PAPERLESS PACKET

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AGENDA THURSDAY, September 21, 2017 - 3:00 P.M. City Hall – Conference Room ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING on August 17, 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 a. HI-17-03 Sign Permit #17-1484: Wall Sign at 115 West Loockerman Street– Referral by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission for Review of Architectural Review Certification for Sign Permit application #17-1484 pertaining to the installation of an internally lit wall sign at Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge. The property is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and is subject to the H (Historic District Zone). The property is located on the north side of West Loockerman Street between South Governors Avenue and South Bradford Street. The owners of record are Samuel G. and Nicole M. Chick. Property Address: 115 West Loockerman Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-07.00-000. NEW APPLICATIONS - None OLD BUSINESS 1. Questions on Sign Permit #17-1122 for the Property at 2 West Loockerman Street 2. Certified Local Government (CLG) Program a. Update on FFY2017 CLG Grant Project: Amendment to Design Guidelines for Dover’s Historic District (Addendum to Design Standards & Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone: Modern Materials & Technologies) i. Project Activities 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: September 12, 2017

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION August 17, 2017 The Regular Meeting of the City of Dover Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 3:00 PM with Chairman McDaniel presiding. Members present were Chairman McDaniel, Mr. Czerwinski, and Ms. Horsey. Mr. Scrafford and Mr. Jackson were absent. Planning Office Staff members present were Mrs. Melson-Williams, Mr. Hugg and Mrs. Purnell. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Horsey moved for approval of the agenda as submitted, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and the motion was unanimously carried 3-0. Mr. Scrafford and Mr. Jackson were absent. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 15, 2017 Ms. Horsey moved for approval of the minutes of June 15, 2017, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and the motion was unanimously carried 3-0. Mr. Scrafford and Mr. Jackson were absent. Chairman McDaniel welcomed the two continued commissioners to serve for another three years which consisted of himself and Ms. Horsey. COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS Summary of Applications 2016 and 2017 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there were no real changes to any items other than the update on the actions taken in June regarding HI-17-02 Building Permit #17-949: Renovations to Apartment Building at 305 South Governors Avenue. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether there were any updates on 126 West Loockerman Street. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied no. They have been through the Planning Commission review process (that is HI-16-05) and at this point they would be working to finalize their Site Plan documents. We have not seen a resubmission. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2017 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there have been a total of twenty-two (22) permits in the Historic District. Most of them have been for interior projects which Staff reviews to make sure that there is no impact to the outside. Eleven (11) of the twenty-two permits did not review Architectural Review Certification. It included the Carriage House Permit which was issued in January 2017. Of the twenty-two (22) permits issued six (6) were building interior renovations, two (2) accessory structures, five (5) signage, four (4) exterior projects, three (3) roofs, and two (2) Administrative Permits. Mr. Czerwinski asked if 2 West Loockerman Street could be discussed. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that a Sign Permit was issued in mid-July for wall signage. The signs

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AUGUST 17, 2017 were installed this week. Mr. Czerwinski questioned whether Staff allowed 6-inch letting on the brick wall facing State Street which takes up half of the first floor wall space. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that in the Historic District Guidelines there is no prescribed size of individual letters or of signage. The sign regulations and Historic District Guidelines talk about location and lighting, and about not placing the sign on top of or across architectural features. Mr. Czerwinski stated that there is no other building that features that sort of sign. The size of the signage is inappropriate for that space and location. He asked the other members if they had seen the sign with the 6-inch letters that are black 3-D lettering on the brick wall. The letters are too big for the space. There is no architectural feature and no precedent on or near Loockerman Street. Chairman McDaniel suggested tabling the discussion until the next meeting since only one member has seen the signage. This would allow everyone to have the opportunity to look at the signage. Ms. Horsey questioned the color of the signage and Mr. Czerwinski was surprised that the signage was approved and thought that it should be a hanging sign and not a sign attached to the brick of the building. As previously stated, Chairman McDaniel suggested discussing it at the next meeting. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that the permit was issued as an Architectural Review Certification. If they have completed the installation in accordance to their permit submission, there will be a final inspection done by the Department of Planning and Inspections and the permit will be closed out. Mr. Czerwinski asked Mrs. Melson-Williams if she had a copy of the permit. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied she did not have a copy of the permit present at the meeting. She can provide a copy of the permit at the next meeting. Ms. Horsey questioned whether Mrs. Melson-Williams’ gets a visual of the signage. Mrs. Melson- Williams replied yes. All of the Sign Permit applications are required to submit information about size and location. How they choose to depict that varies from permit to permit. A lot of them will take an actual photograph and then superimpose the proposed sign in place and then provide additional information on the dimensions. If there is a lighting component to it there will be information along with information on color and the material that the sign would be made out of. This information is required across the board for all Sign Permits. OLD BUSINESS Update on FFY2017 CLG (Certified Local Government) Grant Project: Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that provided in your packet was the project narrative that was submitted as part of the grant application as well as the grant agreement letter and agreement that was received from the State Historic Preservation Office. The amount of federal monies available increased. The federal portion of the grant project is $9026 which requires the City to match with a minimum of $6018. City Council adopted the budget for this fiscal year which included in the Planning Office budget a grant match allocation of $10,000. Staff will be 2

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AUGUST 17, 2017 working to prepare the request for proposals in order to retain the consulting services necessary for the grant. Staff has to submit a copy of the request for consulting services to the State Historic Preservation Office by September 15, 2017 for review. Chairman McDaniel questioned whether the consulting services was a bid item that will go into some type of publication. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that in this case there will probably be direct alert to the type of consulting firms that typically work in this area of historic preservation. The State Historic Preservation Office has offered their assistance in identifying some of those that may be appropriate to seek to see if they are interested in this type of work activity. With the City, there are different levels of the bidding and RFP process based on the cost. The project narrative entails the reason for the grant which is “Addendum to the Design Standards and Guidelines” focusing on modern materials and technology, construction activity, public outreach and input. Ms. Horsey asked for a point of clarification regarding the budget information on page 13 and if the total cost of the project was $19,026. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied if you look at the total it is available monies because we have more than the minimum required match. We are not sure of the total cost at the current time. Chairman McDaniel questioned whether the potential bidders were aware of the amount of money available. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied that because this is a CLG grant program they can give some indication of budget limitations as part of the request for proposal and response for the work. Mr. Czerwinski questioned the number of estimates needed. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied they would have to attempt to get at least three (3) estimates from consultants. Mr. Hugg stated that he did not see the project being more than the budgeted amount. Ms. Horsey commented that she was amazed and happy to see that something was being done because it had been a long time to become the CLG. Chairman McDaniel moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Czerwinski and unanimously carried 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 3:26 PM Sincerely, Maretta Savage-Purnell Secretary 3

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2016 Updated thru September 11, 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 grantedUpon 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 ARCapplication 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 Grant Timeframe 7/1/16-6/30/17; Grant Grant Funding Withdrawn 4/13/2017 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 September 11, 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 Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2017 Updated thru September 11, 2017 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-17-01 CLG Grant Certified Local Information File Notice of Eligibility for Grant 3/1/2017; Grant Application submitted; Formal Application for Government FFY2017 CLG Grant Application submitted Award Letter received with Grant FFY2017 Application for 4/28/2017 to SHPO Agreement; Grant Timeframe to cover Grant Funding 7/6/17-6/30/18 HI-17-02 Referral of 305 South Building Permit for Permit #17-949 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 6/6/2017; Building Permit Governors Avenue Renovations to Planner for Architectural Review Permit to be issued subject to conditions of #17-949 Apartment Building Certification consultation; Considered at Architectural Review Certification 6/15/2017 HDC Meeting HI-17-03 Referral of Sign 115 West Sign Permit: Wall Permit #17-1484 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 8/16/2017; Permit #17-1484 Loockerman Street Sign Planner for Architectural Review Permit issued for installation of wall sign. Certification consultation; To be Applicant seeks to allow back-lit sign. considered at 9/21/2017 HDC Meeting

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification 2017 - Updated Thru 8-31-2017 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. Construction underway. 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 complete. 4/10/2017 17-320 25 Jerusalem Way, New Building Permit - Shed Staff Approval Replacement of existing shed with Jerusalem Baptist Church new shed in same location 4/3/2017 17-414 54 South State Street, Temporary Sign Permit Staff Approval Banner installed for 15 days (4/3/17- Presbyterian Church of 4/17/17) and removed. Dover

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification 2017 - Updated Thru 8-31-2017 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 4/20/2017 17-617 54 South State Street, Roof Permit Staff Approval Replacement of flat roof areas with Presbyterian Church of flat roof system and replacement of Dover existing asphalt shingles. Replace gutters and downspouts in-kind. 5/5/2017 17-666 305 South State Street Building Permit - Interior & Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior Renovations and Exterior Exterior Renovations (Rear required due to project location is Renovations (window and door Addition) not visible from public way. replacements, paint exterior wood siding, new roof) to Rear Frame Addition. Supersedes Permit #15- 1158. 5/9/2017 17-726 501 South State Street, Temporary Sign Permit Staff Approval Banners installed for 90 days Christ Church (5/4/17-8/4/17) and removed. 5/31/2017 17-780 35 Loockerman Plaza. Dover Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior only work to install of glass Public Library Renovations required for interior work. will in AV Room. 5/19/2017 17-814 311 South State Street, Law Sign Permit - Wall Sign Staff Approval Projecting wall sign on metal Office of Sean Lynn (Annex) bracket. Same design as main office sign across street. 5/25/2017 17-834 108 South Governors Building Permit - Deck Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Removal and replacement of Avenue Renovations required as project is not visible. existing wood deck. 5/24/2017 17-853 25 West Loockerman Street Building Permit - Door Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Replacement of rear exterior door. Replacement required as project is not visible. 5/22/2017 17-855 501 South State Street, Building Permit - Exterior No Planning Staff Review. Wood repairs and painting of soffit, Christ Church Renovations (Soffit and Fascia) fascia, gutters on parish house. 5/24/2017 17-879 300 South State Street, Administrative Building Permit No Planning Staff Review. Emergency stabilization of front Young Law Offices façade (wall & window area) due to vehicular accident. 6/15/2017 17-837 406 Federal Street, Biggs Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to reconfigure Museum Renovations required for interior work. gallery entry and space.

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification 2017 - Updated Thru 8-31-2017 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 7/14/2017 17-1122 2 West Loockerman Street Sign Permit - Wall Sign Staff Approval. Two wall signs: east wall and front façade location within banding area over entry door. 7/5/2017 17-1124 111 West Loockerman Roof Permit Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Resurfacing of low slope roof that is Street required as roof work not visible. not visible. 7/20/2017 17-1226 6 South State Street, Office Roof Permit - Porch Roof Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Replacement of flat roof areas of of Baird Mandalas required as project is not visible. front porch roof. Brockstedt 8/8/2017 17-363 209 South State Street, Fence Permit Staff Approval. Replacement of back chain-link Wesley UMC Preschool fence with black metal decorative fencing surrounding preschool playground area. 8/30/2017 17-1118 134 West Loockerman Building Permit: Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to expand Street, The Golden Fleece Renovations required for interior work. existing tavern space from 132 into 134. 8/23/2017 17-1254 122 Bank Lane Demolition Permit Staff Approval of demolition of Demolition of accessory structure accessory structure (shed). (shed) determined to be non- contributing due to lack of integrity and modern materials. 8/1/2017 17-1260 9 East Loockerman Street, Sign Permit - Monument Sign Staff Approval. Existing freestanding monument Treadway Towers (Refacing) sign to be refaced to include multiple tenant panels. 8/16/2017 17-1360 307 South State Street Sign Permit - Wall Signs Staff Approval. Installation of hanging sign and wall sign for business.

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2017 Updated thru September 11, 2017 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-17-01 CLG Grant Certified Local Information File Notice of Eligibility for Grant 3/1/2017; Grant Application submitted; Formal Application for Government FFY2017 CLG Grant Application submitted Award Letter received with Grant FFY2017 Application for 4/28/2017 to SHPO Agreement; Grant Timeframe to cover Grant Funding 7/6/17-6/30/18 HI-17-02 Referral of 305 South Building Permit for Permit #17-949 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 6/6/2017; Building Permit Governors Avenue Renovations to Planner for Architectural Review Permit to be issued subject to conditions of #17-949 Apartment Building Certification consultation; Considered at Architectural Review Certification 6/15/2017 HDC Meeting HI-17-03 Referral of Sign 115 West Sign Permit: Wall Permit #17-1484 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 8/16/2017; Permit #17-1484 Loockerman Street Sign Planner for Architectural Review Permit issued for installation of wall sign. Certification consultation; To be Applicant seeks to allow back-lit sign. considered at 9/21/2017 HDC Meeting

City of Dover ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW REPORT Referral by City Planner to Historic District Commission Meeting of September 21, 2017 Permit: Sign Permit #17-1484 Wall Sign Location: 115 West Loockerman Street Located on the north side of West Loockerman Street between South Governors Avenue and South Bradford Street Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-07.00-000 File Number: HI-17-03 Referral of Permit: The following application Sign Permit #17-1484 is referred by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission regarding the issuance of the Architectural Review Certificate. Applications for certain types of construction activity within the Historic District Zone (H) are reviewed by the City Planner (or Staff as designated) for Architectural Review Certification as part of the Building Permit application review process. Staff is referring the Permit for review under the provisions of Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3.22(A) and (B). See below. Section 3.22 Architectural review certification by the city planner. (A) An architectural review certificate for specific classes of building permits, including fences, signs, siding, window and door replacement, roofing, the addition or replacement of decorative features, minor demolition, residential additions, and other construction of a minor nature, may be issued by the city planner, after a review and determination that the proposed construction is in general accordance with the standards set forth in subsection 3.25. (B) The city planner may refer any permit application for demolition or construction in the historic district for consultation with commission. Permit Proposal: Sign Permit #17-1484 was filed on August 16, 2017 pertaining to the installation of an internally lit wall sign for Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge at 115 West Loockerman Street. The permit application is for a new wall sign to be mounted on the south elevation (front façade) wall of the building facing Loockerman Street. The Sign consists of a plastic sign panel in a metal frame (often referred to as a “box sign”). The sign is 3 feet by 15 feet for a total sign area of 45 SF. The applicant advised Staff of their intent to internally illuminate the sign; it is not indicated on the Permit submission. See Sign Permit application form and drawing attachments. The Sign Permit #17-1484 was issued on September 9, 2017 subject to the conditions of approval for the Architectural Review Certification at the direction of the City Planner. The Permit and the Architectural Review Certification as issued does not allow for illumination of the sign. P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

HI-17-03 Referral of Building Permit #17-1484 Sign Permit for Wall Sign at 115 West Loockerman Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 2 of 4 Staff Review of Permit for Architectural Review Certification: In reviewing the proposed project for Architectural Review Certification, Staff referenced various sections of Chapter 5: Storefronts and Signage (pages 5-5 thru 5-8) of the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone which presents the Recommended, Not Recommended, and Inappropriate approaches to construction of various elements in the Historic District. This portion of Chapter 5 focuses on signage to be mounted on buildings in the commercial district. According to the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone (Chapter 5), the following are some of the Recommended practices for signage:  A sign should be consistent and compatible in terms of its size, style, materials, and location with the historic building, and should be integrated into the architectural design of the building on which it is located.  Sign material should be compatible with the design of the building. Wood and metal signs are recommended.  Signage should be located where it best complements the building, on blank expanses of wall, large plate glass windows, fascias, cornices, and awnings.  Concealed incandescent lighting for signage is recommended in the Dover Historic Commercial context. Similarly, the following is Not Recommended:  Plastic signs are not recommended. The following is deemed Inappropriate:  Back-lit fluorescent signs are inappropriate. Staff also reviewed the proposed signage for compliance with provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Per the Sign Regulations (Zoning Ordinance, Article 5, Section 4), a building fronting on an urban minor arterial such as Loockerman Street can have two wall signs with the size limitations of 15% of the total wall area and a maximum sign area size of 64 SF. However, in the Historic District, the City Planner may opt to not grant Architectural Review Certification to a sign if it is deemed too large under the Historic District Guidelines, even if the maximum size restrictions of the base zoning are met. There are also sign illumination standards. See the following definitions from the sign provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Wall sign: Any sign, other than a projecting sign, which is attached to or painted on any wall of any building and projects from the plane of the wall less than 18 inches. A sign attached to the lower slope or face of a mansard roof, canopy, or awning shall be considered a wall sign for purposes of this ordinance. For purposes of this section only, a "wall" shall include any permanent architectural extension of a wall, including parapets, even if such extension projects beyond or above the enclosed portions of the building. Canopy, marquee, and awning signs are all types of wall signs. Illuminated sign: A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface (s) internally or trans-illuminated; or reflecting off its surface(s). The Zoning Ordinance provisions for signs in the Historic District require a Sign Permit review process but allow for the sign standards to be waived as part of the Architectural Certification 2

HI-17-03 Referral of Building Permit #17-1484 Sign Permit for Wall Sign at 115 West Loockerman Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 3 of 4 Review process of the Permit if “determined to contribute to or improve the historic context of the building.” (Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §4.9B) Historic District Commission Action The Historic District Commission should consider the proposal for the installation of an internally lit wall sign and take action in regards to the Architectural Review Certification for the Sign Permit #17-1484, to determine if it is appropriate for the sign to be lit. Staff Findings from Review of Sign Permit: Staff findings are summarized as follows for the proposed wall signage at 115 West Loockerman Street (presented in Permit #17-1484) based on review of the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone and the Zoning Ordinance. 1. Sign Format: The proposed sign would be classified as a wall sign by the Sign Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. However, the added dimension of the metal frame which holds the sign panel and that would encase any internal lighting system creates a sign style that is referred to as a “cabinet” or “box” sign. o The box sign format may not be an appropriate form for new signage within the Historic District under the Design Standards & Guidelines. o Staff recognizes that there are existing box signs on buildings (or on pent roof elements of buildings) within the adjacent blocks of Loockerman Street, most of which were likely installed prior to the establishment of the Historic District regulations in the 1992-93. This style of signage became prevalent in the mid-to-late twentieth century and its use continues for many commercial business locations with the “panel” being replaced/refaced as the business changes. 2. Sign Location: The proposed sign location complies with the Design Standards & Guidelines as it does not obscure visible decorative architectural features/elements of the building. The sign placement is in a wide blank wall area between awning covered storefront display windows and the second floor windows. This area of the front facade is often referred to as the “sign band” or “sign board” area. 3. Sign Size: The sign size (sign area of 45 SF) complies with the sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance based on the type of road and the use characteristics of the surrounding area. The wall sign is proportional to the wall area where placed. 4. Sign Materials: The proposed sign materials are listed as plastic and metal. The plastic sign panel appears similar to a painted sign panel; however, the panel is not flat or surface- mounted to the wall. The panel is encased by a metal frame creating a box whereby internal illumination of the sign panel can occur from behind the panel. The Design Standards & Guidelines recommend removal of such existing “back-lit fluorescent signs” and lists in the installation of new “back-lit fluorescent signs” as Inappropriate. 5. Sign Illumination: The Design Standards & Guidelines recommended approach to lighting of a sign is through external illumination (listed as concealed incandescent lighting). This is typically achieved through the use of light fixtures mounted over, above or near the sign so that the light cast by the bulb illuminates the sign panel or sign surface. Staff recognizes the advancement is types of light sources/bulbs that are available beyond incandescent such as 3

HI-17-03 Referral of Building Permit #17-1484 Sign Permit for Wall Sign at 115 West Loockerman Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 4 of 4 halogen, LED, etc. which may provide the light. The Zoning Ordinance includes limits on the illumination level and the shielding of the luminaries (bulb). o A number of businesses on the Loockerman Street corridor have utilized this method of external illumination of signage through installation of multiple light fixtures or a series of fixtures (such as gooseneck lamps) over a wall sign (sign panel or individual lettering). Recessed lighting located within soffits or pent roofs have also been utilized. Advisory Comments and Recommendations: 1. Staff finds that internal illumination of the wall sign as inappropriate for this location in the Historic District. It is recommended that illumination of the wall sign be achieved by the installation of a series of light fixtures (2-4 fixtures) mounted over the sign to cast light on the sign. The selection of light fixture style must fit the architectural characteristics of the building. It is recommended that the light fixtures be black or bronze in finish. 2. The Sign Permit Application and subsequent sign installation and operation is subject to the conditions of approval as established by the Architectural Review Certification process. The applicant may be required to provide additional or updated permit submission documents in order to confirm compliance with the conditions of approval. 3. The applicant shall be aware that issuance of a Sign Permit is required prior to the installation of any replacement signage; prior to the installation of certain types of additional signage; and as related to any revisions to the existing signage authorized under Sign Permit #17-1484 (as issued on September 7, 2017). Attachments:  Letter of Notice to Applicant dated August 23, 2017  Sign Permit #17-1484: Application form and permit drawing  Sign Permit #17-1484: Permit document as issued September 9, 2017 4

City of Dover August 23, 2017 Mr. Samuel Chick Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge 115 West Loockerman Street Dover DE 19904 Via Email: Samuel.g.chick@gmail.com RE: Referral of Sign Permit #17-1484 to Historic District Commission Signage for Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge at 115 West Loockerman Street, Dover DE Dear Mr. Chick: This letter is to inform you that Sign Permit application #17-1484 has been referred to the City of Dover Historic District Commission for consultation. Sign Permit #17-1484 was filed on August 16, 2017, for a proposed cabinet wall sign at Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge, 115 West Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware. The location of the subject property within the City of Dover’s Historic District zone requires the review and issuance of an Architectural Review Certificate (ARC) for construction activities. Certain types of activities such as this project are eligible for Staff review of the ARC during the Building/Sign Permit application process. Project activities are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone as stated in Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3.25(A). 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 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. In reviewing the proposed signage for Architectural Review Certification, Staff referenced Chapter 5: Storefronts and Signage of the Design Standards and Guidelines which present the Recommended, Not Recommended, and Inappropriate approaches to work in the Historic District. Using information provided on the permit application and in person, Staff was unable to approve the permit due to the following design standards not being met: Not Recommended: - Plastic signs are not recommended. - Large-scale signs are not recommended. Inappropriate: - Back-lit fluorescent signs are inappropriate. P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

Letter Re: Permit #17-1484 Wall Sign at Puffster Smoke Vape Lounge, 115 West Loockerman Street, Dover August 23, 2017 Page 2 of 2 Due to your request to present a case that the proposed sign is appropriate for the building and the Historic District, I am referring the permit application to the Historic District Commission for review. See Zoning Ordinance, Article 10 Section 3.22 (A) and (B) listed below. Section 3.22 Architectural review certification by the city planner. (A) An architectural review certificate for specific classes of building permits, including fences, signs, siding, window and door replacement, roofing, the addition or replacement of decorative features, minor demolition, residential additions, and other construction of a minor nature, may be issued by the city planner, after a review and determination that the proposed construction is in general accordance with the standards set forth in subsection 3.25 (B) The city planner may refer any permit application for demolition or construction in the historic district for consultation with commission. The City of Dover Historic District Commission will review this permit application at their next meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3:00pm in the City Hall Conference Room, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. This permit application referral has been assigned Application #HI-17-03. Please attend this meeting to discuss the project. Please also send to Planning Staff before the meeting additional details about the sign, in order to help the Commission members better evaluate the application. These details should include, as much as is practical, design specifications, drawings, and documents showing the appearance of the sign, its mounting, and its lighting. Planning Staff will provide the Historic District Commission with the permit application materials and this background information for their review and action. Please be advised that signage is not required in order to open your business. The existing sign for the former business may be taken down without a permit. A temporary sign such as a banner sign or a window sign may be used to identify and advertise the business while the application to the Historic District Commission is pending. Temporary signs do require permits and must also comply with the Zoning Ordinance and the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone. The application form for a temporary sign may be found at the following link: https://evogov.s3.amazonaws.com/media/27/media/24399.pdf If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Planning Office at (302)736-7196. Sincerely, David S. Hugg III Acting Director of Planning and Community Development CC: Dawn Melson-Williams, AICP, Principal Planner File #HI-17-03

Questions on Sign Permit #17-1122 for the Property at 2 West Loockerman Street, Dover The following information is provided regarding Sign Permit #17-1122 for the wall signs installed at 2 West Loockerman Street per the inquiry of the Historic District Commission at their August 17, 2017 meeting.  Copy of Sign Permit #17-1122 Application submission.  Copy of Permit as issued July 14, 2017 including Architectural Review Certification completed by Planning Staff.  The signs were installed in mid-August 2017.