete the last structure from the
original plan and is requesting HARC approval of two setback modifications for the
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
construction of a 440 sq. ft. carport accessed from the rear street with two setback modifications
that would allow the carport to be located 17-0" from the rear or west property line and 3'-6"
from the side or north property line. The house remodel and two of the three accessory
structures as well as a swimming pool have been completed, but the carport was not completed
and in the time since the approval was issued the COA and permits have expired.
Chair Curry opened the Public Hearing.
Elaine Sebald,1812 Eubank St, supports the project. She also commented that the structures are
not aligned with the property lines so it is difficult to align with the setbacks.
Chair Curry closed the Public Hearing.
Motion to approve Item C (2021-54-COA) as presented by Commissioner Romero. Second by
Commissioner Hyde. Approved 6-0.
D. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
for: residential infill construction; a 3'-0" setback encroachment into the required 15'-0" side
street setback for the construction of a residential structure 12'-0" from the side street (east)
property line; a 13'-0" setback encroachment into the required 25'-0" street -facing garage
setback for the construction of an attached garage 12'-0" from the side street (east) property line;
a 0.03 floor -to -area ratio (FAR) modification to the 0.45 floor -to -area ratio for the Old Town
Overlay District, to allow a floor -to -area ratio of 0.48 at the property located at 1404 E.
161h Street, bearing the legal description Lot 2A, Block 3, Nolen Addition. (2021-55-COA) — Britin
Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Staff report by Bostick. The applicant is requesting HARC approval of a new two-story, single-
family residence with attached two car garage facing the side street. The proposed design
includes a concrete foundation, typical wood framing, black composition shingle roof, and a
combination of brick and board and batten siding painted a shade of white. The proposed
structure has gable and hip roofs and an asymmetrical facade with a partial second story over
the rear of the structure and above the side -facing garage. The footprint is proposed to be 3,182
sq. ft. with a 783 sq. ft. second floor for a total of 3,965 sq. ft. Since the conceptual review at the
10/14/21 HARC meeting, the applicant has revised the rear 2nd story to step back 3 feet from the
vertical plane of the first -floor facade in order to reduce the overall building height at the rear
(south) elevation and no longer needs a height modification. Included in the request is a setback
modification to allow the structure to be constructed 12'-0" from the side street property line
instead of the required 15'-0" in order to provide a 4'-6" increase in the setback for the side
property line, between the existing single -story structure on the adjacent lot and this proposed
structure. That setback includes the side -facing garage. Based on the lot size of 8,232 sq. ft. the
floor -to -area ratio for the structure is limited to 0.45 or 3,704 sq. ft. The increase in FAR from
0.45 to 0.48 allows for an additional 261 sq. ft. for second floor living area, including a bedroom.
The structure is proposed to be constructed in an area of the Old Town Overlay District with
primarily one-story structures constructed in the Minimal Traditional and Ranch architectural
styles of the postWWII era in which large footprint structures on larger lots were popular for
stylistic and economic reasons. In recent years requests for residential infill structures in the Old
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
Town Overlay District have been for two-story structures with either full or partial second
floors. The proposed structure has brick and board and batten siding, as well as gable and hip
asphalt shingle roofs. The windows are vertically oriented 1/1 windows with a few fixed pane
accent windows. The style is compatible with surrounding structures, and the second -floor
facade is set back from the vertical plane of the first -floor facades along the right (east) elevation
with a minimal height and roof style and slope that help reduce the visual impact of a second
floor. At the rear, the second floor is also setback from the vertical plane of the firstfloor facade
in order to reduce the overall building height at the rear (south) elevation. The setback
modifications along the east property line help place the structure on the site with more space
between it and the adjacent single -story structure to the west, and although the side street
setback would be 12'- 0", the distance to the curb would be approximately 18'. The FAR
modification does not significantly increase the size of the second floor.
Chair Curry opened the Public Hearing.
Matthew Dula,1408 E 151h Street, is against the project as it does not meet the neighborhood
plan. This is a very small lot with a very big house, it does not fit with the neighborhood. This is
not a good design for the neighborhood.
David Scott,1502 E 161h St., not opposed to the house being built but would like something that
fits with the neighborhood. Scott asked if all the trees will be cut down when the house is built.
Katherine Dalton,1501 E 171h St., commented that the mass and scale of the new building should
work with the existing buildings, and should maintain similar setbacks and does not feel
changes are adequate to fit in with neighborhood.
Mark Swain,1405 E 171h St., also commented on the size of the home compared to the size of the
lot. He is also concerned with rainwater coming off this property and onto his and commented
on drainage issues.
Scott Smith,1402 E 161h St., is opposed to the project. He feels everyone should follow code and
abide by the guidelines. He is also concerned with the precedent of allowing a two-story house
in a one-story house neighborhood. He purchased his house because of the look and feel, and
this house would change the look and feel. He is also concerned with lack of privacy onto his
property.
Chair Curry closed the Public Hearing.
The applicant addressed the Commission and answered the questions by the public speakers.
There is one tree in a corner that he would like to get rid of because it may not be safe over time
and may fall over. The applicant commented that he would like to change the project and make
the home a one-story instead of a two-story home. He agrees with the public speakers in that
the original design is not suited for the neighborhood. The applicant would like to eliminate the
second floor.
Chair Curry asked staff for guidance on the next steps considering the applicant's change of
plans.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
Bostick explained the Commission can approve or postpone decision for a later meeting and
allow the applicant more time to provide more information regarding the changes.
Motion to postpone the item by Commissioner Nunn. Second by Commissioner Romero.
Commissioner Walton asked if withdrawal is an option. Bostick explained it is possible but
something the applicant would need to submit in writing.
Commissioner Walton made an amendment to the motion to postpone the item to the
November 11 meeting. Second by Romero. Amendment approved 6-0.
Motion to postpone the item to the November 11 meeting passes 6-0.
E. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
for an addition that adds to, or creates a new street facing fagade and a 15'-0" setback
encroachment into the required 25'-0" street -facing garage setback for the construction of an
attached carport 10'-0" from the side street (east) property line; at the property located at 316 E.
711i Street, bearing the legal description Lots 1 & 2, Block 17, Glasscock Addition. (2021-56-COA)
— Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Commissioner Hyde left the meeting at 7:02pm
Staff report by Bostick. The property has a historic I -House constructed pre-1886 with several
later additions, including an Italianate-style projecting window and rear additions that include
a one-story connector and two-story garage attached and to the rear of the historic main
structure, which was constructed in 1984. The original house appears to have been constructed
by Sampson and Lillie Connell as early as 1880, which they called their homestead in 1892. The
applicant is requesting HARC approval of a roof extension to the front of the side -facing garage,
which is attached to the main structure within a two-story later addition. The roof extension or
carport would provide additional cover for vehicles parked in the driveway and would be just
over 10' deep and the width of the existing garage, for a total size of about 385 sq. ft. The
applicant would like to have additional cover from the weather for entering and exiting vehicles
parked in the driveway. The proposed carport addition complies with the applicable Design
Guidelines and criteria for a setback modification and has minimal visibility from the primary
fagade of the historic structure. Street -facing garages on the same block and facing block have a
similar setback encroachment as that requested, and the style of the addition has a simple roof
and column design that takes inspiration from the historic details and can be easily removed in
the future.
Chair Curry opened the Public Hearing.
Robert Case, 402 E 81h Street, disagrees with staff. The garage doors are functional and can be
changed to be a garage. He is strongly opposed adding the structure to the house.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 4 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
Jennifer Powell, 401 E 81h Street, is concerned with elevation of proposed carport, and it
resembles a commercial carport.
Chair Curry closed the Public Hearing.
The applicant addressed the Commission. One of the parking spots in the garage belongs to the
tenant in the upstairs apartment.
Motion to deny the project by Commissioner Romero. Second by Commissioner Walton.
Commissioner Romero explained his reason for denial. He has seen the doors open before, and
also this is a high priority structure. Expanding the roofline will take away from the priority of
the house.
Commissioner Nunn is in favor of allowing the project to happen.
Motion to deny fails, 3-2 with Commissioner Curry, Nunn and Johnston opposed.
Motion to approve as presented by Commissioner Nunn. Second by Commissioner Johnston.
Motion passes 3-2 with Commissioner Walton and Romero opposed.
F. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
for replacing a historic architectural feature with a non -historic architectural feature at the
property located at 807 S. College Street, bearing the legal description 0.280 acre in Block A,
Clamp's Revised Addition. (2021-58-COA) — Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Staff report by Bostick. The subject property has a Craftsman bungalow style structure
constructed c. 1925 and still retains the original porch deck, although the porch steps have been
replaced alternately with concrete and wood. The applicant is requesting HARC approval to
replace the historic wood porch with a new wood porch and to add new wood steps. The new
deck is proposed to be tongue -in -groove boards similar to the existing, with two sets of steps,
one to the front and one to the side. The steps are proposed to be constructed from pressure
treated wood. The porch foundation and steps have deteriorated and need replacement to
correct deterioration and uneven walking surfaces.
Chair Curry opened the Public Hearing.
Jennifer Powell, 401 E 81h Street, commented that construction has already begun prior to
coming to the Commission. They have begun many projects prior to HARC approval. She is
concerned with this company being managed in a neighborhood where home owners manage
their homes differently. She also asked why the garage work is not included in the HARC
request.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 5 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
Chair Curry closed the Public Hearing.
Motion to approve by Commissioner Nunn. Second by Commissioner Johnston. Motion
passes 3-2 with Commissioner Walton and Romero opposed.
G. Conceptual Review of a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for an addition
that creates a new, or adds to an existing street facing fagade, the addition of a porch, patio or
deck, a 0.6' encroachment into the required 20'-0" front setback to allow a living space addition
19.4' from the front (west) property line, and a 8.6' encroachment into the required 20'-0" front
setback to allow a porch addition 11.4' from the front (west) property line at the property
located at 1801 Eubank Street, bearing the legal description Lot 8, Block 5, Eubank Addition.
(2021-59-COA) — Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner
Staff report by Bostick. The applicant is requesting HARC approval of a front porch addition
that would be 8' deep and extend the width of the residence, which is approximately 30'. The
existing front porch would be filled in to create additional living space, with the existing wood
windows moved to the new exterior wall and the front door centered in the new fagade rather
than facing the side. The new porch would have a shed roof with a 3:12 slope and use standing
seam metal for the roof material. The new porch posts would have brackets to support the _roof.
The shutters and planter boxes under the windows are not historic and were added after 1984
and are proposed to be replaced with new shutters.
The applicant is also requesting HARC approval of a rear addition 14' deep and the width of
the structure, with the rear windows and door to be moved to the new rear fagade. The non -
historic carports are proposed to be removed and a 20' breezeway is proposed to be constructed
between the rear of the house and the existing garage. A small porch with standing seam shed
roof would be part of the rear addition. As the proposed project includes additions to the front
and rear of the structure and the current siding is vinyl, the applicant proposes to replace the
vinyl siding with lapped fiber cement siding with a 7" reveal. Both the front and rear additions
would retain the existing roof form and pitch. The proposed living space additions total
approximately 510 sq. ft., and the proposed porch is approximately 240 sq. ft.
Commissioners provided Bostick feedback.
H. Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments. — Sofia Nelson, Planning Director
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Romero. Second by Commissioner Johnston Approved 5-0.
Adjourned at 749p.m.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 6 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021
�7fw
Appro ed Chair Attest, Terri Asendorf-Hyde,Sec'retary
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 7 of 7
Meeting: October 28, 2021