HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-07-05 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
July 5, 1990
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Susan Reynolds at 7:35 p.m.
Members present were Terry Skibby, Rick Harris, Susan Reynolds, Lorraine Whitten,
Thomas Hunt, Jean MacKenzie, Mark Reitinger and Keith Chambers. Also present were
Senior Planner John McLaughlin and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Commission member
Jim Lewis was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Whitten moved and Chambers seconded to approve the Minutes of the June 6, 1990
meeting as mailed. Motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 90-122
Conditional Use Permit
164½ "B" Street
Frank Spierings
McLaughlin informed the Commission this application is for the expansion of a non-
conforming structure. The small garage behind the house located at 164 "B" Street was
converted to a cottage for the owner's residence when the house was granted approval for
a traveler's accommodation. At the time, the owner was single. The license was revoked
last year when it was discovered she was not residing on the property. She has since re-
applied and obtained approval. Because she and her husband need a larger residence, and
because the side yard setback is not in compliance with the ordinance, they need approval
to build 3.4 feet from the side property line. Staff sees no problem with this.
Chambers stated that the garage currently sits back quite unobtrusively and will definitely
stand out with the new addition. He agreed with the Commission, however, that the style
is compatible with the existing house.
Harris moved and Whitten seconded to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit
and design of the cottage to the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously.
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
PA 90-124
Conditional Use Permit
550 East Main Street
Kimo and Sandra Littlefield
This application, McLaughlin explained, is to operate a two-unit hotel and beauty parlor
on the site. With the Commercial zone, the owners are not required to live there. This
request is unique in the combination of the two uses. Staff agrees it would be a viable use
for the property. When questioned by Hunt about the units, McLaughlin answered the two
units will be equipped with kitchens. He also added the parking is in excess of what is
necessary, and although the access ways are shared, there has never been a complaint.
Kimo and Sandra Littlefield assured the Commission there would be no exterior changes.
Whitten moved to recommend approval of this application to the Planning Commission.
Skibby seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
PA 90-126
Conditional Use Permit
268 West Hersey Street
Venita Varga
McLaughlin explained this request is to operate a one-unit plus manager's unit traveler's
accommodation at this site. It is currently a run down duplex and is owned by Audrey
Sochor, who also owns and operates the Arden Forest Inn Bed and Breakfast across the
street. He added the structure will be greatly upgraded. In order for this type of request
to be granted approval, the applicant and owner are required to sign a hands off lease,
which dictates the applicant will be running and managing the unit, not the owner. He went
on to say that in the past, the Planning Commission has shown concerns about this type of
request. Staff is recommending approval with the condition that it comply with new Bed
and Breakfast code changes when adopted.
Audrey Sochor informed the Commission that the building is in view of her own Bed and
Breakfast and it was an eyesore. When it became for sale, she bought it so she could have
control of her view. It has been painted and will be landscaped.
Harris questioned what would be gained if the duplex were converted into a Bed and
Breakfast, therefore losing affordable housing. He feels the same thing could be
accomplished by retaining the duplex.
After discussion of owner vs. applicant occupancy, Chambers moved to recommend approval
of this application with the condition that should there be a change in ordinance
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
requirements, it must come into compliance at the time of annual renewal next year.
Reitinger seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
PA 90-020
Conditional Use Permit, Site Review and Boundary Line Adjustment
34 Union Street and 549 Allison Street
G.K. Schrock
McLaughlin reminded the Commission this application (although changed many times) was
heard in February, March and April. The Conditional Use Permit was approved in April,
but there was not enough information for Site Review approval. A neighbor requested a
continuance of the public hearing, but the City Attorney concurred with the applicant's
attorney that it was not a timely request. However, the Conditional Use Permit has been
opened up once more to allow for current changes. The present application consists of
three units in the house at 34 Union Street, two units in the garage at that location and the
manager's unit located in a new structure. The application also includes a Boundary Line
Adjustment, which will take off the rear portion of 549 Allison Street and add it to 34
Union Street to accommodate the parking. This, however, is a non-discretionary item.
The main controversy has been the use of boards and batts on the front porch of 34 Union
Street. When questioned about this, Schrock stated he still intends to use them.
McLaughlin said that Staff feels the main planning concerns have been attended and now
the issue is particulars on design features. He then stated that a condition which will be
included in the Staff Report will be that no board and battens will be visible from a public
right-of-way. The Commission agreed this should be a part of the approval.
Harris moved and Reitinger seconded to recommend approval for the five units plus the
manager's unit with the provision that all the siding remain horizontal. Discussion ensued
regarding the owner's unit and it was concluded that it was harmonious with the rest of the
property. Schrock agreed to match the trim with the rest of the structures. The motion was
unanimously passed.
90-150
Annual Review of Renewals/Conditional Use Permits
Traveler's Accommodations
City of Ashland
McLaughlin stated this is the annual one year renewals for traveler's accommodations. No
complaints have been received about any of them and they seem to be operating smoothly.
No action was required from the Historic Commission.
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
90-140
Site Review
337 Oak Street
Michael Van Ausdall
McLaughlin explained this application is being requested to allow for an existing workshop
to be converted into an apartment. The applicant would like to add a kitchen in order to
create a rental unit. The main concern is that the property is located in the flood plain.
This structure, however, seems to be situated above the flood plain.
Whitten stated this is the type of project that is needed for affordable housing. McLaughlin
added that the large lot would meet density requirements for affordable housing.
Whitten moved to recommend approval of this Site Review with the stipulation that the
Commission review and approve the plans for the proposed addition before permits are
issued. Skibby seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
PA 90-139
Site Review
248 Van Ness Avenue
LBI and Friends
McLaughlin explained this application is for a four-unit apartment complex. Three units
will face the alley and one will face Van Ness. The twenty foot front yard setback will be
off Van Ness. He also stated the applicants were advised to design the building so that the
front portion would be harmonious with existing homes on Van Ness.
The Commission delayed decision on this matter because of design weaknesses, notably the
front porch, asymmetricality of windows, roof pitches and the flat facade. Staff will contact
the applicants and invite them to a Thursday Review Board meeting (July 19th).
Reitinger, Hunt, Skibby and MacKenzie met with the applicants on July 19. They will provide
new elevations (which will be reviewed on July 26) based on the following Historic Commission
recommendations: 1) porch sa~ne roof pitch as main building, 2) knee braces at gabled ends,
3) freeze board with shingled gabled ends, 4) gabled end of porch to Craftsman style and 5)
change half round windows to double hung with ~ inch trim and eliminate half round front
door.
The applicants met with Skibby, Hunt and Reynolds on July 26th and presented a revised
elevation of the front portion of the building. Although the elevation did not depict certain
recommendations of the Historic Commission, the applicant agreed to use double hung windows
with conventional trim. Based on this agreement, the members present approved the revised
design.
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
PA 90-157
Variance
774 "C" Street
Steve Battaglia
McLaughlin related the applicant received an approved building permit to add on to his
house, however, when the building inspector went out to inspect the footings, the front
property line was questioned. He informed the owner that if he was certain of the location
of his property line, he could have the cement poured, which he did. It was then discovered
that "C" Street actually has a 70 foot right-of-way, and the footings were poured too close
to the property line. The Land Use Ordinance allows the owner to average the two
adjacent properties in cases like this, however, this would still put the addition twenty feet
back from the curb. A four foot Variance would be needed in order for construction to
resume on his addition, thereby saving a redwood tree in the front yard. Staff feels this
hardship was totally unintentional and approval would not cause a problem.
Whitten moved and Hunt seconded to recommend the Planning Commission grant approval
of this Variance, and it passed unanimously.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
June follow:
Christopher Briscoe
Doug & Susan Morrison
Craig & Marie Chestnut
Sharon Tisdale
Daniel Greenblatt
Victoria's Tea Room
Trapeze
Cuppa Joe
Big Town Hero #IV
Superior Weatherization
Accents
B & S Saloon
Lucca's Delicatessen
509 Siskiyou Blvd.
320 Scenic Dr.
346 Iowa St.
550 Holly St.
501 Allison St.
397 E. Main St.
115 E. Main St.
60 E. Main St.
75 N. Main St.
340 "A" St. #5
33 E. Main St.
180 Lithia Way
116 Lithia Way
Railing*
Addition
Partial Rear Demolition
SFR
Remodel/Deck
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
*Denotes Historic Commission disapproval.
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
OLD BUSINESS
Historic Sign Code Ordinance
McLaughlin briefly explained the results of the City Council meeting, stating the Council
was not comfortable approving the revisions without a list. Copies of a letter written by
George Kramer were distributed and analyzed. The Commission concurred with Kramer
regarding the list, with the feeling it should be the sign owners' responsibility to come forth
with the burden of proof for historical listings.
The Commission agreed it should ask the Council for reconsideration of the necessity of
a list, while assuring the Council that it does not want to open gates. The Commission
supports the Sign Code Ordinance revisions not for economic reasons, but historical
reasons.
Review Board
Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every
Thursday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department:
July 12
July 19
July 26
August 2
Reynolds, Chambers and Skibby
Reitinger, Skibby, Hunt and MacKenzie
Reynolds, Whitten and Skibby
Reitinger, Chambers, Hunt and Skibby
Heritage Sunday
Skibby reported that 150-200 people attended the Heritage Sunday activities on July 1st.
There was a packed house for the slide presentation by Kay Atwood and George Kramer,
and approximately 50 people attended the open house at 248 Fifth Street. Bill Emerson
had a good collection of old maps and Skibby had a large photo display. All in all, Skibby
stated there was a good response.
Orientation Meeting
The meeting will be in the Dankook Room at SOSC on Thursday, July 12th. The
Commission decided to invite Kay Atwood and George Kramer because of all the work
they have contributed over the past few years.
Ashland Historic Commission
July 5, 1990
NEW BUSINESS
Aueust Meetine
The next meeting will be August 8th instead of August 1st. This is because the Planning
Commission now meets on the second Tuesday of the month due to cable access scheduling.
SOSC 2000 Plan
McLaughlin explained the SOSC 2000 Plan will be incorporated into the Comprehensive
Plan, and will thus carry a lot of weight. The Historic Commission needs to review the
portions pertaining to historic structures, notably Churchill Hall, Swedenburg House and
the small house on the southwest corner of Mountain Avenue and Siskiyou Boulevard.
Swedenburg House is already on the National Register of Historic Places and the City
would like to see Churchill Hall on the Register also. SOSC is proposing major changes
to Churchill Hall and the City is concerned that the remodel be done correctly in order for
it to qualify for the National Register. The City needs reassurance from SOSC in this case.
Also, the college plans to demolish all the houses across from Churchill Hall in order to
create parking lots. The City would like to see the house in the Historic District retained.
The Commission concurred with the City's comments on these structures and agreed to help
McLaughlin write a letter regarding them.
Plaza Plans
MacKenzie brought up the fact that she had been contacted by a few people regarding
plans for the Downtown Plaza area. They are concerned about changes that might take
place. She went on to say that there are many people who do not want to see it changed
at all.
McLaughlin stated the plans will come before the Historic Commission before final
approval.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Whitten and second by Hunt, it was the unanimous decision of the
Historic Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m.