Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-June 19, 2006

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

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2006, and the April 17, 2006, meetings. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 05-06, submitted by Sidra Berman and Dan Prats, for property located at 7115 Brink Rd.

Ms. Ruspi recused herself from participation in the hearing. There were no other conflicts or disclosures.

The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The application calls for the construction of a deck on the rear of the house.

The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, photos, plat and material sample.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Prats stated the request for work permit is to construct a wooden deck on the rear of the home, approximately 10 ft. x 21 ft.

There was no public comment.

Commission Members

Ms. Wenger asked about height of the proposed deck. The applicant responded they thought the height from the ground to the bottom of the rear door approximately 3 to 4 ft. Ms. Wenger stated the height of the rear elevation of the home was raised with the addition of a basement during construction. She asked the applicant to consider modifying the design of the deck to create steps down from the rear doors in order to lower the elevation of the deck surface. Ms. Sterling indicated approved guidelines require the wood to be painted and stairs must have closed risers.

The applicant agreed to modify the design to lower the deck surface.

The Chair closed the hearing and called for a motion. Commission member Sterling made a motion to approve the application, in accordance with guidelines, the deck will be painted white, stairs will have closed risers, with stipulations that the design be modified to lower the deck, and prior to construction the final plan will be reviewed by the Chair. Second by commission member Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Wenger thanked the applicants and stated a Certificate of Approval would be issued.

Old Business

Ms. Wenger mentioned construction of the garage at 7120 Brink Rd. is proceeding. Final approval of garage doors is pending and the Chair will contact the property owner to discuss options for the doors.

The Chair forwarded to the property owners a notice for denial of application HDWP 06-05, 7000 Brink Rd.

A site is being prepared for the sales trailer at Rolling Ridge.

Ms. Wenger called on Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, for further consultation of entrance signs to Rolling Ridge subdivision. Mr. Bingley presented a concept incorporating a wooden sign with a stone base. The proposed height of the sign is 6 feet to the bottom of the wooden hanging sign. Ms. Sterling indicated the Town Sign Ordinance requires 8 feet from bottom of any sign over a pedestrian walkway. Discussion included a review of other design concepts, materials, and landscaping. The sign would be in the Town right of way, and therefore be owned by the Town. After concurring with the Mayor it was decided maintenance of the sign should be the responsibility of the Homeowners Association. Mr. Bingley indicated he will have this provision drafted into HOA documents. Mr. Bingley will return next month with a final design concept for the entrance signs. The Chair stated an arborist had visited Rolling Ridge, at the request of the HDC, to provide, unofficially, guidance on the identification and condition of the trees. It is believed the trees are generally in good condition, but need maintenance, many are significant in size and some could possibly qualify as “champions”. Ms. Sterling mentioned the arborist concerns for the protection of trees during construction. Ms. Wenger requested the ivy growing on the house be removed and gutters be cleared. Mr. Bingley agreed to take care of this maintenance.

Commission members attended the Infill Design seminar on June 10, 2006. All agreed it was a valuable learning experience.

New Business

The Mayor and Town Council are considering the construction of a pavilion to be located on the Town Hall property. The Mayor distributed manufacturer brochures with examples to the HDC for consultation. The Mayor provided background information suggesting that other municipalities have stated their preference for steel rather than wood pavilions. Members will review the brochures and the HDC will provide feedback on the examples submitted.

Permits issued by the Town will now state debris must be removed and disposed of per Montgomery County standards. Burying construction debris on site is not permitted. The HDC will add the same statement to its work permit.

The Mayor discussed changes under consideration to the Towns Zoning Ordinance for “Special Exceptions” in the Historic District.

Ms. Sterling distributed copies of the Town Sign Ordinance. The Mayor and Council will soon begin a review of the existing sign ordinance. The HDC will seek to develop sign guidelines for the Historic District that will work in conjunction with the Town Ordinance. There was a brief discussion about what the guidelines might include.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary