HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-03 Historic MINCiTY OF
-ASHLAND
ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
December 3, 2003
CALL TO ORDER
At 7:00 p.m., Chairperson Dale Shostrom called the meeting to order in the Siskiyou Room, located in the
Community Development/Engineering Services Building at 51 Winbum Way. In addition to Shostrom, members
present were Alex Krach, Jay Leighton, Tom Giordano, Joanne Kdppaehne, Robert Saladoff, Ten7 Skibby, Sam
Whitford and new member Keith Swink. Also present were Associate Planner Mark Knox and Secretary Sonja
Akerman. No members were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Leighton moved to approve the November 5, 2003 minutes as submitted. With a second by Krach, the motion
was unanimously approved.
NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION
Knox introduced Keith Swink to the Commission. Swink was recently appointed by the Mayor to replace Keith
Chambers, who is currently on sabbatical and won't retum until next summer. Knox stated Swink is a contractor
who has worked on several projects in Ashland and will be able to add his expertise to the Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Action 2003-152
Site Review and Conditional Use Permit
44 North Second Street
Trinity Episcopal Church
Because he is the architect for this project, Giordano declared a conflict of interest and stepped out of the room.
Knox reported this application is for a 715 square foot addition to the back of the Parish Hall. The roof pitch,
width and depth will be similar to the existing building. He explained the need for the expansion is to
accommodate more bathrooms, more storage and meeting space as well as a kitchen remodel. Although the
Parish Hall is not on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sanctuary is listed so plans for the addition
were submitted to the State Histodc Preservation Office (SHPO) for review. SHPO had no problem with the
design.
Knox said Staff considers the addition to be an appropriate match with the existing structures and is
recommending approval.
Bill Bartlett, representing Trinity Church, stated he was available to answer questions. None were forthcoming
from the Commission.
Shostrom opened the public hearing, but there was no one in the audience to speak about the application.
Skibby moved and Krippaehne seconded to recommend approval of this planning action. The motion was
unanimously approved.
Ashland Historic Commission Minutes
December 3, 2003
Planning Action 2003-149
Site Review and 2 Variances
238 Eighth Street
Janet Larmore and Tom Strong
CITY OF
kSHLAND
Knox explained this application is being requested in order to make lawful an illegal unit that has been in
existence for at least ten years, possibly more. The applicants purchased the property last year with the
understanding the unit was an approved one, but while they were in the process of remodeling the building
discovered it was not. Because a unit less than 500 square feet would not be allowed on a lot less than 6,500
square feet in an R-2 zone, a Variance is needed in order to keep the structure as a rental unit. In cases such
as this, Knox explained, the R-2 zone is more restrictive than the R-1 zone. The second Variance is being
requested to allow a reduction in the on-street parking standards. This would allow a 1:1 credit instead of a 2:1
parking credit. The main house on the lot is 670 square feet and the illegal unit is 357 square feet. After the
applicants (who own and reside in the adjacent house) bought the property, they began to upgrade the site and
the buildings. Both dwellings had separate water and electric meters. Knox commented the owners have
accomplished a lot of improvements since they purchased the property. In addition, the owners have offered to
lock in the unit as "affordable." As such, it will be one of the conditions of approval because all proposals
submitted by the applicant become conditions. Staff is recommending approval.
Janet Larmore, owner of the property, confirmed they have renovated both units on the property. She also said
they have had a very positive response from neighbors, who are delighted with the progress. She has lived on
the adjacent property for ten years and verified people have rented the illegal unit during that time. Additionally,
Larmore stated there are only a few homes on Eighth Street that don't have driveways, so generally, parking is
available on the street.
Shostrom opened the public hearing.
Paul Bergland, 255 Ninth Street Alley, stated he lives directly behind the illegal unit and he is supportive of
the proposal. While it would be nice if no one lived there, he said that both units on the property look much better
and he has no complaints.
Shostrom closed the public hearing.
Whitford moved to recommend approval of this application because the applicants are doing the right thing in
maintaining property that has not been previously maintained. Giordano seconded the motion. Shostrom cladfied
that most issues are Planning Commission issues and commented that if the property were in an R-1 zone, this
would comply. The scale of the unit fits in well with the Railroad District and there are unusual circumstances
that triggered the need for Planning Commission approval. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Planning Action 2003-150
Conditional Use Permit
22 Scenic Drive
T. Michael Ryan
Knox reported this application is for a new house that will exceed the recently adopted maximum house size
standards in Ashland's histodc districts. The 8,569 square foot lot will only allow a 2,507 square foot house. The
applicant is proposing to construct a house 25% over the maximum permitted floor area, requiring a Conditional
Use Permit (CUP). This is the maximum amount that would be allowed under CUP criteria with Planning
Commission approval. Knox stated the property also has steep slopes along Scenic Ddve, which constrain the
location of the house on the property. The proposed residence would be 2,661 square feet with an attached 473
square foot garage, totaling 3,134 square feet. Knox explained the CUP process is discretionary. If an applicant
proposes more square footage than what is allowed in the ordinance and it falls into the exception area, then
the proposed house needs to be worthy, fit into the neighborhood, and not have an adverse affect on the Histodc
District. This is the first application to exceed the maximum house size since the ordinance was adopted.
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December 3, 2003
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Knox remarked the proposed residence will consist of various roof heights and stepped back walls, thus
providing character to the design while breaking up the massing. The house will sit below Scenic Ddve because
of the steepness of the slope so only a portion of the roofline will be visible from Scenic. The attached garage
represents 19% of the 25% over the allowable size. If the garage was detached and separated from the house
by at least six feet or made into a carport, the applicant would only need to ask for a 6% exception, and 6%
represents 154 square feet. Knox said the Commission needs to consider what would happen to the volume and
design of the house if the square footage was reduced by '6'% and the garage detached. He also asked the
Commission to pay attention to the maps, the location of the house on the property and the histodc ranking of
the houses surrounding the property. The unusual circumstances of the sloping lot and the odd shape should
also be considered. According to Knox, Staff is in the middle on this application.
Applicant Michael Ryan stated he and architect Cados Delgado began designing this house last September and
were not aware of the maximum house size ordinance that was adopted in October. He said he had been in to
the Planning Department several times but never made aware of the ordinance. Considering the proposal with
the many constraints, he feels the design works well within the spirit of the ordinance. There is currently an
eclectic mix of homes in the area. Ryan asked that this application be judged on the medts of the house rather
than being the first one to ask for the exception.
Architect Cados Delgado verified this was a difficult site and difficult timing. The owner wanted to submit his
application for a building permit around the same time the maximum house size ordinance was being adopted.
Regarding the neighborhood, Delgado said the average size of the houses in the immediate area is 2,750
square feet. Issues with this site include the hillside, shape of the property, setbacks and where to put the
garage. The two-story house was designed with the walls stepping back and will actually look more like one story
because of the slopes. He also explained the application will be up against the hillside ordinance because of
the steep slope. According to the geo-tech that is working on this project, the grading and erosion control plan
will be faidy simple.
Giordano remarked that normally, when there is a difficult site such as this, the proposed residence would be
smaller, not larger. Delgado explained the difficulties in separating the house from the garage because of the
constraints of the site.
Ryan clarified his options would be to receive approval for the project as proposed or to separate the garage
by six feet if the CUP is denied. If denied, he would also need to reduce the size of the garage so it would be
for a single car and take off 154 square feet from the house. He asked the Commission to consider what would
happen to the mass in that case. In his opinion, by moving the garage six feet away from the house, the
perception of mass would be increased because the buildings would be spread out. Also, he stated a denial
would result in a hardship for him.
Shostrom asked about the lot lines of the property and Ryan explained the lines were adjusted before he bought
the property to make the lot more saleable.
Delgado noted they had looked at separating the garage from the house but felt the design worked better if it
were attached. Skibby recalled the applicant had come to a Review Board meeting before October and the
design has remained unchanged. Knox reminded the Commission that regardless of when they came to the
Review Board, the decision needs to be based on what is currently before it and base that decision on relevant
cdteda in the recently adopted ordinance. Ryan asked if 6% reduction would really be perceived as less mass.
Shostrom opened the public hearing.
Stuart Gray, 1227 Munson Drive, stated Michael Ryan designed and built the addition on his home. He wanted
to mention that fact because in his opinion, Ryan is an artist. He knows how to build so a structure doesn't look
too big.
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December 3, 2003
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Nick Damon, 2379 Old Military Road, Central Point, commented the design for Ryan's house will enhance
the value of the homes in the neighborhood and community. Reducing the square footage will not help the
design, which has merit as it is. He has seen and admired Ryan's renovation projects.
Sara Sanders, 1227 Munson Drive, said she moved from a large home to a small home. Because of the lot
size, expansion was limited. When he was initially contacted, Ryan came with a list of references. She stated
he is an ethical person and built their addition to the letter of the code. She also commented that most people
have a grace period when ordinances are adopted and would like to see Ryan receive that consideration.
Marlene Mills, 34 Scenic Drive, noted she has lived on the adjoining property for 35 years and she is against
this proposal. She supported the Historic Commission when it recommended a lower figure be used for the
maximum house size in the historic districts. There has always been an empty lot there. After Robert McKee
bought the property, he divided it in half. She said if the lots were one, a beautiful house could be built with a
yard. Since there are now two lots, another large house of the same size could also be built. Her lot could
accommodate three homes, but she wouldn't think of doing that. Infill that has occurred in the area has always
allowed space around the houses. The lots have been larger and the identity with the neighborhood has not
been lost. In addition, she does not feel the design is compatible with the neighborhood. She acknowledged it
is a lovely house but not for that difficult lot.
Planning Consultant Laurel Prairie-Kuntz, 522 Park Avenue, Medford, stated she represents Chris Wood
and Dr. F.F. Sharkey. She read a letter into the record from Chris Wood, who has lived next to the subject
property for 26 years and who was unable to attend the meeting. He asked for denial of the proposal, citing the'
tradition and need for more moderately sized homes with yards, and his concem that more people will be asking
for exceptions. He feels the effect on neighborhood relations can be lasting, and not for the better. Praide-Kuntz
also submitted a letter identifying the third criteria under Conditional Use Permits as not being met in this
application and supplying supportive tables. She stated her clients are concemed about the compatibility of the
proposed design with the neighborhood. There are currently homes on various sized lots with beautiful yards
and trees. The proposed house is much larger in mass than surrounding homes. She also stated that from a
planning perspective, ignorance of the law does not get you out of the law. She commended the City for adopting
the ordinance and added it has already served as an example. Praide-Kuntz also addressed concerns that the
drainage flow is proposed to the northeast of the property, which is uphill.
Francis Sharkey, 163 Granite Street, said the lot is adjacent and up the hill from hers. The lot is deceptive
because of the steep hill. Granite Street is a beautiful and much used street. From Scenic, only the top of the
roof of the proposed house will be seen. From Granite Street and Lithia Park, however, it will be quite visible
because the view will be looking up at it. She feels the owner should endch himself and build his spec house
elsewhere. She is concerned about the drainage because dudng the flood of 1997, the Bed & Breakfast at 163
Granite Street she owns was flooded for a week. Historic neighborhoods need to have homes that don't stand
out like sore thumbs. Sharkey also stated she does not feel the style will fit in with the neighborhood.
Delgado stated the drainage will be accomplished as proposed through a legal access following the contours
of the site. He also stated the data brought forth in the findings he submitted contain the sizes of homes within
a block of this lot. The neighbors submitted data from a larger area.
Ryan commented it comes down to the fact that the neighbors want the lot left vacant. The ordinance was
passed with a 25% allowance. There would be no perceived difference in mass if he reduced the size of the
living area by 6% and detached the garage. He stated he would be willing to work with the neighbors on
landscaping by bringing in soil, etc. at his own expense. For his logic, this is a viable option, as the neighbors
would see less of the proposed house.
Shostrom closed the public hearing.
Skibby stated the issue seems to be what could be built vs. what will be built if not approved.
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December 3, 2003
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Whitford remarked that he does not see the structure as fitting into the neighborhood. As the neighbors pointed
out, the existing homes are on larger lots. While he realizes the house will be built and that it is a beautiful
design, historically, it is not compatible.
Giordano said he feels divided. Part of him sees no reason to grant approval because the applicant has
suggested ways to make it comply with the ordinance. The garage location will always be an issue because
there are problems with the lot and by moving it, it could create more of a mass. It is a difficult site. Usually, the
building size would shdnk rather than grow with sites like this. On the other side, it is on the fdnge of the Histodc
District. He can see the transitional size of the house, but it seems out of character with the neighborhood. It is
incompatible because of the ratio of lot size and building size. He would have a hard time supporting a 25%
increase.
Saladoff stated he has the same two ways of looking at the project as Giordano. The purpose of the ordinance
is to keep a more traditional streetscape by managing and controlling the scale, volume and rhythm of the street,
including patterns of lot coverage. There is a street perspective and neighbor perspective. While the house sits
below Scenic Drive, the neighbors have a point about seeing it from Granite Street. The lot coverage is
inconsistent with the neighborhood. The house is well designed and looks great, but Saladoff said his concern
is about the coverage and the applicant has pointed out ways he could meet the house size limitations.
Swink could also see the pros and cons. The lot size vs.size of the structure is a big concern. However, the
house will be built. The owner is willing to work with the neighbors to mitigate the appearance of size. It is
important to find a way to make this work for the community. There is quite a mix of homes in the area. Also,
there are different lots that will be built on. The trade-off of the 6% could backfire and it might be best to
recommend approval. Skibby agreed.
Leighton, however stated she would like to see the size of the home shrunk. She wondered if it mattered if the
size of a spec home were reduced 100 to 200 square feet. In her opinion, design choices were made that
allowed the house to be larger. Also, she acknowledged this is 'a difficult lot.
Krach commented the Commission is getting proposals regarding large homes one after another and it is more
than a little disheartening. He would like to see a house built that would fit the lot, rather than maxing out the
CUP criteria. He would also like the people involved to work together, perhaps reducing the size of the house.
Krippaehne stated she understands what the applicant meant when he said the house could be perceived to
be larger if the garage was moved away from the house. She also thinks that because property is such a scarce
land resource, it is only a matter of time before larger lots are split into smaller ones. Like it or not, more and
more similar applications will be seen. If the size is reduced, the Historic Commission would have no authority
to do anything about the design. She added this is a nice design for the property. She would not like to see an
old style arbitrarily assigned to that property. Krippaehne also noted there is no dominant style that she could
discern in the area.
Shostrom said he agrees with all he has heard but what this comes down to is a design issue. He feels the
prairie style is fine in that location. From a design standpoint, the owner wants a larger house for a sale point
of view. Shostrom also remarked there appears to be a three-foot overhang everywhere except the garage,
which was drawn with an 18-inch overhang. He also noted there is no sense of entry on Scenic Ddve because
the garage is on the front of the house. He asked what would the house feel like if there were no garage or
carport? Could this be mitigated? Would it really change the volume? Would it be any better if the application
was denied? Would the perception of the scale and bulk change?
Saladoff said that Krach's comment about maxing out the Conditional Use Permit process made an impact on
him. Leighton added the applicant has calculated the exact square footage exception that would be allowable
for this lot.
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December 3, 2003
CITY OF
SHLAND
Giordano asked if it is sufficient reason to approve because the property is located on the fringe of the Histodc
District. Leighton noted it is still important to respect the line, even if it is on the fringe.
Knox pronounced the Commission does not have to feel obligated to vote yes or no on this - it is all right to be
in the middle. He doesn't want the Commission to make a decision that will set a standard on the first
application. It is necessary to look at the pros and cons. The applicant has said there are options. What will the
next application be? The way we are going, infill will occur at the maximum exception. Consider the adjacent
lot/house ratios. Look at the target zone. He recognized this will be a tough decision for the Commission to
make.
Krippaehne moved to recommend approval of the basic plan of this application with the condition a sense of
entry be accommodated on Scenic Drive. Swink said he would like to amend the motion to provide a condition
that the applicant work with the neighbors in mitigating the mass with landscaping. Saladoff stated he would like
a condition that the applicant attempt to reduce the overall square footage volume. Shostrom asked what
attempts are being made to reduce the size? Giordano agreed - there has to be some areas where rooms can
be reduced and stated he would like to request a continuance in order for the applicant to come back with
reworked issues. Shostrom reiterated the design seems to turn its back on the street. Historically, entries are
apparent on the street side of a house. There was no second to the motion.
Krippaehne then moved to recommend approval of this application subject to the applicant working out the entry.
In addition, the applicant needs to work with the neighbors on landscaping to mitigate the issues on volume, and
reduce the size of the house by 154 square feet but retain the attached garage. Leighton seconded the motion.
Discussion ensued. Whitford stated he did not hear anyone speak in favor of the application that lives near the
property. Shostrom stated the Commission has heard the neighbors and noted he does not feel the scale is out
of proportion, rather the setbacks are out of proportion compared with the surrounding properties. Swink
commented the bulk is locked in, but not having a sense of entry could have a negative impact. Krach said he
does not feel this application should be pushed through and that if it were continued, it would allow the applicant
to come back with design changes. Krippaehne withdrew her motion and Leighton withdrew her second. ·
Krippaehne moved to continue this application in order to give the applicant and architect time to work on the
following issues:
· Sense of entry on Scenic DriVe.
· Work with neighbors on landscape issues.
· Reduce size of residence by 154 square feet.
· Retain attached garage or turn into carport or surface parking area.
· Make roof eaves consistent.
· Reduce modernization of south elevation where second story cantilevers over the first story.
Leighton seconded the motion and it passed with a unanimous vote.
Planning Action 2003-150 should come back to the Historic Commission on January 7, 2004.
OLD BUSINESS
Review Board - Following is the December schedule for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday from
3:00 to at least 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department:
December 4th
December 11th
December 18th
December 24th
December 31 st
Skibby and Krippaehne
Skibby, Saladoff and Swink
Skibby, Leighton, Giordano and Whitford
Skibby and Krach
Skibby, Shostrom and Swink
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Proiect Assignments for Planninq Actions
PA #2000-120 485 "A" Street (Steve Hoxmeier) Shostrom
PA #2002-100 142 East Main Street (Earthly Goods) Leighton
PA #2002-125 44 North Second Street (Trinity Episcopal Church) Skibby
PA #2003-005 35 S. Second Street (Winchester Inn) Krippaehne
PA #2003-035 665 East Main Street (Kirk McAIlister) Shostrom
PA #2003-045/110/122 230/232 VanNess Avenue (Serin Eggling/Sherri Morgan) Leighton
PA #2003-090 125 North Main Street (Lynn Thompson) Krach
PA #2003-094 45 Wimer Street (Paul Crafft) Whitford
PA #2003-108 115 Church Street (Nancy Seward and Tim Bond) Saladoff
PA #2003-092 124 Alida Street (Kirt Meyer and Vadim Agakhanov) Krippaehne
PA #2003-152 44 North Second Street (Trinity Episcopal Church) Swink
Possible National Register Nomination for Lithia Springs Property- There has been no change on this.
Carneqie Library Restoration - There was nothing new to report.
NEW BUSINESS:
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Knox announced the design charrette for the old Copeland Lumber site was occurring simultaneously with the
Historic Commission meeting. The facilitators will take input from the meetings in order to generate an
application. He invited the commissioners to stop by the existing building on the site to look at drawings that
were created from input during the last charrette. The members would like a special session for the applicants
to present proposals to the full Commission. Knox will set something up.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Leighton and second by Saladoff, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn
the meeting at 9:52 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission Minutes
December 3, 2003