Laytonsville Historic District Commission Meeting Minutes-February 16, 2004

The regular meeting of the Laytonsville Historic District Commission (HDC) was called to order by Chair Sheree Wenger at 7:30 p.m. Commission members Howes, Ruspi, Techter, and Sterling were present. Also present were three guests.

Commission member Techter made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2004, meeting. Commission member Howes seconded. The minutes were approved as presented.

New Business

Ms. Wenger stated the Commission received an application for a work permit for property located at 7115 Brink Rd. She then informed the commission members that the application was not totally complete. She introduced the owners/applicant, Sidra Berman, Martin Berman and architect Mr. McGee. The Chair explained it was necessary for the applicant to provide all submission requirements prior to scheduling a hearing. The applicants were invited to clarify the plan and consult with the commission before proceeding with the project. The architect, Mr. McGee led a discussion of the project. The plan calls for attaching a two car garage and second story. This will raise and change the existing roof line. Also proposed is an open porch at the rear, possible enclosure of this porch is being considered. Demolition of an accessory garage is also planned. The applicant provided samples of the materials to be used. Members asked for clarification on windows, shutters, and doors. Mr. McGee stated the plans are approximately 50% complete and not working drawings. Mr. McGee has visited permitting and well and septic departments for Montgomery County. The Commission indicated the plan must adhere to the Town Of Laytonsville zoning regulations. Ms. Berman modified the application to include all aspects of work to be performed. The Commission agreed to accept the application and a hearing will be scheduled for the March meeting. There being no other discussion of the application, Ms. Berman, Mr. Berman and Mr. McGee adjourned from the meeting.

Old Business

Ms. Wenger stated that informational letters were mailed to residents of the Historic District. The satellite dish at 21412 Laytonsville Rd. has been moved to another location. The new location is still within the public view but farther back on the house. Repeated attempts were made to re-locate the dish outside the public view. The Commission will consider approving this location and require the owner to file an application for a work permit.

Ms. Sterling distributed a package of guidelines from other historic district commissions. A discussion began on developing guidelines and design elements. These guidelines will be applicable to all renovation, remodeling, or new construction in the Laytonsville Historic District. The members considered and compared guidelines from Gaithersburg

and Oxford. Also discussed were criteria from The Department of Interior Standards for

Historic Preservation.

Criteria were established for the following categories:

• Ms. Sterling made a motion to accept criteria for scale/streetscape, color, building orientation, windows, and specific design elements as modified from the Oxford Historic District Guidelines. Mr. Techter seconded. Motion approved.

• Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve guidelines for stoops, steps, railings, porches, decks and chimneys as excerpted and modified from the Oxford Historic District Guidelines. Ms. Sterling seconded. Motion approved.

• Ms. Sterling made a motion to approve guidelines for doors. Ms. Ruspi seconded. Motion approved.

• Also approved were guidelines for satellite dishes.

A memorandum from the town attorney was distributed to commission members. This memorandum clarifies the issue of providing notice for public hearings. The HDC is not required to provide newspaper advertisement.

Ms. Sterling distributed copies of a proposed introduction to the homeowner information packet.

There being no further business Mr. Techter made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Sterling seconded. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary