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HomeMy Public PortalAbout11/16/2005MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2005 AT 8:30 A.M., IN THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA. I. Call to Order. Vice Chairman Kent called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. II. Roll Call. Present and Participating: Hewlett Kent Perry O'Neal Charles Frankel Cynthia Neeves Absent with Notice: Mert Anderson Tony Moreno Also Present and William Thrasher Participating; John Randolph Rita Taylor Mark Marsh Michael Sapusek Wes Blackman Anthony Pugliese Warren Adams Michael Weiner Dan Carter Bob Ganger Bob Dixson John Carleen William Wietsma Vice Chairman Board Member Board Member Alternate Member Board Member Alternate Member Town Manager Town Attorney Town Clerk Agent for Julien Agent for Julien Agent for MacDonald Resident Agent for Pugliese Agent for Pugliese Agent for Pugliese Resident Resident Urban Design Studio Agent for Dragas III. Minutes of the Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of 6-23-05. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded that the minutes be approved as circulated and all voted AYE. IV. Additions, withdrawals, deferrals, arrangement of agenda items. gown manager rnrasner requeszea Lo aaa Item vi Landscape 3210 Polo Drive. There were no objections. V. Announcements. A. Meeting Dates 1. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing a. December 22, 2005 @ 8:30 A.M. b. January 26, 2006 @ 8:30 A.M. c. February 23, 2006 @ 8:30 A.M. d. March 23,2006 @ 8:30 A.M. e. April 27, 2006 @ 8:30 A.M. Vice Chairman Kent announced these dates. Mrs. Neeves advised that she would not be available for the January, February or March meetings. Mr. O'Neal stated he would advise staff if he would be available for the December meeting. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Architectural Review & Planning Board Page 2 November 16, 2005 Vice Chairman Kent asked if there were any exparte communications to declare. There were none. The Vice Chairman asked that all persons who intended to speak please stand to take the Oath. The Clerk administered the Oath to Mr. Marsh, Mr. Blackman, Mr. Pugliese, Mr. Carter, Mr. Sapusek, Mr. Wietsma, Mr. Weiner, Mr. Adams, Mr. Ganger, Mr. Dixson, Mr. Carleen and Mr. Givens. VI. PUBLIC HEARING. A. Applications for Development Approval 1. An application submitted by Mark Marsh, agent for Robert Julien, owner of the property located at 1601 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream, Florida that is legally described in metes and bounds in Section 10, Township 46 S., Range 43 E., lying east of Ocean Blvd. Mr. Sapusek explained that Hurricane Wilma severely damaged and destroyed one large ficus tree in the front. He proposed to clear the area, save the remaining trees and relocate the sea grape tree from the rear of the property to the front. Mr. Marsh displayed color renderings and a site plan of the proposed improvement. He explained that the improvement include construction of a one and two story addition to an existing Mediterranean style guest- house, connecting the guesthouse to the existing primary structure via a trellis and installing an 8 ft. high wall along the front of the property connecting to an existing entry feature and ending the wall at the southwest property line. Mr. Marsh stated that the color of the wall would be a Tuscany orange to match the existing structure and new addition. The existing gate would be replaced with a more transparent elegant version. He added that due to Hurricane Wilma, a lot of the trees and landscaping were destroyed. Mr. Marsh stated that the original rendering show the stairs in a straight projection, he has since changed to a rounded turret style. Vice Chairman Kent asked if there were any comments from the Board, staff or the public. Mr. O'Neal and Mrs. Neeves complimented the design. Town Manager Thrasher stated that he consulted with the town's arborist and he did confirm that two of the large ficus trees in the front are healthy enough to remain. He added that Hurricane Wilma destroyed one of the large ficus trees and a number of Australian pine trees; he recommended that Australian pine trees be incorporated in the new landscaping. Mr. Thrasher asked if the total height of the wall, including the light fixtures, exceeds 8 ft. Mr. Marsh said he would work on the landscaping with staff and confirmed that the wall, including the light fixtures would not exceed 8ft. Mr. Frankel asked what the total square footage of the addition is. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Page 3 Architectural Review & Planning Board November 16, 2005 Mr. Marsh confirmed the square footage to be 1,748. a. LAND CLEARING PERMIT to clear site area for construction of a wall across the front of the property and other construction areas. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to approve a Land Clearing Permit based on the finding that the proposed land clearing to allow the construction of an 8' wall and other construction, the amendments made CI by Mr. Marsh to remove one large ficus tree and save two, and the possibility of incorporating Australian pine trees into the new land- scaping located in the north ocean corridor, outside the FDOT clear zone, meets the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards with the condition that landscape material be subject to review with staff. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. b. NORTH OCEAN BLVD. OVERLAY PERMIT to construct an 8' high wall to replace an existing fence within the overlay district and supplement existing vegetation. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to approve a North Ocean Boulevard Overlay Permit based on a finding that the proposed 8 ft. wall, gate, additional landscape material and the amendments made by Mr. Marsh to remove one large ficus tree and save two meets the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards, with the condition that landscape material be subject to review with staff. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. c. LEVEL 2 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to permit a one and two-story addition, consisting of 1,748 square feet, to an existing Mediterranean style guest house, and connect the guest house to the existing primary structure, and to replace and existing fence across the front of the property with an 8' high wall. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to approve a Level II Architectural /Site Plan, based on a finding that the proposed one and two story addition to an existing guesthouse, connection to the primary structure, replacement of an existing fence across the front of the property with an 8' wall and the amendments made by Mr. Marsh to change the stairs to a rounded turret style meets the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards with the condition that all utility service lines be placed underground. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. 2. An application submitted by James Brindell, Agent for Ralph J. MacDonald, owner of property located at 1410 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream, Florida, legally described as Lots 1, lA and a portion of Lot 2 in McLouth Subdivision. Mr. Blackman, representing Mr. Brindell, pointed out that the generator location is shown on the drawings and distributed a timeline on the initial permit application, explaining that Gulf Stream and the County have properly permitted the generator, and it has been inspected by the County. He stated that there are no homes to the north, and given the size of the property and the location of the house, it would provide a Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Architectural Review & Planning Board Page 4 November 16, 2005 buffer for the house to the south. He believes that this is the best location for the generator and addressed all 8 criteria for a Variance. Vice Chairman Kent asked if there were any comments from the Board, staff or the public. ^ Town Manager Thrasher asked for the primary permit number issued by the County and what it was issued for. Mr. Blackman confirmed the permit number to be 304023629 and that it was issued for alterations and interior renovation. Mr. Ganger commented that the placement of the generator is more of a safety and noise issue. However, wherever it is placed, it would still be noisy. He did not have any objections to where the generator is currently placed. Mr. Frankel stated that he has no problem with the placement in that he believes the placement is in the best interest of the surrounding neighbors. The Board was in agreement. a. VARIANCE to allow a generator that encroaches 18 ft. into the required 25 ft. north side yard setback, as provided in Section 70-74 and in Section 70-67(b)(4), to remain in the existing location. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded to recommend approval of a Variance based on a finding that all 8 criteria have been met. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. b. LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to permit the existing generator to remain in the present location Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded to recommend approval of a Level 3 Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that all 8 criteria for a Variance have been met. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. 3. To consider amendments to an application originally considered on May 19, 2005 as submitted by Dan Carter of Carter & Associates Landscape Architects, Inc., agent for Anthony Pugliese III, owner of the property located at 3145 N. Ocean Blvd, Gulf Stream, Florida, legally described in metes and bounds in Government Lot 2, Section 3, Township 46 South, Range 43 East, for the following: Mr. Weiner explained he has worked with staff and Attorney Randolph and his client conceded with the town's suggestions by reducing the height of the wall, including the cap, to less than 8', lowering the entry feature to less than 18 ft., set it back 30' from the property line and changed the parabolic arch. Mr. Weiner stated that because this is a historic home, and the largest home along AlA in Gulf Stream, the entry feature is appropriate for the style of the house. He added that the entry feature is a minor accessory structure, the roof is removed, there is no floor and it has been separated from the front wall by 4 inches on each side. Mr. Weiner believes that because of the changes that were Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Page 5 Architectural Review & Planning Board November 16, 2005 done, there is no need for the Variances. Mr. Frankel stated that it would be helpful if he could see an illustration of the changes. Attorney Randolph reminded that the items that are being heard are for Variances. He suggested that the applicant address the criteria for the Variances. However, if the applicant does not believe there is a need for a Variance, the ARPB is not the ruling board. The administrative official determines whether a variance is required or not. If the applicant does not agree with the decision, an appeal could be made in front of the Town Commission. Mr. Randolph referred to a letter dated September 16, 2005 to Mr. Weiner informing him as such. Mr. Adams was recognized along with his credentials. He explained that this is a historic home and the proposed entry feature is appropriate for the size of the home and neither the entry feature nor the fountain would destroy or impair any visual relationship with structures, landscaping or views. Mr. Carter, Landscape architect explained that the fountain has been reduced by 316" and would be screened by lush landscaping. He stated that the fountain is a part of the hardscape. Mr. Ganger complimented the entry feature but felt it is not consistent with the character of the neighborhood. He added that he is in contact the original builder's son and he does not believe the entry feature is what his father envisioned. Mr. Dixson also felt the entry feature does not fit the atmosphere of the Town. John Carleen, principal for Urban Design Studio, was recognized along with his credentials. He explained that he helped develop the manual for the town and the homes in town are not true Mediterranean or true Bermuda style; they have elements of the design. He added that there is no home in town that has a historic designation. However, the elements should match the character of the neighborhood. With regard to hardscape, Mr. Carleen said these typically include impervious surfaces such a patio, decks and pavers and accessory structures include trellises and gazebos. Town Manager Thrasher asked when the current changes were submitted. Town Clerk Taylor stated she received them October 12, 2005. Mr. Frankel commented that the entry feature is beautiful and would look nice elsewhere but Gulf Stream is very understated and the feature is excessive. However, he had no objections to the fountain. Mrs. Neeves and Mr. Frankel felt the entry feature is excessive and believed a simpler gate would provide the homeowner privacy. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Page 6 Architectural Review & Planning Board November 16, 2005 But, they had no objections to the fountain. Mr. O'Neal felt the entry feature is excessive and was not comfortable with the height of the fountain. Vice Chairman Kent sympathized with the homeowner's need for privacy but O felt the proposed entry including the chains is too out of scale with the community but he had no objections to the fountain. a. VARIANCE 1. To permit construction of an entrance feature (including an arch, gates, wall columns and gas lanterns) which exceeds the maximum permitted (8 foot high) as provided in Section 70-187 Paragraph 4 and Section 70-187 Paragraph 5. of the Code of Ordinances. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to recommend denial of Variance 1 based on a finding that all 8 criteria have not been met. However, if the gate meets Code (not including the super structure), it would be favorably considered. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. b. VARIANCE 2. To install fountain/statuary that encroaches 20' into the required 30' front accessory setback as provided in Section 70-74 and also does not conform to the provisions of Section 70-268 of the Code of Ordinances which prohibits statuary that is visible from the street. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded to recommend denial of Variance 2 based on a finding that all 8 criteria have not been met. However, the Board believes the fountain/statuary is acceptable provided it not seen from the street and a variance would not needed. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. C. NORTH OCEAN BLVD. OVERLAY PERMIT. To construct an entrance feature, gates, fountain/statuary and pagoda, and re -landscape the area. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. O'Neal seconded to recommend denial of a North Ocean Boulevard Overlay Permit in that the Variances were recommended to be denied and the chains with the brass rings, lights and excessive ornamentation does not match the character of the town. How- ever, if it is determined that the Variances are not needed, it would not be necessary to appear before the ARPB for the relandscaping in that the landscaping is acceptable. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. d. LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW requesting approval for construction of an entrance feature, gates, fountain/ statuary, pagoda and approval of landscaping as proposed for the area. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to recommend denial of a Level III Architectural/Site Plan in that the Variances and North Ocean Overlay Permit were recommended to be denied. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Page 7 Architectural Review & Planning Board November 16, 2005 Attorney Randolph advised that if the applicant is not in agreement with the decision, he could make an appeal of the administrative decision to the Town Commission, reminding that the Code has a provision that relates to certain time constraints. Mr. Randolph recommended that if an appeal is to be sought, every effort should be made to have it heard at the next regular meeting along with the development application. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal; AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. 4. Approval of Landscape 3210 Polo Drive Mr. Wietsma explained that the property is located at the corner of Polo Drive and Palm Way. He kept the existing wall along with the hedge, re- placed the ficus hedge on the west side and relocated several large trees around the property. The Board complimented the design of the house and the landscaping. Mr. Frankel moved and Mrs. Neeves seconded to approve the landscape plan. Roll Call: Mrs. Neeves; AYE, Mr. Frankel; AYE, Mr. O'Neal: AYE, and Vice Chairman Kent; AYE. VII. Items by Staff. There were no items. IX. Items by Board Members. There were none. X. Public. There were no comments from the public. XI. Adjournment. Vice Chairman Kent adjourned the meeting at 11:15 A.M. \ 1 Yv ne E. Eckert, CMC — Deputy Town Clerk