HomeMy Public PortalAbout12-10-2020 HPC Minutes Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission
Record of Minutes
Date: December 10, 2020 Location: Village Hall (Zoom Meeting)
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE
Chairman Bortel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken: Commissioners Lucas,
Barvian, Schmidt, Derrick, Hendricksen, Hagen, Rapp, Olsen (7:10 p.m.) and Chairman Bortel were
present.
Also, in attendance: Jonathan Proulx, Director of Planning.
Chairman Bortel led the pledge to the flag.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Hendricksen made a motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Rapp.
Voice Vote. All in favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 8-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Derrick made a motion approve the to the Historic Preservation Commission minutes
dated August 13, 2020 as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Rapp. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0
opposed. Motion carried 8-0.
CHAIR’S COMMENTS
Chairman Bortel stated the mayor will not be seeking re-election.
COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
No Comments.
PUBLIC COMMENT
No Public Comments received via email.
OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
1930-111320.COA.VAR 15326 S. Joliet Rd. Laura Zaidi
Mr. Proulx stated the applicant is requesting consideration of a supplemental Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) to attain compliance with limited sections of fencing that were installed
that deviated from the previously approved COA. Specifically, the sections of the fence along the
side lot lines from the front of the house to the front lot line were installed as taller, cedar privacy
fence in lieu of the open-style white aluminum fence. The subject property was approved as a
local landmark in 2009 and, therefore, the exterior modifications require a COA review.
Mr. Proulx reviewed the staff report dated December 8, 2020. Mr. Proulx concluded subject to
discussion by the Historic Preservation Commission, staff recommends approval of the
Certificate of Appropriateness request.
Chairman Bortel swore in Laura Zaidi, applicant. Ms, Zaidi stated they did not intentional violate the
COA but they were unaware that the COA was written with the transition from one height to another.
Ms. Zaidi indicated that she was not aware that the fence would also be in violation of the Village Zoning
Code. Ms. Zaidi stated that bringing the fence into compliance will cost an excess of $7,000.00.
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December 10, 2020
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Derrick stated she recalls that the applicant was present at the meeting when the fence
design was discussed and added that the commission accommodated the applicant’s need for a fence in
the front yard while trying to maintain the visible profile of the property with something that was
historically appropriate. Commissioner Derrick asked the applicant if she reviewed the COA before or
after she signed. Ms. Zaidi stated she did not but again did not realize that the suggestions from the HPC
were included in the COA. Ms. Zaidi indicated that she nor the fencing company were not provided the
zoning requirements. Mr. Zaidi stated the additional aluminum fence was not budgeted for and would
have been an additional cost for them.
Commissioner Olsen asked if the COA had specifics regarding HPC’s recommendations for the fence.
Commissioner Derrick stated there is a written description and visual in the Letter of Agreement of what
the HPC approved. Commissioner Lucas added the Letter of Agreement reference the marked plat of
survey. Chairman Bortel stated the Letter of Agreement was signed by the applicant and they would have
received a copy of the signed Letter of Agreement.
Commissioner Hendricksen stated the HPC is trying to set a precedent and he cannot understand why the
fence company was not aware of the zoning code. Commissioner Olsen asked if the front yard privacy
fence is in violation of the zoning code. Commissioner Derrick stated it is and the applicant will need a
variance, too. Mr. Proulx stated the section of fencing that is in violation is from the front corner of the
house to the sidewalk. Commissioner Barvian recalls that at the HPC meeting it was discussed how the
fence would look with different heights in the front of the house. Commissioner Hendricksen stated that
this property is a very significant property to Plainfield, the county, and state. Ms. Zaidi explained that
the fence was built for the safety of their children. Ms. Zaidi indicated that they did not intentional
violate the COA but the change to the existing fence will be significate. Commissioner Olsen indicated
that the fencing company should have been aware of the height requirements for the Village. Ms. Zaidi
stated that owning a historical home is new to her and her husband and if they knew they were in
violation they would have stopped the fencing company from completing the fence.
Commissioner Hendricksen asked that they consider giving the owner more time, like 4 years, to bring
the fence into compliance. Commissioner Schmidt asked if a permit was issued by the Village for the
fence. Mr. Proulx stated the Letter of Agreement is attached to the permit and becomes part of the permit.
Commissioner Schmidt asked if during the permit review process if we noticed that the fence was not in
compliance. Mr. Proulx stated that the Letter of Agreement is attached to the building permit and stated
that he is not aware if the permit has had a final inspection.
Commissioner Hendricksen would like to vote on the matter before them. Chairman Bortel asked staff
what they feel the Zoning Board of Appeal thoughts will be on the variance. Mr. Proulx indicated that the
applicant was givrn a deadline to bring the fence into compliance by a specific date or move forward with
another COA and variance. Mr. Proulx stated if the Village Board does not approve both the COA and
variance the Village will continue to proceed with Code Enforcement. Mr. Proulx explained what the
HPC needs to be taking into consideration this evening.
Commissioner Derrick feels that the HPC was very clear during the first COA meeting and she agrees
with Commissioner Hendricksen’s comment with letting the applicant have a couple of years to bring the
fence into compliance. Commissioner Lucas agrees with allowing a couple of years to bring the fence
into compliance. Commissioner Olsen feels that the applicant should be able to work with the fence
company to bring the fence into compliance, since the burden should not solely be on the applicant. Ms.
Zaidi stated there are several fences in the area that do not meet the zoning requirements. Ms. Zaidi
stated they have neighbors who have a messy yard and feels they should be able to have privacy from
that. Commissioner Derrick suggested for them to contact Code Enforcement regarding the messy
neighbor.
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December 10, 2020
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Schmidt stated he is struggling with this because the HPC thoughtfully considered the
original COA however he does personal like the current fence as it is. Commissioner Schmidt suggested
painting the cedar fence white to help it blend in better. Commissioner Schmidt suggested learning from
this and having an HPC member go along with the inspector when there is a COA. Commissioner Hagen
added he feels that the existing fence does not look bad as is and it looks better walking down the street
then in the photos.
Commissioner Olsen asked where the HPC input is required. Commissioner Derrick state it is from the
public right-of-way. Commissioner Derrick stated that the applicant is adding something that was not
historically there and the HPC discussed their best options for a historic design while taking into
consideration that the owner wanted to match the existing fence. Commissioner Derrick indicated the
conditions of the COA was discussed at the meeting with the applicant. Commissioner Schmidt
explained why he is having a hard time with deciding on his vote. Commission Hendricksen stated he
does not want to redesign the fence.
Ms. Zaidi asked if there is a way to have this home not be a landmark anymore because they don’t want to
have to go through this process when they want to complete work on the home. Mr. Proulx stated that he
will speak with Ms. Zaidi regarding this matter, but the Village ordinance does not have formalize process
to remove landmark status.
Commissioner Schmidt asked if the motion is for modifying the original COA. Chairman Bortel stated
correct. Mr. Proulx stated staff will convey the HPC’s suggestion of allowing the applicant an extended
period to bring the fence into compliance.
Commissioner Hendricksen made a motion to recommend approve the requested Certificate of
Appropriateness to permit a solid cedar privacy fence along the side lot lines of the front yard for
the property commonly known as 15326 S. Joliet Road, subject to the applicant executing a letter
of agreement with the Village and Historic Preservation Commission.
Seconded by Commissioner Schmidt. Vote by roll call: Barvian, no; Olsen, no; Derrick, no; Hagen, yes;
Rapp, yes; Lucas, no; Schmidt, yes; Hendricksen, no; Bortel, no. Motion did not carry 3-6
DISCUSSION
No Discussion.
ADJOURN
Commissioner Hendrickson made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Derrick seconded the motion.
Voice vote. All in favor; 0 opposed. Motion carried 9-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tracey Erickson
Recording Secretary
Click to view the video of the December 10, 2020 Historical Preservation Commission Meeting.