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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09 08 2021 BAR Meeting Minutes LEESBURG BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 8, 2021 Town Hall, 25 West Market Street Council Chamber MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Teresa Minchew, Vice Chair Paul Reimers, Parliamentarian Julie Pastor, Helen Aikman, Erin Nicholson, Tom O’Neil, Donald Scheuerman, and Planning Commission Liaison Gigi Robinson MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF: Director of Planning & Zoning Susan Berry Hill, Zoning Administrator Michael Watkins, Preservation Planner Lauren Murphy and Planning & Zoning Analyst Deborah Parry Call to Order and Roll Call Chairman Minchew called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm, noted attendance, and determined that a quorum was present. Adoption of the Meeting Agenda At 7:01pm, Mr. Scheuerman proposed a motion to adopt the meeting agenda. The motion was seconded by Ms. Pastor and approved by a 7-0 vote. Approval of Meeting Minutes a. July 7, 2021 BAR Work Session At 7:01pm, Ms. Aikman proposed a motion to approve the meeting minutes of July 7, 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Pastor and approved by a 7-0 vote. b. July 19, 2021 BAR Business Meeting At 7:02pm, Ms. Pastor proposed a motion to approve the meeting minutes of May 17, 2021 as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Scheuerman and approved by a 5-0-2 vote (O’Neil and Reimers recused). BAR Member Disclosures Vice Chair Reimers stated that he would be recused from participation in TLHP-2021-0097, 102 Cornwall Street NW. Public Comment and Presentations None Consent Agenda None Public Hearings on New Cases in the H-1 Overlay District a. TLHP-2021-0097, 102 Cornwall Street NW Project: Exterior Alteration – Door Replacement Chairman Minchew called the case to order at 7:03pm. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 2 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning Ms. Parry outlined the proposal to replace the front entry door on the circa 1762 historic structure at 102 Cornwall Street NW. She outlined the Guidelines for replacement of historic materials, which call for repair or replacement in-kind if repair is not possible. She stated the age of the existing front door was not clear; however, it does appear to be historic and has several areas of severe deterioration and past repair attempts, which demonstrate the need for replacement. She discussed the unique features of the existing door with the raised paneled trim and provided information regarding the proposed wood door, which has a similar panel pattern without the raised trim giving a more commonplace appearance. She stated the best preservation practice would be to replace the door in-kind; however, the Guidelines do allow for the introduction of an alternate style provided the door is sympathetic to the architectural style of the structure. Further, she stated the proposed door is appropriate to the architectural style of the structure and recommended approval of the application with the following condition: 1. Details of the proposed door hardware will be submitted to staff for review and approval prior to installation. The applicant, Leslie Mandrgoc, was present. She stated her desire to reinstall the existing brass house numbers and mail slot onto the new door to provide a similar appearance when viewed from the public right-of-way. There was discussion regarding the age and condition of the existing door and the unique detailing of the door with the raised trim on the exterior. There was also discussion regarding the possibility of having a door custom milled to provide a replacement in-kind solution. Chairman Minchew opened the public hearing at 7:13pm. There were no petitioners and the public hearing was closed. There was additional discussion regarding the details of the proposed door and the applicant’s concern with the deterioration of the existing door. It was the consensus of the Board that justification for the replacement of the existing door has been provided and that the proposed door is appropriate in this instance. At 7:21pm, Ms. Aikman proposed a motion to approve TLHP-2021-0097,for the replacement of the front door on the property at 102 Cornwall Street NW, as authorized in Section 2.3.7 of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance, based on the information provided by the applicant as revised through September 8, 2021 including associated photos and specifications, and further based on the following findings: 1. The historic structure at 102 Cornwall Street NW is a c. 1762 Federal, Georgian structure and is a historic resource in the Old and Historic District with significant individual history contributing to the overall historic character of the district. 2. The existing six panel wood door with traditional raised trim is historic. The applicant has documented the significant deterioration of this door and previous attempts to repair it; therefore, the wholesale replacement of the door is justified in this instance. 3. The Old and Historic District Design Guidelines and preservation best practices recommend that historic materials, such as doors, be replaced in-kind when repair is not possible. The Guidelines also allow for the introduction of an alternative style door that is sympathetic to the building style. The proposed wood six-panel door is sympathetic to the building style and is therefore consistent with the Guidelines. The motion also included the following condition: 1. Details of the proposed door hardware will be submitted to staff for review and approval prior to installation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Pastor and approved by a 6-0-1 vote (Reimers recused). b. TLHP-2021-0099, 202 West Market Street Project: Exterior Alteration – Roof replacement This application was withdrawn at the request of the applicant. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 3 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning c.TLHP-2021-0100, 202 West Market StreetExterior Alteration – Dormer additionChairman Minchew called this case to order at 7:22pm. Ms. Murphy provided an overview of the proposal to install a new shed dormer on the rear elevation to gain headroom and use of the existing 2nd floor in this historic accessory structure. She stated theGuidelines call for additions to be subordinate to and compatible with the existing historic structuresand in this case, the subject addition is modest in size and is located on the rear to preserve thehistoric integrity of the structure from the public right-of-way. She stated the materials and detailing ofthe addition are consistent with the existing structure and noted the inclusion of wood 6/6 windowsand two skylights. Further, she recommended approval of the addition based on the following condition: 1.A specific window will be selected for the skylights and provided to the Preservation Planner forfinal approval prior to application for a zoning permit. The skylight will be aluminum, aluminumclad, or wood and will not be vinyl or vinyl clad. The applicants, Landey and Catharine Patton, were present. Mr. Patton stated his intention to install wood windows with true divided lites in the addition and clarified that the skylights will be a Velux curb mounted product. There was discussion regarding the size of the first-story windows as compared to the proposed dormer windows and details of the proposed windows and skylights. There was also discussion regarding the proposal to install windows and skylights in such a small addition and it was noted that there are large trees on the property which block sunlight from entering on this elevation. Chairman Minchew opened the public hearing at 7:35pm. There were no petitioners and the public hearing was closed. There was additional discussion regarding the size of the proposed windows, trim details, and the appropriateness of the proposed skylight installation in the dormer. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that the application is approvable in this instance. At 7:44pm Vice Chair Reimers proposed a motion to approve TLHP-2021-0100 for the construction of an addition to the rear of the historic accessory structure on the property at 202 West Market Street, as authorized in Section 2.3.7 of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance and based on the following findings: 1.The subject building was constructed in the 19th century in a vernacular style and is accessory to the primary structure at 202 West Market Street.2.The proposed addition is consistent with the architectural character and style of the subject structure. The location at the rear preserves the historic orientation of the residence and the lowprofile of the dormer limits the impact of the addition on the character of the district. 3.The addition is modest in size and is complimentary to the existing massing of the structure.4.The materials of the proposed addition are traditional and appropriate to the character of thesubject property. The motion also included the following conditions: 1.The material specifications for the dormer will be provided to the Preservation Planner for final approval prior to application for a zoning permit.2.The applicant can choose to either install or not install the skylights at their option.3.The dormer will have corner boards that match the clapboard siding on the main house. The motion was seconded by Ms. Pastor. There was additional discussion regarding the size of the windows in the dormer. Vice Chair Reimers amended the motion to add that the windows in the dormer could be reduced by no more than 4-inches in height and width as desired by the applicant with final details to be provided to the Preservation Planner for approval. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 4 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning The amendment was accepted and the motion was approved by a 7-0 vote. d. TLHP-2021-0104, 250 Loudoun Street SW New Construction – Shed in the rear yard Chairman Minchew called this case to order at 7:49pm. Ms. Murphy provided an overview of the proposal to install a new shed in the rear yard of this late 19th century historic structure. She noted the Board had recently reviewed several alterations made on the property without prior approval; however, the home is now under the stewardship of new owners. She stated the form and massing of the proposed shed are generally subordinate to and complimentary of the primary structure. She discussed the proposed shed materials, including those atypical of historic construction such as T1-11 siding and vinyl windows, and noted the impact of these materials is limited due to the size and location of the structure. Further, she stated the applicant had recently indicated a desire to amend the application by providing a new shed design; however, she finds the original design provided to be approvable. The applicant, Guy Outten, was present. Mr. Outten stated does not wish to amend his application at this time. There was discussion regarding details of the proposed structure and it was clarified that the proposed structure will have a fiber cement board siding to match the primary structure with a 6-inch reveal and a metal roof. Chairman Minchew opened the public hearing at 7:58pm. There were no petitioners and the public hearing was closed. There was additional discussion regarding the faux textured appearance of the siding, which matches the appearance of the siding on the house as installed by the previous owner without Board approval. There was also discussion regarding the proposed door hardware, details of the proposed roof, the proposed foundation materials, and the proposed color scheme. Further, it was the consensus of the Board that the application is approvable in this instance given its location and unique circumstances in relation to this property. At 8:09pm Ms. Pastor proposed a motion to approve TLHP-2021-0104 to construct an accessory shed in the rear of the historic property at 250 Loudoun Street SW as authorized in Section 2.3.7 of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance and based on the following findings: 1. The proposed shed will be located at the rear of the lot, consistent with the Guidelines, and the rear yard is enclosed by a privacy fence. 2. The materials proposed are appropriate given the existence of similar materials used on the primary structure and that the shed itself is subordinate to that structure. The motion was seconded by Ms. Nicholson. Chairman Minchew proposed a friendly amendment to note that the faux grained siding is only appropriate in this instance because it is found on the main building. The friendly amendment was accepted and the amended motion was approved by a 7-0 vote. e. TLHP-2021-0105, 108 South Street SE (Neighbors) Installation of new signs and an awning Chairman Minchew called this case to order at 8:12pm. Ms. Parry outlined the proposal to recover the existing awning and install four new signs on the early 20th century vernacular structure at 108 South Street SE in the Market Station development. She stated the existing wall sign and awning on the property were approved by the Board in 2010. She noted the applicant proposes to install lettering on both the deck and valance of the awning which is not typical of awnings in the Old and Historic District and may over-sign the business when seen in combination with the other proposed signs. She stated the proposed wall sign is approvable as BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 5 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning submitted; however, the proposed projecting sign at the far corner of the front elevation does not meet the Sign Guidelines in terms of placement and recommended that it be removed or that it be moved closer to the entrance in which case the wall sign should be removed. She stated the applicant also provided information earlier in the day regarding an additional wall sign to be placed by a secondary entrance; however, staff did not have time to evaluate its appropriateness prior to the meeting. Further, she recommended discussion of the proposal as a whole. The business owner, Camden Middlebrooks, was present. Ms. Middlebrooks discussed her proposal, noting the unique location of this business along South Street SE within the Market Station development and across from a large parking lot. She stated she and her business partner designed the sign package as a whole to capture patrons approaching from various directions on foot as well as those walking over from the parking lot. There was discussion regarding the awning details and it was confirmed that the new awning would be sloped rather than continuing the curved appearance of the existing awning as outlined in the application materials. There was also discussion regarding the appropriateness and size of the lettering on the deck of the awning and placement of the other proposed signs. Further, there was discussion regarding the location and traffic pattern of patrons to the business and it was noted that the applicant also intended to install a window sign on the door to mark the location of their main entrance within the shared recessed entryway. Chairman Minchew opened the public hearing at 8:46pm. There were no petitioners and the public hearing was closed. There was additional discussion regarding the proposed location of the text on the valance and it was clarified by staff that the Zoning Ordinance does not allow text to be located on the deck of the awning but text is allowed on the awning valance. There was concern expressed regarding the number and placement of signs on the structure and discussion regarding possible alternative treatments as well as the architectural detailing and context of the subject structure. Further, it was the general consensus of the majority that the application was approvable with clarification regarding the placement of the front wall sign and projecting sign as well as the limitation of the awning text to the valance only. At 9:18pm Mr. O’Neil proposed a motion to approve TLHP-2021-0105 as authorized in Section 2.3.7 of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance, based on the information provided by the applicant as revised through September 8, 2021 including associated photos and specifications, and further based on the findings below: 1. The subject structure at 108 South Street SE is a side gable vernacular style structure believed to have been a barn constructed in the early 20th century that is now part of the larger Market Station complex. 2. The structure has been altered over the years to house various commercial uses and has lost much of its historic character tying it to Leesburg’s agricultural heritage. The structure now most closely relates to the commercial structures which make up the Market Station center. 3. The applicant proposes to recover the existing rounded awning previously approved by the BAR for this structure under TLHP-2010-0064. The recovering of the existing awning is consistent with the Guidelines and presents no net negative impact on the overall character of the District. 4. The material, size and design of the proposed signs are generally compatible with the Old & Historic District Sign Guidelines and are in keeping with the architectural style of this structure. 5. The overall number of signs (5) is approvable in this instance given the unique nature of this business entrance within the recessed entryway and the context of this structure as part of the larger Market Station commercial development. The motion was also approved with the following conditions: 1. The awning will be redesigned so all lettering is on the valance rather than the sloped portion of the awning and the applicant will work with staff to finalize the design. 2. The round wall sign mounted on the front to the left of the main entrance will be lowered to a height of approximately 7 feet or less above grade. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 6 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning 3. The projecting sign and wall sign at the rear entrance are approvable as submitted with the exception that the projecting sign height will be verified by staff. Chairman Reimers proposed a friendly amendment to note that the number of signs is approvable as there are two separate entrances for this business from two different directions. Mr. O’Neil accepted the friendly amendment. Ms. Aikman proposed a friendly amendment noting the large size of the front elevation for this structure. Mr. O’Neil amended the motion to add a finding noting that this building is in a unique location across from a large parking lot and the size of the building makes it more appropriate to exceed the typical number of signs allowed. Ms. Parry noted that there was also a 5th sign requested by the business owner this evening which is a small graphic on the main entry door. Further, she noted if the Board finds the sign to be approvable the details could be given to staff for review and approval. There was discussion regarding the overall number of signs proposed and the specific nature of this particular sign. It was noted that the main entry door is recessed and that there are two other doors leading to other businesses in close proximity to this door. Mr. O’Neil amended the motion to add that the door decal window sign is allowable if the design is similar to the logo on the other signs and the applicant works with staff to determine the exact size and placement of the sign. The motion was seconded by Mr. Scheuerman and approved by a 5-2 vote (Minchew and Pastor). Chairman Minchew called a recess at 9:25pm. The meeting resumed at 9:31pm. New Cases in the Gateway District None Old Business a. Administrative Approvals Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Discussion of this item was opened at 9:31pm. Ms. Murphy noted the Town’s Zoning Administrator, Mr. Watkins, was in attendance to allow for a more in-depth discussion of this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment. She stated following tonight’s discussion, staff would revise the proposed text and provide a final draft for the Board’s consideration at their October 4, 2021 work session. Further, she stated staff anticipates a Planning Commission public hearing to consider the amendments in early November with a Town Council public hearing in late November or early December. The Board and staff discussed the proposed draft ordinance language to provide additional opportunities for administrative review of applications in the Old & Historic District. There was general support for the expansion of administrative review authority within the ordinance and discussion regarding amendments to the proposed language presented. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to continue this item to the October 4, 2021 work session with direction for staff to provide a revised draft, based on the Board’s comments, for consideration at that time. b. BAR Outreach Discussion Discussion of this item was continued to the October 4, 2021 work session. New Business a. Virginia Village Referral Discussion of this item was opened at 11:04pm. BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW WORK SESSION/BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2021 Page 7 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING · 25 WEST MARKET STREET · LEESBURG, VIRGINIA 20176 Telephone 703.771.2765 · Fax 703.771.2724 · www.leesburgva.gov/planning Ms. Berry Hill provided an overview of the request from the Planning Commission for the Board’s comments on the portion of the Virginia Village rezoning application relating to a small parcel of land in the Gateway District Overlay at the end of Madison Court SE, which is proposed to be rezoned into the Crescent Design District. She stated the proposed development on the parcel is residential townhome and 2/2 units. Further, she stated the BAR’s response would be considered by the Planning Commission and Town Council during their deliberation process. There was discussion regarding the proposed development on this parcel including the height of the residential units planned for this site and the potential impact on adjacent historic structures along South King Street. There was also discussion regarding the design requirements of the Gateway District Design Guidelines and requirements in the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the Crescent Design District in terms of the architectural details, height and overall development of the property. It was the consensus of the Board that staff will work with Chairman Minchew to draft a memo to the Planning Commission and Town Council memorializing the Board’s consensus to support the rezoning of this parcel to the Crescent Design District based on tonight’s discussion. Staff Announcements None Adjournment On a motion by Vice Chair Reimers, seconded by Ms. Scheuerman, the meeting was adjourned at 11:26pm by a 7-0 vote. Teresa Minchew, Chairman Deborah Parry, Planning & Zoning Analyst