Historic District Commission Meeting Packet

CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 3:30 PM City Hall Conference Room, 15 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, Delaware AGENDA IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE The Historic District Commission, Meeting for November 16, 2023 will be held in the City Hall Conference Room. The public is welcome to attend in person. The Meeting will also be provided as a Virtual Meeting using WebEx audio/video conferencing system as an electronic means of communication. See the participation information below to join by phone or computer. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION INFORMATION City of Dover Historic District Commission Meeting of November 16, 2023 Join by Phone Dial: 1-650-479-3208 Access code: 253 341 29851 (Password 36837432) Join Online: https://bit.ly/HDCMeeting111623 Webinar Number: 2533 412 9851 Webinar Password: DoverHDC If you are new to WebEx get the app now at https://www.webex.com/ to be ready when the meeting starts. For problems accessing the meeting, please call the Planning Office at (302) 736-7196. WELCOME ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Adoption of Minutes of October 19, 2023 COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS Summary of Activity 2. Summary of Applications 2022 and 2023 1

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING - November 16, 2023 PAGE 2 3. Summary of Architectural Review Certificates for 2023 Department of Planning & Inspections Updates Project & Studies Activities 4. Update on C-2 Code Amendments Project for Potential Revisions to Zoning Ordinance for C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) NEW APPLICATIONS NEW BUSINESS Review of Permits Referred to Commission 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition Permit #23-1521 at 153 South Bradford Street – Referral by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission for Review of Architectural Review Certification for a Demolition Permit Application #23-1521. The project proposes partial demolition of the existing two-story masonry building by removal of the second floor and construction of a new roof system. The property is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and subject to the H (Historic District Zone). The property is located on the east side of S. Bradford Street between W. Loockerman Street and Reed Street. The owner of record is JD Land Corporation. Address: 153 S. Bradford Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-35.00- 000. Council District 4. Subject of Code Enforcement Case #23-3847 for condemnation. This item was deferred at the Historic District Commission Meeting of October 19, 2023 at the request of the Applicant. Annual Meeting of Historic District Commission 6. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair 7. Meeting & Deadline Schedule for 2024 OLD BUSINESS Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Implementation of 2019 Comprehensive Plan ADJOURN POSTED: November 9, 2023 THE AGENDA ITEMS AS LISTED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED IN SEQUENCE. PURSUANT TO 29 DEL. C. §10004(e)(2), THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO INCLUDE THE ADDITION OR THE DELETION OF ITEMS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, WHICH ARISE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING 2

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 The Meeting of the City of Dover Historic District Commission was held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 3:30 PM as an In-Person meeting in the City Hall Conference Room (anchor location) and virtually using the videoconferencing system WebEx. With Chairman Czerwinski presiding, the other members present were Mrs. Mason, Mr. Street, Ms. Horsey, and Mrs. Ellen H. Richardson (virtual call-in user). Planning Office Staff members present were Mrs. Melson-Williams, Mrs. Maretta Savage-Purnell, and Ms. Katherine Oehmke as well as Assistant City Manager Sharon Duca (assisting with management of the Department of Planning and Inspections). APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Horsey moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Ms. Mason, and the roll call vote was unanimously carried 5-0. ADOPTION OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 20, 2023 Ms. Mason moved for approval of the Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2023, seconded by Mr. Street and the roll call vote was unanimously carried 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS Summary of Applications for 2022 and 2023 Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that included in your packet first is the Summary of Applications for 2022 and 2023. We have had three Applications. One was a parking lot improvement, and we are still waiting for the real start of that project at 34 The Green. It is associated with the Kent County Family Courthouse project. There was a Referral of a Fence Permit that you looked at earlier this year. The Permit was approved, and the fence has been installed. The other Permit you looked at was for 43 The Green at the John Bell House for their informational kiosk. Today we have two Referral Permits to consider. In 2022, there were a total of seven applications and the chart gives the latest status on those. Mrs. Melson-Williams asked if there were any questions on the applications status; there were none. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2023 Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that since the meeting back in July there have been several Sign Permits and Interior Renovation Permits. The Interior Renovation Permits do not require Architectural Review Certification. There were also a couple of roof projects. Mrs. Melson-Williams asked if there were any questions on any particular Permit activity item. There was none. 3

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 Department of Planning & Inspections Updates Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that there have been some staffing changes in the Planning Office. For Mr. Julian Swierczek, who was a Planner II within our office, his last day was October 6, 2023. He is now continuing his career at the City of Alexandria, VA as a member of their Planning Staff. We are currently advertising for a Planner II position. Secondly, the Director of our Department Mary Ellen Gray’s last day with the City of Dover was October 13, 2023. She will soon be starting a similar position with the City of Rehoboth. So, we wish her the best. In the meantime, it is a kind of a group effort to manage our overall Department of Planning and Inspections. I am focused on the Planning aspects and keeping Boards and Commissions like yourself going. We do have support from the City Manager's Office in that Assistant City Manager Mrs. Sharon Duca is focusing on a number of the administrative roles in our department. Mrs. Duca has joined us today to kind of see how your meeting works. The other managers also continue to focus on their department areas such as the Building Inspections, Fire Marshal's Office, and Code Enforcement. They have posted the position of Director for our Department. Projects & Studies Activities Downtown Dover Pathways Study - Public Workshop, October 26, 2023, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Dover Public Library. See project webpage: https://doverkentmpo.delaware.gov/downtown-dover-pathways/ Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that for the Downtown Dover Pathway Study there will be a public workshop next week on October 26, 2023, from 4:30 to 6:30 at the Dover Public Library. This is a study effort that is led by the Dover/Kent County MPO which is the Metropolitan Planning Organization. They are looking at pedestrian activity for walking and biking in Downtown Dover. It's kind of a walk-in workshop and have a conversation with them. So, certainly they want to hear from you as to where better facilities can be upgraded for sidewalks, crosswalks, how you bike, and how you walk in Downtown Dover. The agenda includes a link to the https://doverkentmpo.delaware.gov/downtown-dover-pathways/ project website that the MPO is hosting and there is a flyer. Certainly, share that with your neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Update on C-2 Code Amendments Project for Potential Revisions to Zoning Ordinance for C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that included in your packet was an intro memo about this effort. Planning Staff along with some others associated with the Downtown Dover Partnership created a Work Group to focus on where we may need to make changes to the C-2 Zoning District. Last week we held a series of stakeholder and initial public outreach meetings to focus on hearing feedback on some concepts that we are looking at for those revisions. Information on those Code Amendments and the results of those stakeholder meetings will be reported next week to City Council as part of their Council Committee of the Whole: Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting. This is just concepts; we have not started to draft Ordinance writing because that's always a lot more complex. We wanted to focus initially on concepts. The concepts really focused in four areas: uses, parking, bulk standards specifically related to 2 4

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 building height, and then some other miscellaneous provisions in the Code related to things like dumpsters and potentially tree planting requirements. I will note that Mr. Jonathan Street is a member of our Work Group that kind of kicked off the thinking about what could be potential changes in the Downtown area that would assist in future redevelopment notions. Most of the Downtown also falls into the Historic District area. The current Code provisions do not make changes to the District boundary or the provisions for how that Architectural Review Certification process works but it may impact what we call the base zoning in the C-2 zone in those areas. Education & Training Opportunities A Future for the Past: Preservation Delaware's Annual Conference & Meeting on October 26-27, 2023 Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that included in your packet was information about Preservation Delaware’s upcoming Annual Conference and their Annual Meeting. It is a series of virtual workshops and then some in-person activities that are scheduled for October 26th and 27th. There is a pre-registration requirement that is included in your packet. The virtual workshop is free. The in-person events do carry a fee. One of them includes a walking tour with Main Street Smyrna on Friday evening. NEW BUSINESS Review of Permits Referred to Commission HI-23-04 Referral of Sign Permit #23-1462 at 32 W. Loockerman Street - Referral by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission for Review of Architectural Review Certification for Sign Permit #23-1462. The Permit proposes four (4) Window Signs totaling 258.75 square feet across four storefront window sections for two business tenants in the building. The property is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and subject to the H (Historic District Zone). It is located on the south side of West Loockerman Street opposite the intersection with South Bradford Street. The property owner of record RVC One, LP and the applicant is Fears Promotions and Donnell Fears Salon for Men/Salon for Women. Address: 32 W. Loockerman Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-04-13.00-000. Council District 4. Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned that Staff would invite Mr. Donnell Fears, Business Proprietor, and Mr. Travis Bowers the Sign Contractor to come forward. Mrs. Melson-Williams gave a summary of Application HI-23-04. This is an application for a Sign Permit at 32 W. Loockerman Street. Initially Staff normally has the ability to look at and approve Sign Permits. However, this one is a little unusual in what they actually were proposing. We made the referral to the Historic District Commission to gather your input. The building at 32 W. Loockerman Street is a little unusual in that it has a very large glass wall. That glass wall is not flat; it is a series of angles. Our Report shows kind of the history of that property from what we were able to glean from some quick research that we did. Then there's also information on the Staff Review of what we looked at in the Design Standards and Guidelines document as 3 5

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 well as the Zoning Ordinance. Today I handed out a Revised sign proposal that shows a series of three signs located in specific points on the angled walls. Representatives: Mr. Donnell Fears, Fears Promotions and Barber Shops; and Mr. Travis Bowers, Bower Sign, Inc. Mr. Fears mentioned that he was not here in disagreement at all. I take this as a learning experience. My previous business, I'm not sure if you guys know, was destroyed four months ago. I agreed with the landlord to move to larger space to help clean up the area in Downtown Dover. I agreed because I do a lot of stuff in the community for the children and helping to keep the area clean and welcoming. I have a well-known establishment in the surrounding communities. I had big city dreams. I came up with this concept when I was riding downtown Wilmington one day. I immediately said let's bring some 2024 attractions to life. He mentioned that he is appreciative of Staff taking the time to educate him on the historical aspect and their patience. I wanted my business to stand out and people to know where we were but at the same time, I did not want to be disrespectful to the city in no way shape or form. Travis and I decided to have a meeting on our end to see how we could make it tasteful and to put it into the community where people will say okay there is his business. I am in a whole rebuild process and it is very stressful. He thanked God that he had insurance on his building. He welcomed Mrs. Sharon Duca and stated that it was nice to meet her. Mrs. Duca replied thank you and nice to meet you as well. Mr. Fears stated that his goal is to do great things as well as continue to do great things for the City of Dover. I can contribute respectfully to this meeting to see how we can come to some resolution and collectively work together with all of us to help bring some type of attraction to not only Downtown for men and women but for Fears Promotion and Barber Shops. Mr. Street asked if this was a revised proposal. Mrs. Melson-Williams replied yes. Mr. Street stated that after reading through the Staff Report and the Revised proposal, it appears I'll say from my perspective of what I read in our Guidelines and City Standards and everything else that this is very much closely within our Guidelines. Other than I think what you reference on with the Promotions portion being on the second level of the window. Is that right? Mr. Fears stated that we are actually going to make it even lower because of the line of sight. Mr. Street asked, is that the rub right now, that it is on that second level of the window? Because everything else I'm reading talks about four feet is too large and the vinyl I think is scaled down. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that Staff would say that yes, the Revised presentation places the salon logos very distinctly on the lowest window area in two spots and then the Fears Promotion is across really two sections of windows. It does go around an angle but that's also lower than the heavy horizontal band that exists on this glass front. What gets a little tricky is the spaces behind the glass. The floors don't match up with the horizontal bands of the windows; so, that's where it's a little tricky. I think certainly the Fears Promotion may appear that it's on the second-floor sort of. 4 6

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 Ms. Oehmke mentioned that on page nine (photo) it has this in the line with basically the top of the first floor and this is the beginning of the second floor. There is a lot of space inside there so the Fears Promotion would really technically be on the second floor. Mr. Fears mentioned that the second floor of this building actually has another business. If you take the elevator and select 2 it will take you to the second floor. Mr. Street mentioned that the large window is technically a floor. Ms. Oehmke mentioned that there is a loft office space inside that space that people stand in that starts basically at the metal band. Mr. Fears mentioned that was actually why we came up with the revised portion (that I did not know I needed) which is going to be in that office space which is on the extended portion. Mr. Bowers said the Fears Promotion would go in what looks like the second section of the window that is dark. Ms. Horsey asked if the signage was going to be white vinyl letters and if the barber salon logos would be in black letters. Mr. Bowers replied no, we are going to have a white outline around the barber and the remainder would be the black outline. Chairman Czerwinski are you basically going over the beams with the sign. Mr. Fears replied correct. Chairman Czerwinski stated that there are a couple of things that this violates even with the scale down. You have gone from a 32-foot sign to a 60-foot sign. In our Guidelines, it should be sized and designed for pedestrians to see and it’s not, it’s oversized. So, you are effectively putting in a billboard in Downtown and you've decided to go over the structure line. We are not just doing the windows; we are doing the structure itself. I have a real beef with that because now it’s a billboard Downtown and overtop and way oversized for the use. Your business, I would assume, does not require pedestrian traffic to come in. You want to identify your business as being there. It's not critical that people say “oh there's Fears Promotion” except to be able to find which building you are in. Again, to me this is way oversized because if you look at our Guidelines there are references regarding buildings with signs. It’s carefully considered and well-maintained signs that do not require tremendously oversized signs that plague many modern streets today. Now granted this was built in 1995, but we're not Philadelphia and not Wilmington because again they do employ a lot of billboard signs. Mr. Fears stated that we recognize how the old Sears building was with the large sign. We recognize how other businesses Downtown even have banners. I can't do that. All I can do is put stickers on glass. I can’t hang banners or flags; I can’t do any of that. Chairman Czerwinski said, so you can't do a sign? Mr. Fears replied that when I first started, I had you know the whole balloon thing. I was told if I put that up, I would be fined $10,000 5 7

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 because it was so far back. I understand what you are saying but as I previously mentioned I cannot put flags or banners up. If we all took a walk down Loockerman Street, right now we would see roughly seven businesses in violation. But again, I don't want to be that guy. I just want to make my business known and successful. I want it to be clear, clean, and corporate. Chairman Czerwinski said I don't know too many corporate buildings that have graphics. Mr. Street stated that the scaling of the down definitely helps. I think the whole thing is a little too big. Mr. Frears made the same argument that I am about to make. If you look at these all of which have larger signs. Sears especially there's two signs on the old Sears building. Sears is just above foot traffic; so, it is kind of in keeping with that. Chairman Czerwinski asked but how many signs or how tall is the sign itself? Mr. Bowers replied he did not measure; it’s maybe 12-16 inches. Mr. Fears said again, to my defense, technically our historical building has been refaced. Is it still historical? The Sears sign was 42- feet long. Mr. Street stated that I'm not a fan of it going over those metal pieces but that's kind of their issue to resolve. Like that's how it's installed. I feel like we can't get into the sign itself. The lettering over the metal is not my problem to deal with; it is their issue to resolve. I'm happy that they brought back a Revised version. To get to a motion to try and approve it, I feel like they have made a good effort to bring it down in size. To me the only real issue is the first and second floor bay windows and high ceilings on the first floor. The vinyl isn't for me, but we have to deal with what we've got. He's got a large window face and that is the problem. Chairman Czerwinski stated that we could look at possibly a metal sign that goes across maybe the upper two pieces of metal. However, instead of having it go straight on the window, you could have a have a metal sign that's actually next to the structure that it bridges. Mr. Fears asked if that lights up. Chairman Czerwinski replied well no, he’s thinking of an alternative. Mr. Fears mentioned I understand what you are saying. I can just replace two of those things that have gunshots on them that are aluminum. Chairman Czerwinski stated I'm talking about a metal sign that goes across the top here and here (on the large metal band). You could put the Fears Promotions on that instead of on the window itself. I don’t think it would be too expensive. It’s a vinyl covered sign that is the same size. Something that would look a little more presentable instead of something that is just thrown on the side of the building. I understand that more because you don’t see vinyl on storage buildings, but you see them on signs. This is just his recommendation and idea. Mr. Fears stated that he has been trying to work to get boxing in Downtown for roughly three years. We are now in the process of trying to get that in the basement. This would be a third item and not to mention the other businesses on the second floor, no one knows who they are. So, now you have all these different things. 6 8

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 Mr. Street asked are you saying that if they came back with the same thing on a piece of metal you would be better off? Mr. Fears replied that would be far better because then it's no longer a vinyl graphic. The over the frame is what bothers me. Chairman Czerwinski mentioned I'm curious about where is the location of that business. Is it actually in the building? Is it on both sides of the first floor? Mr. Street mentioned the whole first floor is open. There was a brief discussion regarding the vinyl sign being applied to a structure as previously mentioned. Ms. Horsey mentioned she worked with vinyl lettering in her professional job but has since retired. But with all these including the barber sign, what's the guarantee for somebody not coming along on the sidewalk and to start peeling it off. I just didn't know how they would adhere so that they're not easily removed. Mr. Bowers replied the vinyl he uses has a life of 10 years. If anyone wanted to tear it down, they can. As far as deteriorating, the wall faces north so it gets no sun. It is typical to have it somewhere and he would have it saved; so, if damaged it could go back up quickly. Ms. Horsey mentioned frankly I really like the whole idea of what you have done here but I also have the same concern with the vinyl maybe you could put it to the left and incorporate it that way into the design. Mr. Bowers replied that he could draw it up that way and resubmit it. Ms. Mason asked if there were two or three floors. Mr. Fears replied two floors. Ms. Horsey asked how much time would it delay the project? Ms. Mason mentioned if you put too much stuff on there it will take away the curiosity. Ms. Horsey commented about the two signs and asked if they would be removable if he were to change his location versus having vinyl in the windows. Mr. Fears asked for clarification if the Commission was good with the Barber Sign. Mr. Street replied he did not think anyone had a problem with the two models. Chairman Czerwinski asked Ms. Richardson what she thought of the window signs. He mentioned that the image of the illustration was on the drawing showing two Barber Signs. He mentioned we all agree that the Barber signs are acceptable and perfectly fine. He asked if she was okay with the Barber Signs. Ms. Richardson replied yes. 7 9

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 Mr. Street recommended approval of the request of the Barber Signs both male and female for Permit #23-1462 on the lower portion of the window as amended and presented to Staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Horsey and unanimously carried 5-0. Roll Call Vote Mr. Street- Yes Ms. Mason-Yes Ms. Horsey-Yes Chairman Czerwinski -Yes Mrs. Richardson-Yes Mr. Street recommended approval of the Fears Promotion signs limiting it to the silver aluminum banding between what appears to be the first and second floor of the building at 32 West Loockerman Street whether it be attached as vinyl or some other sign (material surface). The letters cannot be any bigger than the metal band. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mason and unanimously carried 5-0. Roll Call Vote Mr. Street- Yes Ms. Mason-Yes Ms. Horsey-Yes Chairman Czerwinski -Yes Mrs. Richardson-abstain (due to technical difficulties in hearing the discussion) Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned to Mr. Fears and Mr. Bowers if you want to update that drawing and submit it to Staff, we can amend the Permit to reflect what has been approved here today. We will be able to review (the Permit) and get that issued to you. Mr. Fears replied yes and thanked everyone. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition Permit #23-1521 at 153 South Bradford Street – Referral by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission for Review of Architectural Review Certification for a Demolition Permit Application #23-1521. The project proposes partial demolition of the existing two-story masonry building by removal of the second floor and construction of a new roof system. The property is zoned C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) and subject to the H (Historic District Zone). The property is located on the east side of S. Bradford Street between W. Loockerman Street and Reed Street. The owner of record is JD Land Corporation. Address: 153 S. Bradford Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-35.00-000. Council District 4. Subject of Code Enforcement Case #23-3847 for condemnation. Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that this was a Referral of a Demolition and Renovations Permit for that specific location that proposed the Demolition of the existing second floor of the building. It’s basically turning it into a one-story building and creating a new roof system. I received late yesterday afternoon a request by e-mail sent from Kevin Baird of Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt & Federico, LLC and he notes our firm represents Bhavesh Patel on several matters (that is the property owner). He has asked us to represent his entity JD Land Corporation before the Historic District Commission at tomorrow's meeting scheduled for 3:30 PM (which is today's meeting). It has come to our attention that we have a conflict of interest and will not be able to 8 10

Item 1. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 2023 represent him at the meeting. So that Mr. Patel may obtain substitute legal counsel we respectfully request that Mr. Patel's application be deferred until the next meeting of the Commission. We have a written request to defer your consideration of this Permit Referral until your would-be November meeting of the Commission. Mrs. Melson-Williams noted that she sees heads nodding and that it seems that the Commission is amenable to that. If there are no comments regarding that Referral, we will just defer that to the next meeting of the Commission at the applicant’s request. With this Request to defer there will be no action taken regarding the Permit until your consideration happens on November 16, 2023. Mr. Street moved to accept the deferment of Application HI-23-05 until the next meeting of November 16, 2023. The motion was seconded by Chairman Czerwinski and unanimously carried 5-0. Roll Call Vote Mr. Street- Yes Chairman Czerwinski -Yes Ms. Mason-Yes Ms. Horsey-Yes Mrs. Richardson-Yes OLD BUSINESS Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Mrs. Melson-Williams stated that there were no updates. Implementation of 2019 Comprehensive Plan Mrs. Melson-Williams mentioned there was no particular information for you all on that other than some of those other studies that I reported on earlier are certainly going towards meeting a number of goals and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. That is to be expected as part of the overall implementation coming out of the Comp Plan process. Chairman Czerwinski asked if there were any further questions. There was none. Mr. Street moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Chairman Czerwinski, and unanimously carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 4:36 PM Sincerely, Maretta Savage-Purnell Secretary 9 11

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2022 Item 2. Updated thru November 8, 2023 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-22-01 Referral of Fence 502 -506 S. State Fence Permit Permit #21-1556 referred to HDC by Permit Application received 11/18/2021 Permit #21-1556 Street and 100 W. City Planner for consultation on and Referred to the HDC for consultation. at 506 S. State Water Street Architectural Review Certification; Permit approved for issuance per HDC Street 1/20/2022 HDC recommended action of 1/20/2022. Permit issued approval of ArchRevCert to allow 1/24/2022. Fence installed. revised height of 6-feet for black metal fence. HI-22-02 Lands of the State 411 S Governors Rezoning to H Public Hearing and Review by HDC on Request to expand boundary of the Historic of Delaware at S. Avenue, 429 S (Historic District 3/24/2022; Recommended Approval District as Rezoning Application HI-22-02/Z- Governors Governors Avenue, Zone) of Rezoning 22-01. Public Hearing and Review by Avenue and W. 435 S Governors Planning Commission on 3/21/2022 - Water Street: Avenue, 439 S Recommendation of Approval; Public Rezoning to H Governors Hearing and Review by Historic District Avenue/117 W Commission on 3/24/2022 - Water Street, 441 S Recommendation of Approval; and Governors Avenue, scheduled for Public Hearing and Final 447 S Governors Action by City Council on 4/11/2022. Avenue Rezoning Approved. HI-22-03 Kent County 415 S. Governors Site Plan Review for Public Hearing and Review for Site development plan for new Courthouse Family Avenue and 445 S. Architectural Recommendation on Architectural Building, Parking Garage Structure, and Courthouse & Governors Avenue; Certification Review Certification by HDC on associated Site Improvements. HDC Parking Garage East side of S. 4/11/2022. Recommended approval of recommendation forwarded to Planning Governors Avenue ArchRevCert including reduction of Commission. Planning Commission granted between Bank Lane rear yard setback. Update on Revision conditional approval of S-22-06 and and W. Water St for Fence Alternative referred to HDC ArchRevCert on June 21, 2022. Final Plan for 7/20/2023 Meeting. Approval granted 7/24/2023. Lot Consolidation Plan to recorded. Consideration of Revision for Fence Alternative granted conditional approval by HDC 7/20/2023. Building Permits #23-1150 Courthouse and #23-1151 Parking Garage issued 10/23/2023. 12

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2022 Item 2. Updated thru November 8, 2023 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-22-04 Referral of Permit 527-529 S. State Permit for Parking Permit #22-661 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 4/20/2022 and #22-661 at 527- Street Improvements Planner for consultation on Referred to the HDC for consultation. 529 S. State Architectural Review Certification; HDC Project for construction of seven parking Street recommended ArchRevCert with spaces on the property. received conditions on screening at 5/19/2022 submission of Revised Plan of parking area Meeting for Permit Review. Permit issued 12/27/2022. Project underway. HI-22-05 Delaware Public 121 Martin Luther Architectural Review Project referred to HDC by City Planner Proposed Roof Project Referred to the HDC Archives: King Jr. Boulevard Certification for consultation on Architectural for consultation. Project design Consultation on North Consultation Review Certification; HDC considered consideration of alternative materials for Roof Project at 5/19/2022 Meeting and made Roof Replacement Project. Roof Permit recommendation of roof material Application received in July 2023; issued options. 7/14/2023. Project underway. HI-22-06 Referral of Permit 43 The Green, John Permit for Accessory Permit #22-1298 referred to HDC by Permit Application received 7/25/2022 and #22-1298 at 43 Bell House Structure (Restroom City Planner for consultation on Referred to the HDC for consultation. The Green & Storage) Architectural Review Certification; at Project for construction of accessory 8/18/2022 HDC recommended structure on the property. Permit approved approval of ArchRevCert to allow by Planning Office for issuance per HDC accessory structure construction and action of 8/18/2022. Permit issued reduction of rear setback requirement. 8/15/2023. Project under construction. 13

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2022 Item 2. Updated thru November 8, 2023 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-22-07 Referral of 235-239 West Update on Project referred to HDC by City Planner Building declared Dangerous by City Council Demolition Loockerman Street Dangerous Building for update on building and proposal on 8/15/2022. Following no action by Activities at 235- Designation and for Demolition of Dangerous Building; property owner, the City is progressing with 239 W. Demolition Activities at 10/10/2022 Meeting HDC Bid Process for Demolition; Bid Opening Loockerman St considered Determination of was 10/26/2022 and award made. HDC Demolition by Neglect and determined "Demolition By Neglect" for the Architectural Review Certification for Building and pertaining to Architectural Demolition Review Certification the HDC's motion requested continued evaluation of the building for the potential of saving it acknowledging potential buyer interest. Determination by City Solicitor that City Council Action governs. Demolition Permit #22-1902 issued 12/5/2022. Demolition complete and lot stabilized with grass planting. 14

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2023 Item 2. Updated thru November 8, 2023 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-23-01 Lands of Shank 34 The Green Site Plan for Parking Review for Architectural Review Site Plan granted conditional approval by Shack, LLC: Lot Reconfiguration Certification of Site Plan; Public Historic District Commission. Administrative Parking Lot Improvements Hearing and Review by HDC Site Plan review completed: Final Plan Improvements 1/19/2023. Recommended approval of approval issued May 2023. of ArchRevCert for project. Administrative Building Permit #23-1668 issued 11/6/2023 to commence construction. Improvements are associated with future Kent County Family Court Project. HI-23-02 Referral of Fence 147 S. New Street Fence Permit Permit #23-781 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received 5/12/2023 and Permit #23-781 at Planner for consultation on Referred to the HDC for consultation. 147 S. New Street Architectural Review Certification; Permit to be approved for issuance per HDC 5/18/2023 HDC recommended action of 5/18/2023. Permit issued approval of ArchRevCert to allow 6/6/2023. Fence installed. height of 6-feet constructed of wood materials that may be stained (no vinyl fence). HI-23-03 Referral of Permit 43 The Green, John Sign Permit for Permit #23-987 referred to HDC by City Permit Application received and Referred to #23-987 at 43 The Bell House Informational Kiosk Planner for consultation on the HDC for consultation. Project is Green Architectural Review Certification; installation of information kiosk of 9 SF as 7/20/2023 HDC recommended post and panel style sign to display approval of ArchRevCert to allow kiosk information on the First State Heritage Park style sign subject to use of certain activities. Permit approved for issuance per materials. HDC action of 7/20/2023 requiring the use of black metal material or painted wood for kiosk. HI-23-04 Referral of Sign 32 W. Loockerman Sign Permit for 2 Permit #23-1462 referred to HDC by Permit Application received and Referred to Permit #23-1462 Street Business Tenants City Planner for consultation on the HDC for Consultation. Project is at 32 W. Architectural Review Certification; installation of signage for two tenants. HDC Loockerman St 10/19/2023 HDC recommended recommended Revised Signage. Waiting approval of ArchRevCert for window updated Permit resubmission with details. signs and signs on metal band. 15

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2023 Item 2. Updated thru November 8, 2023 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-23-05 Referral of 153 S. Bradford Demolition Permit Permit #23-1521 referred to HDC by Demolition Street for Demolition of City Planner for consultation on Building condemned by Code Enforcement, Permit #23-1521 Second Floor Architectural Review Certification; Case #23-3847. Permit Application received at 153 S. Bradford deferred from October 19, 2023 HDC for Partial Demolition and Referred to the St Meeting at request of Applicant. HDC for Consultation. Project seeks to Scheduled for November 16, 2023 HDC demolish the second floor of the masonry Meeting. building and construct flat roof system. 16

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification Item 3. 2023 - Updated Thru 10-31-2023 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 1/25/2023 22-2005 101 W Loockerman St Fence Permit Staff Approval Installation of gate system (metal) at parking lot entrances. 2/16/2023 23-6 6 S State Street Window Permit Staff Approval Replacement of windows on third floor with double hung 2-over-2 windows. Same size as existing. 2/23/2023 23-91 45 S State Street Demolition Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior demolition activities related required for interior work. to renovations due to water damage. 3/20/2023 22-1674 108 W Loockerman St, Sign Permit Staff Approval Installation of projecting sign for Coney Island Grill restaurant. 4/21/2023 22-1017 144 S Governors Avenue Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations for commercial Renovations required for interior work. tenant space on first floor and apartment units on second floor. No exterior changes to brick building. 4/12/2023 23-315 225 W Loockerman St Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations for commercial Renovations required for interior work. tenant (retail) on first floor. 4/12/2023 23-316 225 W Loockerman St Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations for apartment Renovations required for interior work. unit on second floor. 4/4/2023 23-354 146 S State Street Sign Permit Staff Approval Installation of projecting sign for office and wall sign placement on porch railing side. 4/4/2023 23-355 144 Kings Hwy SW Sign Permit Staff Approval Installation of projecting sign along porch cornice for restaurant. 4/5/2023 23-364 231 W Loockerman St Fence Permit Staff Approval Installation of two gates in alleyway spaces between buildings. 4/19/2023 23-421 102 S Governors Ave Administrative Building Permit Staff Approval Replacement of sidewalk leading to building. 17

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification Item 3. 2023 - Updated Thru 10-31-2023 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 4/17/2023 23-442 31 W Loockerman St Sign Permit Staff Approval Installation of one projecting sign and reface of existing wall (box) sign for new retail tenant. 4/20/2023 23-458 203 S State Street, Delaware Roof Permit Staff Approval Roof replacement with DaVinci State University Foundation shake style composite shingles on multiple roof surfaces. 4/20/2023 23-459 203 S State Street, Delaware Building Permit - Exterior Staff Approval Reinstallation of shutters on State University Foundation Renovations building of panel shutters and louvered shutters with metal hardware. 4/26/2023 23-478 6 Kings Hwy NE Fence Permit Staff Approval installation of black metal fence with gates in the rear. 4/21/2023 23-546 151 Kings Hwy SW, Roof Permit No Planning Staff Review. Replacement of flat roof with EDPM Woodburn roof membrane. 5/5/2023 23-547 151 Kings Hwy SW, Building Permit - Exterior Staff Approval Repair south portico columns. Woodburn Renovations 5/3/2023 23-610 33 S. State Street Sign Permit Staff Approval Additional business name panel added to existing post sign. 5/19/2023 23-790 151-181 Kings Hwy SW, Fence Permit Staff Approval Black aluminum fencing added Woodburn along south and east property lines. 5/25/2023 23-853 117-119 W Loockerman Roof Permit Staff Approval Replacement of flat roof with roof Steet, Mitten & Winters membrane. 6/6/2023 23-781 147 S. New Street, Tastes Fence Permit Staff Approval per HDC Replacement of fence with wood Chicken & Seafood Recommendation of 5/18/2023 fence of 6 ft. height as per HDC Recommendation of HI-23-02 6/29/2023 23-1025 140 S. State Street, Grey Fox Window Permit Staff Approval Replacement of all windows to Grille follow same size and reconfiguration. 7/13/2023 23-945 501 S. State Street, Christ Temporary Sign Permit Staff Approval Temporary Banner installation. Church 7/26/2023 23-962 136 W. Loockerman Street, Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior Renovations for new Key to Life Juice Bar Renovations required for interior work. restaurant type tenant. 18

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification Item 3. 2023 - Updated Thru 10-31-2023 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 7/25/2023 23-987 45 The Green, next to John Sign Permit Staff Approval per HDC Kiosk (for activity postings) in yard Bell House Recommendation of 7/20/2023 area next to John Bell House. Permit approved subject to material conditions of HDC Consultation HI- 23-03. 7/14/2023 23-999 121 Martin Luther King Jr Roof Permit Staff Approval per HDC consultation Roof replacement of flat roof areas Blvd N discussion of HI-22-05 in May 2022. as membrane and pitched roof areas as composite slate. Previous consultation with HDC on roof material options. 7/13/2023 23-1066 29 S. State Street Roof Permit Staff Approval. Roof replacement of existing asphalt shingles with new architectural asphalt shingles. 8/15/2023 22-1298 43 The Green, John Bell Building Permit - Accessory Staff Approval per HDC Construction of accessory structure House Structure Recommendation of 8/18/2022. with storage and restroom. Reviewed as HI-22-06. 8/15/2023 23-1050 89 Kings Highway SW, Window & Door Permit Staff Approval. Replacement of exterior windows DNREC - Richardson & and repairs to sills, headers, and Robbins Building trimwork and refinish/repair select doors. 8/2/2023 23-1167 123 W. Loockerman Street, Sign Permit Staff Approval. Installation of wall sign for business. The Wedding Boutique 8/17/2023 23-1207 28 W. Loockerman Street, Sign Permit Staff Approval. Installation of wall sign (individual The Hive: Business & Event letters) in sign band area of wall. Center 8/23/2023 23-1225 420 S. State Street, Offices Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to convert for Delaware Restaurant Renovations required for interior work. existing single family detached Association residence to offices. 8/25/2023 23-1253 217-221 W. Loockerman Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to portion of Street, Catering & Teaching Renovations required for interior work. building to convert spaces to Commercial Kitchen Catering & Teaching Commercial Kitchen. 19

Summary of Permit Applications with Architectural Review Certification Item 3. 2023 - Updated Thru 10-31-2023 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 9/12/2023 23-1236 21 W. Loockerman Street, Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Installation of Stair Lift on interior Dover Art League Renovations required for interior work. for access to second floor gallery. 9/7/2023 23-1380 108 E Water Street Roof Permit Staff Approval. Roof replacement of asphalt shingles with asphalt shingles. 9/13/2023 23-1430 136 E. Water Street Building Permit - Interior No Planning Staff Review. Interior Renovations for crawlspace Renovations insulation. 9/26/2023 23-1512 410 Federal Street, O'Neill Door Permit Staff Approval Replacement of two exterior raised Building panel double entry doors in same format. 10/19/2023 23-373 500 W Loockerman St Administrative Building Permit -Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations for tenant fit- Tenant Fitout required for interior work. out. 10/23/2023 23-1150 445 S Governors Avenue, Building Permit Approval per HDC Recommendation New construction of Courthouse Kent County Family and PC Approval of ArchRevCert Building. Reviewed as HI-22-03 and Courthouse S-22-06. 10/23/2023 23-1151 415 S Governors Avenue. Building Permit Approval per HDC Recommendation New construction of Parking Kent County Family and PC Approval of ArchRevCert Structure for Courthouse. Reviewed Courthouse Parking Garage as HI-22-03 and S-22-06. 10/24/2023 23-1621 145 Kings Hwy SW, Sign Permit Staff Approval. Replace of existing monument sign Apartment Complex at entrance to apartment complex. Consolidated several signs into one. 10/27/2023 23-1642 6 Kings Hwy NE, Single Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to kitchen. Family Residence Renovations required for interior work. 20

Item 4. Potential Revisions to Zoning Ordinance for C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) CURRENT CODE RECOMMENDED CONCEPTS FOR REVISION Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 Section 14 or as noted 1 Retail stores No change 2 Restaurants No change 3 Hotels, including bed and breakfast inns No change 4 Art galleries and studios No change 5 Service establishments No change 6 Personal service establishments No change 7 Business professional, and government offices No change 8 Apartments and multi-family dwellings, provided that no Allow uses associated with apartments (i.e., lobbies, dwelling units shall be permitted in the first floor on the amenity spaces) on first floor of Loockerman Street street frontage of Loockerman 9 Parking lot and parking structure is a Conditional Use (A Parking lot and parking structure as a permitted use Conditional Use is required to be reviewed and approved USES by the Planning Commission.) 10 Not clearly allowed Microbrewery/craft distillery/meadery 11 Allowed by interpretation Commercial Kitchen 12 Manufacturing, assembling, converting, altering, Allow the making and processing of consumer goods and finishing, cleaning, or any other processing of products products such as baked goods, glass blowing, and where goods so produced or processed are to be sold at handmade items where goods are processed and sold at retail exclusively on the premises, provided that: retail or on-line. (1) An area fully concealed from any street and equal to not more than 20 percent of the area devoted to retail sales shall be so used; (2) Electrical power not to exceed a total of five rated horsepower, and steam pressure not in excess of 60 pounds of pressure per square inch shall be used exclusively; Potential Revisions to C-2 Zone Chart 10.18.2023 Page 1 of213

Item 4. (3) Not more than four employees are engaged in such production or processing 13 Pop-up kitchen/restaurant/retail are not clearly allowed Pop-up kitchen/pop-up restaurant/pop-up retail 14 Place of public assembly is a Conditional Use Place of public assembly as a permitted use 15 Outdoor use – i.e., patios, eating areas, parklets Clarify process of outdoor use – i.e., patios, eating areas, parklets 16 Maximum building height is 6 stories and 75 feet Maximum building height 10 stories and 125 feet BUILDING HEIGHT Zoning Ordinance, Article 4, Section 4.14 • If building is above 3 stories, then upper floors need to be setback (wedding cake style) on sides facing the street. • Consider Residential 10% set aside of units for affordable units for every floor above 6 stories and 75 feet. Can be put into an affordable housing fund for non-profits. 17 No parking requirements for existing buildings in C-2 No parking requirements for existing buildings in C-2 Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 Section 3.1(a)ii zone No minimum parking requirements for new construction in C-2 zone 18 Parking minimums for the following uses (for all zoning No minimum parking requirements based on use in the districts): Downtown Redevelopment Target Area • Medical Office: 1 space per 300 square feet of floor PARKING area • Apartments: 2 spaces per dwelling unit plus 1 space per 200 square feet office space plus 0.25 space per dwelling unit for visitor space • Restaurants and bars: 1 space for every 4 seats plus 1 space for every 3 bar seats • Hotel: 1 space per guestroom plus 1 space for every 200 square feet of office space, banquet hall, or meeting areas Potential Revisions to C-2 Zone Chart 10.18.2023 Page 2 of223

Item 4. Zoning Ordinance Article 6 Section 3.1 19 The Planning Commission (or City Planner if it’s an Parking Waiver still available for consideration administrative plan review) may consider a waiver to reduce the required parking amount by up to 50% if applicant demonstrates the project is adequately served by transportation and parking alternatives. Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 Section 3.9 20 Bicycle parking-1 bicycle parking space for every 20 Bicycle parking will still be required parking spaces. The Planning Commission may waive this requirement. Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 Section 3.10 21 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 4.0 Consider removing any lot coverage restrictions 22 Tree mitigation fund not available Allow for tree mitigation fund whereby a donation to the fund in lieu of planting a tree per the landscaping requirements in Downtown 23 Dumpster rate based on use. Eliminate Dumpster rate but keep screening and enclosure MISCELLANEOUS • Restaurant: Two required for the first 3,000 square requirements feet of gross building area; one required for each additional 3,000 square feet of gross building area or fraction thereof • Office and retail less than 50,000 square feet: Two required for the first 16,000 square feet of gross floor area; one required for each additional 16,000 square feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof • Apartment: Two required for the first 48 apartments; one required for each additional 24 apartments or fraction thereof Potential Revisions to C-2 Zone Chart 10.18.2023 Page 3 of233

Item 5. City of Dover ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW REPORT Referral by City Planner to Historic District Commission Meeting of October 19, 2023 Permit: Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 Location: 153 S. Bradford Street, Dover, DE Located on the east side of S. Bradford Street between W. Loockerman Street and Reed Street Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-35.00-000 File Number: HI-23-05 Present Zoning: C-2 (Central Commercial Zone) H (Historic District Zone) Referral of Permit: The following application Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 for 153 S Bradford Street is referred by the City Planner to the Historic District Commission for consultation regarding the issuance of the Architectural Review Certificate for a Partial Demolition/Renovations project. 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. The Historic District Commission will act on an Architectural Review Certificate regarding the request for Partial Demolition with Renovations of the building. Permit Proposal: Demolition/Renovations #23-1521 was filed on September 26, 2023 for a project at 153 S. Bradford Street in Dover, Delaware. The Project outlined in the Permit submission involves the partial demolition of the existing two-story masonry building by removal of the second floor and construction of a new roof system. This project will basically create a one story building with the described interior and exterior improvements to reconstruct the roof and its associated roof drainage systems. The new roof system is a flat roof of an EPDM membrane roofing behind P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service 24

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 2 of 8 parapet wall. On the front façade, the upper portion of the wall is removed beginning at the sill height of paired window sets. The Demolition/ Renovations Permit Construction Notes state that patching and repointing of masonry wall “as required due to damage incurred from removal of second floor,” and as well as “All masonry to be repointed and sealed to provide a watertight barrier.” City of Dover Code Enforcement Case #23-3847 was opened on August 2, 2023 related to building exterior/interior conditions and property conditions resulting in a condemnation. The building was deemed uninhabitable, and a condemnation notice was posted. Significant cracks were noted and the bowing of concrete blocks. Property Information and History: The building appears to be of mid-twentieth century yellow brick on west front elevation with storefront display window and entry door. Yellow brick wraps to northern elevation before changing to the masonry concrete blocks and continues to other elevations. A series of sources were reviewed for information on the property as presented below. See map excerpts and photographs at end of Report. • A series of historic maps was reviewed by Planning Staff for preliminary information on this block of South Bradford Street. The 1868 Beers Map published by Pomeroy & Beers and the 1885 Bird’s Eye View of Dover pre-date the subject building but show the established street grid for the area. • The 1897 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the subject area as a transition from residential dwellings on South Bradford Street to commercial entities fronting West Loockerman Street. The building at the corner was a store for Hardware, Paints & Agricultural Implements. The 1919 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the same function for the corner building. These are likely earlier buildings on site as other historic photos show a Fire at the adjacent corner building circa 1947 which likely resulted in new buildings being constructed. A 1950 markup of a Sanborn Fire Insurance Map shows the current two story concrete block building as a store and a separate two story concrete block building at the corner with W. Loockerman Street. • This building is located within a National Register Historic District, specifically the Victorian Dover Historic District. Provided below is the building summary from the building inventory listing found within the National Register nomination completed for the Victorian Dover Historic District (nomination completed 1977-78). o K0396.149 – 153 S. Bradford Street – 20th century, 2-story, masonry commercial/residential structure; yellow brick façade; flat roof, parapet. • The building at 153 S. Bradford is separate from the adjacent yellow brick Building at 33 W. Loockerman, which is the corner building. • According to the Tax Office records, the building construction dates to circa 1950. In reviewing permit records, the only records found are a 2002 Mechanical Permit and 2005 Plumbing Permit. 25 2

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 3 of 8 The project site is located within the local Historic District Zone (H) and subject to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §21 and referenced sections. Review of DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES Staff Review of Permit for Architectural Review Certification: 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. The subject property is located in the Dover Historic District Zone within the Loockerman Historic Context. The Loockerman Historic Context is described on pages 2-7 through 2-8. Location within the Dover Historic District Zone requires proposals for specific types of construction activities such as new construction, additions to existing buildings, exterior renovations, and demolition of buildings to receive an Architectural Review Certificate. In reviewing the proposed project for Architectural Review Certification, Staff referenced various sections of Chapter 4: New Construction, Additions, Demolition and Relocation 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 Request should be reviewed for conformity with the design criteria and development guidelines found in the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone. The Design Standards and Guidelines gives guidance to the Historic District Commission by listing specific criteria to be evaluated when considering applications for the demolition of buildings (or portions of buildings) in the historic district. See Chapter 4: pages 4-10 to 4-12. These guidelines are summarized below (see Design Standards and Guidelines for the complete text). 1. Determine the financial implications of maintaining a property versus demolition. 2. Regardless of economic issues the relative significance of the individual buildings slated for demolition should be evaluated. 3. In development related applications the City should review the schematic plans for the new structures to weigh the virtues of the new structure versus what exists. 4. Determine the extent of adequate recordation of a property the applicant would be required to complete if demolition were approved. 26 3

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 4 of 8 5. Lots left vacant by demolition should be treated in a manner that is sympathetic to the historic context. While this Demolition Permit is regrettable as the building was allowed to be neglected to this point of disrepair, the Design Standards and Guidelines state on page 4-11: “Indeed, the only other legitimate reason for consideration of demolition is if the building poses a threat to public safety.” The renovations related to construction activities to finish/cap the new wall top at the parapet and then construction of the roof system would be subject to portions of the Design Standards and Guidelines found in Chapter 3: Maintenance, Repair, Preservation and Restoration of Existing Historic Buildings. In this Chapter, there are sections on Walls: Masonry and also on Flashing, Gutters and Down Spouts. Historic District Commission Action The Historic District Commission should consider the proposal for the Partial Demolition/Renovations Project and take action in regard to the Architectural Review Certification for the Selective Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521. The Historic District Commission may add conditions for the demolition in order to comply with the character of the property within the Historic District. Staff Findings from Review of Demolition/Renovations Permit: Staff findings and recommendations are summarized as follows for the proposed demolition project as presented in Permit #23-1521 at 153 S. Bradford Street and accompanying documents. The following are the Staff comments and recommendations for this application regarding project activities and an Architectural Review Certificate. 1) Building Location: The location of the property is between a parking lot and another commercial building. The building is placed at the front property line at the wide sidewalk of S. Bradford Street. No change to the building’s footprint is proposed by this Demolition/Renovation Permit. However, the building will only be one story. The back yard is fenced, with property at 27 W Loockerman having view of the back of the applicant building as well as the back yard. 2) Massing and Design: The original building is a 2 story with a flat roof with parapet. Following the partial demolition, the proposed building would have the same general roof system concept of a flat roof with parapet. However, it will only be one story. The original brickwork on the second floor has a slight projecting geometric shape, giving it visual interest; however, that detail is in the area to be removed. While it appears to be connected to the Art Deco Style building next door, the building is not. 3) Material: The building is yellow brick. According to the drawing sheet of the Permit submission design document, the new roof will be an EPDM Membrane roofing over ½” cover board on rigid insulation slope at ¼” per 6” thick at low end on vapor barrier on 1” fiber board on existing framing. a. With removal of second floor wall, it is recommended to retain some yellow brick for necessary replacements when finishing the capping of the wall. 27 4

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 5 of 8 4) The Design Standards and Guidelines outline specific criteria to be evaluated in considering demolition applications (page 4-10 through 4-12). The building is currently condemned. This Demolition/Renovations Permit has been submitted as a path forward for repair of the building and may be the reasoning for demolition of the Building. However, more specific information may be requested from the applicant. a) The partial demolition of the building may be warranted depending on the building’s condition (structural soundness, rehabilitation needs, etc.). b) Information on the applicant’s consideration of options to retain the second story or its feasibility for rehabilitation was not provided. c) It is Staff’s observation that with the partial demolition the integrity of the original mid- century building will be affected; however, at least a portion of the building will remain. 5) Staff is not aware of any documentation/recordation of the existing building beyond the initial Cultural Resource Survey. The Historic District Commission could require additional documentation/recordation of the building if deemed appropriate. a) Staff recommends that the Survey records be updated to include the current photographs and permit plans information. Planning Staff can coordinate transmission of this information to the State Historic Preservation Office. Advisory Comments and Recommendations: 1. The applicant should be aware that issuance of a Demolition/Renovations Permit is required prior to the commencement of construction activities. The Permit Application will be subject to the conditions of approval established and may be required to be updated, if necessary, to comply with these conditions established through the Architectural Review Certification process. 2. In the event that major changes and revisions to the project proposal occur, contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. These changes may require resubmittal for review by the Historic District Commission. 3. Any future construction activities and installation of signage for a business tenant are subject to additional review processes for permitting and plan review. The use of the building must comply with the uses allowed in the C-2 (Central Commercial Zone). Images: • Clip of Sanborn Map dated 1897 • Clip of Sanborn Map dated 1919 • Photograph series, dated 2023 Attachments: • Letter of Referral Notice to Applicant dated October 11, 2023 • Building Permit #23-1521 Application Form and Permit submission documents • Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone, Chapter 4, 4-10 through 4-12 28 5

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 6 of 8 1897 Sanborn Map 1919 Sanborn Map 29 6

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 7 of 8 2023 30 7

Item 5. HI-23-05 Referral of Demolition/Renovations Permit #23-1521 153 S. Bradford Street Staff Report to the Historic District Commission Page 8 of 8 31 8

City of Dover Item 5. October 11, 2023 Muhammad Iqbal JD Land Corporation 1200 S. Bay Rd 153 S. Bradford St. Dover, DE 19901 Dover, DE 19901 Via Email: rhawthorne506@gmail.com Re: Referral of Demolition Permit #23-1521 to Historic District Commission, HI-23-05 Proposed Partial Demolition of existing Building at 153 S Bradford Street, Dover, DE Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.09-02-35.00 Dear Mr. Iqbal & JD Land Corporation, This letter is to inform you that the Demolition Permit for the property at 32 W Loockerman Street has been referred to the City of Dover Historic District Commission for consideration. This consideration is for Review of Architectural Review Certification for request to remove the second floor of the building, as well as renovate the interior and exterior of the building. This permit is for selective demolition. The subject property at 153 South Bradford Street is located within the City of Dover’s Historic District. The City Planner has determined that the Demolition Permit should be reviewed and approved by the Historic District Commission before issuance of the permit. 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 and demolition activities (Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §21.3). Minor demolitions are eligible for Staff review of the ARC during the Demolition/Building 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 activities for Architectural Review Certification, Staff referenced Chapter 4: New Construction, Additions, Demolition and Relocation of the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone. The City of Dover Historic District Commission will review Demolition Permit at their next meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 3:30pm. The Meeting is scheduled as an In-Person Meeting in the City Hall Conference Room at City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza and as a Virtual Meeting using WebEx. The Meeting Agenda will include information on methods for participation. A separate meeting invitation to Join the Meeting will also be sent by email to the available property contacts should you wish to participate virtually. P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service 32

Historic District Commission Letter of Referral: Demo Permit # 23-1521 at 153 S. Bradford St. Item 5. October 11, 2023 Page 2 of 2 This Referral has been assigned Application #HI-23-05. You are encouraged to participate in this meeting as the property is discussed. Staff will provide the Historic District Commission with the referral materials from the Demolition Permit submission and other background information for their review and action. The Staff Review Report for HI-23-05 and the Meeting Agenda will also be provided to you or can be found on the City’s website www.cityofdover.com under the Quick Link – Meeting & Agendas once posted. If you have questions about the Historic District Commission Meeting, please contact the Planning Office at (302)736-7196 or by email at compplan@dover.de.us or koehmke@dover.de.us. Sincerely, Department of Planning and Inspections Katherine Oehmke Katherine Oehmke Planner I Cc: HI-23-05 Permit #23-1521 Eddie Kopp, Code Enforcement 33

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Item 6. BY-LAWS OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF CITY OF DOVER --------------------------------------- OBJECTIVES Section 1. The objectives and purposes of the Historic District Commission of the City of Dover, Delaware, are those set forth in Dover Code, Appendix B, Article 10, Section 3, and amendments and supplements, thereto, and those powers and duties delegated to the Historic District Commission by the City Council of the City of Dover pursuant to such statute. POWERS. DUTIES AND PROCEDURES Section 2. The duties, powers and procedures of the Historic District Commission are as set forth in the following documents: (a) The Ordinance adopted by the City Council establishing such Historic District Commission; (b) The building Zone Ordinance as to matters relating to the Architectural Plan Review Certification process, the designation of Historic District boundaries, historic preservation and the establishment of standards and guidelines for preservation and conservation of Historic District zones. OFFTCERS Section 3.1 The officers of the Historic District Commission shall consist of a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman. 48

Item 6. Section 3.2 The Chairman shall preside at the meetings and hearings of the Historic District Commission and shall have the duties usually conferred upon a presiding officer. He shall continue to exercise the prerogatives of an individual member of the Commission while performing the duties of presiding officer. Section 3.3 The Vice Chairman shall be the presiding officer in the absence of the Chairman. RECORDING AND CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Section 4. The Commission shall appoint a Secretary who shall not be a member of the Historic District Commission or an officer, and shall have the following duties and responsibilities: (a) Prepare agenda for all meetings with the Chairman and provide notice of meetings to Commission members. (b) Keep minutes of all meetings, and records of the Commission. (c) Act as agent for the Commission in receiving submissions, applications, correspondence, etc. (d) Act as agent for the Commission in arranging for notice of public hearings and notifying interested parties of Commission actions as authorized by the Commission. OFFICIAL RECORDS Section 5. The City Clerk shall be the official custodian of the records of the Historic District Commission and shall make them available to the public as provided by law. The City Clerk may designate the office of the Secretary of the Commission or the Planning Office as the place where such records shall be kept. 49

Item 6. ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS Section 6.1 The officers shall be elected by the Historic District Commission at the annual organization meeting which shall be the regular scheduled meeting in November of each year. Section 6.2 A candidate receiving a majority vote of the entire membership of the Historic District Commission shall be declared elected and shall serve for one year or until his or her successor shall take office. Section 6.3 Vacancies in offices shall be filled by the Historic District Commission at any scheduled or special meeting. Section 6.4 The Chairman and Vice-Chairman may serve two appointed terms. (Six Years). MEETINGS Section 7.1 The Historic District Commission shall hold one regular public meeting during each calendar month. The Chairman may cancel a regular meeting upon determination that there is no pending business or new application for Architectural Review Certificates; however at a minimum the Commission shall meeting quarterly. Section 7.2 The monthly meeting date for the coming year shall be established by a majority of the Commission at its organization meeting of the year. The date of the public meeting can be changed during the year by a majority of the Commission. Section 7.3 The Commission will consider all applications concerning matters within its jurisdiction only at its public meetings. All items to be submitted for consideration at any public meeting shall be submitted in complete form for Commission consideration not less than thirty days prior to said meeting. No items submitted subsequent to this time shall be placed upon the Agenda except by a majority vote of the Commission members present at such meeting. The 50

Item 6. official date of receipt of any matter presented to the Commission shall be the date of the first public meeting at which such matter is received for consideration. Any maximum time periods established by the Zoning Ordinance or other local laws limiting the time for consideration of any matter by the Historic District Commission shall commence on such date of receipt. Section 7.4 A majority of the membership of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may act on any matter by a majority vote of such quorum. Section 7.5 All formal votes to record the decision of the Commission on any matter referred to it shall be taken only by a quorum at a public meeting. By a majority vote of those members present the Commission may convene in executive session. However, all formal votes to record the Commission's decision shall only be taken during periods in which such meetings are open to the public. Section 7.6 Special meeting may be called by the Chairman or by a majority of the Commission, providing not less than 24 hours notice by writing or telephone is given to eachmember of the Commission. Such meetings shall be executive sessions at which no formal votes shall be taken. Section 7.7 All public and special meetings shall be held in the City Hall or other public facility with proper public notification. AGENDA Section 8. The Secretary shall prepare the proposed Agenda for each public meeting, with the Chairman not less than ten days prior to the date of such meeting, and shall transmit a copy of such Agenda to each Commission member on such date of preparation. No items will appear on such proposed Agenda except those for which applications or written requests have been received not less than thirty days prior to the date of the public monthly meeting as set forth in 51

Item 6. Section 7 above. The Commission may amend the proposed Agenda by a majority vote of those members present. Section 9.1 The order of business at public meetings shall be a follows: (a) Roll Call. (b) Adoption of Minutes of previous meetings. (c) Approval of Agenda (d) Communications (e) Report of Officers and Committees (f) Old Business (g) New Business (h) Referrals, Administrative Reviews, Petitions, Applications and Other Matters presented by the public. Section 9.2 The order of business at special meetings shall be as determined by theCommission. Section 9.3 At all meetings and hearings attended by the public, the Chairman shall make a brief statement indicating the nature of each item on the Agenda, except that in the case of petitions, applications and other matters presented by the public, such statement shall be made by the person introducing the matter. Section 9.4 Minutes of all public and special meetings of the Commission shall form part of the records of the Commission and shall be available to the public when duly adopted by the Commission. COMMITEES Section 10.1 The Chairman may appoint special subcommittees of the Commission from time to time as needed to investigate or research certain matters pertaining to the Historic District 52

Item 6. Commission. Such subcommittees shall consist of at least one member of the Commission and may also consist of members of the general public. All members shall serve at the pleasure of the chairman. PUBLIC HEARINGS Section 11 The Commission shall hold public hearings as required by statute and applicable Ordinances of the City and the State of Delaware. In addition to those required by law, the Historic District Commission may at its discretion hold public hearing when it considers that such hearings will be in the public interest. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Section 12 No member shall vote on any Architectural Review Certificate application where They have a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest shall at a minimum be any vested interest by a member or a member's immediate family in a project being reviewed by the Commission or ownership in property by a member or a member's immediate family that is within 200 feet of a project being reviewed. AMENDMENTS Section 13 These By-Laws may be amended at any time by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Historic District Commission. Original Version (retyped 1.9.2004) 53

Item 7. CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Draft 11/9/2023 Schedule of application deadlines and Historic District Commission meeting dates for the year of 2024. The submittal procedures for the Historic District Commission are outlined in Zoning Ordinance, Article 10, Section 3.2. Prior to application submission a Pre-Application Meeting with Planning Staff is required. MONTH DEADLINE DATE MEETING DATE JANUARY 12/15/2023 01/18/2024 FEBRUARY 01/12/2024 02/15/2024 MARCH 02/16/2024 03/21/2024 APRIL 03/15/2024 04/18/2024 MAY 04/12/2024 05/16/2024 JUNE 05/17/2024 06/20/2024 JULY 06/14/2024 07/18/2024 AUGUST 07/12/2024 08/15/2024 SEPTEMBER 08/16/2024 09/19/2024 OCTOBER 09/13/2024 10/17/2024 NOVEMBER 10/18/2024 11/21/2024 DECEMBER 11/15/2024 12/19/2024 JANUARY 12/13/2024 01/16/2025 For Information Contact: City of Dover Department of Planning & Inspections 15 Loockerman Plaza P.O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 (302) 736-7196 Planning Office Phone (302) 736-4217 Fax www.cityofdover.com Email: compplan@dover.de.us 54