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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 07.13.2023Minutes of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission City of Georgetown, Texas Thursday, July 13, 2023 The Georgetown Historic and Architectural Review Commission met on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W 9th Street. The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's Office, at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 808 Martin Luther King, Jr Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. The following Members were in attendance: Present were: Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin, Lawrence Romero 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 on the table at the entrance to the meeting room. Clearly print your name and the letter of the item on which you wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the meeting. You will be called forward to speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the meeting being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted time to speak. No more than six minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor granting time to another speaker must also submit a form and be present at the meeting. On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission Liaison prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to address the Board or Commission members. No action can be taken. 1. Regular Session 1.A Meeting Minutes Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the June 22nd, 2022 regular Historic and Architectural Review Commission meeting -- Jessica Lemanski, Planning Specialist Moved by Lawrence Romero; seconded by Linda C Burns to Approve the minutes from the June 22nd, 2023 meeting. Motion Approved: 4- 0 Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin Voting Against: None 1.B 2023-19-COA (1310 Olive Street) Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a new fence that is inconsistent with the overlay district's characteristics and applicable guidelines for the property located at 1310 Olive Street, bearing the legal description of .66 acres out of the (S/PT) of Block 32, Snyder Addition. (2023-19-COA) — Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report. Gary Thompson, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and spoke to his desire to upkeep the standards in the neighborhood, and apologized for his failure to get the proper permits for the work done. Thompson noted that there is some confusion between the UDC and Old Town Design Guidelines regarding two front yard setbacks. Thompson noted that the materials proposed are meant to resemble painted wood and are resistant to rotting. Thompson spoke to the history of the house and emphasized that his chosen materials are intended to resemble historic materials with the longevity of modern materials. Commissioner Burns agreed that there is confusion between the UDC and Design Guidelines. Chair Walton asked for clarification on the placement of the garage structure and the proposed fence. Discussion on placement of the carport and proposed fence, as well as how setbacks are measured. Setbacks are measured from the property line. Janet Thompson, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and noted that they are replacing a chain link fence, and the chosen materials are intended to require less maintenance than real wood. Discussion on approved materials in the Design Guidelines. Commissioner Martin commented that taller fence requests are becoming more common, and he is concerned about the consequences of allowing fences that do not meet the guidelines. Thompson noted that Maple Street has become a busy road. Thompson commented that he understands the front yard rules, but noted that the portion of his property facing Maple Street functionally serves as his backyard, and a front yard setback would take away a portion of his backyard space. Discussion on front and rear setback measurements. Discussion on sidewalk requirements. Sofia Nelson, Planning Director noted that due to the unique circumstances of this property, the lot's relationship to Maple Street necessitates a front yard setback unless otherwise approved by HARC. Chair Walton asked what the width of a standard sidewalk would be for residential zones. Nelson explained that the UDC standard is a 6 foot sidewalk, but 4 foot sidewalks are more commonly seen in Old Town. Any new sidewalks constructed would need to be 6 feet. Commissioner Lawrence noted that the sight triangle for those driving on Maple Street is a concern. Chair Walton opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth. Chair Walton asked the Applicant if any of the standards that do not comply with the guidelines can be addressed. Thompson commented that the vinyl material chosen was carefully selected, and he is concerned that he is being asked to comply with front yard setbacks on Maple Street, noting that there are not many homes in Old Town that would comply with that. Thompson also noted that a 50% opacity would defeat the purpose of a privacy fence. Discussion on setback requirements and interpretations. Moved by Lawrence Romero; seconded by Linda C Burns to Deny as presented. Motion Approved: 4- 0 Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin Voting Against: None 1.0 2023-24-COA (1006 S. Church Street) Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a new fence that is inconsistent with the overlay district's characteristics and applicable guidelines for the property located at 1006 S. Church Street, bearing the legal description of .3306 acres out of Lots 3 & 4 of Block 22, Glasscock Addition. (2023-24- COA) -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report. Stacy Reed, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and explained that their initial work replacing the fence was thought to be a repair, and they are willing to drop the height of the fence to 6 feet. It was their understanding that the fence was in their backyard. Reed noted that they have a dog and a pop-up pool in their backyard that needs a fence, as well as a daycare that backs up to their property. Discussion on the fence's non-compliance issues. Commissioner Burns asked if the daycare wanted to replace their fence that backs up to the property if they would have to abide by the same standards. O'Kelley noted that she is unsure of the requirements for the daycare's fence without examining the property, but all properties within the City are held to a 6-foot height limit when within the setback. Burns asked asked for confirmation that if the applicant were to put a 3 foot, 50% transparent fence on the property line would that require HARC approval. Maddison noted that in that scenario, the fence would be in compliance and not require HARC approval. A 4-foot fence within the setback would require HARC approval, however. Chair Walton opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth. Erik Moore, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and noted that the previously existing fence was being destroyed by their sprinkler system, necessitating its replacement. Moore noted that they are only wanting to keep section C of the fence running from the corner of the garage to the existing fence line. Since the Airstream, which would be considered an ADU and was originally intended to be used as an Airbnb, is not allowed, the other sections of the fence are unnecessary. The boards are currently horizontal, but they are willing to remove that and put in vertical 1x6 cedar dog-eared planks. Moved by Alton Martin; seconded by Linda C Burns to Approve with the condition of removing Section A and B, and Section C be changed to match the existing fence in height. Moore explained to the Commission that due to the slope of the ground, a 6-foot high fence along Section C would be confusing to measure. Moore asks if the Commission intends the fence to match the height of the existing fence, or do they need to keep the fence under 6 feet to be in compliance. Moore also asks if they are measuring the height of the fence from the higher or lower part of the sloped ground. O'Kelley noted that HARC has the authority to approve a fence that exceeds the maximum allowable height in the street side yard, up to a 6-foot 7-inch height. Motion Amended: 4- 0 Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin Voting Against: None Moved by Alton Martin; seconded by Linda C Burns to Approve with the condition that the materials and transparency remain for Section C, while Section A and B are removed. Motion Approved: 4- 0 Voting For: Lawrence Romero, Linda C Burns, Michael J Walton, Alton Martin Voting Against: None 1. D Staff Report Updates, Commissioner questions, and comments -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager O'Kelley noted that the requested fence training will be on the next meeting's agenda. There is also an appeal of a previous HARC decision coming up on a City Council agenda. O'Kelley announced that Olivia Beams has been hired as a historic planner. Beams has been on the City of Georgetown's current planning team for almost a year. Adjournment The nu s were approved at the meeting of Chair Attest