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CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AGENDA THURSDAY, April 20, 2017 - 3:00 P.M. City Hall – Conference Room ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING on February 16, 2017 COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS 1. Summary of Activity a. Summary of Applications 2016 and 2017 b. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2017 2. Department of Planning & Inspections Update NEW BUSINESS 1. Review of Permits Referred to Commission 2. Consultation on Proposed Project a. Fence Project at 2 North State Street: Fence Height and Materials NEW APPLICATIONS - None OLD BUSINESS 1. Certified Local Government (CLG) Program a. Update on FFY2016 Grant Project: Evaluate and Update the Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone: i. Submission of Progress Report 3 (January – March 2017) ii. Withdrawal of FFY2016 CLG Grant Proposal b. Update on Application for CLG Grant Funding for FFY2017 ADJOURN THE AGENDA ITEMS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSION. Agenda Posted: April 12, 2017

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION February 16, 2017 The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 3:00 PM with Chairman McDaniel presiding. Members present were Chairman McDaniel, Mr. Czerwinski, and Mr. Scrafford. Ms. Horsey and Mr. Jackson were absent. Planning Office Staff members present were Mrs. Melson-Williams and Mrs. Purnell. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Scrafford moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and the motion was unanimously carried 3-0. Ms. Horsey and Mr. Jackson were absent. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2016 Mr. Scrafford moved for approval of the minutes of November 17, 2016, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and the motion was unanimously carried 3-0. Ms. Horsey and Mr. Jackson were absent. COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS Summary of Activity 2016 Report Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that included in the packet was a narrative Summary of Activity for 2016 that was related to the Historic Preservation and the Historic District Commission in the calendar year. Included are tallies and charts of various Permit activities. Also, included is a summary on some key projects, construction activities in the District and other programs preservation related. Some of the information found in this report included in your packet will be included in the Planning and Inspections Annual Report. Summary of the 2015 and 2016 applications that came before the Historic District Commission was provided. For each calendar year, there were a total of eight (8) applications for 2015 and six (6) applications for 2016. Majority of the 2015 projects are complete except for the South Bradford Streetscape project. The City continues to work with DelDOT on that project. Mr. McDaniel questioned whether there was any timetable for the South Bradford Streetscape project? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that she did not know. Mr. Scrafford questioned whether the segment of South Bradford Street from Loockerman Street to Division Street going to become something other than just Bradford Street? Chairman McDaniel replied he did not think so and Mrs. Melson- Williams replied no; it is part of some of the Downtown initiatives and particularly thinking that it is a corridor that leads from Wesley more directly into the downtown. Mr. Scrafford questioned whether it was a visual improvement? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2017 yes. Chairman McDaniel replied that they came before the Historic District Commission regarding redoing the sidewalks on Bradford Street. There were two (2) or three (3) choices and the Commission voiced their opinion of whether it would be all brick or cement in the middle with brick trim. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether a decision was made? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that she believed that it was predominately concrete with brick accent. It was not intended to be stamped pavement. Chairman McDaniel stated that the residents like the concrete better than all brick. Mr. Czerwinski stated that residents were used to seeing the existing brick flake up. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether trees would be removed in order to do this project? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied no; it will stay in the right-of-way. There may be other utility improvements. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2016 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that to date there have been forty-nine (49) Permits with activities in the Historic District and that includes building interior and exterior projects, roof, signage, and fence permits. Thirty-two (32) of the Permits were approved by Staff including three (3) that were heard by the Historic District Commission. There were seventeen (17) Permits which required no Architectural Review Certification because of the type of project. Mr. Scrafford questioned whether there were any permits with problems? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied the project at 527-529 South State Street that was reviewed for a parking lot and a fence, a permit was obtained, but there has been no activity. The building is currently a couple of apartment units, but it is zoned as such that it could be offices. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2017 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the Permit for the Carriage House at 2 Kings Highway was issued in January. Chairman McDaniel questioned whether this was Dr. Halpern project? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes. This projects takes down the existing garage and builds a new Carriage House that serves as a garage, pool facility, and second floor interior space. Chairman McDaniel questioned the summary status of the project at Loockerman Way, Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that it is application HI-16-05 which is the mixed-used buildings at Loockerman Way. It went through the Historic District Commission process, received Planning Commission approval, and at this point the Planning Office is awaiting updated plans (Check Print process) to ensure their plans are meeting all the requirements from the Planning Commission meeting and other agencies. We have not seen a submission of the plans at the current time. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether there was any discussion regarding the cornice. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied that since it went to Planning Commission, no additional information has been 2

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2017 submitted. The applicant went before the Planning Commission in September of 2016 and from that Planning Commission date they technically have two years to finalize the plan and start construction on the first phase. Chairman McDaniel questioned whether the applicant would need to ask for an extension after one year? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied no. Department of Planning & Inspections Update Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that Mr. William (Bill) Cook who was a Planner in the office returned to Alexandria, Virginia and is now currently a Development Activity Plans Reviewer in the Planning Office for the City of Alexandria. He originally worked in the private sector in that area and has returned. He was certainly appreciative of his time and experience with the City of Dover. The vacant position has been posted. NEW BUSINESS Review of Permits Referred to Commission: None OLD BUSINESS Certified Local Government (CLG) Program: CLG Annual Report for FFY October 2015-September 2016 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that included in your packet was a portion of the CLG Annual Report that needs to be completed. The Planning Office reports on the entire application review process. The information has been submitted. There were also two (2) additional National Park Service forms that had to be completed. Chairman McDaniel questioned whether new bios had to be submitted? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied when a new person comes on board you have to submit the resume and we are current. Update on FFY2016 Grant Project: Evaluate and Update the Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone:  Submission of Progress Report 2 (October - December 2016)  Project Activities Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the second Progress Report for the timeframe from (October - December 2016) was submitted. There has been very limited progress to date. Staff has not fully drafted the RFP which will be necessary to retain consultant services to do the project. There will be a meeting next week with the State Historic Preservation Office regarding the status of the grant to determine a path forward. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the Office has not received any information regarding proposing a grant project for the next Federal fiscal year which would start July of 2017. Mr. Scrafford questioned whether the grant would stay issued once it is issued or pulled at a certain time? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that there is an expiration date. 3

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Discussion on 2 West Loockerman Street Mr. Czerwinski commented his concern that it was his understanding from a former member that there was a series of concurrent staff approvals to get the structural fixes done to the building and have the façade removed and replaced. He questioned whether it was correct that none of that came before the Historic District Commission? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that is correct. Mr. Czerwinski stated that of all the things that have been done to the façade and front of the building which is probably the most visible building on Loockerman Street was never given any review by the Historic District Commission. Chairman McDaniel stated that the Historic District Commission saw rendering of what the project would look like. Mr. Czerwinski questioned what was the outcome from the renderings? Chairman McDaniel replied that he did not quite remember, but it was not objected to. It is an improvement because there are structural problems with the building. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that it came before the Commission as information because anything interior is subject to permitting, but it is not subject to Architectural Review Certification. The exterior improvements are basically related to the first floor and the corner. The project consisted of removing the vinyl, the series of windows, and the door and going back with basically a storefront system that looks very similar to what it looked like when it was the drugstore. Mr. Czerwinski stated his concern was that it did not look like the storefront. Staff made approval for a building that is extremely visible that should have had some sort of oversight or approval from the Historic District Commission. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether there was more than one Staff approval required? Mrs. Melson-Williams replied there would have been multiple permits related to their work. She would need to look at the Permit history because there are also interior renovation activities on the third floor which is an apartment space (that has no outside impact). The Zoning Ordinance gives the authority for that type of activity for Staff to review. It does not require Historic District Commission. Staff can bring it to the Commission when there is a question about whether or not it meets the Design Standard and Guidelines. Because it has Staff review does not exclude them from looking at the book. If their plan information was not indicating that some of the historic stuff was still there like the windows, they would have no way of knowing that. Mr. Czerwinski stated that he did not realize that the setbacks were still in the windows when they were removed. He questioned whether Staff saw when they were pulled off? Mrs. Melson- Williams replied that she did not see it because of the frequent tarp. Mr. Czerwinski stated that each of the window frame was still in place. They were not occupying the first 6-feet of the structure because the setbacks to the window and door was still there. He thinks the Commission lost a good opportunity of restoring it a little to its original appearance. Putting windows down in a line does not reflect the storefront. He suggested perhaps there could have been a discussion with Mr. Malmberg to have the Malmberg logo on the window which would also be a better presentation for his company. 4

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Chairman McDaniel stated that the point was well taken. Sometimes the Commission is surprised as to what they do and do not hear. He stated that it was a signature location. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there is nothing in the Code that states that signature locations have to come before the Historic District Commission. Planning Office can make available what was proposed. Mr. Czerwinski stated that he was still not clear on how it was strictly a Staff decision to make to a full change to a façade. In the future, the Commission has to review what constitutes a legitimate Staff Review of an item. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that if there were several meetings in the past regarding the authorization that are granted in the Zoning Ordinance. The authorizations are listed in the Zoning Ordinance, Article 10, Section 3. The Commission continued to briefly discuss the above item of 2 W. Loockerman Street and what the Historic District Commission should review. Mr. Scrafford moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and unanimously carried 3-0. Ms. Horsey and Mr. Jackson were absent. Meeting adjourned at 4:01 PM Sincerely, Maretta Savage-Purnell Secretary 5

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2016 Updated thru April 10, 2017 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-16-01 Capitol Complex Capital Complex Presentation of Presentation at HDC 2/18/2016 Meeting Project lighting concept for light fixture Lighting Area: Federal Street, Information and bulb illumination positively received Upgrades Martin Luther King by HDC. Project is informational only; no Jr. Boulevard, formal action or permitting process Legislative Avenue required. HI-16-02 Carriage House at 2 Kings Highway NE Demolition of garage Architectural Review Certification granted Upon receipt of Building Permit #16-337 2 Kings Highway and construction of with conditions at 4/21/2016 HDC project was identified as requiring NE carriage house Meeting; Staff Approval of Permit per ARC application to HDC; Application HI-16-02 building as accessory pending filed and considered; Permit #16-337 structure approved. New Permit submitted #17-39 with project updates and revisions per ARC; permit issued. Construction underway. HI-16-03 CLG Grant Certified Local Information File Notice of Eligibility for Grant 2/19/2016; Grant Application received; Formal Award Application for Government FFY2016 CLG Grant Application submitted Letter received and Letter of Agreement FFY2016 Application for 4/28/2016 to SHPO pending; Grant Timeframe 7/1/16-6/30/17 Grant Funding HI-16-04 Referral of Sign The Depot at 595 Sign Permit for Wall Permit #16-611 referred to HDC by City Permit approved based on HCD Permit #16-611 Forest Street Sign with Electronic Planner for Architectural Review consultation; Permit issued Message Center Certification consultation; Considered at 5/19/16 HDC Meeting HI-16-05 Mixed Use 126 West 3-story 7/21/2016 HDC Public Hearing and Review HDC Recommendation on ArchRevCert Buildings at Loockerman Street, Commercial/Apartm for Recommendations; HDC subject to conditions. Site Plan application Loockerman Way current site of ent Building and 4- Recommended Approval of ArchRevCert S-16-18 granted conditional approval by Loockerman Way story subject to conditions; Application S-16-18 Planning Commission in September with (plaza area) Commercial/Apartm reviewed by PC and granted Approval of approval of ArchRevCert subject to ent Building ArchRevCert with conditions 9/19/2016. conditions. Need to work to finalize Site Plan.

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2016 Updated thru April 10, 2017 HI-16-06 Open Flags for Downtown Dover Presentation of Presentation at HDC Meeting on Concept for uniform Open flags with Downtown area Information 10/20/2016; HDC endorsement of project "Dover - Historically Happening" graphics; Businesses concept HDC discussion and suggestions for design consideration. Flag design implemented of medium blue and white colors; open flags installed.

City of Dover April 13, 2017 Joan N. Larrivee SHPO Grant Manager Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs 21 The Green Dover DE 19901 Via Email: joan.larrivee@state.de.us RE: Submission of Progress Report 3 (January – March 2017) Notification of Withdrawal of Grant (Termination) FY2016 CLG Grant 10-16-141266-06 Project: Design Standards and Guidelines Update: DOVER Dear Mrs. Larrivee: The City of Dover, Delaware Department of Planning & Inspections with this letter submits the Progress Report 3 for FY2016 CLG Grant #10-16-141266-06. This Report 3 covers the time period of January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017. See the attached Report 3. This Letter is also to provide notification of the City’s intent to withdraw and terminate the FFY2016 CLG Grant #10-16-141266-06. With our project to “Evaluate and Update of Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone,” the City had proposed to seek consultant services to assist the Historic District Commission and Planning Staff in developing a Draft document of the updated version of the Design Standards & Guidelines. To date there has been very limited progress on grant activities and the process to retain consultant services did not occur. During the Grant year, the Planning Staff had limited time to dedicate to the Grant due to staffing levels (staff leave, a vacant position, and resignation of Department Director) and due to other obligated work assignments. Planning Staff did meet with the SHPO staff to discuss the grant issues and potential for amending the grant project; however, it has been determined that termination of the FFY2016 grant is appropriate given the situation. No Federal funds were expended by the sub-grantee for the FFY2016 Grant. The Planning Office may be contacted at (302) 736-7196 with any questions. Thank you for your assistance on this Grant. Sincerely, Department of Planning & Inspections Dawn Melson-Williams, AICP Principal Planner Enclosures: FFY2016 CLG Grant Progress Report 3 CC: David Hugg, Interim Director of Planning & Community Development Planning Office File HI-16-03 P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

FY 2016 CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT PROGRAM Grant No. 10-16-141266-06 Start date: July 1, 2016 End Date: June 30, 2017 ATTACHMENT 1 CERTIFIED LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANT PROGRAM CLG GRANT PROGRESS REPORT FORM Project: Design Standards and Guidelines Update: DOVER Grantee: The City of Dover Grant Number: 10-16-141266-06 Reporting Period (check below): Report 1 (Due October 30) Report 2 (Due January 31) Report 3 (Due April 30) For July 1 – September 30 For October 1 – December 31 For January 1 – March 31 Specific Activities Accomplished during Reporting Period (January–March 31):  Updates to Historic District Commission on Grant Project: o February 16, 2017 Meeting: Staff provided an update on the project to seek consultant services associated with the FFY2016 Grant Project: Evaluate and Update the Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone. o February 16, 2017 Meeting: Staff reported on the submission of the Progress Report 2 (October 1 - December 31) for the Grant. Report 2 was submitted January 30, 2017. o There was no January or March meeting of the Historic District Commission.  February 22, 2017: Planning Director (Ann Marie Townshend) and Principal Planner (Dawn Melson-Williams) met with State Historic Preservation Office staff to discuss the status of grant activities and potential options for grant project revisions to scope of work and timeline. Overall Progress to date:  The adopted FY2016-2017 City Budget includes the required cash match of $10,000 for the grant in the Planning Department’s budget lines.  Planning Staff reviewed City Procedures for Grant Application & Administration.  Planning Staff is evaluating the ability to accomplish and complete the intended grant project. Problems Affecting Progress:  Staff has had limited time to work on grant activities due to staffing levels in Planning Office (a Planner resigned in January and the position is vacant). The limited ability of remaining Staff to dedicate time to Grant Project due to Staffing levels and other work assignments increased in third quarter (January – March 2017).  Planning Director (Ann Marie Townshend) resigned her position with the City of Dover (effective March 31, 2017) to begin a new position with the City of Lewes, DE. An Acting Director for the Department was anticipated to be named in April 2017. Schedule Status:  The Grant Project was identified to have a series of phases: Planning, Public Outreach, Guidelines Revision and Refinement, and Preparation of Draft Document. This schedule has been delayed significantly until the Consultant can be retained. Other Pertinent Information: See Cover Letter of April 13, 2017 which indicates the intent to withdrawal the FFY2016 Grant. Reimbursement Request Attached: Y N Submitted By: Date: 4/13/2017

Consultation on Proposed Project Fence Project at 2 North State Street: Fence Height and Materials A property owner is seeking guidance for replacement of an existing six-foot wooden fence specifically related to the fence height and choice of fence materials.  See attached Letter and Photograph Series as submitted (4 pages).  Reference the Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone: o Fencing and Walls, page 3-26 and 3-27

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification 2017 - Updated Thru 3-31-2017 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 1/10/2017 16-1954 38 The Green, Kent County Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations for security in Courthouse Renovations required for interior work. lobby area of 'new' building. 1/11/2017 16-1992 500 W Loockerman Street, Building Permit - Interior No Planning Staff Review. No Interior renovations for new layout Duncan Center Renovations ArchRev Cert required for interior of Third Floor space. work. 1/11/2017 17-39 2 Kings Highway NE, Building Permit - Addition of HDC Approval with Conditions on Demolition of existing garage and Carriage House Accessory Structure ARC 4/21/2016; Application HI-16- construction of new Carriage House 02; Staff approval per ARC Building. This permit supersedes Permit #16-337 that was approved but not issued. 1/18/2017 17-89 321 and 323 South Sign Permit - Wall Sign Staff Approval. Wall Sign for new bakery tenant. Governors Avenue, Baguette Bakery 3/24/2017 16-1186 2 West Loockerman Street Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Revisions to proposed layout of Renovations required for interior work. third floor apartment. Interior renovations only. 3/28/2017 17-289 124 South State Street, Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to Verizon Renovations required for interior work. reconfiguration space and equipment. Exterior equipment not visible from public street. 3/27/2017 17-357 6 South State Street, Office Administrative Building Permit Staff Approval Brick repointing and repairs to front of Baird Mandalas tower area and other select areas Brockstedt on building.

Project Narrative FFY2016 Evaluate and Update of Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone The City of Dover is proposing a preservation planning project to evaluate and update the Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone document. The result of the project will be a Draft document of the updated version of the Design Standards & Guidelines. The current Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone document was created1 and adopted in 1992-1993 with the formal establishment of the City’s Historic District Commission (HDC) by ordinance adopted July 26, 1993. The ordinances of the City of Dover allow for the designation and protection of historic properties. The purpose of Historic District regulations is: “to preserve and enhance that unique character and value of the old portion of Dover as an area of special charm and interest. It is particularly intended that the regulations prevent, in the historic district, any change of conditions that would be deemed to be a disfigurement or degradation of the present unique visual and architectural qualities of the district.” (Zoning Ordinance, Article 3, Section 21) The geographic boundaries of the Historic District (H) zone are established as a zoning classification. The original boundaries of the Historic District established in 1961 were generally described as extending from just north of Division Street south to South Street inclusive of the properties fronting on South State Street and The Green then east to the St. Jones River. In 1997, the boundaries of the Historic District Zone were expanded to include properties fronting on West Loockerman Street from Bradford Street to the railroad corridor and areas in the vicinity of South Governors Avenue, South Bradford Street, North Street, and Bank Lane. The areas of expansion included many commercial and residential properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Victorian Dover Historic District. See attached Map of City of Dover Historic District showing the current boundaries (shaded in orange). As a preservation and redevelopment tool, the Design Standards and Guidelines provide guidance for property owners, design professionals, staff and the Historic District Commission (and Planning Commission). The “historic district design guidelines and standards” are defined by the Zoning Ordinance as follows: “Historic district design guidelines and standards: The document adopted by the City of Dover Planning Commission as being the source reference document for construction and maintenance of buildings, structures, and additions with the Dover Historic District and which is the guiding document for the historic district commission and city planner in their review of applications for architectural review certification.” Therefore, it is utilized as a guiding document in the decision making process of reviewing of construction activities in the Historic District zone for issuance of Architectural Review Certification (Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3). Applications for Architectural Review Certification are reviewed by the City Planner (Staff), the Historic District Commission, and Planning Commission. See code excerpt below regarding the architectural review standards. Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3.25 Architectural review standards. (A) An architectural review certificate may be issued if it is found that the architectural style, general design, height, bulk and setbacks, arrangement, location and materials and structures affecting the exterior appearance are generally in harmony with neighboring structures and complementary to the traditional architectural standards of the historic 1 The current document Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone was prepared in 1992 by John Milner Associates Inc. with funding by a grant from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior and administered by the State Historic Preservation Office. City Planning Staff, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Friends of Old Dover, Main Street Dover, and other interested parties participated in the development of the document.

district as set forth in the historic district design guidelines and standards adopted by the planning commission and as set forth in the United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. (B) The city planner, historic district commission or planning commission shall not consider normal maintenance and repair (see definitions, article 12), interior arrangement, or building features not subject to public view. The Zoning Ordinance references the Design Standards & Guidelines when establishing the Architectural Review Certification process for the City of Dover’s Historic District zone (H). An Architectural Review Certificate is required for a demolition, erection, reconstruction, alternation, restoration or exterior repairs on properties within the Historic District. Most projects within the Historic District are eligible for administrative review of the Architectural Review Certificate as part of the Building Permit process for such projects as signs, roof and door or window replacement, and exterior finish/siding/trim work renovations. Project activities only involving interior renovations are not subject to the Architectural Review Certification process. As an example in calendar year 2015, a total of fifty-eight (58) applications (permit activity in the Historic District) were reviewed under this process: 42 Permits required Architectural Review Certification; and 16 Permits did not require Architectural Review Certification. Of the fifty-eight (58) applications, forty-nine (49) were reviewed administratively by Staff with nine (9) applications involving the Historic District Commission. 2 Historic Preservation Planning is part of a comprehensive approach to land use planning in the City of Dover. Recent Comprehensive Plans for the City of Dover have included specific chapters devoted to Historic Preservation. Title 22, Chapter 7 Section 702 of Delaware Code requires municipalities (over 2,000 in population) to include planning for the protection of historic and cultural resources in their comprehensive plans. In Dover’s current plan, the 2008 Comprehensive Plan (as amended) this information is presented in Chapter 6 - Historic Preservation and associated Map 6-1. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan includes sets forth goals and a series of recommendations for each goal. The Historic Preservation Goals are as follows: Goal 1: Preserve and Protect Historic Resources Historic Goal 2: Provide and Promote Incentives for Preservation Activities Preservation Goal 3: Increase Public Information on Historic Resources Goal 4: Collaborate with Diverse Groups and Governments 2008 Comprehensive Plan, excerpt from Table 1-1: Plan Chapter Goals To achieve Goal 1, one of the adopted Recommendations was the Evaluation of Design Standards and Guidelines since the original document was adopted in the early 90s. The recommendation also suggested consideration of the standards and guidelines for the levels of protection for The Green and the Loockerman Street areas. For this project to evaluate and update the Design Standards & Guidelines, the City of Dover will seek to hire a consultant through a Request for Proposal process for Professional Services to assist the Historic District Commission and Planning Staff with the project. The consultant will be required to have a Principal Investigator (PI) who meets the professional qualification standards in 36 CFR 61. Also involved in the project, the Historic District Commission consists of five (5) appointed members and the Planning Commission3 consists of nine (9) appointed members. The 2 The volume of Permit Activity in the Historic District over the past five years has averaged 65 applications a year with a majority of them eligible for Architectural Review Certification review by Staff. 3 The Planning Commission, per the Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3.25(A), is involved in the formal adoption process for the Historic District guidelines.

Planning Staff serves as staff support to the Historic District Commission and will manage the activities of this project. With the project, we hope to create a user friendly document with best practices for maintenance, preservation and construction activities in the Historic District, which also addresses the use of modern materials and technologies. The document is to be consistent with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties (Rehabilitation Standards and Guidelines). Components of the document will include guidelines for treatment of historic properties and features focusing on maintenance, repair, alternations, and preservation or restoration of existing buildings; guidelines for new construction activities (additions and new buildings), guidelines for demolition activities; guidelines for landscaping and site elements, and guidelines for signage. Background information will also be provided on the history of the area, the required review processes, a glossary of terms, and other reference items. Building on the HDC’s initial evaluation of the Design Standards & Guidelines from 2009-2010, the project will consist of a series of phases: Planning, Public Outreach, Guidelines Revision and Refinement, and Preparation of Draft Document. The following chart outlines the anticipated activities of the project. Timeframe Project Phase Activities and Products September – October 2016 Planning Meetings with Consultant, Staff and HDC to outline general project approach, goals and format for revised guidelines, determine public input strategy. November 2016 Public Outreach Analysis of existing guidelines. Conduct focus groups/stakeholder meetings and a Public Workshop. December 2016 – March 2017 Guidelines Revision & Prepare example page format Refinement (text and photographs). Meetings with Staff and HDC to present drafts. Review of multiple Drafts by Staff, HDC. March – April 2017 Preparation of Draft Document Conduct Public Workshop on Draft. Review of Draft by State Historic Preservation Office. The specific scope of work, tasks, and deliverables by the consultant will be further refined with Planning Staff. Electronic copies of documents are anticipated for use at meetings and posting on the City’s website for review. Subject to the selection of the consultant, the Project’s work timeframe is expected to be September 2016 through April 2017 with the formal review process to adopt the Draft Document to follow in Summer 2017 with the Historic District Commission and Planning Commission.