Appearance Commission

MEMORANDUM Community Development Department To: Michael Lynk, Chairman and Appearance Commission Members From: Peter Peyer, Community Development Director Carrie Haberstich, Planner Nathan Kriska, Building and Zoning Supervisor Brian Augustine, Zoning Administrator Date: June 7, 2013 SUBJECT: APPEARANCE COMMISSION/CASE SUBMITTAL – STAFF REPORT Staff offers the following comments on the cases scheduled for the June 12th Appearance Commission meeting: RESIDENTIAL REQUESTS 2013-022A (8414 Monticello) Staff has no objections with the overall design; however, consistency among the window details is recommended, as the proposed windows have muntins and the existing windows do not. 2013-023A (8306 Ridgeway) Staff has no objections with the overall design; however, centering the proposed window in the gable and wider corner boards are recommended. A variation for a reduction in the side yard setback is required. In addition, the impermeable surface area is exceeded. The owner could remove the existing non- conforming shed in an effort to meet the impermeable surface requirements (preferred) or request another variation (not recommended). 2013-024A (4928 Fargo) Staff has no objections with the overall design; however, it is recommended that the laundry room window be shifted to be centered on the sink or be replaced with 2 smaller windows similar to the existing first floor bathroom window (to avoid seeing the back of a washing machine through the window). In addition, a narrower reveal of the siding and existing dormer is recommended. The owner’s request to construct a room addition resulting in a 3-foot side west side yard and a 63.2% coverage by impermeable surfaces, rather than the 4-foot minimum and 50% maximum as required by the Zoning Chapter of the Skokie Village Code, was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 5. VOSDOCS-#431737-v1-June_12_2013_Appearance_Commission_Meeting_Report 1 2013-025A (4261 Lee) Staff has no objections with the overall design; however, the petitioner should clarify whether or not a sliding patio door is being provided to the master bedroom balcony. 2013-026A (9320 Springfield) Staff has concerns regarding the mass, proportions, fenestration/ window styles, and the overall style in relation to the neighboring homes. Technical items to note are a maximum of 40% impermeable surface in the front yard, no bedrooms are allowed in the basement, and the petitioner needs to provide the front yard setbacks of neighboring homes to determine the front yard setback for the subject property. COMMERCIAL REQUEST 2013-027A (7711 Gross Point) Staff would recommend more interest in the design of all 4 facades, and especially the Howard Street façade and the view into the loading dock area. An architectural feature such as a screen wall at the southeast corner of the building and/or substantial landscaping adjacent to the loading dock driveway is recommended. In addition, a darker color band along the base of the building to anchor the building to the ground and awnings added to the entrance features to provide additional depth to this large building should be considered. Images of similar buildings that include features the Appearance Commission should consider for this proposal will be provided at the meeting. The petitioner submitted a preliminary plan review application, so various Village departments are providing comment on the overall development. VOSDOCS-#431737-v1-June_12_2013_Appearance_Commission_Meeting_Report 2