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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCA-2139 DATE: April 9, 2012 TO: Historic Landmark Commission FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Request for a certificate of appropriateness to allow the construction of a fence FILE: CA-2139 STAFF REPORT The Planning Manager recommends denial. John Busceme, the property owner, has applied for a certificate of appropriateness to allow the construction of a metal fence at 2635 Hazel. The fence is approximately 7' tall and consists of corrugated tin sheets laid horizontally. Mr. Busceme states that he has had numerous instances of trespassing and break-ins. Upon receipt of a complaint, the City put a stop-work order on the fence. Sec. 28.03.018, Historic District Regulations, states that fences must be constructed and maintained in a vertical fashion. Metal fences must be compatible with the style and period of the main building. Chain link, barbed and razor wire fences are permitted only in back yard and must not be visible from abutting streets. The Zoning Ordinance does state that approval may be granted of a fence that is not in compliance if the applicant establishes that the fence is historically sensitive or unless the absence of said fence poses a significant hazard to life or property. Exhibits are attached. DATE: June 11, 2012 TO: Historic Landmark Commission FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager SUBJECT: Reconsideration of CA-2139 FILE: CA-2139 STAFF REPORT On April 9, 2012, John Busceme came before the Historic Landmark Commission (Commission) requesting a certificate of appropriateness to allow the construction of a metal fence at his home at 2635 Hazel. Mr. Busceme stated that he needed the fence because he has had numerous instances of trespassing and break-ins. On April 9, 2012, the Commission approved CA-2139 subject to the following conditions: 1. The fence shall be topped with a 2" x 6" wood cap and the corners and all seams shall be covered with 1" x 4" wood trim. 2. The corrugated tin shall be painted hunter green. 3. All work shall be completed by June 9, 2012.. On May 10, 2012, staff received a request by Chairperson Paula Blazek and Commissioner Eliot New to place CA-2139 on the Commission=s agenda to reconsider its approval of the corrugated metal fence. Enclosed is a letter from Virginia Jordan, written on behalf of the Oaks Historic District Neighborhood Association also asking that the Commission reconsider its decision. Since approval by the Commission, it was discovered that the portion of the fence along the rear property line has been built on Elvira Krummel=s property, the property to the south. While that fact is significant, that is a civil matter between Mr. Busceme and Ms. Krummel. In reconsidering CA-2139, the Commission should determine whether the fence, as constructed, is appropriate and meets the guidelines of Sec. 28.03.108. Those guidelines state that fences must be constructed and maintained in a vertical fashion. Metal fences must be compatible with the style and period of the main building. Chain link, barbed and razor wire fences are permitted only in back yards and must not be visible from abutting streets. The Zoning Ordinance does state that approval my be granted of a fence that is not in compliance if the applicant establishes that the fence is historically sensitive or unless the absence of said fence poses a significant hazard to life or property. An inspection conducted on June 5 reveals that Mr. Busceme has met the conditions as set forth by the Commission on April 9. Exhibits are attached.