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HomeMy Public PortalAbout03/24/2011MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING HELD BY THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AND PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF GULF STREAM, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011 AT 8:30 A.M., IN THE TOWN HALL, 100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA. I. Call to Order. Chairman Ganger called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M. II. Roll Call. C, Present and Robert Ganger Chairman Participating Charles Frankel, III Board Member Malcolm Murphy Board Member Thomas Smith Board Member Amanda Jones Alternate Member Absent w/Notice Scott Morgan Vice -Chairman William Coleman Alternate Member Also Present and William H. Thrasher Town Manager Participating Rita L. Taylor Town Clerk Roger Hansrote, A.C.I. Agent for Milano Paul Courchene, Agent for Wehrle Courchene Development Leonard Tylka, LTL Agent for Orthwein Associates Clerk Taylor announced that William Coleman intends to resign from the Board and will not be present today. She said Mr. Coleman's resignation will be on the Town Commission's Agenda for the April meeting. III. Minutes of the Regular Meeting and Public Hearing 1-20-11. Chairman Ganger pointed out typographical errors in the Minutes. "Para - fit" on Page 3 is spelled "parapet" and "crinolines" on Page 4 is spelled "crenels." Chairman Ganger said it is correctly stated in the Minutes where Mr. Marsh stated that he would submit plans for beach access to the Board in a separate application, but one week following the January 20th meeting they started to build access onto the beach, supposedly with DEP approval. Chairman Ganger said he just received a letter from the DEP asking for comments on the entire plan, not just beach access. He said he called the Town to inform them that the builder was moving ahead without approval and they immediately shut them down. Chairman Ganger said the builder and architect apologized, but had already taken out trees and made a path. He said when the ARPB makes a judgment the assumption is that it will be followed. Mr. Smith moved and Mr. Frankel seconded to approve the Minutes of the January 20, 2011 Meeting with the suggested corrections. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. IV. Additions, withdrawals, deferrals, arrangement of agenda items. There were no changes. V. Announcements. A. Meeting Dates 1. Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 2 a. April 28, 2011 @ 8:30 A.M. b. May 26, 2011 @ 8:30 A.M. c. June 23, 2011 @ 8:30 A.M. d. July 28, 2011 @ 8:30 A.M. There were no conflicts with the meeting schedule. Chairman Ganger asked if there are applications for the April Meeting. Clerk Taylor said there are several for April and there are applications for the May Meeting. Mr. Thrasher said there are more than ever. Chairman Ganger was happy to hear that and commented that staff does a terrific job preparing for meetings and assisting agents representing applicants. Chairman Ganger asked if anyone has shown interest in serving on the Board. Clerk Taylor said there are no interested parties at this time, but if anyone is interested they are required to submit a letter of interest stating their experience and why they feel they will be able tc serve on the Board. Chairman Ganger said the Gulf Stream Civic Association will hold their Annual Meeting on April 4th and they have invited the residents in the annexed area to attend. He has asked individuals in that group who are interested in community affairs to inform the Civic Association and they would be happy to have them serve in some role. Chairman Ganger said it is possible that some will be qualified and willing to serve on the ARPB. Clerk Taylor said they must be a registered voter and a full time resident. Chairman Ganger said he will mention that the ARPB is in need of an alternate member. VI. PUBLIC HEARING. Chairman Ganger asked if there have been any ex -parte communications concerning the applications to be heard. Both Mr. Frankel and Mr. Murphy said they had conversations with staff concerning all of the applications. Chairman Ganger said he drove by two of the properties and spoke with Clerk Taylor about them. Mrs. Jones stated that she had a conversation with Mr. Frankel regarding paint colors. Mr. Thrasher reminded Mr. Frankel and Mrs. Jones that they are not supposed to discuss these matters with each other and asked if their discussion will influence their decision the Wehrle application. Both Mr. Frankel and Mrs. Jones said it will not influence their decision. Clerk Taylor administered the Oath to the following: Roger Hansrote of A.C. I., Agent for Milano; Paul Courchene of Courchene Development, Agent for Wehrle; and, Leonard Tylka of LTL, Agent for Orthwein. �J A. Applications for Development Approval 1. An application submitted by Roger Hansrote, A.C.I., as Agent for Flavia Milano the owner of property located at 4 Driftwood Landing, Gulf Stream, Florida, which is legally described as Lot 1, Driftwood Landing Subdivision in Gulf Stream, for the following: a. SPECIAL EXCEPTION #1: To permit additions to a nonconforming structure that encroaches approximately 15 ft. into the front setback and approximately 2.38 ft. into the rear setback. Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 3 b. SPECIAL EXCEPTION #2: To permit 155 sq. ft. of covered unenclosed roof projection that exceeds the maximum permitted floor area ratio. c. LEVEL 3 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW: To permit the demolition of 1,016 sq. ft. of existing Bermuda style single family dwelling and garage/guest house and the addition of a partial second story and various covered, unenclosed areas, a total of 1,589 sq. ft., a net addition of 573 sq. ft. Roger Hansrote, Agent for Milano, stated that the existing home is a single story, they are proposing to add a second level to accommodate a master bedroom and they are asking for several special exceptions. He said he believes the house was built before the front setback became what it is today and, based on available criteria, the existing structure encroaches into the current setback. He showed the outline of the footprint of the home and the location of the existing 2 -story garage. With regard to the first special exception, Mr. Hansrote said the current front setback cuts through the existing structure and he explained that the second floor addition, if approved, would just slightly touch at the point where the radius cuts through the house, but they would try to mitigate any encroachment into the existing front setback. Chairman Ganger asked Mr. Hansrote when the house was built. Mr. Hansrote said he was not positive, possibly late 60's or early 70's. Mr. Smith asked Mr. Hansrote to confirm that the only new encroachment would be in the second floor addition. Mr. Hansrote said any new construction would be encroaching only at the second floor and maybe some elements at the front entry area. He said they are reducing the impact inside that setback by pulling the front entry back from where it is currently located. Mr. Hansrote said the second special exception concerns the floor area ratio (FAR). He said to add the second floor with the existing FAR they did some demolition at the front entry, removed other areas of the existing footprint to get the floor area down to a point and they are using the covered loggia portion of the zoning to allow the creation of the second floor while staying within the FAR stipulations in the zoning. Chairman Ganger asked if the 9 feet between the main house and guest house is covered. Mr. Hansrote said it is, but it is not a significant element and they will remove it to allow for the second - story addition. He said once they remove the roof element, there will be a small privacy wall to keep the structures attached. Mr. Frankel asked if the garage was always a 3 -car and Mr. Hansrote confirmed that. Mrs. Jones asked about the end gable roof line, stating that it seems to be a double roof line; there is the roof and a second roof section below it. Mr. Hansrote said the lower roof line covers the existing loggia, and the upper roof line occurs over the second floor air conditioned space. He said they tried to delineate the two spaces in the roof line by dropping the roof line at the covered loggia and making it more Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 4 prominent over the master bedroom, which conforms to the 30 feet of vertical height. Chairman Ganger asked if the lower roof line is 16" to 18" out from the edge of the higher roof line. Mr. Hansrote said it is dropped down a bit. Chairman Ganger asked if there is a way to get water out of those areas. Mr. Hansrote said he would recommend gutters as water control. C' Chairman Ganger commented on the columns saying they looked different. Mr. Hansrote said the square column, rather than round, is a more formal architecture and it was a subjective choice, but if the Board feels it is wrong and a round column would be a better solution, the columns can be changed. Chairman Ganger mentioned the change in the grating design on the front elevation at the second floor and at the second floor of the garage, going from linear to diamond grating. Mr. Hansrote said it was left as existing for now, but they would like to make that change. Chairman Ganger said it is confusing that the individual rooms on the 1st floor of the existing design are not labeled. Mr. Hansrote said the existing floor plan is cut up and chaotic. He said the kitchen is not in a strategic spot, the dining room and family room are away from the kitchen area, the bedrooms and baths are scattered and the covered loggia entry is not in line with the rest of the home. Mr. Hansrote said the new layout has more logic explaining that the master bedroom suite will be located on the new second level and the entry will line up through the house. He said a more organized bedroom, bathroom and storage area will remain where it is and there will be a powder room on the first level. The kitchen will be moved out toward the pool and solarium, making the dining room and family room area more functional. Due to the noise factor, Chairman Ganger was concerned that only one wall separates the second floor air handlers from the master bedroom. Mr. Hansrote said they will apply sound batt insulation which should be enough to avoid transmission of sound through the walls. Chairman Ganger asked if all window and door openings will have impact glass and Mr. Hansrote confirmed that. Mrs. Jones referred to the front facade and asked about the upper extension and arrangement of the columns. Mr. Hansrote said they are piers that rest on the beam to create enough transparency for light to enter the master bedroom space. He said it is a continuation of the structure up to the gable roof element. Chairman Ganger asked if the coins were already there and Mr. Hansrote confirmed that. Chairman Ganger asked about the roof and Mr. Hansrote said it will be flat tile. Chairman Ganger said this renovation is a substantial improvement and all members of the Board agreed that the improvements are very tasteful and that Mr. Hansrote has done a very nice job on this project. Mr. Thrasher said there have been several questions concerning certain elements of this plan and asked if those questions were leading to conditions of change in the plans or was the Board satisfied with the answers they received. The Board agreed that as long as everything is consistent with Code they were satisfied with the answers. Mr. Hansrote Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 5 thanked Clerk Taylor and Mr. Thrasher for their assistance and guidance through all of the requirements and making sure they were on target. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. Smith seconded to approve Special Exception to allow addition to a non -conforming structure that encroaches approximately 15, into the front setback and approximately 2.38, into the rear setback. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. Smith seconded to approve Special Exception to allow 155 SF of covered unenclosed roof projection that exceeds the maximum permitted floor area ratio. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. Murphy seconded to approve Level III Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that the proposed demolition of 1,016 SF of an existing Bermuda style single family dwelling and garage/guest house, and the addition of a partial second story and various covered, unenclosed areas, a total of 1,589 SF, a net addition of 573 SF meet the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards with the following conditions: 1. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the owner of the property shall prepare and record a deed restriction which shall provide that all roof projection areas required to remain unenclosed as per approval of the special exception shall remain so for as long as the structure is in existence or exceeds the maximum permissible FAR. 2. Prior to final approval the proposed site plan shall be provided to the Driftwood Landings Home Owners Association for their review and comments. 3. Electric Service Lines(s) shall be buried if they are not already. Chairman Ganger asked if there have been any comments from the neighbors of this property. Clerk Taylor said there were no comments from neighbors. There was no further discussion. All voted AYE. Clerk Taylor informed Mr. Hansrote that he will appear before the Town Commission on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 9:00 A.M. 2. An application submitted by Paul Courchene, Courchene Development, as agent for Stephen & Laura Wehrle, owners of the property located at 1310 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf 0 Stream, Florida, which is legally described as Lot 3, MCLouth Subdivision, for the following: a. LEVEL 2 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to evaluate the exterior color selections and distribution of same on the existing Gulf Stream Bermuda style, two-story, single family dwelling. Paul Courchene, Agent for Wehrle, stated that the applicant is changing the colors of the exterior of the home and the shutters. He said the existing exterior color is yellow which will be changed to "Sail Cloth" and the existing shutters are white which they would like to change to "Clearwater Blue." Mr. Courchene said the Clearwater Blue is the issue. Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 6 Chairman Ganger asked how strongly the applicant feels about Clearwater Blue since it is not a preferred accent color. Mr. Courchene said the applicant and their interior decorator met with Clerk Taylor who informed them that Clearwater Blue is not a preferred accent color and explained that contrast colors must be a dark shade. He said they reviewed the chart of preferred colors and the applicant did choose a C darker color, but Clearwater Blue was the original selection and the applicant decided to have their application heard by the Architectural Review and Planning Board. Chairman Ganger asked if there were examples in the neighborhood where the contrast of colors was muted. Mr. Frankel said he drove through the neighborhood looking for similar contrasts and then spoke to Clerk Taylor who confirmed that there are some that exist, but they were done before the Code changed. Chairman Ganger said he did not want to make a federal case over this, but it is not consistent with Code. Mr. Courchene said he understands the guidelines and is only here to plead the applicant's case. Mr. Frankel said that Mr. Courchene did his best to convince one half of the ownership to subscribe to the Code. Chairman Ganger commented that it is a great home and will be a great home, but the Board must do their job and the applicant has the option to go to the Commission if they are not satisfied with the outcome. Mr. Smith moved and Mr. Frankel seconded to deny shutter color "Clearwater Blue" as it does not meet the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards. The intent of the Design Manual is for "dark" color shades for Gulf Stream -Bermuda architectural style. Although "Clearwater Blue" is a contrasting color to that of the body of the house, it is not a dark color shade as preferred in the Code. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. 3. An application submitted by Michael Daniels, Agent for James B. Orthwein, Jr. Trust, owner of property located at 1777 N. Ocean Blvd., Gulf Stream, Florida, legally described as Lot 2, William Evans Subdivision in Gulf Stream for the following: a. NORTH OCEAN BOULEVARD OVERLAY PERMIT to extend the approved 7 foot high wood shadowbox fence into the N. Ocean Boulevard Corridor approximately 30 ft. on each side to connect to the front wall. 0b. LEVEL 2 ARCHITECTURAL/SITE PLAN REVIEW to permit the additional 60 foot of 7 ft. high wooden fence in the N. Ocean Blvd. Corridor and the addition of a 42 sq. ft. uncovered concrete porch on the north side of the existing house. Leonard Tylka, representing Mr. Orthwein and Daniels Brothers, stated that this project is almost complete. He said the existing fencing on the property is not consistent and they would like to make the fencing more uniform. There is a chain link fence in one area, wood shadowbox fences which were portions of fences on both the north and south property lines, a concrete block wall facing the roadway and no fencing Architectural Review and Planning Board Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 24, 2011 Page 7 in some areas. He said they are proposing to bring fencing on both the north and south property lines to the front wall. Mr. Smith asked if anyone had discussed this matter with Mrs. Smith, the neighbor to the North. Clerk Taylor stated that Mrs. Smith came to Town Hall, reviewed the plans and spoke with Staff. She understood what they C1 were proposing and was okay with the plans. Chairman Ganger asked about the fence material. Mr. Tylka stated that it is pressure treated wood with concrete footings at every pier. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. Smith seconded to approve a North Ocean Boulevard Overlay District Permit. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. Mr. Frankel moved and Mr. Murphy seconded to approve Level II Architectural/Site Plan based on a finding that the installation of additional fencing and uncovered concrete porch on the north side of the existing house meet the minimum intent of the Design Manual and applicable review standards. There was no discussion. All voted AYE. VII. Items by Staff. Mr. Thrasher commented on paint colors saying that it is critical to Gulf Stream, it is a federal case for staff and the most difficult thing for him to deal with is the colors. He expressed his appreciation for the support of the Architectural Review & Planning Board in this matter. VIII. Items by Board Members. Chairman Ganger mentioned that he has received several calls from residents complaining about real estate signs and asked what the Town Code allows. Mr. Thrasher said the signs must be on the property, not in the right-of-way, and they are not to exceed 2 SF and can be no higher than 4 ft. from the grade. He said they must be in a metal frame with nothing hanging from them and they are to have a white background with black letters. Mr. Thrasher said real estate signs cannot be along the waterways, but it does happen. He added that contractor signs are not allowed without approval by the ARPB and they have similar requirements. Mr. Thrasher asked about the nature of the complaints. Chairman Ganger said there were complaints that they were too close to the road and they were too large. Clerk Taylor said there was a move in the past to go to very small signs, but safety was one of the reasons why it did not pass. IX. Public. There were no items by the Public. X. Adjournment. Mr. Smith moved and Mr. the meeting. There was no discussion. All adj ned at ^approximately 9:30 A.M. ail C. Abbale Administrative Assistant Frankel seconded to adjourn voted AYE. The meeting was