HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-07 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
July 7, 1993
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:38 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Le Hook, H.L. Wood, Dana Johnson, Keith Chambers and
Steve Ennis. Also present were Associate Planner Bill Molnar, Secretary Sonja Akerman,
and City Council Liaison Pat Acklin. Nan Hannon and Jane Dancer were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Johnson moved and Ennis seconded the Minutes of the June 2, 1993 meeting be approved
as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 93-087
Site Review
746 "C" Street
Phyllis Sanderson
Molnar explained this application is to convert the detached garage at the rear of the
property off the alley to a small studio apartment. One parking space off the alley is
required and it will need to be improved with either brick or grass pavers. The only exterior
changes will be the addition of an exterior door on the west side, and a window and sliding
glass door on the east side.
Phyllis Sanderson said there will be no changes on the alley side. When Skibby questioned
her about the trim and siding, she stated it will match the existing trim and vertical siding.
Johnson moved to recommend approval of this proposal to the Planning Commission.
Skibby seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
PA 93-090
Site Review
58 East Main Street
Allan Sandier
This was called up for a public hearing. It will be heard in August.
PA 93-097
Site Review
North Side of "A" Street at end of Second Street
John Fields
Molnar related this application is for a new 5,100 square foot commercial building. It
complies well with the Site Design and Use Standards, and Staff has administratively
approved it.
Skibby stated this is a good example of what the Commission likes to see. Molnar remarked
the only additional condition would be the pedestrian scale lighting along "A" Street shall
not exceed 14 feet.
Johnson questioned the color and the Commission agreed the color scheme should be
discussed at a Review Board meeting. Ennis mentioned required handicapped parking and
Molnar said it will be one of the conditions.
(Hook arrived at this time - 7:52.)
The Commission discussed the entryway and agreed it is important to have it located off "A"
Street.
Skibby then moved to recommend approval of this action with the conditions the applicant
address the color scheme, handicapped parking and provide more detail on the front
entrance. Chambers seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
PA 93-092
Conditional Use Permit
247 North Second Street
Kevin Cooke
There was a previously approved Conditional Use Permit for this site for a portion of the
building to be used as office space. This proposal, explained Molnar, is to construct an
1,100 square foot yoga studio, which will offer two classes a day, with six to ten students per
class. Three parking spaces off the alley will be provided, and they will be required to be
improved either with grass pavers or brick. At the pre-application conference, the applicant
had proposed a two story building, however, Staff had said it couldn't support that.
Therefore, the applicants came to at least one Review Board meeting and revised the plans
for a one story building. The property could accommodate another residence, so the
differences need to be weighed. If approved, the approval would only be for the yoga
studio. Any other use would require a new Conditional Use Permit. On the positive side,
the applicant will also be renting the existing house on the property.
Skibby questioned what would happen if the property were sold. Molnar said clarification
would be needed from the City Attorney, but it would seem if the applicant stopped leasing
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
Page 2
the property, it could void the Conditional Use Permit. Skibby said he has talked with the
applicant and received a positive impression. The applicant is sensitive to the area and
willing to work with the City.
Ennis remarked it is difficult to follow up on the encouragement of the applicant for
students walking/biking to the classes, and feels this could have a more intensive use than
the target use. Molnar commented a yoga studio is not specific in the ordinance, but the
ordinance gives the Planning Commission authority to make decisions. The application is
consistent with the yoga studio on Beach Street. He added it is possible to place a
maximum number of students as a condition.
Acklin interjected the State transportation rules will soon be upon us and will not require
as many parking spaces in order to promote alternative transportation.
Skibby said more parking on the alley would have more of an impact. The Commission
then discussed the fact that half the alley is already paved, but the half of the alley toward
First Street is not. The parking, as drawn on the site plan, is diagonal, which will encourage
people to drive the entire length of the alley. If the parking were straight in, people could
go back out onto Second Street.
Hook stated he would like to see the stipulation that the siding, windows, roof, and trim all
match the existing house, rather than just be "compatible with the house". The Commission
agreed the window proportions should also match the existing house.
Lewis questioned the potential resale of the structure and the conversion to a residence.
Molnar stated nothing will 'be done inside to preclude the conversion.
Ennis questioned the ten foot setback in the rear. Molnar answered the studio could
comply with accessory structures, whereby the setback would be three feet. Ennis
commented fire and life safety requires a five foot setback in order to have windows on that
side. Molnar maintained that in terms of future residential uses, the setback should be ten
feet. Ennis then questioned Hook what the Alley Committee would prefer as far as parking
on the alley was concerned. Hook said it would be better to have perpendicular parking if
possible.
Ennis then moved to recommend approval of this application with the following conditions:
1) the maximum number of students be ten, as stated by the applicant; 2) the maximum
number of classes be two per day, Monday through Friday, as stated by the applicant; 3) the
building materials include composition shingles, horizontal siding, wood double hung
windows, and trim to be similar to existing house; 4) the applicant come to a Review Board
meeting to present the details; and 5) the applicant design the three parking spaces to be
perpendicular to the alley, with depth to comply with Planning requirements so as to
encourage cars to return to Second Street upon leaving the spaces. Hook seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
Page 3
PA 93-093
Site Review
Northeast Corner of Fifth and "A" Streets
J. Ellen Austin
Molnar explained this application is for a two story, 5,500 square feet structure, with 2,300
square feet of commercial space and 3,000 square feet of residential space. Staff is pleased
with the look of the building.
J. Ellen Austin stated she has come into several problems with banks and insurance
companies because the building is both commercial and residential. Because it is zoned E-l,
the banks would like it strictly commercial, but the intent of that zoning is to have both.
She has talked with five different banks and because this is a hybrid project, it can't be
packaged out and she can't get a loan. She wants the City to be aware of the problem. She
also stated she will probably have to do this project in two stages and reduce the building
to two residential units. She then described changes she would have to make in the plans.
After discussing drawbacks of the lending institutions and design modifications, Ms. Austin
withdrew her application, and stated she will resubmit it for the next meeting.
The Historic Commission will send a memo to the Planning Commission regarding the
difficulties of obtaining financing through lending institions for commercial/residential uses.
The Commission liked Austin's concept, but felt the streetscape needed attention.
PA 93-095
Outline Plan Approval
Scenic Drive Access
John Barton/Bruce and Pokii Roberts
Molnar explained the applicants are proposing a 12 lot subdivision of 7.6 acres of hillside
property with various degrees of slope, from 15% to 40%. There will be 11 new lots and
the lot off Scenic Drive which includes an existing home. The new driveway off Scenic will
be a public street to the cul-de-sac (as shown on the map), and will have two private drives
continue from it. The property is in the wildfire zone, so hydrants are required which will
need to meet the required flow. The base density given to the property is 18 lots, and the
applicants are proposing 12. Since it is hillside property, however, impacts need to be
minimized. One of the main concerns is the 1,000 foot private drive to serve lots within a
couple hundred feet of the cul-de-sac. Ditch Road is on the open space plan and will
eventually be pedestrian/bike oriented. Another concern is the perpendicular parking on
the street. Staff is advising some of the spaces be converted to parallel spaces and removing
some also. Staff is not recommending approval at this point.
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July 7, 1993
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The Commission discussed slope, terracing, retaining walls, the hillside, etc. Although most
of the property is outside the Historic District, it is all very visible from the majority of the
District.
Marc Brown, 171 Church Street, said his back lot is just below and parallels Scenic where
the new access drive is proposed and he has several concerns. He then quoted from the
Staff Report about the visibility of the site. He agrees the construction should disturb the
hillside topography and vegetation as little as possible. He is also concerned with the 1,000
foot private road and the cul-de-sac, especially with the visual impact from not only his
neighborhood, but also from downtown. He also stated the applicant did not draw in all
existing structures in the area, and cited Lorraine Whitten's garage as one.
Chambers questioned Molnar about accessing the development off Logan Drive. He
answered that in 1991, the applicant received approval for a five lot subdivision, with his
purchase of lot 10 which would allow him to go through to his property from Logan Drive.
Chambers said he is concerned with the tiny inaccessible open space. Molnar said this is
also a City concern. The open space will be owned and maintained by owners in the
subdivision, but it is unclear how it will be accessed. This has not yet been discussed with
the applicants.
Ron Thurner, 1170 Bellview Avenue, said not only should the Staff Report be considered,
but also the town and the impact it will have on the Historic District. He feels it will have
major impacts, however they are difficult to judge because the application is incomplete.
He also doesn't see it as appropriate. He is not opposed to new construction, but this
development is not compatible. Scenic Drive is not the only available access for this project,
and that needs to be checked out. He also feels this is taking advantage of the Performance
Standards Option to maximize the property. Lacking are street design and landscaping,
even though they are not required until the Final Plan is turned in. These will directly
affect the impact, so they are relevant now. He also would like to know such details as what
kind of impact new street lights will have on the existing homes in the area. The design
should attempt to minimize the impact and he can't understand how anyone can appreciate
this design of the project.
Hook asked if the applicant should work more with Staff before it is heard? Molnar stated
criteria C, regarding natural features, needs to be modified. Hook contended the proposal
should be rejected and sent back to Staff to work more specifically with concerns already
mentioned.
Thurner added he believes there is a great deal more than Staff concerns at this point. The
burden falls with the applicant and he would hope to limit the concerns with Staff and
neighbors.
Ed Brubaker, 197 Nutley Street, said he is also concerned with the look of Ashland from
the downtown area. Twelve buildings up on the hill will look ridiculous. Two or three
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
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would be alright, but certainly not twelve. Chambers questioned Brubaker about access off
Nutley. Brubaker said there is an access road which is not on the map, but as far as he
knows, it is to remain open for property off Scenic Drive. This is in the form of an
easement he and other neighbors have. He was approached at one time by the applicant
regarding this, but he didn't want to sell the easement because he would lose part of his
house and a tree.
Skibby commented there are too many unanswered questions. Hook moved to recommend
denial of the application and send it back to Staff in order for the applicant to address
concerns previously mentioned. Chambers seconded the motion, then amended it to
include, but not limit items to be addressed: 1) viewscape from downtown, 2) location and
access of open space, 3) building envelopes, 4) possible reduction in number of lots; and 5)
access off Scenic Drive v. Logan Drive. Johnson seconded the amendment. The motion
carried, with all voting aye except Hook.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
June follow:
127 Strawberry Lane Michael Sanford Addition
126 Nursery Street Brent Thompson Roof Deck
501 Allison Street Daniel Greenblatt Remodel Attic
291 Gresham Street Steve Faro Remodel & Addition
70 Water Street Bob & Ann Clouse Revision of Addition
150 Susan Lane Michael Wyer Remodel & Addition
261 West Hersey Street Audrey Sochor Remodel
366 "B" Street Steve & Doreen Johnson SFR
370 "B" Street Steve & Doreen Johnson Apartment/Garage
126 Nursery Street Brent Thompson Remodel
482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Fourplex
482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Duplex
482 Iowa Street Roanne Lyall Laundry Room
116 Lithia Way Grizzly Realty, Inc. Sign
169 East Main Street Udderly's Fresh Yogurts Sign
486 Siskiyou Boulevard Grape Vine Inn Sign
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:
July 8
July 15
Skibby, Chambers and Wood
Skibby, Hook, Lewis, Johnson, Chambers and Ennis
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
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July 22
July 29
Skibby, Hook, Lewis and Wood
Skibby, Johnson and Wood
OLD BUSINESS
Loss of Residential Housine
Ennis discussed John McLaughlin's memo regarding CUPs in the Historic Interest area.
Because of understaffing and other priorities, this has been put on hold. The Commission
does not want to let this drop. The general direction of the subcommittee's proposal is
opposite of what the City Council has in mind, as it is too restrictive. Molnar said State law
requires ordinances to be clear and objective. Livability is difficult to define.
Chambers said he is concerned that they have been wasting their time, however he feels
they have tapped into something real. Molnar said Planning Commissioner Susan Powell
brought up her frustration at the Joint Study Session meeting with the City Council about
getting nowhere on this. Rob Winthrop said it could be initiated with a Resolution passed
by the Council to begin public hearings. Molnar related he feels McLaughlin wants to look
at the overall Railroad District in general.
Lewis said the special area plan for the Railroad District is #7 on the priority list, and it
may be possible to incorporate this. Chambers suggested writing a letter to McLaughlin to
this effect. Lewis suggested obtaining a consensus with allied groups also.
Cemetery Nominations to National Register
A memo was sent to the City Council regarding the progress of the nomination.
Heritage Sunday
Skibby said between 50-60 people attended Heritage Sunday at Lincoln School. Southern
Oregon Historical Society brought artifacts and a video on wagon trains. Also, Bill Emerson
had transferred information from the 1800's map onto a current map regarding the location
of the Applegate Trail.
Goal Setting/Orientation Meeting
The meeting will be July 19th. A memo will be sent to the members as a reminder.
De Facto Demolitions
The virtual demolition of the house on Rock Street was discussed, along with the
implications of effect on the 20 year portion of the B & B ordinance. Molnar said there is
a loophole regarding the percentage of what needs to remain. It is not currently specified.
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
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NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Hook moved and Johnson seconded to retain Lewis as Chairperson. The motion was
unanimously passed. Hook then moved to retain Skibby as Vice Chairperson and Planning
Commission Liaison, and to nominate Wood as City Council Liaison. Johnson seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
Relocation of Community Development
Skibby informed the Commission that the Department of Community Development has
been designated to move to a new building behind the Council Chambers. He said the
downtown location is critical. The Review Board meets once a week in the Planning Office
to review plans and sign permits. Oftentimes, it is important to go to the site, which can
usually be accomplished by walking. The new building would be out of the Historic District.
Lewis said he has no argument about the new building, but the question is who should use
it. There is no doubt the Planning Office is short for space. The Commission agreed
Planning is part of downtown and the difference would be noticeable.
Hook moved to have the Historic Commission go on record to not move the Department
of Community Development out of the downtown area and Historic District. Ennis
seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye except Johnson, who
abstained.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
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Minutes
July 7, 1993
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