MINUTES
TOWN OF NORMAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL
100 EAST PHOENIX AVENUE
NORMAL, ILLINOIS
REGULAR MEETING
March 8, 2005
7:00 p.m.

Members Present

Bruce Warloe, Nancy Armstrong, Kathy Smith Whitman, Anne Matter, Kathy Burgess

Members Absent

Bob Ward

Others Present

Associate Planner, Lauren Kerestes, Debbi Whitehouse, Office Associate, Mark Comerford, Rebecca Rossi.

Call to Order

Ms. Matter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and noted a quorum was present.

Minutes:

Minutes of December 14, 2004 were approved as submitted.

CA-05-03-05, 402 W. Virginia Avenue: New Contructruction Plans

Mr. Comerford, Architect for Ms. Rossi and Mr. Gerschick distributed preliminary plans and elevations for the new home at 402 W. Virginia. Mr. Comerford had three different drawings of the prairie style home to view. Mr. Comerford brought several materials to show the commissioners. Mr. Comerford said that he and his clients prefer design #9, as labeled in Mr. Comerford’s memo, which includes the following, subject to cost estimates:

1. Façade: brick façade, brick being the first budget cut, if any
2. Belt courses: to emphasize horizontal detail, preferably brick, otherwise cast concrete. May be Hardie plank if rest of home is cement board sided with cedar trim, both requiring upkeep and maintenance.
3. Upper story: preferably all brick, but also could be stucco or cement board siding
4. Roof: metal seam roof with 2’6” overhang, good for durability
5. Windows: designer Pella windows without muntins in an attempt to promote transparency, allow for a bigger window profile with larger dimensions. The upper floor windows will have internal Venetian blinds.
6. Door: original from former house on lot
7. Gutters and downspouts: part of roof in order to have less downspouts, unornamented, large, 6” deep. Exposed downspouts tucked into corners of home.
8. Chimney: ideally brick, possibly wood frame
9. Garage: 24’ x 32’. Two doors to appear as carriage house. Material will be the same as the house, once selected.

Ms. Rossi spoke saying they had given the plans to some contractors, but had received no bids as of yet. Ms. Rossi said they would like to break ground in late May or early June. She also said that if they select a construction team from Michigan, the foundation to roof would be complete in 10-12 days.

There was some discussion amongst the commissioners about brick vs. stucco. Ms. Rossi said they are leaning towards going with the brick

Ms. Smith-Whitman spoke about the large picture window if there could be different options.
Ms. Matter spoke about the home’s floor plan and all the commissioners agreed it was desirable.

Ms. Smith-Whitman said she liked the steel seam roof the best, over the imitation tile. She also said she prefers 4” siding over the 6” shown in the elevations. She also commented on the attractiveness of the green and brown color scheme Ms. Rossi and Mr. Gerschick had chosen.

Ms. Matter had some concern over the vertical cedar trim, if cost cuts prevented the use of brick. She feels that if Hardie plank siding and cedar trim are used, then the cedar trim should be thinner than the elevations show to prevent the home from appearing as newer vinyl construction.

Ms. Rossi said she plans to bring bids to the April meeting.

Ms. Kerestes spoke to the commission saying an overall design approval needs to be made so the Certificate of Appropriateness could be approved.

Ms. Smith-Whitman moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness per the materials listed in Mr. Comerford’s memo and with the following conditions.

1. That “Painted siding” as referred to in the memo be interpreted as Hardie Board Siding (James Hardie Siding)
2. If siding is used instead of brick (architect and applicant’s first choice) that the siding material should not exceed 4” in width.
3. The roof material be 12”Standing Steel.
4. The soffit be Hardie plank
5. EIFS not be considered an acceptable material for the chimney or any other part of the
   home.

Ms. Armstrong seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Approval of Ordinance Updates:

Ms. Kerestes read the proposed changes to the ordinances to the commissioners.

Ms. Burgess moved to approved proposed ordinance along with changes made tonight (see attached ordinance with changes highlighted). Ms. Armstrong seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Ms. Kerestes noted two changes to the Bone Grant program:

1. add verbage specifying that the program was for exterior restoration projects only and not maintenance projects.
2. change all contact information from Mercy Davison, Town Attorney to Lauren Kerestes, Associate Planner.

Ms. Burgess moved to approve the addition/revisions to the Bone Grant Program. Ms. Armstrong seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

Other Business:

Ms. Kerestes reminded the commission that May is Historic Preservation Month, and if they had any ideas or thoughts regarding education activities, to please let her know. She mentioned the design/ art contest already underway with local schools. The commission complemented Ms. Kerestes for the nice letter she had sent out earlier this year to landmark and historic district property owners, introducing/reminding them of the Certificate of Appropriateness and Bone Grant application processes.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Ms. Matter moved that the meeting be adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m. Ms. Burgess seconded. The motion carried 5-0.

Respectfully submitted,
 

Lauren Kerestes
Associate Planner

Debbi Whitehouse
Office Associate

Proposed Changes to the Historic Preservation Code

SEC. 15.16-1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

A.     Composition. No changes.
 

B.     Terms. No changes.
 

C.     Officers.  No changes
 

D.     Meetings. No changes.
 

E.      Powers and Duties.  No changes.
 

F.      Surveys and Research.  No changes. 

SEC. 15.16-2 NOMINATION PROCESS

A.     Nomination of Landmarks. No changes.
 

B.     Nomination of Historic District. No changes.
 

C.     Criteria for Consideration of Nomination. No changes
 

D.     Report and Recommendation of Preservation Commission. No changes 

 

E.         Design Guidelines.  Design guidelines for applying the criteria for review of Certificates of Appropriateness shall, at a minimum, consider the following architectural criteria for existing structures and new construction:

 

            1.Height – The height of any proposed alteration or construction should be compatible with the style and character of the landmark and with surrounding contributing structures in a historic district;

            2.Proportions of Windows and Doors – The proportions and relationships between doors and windows on facades visible from the street should be compatible with the architectural style and character of the landmark and with surrounding contributing structures within a historic district;

 

            3.Relationship of Building Masses and Spaces – The relationship of a structure within a historic district to the open space between it and adjoining structures should be compatible.   

 

            4.Roof Shape – The design of the roof should be compatible with the architectural style and character of the landmark and surrounding contributing structures in a historic district;

 

            5.Scale – The scale of the structure after alteration, construction, or partial demolition should be compatible with its architectural style and character and with surrounding contributing structures in a historic district;

 

            6.Directional Expression – Facades in historic districts should blend with other structures with regard to directional expression.  Structures in a historic district should be compatible with the dominant horizontal or vertical expression of the surrounding structures.  The directional expression of a landmark after alteration, construction, or partial demolition should be compatible with its original architectural style and character;

 

                                    7.         Garages and driveways.  Garages should be situated in a manner compatible with garages located on contributing properties within a district. If attached, the garage should be set back to the rear face of the home.

 

            7.8.Architectural Details – Architectural details including materials, colors (paint or stain color on any surface that has not been previously painted or stained shall comply with design guidelines), and textures should be treated so as to make a landmark compatible with its original architectural style and character and to preserve and enhance the architectural style or character of a landmark or historic district.  The following guidelines illustrate specific examples of what constitutes the preservation and enhancement of a landmark and/ or historic district:

a.       Materials.  Approved historic building materials include wood siding, brick, stone, and stucco.  The Historic Preservation Commission may approve cement fiberboard siding in dimensions appropriate for the structure and historic district; however, vinyl siding will not be approved.  The Commission will review newly developed materials as they become available and are deemed appropriate.

b.      Trim.  Window and door trim must be compatible with the dimensions of the trim found elsewhere on the landmark structure or found on contributing structures within the district. The Historic Preservation Commission may approve newly developed replacement materials, so long as they can be turned, custom cut, and painted.

c.       Muntins.  Window muntins must have appropriate placement, dimensions, and depth to be compatible with windows found elsewhere on the landmark or within the historic district. This may require the adherence of muntins to both the exterior and interior of the window, as the Historic Preservation Commission deems appropriate, however muntins between the glass panes will not be approved.

d.      Eaves.  Eave widths and slopes must be comparable to those found on contributing structures elsewhere in the district and must be compatible with the structure’s architectural style. 

e.       Architectural style.  Although no particular architectural style is required, new construction must use a consistent style throughout the structure.  The Commission may approve a combination of styles if such combination is supported by the styles of contributing structures elsewhere in the historic district.

f.        Porches.  Porches must be designed to match the architectural style of the home. 

g.       Shutters.  Shutters are allowed if appropriate to the architectural style of the house and must be in correct proportion to the window, even if they are not operable. 

h.       Front door.  The front door must be of a style appropriate to the rest of the structure’s architecture.

E.      Notification of Nomination. The Planning Commission shall schedule a public hearing on the nomination within thirty (30) days following receipt of a report and recommendation from the Preservation Commission that a nominated landmark or historic district does or does not meet the criteria for designation. Notice shall be published in a newspaper having general circulation in the town at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the hearing. The notice shall state the street address and legal description of a nominated landmark and the boundaries of a nominated historic district and the date, time, place and purpose of the public hearing. Notices shall also be sent by regular mail to the owner(s) of record of the nominated landmark or historic district. Courtesy notices may also be provided to property owners or residents residing adjacent within 400 feet of a nominated landmark or historic district. 

 

F.      Public Hearing. No changes.
 

G.     Recommendation by Planning Commission. No changes.
 

H.     Notification of Recommendation. No changes.
 

I.        Action by the President and Board of Trustees.
 

1.      No changes.
 

2.      Public Hearing. No changes
 

3.      Protest. In case a valid written protest is filed with the Town Clerk, the designation ordinance cannot be pursued except upon the favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the Town Council who are eligible to vote. In order to constitute a valid protest it must:
 

4.      Delay. No changes.
 

5.      One Year Bar. No changes.
 

6.      Notice of Decision. No changes.
 

J.       The Designation Ordinance. No changes

SEC. 15.16-3 INTERIM CONTROL.

A.     Moratorium on Demolition Permits – No demolition permit shall be issued by the Building Commissioner for demolition, relocation, or removal of any structure within the Town of Normal unless the Historic Preservation Commission, either meeting as a whole or through executive committee, determines that such structure is not worthy of historic preservation pursuant to the standards set forth in this historic preservation ordinance. The Historic Preservation Committee or its executive committee shall render its decision in writing to the Building Commissioner within thirty (30) days of application for a demolition permit. In the event the Historic Preservation Commission or its executive committee determines that the structure is worthy of historic preservation, the Building Commissioner shall further delay issuance of a demolition permit for an additional thirty (30) day period in order to give the property owner or the Normal Town Council an opportunity to nominate the structure for historic landmark status. 

 

B.     Post Nomination Moratorium – Upon nomination of any structure for landmark status or any property for historic district status, an Interim Control period starts.  This period ends when a final decision has been made by the Town Council on the nomination.  During this period, no alteration, removal, demolition, or other exteriorchange shall be made by any person to the structure or property so nominated until final disposition of the nomination by the Town Council unless such alteration, removal, demolition, or exterior change is authorized by formal resolution of the Town Council as necessary for public health, welfare, or safety. This applies only to changes that would ordinarily require a Certificate of Appropriateness, as if the Historic Preservation Commission and Town Council already approved the proposed landmark or historic district designation. In no event shall the delay be for more than one hundred eighty (180) days. 

SEC. 15.16-4 AMENDMENT AND RESCISSION OF DESIGNATION. No changes.

 

SEC. 15.16-5 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS

A.     Certificate of Appropriateness. A Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required before the following actions affecting the exterior architectural appearance of any landmark or property within a historic district may be undertaken: 

1.                  Any exterior construction, alteration, or removal requiring a building permit from the Town;

2.                  Any demolition in whole or in part requiring a permit from the Town;

3.                  Any exteriorconstruction, alteration, demolition, or removal affecting a significant exterior architectural feature as specified in the ordinance designating the landmark or historic district.

4.                  Any of the following: painting or staining ofa previously unpainted or unstained surface.

5.                  The construction, removal, or placement on any lot of any structure not requiring a building permit, which is readily visible from a public street including, but not limited to fences, walls, gazebos, and sheds.

Exceptions.  The following fixture(s) will not require a Certificate of Appropriateness:

a.       gazing balls, statuary, bird baths, dog houses, dog runs, rabbit hutches, basketball goals, swing sets, playground equipment, forts, tree houses, landscaping and landscape structures, pools, clothes lines, poles, satellite dishes, antennas, and fired cooking pits.

b.      Projects not visible from a public street
 

B.     Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness. Every application for a demolition or a building permit, including the accompanying plans and specifications, affecting the exterior architectural appearance of a designated landmark or of a property within a designated historic district shall be forwarded by the Building Commissioner to the Preservation Commission within seven (7) days following the receipt of the application by the Building Commissioner.  The Building Commissioner shall not issue the building or demolition permit until the Preservation Commission has issued a Certificate of Appropriateness.  A pre-application meeting with Town Staff is required for applicants proposing new construction in a historic district. Any applicant may request a meeting with the Preservation Commission before the Building Commissioner sends the application to the Preservation Commission or during the review of the application. Application for review of construction, alteration, demolition, or removal not requiring a building permit for which a Certificate of Appropriateness is required shall be made on a form prepared by the Preservation Commission and available at the Inspections Department office of the Building Commissioner.  The Preservation Commission shall consider the completed application at its next regular meeting.  
 

C.     Expedited Review Process. The Chairman or his/her designee may upon the concurrence of the Town Building Commissioner and the Town Planner (or their designees) issue a Certificate of Appropriateness without submittingthe matter to the full Commission in the following circumstances:
 

1.      The application pertains to a non-contributing structure;
 

2.      The application pertains to replacement of materials with like materials and no other changes are proposed;

 

3.      Submission to the full Commission would result in unnecessary delay and create an unreasonable hardship on the applicant.
 

D.     Determination by Preservation Commission. No changes.
 

E.      Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness. No changes.
 

F.      Standards for Review. No changes.
 

SEC. 15.16-6 CERTIFICATE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP. No changes. 

SEC. 15.16-7 APPEALS.

A.     Appeals. Any determination by the Preservation Commission that an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness or for a Certificate of Economic Hardship be approved or denied shall be an administrative decision reviewable by the President and Board of Trustees. Appeals shall be filed with the Town Clerk within ten (10) days following the Preservation Commission’s decision and may be filed only by the following:
 

1.      the owner of record of the property in question;
 

2.      any owner of record of property in a historic district;
 

3.      the owner of record of property within 200 400 feet of the property in question.

A determination by the President and Board of Trustees shall be a final administrative decision reviewable as provided by Illinois law.

 

Added by Ordinance No. 3925 August 20, 1990 as Subsection (E) of Section 15.12-1; Comprehensively amended May 21, 2001 by Ord. No. 4723 - Transferring to SEC. 15.16.

This page last modified 05/14/08.