Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-February 19, 2007

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, Shortley and Sterling were present.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 15, 2007, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 01-07, submitted by Bill Ludwig, for property located at 7119 Brink Rd.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures.

· The Chair called on the Secretary to present the facts of the application. The description of the work to be performed is to enclose an existing roofed deck on the rear of the house.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners, photographs, drawings, plat, sign affidavit, and siding sample.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Ludwig explained the project is to enclose an existing porch on the rear of the house, with siding on the east and west elevations, and provide two windows and a door on the north elevation. There would be no changes to the existing roof of the porch.

Public Comment

Dan Prats 7115 Brink Rd.

Mr. Prats identified himself as a neighbor of the property and is supportive of the application.

There were no persons opposed to the application.

Commission Members

Commission members reviewed the proposed plan. Ms. Ruspi inquired about the steps to the porch and read applicable guidelines. She expressed her concern that enclosing the porch in effect creates another room and therefore if approved would set a precedent.

The Chair closed the record and called for a motion. Ms. Sterling moved to approve the application, based on the plans submitted and with the following conditions: steps be painted and have closed risers, applicant modify the request to indicate full siding on east and west elevations. Second by Ms. Howes. Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Wenger thanked the applicant and indicated a Letter of Approval would be sent within seven days.

The Chair opened the hearing on HDWP 02-07, submitted by Martin Berman for property located at 21524 Laytonsville Rd.

· There were no conflicts or disclosures

· The Secretary presented the facts of the application. The application requests the replacement of a 10x12 foot treated wood deck on rear of house and addition of hand rail with pickets to front porch and side entry.

· The following exhibits were entered into evidence: plat, photographs, drawings, sign affidavit, hearing notice, notice to contiguous property owners.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Berman indicated he has removed an unsafe second story wooden deck from the rear of the house. He wishes to replace the deck with treated wood and in the same footprint of the former deck. He also wishes to add railings to the front porch and side entry stoop to comply with building codes.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Commission members

Ms. Sterling stated the home previously had a second floor apartment and a door was created at the rear of the house to serve the apartment. The deck was installed in the 1980’s. Previously, stairs and a small landing provided access to the door. The home is now being used as a single family dwelling. Ms. Wenger stated decks are a relatively new phenomenon, created in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She indicated most of the homes in the Historic District were built between 1850 and 1920 and decks may not be appropriate for these homes. Ms. Sterling expressed her concern that the height of this deck is not appropriate and would be very visible from the street, as shown in earlier pictures. Ms. Wenger indicated she is not in favor of the deck. Ms. Shortley stated she is opposed to the deck. Ms. Ruspi inquired about options for eliminating the door. Ms. Sterling asked if front porch decking needs replacement.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. Berman stated he would abide by the decision of the HDC to eliminate the deck and would consider his options to deal with the existing door. Responding to questions regarding the proposed railings he indicated they would be wooden with pickets. He does not anticipate replacing any of the porch floor.

The Chair closed the record and called for a motion. Ms. Ruspi made a motion to approve adding railing with pickets to the front porch and side entry, to be constructed of wood and painted. She further added that the addition of a rear deck be denied, based on the discussion of the HDC. Second by Ms. Sterling. Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Wenger indicated an approval letter would be sent within seven days.

The Chair called upon Ray Varkalis. Mr. Varkalis requested an amendment to HDWP 08-06 for property at 21520 Laytonsville Rd. A modification to the original application requested the addition of a rear deck and was deferred from the January 15, 2007, meeting. Ms. Wenger indicated the concerns regarding decks as presented in the previous discussion. She stated her opinion that there are other options the applicant should consider, such as patio and/or porch. As the deck was not likely to be approved Mr. Varkalis stated his decision would then be to install steps down to a patio as presented in his original plan.

Mike Bingley, Elm Street Development, appeared before the HDC to request the removal of fencing from approved plans for Lots 1,2,3, and 13 of the Rolling Ridge Subdivision. Ms. Sterling made a motion to remove the fencing from approval, per the request of the applicant. Ms. Howes made a second. Motion unanimously approved. Mr. Bingley will notify NV Homes to make a similar request to the HDC to have the fencing removed from approved plans. Mr. Bingley also discussed security plans for the historic home, Rolling Ridge. Ms. Sterling explained that the Mayor and Council were informed of deteriorating conditions of the historic home, Rolling Ridge. The conditions identified by the HDC were outlined in a letter by the Town Attorney to Jones Farm LLC, owners of the property, and a Demolition by Neglect proceeding was initiated. The letter indicated corrective actions, as identified by the HDC, and required compliance with the zoning ordinance. As a first step to meeting the requirements Mr. Bingley asked for approval of a six foot chain link fence to surround the home. By consensus the HDC approved the security fence. Representatives of Elm Street will again meet with the Mayor and Council at their regular meeting on March 6, 2007, to continue the process of compliance.

New Business

A consultation was held with Joshua and Katherine Pomeroy, 21607 Laytonsville Rd. Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy have submitted an application to construct a two story garage. A discussion ensued regarding general design guidelines and design elements. The plan exceeds the dimensions permitted for an accessory structure in Section 115 of the Town Zoning Ordinance. They must seek a waiver from the Mayor and Council before proceeding. The HDC discussed the plan with the applicant and action is pending the decision of the Mayor and Council.

Ms. Sterling suggested amending the guidelines for fences to include a definition of front yard. Limits of front and back yards, visual elements, and precedents were discussed. By consensus the HDC agreed to amend guidelines for decks, also. Ms. Sterling made a motion to amend guidelines for Fences to include the following language; rear corners of the structure will define the front yard, and add to Stoops, Steps, Railings, Porches and Decks the following; second story or two story decks are not permitted. Second by Ms. Ruspi. Motion unanimously approved.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary