Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review convened on March 27, 2019, in Street Room 220. The meeting addressed three main agenda items: Staff Approvals, Certificate of Appropriateness Applications, and Conceptual Review, all of which were informational in nature. During the session, the board conducted six motions and votes on various matters before them. No public comments were recorded during this meeting, indicating the proceedings focused primarily on board business and administrative matters.

Votes and Decisions

The board considered six Certificate of Appropriateness applications during the March 27, 2019 meeting, with four approvals, one continuation, and one denial.

Approved Applications:

• 19130367-f (367 Transylvania Park) - The board approved the Certificate of Appropriateness by voice vote with conditions requiring a barrier and retention element be installed along the perimeter with details to come back to staff prior to permit issuance, along with two standard LFUCG division items. 0:00

• 13150353-p (353 South Mill Street) - Approved by voice vote with conditions that any increase in height shall be submitted to staff for review and approval prior to the start of work, as well as two standard conditions. 0:00

• 10620249-b (249 Kentucky Avenue) - The board approved this application by voice vote with conditions to grade the demolition area and re-seed or replace sod, place kicker, landscape timbers or planting along the driveway to prevent parking in the rear backyard, and two standard LFUCG conditions. 0:00

• 06510632-h (632 Elsmere Park) - Approved by voice vote with extensive conditions requiring final porch and skirt details and specifications to be provided to staff for review and approval prior to certificate issuance, all vertical elements and mullions to be the same width, and final door and window details and specifications to be provided to staff or board for review and approval prior to certificate issuance, plus two standard items. 0:00

Other Actions:

• 16780621-f (621 Sayre Avenue) - The Certificate of Appropriateness application was continued to a future meeting by voice vote. 0:00

• 30870111/d (290 Dancler Court) - The Certificate of Appropriateness application failed by voice vote. 0:00

All votes were conducted by voice vote with no recorded individual vote tallies or member names for any of the decisions.

Contested Items

The meeting featured one contested item that generated community opposition and required board deliberation.

Vinyl Windows at 290 Dancler Court

The primary contested issue involved an application regarding vinyl windows that had been installed at 290 Dancler Court without prior approval. The property owner sought retroactive approval to keep the unauthorized vinyl windows in place.

The application faced significant community opposition from residents who objected to the vinyl window installation. The board ultimately denied the application, citing both established community guidelines and the opposition expressed by community members.

The denial means the property owner at 290 Dancler Court will need to remove the vinyl windows and likely replace them with materials that comply with community standards and guidelines.

This case highlights the importance of obtaining proper approval before making exterior modifications to properties within the community, as well as the board's consideration of both established guidelines and community input when making decisions about architectural changes.

Staff Approvals

0:00

The board received an informational update on various renovations and repairs in historic districts that were approved by staff without requiring board review. These staff approvals represent routine maintenance and minor modifications that fall within established guidelines and do not require full board consideration.

The staff approvals covered multiple projects involving renovations and repairs to properties located within designated historic districts. These types of administrative approvals are part of the standard process for managing historic preservation activities, allowing staff to expedite routine work while ensuring compliance with preservation standards.

No specific speakers were identified for this agenda item, as it was presented as an informational update rather than a discussion item requiring board input or debate. The staff approvals were presented to keep the board informed of ongoing preservation activities within their jurisdiction.

This agenda item concluded as informational only, with no action required from the board members. The staff approval process allows for efficient handling of routine historic district matters while maintaining appropriate oversight of preservation activities.

Certificate of Appropriateness Applications

0:00

The meeting included a review of Certificate of Appropriateness applications for construction and renovation projects within various historic districts. These applications are required for property owners seeking to make changes to buildings or structures located in designated historic areas to ensure compliance with preservation standards.

The agenda item was presented as a discussion and informational session, allowing the board to review pending applications and assess their compliance with historic district guidelines. Certificate of Appropriateness applications typically involve proposed alterations, additions, new construction, or demolition projects that could affect the historic character of designated districts.

During this portion of the meeting, various construction and renovation projects were examined to determine whether they meet the established criteria for historic preservation. The review process ensures that proposed changes are compatible with the historic character and architectural integrity of the surrounding area.

The discussion served an informational purpose, providing board members and attendees with updates on current applications under consideration. This type of review is a standard function of historic preservation boards, which must balance property owners' development needs with the community's interest in maintaining historic character.

No specific outcome or formal action was recorded for this agenda item, as it was categorized as informational in nature. The review of Certificate of Appropriateness applications represents an ongoing administrative function that helps preserve the historic integrity of designated districts while allowing for appropriate development and maintenance of historic properties.

Conceptual Review

0:00 The meeting included a conceptual review discussion regarding the installation of solar panels at 353 South Mill Street. This agenda item was presented for informational purposes to provide the board with an overview of the proposed solar panel project.

The review focused on the conceptual plans for installing solar panels at the specified address. As a conceptual review, this discussion was intended to give board members and the public an early look at the project before more detailed plans are developed and formal applications are submitted.

The agenda item was classified as informational, meaning no formal action was taken during this portion of the meeting. The conceptual review process allows for preliminary feedback and discussion of potential issues or considerations before the project moves forward to more detailed design phases.

No specific concerns or detailed debate points were captured in the available meeting data for this agenda item. The discussion served its intended purpose of providing an initial overview of the solar panel installation proposal at 353 South Mill Street.