Historic Review Board
Regular MeetingFort Mill, SC · February 8, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
February 8th, 2022
112 Confederate Street
4:30 PM
Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Jessica Scarlett,
Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Senior Planner Alex Moore
Absent: Elizabeth Leventis, Samantha Nifong
Guests: Jason Michel of Tip Top Market
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 PM.
ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON & VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Scott Couchenour made a motion to nominate David Booth as vice chairman of the Historic Review Board. Jessica
Scarlett seconded the motion. By a vote of 5-0, the HRB elected David Booth as vice chairman for the year 2022.
Scott Couchenour made a motion to nominate Louis Roman as chairman of the Historic Review Board. Megan
Brinton nominated Megan Brinton as chairwoman of the Historic Review Board. Jessica Scarlett seconded the
motion to nominate Louis Roman as chairman of the Historic Review Board. By a vote of 4-0, with Louis Roman
abstaining, the HRB elected Louis Roman as chairman for the year 2022.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Louis Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Couchenour made a motion to approve
the minutes from the October 12th, 2021, meeting as presented. David Booth seconded the motion to approve the
minutes. The minutes were then approved by a vote of 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
The first item on the agenda included a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) submitted by Jason
Michel, of Tip Top Market, to install two wall signs at 105 Clebourne Street. Senior Planner Alex Moore noted the
location of the property at 105 Clebourne Street along with the zoning of LC, Local Commercial, and its placement
within the town’s historic district. Moore specified that the proposal from Mr. Michel included two wall signs, with
one on the façade and one on the northwestern facing elevation of the building respectively.
Senior Planner Moore then touched upon the historic district guidelines as related to the proposed signage. He
indicated that there should be clear objectives for signage, with limited impacts on the defining features of a given
building; He stated that if there were discernable locations for original signage on the building that these areas
should be targeted for updated signage; He stated that the proposed signage should be compatible with both the
building and the site; He then indicated that the impact of the signage, including the impact on adjacent structures,
should be considered; Finally, Moore stated that the use of internal signage illumination is not permitted within the
historic district, though the signage design may incorporate external lighting.
Moore then noted the general zoning regulations for wall signs within the LC Zoning District. These regulations
allow for the area of a wall sign to be of a size comprising up to 15% of the area of the wall to which it is affixed.
Moore stated that Mr. Michel was proposing one of two types of signage material consisting of either car-wrap,
grade vinyl over the brick, or an “alumicore” sign which is the more traditional style wall sign which is mounted
onto the brick via the drilling of holes into the brick. The decision on which to use would be left to the HRB’s
discretion.
Moore then indicated that planning staff recommended approval of the signage design as submitted with the
stipulation that the signage not exceed an area equal to 15% of the wall to which it is affixed. This signage area will
be verified at the time of zoning and building permit review and prior to issuance of those respective permits.
Megan Brinton then asked if staff had a recommendation as to what type of material the sign should consist of.
Senior Planner Moore responded that this could certainly be discussed. He presented an illustrative example of the
vinyl wrap style sign on brick. This type of material gives the signage a “painted” look.
Scott Couchenour noted that a previous applicant had a similar type of sign approved by the HRB. That sign was
placed on the southwestern facing elevation of Old Center Theater building.
Moore stated that, though the sign that Mr. Couchenour referenced had since been removed from the Old Center
Theater Building, he was not aware of any damage caused by the vinyl wrap sign. He then invited the applicant,
Mr. Michel, to speak on this issue.
Mr. Michel stated that the sign company representative had in fact recommended the vinyl wrap because he had
experience in using this material on historic structures in the Charlotte region. Mr. Michel indicated that the sign
company further opined that this material would be very low impact and was a great alternative to the use of paint.
Mr. Michel then asked if the northwestern elevation could be painted at some point in the future since it appeared
that it had previously been painted in the past.
Senior Planner Moore asked Mr. Michel if it would be possible to incorporate the use of the vinyl material as a
mural in the future on the northwestern elevation.
Mr. Michel responded that maybe he could do this, but that he would verify with his sign company representative.
He also asked if he could go ahead and do the vinyl wrap signage on the northwestern elevation.
Moore responded affirmatively that he could indeed do this if the signage area did not exceed 15% of the wall.
Scott Couchenour then asked if the northwestern elevation could be painted back to the color it had been previously.
Megan Brinton asked if it was known what the original color was.
Mr. Michel suggested that the color was mismatched due to a fire which had occurred.
The ensuing discussion indicated that Mr. Michel desired to do a vinyl wrap sign on the northwestern elevation,
which would be greater in size than was shown on the schematic, while remaining within the town’s square footage
parameters.
David Booth asked Mr. Michel if he planned on doing any exterior improvements to the building.
Mr. Michel responded that now, at this time, he had no plans to do any exterior improvements.
David Booth then asked Mr. Michel about handicapped accessibility into the building.
Mr. Michel stated that the town’s building department had been on site to provide guidance on this matter.
Mr. Booth indicated that he was just curious if there would be any work regarding the door entry area with touchup
on the perimeter of the brick. He indicated that he was not a fan of the applied, vinyl wrap type signage and that he
would rather see a traditional type of sign.
Chairman Roman stated that the vinyl wrap signage would be more for an industrial type of area than a commercial,
downtown district.
Mr. Booth then indicated that he would like for the façade sign to have a border and be more defined than the vinyl
wrap type signage would be.
Chairman Roman then stated that property owners within the downtown have more recently put lots of effort into
creating signage which more appropriately reflect what the historic district guidelines. He added that the alumicore
type signage would get the applicant closer to this benchmark than would the vinyl wrap.
Scott Couchenour stated that there has been a history of murals on main street in Fort Mill.
David Booth indicated that it would be acceptable to have the vinyl wrap type material on the side of the building
but that the façade of the building should have a more traditional alumicore type sign.
Jessica Scarlett stated that she liked the idea of enlarging the signage as proposed on the northwestern elevation of
the building particularly to allow for better visibility of the business by the motoring public traveling southeast
along Clebourne Street.
Mr. Michel then asked if he needed to wait until another HRB meeting to get approval on the façade signage.
Senior Planner Moore indicated that he did not need to wait until another HRB meeting to receive direction and/or
approval on the façade signage. Moore then stated that he understood that the HRB wished to have an alumicore
sign on the façade of the building and that they would allow a vinyl wrap sign on the northwestern elevation of the
building.
David Couchenour generally concurred, but also indicated that he liked David Booth’s idea of requiring the façade
signage to include creative banding on the perimeter of the sign rather than just a plain white rectangle.
There being no more comments, Chairman Roman entertained a motion.
David Booth made a motion to approve the request with requirement that the façade signage be alumicore with a
prominent border, including articulation, and that the signage on the northwestern elevation be allowed to be
comprised of the vinyl wrap material and that this respective signage on the northwestern elevation of the building
be enlarged so that it covers the existing patch on the wall.
Jessica Scarlett seconded the motion.
By a vote of 5-0, the HRB approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for new signage at 105 Clebourne Street.
Planning Director Penelope Karagounis then reminded HRB members that there would be a virtual continuing
education class held at 6:00 PM on Thursday February 10th. She asked all members to please attend if possible.
There being no other business, Chairman Roman adjourned the meeting at 5:04 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Alex J. Moore, AICP
Senior Planner
March 24th, 2022
Agenda
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD MEETING
112 Confederate Street
February 8th, 2022
4:30 PM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. HRB Meeting: October 12th, 2021 [Pages 2-7]
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) [Pages 8-13]
Applicant Name: Jason Michel/Tip Top Market
Owner Name: Kytra and Ian Moody
Property Address: 105 Clebourne Street
Purpose: Certificate of Appropriateness request for two wall signs
Property information: Town of Fort Mill Historic Preservation District
LC, Local Commercial Zoning District
ADJOURN
The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act: The Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times, and WBTV. The agenda was also posted
at the entrance to Town Hall the required length of time and on the Town website.
The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with reasonable accommodation, of Town
services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please contact the Town
Manager’s Office at 803-547-2116 if you need assistance.
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MINUTES
TOWN OF FORT MILL
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
October 12th, 2021
112 Confederate Street
4:30 PM
Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, Megan Brinton, Scott Couchenour, Elizabeth Leventis,
Planning Director Penelope Karagounis, Senior Planner Alex Moore
Absent: Samantha Nifong, Jessica Scarlett
Guests: Randall Hanauer, Derick Moyle, Drew Gaertner
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Louis Roman called the meeting to order at 4:35 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Louis Roman entertained a motion to approve the minutes. Mr. Couchenour made a motion to approve
the minutes from the September 14th, 2021, meeting as presented. David Booth seconded the motion to approve the
minutes. The minutes were then approved by a vote of 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
The first item on the agenda included a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) submitted by Sign
Techniques and R. Hanauer Fine Accessories to install a projecting sign and to paint exterior portions of the building
located at 212 Main Street.
Senior Planner Alex Moore gave an overview of the application and associated materials for this COA application.
He noted that 212 Main Street is located within the Historic Preservation District and listed on the National Register
of Historic Places (NRHP).
Moore first stated the parameters for the design of a projecting sign within the downtown area of Fort Mill.
Requirements for a projecting sign: The maximum area is 12 square feet; the sign cannot extend more than 3’ from
the façade of the building; No more than one projecting sign per business; The bottom of the sign must be 8’ above
the sidewalk.
He then noted the appropriate examples as presented on page 14 of the HRB packet with the proposed design of
this projecting sign on page 17 of the HRB packet. He stated that staff has determined that this sign meets the area
requirements and the general design guidelines of the historic district.
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Senior Planner Moore then presented the proposal to paint portions of the exterior of the building “China White.”
The applicant indicated that he intended to paint the existing, gray panels on the façade, the rear elevation, along
with the exposed, southwestern facing wall of the building.
Moore stated that staff recommended approval for both the projecting sign and proposed exterior paint changes.
Megan Brinton noted that there had been a similar case the previous month with existing, unpainted brick that was
originally proposed to be painted along with the front and rear elevations of the building. She stated that it would
be her desire for the unpainted brick at 212 Main Street to remain unpainted since this building was now 71 years
old.
Chairman Roman asked the applicant, Mr. Randall Hanauer, if he had any comment about the proceedings.
Mr. Hanauer indicated that he was amenable to only painting the rear elevation of the building and leaving the
unpainted brick as is.
Ms. Brinton then made a motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for the projecting sign and the
implementation of exterior paint color of China White to the gray portion of the façade, the entirety of the rear
facing façade, but excluding the unpainted, southwestern facing façade.
Scott Couchenour seconded the motion.
Then, with a vote of 5-0 the HRB voted to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 212 Main Street as noted
above.
2. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness
The second item on the agenda included a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for extensive refurbishment
of the exterior of the building and property located at 314 N. White Street.
Senior Planner Moore provided an overview of the application and associated materials for this COA application.
He noted that 314 N. White Street is located within the Historic Preservation District but not on the National Register
of Historic Places (NRHP). While the property is zoned R-15, it is currently within the rezoning process having
successfully been through first reading at town council the previous evening, October 11th.
He additionally noted that the purpose of the exterior and site improvements would be to transform the property
from its former use of a service station into a fast-casual restaurant. This scope of work will seek to retain the
building’s original character while improving all aspects of the building and site. This would include the removal
of the existing, freestanding car wash located on the property.
Moore then presented external pictures of the existing building and site along with illustrations of the front, rear,
and side elevations reflecting the proposed improvements. The submittal envisioned the following treatment of the
front elevation:
i. The vertical signage fins on the building are existing and will remain.
ii. There is an existing stucco finish over the masonry which comprises these fins. This stucco will be
removed and then their plan is to paint the masonry.
i. The existing glass will remain.
ii. The existing paint on the glass will be removed.
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iii. The existing storefront door will be removed and replaced. The transom and frame will remain.
iv. The corrugated metal fascia will remain and be painted.
v. The roof eave as shown will remain and will be repaired.
vi. The lower fascia will be repaired or replaced.
vii. The existing garage doors will be replaced. Going left to right, the first garage door will be replaced
with a new overhead garage door; the second garage door will be replaced with an exterior service
window with rollup garage door; and the third garage door will be replaced with a new storefront. Each
of these will be styled similarly to the existing garage doors.
viii. The CMU Block on other sections of the building will be treated the same as the vertical fins, with the
stucco removed and then the masonry will be painted.
ix. The addition on the south side of the building will be removed.
He then presented the proposed treatment of the rear elevation as follows:
i. The backside of the vertical signage fin as shown will be treated like the front elevation. The existing
stucco will be removed, and the CMU block will be painted.
ii. A new service door will be added.
iii. The concrete masonry block will have the existing paint removed and then it will be repainted.
iv. As noted on the front elevation, the building addition will be removed.
v. The existing roof eave will be repaired.
vi. The proposed ± 450 square foot addition on the rear of the building is to accommodate cold and dry
storage.
vii. This portion of the finished, rear elevation will have a company graphic.
The proposed treatment of the side elevation of the building included:
i. Again, we see another view of the fin. Here we will have any existing materials removed which overlay
the concrete masonry. The masonry will be repaired as needed and then painted.
ii. All existing paint will be removed from the glass.
iii. Concrete Masonry will be repaired and repainted.
iv. The lower fascia projection and coping will be painted matte black.
v. The corrugated metal fascia will be painted warm white.
vi. The roof eave will be painted matte black
viii. The side elevation view of the proposed ± 450 square foot addition on the rear of the building is to
accommodate cold and dry storage.
Senior Planner Moore then noted that the architectural plans submitted by the applicant indicated that sandblasting
would be used to remove portions of stucco from the concrete masonry block on the building. He stated that
sandblasting of masonry surfaces is not permitted within the town’s historic district.
Drew Gaertner with Durban Development responded that they would certainly be agreeable to working with town
staff to come up with a more acceptable method for removal of the stucco from the building.
Chairman Roman then stated, in that stucco was placed over masonry block rather than brick, if Durban
Development encountered problems in seeking an alternative method, the issue could be revisited.
Moore then presented several perspective schematics showing the front, side, rear, and overall illustrations as
envisioned on the site. He then noted that the existing canopy will remain on the site and be used within the outdoor
seating area.
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He then stated that Durban Development was not seeking approval on signage at this time. Moore indicated that the
applicant would need to return to HRB at such time they deemed appropriate for signage review and approval. The
signage would be reviewed as part of the existing application and would not require additional filing fees.
Chairman Roman then asked the HRB if there were any further comments or questions regarding the application
for the COA.
Elizabeth Leventis asked what year the freestanding carwash was constructed.
Senior Planner Moore opined that it was likely constructed in the early 1980s.
Ms. Leventis then complemented Durban Development on their effort in maintaining the integrity and historic
elements of the building.
Ms. Brinton concurred with this.
Mr. Couchenour stated that he had seen the Bossy Beulah’s project located on Freedom Drive in Charlotte and that
if this one turned out similarly, then it would be a great addition to Fort Mill.
Chairman Roman then noted that the application would remain open pending additional information regarding the
project signage. He then asked if there were any other questions or comments regarding the COA application. There
being none, he entertained a motion.
Ms. Leventis made a motion to approve.
Mr. Couchnour seconded the motion.
Then, with a vote of 5-0 the HRB voted to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for 341 N. White Street as
noted above.
3. Request for Preliminary Bailey Bill Certification
The third item on the agenda included a request for preliminary Bailey Bill certification for the project at 341 N.
White Street.
Senior Planner Alex Moore gave an overview of the application and associated materials. The Town of Fort Mill
Code of Ordinances authorizes a Special Tax Assessment for Rehabilitated Historic Properties that meet the
criteria for eligibility This is authorized by Section 5-21-140 of the SC Code of Laws and is generally referred to
as the Bailey Bill. Upon final certification, the Bailey Bill allows the property’s value to be assessed at the pre-
rehabilitation value for a period of 20 years. It should be noted that this is only for the Town of Fort Mill as York
County does not participate in the Bailey Bill Program.
He then noted that the goal for the Bailey Bill within the Town of Fort Mill is to encourage the rehabilitation of
historic properties, promote community development and redevelopment, encourage sound community planning,
and to promote the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.
Senior Planner Moore stated that the following work would be reviewed as part of the Bailey Bill preliminary
certification application:
1. Repairs to the exterior of the designated building.
2. Alterations to the exterior of the designated building.
3. New construction on the property on which the building is located, including site work.
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4. Alterations to interior primary public spaces, as defined by the reviewing authority.
5. Any remaining work where the expenditures for such work are being used to satisfy the minimum
expenditures for rehabilitation, including but not limited to, alterations made to mechanical, plumbing, and
electrical systems.
The standards for the historic rehabilitation are noted on page 47 of the packet.
To be eligible for the Bailey Bill special tax assessment for rehabilitated historic properties, the property must meet
one of the following criteria:
• Property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), individually or as a contributing
property within a National Register Historic District.
• Property is at least fifty (50) years old and has been determined to be eligible for listing on the NRHP by
the SC Department of Archives and History.
• Property is at least fifty (50) years old and is located within the Town of Fort Mill Preservation District
• Property was designated, by resolution, as eligible by town council pursuant to the eligibility criteria in
Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 3, Sec. 2-201(b)(2)(b) of the Town of Fort Mill Code of Ordinances.
In this instance, the property at 314 N. White Street is at least 50 years old, the principal building having been
constructed in 1956, and is located within the Town of Fort Mill Preservation District.
Additionally, historic properties must receive both preliminary and final certification. For commercial properties,
the minimum investment is 20% of Fair Market Value (FMV). For 314 N. White Street, the FMV of $415,524.00
has been determined via the most recent appraised value published by the York County Tax Assessor. Thus, the
minimum investment required by the applicant for this project will be $83,105.00. The applicant’s estimated
investment currently is $860,964.00.
Senior Planner Moore then provided the HRB with interior pictures of existing conditions within the building to
view.
Drew Gaertner, the applicant’s representative, then gave a brief overview of the proposed internal improvements to
the building.
There was then some discussion regarding the proposed site plan about the sidewalk located adjacent to N. White
Street.
David Booth then asked about the proposed planting plan as included within the plan-set.
Senior Planner Moore noted that the applicant would need to include additional landscaping materials at the rear of
the property which is adjacent to residential.
Mr. Booth then asked if the streetscapes for this project and that of the existing Springs Building would be synced.
Senior Planner Moore indicated that he did not know if they planned to do this.
Moore then presented a general overview of the occupancy plan which included outdoor seating under the existing
canopy.
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There being no other comments or questions from HRB members, Chairman Roman entertained a motion regarding
the Bailey Bill preliminary certification.
Elizabeth Leventis made a motion to approve.
David Booth seconded the motion.
Then, with a vote of 4-0 (Megan Brinton left the meeting early due to a family commitment) the HRB voted to grant
preliminary Bailey Bill certification for the property at 341 N. White Street.
There being no other business, Chairman Roman adjourned the meeting at 5:26 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Alex J. Moore, AICP
Senior Planner
November 24th, 2021
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H I S T OR I C R E V I E W B OA R D
Applicant: Jason Michel/Tip Top Market
Subject Property: 105 Clebourne Street
Property Owner: Kytra and Ian Moody
Tax Map # 020-02-01-022
Zoning District: Local Commercial, LC/Historic District
Zoning Case: 2022-028
REQUEST
The Planning Department has received an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Jason
Michel with, Tip Top Market to place two wall signs at 105 Clebourne Street.
SITE DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PLAN
This property is located within the downtown historic district, but it is not listed on the National Register of
Historic Places (NRHP).
The applicant requests the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to install two wall signs: one on the façade and
one on the northwestern facing elevation of the building.
The Fort Mill Historic District Design Guidelines have schematic parameters for the implementation of wall
signs. These guidelines are attached. Generally, these historic district signage guidelines indicate that there should
be clear objectives established for the signage with limited impacts on defining features of a given building. If
the subject building has discernable locations of original signage, such areas should be targeted for new or updated
signs. The proposed signage should be compatible with the building and site. The impact on the overall area,
including adjacent structures, should also be considered.
Internal illumination of signage is not permitted within the Town of Fort Mill Historic District. Signage within
the historic district may incorporate external lighting directed toward the sign from an external shielded lamp.
The respective zoning regulations for such wall signs shall also be considered. Downtown Fort Mill has the LC
zoning designation. The town’s zoning ordinance indicates that a wall sign shall not exceed an area equal to 15%
of the area of the wall to which it is affixed.
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The applicant has submitted an illustration of the proposed wall signage for each respective elevation. Within the
submittal information, the applicant shows that there are two options for the signage material. These options
include:
1) car wrap grade vinyl on brick. This allows for signage that appears to have been painted on the brick. The
applicant states that this material has a low impact on the brick and that it is easily removable.
2) Alumicore. This is a mounted sign that will be installed by drilling into the brick.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Planning Staff recommends that the HRB grant APPROVAL for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed
wall signage as submitted with the stipulation that the signage not exceed an area equal to 15% of the wall to
which it is affixed. This signage area shall be verified at the time of zoning and building review and prior to
issuance of these respective permits.
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Page 1 of2 Date Received: 1/Jt,/-z-z.
Historic Review Board Date: j'°i/2-l
Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness
Town of Fort Mill, South Carolina
Owner I Applicant Information:
Submission Checklist
Applicant Name: .JASON MICHEL
�ompleted application*
Mailing Address: 3200 CLARK STREET CHARLOTTE NC 28205
[a'o'rawings and specifications of
Telephone Number: _7_0_4-_24 _1-_16_6_2 ________ proposed improvements*
�e plan showing location of
Property Information: proposed improvements*
Address: 105 CLEBOURNE ST, FT MILL, SC, 29715 � Application fee ($125 residential
/ $250 non-residential)*
Current Zoning : COMMERCIAURETAIL
Additional materials may be required
Current Use of Property: _E_MP_ TY
_________ * Required with submission
Work Summary: Please check all areas that apply to the proposed improvements
0 DEMOLITION 0 NEW STRUCTURE 0 EMERGENCY REPAIR
0 GRAPHICS/SIGNAGE 0 MAINTENANCE
REHABILITATION ADDmONS TO EXISTING SITE WORK
D Foundations 0 Room addition O Fence or wall
0' Masonry D Garage
□ Porch or deck
0 Site lighting
0 Siding O Street furniture
D Roof 0 Greenhouse 0 Special features
O Gutters/downspouts O Dormer O Parking
D Chimney 0 Skylight 0 Walks, patios
D Doors/entrances D Chimney 0 Other
O Windows 0 Other
O Porch
D Cornice/frieze
D Ornamentation
0 Awning/canopy
O Storefront
0 Color/painting
D Other
APPLICATION CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
P.O. BOX 1S9 • 200 TOM HALL STREET • FORT MILL, SC 2971S
TELEPHONE (803) 547-2034 • FAX (803) 547-2126
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