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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. ►w 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 O