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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-04-05 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes April 5, 1995 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:40 p.m. Members present were Terry Skibby, Larry Cardinale, Jim Lewis, Keith Chambers, Casey Mitchell, Steve Ennis, Chloe Winston, Bill Harriff and Bill Emerson. Also present were Senior Planner Bill Molnar, Council Liaison Steve Hauck and Secretary Sonja Akerman. No members were absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Emerson said he would like the Minutes of the M~r~8, 1995 meeting, in the third paragraph under Planning Action 95-010, to read (...if it were off-set two feet...). Ennis moved to approve the Marct~8, 1995 Minutes as amended and Emerson seconded the motion, which passed with all voting aye. STAFF REPORTS PA 95-028 Conditional Use Permit 630 Siskiyou Boulevard Karen Teker Molnar explained this application is for a one-unit travellers accommodation to be located in the two-story structure at the rear of the property off the alley. The ground floor comprises a two-car garage, but is mainly used for storage. The unit will be situated in the upper floor existing apartment. The applicant/owner would like to have the ability to rent the unit during the season (May through October). There was not a detailed record of the building conversion to an apartment, so a special inspection was made by the Building Department. There were only a few minor changes that will need to be made. The Fire Department is requiring a protective measure for the gas meters located near the structure, so it will be a condition of approval. There will be no exterior changes to either the main house or the structure in the rear. Emerson asked about the parking area and Molnar said there is currently a cement slab, which will provide the necessary three spaces. Chambers questioned if the apartment was rented year around. Cecil Sherrod, 1350 Iowa Street, said she was a friend of the owner and clarified the apartment has only been occupied by friends and family since Teker bought the property three years ago. Teker said the apartment would be rented with the stipulation it would only be available from November through April. Skibby commended the owner for all the work she has done on the main house. Teker said she has also had a landscape architect draw up plans for the landscaping of the property. She added she also plans to put new awnings on the rental. Winston moved to recommend approval to the Planning Commission and Mitchell seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the loss of affordable rentals near the downtown. Chambers stated he personally feels there needs to be focus given to the loss of these units. Ashland seems to be changing to accommodate tourists rather than the local people. Molnar said Staff has had discussions on this and it has surfaced as an issue during the Railroad District meetings. Another issue has been the overcommercialization of the Historic District through the Conditional Use Permit process. Travellers accommodations have not been addressed as thoroughly because they are owner occupied in the residential districts. Molnar went on to say this can be put on the agenda as an item to discuss, then a memo should be forwarded so it can be considered in the Railroad District planning process. Chambers said on the positive side, the Conditional Use Permit process can allow the unit to return back to a rental, but he still feels the City needs to address this. Emerson also added through the CUP process, properties are upgraded and maintained. Ennis agreed, but stated affordable rentals are lost. The motion passed unanimously. PA 95-023 Modification of a Conditional Use Permit 376 "B" Street Susan DeMarinis Molnar related the original CUP was approved in April of 1993 to allow a chiropractor's office in front with the apartment in the rear. The approval went with the applicant rather than the property. Conditions of this approval included not more than 400 square feet of floor area to be used for the office, the office could not operate more than 30 hours per week, and the apartment could not be sublet (it had to be used by the owner of the business who was also the owner of the property). The owner is now requesting the Conditional Use Permit run with the property and she be allowed to not live on site. She will be getting married and the apartment is not big enough for a family. A chiropractor would still only be allowed 30 hours per week. She would like to have the flexibility to have another practitioner, so if another chiropractor is allowed, the two would not have the same hours. Molnar noted the impacts would be similar to a home occupation under the new regulations. Discussion followed regarding DeMarinis' original application for 386 "B" Street, noting that since the house was sold, it has now gone back to residential use. If someone now wanted to put a business in the house, it would require a new CUP. Since the applicant owned both properties three years ago, both properties were considered when approval was granted, and therefore more restrictive conditions were placed on 376 "B" Street. Lewis stated he thought this application was a reasonable request. Skibby added the streetscape has been improved, and noted there would be no exterior change to the building. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 2 Ennis said the parking area is not working well in the rear, so DeMarinis explained what had happened to cause the regression of the railroad ties and soil slippage. Emerson said he is bothered by the fact the apartment rental is not addressed as a condition that it remain a residential unit. Therefore, he moved to recommend approval of this action with the requirement the apartment remain in residential use. Harriff seconded the motion. Hauck added this would be good protection because even though the applicant owns the property now, ownership can change. Philip Lang, 758 "B" Street, distributed a letter he had written on August 1, 1994 regarding an application for a travellers accommodation in the Railroad District. He was opposed to granting that CUP and stated he was also opposed to granting PA 95-023 and 95-026. His reasoning included the following: 1) if the City is working on a plan now, planning actions need to be stopped until it has been completed; 2) if the zoning will be changed, we need to suspend planning actions until this has been done; 3) "B" Street is lined with cars even after working hours; 4) at what point does the density created by more commercial uses become unbearable? 5) do the businesses serve the neighborhood? 6) there is no enforcement or follow-up for approved planning actions; and 7) when you have a business in the area, the residential fabric is broken. Lang said we need to stop all this business until we have a plan, and we need to change the zoning to make sense. Skibby related the Historic Commission advises the Planning Commission and said he thinks the Historic Commission carries a lot of weight. He also feels both pieces of property for this planning action have been upgraded and they have both made a positive impact on the neighborhood. Emerson asked if it were even possible to have a moratorium. Molnar said he would need to talk with the City Attorney, and City Council approval would be necessary. We would also need to show we have a plan in order to eliminate the moratorium. Lang said he was asking for a moratorium on Variances and Conditional Use Permits, not abrogating building permits. By doing this, only permitted uses would be allowed. Emerson noted the Railroad District Plan is moving forward. Lewis remarked he had not heard of zone changes proposed for the area. Lang declared enforcement is needed -- how will the plan affect the area if not enforced? How will it all fit together? Lewis stated the planning action being discussed is only a slight modification of an existing CUP. Harriff added Lang has lumped all planning actions together. Most professional services are for local people, not for tourists. He added that although a lot of what Lang has said is valid, there will always be neighbors who help in the enforcement process. Ennis said he recalled having similar discussions in the past, but pertaining to this application, there is no change in the use, and it is not related to what can be done regarding other new applications. Emerson agreed and said he would advocate maintaining 60% for residential usage. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 3 Ron Thurner, 1170 Bellview Avenue, stated he was neither in favor nor opposed to this request. However, he said he would like to comment on a number of items: 1) the CUP is changing because it currently goes with the owner and at the time of approval, there was contention because of the two pieces of property; 2) thinks the 60% residence requirement has a lot of merit, but he said it could double the impact with having the unit not owner occupied; and 3) a moratorium is not designed to be implemented through a popular vote, as when there is a problem recognized, a moratorium is a tool to implement the correction, not to stop the growth. He went on to say we have a planning process with state laws and there is little to prevent the implementation of a moratorium. It would be necessary, however, to come up with a plan for the creation of a plan within six months after activated. Citizens should rely on the commissions, elected officials, and staff for the expertise on these matters. He would hate to see the public try to dictate what planning is all about because the process is very technical and most people do not understand it. Cardinale asked about the Railroad Plan and when it would be implemented. Molnar said it should be adopted in early June. Then the process to change the necessary ordinances will begin. Lewis said a better point could be made if these two applications were not already approved CUPs. He also noted the best time to bring up the moratorium for CUPs will be at the Railroad District meeting, which will be next week. Lang again reiterated the importance of the Historic Commission supporting a moratorium and the need to follow up on all CUPs. Harriff informed Lang the Commission has also had concerns regarding changes in plans not only after something is built, but during construction. DeMarinis said the neighbors are a good tool for enforcement. If they see something they think is not right, they call about it, then it gets checked out. Harriff asked DeMarinis how she will enforce a rental person to be employed, as she has stated one of the stipulations in the rental agreement will be that the person be employed during the day. She answered there are no guarantees, but she is certainly heading toward that direction. Skibby asked about measures of enforcement. Molnar said the business license could be revoked and the Police Department could isSue citations. The motion was finally unanimously approved. PA 95-026 Extension of a Conditional Use Permit 78 and 84 Fourth Street Rogue Environmental Incorporated Molnar informed the Commission this is for an extension of an approval which was granted for the Waldorf School and administrative offices in March of 1994. When Headwaters takes over the building, the existing office will go back to residential usage. A two year approval was granted last year, and REI is requesting a six month extension to give Waldorf more time and so it won't be disrupted during the school year. Molnar reviewed the Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 4 original conditions and stated they would remain the same. The improvements will be undertaken when Headwaters takes over. John Stahmer, representing Rogue Environmental, Inc., clarified no changes are being requested other than the six month extension. He also explained when they take over, parking will be shared with the residence, and noted Waldorf has an agreement with the Unitarian Church to use its lot during the week. Molnar explained the parking that was originally approved (on-street, off-street, and the Variance). Stahmer added the church is not willing to give an agreement for use of its lot longer than one year. Emerson stated the entire future project will be an improvement. Stahmer noted there will only be interior renovations on the home before it is rented. Skibby moved to recommend approval of this application and Winston seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved. BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of March follow: 60 Granite Street 137 North Main Street 100 Auburn Street 208 Oak Street 107 Alida Street 64 Dewey Street 14 Beach Avenue 156 Eighth Street 27 North Main Street 283 East Main Street Doug & Linda Smith Brad Parker David Berger & Jeane Lind Lance Pugh Ted Holden John Orr A1 Gray Michael Datz American Trails Looking Glass Beads Remodel/Addition Convert Garage to B&B Unit SFR Repair Fire Damage Demolition Out Bldg Demolition SFR Addition* Addition Sign Sign *Review Board recommended disapproval REVIEW BOARD Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday at least from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27 Skibby, Emerson and Lewis Mitchell, Chambers, Skibby and Emerson Cardinale, Skibby, Emerson and Lewis Cardinale, Skibby, Emerson and Winston Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 5 OLD BUSINESS National Historic Preservation Week - May 14-20 Skibby discussed the events which will be taking place and asked for more volunteers. Flyers will be distributed by Skibby, Lewis and Winston. The importance of attending the award presentation on Friday the 19th was also stressed. NEW BUSINESS City Council Liaison Emerson volunteered to be the City Council Liaison and Mitchell volunteered to be his back-up. The Commission unanimously concurred. State Legislation Which will Affect Historic Resources Molnar explained Senate Bill 588, which contained the owner consent rule, was vetoed by then Governor Roberts and Governor Kitzhaber, but it was overridden. This will allow any owner to refuse historic designation of property. The bill is still in committee, as it is likely the new legislature will modify it. Advocates for historic preservation would like "shall" to be changed to "may" and would like the local jurisdiction to have the authority rather than the owner. The final decision has not yet been made. Senate Bill 684, introduced by Lenn Hannon, is one way to try to minimize some of the concerns of SB 588. It would expand special assessment to local landmarks; although it would not be for 15 years, these properties could get 20% investment credits. Commercial properties would remain at 15 years. The purpose would be to make historic designations more attractive. Hauck noted SB 588 will not go into effect until 90 days after adjournment. Historic Preservation Ordinance Molnar stated the Planning Commission will be having a joint study session with the Historic Commission on April 25 at 7:00. The purpose will be to review the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Commission briefly discussed the draft and thought the content was good. As a result, extra night meetings and the importance of the Review Board were discussed. Plaza Emerson reported City Administrator Brian Almquist had come to the Review Board a couple weeks ago to talk about building another information booth on the Plaza. He also Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 6 had copies of the approved plan of the overall concept for the Plaza that was approved by the Downtown Planning Advisory Committee (DPAC) and the City Council three years ago. At that time, the booth was proposed to be relocated because the encroachment of the booth toward Iron Mike was pointed out. It is necessary to be sensitive to the placement of the booth. When it was looked into, however, it was decided to leave the booth in its existing location because of the expense, with the idea it may be relocated at a later time. Emerson showed the relocation area, then went on to say Almquist is proposing to add on to the existing booth toward the sidewalk, which will cause it to become more permanent. Emerson suggested building a temporary building or building another one in the proposed relocation area that was originally approved. Hauck informed the Commission the City has received the grant from Regional Strategies Lottery money and the building will not cost the City anything. He said there is pressure to locate a mini police station on the Plaza and the Commission agreed there is a need for this. Hauck added the Chamber of Commerce would also like to keep the information booth. Lewis said it would be difficult to make the new structure compatible, and it may not necessarily be best to duplicate the existing booth. DPAC will be contacted to meet the first part of next week on this. Harriff moved and Mitchell seconded to have Emerson be the liaison between the Commission and DPAC. The motion was unanimously passed. The Commission then reviewed the submitted drawings. It was suggested a new information booth should be built and the existing booth be used as the mini police station. It was also emphasized the new building should not be duplicated. ADJOURNMENT It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes April 5, 1995 Page 7 ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Agenda April 5, 1995 L He IlL IV. CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m. -ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER 59 Winburn Way APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 8, 1995 STAFF REPORTS: PLANNING ACTION 95-028 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a one-unit plus owner's' unit traveller's accommodation located at 630 Siskiyou Boulevard. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 9DB; Tax Lot: 3900. APPLICANT: Karen Teker PLANNING ACTION 95-023 is a request for a modification of a Conditional Use Permit that wouM allow renting the rear cottage. In addition, allow another chiropractor to work at the office located at 376 B Street. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 9BA; Tax Lot: 6500. APPLICANT: Susan DeMarinis PLANNING ACTION 95-026 is a request for an extension of a Conditional Use Permit to allow an existing non-residential building to be used as offices at 78 and 84 Fourth Street. An extension of the Variance is also being requested to reduce the parking requirement by one space. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 9AC; Tax Lots: 5300 and 5600. APPLICANT: Rogue Environmental Incorporated OLD BUSINESS: A. Review Board ,~ Appointments/Volunteers Bo National Historic Preservation Week ,, May 14th - 20th ~ REAL PEOPLE, REAL PLACES, REAL HISTORY C. Discussion of Oregon Historic Preservation Plan D. Other V. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of City Council Liaison B. Discussion of state legislation which will affect historic resources C. Introduction of Draft Historic Preservation Ordinance D. Other VI. ADJOURNMENT