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SITE VISIT & REGULAR MEETING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27TH, 2022
HPC Site Visit April 27th, 2022, at 949 W. Smuggler - AspenModern Designation and Conceptual Review.
Site visit started at 12:00pm.
Commissioners in attendance: Kara Thompson, Jodi Surfas, Roger Moyer, and Barb Pitchford.
Staff present:
Amy Simon – Planning Director
Natalie Feinberg Lopez, Principal Historic Preservation Officer
Kate Johnson, Assistant City Attorney
Also present were the applicant and the applicant’s representative.
Tour of site, staff and applicant identified approximate location of lot split boundary and setback lines.
They also identified trees and accessory structures.
MOTION: Mr. Moyer moved to continue the public hearing to May 11th, 2022. Ms. Thompson seconded.
Roll call vote: Mr. Moyer, yes; Ms. Thompson, yes; Ms. Surfas, yes; Ms. Pitchford, yes. All in favor,
motion passes.
The site visit ended at 12:50pm.
____________________
Kate Johnson, Assistant City Attorney
Chairperson Thompson opened the regular meeting of the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission at
4:30pm.
Commissioners in attendance: Jeffrey Halferty, Kara Thompson, Jodi Surfas, Peter Fornell, Roger Moyer,
Barb Pitchford and Sheri Sanzone.
Staff present:
Natalie Feinberg Lopez, Principal Planner Historic Preservation
Kate Johnson, Assistant City Attorney
Mike Sear, Deputy City Clerk
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS: Mr. Halferty commented that it was exciting to have everyone in
person. Ms. Sanzone asked about the potential to have a hybrid meeting to allow better participation
for all parties. There was some discussion about the current capabilities of holding hybrid meetings and
Ms. Johnson mentioned that she had stressed to City Staff that the ability for hybrid meetings would be
appreciated by board members, applicants and members of the public wishing to participate.
SITE VISIT & REGULAR MEETING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27TH, 2022
DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: None.
PROJECT MONITORING: None.
STAFF COMMENTS: Ms. Johnson mentioned that there were a number of outreach opportunities
surrounding the Moratorium if any board members would be interested in participating.
Ms. Thompson asked if anything had come of the lighting meetings that had occurred. Ms. Feinberg
Lopez described the two meetings she had attended.
Mr. Fornell asked if there had been any resolution regarding the project monitoring matter at 930 King
St. Ms. Feinberg Lopez said that it was a project of Sarah Yoon and she was not completely up to date
but thought it was still in process. There was some discussion on the project.
CERTIFICATE OF NO NEGATIVE EFFECT: None.
CALL UP REPORTS: None.
SUBMIT PUBLIC NOTICE FOR AGENDA ITEMS: Ms. Johnson said that she reviewed public notice and that
notice was provided per the code for the agenda item.
OLD BUSINESS:
312 W. Hyman – Conceptual Review and Setback Variations
Applicant Presentation: Jeffrey Woodruff - Cloud Hill Design / David Tarrab – Applicant
Mr. Woodruff stated that they went back and reviewed the Historic Preservation Guidelines and the
packet provided City Council for the original historic designation noting the key physical attributes of the
resource. He then showed some similar chalet style examples that they are using as reference and
historic pictures of the existing chalet. He described some of the interior features they are planning on,
referencing some interior pictures of the chalet and showed some newspaper clippings from the time
the chalet was built. He showed what they had proposed in January and mentioned that the
Commission had requested the applicant team go back and restudy each of the façades and the
fenestration. He also mentioned that the Commission didn’t have much issue with the garage/bedroom
conversion and that they had spent a lot of time with Parks and Forestry. He went over some changes
made to the façades and upper and lower levels by showing the existing and proposed plans. He then
showed the updated renderings highlighting that the proposed south elevation is exactly what the
existing chalet looks like currently including the garage doors. The only modification is on the window
under the eave. The west façade, a previous concern to the Commission, is virtually unchanged from
existing conditions. He then went over each façade comparing the existing and proposed side by side.
Next, he described some of the energy efficiency studies that they conducted with a consultant from
CORE and the proposed lighting options. The placement of the one car garage in the rear was then
discussed in regard to the layout of the existing trees on the site and potential setbacks. Other
landscaping ideas were also described.
SITE VISIT & REGULAR MEETING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27TH, 2022
Ms. Sanzone asked if the civil site grading and drainage sheet was existing or proposed. Mr. Woodruff
said it was basically existing. There was some discussion on the placement of drywells in the back of the
property in relations to existing trees. Ms. Sanzone then asked if the existing transformer was adequate
to serve the house. Mr. Woodruff said it may need to be upgraded because of the planned renewable
energy aspects of remodel.
Mr. Fornell asked about the visibility of the skylights from the street and how they plan to be in
compliance with the lighting code for them. Mr. Woodruff said they had reduced the total skylights from
six to three and if the Commission would like them shaded, they could do that.
Mr. Halferty asked about the south elevation and the existing vent under the eave. Mr. Woodruff said
the proposal is for either a hopper or an awning, but that the rough opening would be the same. Mr.
Halferty then asked if they are proposing to rebuild the existing chimney in the same place. Mr.
Woodruff said no and that they are proposing to relocate it to the middle of the new living room. They
then discussed the retaining wall on the west side of the lot.
Ms. Thompson asked if they had spoken with engineering about the front driveway. Mr. Woodruff said
yes. Potential sidewalks and curb cuts were then discussed. Mr. Fornell wanted to confirm that
Engineering did not have an issue with the south curb cut on Hyman. Ms. Feinberg Lopez said they did
not.
Staff Presentation: Natalie Feinberg Lopez - Principal Planner Historic Preservation
Ms. Feinberg Lopez started her presentation by showing the existing location and conditions. She then
went over some of the previously proposed changes and described the current modifications to those
changes. She wanted the Commission to discuss the new proposed skylights and the relocating the
exterior stairs which will result in an increase of the deck space. Both are usually not allowed per the
guidelines. She said she is inclined to agree with both of those items. She then went over other
proposals and staff recommendations. Variances were then reviewed, referencing the site plan as to the
placement of the garage in the rear. She stressed the amount of time spent with Parks regarding the
preservation of the main trees on the lot. She asked that the lighting and drainage plans be postponed
to final review. She stated that staff recommends approval for this application and went over some
details of this recommendation.
Mr. Halferty commented on the addition on the north side and that historically eave overhangs are
larger than what is proposed. He asked if staff found any issues with the minimal overhang with relation
to the wall of the addition. Ms. Feinberg Lopez said there was significant discussion on this, but if the
addition doesn’t get tucked under the eave, then there would be a change in the roof. In maintaining
the south and west elevations, the north side was all they had to work with. She also mentioned that
from the street you can’t see any of the addition on the north side. Mr. Halferty also asked about the
proposed landscape plan where the driveway meets the building and whether staff had any comment
on the density of the hedges and the border they create that is not typical of the chalet style. Ms.
Feinberg Lopez said since it was removable it could be reversed at any time and could be part of the
landscape discussion at final. Mr. Halferty then asked about any staff comments on the proposed
chimney placement since it wasn’t typical of the chalet style. Ms. Feinberg Lopez said it would be her
preference to keep it in its current location, but the existing chimney and fireplace system is not at all
within the energy efficiency standards that are proposed.
SITE VISIT & REGULAR MEETING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27TH, 2022
Ms. Surfas asked about the flat skylights and day lighting. Ms. Feinberg Lopez said that normally new
roof penetrations are not allowed, but since it’s a flat roof you will not be able to see them. She also
noted the skylights will add to the energy efficiency of the building, but that doesn’t mean they have to
move forward with them as they go against the guidelines.
Mr. Fornell asked if the board had any say on the interior design, in relation to the rafters. Ms. Feinberg
Lopez said no.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
BOARD DISCUSSION:
Ms. Thompson said that since they had already seen and discussed this project that they didn’t have
much to discuss. She was in support of the skylights seeing as the applicant had removed the triangle
windows from the south façade and she was appreciative of the reduction of the number of skylights.
She also appreciated the removal of the addition on the west side and thought the new proposed
addition was in the appropriate location. She agreed with the stair adjustment. She appreciated the
effort and cooperation that had been done with the Parks department. She believed the approach being
taken with respect to the driveway and rear garage to satisfy the two parking spaces was appropriate.
Her only comment was about the proposed chimney but thought it could go to final review. She asked if
more detail and study of the terminus and scale of the chimney could be presented at final.
Ms. Sanzone supported all of Ms. Thompson’s comments but did have concerns of the drainage plan.
She recommended a condition of approval be that what is brought back at final does not further impact
the trees that are trying to be saved. She also had concerns of the utility run and if it needed to be
upgraded which may further impact the trees. She commented on the potential of the fence’s impacts
on the shrub plantings but appreciated the species that were selected.
Mr. Halferty thanked the whole team and agreed with comments from Ms. Thompson and Ms. Sanzone
regarding the alterations and design for conceptual approval. He had reservations of the overhang eave
but appreciated the removal of the addition on the more prominent west side. He thanked the applicant
for working with the forester and Parks on the location of the garage. He thought the change under the
eave from a vent to a window, as long as it was the same scale, could be up to staff and monitor. As for
the skylights, he had some resistance from a consistency standpoint, but understood why it works on
this and appreciated them pushing them back. He thought the changes to the staircase on the east side
were allowable. He then went over a few other items that would be discussed further at final. He
commented that the chimney is not typical for the style of architecture and would like to see more
detail on how this will look but was not a fan of it being on center.
Mr. Fornell wanted to note that the neighbors all sit at higher elevations than this building. He
appreciated the reduction in skylights but wanted to recommend a condition of approval to include
shading of the skylights.
Mr. Moyer agreed with the skylights and stair adjustment and other comments made by fellow
commissioners. He had no additional comments.
Ms. Surfas was ok with the skylights but agreed with the shading. She also wanted to see more details
on the chimney and thought it was a bit odd being right in the center.
SITE VISIT & REGULAR MEETING HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27TH, 2022
Ms. Johnson mentioned that the Resolution provided should be #6 and that there are some standard
conditions of approval for major conceptual development that may want to be considered as additions
to this Resolution if they are planning on approving it. She went over these in some detail.
MOTION: Ms. Thompson moved to approve Resolution #6 with the following conditions. #1 - to provide
details and final location of proposed drain basins making sure they do not conflict with trees that are
being preserved. #2 - to provide a detailed roof plan. #3 - to provide a detailed preservation plan. #4 – to
provide detailed information on the proposed chimney at final review. #5 – development application for
the final development plan shall be submitted within one year from conceptual approval. #6 – shading
be provided at skylight locations. #7 – details on the garage overhangs and window elements be
provided at final review. #8 – information be provided on the window layouts and proportions for all
new windows. #9 – a 7’ 9” combined side yard setback variance is granted for the property.
Ms. Sanzone asked for an amendment to condition #1 to include other site utilities and not just
drainage. Ms. Thompson said yes. Ms. Sanzone also asked that the drainage design be compliant with
the guidelines. She also asked to amend conditions #2 to include all other roof penetrations.
Mr. Halferty seconded the amended motion. Roll call vote: Mr. Fornell, yes; Mr. Moyer, yes; Ms.
Sanzone, yes; Ms. Surfas, yes; Ms. Pitchford, abstain; Mr. Halferty, yes; Ms. Thompson, yes. 6-0, with
member one abstaining. Motion passes.
ADJOURN: Ms. Thompson motioned to adjourn. Mr. Halferty seconded. All in favor; motion passed.
____________________
Mike Sear, Deputy City Clerk