Meeting Minutes
Community Development/Engineering Services Building –
CALL TO ORDER – SPECIAL MEETING, 5:00 pm
Historic Commissioners Present: Dale Shostrom, Terry Skibby, Keith Swink, Sam Whitford, Allison Renwick,
Tom Giordano, Ally Phelps
Commission Members Absent: Kerry Kencairn (e)
Council Liaison: Michael Morris (arrived at 6:00 pm)
High School Liaison: None Appointed
SOU Liaison: None Appointed
Staff Present: Planners: Derek Severson & Amy Gunter; Clerk: Billie Boswell
Historic District Design Standards Revision – Todd Scott reviewed the draft changes made to make Ashland’s Historic District Design Standards more in line with the federal standards and the Historic Commission’s goals. Section IV-B. was changed to Rehabilitation Standards to emphasize rehabilitation as opposed to remodel. Ms. Gunter asked if the definition of “rehabilitation” could be included. There was discussion regarding how additions should be delineated from the original structure in the line drawings. Also whether or not to encourage siding, windows and trim to match the existing home. Ms. Gunter asked if the definition of “rehabilitation” could be included to differentiate it from “remodel”.
On the illustrations, Section IV-C, several Commissioners suggested that an actual building drawing be used instead of a “box”. On the new Section IV-C-11, Additions, it was asked that the illustrations be consistent with two homes so it doesn’t look like two houses were pushed together. It was also suggested that illustration IV-C-10 be added back with different pictures and a better description. On the Downtown Design Standards the Commissioners supported adding an exception to allow historic architectural details to be retained on historic buildings.
Mr. Severson said the revised version would be presented to the Planning Commission on June 28th and the final would go to City Council on August 2nd.
Ms. Renwick pointed out that on the 165 W Fork St project it was Ms. Phelps and not her that made comment on the siding. Mr. Whitford moved to approve the April 6, 2011 minutes as amended and the motion was seconded by Mr. Swink. Ms. Renwick abstained due to being absent and the minutes were approved unanimously by the remaining Commissioners.
PUBLIC FORUM: None
PUBLIC HEARING:
PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00558
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 39 Fourth Street
APPLICANT: Sarah Challman
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Conditional Use Permit approval for a Traveler’s Accommodation to be located within an Accessory Unit located behind 39 Fourth Street adjacent to the alley. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Low-Density Multi-family ZONING: R-2; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 09BD TAX LOT: 500
Mr. Severson explained that the applicant wants to convert an existing unit, built in 2001, to a Traveler’s Accommodation. No remodel would be required.
The applicant was not present. There being no questions or concerns from the audience, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Giordano was concerned about the loss of an affordable rental unit. Chairman Shostrom felt Traveler’s Accommodations have a direct impact on residential historic neighborhoods. Mr. Swink said he thought Traveler’s Accommodations can actually rescue historic home because they are often rehabilitated and improved. He also pointed out that they can always be reverted back to a rental. Mr. Skibby agreed. Mr. Severson pointed out that Traveler’s Accommodations were added to the code as a way to encourage rehabilitation of historic districts but requiring a CUP to address concerns of noise, parking, etc. He did concede that some neighborhoods may be reaching a saturation point.
Mr. Whitford made a motion to recommend approval of the request as presented. It was seconded by Mr. Swink and the decision to recommend approval was unanimous.
PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00649
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 140 Central Ave
APPLICANT: Lois Van Aken
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Conditional Use Permit approval to reactivate a non-conforming structure to be used as habitable space; and a Conditional Use Permit to modify an existing CUP for an Traveler’s Accommodation unit, to have a total of 3 units. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: High Density Multi-Family;
ZONING: R-3; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 04CC TAX LOT: 4400
Chairman Shostrom asked about exparte contact or conflict of interest. Mr. Skibby said he talked to the owners about photos. Mr. Severson explained that the applicant remodeled the out-building without a building permit and it currently does not meet fire and building codes. He said the owner plans to bring this building into compliance by removing the eaves on one side. She will then live in it, and rent out the main house and other 2 units for Traveler’s Accommodations. Mr. Shostrom questioned the bump-out used as a utility closet.
Mr. Giordano made a motion to recommend approval for the project with the recommendation to retain the eaves and fireproof them as required by Building Code. This revised design would be brought back for approval by the Historic Review Board. Chairman Shostrom seconded the motion and it passed by majority vote, 6-1, with Mr. Whitford voting against it.
PLANNING ACTION: 2011-00668
SUBJECT PROPERTY: 66 Scenic
APPLICANT: Robyn Forsyth
DESCRIPTION: A request for a Solar Access Variance approval to construct a detached garage structure. The structure will shade the property to the north more than permitted by code, the adjacent property owner has agreed to the requested shading. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DESIGNATION: Single Family Residential;
ZONING: R-1-7.5; ASSESSOR’S MAP: 39 1E 08AD TAX LOT: 2400
Ms. Gunter explained that there are driveway and slope restrictions that contribute to the need for a solar variance for the detached garage with living space below. She confirmed it would not shade any adjacent buildings. The neighbor to the north has signed a Solar Variance agreement.
Mr. Giordano made a motion to approve the project as submitted. Mr. Whitford seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Review Board Schedule
June 9th |
Terry, Keith |
June 16th |
Terry, Sam, Dale |
June 23rd |
Terry, Allison, Tom |
June 30th |
Terry, Ally, Dale |
July 7th |
Terry, Keith, Kerry |
C. Project Assignments for Planning Actions – Added 66 Scenic with Ms. Phelps overseeing.
BD-2007-01764 |
160 Helman (Batzer-Comm Bldgs) {Recession Extension approved)} |
Shostrom/Giordano | |
PA-2007-01939 |
175 Lithia Wy (formerly 165 Lithia) Archerd & Dresner-Mixed Use Bldg – (Expired 7/25/10) |
Renwick |
|
BD-2009-01288 |
165 W Fork – New SFR on hillside (new owner-Suncrest Hms) (Modification submitted) |
Swink/Shostrom |
|
BD-2009-00711 |
568 E Main St (McKechnie) Cucina Biazzi enclosed dining area (partial final) |
Skibby |
|
BD-2011-00436 |
426 A St (Sidney Brown) Mixed Use Bldg (permit issued 5-18-11)) |
Giordano |
|
PA-2009-00785 |
255 E Main (Ashland Elks) Balcony on rear (No permit yet; expired 8/27/10.) |
Swink |
|
PA-2010-00069 |
175 N Pioneer (Deli) Terrell (no permit-code compliance letter written) |
Shostrom |
|
PA-2010-00486 |
820 C St (Ellison) Accessory Structure (finalled) |
Giordano |
|
PA-2010-00993 |
400 Allison (Robin Biermann) New SFR (Modification submitted PA-2011-00043) |
Whitford/Renwick |
|
PA-2010-01239 |
85 Winburn (Phelps) New Restaurant/Café (project withdrawn) |
Shostrom |
|
BD-2011-00820 |
156 Seventh (Annie McIntyre) (Issued 7-12-11) |
Renwick |
|
BD-2011-00368 |
928 C St (92 Eighth St) (Charter) ARU (issued 7-11-11)) |
Swink |
|
PA-2010-01611 |
260 First St (Syken) house to retail sales (appealed) |
Phelps |
|
PA-2011-00244 |
485 A St (Hoxmeier) enclosed porch & food truck (no permit) |
Giordano |
|
PA-2011-00256 |
134 Terrace (Allman) New SFR (no permit) |
Whitford |
|
BD-2011-00621 |
89 Oak St (Amorotico) New façade on building (under construction) |
Shostrom |
|
PA-2011-00668 |
66 Scenic (Forsyth) Solar Variance |
Phelps |
|
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m.