HomeMy Public PortalAbout04/22/1998MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM,
FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1998, AT 8:30 A.M., IN THE TOWN HALL,
100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA.
I. Call to Order. Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at
8:30 A.M.
II.
Present and Howard E.N. Wilson
Participating: Muriel Anderson
Hewlett Kent
Sara Winston
Perry O'Neal
Absent: Douglas Hornberger
Also Present and Kristin K. Garrison
Participating: Rita L. Taylor
Mark Marsh
Dave Bodker
Charles Toth
W. Grant Williams
Chairman
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Alternate Member
Board Member
Town Manager
Town Clerk
Agent
Landscape Architect
Agent for Mr. Williams
Applicant
III. Minutes of the Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of 3-25-98.
Mr. Kent moved and Mrs. Anderson seconded that the minutes be
approved as circulated and all voted AYE at roll call.
IV. Additions. withdrawals. deferrals, arrangement of agenda items.
The Town Manager requested to add Item VIII.D., New Roof at 3250
Polo Drive. There were no objections.
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A. Meeting Dates (See
1. Regular Meeting
2. Regular Meeting
3. Regular Meeting
4. There shall be
These dates were announced by
Item VI.C. for date changes)
& Public Hearing 5-27-98 at 8:30 A.M.
& Public Hearing 6-24-98 at 8:30 A.M.
& Public Hearing 7-22-98 at 8:30 A.M.
no meeting held in August 1998
Chairman Wilson.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 2
VI. Reorganization.
A. Election of a Chairman
Mr. O'Neal moved and Mrs. Winston seconded that Mr. Wilson be elected
Chairman of the ARPB. Roll Call: Mrs. Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE,
C Mr. O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and Chairman Wilson; AYE.
B. Election of a Vice Chairman
Mrs. Anderson moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded that Mr. Kent be elected
Vice Chairman. Roll Call: Mrs. Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE, Mr.
O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winson; AYE, and Chairman Wilson; AYE.
C. Discussion RE: Meeting Date
Town Manager Garrison reminded that Attorney Randolph has a conflicting
schedule with the fourth Wednesday of each month and she asked if the
Board would want to consider changing the day of the monthly meetings.
She advised that Mr. Randolph would be available on the fourth Thursday
of the month if it would be agreeable to the Board, adding that he would
only be called on to attend the meetings at which it was felt that the
attorney's advise would be needed, or at which the Board wanted an
attorney present.
The fourth Thursday of the month was agreeable to all members and
Chairman Wilson suggested that the next three meetings be held on the
fourth Thursday on a trial basis. All were agreeable to this
suggestion.
Chairman Wilson then announced that the new meeting dates will be: May
28, 1998, June 25, 1998, and July 23, 1998, all at 8:30 A.M.
VII.
A. Applications for Development Approval
Chairman Wilson asked all who intended to speak to stand and take the
oath whereupon Town Clerk Taylor administered the oath to Mark Marsh,
Dave Bodker, Charles Toth and Grant Williams. The Chairman then asked
if any of the Board members had spoken to anyone about any of the
applications to be heard, or had visited any of the sites. Mr. Kent
disclosed that he had discussed the matter of the proposed windows in
the Williams structure with Mr. Toth in so far as Mr. Toth was working
with him on his own house plans. No other ex -parte communications were
disclosed.
1. An application submitted by Mark Marsh, as agent for Mr.
& Mrs. William Connelly, the owners of the property
located at 3557 Polo Drive, Gulf Stream, Florida, which
is legally described as Lot 5, Block 2, Polo Fields No. 1
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 3
a. Level 2 Architectural/Site Plan Review to permit a 600
square foot garage addition tp the west side of the
existing home, with the existing garage to be
converted to a guest room. The driveway will be
upgraded and landscaping added.
Mark Marsh, representing Mr. & Mrs. Connelly, displayed a rendering of
the proposed improvements and explained that the home is located in an
odd position on the lot. He further explained that the proposed new
garage will be connected to the west side of the home and the existing
garage will be converted to a guest room. He pointed out that a number
of the homes in the area have garage doors facing a street and they are
not concealed, having been constructed prior to the current provision in
the Code. He believed that concealment has been accomplished with the
landscape design and introduced Landscape Architect Dave Bodker.
Mr. Bodker explained there would be a 6' ficus hedge planted in front of
the property and along the north side of the driveway with two trees
planted on the corners of each end of the driveway and three flowering
trees planted on the south side of the driveway at each corner of the
apron with the third planted on the north side of the driveway directly
across from the garage doors. He believed that this configuration of
landscape material will screen the garage doors from view from the
streets.
Mr. Marsh pointed out that currently the grass at the edge of Old School
Road is much higher than the pavement which causes a drainage problem.
He advised that the area will be graded and a swale established to
receive run-off from the property and the street. He closed his
presentation by pointing out that the addition will be of the same color
and materials, and the roof line of the addition will match that of the
existing building.
Mrs. Winston asked if there is a Town requirement that garage doors must
be kept closed. Chairman Wilson advised that Mr. Harrington had spoken
to residents about this problem and had some measure of success. The
�.' Town Manager added that the cooperation has been voluntary as there is
no ordinance in place to require garage doors to be closed. She advised
that there had been a reminder about closing the garage door in the last
newsletter.
Chairman Wilson believed the proposed project will be an improvement to
the area and was pleased to learn that a swale is to be installed.
Town Manager Garrison stated she did not have much to add as Mr. Marsh
had covered the project. She advised that the application incorporates
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 4
many preferred elements and she is recommending approval of the
application with the condition that drainage plans, prepared by an
engineer, addressing the modified area of the site and driveway are
submitted prior to a building permit with the standing water found at
the edge of the road to be addressed as well, and with the condition
Cthat landscaping in front of the home be at mature height to obscure the
garage. An added condition was that the plans be redesigned to move the
plantings along Polo Drive out of the right-of-way.
Mr. Kent asked how a swale could be made if the grass was above the
pavement at the edge of the road to which Mr. Marsh replied that the
grade would be lowered along the edge of the road and an approximate six
inch depression made which would not be unsightly.
Mr. Kent moved to approve the application, based on a finding that the
additions are consistent with applicable review standards, with the
following conditions: 1) Drainage Plans, prepared by a professional
engineer, addressing the modified area of the site and driveway shall be
submitted prior to a building permit with the drainage design to address
the standing water frequently found at the road edge; for example with a
Swale design or retention area. 2) Landscaping in front of the home
shall be planted at mature height to obscure the view of the garage from
the street at the time of planting, in order to comply with Section V.A-
9 of the Design Manual, and prior to a building permit, the plans must
be redesigned to move the plantings along Polo Drive out of the right-
of-way. The motion was seconded by Mr. O'Neal. Roll Call: Mrs.
Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE, Mr. O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and
Chairman Wilson; AYE.
Inasmuch as there were two applications for alterations to two buildings
owned by the Gulf Stream Golf Club, Mr. Marsh requested, and Chairman
Wilson agreed, to present both at the same time but with separate
motions to address each individually.
2. An application submitted by Mark Marsh, as agent for the
Gulf Stream Golf Club, the owner of the property located
�i at 344 Golfview Road, Gulf Stream, Florida, which is
legally described in metes and bounds in Government Lot 3,
Section 3, Township 46, Range 43.
a. Level 2 Architectural/Site Plan Review to permit a 668
square foot, one-story addition, containing a new
master bedroom and bath, that will be connected to the
rear portion (southwest) of the existing manager's
home.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 5
3. An application submitted by Mark Marsh, as agent for the
Gulf Stream Golf Club, the owner of the property located
at 246 Golfview Drive, Gulf Stream, Florida, which is
legally described in metes and bounds in Government Lot 3,
Section 3, Township 46, Range 43.
a. Level 2 Architectural/Site Plan Review to permit a 529
square foot, one-story addition, containing a new one
car garage, that will be connected to the rear -
southeastern portion of the golf pro's residence,
with the existing garage being converted to a family
room.
Mr. Marsh, as agent for the Gulf Stream Golf Club, displayed renderings
and explained that there are two small houses on the north end of the
golf course which house the club manager and the golf pro, with the
manager living in the house to the west. He advised that these are out
of date for today's lifestyle and there is a need to enlarge them both.
He further advised that they are considered to have historical
significance and that the proposed design preserves this. Mr. Marsh
stated that the color and materials of the additions will be the same as
those on the existing structures.
The one-story addition to the Manager's house will consist of 668 square
feet to accommodate a new master bedroom and bath and will be connected
to the southwestern portion of the structure, Mr. Marsh said. A screen
porch will be in place at the rear of the home. He pointed out that it
is obvious on the existing structure that there had been a previous
addition to the original structure, and the current proposed
improvements will be an extension of the previous addition.
With regard to the house to the east, Mr. Marsh stated that the new 529
square foot addition will attach to the southeastern portion of the
structure and will contain a new one car garage, with the existing
garage to be converted to a family room. He pointed out that the
addition will contain the same elements as the existing structure and
called attention to a letter from the Gulf Stream Golf Club wherein it
is stated that landscaping requirements as related to the renovation of
the two structures will be satisfied with their own staff upon
completion of the construction.
Chairman Wilson commented that the proposed renovations can only improve
the property and Mr. Kent observed that the project is well designed and
meets the historical requirements.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 6
Town Manager Garrison reported that she had met with a fellow planner in
the Town of Palm Beach to discuss the historical significance as it
relates to additions. She advised that when adding to a historic
structure, it is important that the addition is harmonious with the
existing home but that one should be able to distinguish the addition
from the original structure. Also, all additions to structures of
historical significance should maintain the "roof hierarchy" and be of
subordinate scale to the original structure, she said. The Town Manager
recommended approval of both applications with the conditions that
Health Department approval of the septic system be secured prior to
issuance of a building permit and that drainage plans addressing the
modified area of the site be submitted prior to issuance of a building
permit.
Mr. Kent pointed out that currently the hedge along Golfview Drive is
poorly kept. He questioned if something could be done about this.
Others on the Board agreed with Mr. Kent and it was suggested that
maintenance of this hedge be included as a condition of approval of
these applications.
Mrs. Anderson moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded that a Level 2
Architectural/Site Plan Review be approved as requested for the 668
square foot addition to the western most house occupied by the Club
Manager with the following conditions: 1) Health Department approval
of the septic system shall be secured prior to issuance of a building
permit. 2) Drainage Plans addressing the modified area of the site
shall be submitted prior to a building permit being issued. 3) The
ficus hedge along Golfview Road shall be perpetually maintained in well-
groomed condition. Roll Call: Mrs. Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE, Mr.
O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and Chairman Wilson; AYE.
Mrs. Anderson next moved that a Level 2 Architectural/Site Plan Review
be approved as requested for the 529 square foot addition to the eastern
most house occupied by the Club Pro with the following conditions: 1)
Health Department approval of the septic system shall be secured prior
to issuance of a building permit. 2) Drainage Plans addressing the
modified area of the site shall be submitted prior to a building permit
being issued. 3) The ficus hedge along Golfview Road shall be
perpetually maintained in well-groomed condition. The motion was
seconded by Mr. O'Neal. Roll Call: Mrs. Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE,
Mr. O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and Chairman Wilson; AYE.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 7
4. An application submitted by Charles E. Toth, Architect, as
agent for W. Grant Williams, the owner of the property
located at 3145 Polo Dr., Gulf Stream, Florida, which is
legally described as Lot 7, Gulf Stream Properties.
a. Level 3 Architectural/Site Plan Review to permit two
one-story additions totaling 624 square feet,
connected to the rear (east side) of the home, placed
on either side of the existing patio that will expand
the master bedroom and add a family room.
b. Special Exception to permit the extension of an
existing non -conforming wall on the south side that
fails to meet the combined side setback requirements.
Charles Toth, agent for Mr. Williams, displayed a rendering of the
proposed additions and explained that the home is a typical 50's
structure with a very high roof built by Henry Pope. He advised that
the owner wanted to add a green house that is often seen in the north
but had opted for an English Garden Room of an octagonal shape with
French doors on all sides and a peaked roof with an open beam ceiling.
He pointed out that the percentage of window openings on the rear
elevation would exceed Sot which is the maximum permitted on an
elevation. To correct this, he advised that the 3 proposed sliding
glass door openings, that are replacing jalousie windows, were being
reduced from 7 foot to 6 foot, resulting in the percentage of
window/door openings being reduced to 49%. Mr. Toth added that the
French doors would be multi -paned.
With regard to the second addition to increase the size of the master
bedroom, Mr. Toth acknowledged that in order to enlarge this room it is
necessary to extend the existing the south wall of the existing
structure which is non -conforming. Mr. Toth closed his presentation by
advising that jalousie windows on the front elevation will be changed to
match multi -paned windows on other elevations.
Mrs. Winston asked if the octagonal room is hidden from the street and
r- she was advised that it is in the back of the structure, hidden from the
street.
Mr. Kent asked if the window changes mentioned by Mr. Toth had solved
the problem of maximum percentage of door/window openings on a single
elevation and was advised that the problem is solved.
Chairman Wilson expressed a concern that these proposed design elements
will change the consistency of architectural design on the structure,
citing the octagonal room.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 8
Town Manager Garrison expressed three concerns as follows: 1)
Percentage of window openings on the rear elevation, including doors.
2) Consistency of octagonal shape of family/garden room with Bermuda
style. 3) Non -conforming features of existing home (jalousie windows,
non -conforming side setbacks) She observed that her first concern had
been addressed by the applicant reducing the window/door percentage on
the rear elevation and a portion of the third concern by changing the
jalousie windows on the front of the structure. Mrs. Garrison stated
that the staff is recommending approval of the special exception to
allow expansion of a non -conforming setback for the following reasons.
a.) The addition is only one story in height. b.) The existing 15,
setback on the south side would be sufficient but for the fact that the
setback on the other side (north) is only 10 feet, resulting in a
combined side setback of less than the required 30% of lot width. c.)
A very tall hedge surrounds the site, serving as a buffer to adjacent
properties. d.) No purpose would be served by requiring that the small
southern addition be set back 5' more than the existing home. e.)
Continuing the existing setback will make the addition look more
consistent with the existing home, she said.
With regard to her second concern, the Town Manager advised that the
octagonal shape of the family room generates a question relative to
consistency with the Design Manual. She pointed out that simple
rectangular configurations are the preferred building form for Gulf
Stream Bermuda Homes and the octagonal shape of the family room
addition, with its angular walls and octagonal roof form could be
considered a "discouraged" feature, or as atypical of the Gulf Stream
Bermuda Style. Mrs. Garrison noted that this concern is mitigated to a
degree by the presence of mature landscaping surrounding the sides and
rear of the lot as well as the fact that the full height of the
octagonal addition at 17.5 feet is lower than the existing roof height
of approximately 20 feet. Due to the placement of the additions and
vegetative screening, the octagonal family/garden room and roof lines as
well as the rear windows/doors would not be visible from off-site, she
said.
The Town manager advised that if the ARPB finds that the proposed plans
are consistent with Article V, Section A.5, Article VII, Section B.1,
special exception review criteria, and other applicable review
standards, the following conditions are recommended: 1) Health
Department approval of the septic system shall be secured prior to
issuance of a building permit, unless the home is connected to the
private Sewer System. 2) The dense vegetative screening along the side
and rear property lines shall be perpetually maintained and replaced
with like materials if diseased or damaged. 3) The property owner is
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 9
encouraged to replace the non -conforming front jalousie windows with new
windows that have muntins.
Chairman Wilson stated that he does not feel that the fact that the
C octagonal room cannot be seen should not be a consideration. He
believed that this design is not compatible with the design of the
existing structure.
Mrs. Anderson concurred with Chairman Wilson and added that shrubs can
die and therefore expose the structure to off-site view.
Mr. Kent stated that he does not feel it is unusual to have an element
on a structure that does not match the rest of the building and he did
not believe this would detract from the neighborhood.
Mr. O'Neal reminded that two new houses have been approved with a
buttery constructed on the front of the structure. He added however,
that these are a smooth, rounded structure that is recognized as being
an element found in Bermuda designs.
Based on a finding that the proposed plans are consistent with the
special exception review criteria and other applicable review standards,
Mr. Kent moved to recommend to the Town Commission that the Special
Exception be granted to permit the extension of the existing non-
conforming south wall that fails to meet the combined side setback
requirements. The motion was seconded by Mr. O'Neal. Roll Call: Mrs.
Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE, Mr. O'Neal; AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and
Chairman Wilson; AYE.
Mr. Kent, based on a finding that the proposed plans are consistent with
Article VII, Section B.1. and other applicable review standards, then
moved, and Mr. O'Neal seconded, that approval of a Level 3
Architectural/Site Plan review be recommended to the Town Commission
with the following conditions: 1) Health Department approval of the
septic system shall be secured prior to issuance of a building permit,
unless the home is connected to the private Sewer System. 2) The dense
vegetative screening along the side and rear property lines shall be
perpetually maintained and replaced with like materials if diseased or
damaged. 3) The non -conforming front jalousie windows shall be
replaced with new windows that have muntins. 4) Window openings on the
rear elevation shall be reduced by at least 4°s by replacing the sliding
glass doors with French doors or with sliding doors of a smaller size
and/or eliminating the clear story windows above the French doors on the
family room. Roll Call: Mrs. Anderson; AYE, Mr. Kent; AYE, Mr. O'Neal;
AYE, Mrs. Winston; AYE, and Chairman Wilson; NAY.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 10
Mr. Williams was recognized and expressed his concern regarding the
condition that he must first get approval of a septic system prior to a
building permit. He stated he did not want to invest in a septic tank
and drainfield if the private sewer system is going to be extended so he
Ccould connect to it. Chairman Wilson advised that this was not
something that the Town mandates, that it is a Palm Beach County
requirement. Town Manager Garrison advised that she would assist Mr.
Williams in working through this problem.
VIII. Items by Staff.
A. Construction in Progress as of March 31, 1998
The Construction in Progress Report revealed there to be $1,683,980
worth of construction in progress during March 1998.
B. AIA Landscape Project -Town Markers
The Town Manager distributed a drawing of the proposed Town Marker and
advised that the Civic Association is generously considering funding
these at each end of the Town along with a low marker at the north end
that will give direction toward the Town Hall and Police Headquarters.
Mrs. Winston circulated photos of the marker at the entrance to Palm
Trail as an alternative. The Town Manager advised that the Historic
Highway Committee favored the marker in the drawing, as did the Town
Commission and that the Civic Association wanted the ARPB to have an
opportunity to comment as well.
The majority of the Board favored the one in the drawing that had been
submitted by the Landscape Architect.
C. Setbacks on lots of variable widths
Mrs. Garrison advised that there has been an inquiry as to what the 30%-
side
0%side setbacks would be on a lot that is much wider on one end than on
the other end. She said that since this question has not been asked
before, she wanted to share with the Board her interpretation and have
input from the members. The Town Manager stated that a building
envelope would need to be developed for the lot that would assure a
minimum 15' setback on both sides and the setback would vary with the
lot width. The Board Members agreed with this interpretation
D. New Roof at 3250 Polo Drive.
Town Manager Garrison advised that this structure is a Gulf Stream
Bermuda Design and that the owner had chosen a dark gray cement tile
that is textured and that he had agreed in writing to paint it white as
the Manual requires a white roof on Bermuda homes. The owner was able to
obtain a lighter color tile than originally expected and now that the
roof is installed the owner feels that the natural color of the tile is
no darker than some of the white tile roofs that need to be cleaned. He
asked that we reconsider having him paint it white.
Architectural Review & Planning Board
Regular Meeting & Public Hearing
April 22, 1998
Page 11
All members of the Board stated that they had observed the roof and
determined that it is definitely gray, and that the code requires a
white cement tile on Bermuda Designs. Mr. Kent commented that there is
no doubt about the color but suggested that perhaps the Manual could
better define the material as the roof looks like slate as opposed to
the flat tile that is normally found on structures of a Bermuda Design.
Mr. O'Neal commented that the new windows in this home do not seem to
fit the design. Mrs. Garrison advised that there will be muntins and
shutters added, and the building will be repainted.
Chairman Wilson passed the gavel to Vice Chairman Kent and left the
meeting at this point.
IX. Items by Board Members. There were no items by members.
X. Public. There was no comment from the public.
XI. Adjournment. Vice Chairman Kent adjourned the meeting at 9:45
A.M. following a motion to do so made by Mrs. Anderson that was
seconded by Mrs. Winston with all voting in the affirmative.
LA x 3e -
Rita L. Taylor, Xown Clerk
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