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05/12/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER May 12, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member Vacant Seat Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Alex Plisko Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance and review of board procedures followed. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Minutes Approval - April 14, 1998 Member Hamilton moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Proposals for Design Review 1. DRB 98-005 - Cigar Central, Eric Parks, Owner 40 North Ft. Harrison Avenue (New Canopy with Signage) Eric Parks, applicant, originally proposed to replace an existing awning with a plain new canopy with the business name. A code amendment adopted since construction of the original awning will not allow direct replacement without bringing the structure into compliance with the new code. Mr. Parks recently learned the property owner will not allow removal of the existing awning, believing it is grandfathered in its present location. Mr. Parks submitted last-minute changes to his proposal without allowing time for staff to review or make a recommendation. A color graphic of the first proposed canopy, signage, and a blue vinyl fabric swatch accompanied the original application packet. Mr. Parks distributed a new graphic showing a fringed canopy in the same blue color, with exposed support structure, and the business name painted across the front in white. He wishes to paint the building exterior brown to resemble a cigar wrapper. Mr. McCarty said concerns exist because the awning encroaches into the narrow street right-of-way. Speculation ensued regarding whether or not the existing awning is a legal non-conforming structure that can be changed without bringing it into compliance. Staff will investigate. Discussion ensued regarding a comparison of the two proposals. The board favored Mr. Parks’ compromise solution as a practical way to preserve historic character. Discussion ensued regarding structural and conceptual design details of the proposal. No verbal or written support of opposition was expressed. Member Hamilton moved to approve revised DRB 98-005 as presented at today’s hearing. Mr. McCarty suggested conditioning the motion upon the applicant’s ability to obtain the appropriate permits. The motion was not amended and there was no second. The applicant was encouraged to consult with Mr. McCarty regarding design alternatives and to return with more substantial information regarding code requirements. In response to a question, Mr. Parks said he is under lease contract to have the improvements structurally finished by June 15, 1998. Member Cagni moved to continue DRB 98-005 to the meeting of June 9, 1998. The motion was duly seconded. Members McCann, Milam, Herberich, and Cagni voted “Aye”; Member Hamilton voted “Nay.” Motion carried. Board and Staff Discussion Concerns were expressed with constraints placed on business and development by the current code. Discussion ensued regarding code language addressing non-conformities. It is hoped the Land Development Code amendment will be available for review in 90 days, with adoption before the end of the 1998 calendar year. The board invited new Central Permitting Director Lorenzo Aghemo to attend the next DRB meeting, June 9, 1998. Mr. McCarty reported plans for a Church of Scientology training center across the street from the Ft. Harrison Hotel are moving forward. He noted several representatives were in the audience to observe today’s proceedings. It was indicated the former City Hall annex site had been waiting for environmental assessments, and nothing new was known. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.