Board of Historic & Architectural Review
Regular MeetingSmithfield, VA · December 19, 2023
Minutes
The Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review (BHAR) held its regular
meeting on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 at the Smithfield Center. The meeting was called to
order at 6:30 p.m.
Members present:
Trey Gwaltney – Chairman
Julia Hillegass – Vice Chair
Justin Hornback
Gary Hess
Julie Hess
Judith Lally
Members absent:
Russell Hill
Staff present:
William H. Riddick, III – Town Attorney
Mark Kluck – Planner
Press: None
Citizens: 6
Chairman Gwaltney welcomed all attendees to the meeting.
Planner’s Report:
Mark Kluck, Planner, reported that Town Staff were in the process of updating Article 10
(Sign Regulations) of the Smithfield Zoning Ordinance and suggested lowering the administrative
approval for signage from thirty-two (32) square feet to four (4) square feet in the Historic District.
He detailed that the change would require any new sign that exceeds four (4) square feet to be
reviewed by BHAR.
Mr. Hornback inquired if all the existing signage over 4 square feet would be grandfathered
in.
Mr. Kluck stated that was correct. He pointed out that Align Holistic, a new shop in the
Historic District, had a sign that was 5 square feet to give them an idea of the size they were
discussing.
The Town Attorney pointed out that they would be reviewing many signs once The Grange
was built.
Mr. Hornback inquired about what was driving the change.
Mr. Kluck reported that Town Council had requested that the sign ordinance be amended.
He detailed that they were aligning the sign ordinance in relation to the Entrance Corridor Overlay
(ECO) guidelines and the Historic District Design guidelines which are undergoing revisions. He
clarified that the recommendation for the ordinance amendment came from Town Council, but the
size of the signage requiring review by the BHAR was a recommendation of Town Staff.
The Town Attorney explained that all of the political signs in Town had been exempted
this past election cycle which was not intentional. He stated that the staff had revisited the sign
Board of Historic and Architectural Review
December 19th, 2023
ordinance to strengthen it and during the process felt it made sense to add a requirement for review
by the Board. He added that a 4 x 8 foot sign was very large.
Chairman Gwaltney asked if a 2 x 2 foot sign was considered very small.
The Town Attorney stated that size sign was effectively a directional sign.
Chairman Gwaltney pointed out that it could also include yard sale signs or political signs.
Mr. Hornback said that the change would still allow for the Board to approve signs bigger,
but they would need to be reviewed by the Board.
Mr. Kluck agreed that lowering the requirement to 4 square feet would bring almost every
sign for Board review. He reported that the Align Holistic sign mentioned earlier did not need to
come for Board review because it was under the current requirement of 32 square feet and was
therefore administratively approved by Town Staff.
The Town Attorney used the example of a sign previously hanging in front of the
Smithfield Inn to illustrate what would have fallen under the categorization for review.
Mr. Hornback asked if it would apply to store frontage or store identification.
Mr. Kluck replied that it would apply to any signage.
Mr. Hess stated that there would be many more sign issues that would be coming before
the board and those businesses grandfathered in would be relieved.
Chairman Gwaltney said that any sign existing in the Historic District had already been
approved and met the current requirement’s criteria. He added that the change would put the task
of approval with the Board.
The Town Attorney related that the process was not egregious. He stated that if the Board
felt that 2 x 2 was too small, then they may choose another size.
Chairman Gwaltney discussed possibly going as low as a 2 x 2 sign or going as far as 12
square feet. He opined that the Board would want to have to give approval for signs going in front
of important landmarks, also using the example of Align Holistic and other businesses that had
been in that building.
Mr. Kluck added the context that all signs were required to comply with the underlying
zoning district, with most of downtown classified as Downtown (D). He continued that in that
zoning district one detached sign was permitted to have maximum square footage of 16 square feet
and a maximum height of 8 feet. He reported that a flat sign, which included most wall signs, was
10% of the wall area not exceeding 72 square feet.
Chairman Gwaltney confirmed that requirement also included signage on glass.
Mr. Hess concluded that most of the signs seen, if not grandfathered, would not be deemed
acceptable or have to be approved.
Mr. Kluck confirmed that they would have to meet the criteria.
Mr. Hess surmised that there were very few signs that met the criteria.
Mrs. Hess added to Mr. Hess’ statement that there were few signs that met the new criteria
that was being passed currently.
Mr. Kluck reported that upon further research, most of the signs met the standards, with a
few that were erected prior to the ordinance written in 2020.
Chairman Gwaltney recalled back to the Town Attorney’s comment regarding signage
necessary for newly approved developments and added that the BHAR’s job was to review the
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Board of Historic and Architectural Review
December 19th, 2023
aesthetics of the proposed signs. He suggested that it may not be a bad thing for the Board to agree
to the changes in order to be able to review them in their entirety.
The Town Attorney speculated that signage relating to newer developments would have a
common theme that the Board would want a chance to weigh in on.
Chairman Gwaltney recognized that the Board may have to review signs more frequently,
but stated he didn’t feel that they would be overwhelmed.
Mrs. Lally related that 4 x 8 feet was about the size of a sheet of plywood, adding that she
liked the idea of an approval process for signs that were not as large as that.
Chairman Gwaltney gathered that the consensus of the members was that the Board was
okay with the change and their obligation to review more signs.
Mrs. Lally asked if For Sale signs fell under the requirement.
Mr. Kluck answered that those signs were temporary and did not meet the criteria.
Public Comments:
Chairman Gwaltney reported that there were no sign-ups to speak.
Board Member Comments:
The Town Attorney inquired if this meeting would be Mr. Hess’s last as a member of the
Board.
Mr. Hess said that he had been told he would serve through January.
Mr. Kluck confirmed that January 31st was the end of the term and elections would be held
for the offices of Chairman and Vice Chair at the January meeting.
Color Change – 109 Cary Street – Contributing – Joe Giltner, applicant.
Mr. Kluck stated that the applicant was seeking approval for a color change to the existing
sand-colored wood siding, navy blue shutters, and white trim. He specified that the applicant would
like to change the color of the siding to a light green color known as “Rookwood Jade” (SW 2812),
and the shutters would be painted in black color known as “Greenblack” (SW 6994), would be
repainting all of the trim work (fascias, soffits, rakes, and corner posts) “Pure White” (SW 7005),
and making like-for-like repairs to the wood siding where damaged. He continued that all three
paint colors would be bought from Sherwin-Williams. He stated that Town Staff recommended
approval from a zoning standpoint and deferred to the BHAR for their architectural discretion.
Chairman Gwaltney confirmed that the applicant was present to answer any questions.
Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the application as presented. Mr. Hess
seconded the motion.
Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members present were in favor, with
none opposed. The motion passed.
Approval of the Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 Meeting Minutes:
The Town Attorney recommended approval of the minutes as presented.
Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the minutes as presented.
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Agenda
Tuesday, December 12th, 2023
TO: BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR)
FROM: TAMMIE CLARY, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING
RE: MONTHLY MEETING
The BHAR will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 19th,
2023 at 6:30 PM at the Smithfield Center, 220 N Church St, Smithfield, VA 23430.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tammie Clary at 1-(757)-365-4200 or
tclary@smithfieldva.gov.
cc: Town Council
William H. Riddick, III, Town Attorney
The Smithfield Times (or)
The Daily Press
File
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING DEPARTMENT
310 Institute St, PO Box 246 / Smithfield, VA 23431 / 1-(757)-365-4200 / Fax 1-(757)-357-9933
www.smithfieldva.gov
SMITHFIELD BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR)
MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, 6:30 PM
1) Planner’s Report: Town staff are in the process of updating Article 10 (Sign Regulations)
of the Smithfield Zoning Ordinance and suggest lowering the administrative approval for
signage from thirty-two (32) square feet to four (4) square feet in the Historic District. This
would require any new sign that exceeds four (4) square feet to be reviewed by BHAR.
2) Upcoming Meetings and Activities
Tuesday, January 2nd, 6:30 PM – Town Council Meeting
Tuesday, January 9th, 6:30 PM – Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, January 16th, 6:30 PM – Board of Historic & Architectural Review Meeting
Tuesday, January 16th, 7:30 PM – Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
3) Public Comments
4) Board Member Comments
5) Color Change – 109 Clay Street – Contributing – Joe Giltner, applicant. (Staff report,
BHAR Application, and assorted attachments enclosed.)
6) Approval of the Tuesday, November 21st, 2023 Meeting Minutes (enclosed).
7) Adjournment
***ATTENTION***
Mrs. Clary can be reached via email (tclary@smithfieldva.gov) or mail at the address below:
Town of Smithfield
Community Development & Planning Department
ATTN Tammie Clary, Director
PO Box 246
Smithfield, VA 23431
NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMPLY WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Reasonable efforts will be made to provide assistance or special arrangements to qualified individuals with
disabilities in order to participate in or attend Board of Historic & Architectural Review (BHAR) meetings.
ADA compliant hearing devices are available for use upon request. Please call 1-(757)-365-4200 at least
twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting date so that proper arrangements may be made.
BOARD OF HISTORIC & ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW (BHAR) STAFF REPORT
Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 6:30 PM
Applicant Joseph Giltner
109 Cary Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
Owner Joseph Giltner & Kimberlee Going
109 Cary Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
Property 109 Cary Street
TPIN 21A-01-200A
0.08 ac SW side Cary Street
153’ S of Cary Street and Grace Street
Classification Contributing
Zoning Downtown Neighborhood Residential (DN-R) & Historic Preservation
Overlay (HP-O)
Adjacent Zoning Downtown (D), DN-R & HPO
Project Description The applicant is seeking approval for a color change to the existing sand-
colored wood siding, navy blue shutters, and white trim. More
specifically, the applicant would like to change the color of the siding to a
light green color known as “Rookwood Jade” (SW 2812), and the shutters
will be painted in black color known as “Greenblack” (SW 6994).
The applicant will also be repainting all of the trim work (fascias,
soffits, rakes, and corner posts) “Pure White” (SW 7005), and making
like-for-like repairs to the wood siding where damaged. All three paint
colors will be bought from Sherwin-Williams.
Zoning
Recommendation Town staff recommend approval from a zoning standing point and defer to
the BHAR for the architectural discretion.
For inquiries, please contact Tammie Clary at 1-(757)-365-4200 or tclary@smithfieldva.gov.
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Conditions
Proposed colors for the color change request for 109 Cary Street
Siding Shutters Trim
Proposed colors illustrated together
The Smithfield Board of Historic and Architectural Review (BHAR) held its regular
meeting on Tuesday, November 21st, at the Smithfield Center. The meeting was called to order at
6:30 p.m.
Members present:
Trey Gwaltney – Chairman
Julia Hillegass – Vice Chair
Russell Hill
Justin Hornback
Gary Hess
Julie Hess
Judith Lally
Members absent:
Staff present:
William H. Riddick, III – Town Attorney
Mark Kluck – Planner
Press: None
Citizens: 6
Chairman Gwaltney welcomed all attendees to the meeting.
Planner’s Report:
Mark Kluck, Planner, stated that the appeal application for 111 North Church Street
structure was sent to Town Council for review, and is scheduled to be discussed at the December
5th regular Town Council meeting.
Public Comments:
Chairman Gwaltney reported that there were no sign-ups to speak.
Board Member Comments:
Mrs. Lally reviewed that she had previously discussed that shrubbery was overtaking the
sidewalks near her home, and updated that they had been trimmed, with all the leaves having been
removed from the sidewalk. She expressed her appreciation and stated that she felt it looked much
better.
Vice Chair Hillegass reported that the Planning Commission heard the revised application
for The Grange and they recommended approval as newly presented. She explained that there were
modifications made to the original proposal, adding that there were a number of public speakers,
many of whom expressed a desire for the Commission to have an additional work session. She
stated that the Planning Commission members did not feel it was necessary to complete an
additional meeting. Vice Chair Hillegass reported that the changes included the removal of the
proposed 4-story buildings the plan, the Farmer’s Market had been reworked a bit, and there was
Board of Historic and Architectural Review
August 15th, 2023
a reduction in the number of housing units. She stated that many people were depending on the
BHAR to enforce high standards in the developments appearance.
Chairman Gwaltney stated that the Town Council had their hands full with The Grange
application all the way down to the little red barn in Town.
Vice Chair Hillegass confirmed with Mr. Kluck that the Grange rezoning application would
be heard at the Town Council meeting on December 5th.
Color Change – 325 South Church Street – Non-Contributing – Michael and Kristin Wilda,
applicants.
Mr. Kluck reported that the applicants were seeking approval for a color change to the
Hardie siding located in the two (2) front gables and the second-story gable at the rear of the single-
family dwelling to a lighter shade of blue, known as “Blue Rhapsody,” as an accent color to the
home. He added that the rest of the siding would remain “Summer Nights.” Mr. Kluck reviewed
that the single-family dwelling was approved for new construction at the Tuesday, March 21st,
2023 BHAR meeting, with an additional color change to the front door (from red to grey) and all
Hardie siding (from “Evening Blue” to “Sumer Nights”) approved at the Tuesday, September 19th
BHAR meeting. He reported that Town Staff recommended approval from a zoning standing point
and deferred to the BHAR for architectural discretion.
Kristin Wilda of 325 South Church Street in Smithfield was present to speak and reported
that she had brought a sample of the Hardie plank so that they may see the accent color described.
Chairman Gwaltney confirmed that the only change was to the color within the gables.
Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the application as presented. Mr. Hornback
seconded the motion.
Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members present were in favor, with
none opposed. The motion passed.
Exterior Changes – 230 Cary Street – Contributing – Carole Neider and Patrick Matijevich,
applicants.
Mr. Kluck reported that the applicants were seeking approval for exterior renovations to
the single-family dwelling with no footprint changes. He included that most of the modifications
will occur to the sunroom located on the rear left side of the single-family dwelling. He detailed
that the exterior renovations would include the following: removal of five (5) floor-to-ceiling
windows, one (1) set of sliding glass doors, one (1) set of wooden stairs, and one (1) two-over-two
(2/2) white vinyl window on the rear right side of the home. Mr. Kluck stated that the removed
features will be replaced with a new exterior wall featuring blue vinyl siding to match the existing
blue vinyl siding, and one (1) 2’ 8” by 5’ 6” two-over-two (2/2) Simonton double-hung white vinyl
window to match the white vinyl double-hung windows in the dwelling adorned with a set of
burgundy vinyl louvered shutters to match the existing vinyl shutters on the home. He continued
that the applicants would also be replacing one (1) vinyl window on the rear right side of the home
with one (1) 2’ 8” by 5’ 6” two-over-two (2/2) Simonton double-hung white vinyl window, which
would be set between the existing burgundy vinyl louvered shutters. He reviewed that Town Staff
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Board of Historic and Architectural Review
August 15th, 2023
recommend approval from a zoning standing point and defer to the BHAR for the architectural
discretion.
Chairman Gwaltney asked if the applicant was present and had anything they would like
to add. He confirmed that they did not have any additional comments but were present for any
questions from the Board.
Mr. Hornback reviewed that the Board did not generally approve vinyl products, but in this
case, it was replacing the existing materials.
Mr. Hess stated that it had been his concern that if the Board approved the use of vinyl in
this case, it needed to be accompanied by a note specifying why the vinyl material was given
approval.
Mr. Hill noted that the replacement windows were also matching the materials that were
already existing on the structure.
Chairman Gwaltney reviewed that the existing addition was clearly built onto a house that
long pre-dated it. He added that it was not designed to architecturally blend into the existing
structure’s style. He stated that it was only fair that the owner got to replace what style was already
there.
Mr. Hornback made a motion to approve the application as presented, with the notation
that vinyl was approved because vinyl was existing on the structure. Mr. Hess seconded the motion.
Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members present were in favor, with
none opposed. The motion passed.
Approval of the Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes:
The Town Attorney recommended approval of the special meeting minutes as presented.
Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the special meeting minutes as presented.
Mrs. Lally seconded the motion.
Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members present were in favor, with
none opposed. The motion passed.
Approval of the Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 Meeting Minutes:
The Town Attorney recommended approval of the minutes as presented.
Vice Chair Hillegass made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Hornback
seconded the motion.
Chairman Gwaltney called for a collective vote, all members present were in favor, with
none opposed. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 pm.
______________________________ ________________________________
Mr. Trey Gwaltney – Chairman Mark Kluck - Planner
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