Historic District Commission

1 of 27 AGENDA Historic District Commission Meeting Date: Monday, June 12, 2023 Time: 4:00 P.M. Where: City Hall, Room 301 1. Call to Order: 2. Attendance: 3. Additions or Deletions to Agenda: 4. Approval of minutes: May 8, 2023. 5. Correspondence: 6. Old Business: 7. New Business: A. H04-23 (11 Crest Lane) Petition, filed by Climax Solar is for a Certificate of Appropriateness for property located at 11 Crest Lane in Battle Creek for the installation of 10 panel roof mounted solar array panels on the southernmost part of the house on East and West faces. Parcel #5390-00-033-0. 8. Comments by the Public: 9. Comments from Commission members and Staff: 10. Adjournment: The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aides or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: Office of the City Clerk, P.O. Box 1717, 10 North Division – Suite 111, Battle Creek, MI 49016, (269)966-3348 (Voice), (269)966-3348 (TDD) Division Site 117 Battle Creek M Fax (269) 910 N. Di 10 N. DIVISION ST. P.O. BOX 1717 BATTLE CREEK MICHIGAN 49016-1717 PHONE (269) 966-3320 FAX (269) 966-3555 WWW.BATTLECREEKMI.GOV  2 of 27 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 10 North Division, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Minutes for Monday, May 8, 2023 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: By Chairperson Newman at 4:00 p.m. This meeting was held in-person. ATTENDANCE: Comm. Newman asked that attendance be noted. A roll call was taken: Comm. Drozdowski, Present Comm. Newman, Present Comm. Simpson, Present Comm. Davis, Present Comm. Sallee, Absent Comm. Thornton, Present Comm. Steinbrunner, Present Staff Present: Darcy Schmitt, Planning Supervisor, Travis Sullivan, City Planner, Melody Carlsen, Administrative Assistant, Marcel Stoetzel, Deputy City Attorney. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of March 13, 2023 minutes. MOTION MADE BY COMM. DROZDOWSKI TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR MARCH 13, 2023 MEETING, SECONDED BY COMM. SIMPSON. A vote was taken and all those in favor to say “aye”: ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION APPROVED. CORRESPONDENCE: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. H03-23 The petition, filed by Caitlynn Newman, of Anson Building, LLC, is for a Certificate of Appropriateness for property located at 119/121 W. Michigan Avenue for minor tuck-pointing and minor lighting changes to the exterior of the building, new windows are to be added along the vacant spaces on Carlyle Street and new storefront windows cut into the building on Carlyle Street. Commissioner Newman is the architect for this project and recused himself from discussion and voting. Application Presentation: Travis Sullivan presented the Staff Report for property located at 119/121 W. Michigan Avenue. The petition is for exterior renovations to the existing building featuring a new market space/deli on the first floor and new residential units in the upper levels. Staff recommends 1  3 of 27 approval as the proposed exterior renovations meet the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Applicant Presentation: Caitlyn Newman, was present to speak and answer Commissioner’s questions. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF: Commissioner Thornton had questions about the original tiles and is thrilled that Anson Building, LLC, is taking on the project at 119/121 W Michigan Avenue. Commissioner Simpson stated the renderings were beautiful and is excited about the project at 119/121 W Michigan Avenue and inquired about the start date. Commissioner Steinbrunner asked if the atrium was staying and how many floors it would encompass. COMMISSIONER SIMPSON ASKED FOR A MOTION. MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER DROZDOWSKI FOR THE APPROVEL OF ITEM H03-23 AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER THORNTON. ROLL VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR, NONE OPPOSED, MOTION APPROVED. B. URBAN LEAGUE WAY COMMEMORATIVE STREET DESIGNATION Application by Kyra Wallace was presented by Travis Sullivan, City Planner. Application requesting the designation of a section of United Way between Vanburen Street and Champion Street to “Urban League Way”. A requirement of the approval process is that the Historic District Commission review and comment on the request. There is no need for a vote of the Commission, only comments from Commissioners. Commissioner Comments: Various comments and questions from Commissioners as to how the street will be named and which blocks will be effected. Travis Sullivan explained the actual street name is not being changed. Darcy Schmitt stated a designation sign will be placed below the actual street same. C. HISTORIC DISTRICT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Travis Sullivan gave a Staff Report outlining The Planning and Zoning Department’s plan to roll out an awareness campaign to assist property owners who own homes in one of the City’s five (5) Historic Districts, and to help residents become more aware of what it means to live in a Historic District. Three draft informational brochures were shared with the Commission to view. These documents provide valuable information about where the Historic Districts are located, what property modifications require a Certificate of Appropriateness, how to apply for Certificate of Appropriateness, why it is important to require historic preservation and more. Commissioner Comments various comments from Commissioners included concerns about signage for the Historic Districts, funding for homeowners to help with repairs, publicizing in the paper as well as 2  4 of 27 mailings, lists of contractors for historic homes, and education for realtors who sell homes within a historic district. D. FIRST QUARTER ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL REPORT Travis Sullivan gave the Staff Report from the last quarter. Section 1470.10 of the City of Battle Creek Code of Ordinance requires that the Historic Commission review, on at least a quarterly basis, the Certificate of Appropriateness, if any, issued for work by the authorities delegated pursuant to Section 1470.10 to determine whether or not the delegated responsibly should be continued. Staff has provided an inventory of each Certificate of Appropriateness issued for a minor class as specified by resolution of the Commission adopted on April 18, 2019. Such certificates were issued during the first quarter of the year 2023. Commissioner Comments: None. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC: Zachary Thompson of Battle Creek, on behalf of applicant, Brent Rugg, requesting Historic District approval for 11 Crest Lane Blvd installation of panel mounted solar array panels. Application was not submitted prior to the application deadline. The applicant’s information was taken so staff can follow up to ensure the application meets the June meetings deadline. Introduction of Darcy Schmitt, Planning Supervisor. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Newman adjourned the meeting at 4:33 p.m. Submitted by: Melody Carlsen, Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant 3 5 of 27 6 of 27  7 of 27 Battle Creek Historic District Commission Staff Report Staff Report 11 Crest Ln. Meeting: June 12, 2023 To: Historic District Commission From: Travis Sullivan, Planner Date: June 2, 2023 Subject: The petition, filed by Brent Rugg of Climax Solar on behalf of Carole Grimley, is for the installation of a new 10-panel roof mounted solar array at 11 Crest Ln. Summary Staff recommends approval of the subject petition at 11 Crest Ln., as the proposed roof-mounted solar array meets the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Figure 1: Red pin on aerial points to subject site (11 Crest Ln.) located within the local Merritt Woods Historic District. Photo courtesy of Google Maps.  8 of 27 Site & History The subject site is located at 11 Crest Ln. just to the north of Higgins Park within the Merritt Woods local historic district. The home on the site was constructed in 1957 with an area of 1,616 sq. ft. and is currently in use as a single-family residence. The building is a single-story ranch home, with the façade consisting of a combination of brick masonry and siding. The façade consists of a brick entryway with a north to south pitched roofline, with the sided portion of the home behind and featuring an east to west roof pitch. The single-story attached garage at the south end of the building features a milder east to west pitch, with the shingles on the roof less visible than the rest of the building. Roofing material over both the dwelling area as well as the garage consist of a tan colored modern asphalt dimensional shingle design. The applicant is proposing the installation of a 10-panel roof-mounted solar array along the southernmost portion of the house on the east and west faces. Figure 2: Street view of the subject site at 11 Crest Ln., May 2023. Red arrow points to the location of the proposed solar installation. Photo courtesy of City of Battle Creek staff. 2 of 6  9 of 27 Summary of Request The applicant has filed the subject HDC Certificate of Appropriateness application for the installation of a 10-panel roof-mounted solar array along the southernmost portion of the house (garage). Two sets of five panels each are proposed, with one set affixed to the east-facing roof of the garage, and one set affixed to the west-facing roof of the garage. For more detailed specifics of the proposed panels, please see the full set of plans attached to this staff report. The solar panels proposed on the garage will not be easily visible from Crest Ln. due to the fact that the garage features a mildly pitched roofline, as well as the fact that one of the sets of panels will face the west (away from the street). The flat panels will be mounted several inches above and parallel to the roof pitch thereto attached, with each panel containing photovoltaic cells that capture and convert sunlight into energy. The panels are proposed to be placed over the garage in order to minimize the visual impact of the installation, as well as maximize sunlight exposure and overall effectiveness. Staff feels as though the proposed installation and location of the panels allows for minimal impact upon the aesthetic characteristics of the home, with the rear set of panels (west-facing) not visible from the street, and the front panels (east-facing) affixed to a mildly pitched roof, reducing the visual impact. Applicable HDC Guidelines and Analysis for a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior renovations to the existing building at 119 / 121 W Michigan Ave. This property is reviewed in accordance with City of Battle Creek Building and Housing Code Chapter 1470 "Historic Preservation", as amended, the Michigan's Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and the criteria for the National Register of Historic Places as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines. Specifically, the Commission shall follow Section 1470.09 Review of Applications, as follows: (b) The Commission shall also consider all of the following: (1) The historic or architectural value and significance of the resource and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding area. (2) The relationship of any architectural features of the resource to the rest of the resource and the surrounding area. (3) The general compatibility of the design, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used. (4) Other factors, such as aesthetic value that the Commission finds relevant. (c) The Historic District Commission shall review and act upon only exterior features of a resource and shall not review and act upon interior arrangements… And 3 of 6  10 of 27 1470.17 PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC FEATURES. (a) Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a resource which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure or site and its environment, or to use the resource for its originally intended purpose. Staff finds that the proposed solar panel installation would require minimal alteration to the exterior of the building, with the exception of the mounting of the panels, and that the installation would not change the use nor the intended purpose of the garage. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (b) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a resource and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features shall be avoided when possible. The distinguishing original qualities or character of the existing garage will not be destroyed by the solar array as the structures will not result in modification of the building, will be designed to sit immediately above the roof’s surface, and will be located in such a way as to minimize the view of the panels from the street or sidewalk. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (c) All resources shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historic basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged. The proposed solar installation will not create alterations that would result in an earlier appearance. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (d) Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a resource and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected. This criteria is not relevant as the project as no changes to the exterior have taken place which may have acquired significance in their own right. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (e) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a resource shall be treated with sensitivity. Staff does not find that the garage displays distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship. The main portion of the house was reroofed 4 of 6  11 of 27 in 2020, not including the garage. However, the asphalt shingles on the main house match the style of shingle on the garage, with all shingles examples of contemporary design and material. Therefore, this criteria is not relevant to the proposed project. (f) Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other resources. This criteria is not relevant as the proposed project does not entail any repairs to or replacement of any architectural features or material. (g) The surface cleaning of resources shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic materials shall not be undertaken. Intensive cleaning application such as sand blasting will not be necessary for the project. (h) Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project. Staff does not anticipate that any digging will be necessary in order to complete the proposed work. (i) Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing resources shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historic, architectural or cultural material and when such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment. Staff finds that the proposed solar installation, while mounted to the garage roof, will not destroy any significant historic, architectural or cultural material. Further, the design of the solar array represents a minimal aesthetic alteration, and is general compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood and environment. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (j) Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to resources shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the resource would not be impaired. 5 of 6  12 of 27 Elements of the new rooftop solar installation could be removed in the future without impairment of the essential form or integrity of the house or garage. The Commission may find this standard to be met. Recommendation The proposed rooftop solar array structures provide renewable energy for use by the homeowner. Based upon staff’s analysis of the application and site conditions, the proposal does comply with all standards outlined in Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation and is recommended for approval. As contained herein, staff does not find any conflict with Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation, the Michigan Local Historic Districts Act, or the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Therefore, planning staff recommends approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new rooftop solar installation at 11 Crest Ln., as the request meets the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, as outlined in the staff report. Support Material Historic District Commission Application Solar Panel Installation Plans Homeowner Letter to Homeowner’s Association 6 of 6 13 of 27 14 of 27 15 of 27 16 of 27 17 of 27 18 of 27 19 of 27 20 of 27 21 of 27 22 of 27 23 of 27 24 of 27 25 of 27 26 of 27 27 of 27