Laytonsville Historic District Commission

Meeting Minutes-June 18, 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, and Sterling were present. Alternate Dan Prats was also present. Ms. Shortley was absent.

Commission member Ruspi made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2007, meeting. Second by Commission member Howes. The minutes were approved as presented.

The Chair opened the hearing for HDWP 05-07, submitted by Barbara and Richard Dewitt, for property located at 7200 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 is to install a cedar privacy fence, 220 linear feet in length, and 6 ft. in height and install a 5 ft., four board paddock fence, 270 linear feet in length.

· The Secretary entered into evidence the following exhibits: notice of hearing, notice to contiguous property owners, sign affidavit, drawings, plat, and sample fence material. Also entered into the record a copy of the Montgomery County Code for pool fences.

Comments of Applicant

Mr. DeWitt explained the privacy fence is installed on the neighbors (east) side of the property and the paddock style fence installed along the rear and west side of the property, surrounding the pool.

There was no public comment.

Commission Members

Ms. Sterling explained the current guidelines for fences. The guidelines stipulate fences in side yards cannot exceed 3 ft. and should not be forward of the rear corners of the house. Mr. DeWitt responded that the fence is in the same footprint of the old fence. Ms. Wenger closed the hearing and called for a motion. Ms. Ruspi made a motion that since the fence is already built, and meets the Montgomery County Code for swimming pool fences, the HDC take no exception to the fence as installed. Second by Ms. Sterling. Motion unanimously approved.

Ms. Wenger thanked the applicants and indicated she would prepare a Certificate of Approval.

Old Business

Copies of the Town’s inventoried properties on file with the Md. Historical Trust were obtained.

New Business

Photos of the Layton House and Rolling Ridge circa 1936 were distributed. A copy of the easement pertaining to the Layton House was reviewed. Ms. Sterling read Section 127.05, miscellaneous provisions of the historic district zoning ordinance.

Ms. Sterling briefly discussed the Town Of Brookeville historic district ordinance. Montgomery County administers the ordinance on behalf of the Town.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Phyllis Sterling, Secretary