CITY OF AURORA ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING MINUTES MAY 23, 2013

Transcription

1 CITY OF AURORA ARCHITECTURAL BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING MINUTES MAY 23, 2013 The Architectural Board of Review met in a scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2013, in Council Chambers of City Hall. Chairman Crystal Lavy called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Absent: Also Present: Greg Barrow Chris Holecek Crystal Lavy Ken Liang Dave Riedel Lauren Broderick, James Mehallis Rich Wehrenberg Vikki Harris, Secretary Ms. Lavy administered the oath to all those in attendance who wished to speak during the meeting. AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA: There were no amendments to the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: To approve the minutes of the April 4, 2013 meeting as printed. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded, and the motion carried 4-0-1, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Ms. Lavy Abstentions: Mr. Riedel There were not enough members in attendance to approve the minutes from the April 25, 2013 meeting. The minutes will be added to the agenda for approval next month. OLD BUSINESS: BLOSSOM HOMES 710 ROCK CREEK (S/L 11) REVISED ELEVATIONS To remove this item from the table. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Riedel seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Riedel, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Ms. Lavy Mr. Brian Bickerton, Blossom Homes, requested approval for a revised right side elevation plan. Once the home was framed and the windows were set, the homeowner decided he did not like looking into

2 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 2 his neighbor s home and back deck and requested removal of 2 windows. Blossom Homes removed 2 windows from the original right side elevation plan. To approve the revised plans as submitted. Mr. Barrow moved for approval; Mr. Riedel seconded, and the motion carried 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Ms. Lavy AVENUE AT AURORA 425 S. CHILLICOTHE EXTERIOR MATERIALS REVIEW To remove this item from the table. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Ms. Lavy Mr. Marc Cohen, President, North Coast Architects, represented the applicant. Mr. Cohen gave a re-cap of events that have transpired on the project. On January 24, 2013, Mr. Cohen appeared before the board looking for preliminary approval for the exterior elevations for the Avenue at Aurora Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. At that meeting, the overall aesthetic of shapes, forms and colors seemed to be fairly acceptable by the members but they did ask that he look at breaking up the front roof longevity and look at adding some additional brick and was told at that meeting that vinyl siding would not be an acceptable material for the exterior elevation of the project. On April 4 th, 2013 he submitted arguments to support vinyl siding. He presented new elevations with the changes as requested. The board gave preliminary approval for the use of vinyl siding. April 25 th, 2013, the Avenue at Aurora was discussed as a Miscellaneous item among the members and was not on the agenda. The board changed their mind and decided to not support the use of vinyl siding. Mr. Cohen was contacted by Ms. Lavy and given the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns he had regarding this matter. He stated that there is a major renovation going on now with Anna Maria on the south side of the street where they are adding almost 15,000 square feet with vinyl siding being used on that project and approved by this board. He reiterated that vinyl siding is not a prohibited use by the architectural guidelines for the City of Aurora and vinyl siding is an approved material by the Ohio Building Code Standards for exterior use in materials. It has been used on other nursing homes and assisted living projects in the City of Aurora and the members received a list of those properties at the last ABR meeting. He stated that this project is residential in character, quality and details which the board approves the use of vinyl siding in single family residences but has an issue with its use with commercial projects. He mentioned a memo that Rich Wehrenberg recently sent to the board members on acceptability of this material. Mr. Holecek asked if the vinyl material would be an essential component to the project being completed. Mr. Cohen stated that it is a very important part of the puzzle. It blends in with the aesthetic of all of the other projects that he has done of this kind. It carries through the colors and materials. Mr. Cohen also mentioned the cost of changing to fiber cement board would be almost triple the cost of vinyl siding. He also mentioned the owner had a bad experience with fiber cement board that was used on a family members home six years ago and would prefer to stay away from that material due to peeling problems. Mr. Holecek asked if Mr. Cohen s client was aware that this board strongly discourages vinyl on projects such as this before the application was submitted. Mr. Cohen stated that his client was not aware of that fact prior to the application being submitted, but is aware of it now and it has been discussed with his client. They are aware that vinyl is not a prohibited material but that it is strongly discouraged. Mr. Holecek asked if Mr. Cohen was aware that other developers have been held to the standard of discouraging the use of vinyl in projects such as this. Mr.

3 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 3 Cohen was aware of that. He mentioned again the Anna Maria project on the south side that was a recent project that was approved with vinyl and the north side that was approved without vinyl. Ms. Lavy interjected that the project on the south side was a renovation to match existing materials. Mr. Holecek stated that if the board held Mr. Cohen to a different standard than other developers that it would be detrimental to the welfare of the City of Aurora. He asked Mr. Cohen if he agreed. Mr. Cohen stated that he did not necessarily agree with that. He stated that he felt that everyone is always concerned with setting a precedent and in his opinion precedent is a scapegoat because every situation has unique circumstances and conditions. Mr. Barrow mentioned that he is a commercial builder that has done several projects all over the country that are various in scope and they never use vinyl siding for a number of reasons. Everyone that installs vinyl knows that as you walk from a driveway along a house you always lap it so that you don t see the joints or gaps, but if you turn and walk the opposite direction, you see every joint. You do not get that with hardy plank. He s put hardy plank all over the country and have never had a failure and stated that he is sorry that Mr. Cohen s client had 1 unique failure. 90% of failures can be attributed to the installer and if it s installed right and the spec. is right and adhered to and inspected correctly, it will last a lifetime. Mr. Cohen agreed that there are pluses and minuses with each product. Mr. Barrow mentioned that the architect that is doing the project for the Atrium at Anna Maria recognized that vinyl siding was not a fondness of the board and complied. Mr. Riedel mentioned how easily that vinyl could be damaged in a storm. He also reviewed some commercial guideline requirements from other cities in the area including Twinsburg, Streetsboro, Solon, and Macedonia to show that Aurora is not the only city that encourages the use of hardy board over vinyl siding. Ms. Lavy clarified for the record that the discussion that took place at the April 25 th meeting was not to intentionally exclude Mr. Cohen, but was added as a Miscellaneous item to review the evidence that was presented at the April 4 th meeting. Mr. Barrow stated that several of the members believed that the testimony provided indicated that the Atrium of Anna Maria (north side) was approved with vinyl siding when in fact it was not. The board strives to remain consistent and to treat everyone fairly. Mr. Cohen asked if the board was aware of the size and scope of the Anna Maria project on the south side of the street where they are using vinyl siding and how prominent the addition and elevation is. Did they take that into account when they approved a 15,000 square foot renovation/addition for a new entry way/porte-cochere and how prominent of a piece that will be? Ms. Lavy read the guidelines for additions to existing buildings stating that materials shall match or improve the existing primary building. Mr. Wehrenberg said that his memo stated that vinyl material is an approved material and if applied correctly in the right conditions, is durable enough to be used on commercial/industrial applications. The guidelines have to do with the aesthetics of buildings and if the board rules that the vinyl siding does not meet the aesthetics that they require on commercial buildings they should turn it down. Mr. Holecek stated that he is struggling with the fact that the use of vinyl is not a reasonably essential component of the project. Mr. Cohen stated earlier that it is. Is cost a factor that we need to consider when determining whether the type of material being used by the applicant is reasonably essential to the project? Mr. Barrow stated that every board of zoning appeals that he has gone before has never considered economics as a hardship. Mr. Wehrenberg stated that it is not in the Duncan factors either and is specifically excluded. Mr. Holecek requested a further review and that this item be tabled due to the length of the agenda items for tonight s meeting. Mr. Holecek requested that Mr. Cohen submit evidence of the cost differentiation between the use of vinyl and the use of fiber cement board and any other evidence that would support his position that the use of vinyl is not an essential component of this project. Mr. Holecek stated that he wanted to give Mr. Cohen every opportunity to explain why the use of vinyl would not be detrimental to the City of Aurora and would not have any impact on the property values in that vicinity. Mr. Barrow asked Mr. Cohen to bring the calculation for the square footage of the vinyl to the next meeting as well. To table the plans.

4 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 4 Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Barrow seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy PULTE HOMES 705 MADISON AVENUE (S/L 245) SIMILARITY COMPARISON To remove this item from the table. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy Mr. Keith Filipkowski and Ms. Kelly Smith represented Pulte Homes. Mr. Filipkowski stated that the roof pitch on this property was adjusted to meet the similarity rule. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. To approve the similarity numbers as submitted. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Liang, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy NEW BUSINESS: OTERO HOMES 801 PARKER ROAD (S/L 29SE) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE A phone call was received prior to close of business today at 4 p.m. stating that the owner was not able to be present for tonight s meeting and requested this item be tabled until next month. To table this item. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Ms. Lavy PULTE HOMES 780 MADISON AVENUE (S/L 236) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Mr. Keith Filipkowski and Ms. Kelly Smith represented the applicant. They requested approval for the construction of a 3,575 sq. ft. two-story residence within the Hawthorn Phase IV subdivision. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. A discussion of materials ensued with colors and shades being noted on the plans. To approve the plans. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote.

5 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 5 Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Ms. Lavy PULTE HOMES 740 MADISON AVENUE (S/L 232) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Mr. Keith Filipkowski and Ms. Kelly Smith represented the applicant. They requested approval for the construction of a 3,591 sq. ft. two-story residence within the Hawthorn Phase IV subdivision. Mr. Filipkowski stated that the color rendering was not available for this meeting and they would have to rely on the print elevation. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. A discussion of materials ensued with colors and shades being noted on the plans. Mr. Barrow questioned the left side elevation brick wrap. He stated it seemed like an inconsistent design element. He would like to suggest the brick wrap go from the lead edge of the garage all the way back to the main wall of the house. Mr. Filipkowski stated that a 2 ft. return does comply with the code and would prefer not to change it. Mr. Barrow stated that as they have done in the past where the wrap is inconsistent with the rest of the elevation, they have required it to be the same on both sides. Mr. Filipkowski stated that he would prefer to stay on track with this design otherwise he would be required to draw a new site plan and have the homeowner s sign off on it. After further discussion, Mr. Filipkowski agreed to change the plans as suggested. To approve the plans with the addition of the wainscot across the left side elevation of the garage. Mr. Liang moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Liang, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy PULTE HOMES 740 JOSEPH DRIVE (S/L 214) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Mr. Keith Filipkowski and Ms. Kelly Smith represented the applicant. They requested approval for the construction of a 3,575 sq. ft. two-story residence within the Hawthorn Phase IV subdivision. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. A discussion of materials ensued with colors and shades being noted on the plans. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Ms. Lavy PULTE HOMES 700 MADISON AVENUE (S/L 228) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Mr. Keith Filipkowski and Ms. Kelly Smith represented the applicant. They requested approval for the construction of a 3,527 sq. ft. two-story residence within the Hawthorn Phase IV subdivision. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. The plans were found to be too similar with S/L 182. Mr. Filipkowski stated that this was a challenging design plan for them since they had raised the roof pitch on S/L 245 to meet similarity and have exhausted their capability to adjust in that matter on this plan. The only other alternative he has is to table it and go back to the homeowner s to suggest that the project is likely to be not approved and they would need to find another elevation.

6 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 6 To table the plans. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Barrow seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy AURORA DENTAL 258 E. GARFIELD ROAD GROUND SIGN Mr. Josh Tevepaugh, Easy Sign Design, represented the applicant Dr. Russell Caputo. He is requesting approval for a double sided ground sign to be mounted on the existing brick bases. Mr. Barrow had concerns with the view triangle and the signs location. Mr. Wehrenberg stated that the sign was reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the setback was approved. To approve the plans. Mr. Riedel moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Riedel, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Ms. Lavy LYNNE PACUIT 216 E. GARFIELD GROUND SIGN Mr. Jack Burge, Holsman Sign Services, represented the applicant. He is requesting approval for the refacing of an existing sign, reflecting a name change from Aurora Children s Day Center to Aurora Children s Early Learning Center. Mr. Burge stated that this is a post and panel sign using DiBond material to reface both sides with premium vinyl lettering. Ms. Lavy stated that she felt the sign design was inconsistent and was not fond of the children on the right side being in silhouette. The new sign will contain 4 colors (white, blue, green and red). To approve the plans. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Riedel seconded, and the motion carried, 4-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Riedel, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow Nays: Ms. Lavy HARRY DENNISON 511 LANTERN WAY PATIO ADDITION Harry Dennison, homeowner, requests approval for the construction of a 220 square ft. roofed patio addition. The roof will be a dropped gable that will mirror the gable that sits above it and be supported by 2 columns. All materials will match the existing house. Mr. Riedel was not present for this vote. To approve the plans as submitted Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded; and the motion carried, 4-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Ms. Lavy

7 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 DREES HOMES 229 YORKSHIRE (S/L 19) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Alicia Verner, Drees Homes, represented the applicant. She requested approval for the construction of a 5, 511 sq. ft. two-story residence. The plans were reviewed in conjunction with the similarity rule. A discussion of materials ensued with colors and shades being noted on the plans. Mr. Barrow stated that the front elevation has stone and the wraps are in brick. He would like to see it look uniform. To approve the plans with a stone wrap to the garage on the garage side elevation. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Barrow seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy MYERS HOMES 503 FOX RUN TRAIL (S/L 108) SECOND STORY ADDITION Mr. Rob Myers and Mr. Bob Montanari, Myers Homes, represented the applicant. They requested approval for an 820 sq. ft. 2 nd story addition to an existing residential structure. Materials will match the existing home. Mr. Barrow moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy HURST DESIGN 325 E. PIONEER TRAIL FRONT PORCH ADDITION Mr. Patrick Hurst, Hurst Remodeling, represented the applicant. He requested approval for the alteration of an existing roofed front stoop. Materials will match the existing home. To approve the plans with the removal of a new entry door on the rear elevation. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Barrow seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy RADIX WIRE 350 HARRIS DRIVE GROUND SIGN Mr. David Hazel, Radix Wire, represented the applicant. He requested approval for the replacement of a 27 sq. ft. commercial ground sign on an industrial property. The new sign will contain 3 colors (medium gray, red and black). Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Barrow seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy

8 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 8 CLASSIC HOMES WESTVIEW & HOMESTEAD ENTRY SIGN Mr. Ed Wurm, Classic Homes, represented the applicant. He is requesting approval for the placement of a 5 sq. ft. residential subdivision identification sign at the entry of the Homestead subdivision. Mr. Wurm stated that the condo owners wanted to have recognition of their neighborhood within the subdivision. To approve the plans. Mr. Liang moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Liang, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy CLASSIC HOMES 280 WESTVIEW (S/L C37) CONDO Mr. Ed Wurm, Classic Homes, represented the applicant. He is requesting approval for the construction of a 1,952 sq. ft. single-story condominium within the Homestead subdivision. A discussion of materials ensued with colors being noted on the plans. Mr. Barrow moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy CLASSIC HOMES 865 E. HOMESTEAD (S/L 91) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE Mr. Ed Wurm, Classic Homes, represented the applicant. He is requesting approval for the construction of a 2,840 sq. ft. single story residence within the Homestead subdivision. A discussion of materials ensued with colors being noted on the plans. To approve the plans as submitted with the addition of a 2 foot stone wrap on the left side elevation. Mr. Holecek moved for approval; Mr. Liang seconded; and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy CLASSIC HOMES 240 WESTVIEW (S/L C41) CONDO Mr. Ed Wurm, Classic Homes, represented the applicant. He requested approval for the construction of a 2,323 sq. ft. single-story condominium within the Homestead subdivision.

9 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 9 Mr. Barrow moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy DAVID HESSE 218 BEN SHAW FRONT PORCH ADDITION Paul Yoe, with Richard Yoe Architects and David Hesse, homeowner, requested approval for a 91 sq. ft. roofed front porch addition to an existing residential property within the Highland Farms subdivision. Mr. Barrow moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy ANNA MARIA 800 N. AURORA ROAD REVISED EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS David DiFrancesco with Herman, Gibans, Fodor Architects, represented the applicant. He requested approval for some modifications to the rear elevation of the Atrium hotel renovation project. His client has asked him to simplify the exterior elevation by removing the stone cladding they had on the masonry fins, rehabilitate the standing seam on 2 of the roofs and repaint, and remove the vinyl fence screening from 2 locations on the roof that are no longer needed. Changes were made to re-allocate funds from less visible areas of the building and redirect towards infrastructure issues that have come up. To approve the revisions as submitted. Mr. Liang moved for approval; Mr. Riedel seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Liang, Mr. Riedel, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Holecek, Ms. Lavy BARRINGTON CLUSTERS 110 BRIGHTON DRIVE CONDO Mr. Rob Benjamin represented the applicant. He requested approval for a 2,990 sq. ft. two-story condominium within the Barrington subdivision. Mr. Benjamin stated that he had one change to the plans on the front elevation. The stucco will not be to grade but will be covered with stone and will come up 2 ft. from grade to give it a French Country look. The change was noted on the plans. Mr. Barrow asked that the chimney be covered either in stone or brick since it cannot be vinyl. Mr. Benjamin agreed to cover with stone. To approve the plans with the addition of a stone wrap on the front elevation and a stone wrap on the chimney.

10 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 Mr. Liang moved for approval; Mr. Holecek seconded, and the motion carried, 5-0, on a roll call vote. Yeas: Mr. Liang, Mr. Holecek, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Riedel, Ms. Lavy MISCELLANEOUS: Mr. Barrow drafted some revisions to the Architectural Guidelines for Residential Projects under the Bay and Bow Window sections and asked for feedback from the members. Mr. Holecek suggested that they also review the commercial guidelines as well. The members discussed the memo sent by Rich Wehrenberg dated regarding vinyl siding on Commercial/Industrial projects. After much discussion, Mr. Holecek suggested the board meet at 6:30 p.m. for a work session regarding this matter at next month s meeting. Ms. Lavy stated that she attended the last council meeting to discuss the Similarity Rule changes. Mr. Riedel and Ms. Lavy suggested that as many board members as possible should attend the next council meeting on Tuesday, May 29 th at 7 p.m. Mr. Holecek suggested that a letter be drafted to City Council stating the ABR s position on the Similarity Rule. Mr. Wehrenberg suggested they attend the next public hearing and then put together a letter based on what they hear that night with an alternative plan. A lengthy discussion continued regarding how the Similarity Rule will affect future growth and development within the City of Aurora. Mr. Wehrenberg gave an update on the sign code draft. He stated they should have this in approximately 2 weeks. In 3 weeks he will have the RFP to re-write the ABR Guidelines in full. City Council has allowed the drafting of a memorandum of understanding with Bainbridge Township to pursue the mixed use district for the vacant Cedar Fair property. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Riedel moved, Mr. Holecek seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. Crystal Lavy, Chairman Vikki Harris, Secretary