Board of Historic & Architectural Review

Meeting Minutes Historic and Architectural Review Board (HARB) December 1, 2022 Public Safety Operations Center ROLL CALL HARB Members Present: Vice Chair Marilee Peterson, Frank Lilley, and Ellsworth Spicher Staff: Joshua Johnson, Legal Counsel – City Attorney’s Office; Pamela Witham, Code Compliance Inspector 3 – Development and Permits; Marvin Hodges, Senior Planner – Planning Department; Nathaniel McCormick, Community Design Manager – Planning Department; and Kevin Finn, Recording Secretary – Planning Department. Vice Chair M. Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. MINUTES Approval of November 3, 2022 regular meeting minutes, motion to approve minutes made by E. Spicher and seconded by F. Lilley, all members present voting for. Approval of November 17, 2022 emergency meeting minutes, motion to approve minutes made by F. Lilley and seconded by M. Peterson, all members present voting for. COMMITTEE REPORTS None ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVALS K. Finn reported three (3) administrative approvals. ZONING REPORT None OLD AND NEW BUSINESS K. Finn provided the Board with a summary of the intention of the December 1st meeting, stating that it will serve as one of the many opportunities for the Board to provide their comments on the South Norfolk Historic and Cultural Preservation Overlay District Design and Procedural Guidelines (Guidelines) and the upcoming update. Prior to the meeting, K. Finn had requested the Board submit a list of discussion topics and that the Board would spend some time tonight elaborating on their submitted topics. K. Finn informed the Board that the Planning Department is in the early stages of acquiring a consultant to assist in the review and update to the Guidelines and that the project would be led by Nathaniel McCormick, who introduced himself to the Board. K. Finn reiterated to the Board that these areas of focus would be provided to the consultant, allowing them to explore best practices that could be integrated and adapted to the unique architecture and nature of the South Norfolk. The first topic discussed was new construction projects within the Historic District, which has been an expressed concern of residents and the Board for several years. Initial comments from the Board, led by M. Peterson, discussed providing more specific information and requirements for finished floor height, building height, massing, setbacks, and other factors that contribute to the overall compatibility of structures with the neighborhood’s character. F. Lilley discussed the need to improve the review of new builds, both during the application and construction phase as well as requesting the consultant explore ways to integrate improved design elements into new construction, especially for those on corner lots. E. Spicher raised interest in the development of a pattern book, one similar to those used in Norfolk. K. Finn introduced the second topic of discussion with the Board, the use of substitute and replacement materials. This typically includes the replacement of historic or original materials and elements with more modern materials. Primary examples within the Historic District include wooden windows being replaced with vinyl ones or a metal roof being replaced by an architectural shingle roof. E. Spicher expressed the desire to explore how to better incorporate assistance programs, such as those provided by the City though tax abatement or the Chesapeake Land Bank Authority, into the Guidelines. 1 Additionally, a concern over the affordability and availability of historic materials was raised and the Planning staff felt this could be a topic explored by the consultant. K. Finn raised a point submitted by Gerald Martin, who was not in attendance, regarding the preservation of historic trim. E. Spicher requested the consultant review Appendix C – Approved Fences for the compatibility and applicability of some of the included options. K. Finn mentioned that similar charts could be developed for other architectural elements such as doors. F. Lilley requested that half round gutters be required. M. Peterson included a request to include guidelines and require a COA for mailboxes, house numbers, and historic markers. K. Finn requested F. Lilley further explain his submitted comment regarding ribbon driveway. F. Lilley stated his concern was lot coverage, where a driveway would take up a significant portion of a front yard which is uncharacteristic of the Historic District. F. Lilley also expressed the desire to better integrate rear alleys as alternatives to driveways located in the front of the property. In the discussion of solar panels, K. Finn mentioned that a consultant would explore alternatives or solutions utilized by other localities in integrating solar panels into their Historic Districts. E. Spicher suggested ground-mounted solar as an option with the proper screening. F. Lilley raised the point of incorporating “solar-friendly” designs into new construction, suggesting that gable roofs where every side is not visible from the street may be a solution as solar panel applications become more popular. M. Peterson stated that “visible from the paved public street” should include the assumption that all surrounding trees will eventually be removed. E. Spicher discussed the section on handicap ramps needs to be expanded to include metal ramps and their proper shielding. F. Lilley added the inclusion of temporary ramps to be removed once they are no longer needed. P. Witham added she would like to have the review of handicap ramps, which are temporary in nature, be allowed to go through administrative review by the Planning Department given an applicant may have an urgent need for one. K. Finn reiterated that Appendix B - Historic District Zoning Review Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Approval Contributing and Non- Contributing Matrix will be reviewed by the consultant and that changes are likely to be made. F. Lilley concluded the conversation of requesting chimneys be integrated into the new construction requirements. K. Finn informed that Board that incorporating many of these requests can be made but there needs to be an equal effort in the enforcement of the Guidelines. CONSENT AGENDA None REGULAR AGENDA None PUBLIC INPUT None LEGAL GUIDANCE None ADJOURNMENT: M. Peterson adjourned the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM MEETING MINUTES APPROVED: __1/5/2023_____ 2