Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes-October 20, 2003

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chair Sheree Wenger at 7:35 p.m. Commission members Howes, Techter, and Sterling were present. Commission member Jill Ruspi arrived later.

Commission member Techter made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 15, 2003, meeting. Commission member Joann Howes seconded. The minutes were approved as presented.

Chair Wenger stated that two properties in the historic district have satellite dishes attached to the front facade of the home. The properties are located at 21606 and 21412 Laytonsville Rd. Neither property owner has requested an application for a work permit, as required by Sec 104 Article 1 of the Historic Area Zoning Ordinance. The Chair will forward a letter to tenants and owners of the properties stating the problem and requesting compliance with the ordinance.

The Commission members reviewed recent Washington Post newspaper articles. The articles focused on the controversy surrounding the use of synthetic materials versus original materials in restoration work and new home construction in historic districts.

Ms. Wenger opened discussion regarding the development of guidelines. The Commission can adopt rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the ordinance. The Commission has copies of the historic district guidelines of Gaithersburg, Oxford, and Port Deposit. The members discussed generally the guidelines adopted by these municipalities. Ms. Sterling stated the HDC members should consider the strictness or leniency of any guidelines developed. Mr. Techter stated the historic properties should maintain their general character and maintain appearances. Other discussion concerned maintenance requirements. In order to clarify the authority of the HDC sections of the zoning ordinance were read and discussed.

The HDC application for a work permit was reviewed and compared to the Gaithersburg application. Most importantly the Gaithersburg application states the submission requirements for a completed permit.

Ms. Sterling recommended the HDC take photographs of all existing structures in the historic district to use as reference in discussion. Ms. Ruspi suggested making comparisons from original photographs.

The Commission members agreed to proceed with development or revision of the following:

• Work Permit Application

• Defining Routine Maintenance

• Overview and Process Procedures

The Commission will develop a letter to homeowners in the Historic District. The letter will include a reminder of their status in the Historic District, introduce and explain the purpose of the HDC.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary