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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-12-16 HLC Minutes * M I N U T E S * HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION September 12, 2016 City Hall, 801 Main Street, Beaumont, Texas A Meeting of the Historic Landmark Commission was held on September 12, 2016 and called to order at 3:30 p.m. with the following members present: Chairwoman Paula Blazek Commissioner Marty Craig Commissioner Don LaBiche Commissioner Thomas Sigee (arrived at 3:33 p.m.) Commissioner Marie Broussard Commissioner Reagan Rothenberger Commissioner Virginia Jordan Commissioner Jessie Davis Commissioner Carol Fernandez Commission Members absent: Commissioner B. Eliot New Commissioner Jason Cansler Commissioner Judy Linsley Councilmembers present: Councilmember-at-Large Gethrel Williams-Wright Councilmembers absent: Councilman Claude F. Guidroz Councilman Mike Getz Also present: Chris Boone, Director of Planning and Community Development, Boyd Meier, Building Official Adina Ward, Planner II Katrina Purcell, Zoning Coordinator Anna Varela, Historic District Code Enforcement Officer Fran Malvo, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Craig made a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Jun 13, 2016. Commissioner Jordan seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 REGULAR MEETING 1) CA-2674: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing rear apartment. Location: 2098 North Street Applicant: City of Beaumont Adina Ward presented the staff report. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a certificate of demolition for the residential structure located at 2098 North Street. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on May 8, 2015. The inspection report states that the roof is deteriorated and has holes. Exterior doors and windows are broken/rotten and need to be replaced. The siding is missing and/or deteriorated. Termite damage is visible as is water damage, and there are large cracks in the concrete floor. Staff recommends a raze order. The house is not listed in SPARE Beaumont Survey. Slides of the subject property were shown. Chairman Blazek mentioned that the owner of the property is Wells Fargo. Chairman Jordan questioned if the City of Beaumont or Wells Fargo would be responsible of the demolition. Mr. Boone interjected the City of Beaumont would be responsible and stated that as a policy, the City does not assess liens on residential structures but they are assessed on commercial structures. Chairman Blazek questioned Anna Varela about any attempts to repair the homes based on the tags on the windows. Mrs. Varela addressed the Commissioners stating that the homeowner moved out of the home and no longer had an interest in repairing the home. Pastor Tim McGraw addressed the Commissioners. Mr. McGraw stated that he had just received a notice regarding the property and attending the hearing to see what was going on in the neighborhood. Mr. McGraw also stated that he had no objections to demolish the home. Chairman Broussard questioned if the structure can be demolished without the bank being notified. Mr. Boone stated the bank has been notified but there was no demolition consent. Chairman Blazek questioned the ability of the property owner being able to build a multifamily housing unit on the property after it has been demolished. Mr. Boone stated that once you cease a grandfathered use for more than a year you lose the status, however; per the City of Beaumont’s ordinance, there is an exception for residential uses and the use could be reestablished in the future. Discussion followed. 2 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 Commissioner Sigee made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing rear apartment as requested in file CA-2674. Commissioner Craig seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 2) CA-2648: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build a cover over an existing porch. Location: 2385 Laurel Applicant: Nereida Sanchez Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Nereida Sanchez has constructed a cover over a concreted porch area in front of her house. This porch area does not have access from the house and does not have stairs or a ramp for access. The roof material used is corrugated fiberglass. The Beaumont Zoning Ordinance Section 28.03.018(g)(1)(M)(i) states, "Roof materials and colors must complement the style and overall color scheme of the building or structure." The existing structure has a brown three (3) tab roof. The new roof has very little slope. Section 28.03.018(g)(1)(M)(iv) states, "The degree and direction of roof slope and pitch must be typical of the style and period of the main building. . ." As the supports for this new roof are set on the ground, well in front of the existing structure, it is not clear if the structure will meet building setback requirements. If the commission chooses to approve the structure, the following condition is recommended: 1. A building permit must be obtained and approved. All building setbacks and building code requirements must be met. Ms. Sanchez states that the roof is necessary so that her child can be in the outdoors, without being in direct sunlight, at the recommendation of their doctor. A request for a Reasonable Accommodation has been submitted and is being considered separately. The house is not listed in the SPARE Beaumont Survey. Staff recommended denial of the request. Slides of the subject property were shown. Ms. Ward stated that the porch does have access from the house. Mr. Boone stated as the application was being processed for the Certificate of Appropriateness, there was an issue with the disability of the applicant’s child and they asked Ms. Sanchez if they would like to apply for the Reasonable Accommodation application. Mr. Boone then read the request from the applicant, “A covered area to for the young lady to sit outside and to protect her from the elements when the wheelchair ramp is built. Yaqeulin has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological disease that causes 3 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 seizures, etc. and they are requesting that the covered awning be established and allowed to remain in place so she can have access to the fresh air without direct exposure to the sunlight.” A brief discussion followed. Chairwoman Blazek stated that she wanted to make certain that the Commissioners understand what they are being asked to approve. Mr. Boone stated that the Commissioners are being asked to make sure the materials, the color and the compatibility with the architectural style of the home. Mr. Boone stated that the Commissioners should not try and interpret windstorm or setback issues. The applicant, Nereida Sanchez was available for comment but she was only able to speak Spanish, so the Registered Nurse spoke on her behalf. Jennifer Vigeon, R.N. for Ms. Sanchez’s daughter addressed the Commissioners. Ms. Vigeon stated that Ms. Sanchez’s daughter has Rett Syndrome and briefly explained the illness. Discussion followed. Ms. Sanchez’s daughter doesn’t have seizures as often as she used to and she is now able to go outside and sit for a few hours. Ms. Vigeon also shared with the Commissioners that it was her fault that no building permit was obtained prior to the construction of the porch because she called the 611 dig number and when she asked if anything else was needed, she was told no. From that, she assumed that nothing else was need. Discussion followed. Ms. Vigeon stated that Ms. Sanchez’s funds were very limited and that she could not spend much money on the project. Commissioner LaBiche stated that the materials do not have to be expensive in order to comply with the Historic District guidelines. He stated the house was not painted, raw wood was used and there are no fascia boards. Discussion followed regarding the Historic District guidelines and Reasonable Accommodation guidelines. Ms. Ward translated to Ms. Sanchez regarding covering the ramp. Vice-Chairman Craig asked if Building Codes would be able to approve the ramp. Boyd Meier, Building Official stated that the ramp could not have a steep slope and the ramp required railings along with a curb on the side for safety reasons. Chairwoman Blazek stated that she would be willing to work with Ms. Sanchez to get a roof cover that meets and that is more compatible with the home. Chairwoman Blazek made a motion to approve a request for a certificate to build a cover over an existing porch as requested in CA-2648 with the following conditions: 1. Ms. Sanchez obtains a roof cover that meets the requirements and is more compatible with the home. 2. Ms. Sanchez obtains a building permit to approve the roof structure. 3. All building codes and setback requirements are met. 4. The fascia trim and porch supports must be painted and trimmed to match the color of the home. 5. The roofing material needs to match as much as possible, the Historic District’s roofing and slope criteria. Commissioner Sigee seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. Chairwoman 4 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 Blazek instructed that Ms. Sanchez would be working with Adina Ward in the Planning Department and with Building Codes regarding any setback issues. 3) CA-2664: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint brick and remove one window. Location: 2418 Hazel Avenue Applicant: Blue Spot, LLC DBA Blue Spot Properties Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Blue Spot, LLC is remodeling the house at 2418 Hazel. In the process of making several updates and renovations to the property, they need to pressure wash the brick. Doing so will remove most of the existing white-wash on the brick. Therefore, the applicant is asking for approval to paint the brick. The colors chosen are SW0052 Pearl Gray for the body, SW0050 Classic Light Buff for the trim and SW2827 Colonial Revival & SW0001 Mulberry Silk for accent colors. In addition, the applicant would like to remove one existing window. The kitchen originally contained an exterior window which has long been covered with cabinets on the interior. The window was left visible on the exterior. Blue Spot first thought to repair/replace the window, but realized there is brick work that needs to be done above the window. Consequently, they decided they would prefer to brick over the window opening if painting of the brick is approved. The house is listed in the 1991 SPARE Beaumont Survey. SPARE states that the house was built c. 1942. The house is listed as an example of World War II era housing. Planning staff recommends approval of the request. Slides were shown of the subject property. Brian Pope, the Project Manager addressed the Commissioners. Mr. Pope stated that because the back of the house didn’t have any gutters on it, when the water comes down it completely destroyed the back of the house. When the pressure washer is used, it removes the paint. Commissioner Jordan asked if there were any plans for the fireplace. Mr. Pope said that they were going to recover it with the same type of board used for the gables to look less like an add-on. The wood on the fireplace was very dilapidated. Discussion followed. Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint brick and remove one window as requested in CA-2664. Commissioner LaBiche seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 4) CA-2668: Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to build new six unit apartment building. Location: 2260 Harrison Avenue Applicant: Tom Cockerill 5 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Tom Cockerill has requested a certificate of appropriateness to allow the construction of a new apartment building. The property is located at 2260 Harrison Avenue. The new structure will consist of six (6) units. Four (4) units will have two (2) bedrooms, and two (2) units will have one (1) bedroom. The construction methods employed would dictate that the house be constructed on a slab foundation, wood framing, horizontal lap cement fiber siding and 30 year architectural roofing shingles. Windows will have white vinyl frames, and will be of a four over four appearances. The roof will have a 6/12 pitch and a front gable. Mr. Cockerill has chosen a black 30 year, architectural shingle for the roof. The paint is to be SW2827 Colonial Revival with SW2829 Classic White trim and SW2802 Rookwood Red & SW6258 Tricon Black accents. This color scheme was chosen from the approved pallet. Planning staff recommends approval of the request, subject to the following conditions: 1. Install architecturally appropriate storm shutters. 2. A building permit must be obtained and approved. All zoning and building code requirements must be met. Slides were shown of the subject property. Chairman Blazek questioned should the adjacent property owners be notified of the apartment complex. Ms. Ward stated that an apartment complex is a permitted use in an RM-H zone and no permission is required. She also stated that an 8 foot fence would surround the entire apartment complex. Ms. Ward stated that the ordinance requires an 8 foot fence, however, they are required to have a 10 foot wide landscape with an 8 foot fence (wooden or masonry) or they have to have a 30 foot wide landscape buffer. Tom Cockerill addressed the Commissioners. Discussion followed. Chairman Blazek moved to deny the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new six unit apartment building as requested in CA-2668. Chairman Blazek stated that the apartment complex is not compatible with the homes in the neighborhood and suggested that Mr. Cockerill consult with Brenda Abshire at Brenda’s Drawing Board and make the necessary changes. Mr. Boone stated that the application would have to be amended and revise and resubmit the plans. Mr. Boone gave Mr. Cockerill until October 1, 2016 to review the revised plans. Chairwoman Blazek recanted her motion to deny and moved to table CA-2668 so that Mr. Cockerill can amend his elevation drawings and resubmit the elevation drawings at the next scheduled meeting on October 10, 2016. Commissioner Craig seconded the 6 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 motion. Motion to table the case carried 9:0. Mr. Cockerill questioned the paint colors and Chairwoman Blazek stated the colors were acceptable. 5) CA-2670: Request for a certificate of Demolition to demolish a garage apartment. Location: 2475 Liberty Avenue Applicant: City of Beaumont Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a certificate of demolition for the residential structure located at 2475 Liberty Avenue. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on August 10, 2015. The inspection report states that the structure is partially collapsed and extremely unsafe. There is termite damage and deterioration throughout the structure. Staff recommends a raze order. The property is not listed in SPARE. Slides were shown of the subject property. Mr. Meier stated there was no demo consent signed by the owners of the property but verbal consent was given. Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing garage apartment as requested in CA-2670. Commissioner Sigee seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 6) CA-2671: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish a house. Location: 2439 Broadway Applicant: City of Beaumont Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a certificate of demolition for the residential structure located at 2439 Broadway Avenue. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on February 22, 2016. The inspection report states that the rear room is missing a roof, side wall and part of the rear wall. The entire roof is in need of extensive repairs and has caused water damage to the rest of the structure. There are holes in the floors, walls and ceiling due in part to termite damage. Staff recommends a raze order. The property is not listed in SPARE. Slides of the subject property were shown. 7 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing house as requested in CA-2671. Commissioner Sigee seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 7) CA-2672: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish a house. Location: 2360 Liberty Avenue Applicant: City of Beaumont Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Ms. Ward stated that there were 2 responses in favor of the demolition. She explained to the Commissioners that property owner notices are mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. Slides of the subject property were shown. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a Certificate of Demolition for the residential structure located at 2360 Liberty Avenue. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on October 15, 2015. The inspection report states that the roof and foundation are deteriorated, and termite damage is visible. The front and rear porches are deteriorated and there are holes in the floors, ceiling and walls. The leaking roof has led to water damage. All damaged electrical and plumbing would need to be replaced. Staff recommends a raze order. The property is not listed in SPARE. Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish a house as requested in CA-2672. Commissioner LaBiche seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 8) CA-2673: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish a house. Location: 2277 Long Avenue Applicant: City of Beaumont Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a certificate of demolition for the residential structure located at 2277 Long Avenue. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on June 22, 2015. The inspection report states that the roof has deteriorated and siding is missing or deteriorated. Rafters, fascia boards, floors, ceiling and walls are rotten and/or have holes in them. The garage is partially collapsed. Staff recommends a raze order. 8 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 The property is not listed in SPARE. Slides of the subject of the subject property were shown. One response was received from the building owner, Edwin Armstrong, in opposition of the request. Applicant wishes to receive additional time to bring the structure up to code. Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing home as requested in CA-2673. Commissioner Craig seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. 9) CA-2675: Request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing house. th Location: 950 5 Street Applicant: City of Beaumont Ms. Ward presented the staff report. Boyd Meier, Building Official, has applied for a certificate of demolition for the residential structure located at 950 5th Street. Mr. Meier states that the structure was originally tagged on April 29, 2015. The inspection report states that there are holes in the roof and shingles need to be replaced. Windows and exterior doors are broken or rotten and must be replaced. The foundation is deteriorated and had termite damage. There are holes in the floors and ceilings due partly to water damage. All damaged electrical and plumbing need to be replaced. Staff recommends a raze order. The house is listed in the 1990 SPARE Beaumont Survey. SPARE states that the house was built c.1909. The house was listed as a fine example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship of middle class dwellings in Beaumont. Slides of the subject property were shown. Commissioner Jordan made a motion to approve a request for a Certificate of Demolition to demolish an existing house as requested in CA-2675. Commissioner Craig seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 9:0. Discussion followed between Commissioner Jordan and Chris Boone regarding unsecured properties on the demolition list. 10) Historic District Code Enforcement Report Mrs. Varela presented the Historic District Code Enforcement report for the months of July and August. OTHER BUSINESS 9 Historic Landmark Commission September 12, 2016 Chairman LaBiche suggested making color copies of the pictures that are included with the packets. Chris Boone suggested to the Commissioners receiving their packets electronically. Commissioners agreed except Commissioner Broussard and Commissioner Craig. Mr. Boone stated we will try different options. Mr. Boone also discussed briefly the Reasonable Accommodation Training. THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:26 P.M. 10