Attachment

CITY OF DOVER HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION AGENDA THURSDAY, April 17, 2014 - 3:00 P.M. City Hall – Conference Room ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING on March 20, 2014 COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS 1. Summary of 2014 Activity a. Summary of Applications 2014 and 2013 b. Summary of Architectural Review Certifications for 2014 2. Department of Planning & Inspections Update a. Bicycle & Pedestrian Sub-Committee b. Central Dover Community Plan c. Citywide Recreational Needs Assessment OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1. Review of Building Permits Referred to Commission 2. Update on Certified Local Government (CLG) Program Application NEW APPLICATIONS 1. HI-14-03 at 6 South State Street – Public Hearing and Review for Recommendation on the Architectural Review Certification associated with a Site Plan to permit the construction of a parking lot, handicap access, and the landscape plan. The property is zoned RGO (General Residence and Office Zone) and is subject to the H (Historic District Overlay Zone). The property is located on the southwest corner of South State Street and Division Street. The owner of record is Six South State, LLC. Address: 6 South State Street. Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.05-04-27.00-000. Council District 3. Associated with Site Plan Application S-14-11. 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. Revised Agenda Posted: April 8, 2014 at 3:00pm

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2013 Updated thru April 7, 2014 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-13-01 Lands of Boyles: 527-529 South State Construction of 2/21/2013 HDC Check Print of Site Plan S-13-03 Parking Lot Street parking lot east of Recommendation of Approval of submitted 5/28/2013 for review Construction existing building ArchRevCert with conditions. and comments issued. Final Application S-13-03 reviewed by Plan submitted 8/22/2013 for PC and granted Approval of review. Final Plan Approval ArchRevCert with conditions. issued 11/6/2013. Project must apply for Building Permits prior to start of construction. HI-13-02 Family Dollar 300 West Demolition of existing 3/21/2013 HDC Check Prints of Site Plan S-13-12 Loockerman Street commercial building Recommendation of Approval of submitted 7/19/2013 for review (old NAPA) and ArchRevCert with conditions. and comments issued 8/22/2013. construction of 8,308 Application S-13-12 reviewed by Documentation of building S.F. retail building. PC and granted Approval of submitted 1/10/2014.Final Site ArchRevCert with conditions on Plan approval letter of 1/16/2014. 5/20/2013. Demolition Permit #13-1428 issued 2/4/2014. Pre- Construction meeting held 2/26/2014. Building Permit issued 2/28/2014. HI-13-03 Capital City Trail Between Martin Bike and Pedestrian Information Presentation Phase 2 is currently in design. Project: Phase 2 Luther King Jr. Improvements presented at HDC Meeting of Construction of Phase 1 trail Boulevard (Court 3/21/2013 segment began in April 2013 and Street) and East appears complete. Loockerman Street HI-13-04 Building Permits #13- 43 The Green Construction of Permit #13-260 referred to HDC Permit ready to be issued as of 260 Referral for John accessory structure by City Planner for Architectural 4/11/2013. Project not started Bell House: Replica (Outhouse) and Review Certification: 3/21/2013 yet. Outhouse & Rear Fence HDC Approval of ArchRevCert. Yard Fence Permit approved for issuance

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2013 Updated thru April 7, 2014 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-13-05 North Street Pocket 301 South Governors Redevelopment of 7/18/2013 HDC Review by PRCE on 4/8/13 with S-13-10 Park Avenue vacant parcel as park Recommendation of Approval of recommendation. 4/22/13 City with paving and ArchRevCert with conditions. Council reviewed and referred landscape areas. Application S-13-10 reviewed by back to PRCE. Review by PRCE PC and granted Approval of on 6/10/2013. City Council ArchRev Cert with conditions on approved property use as a 8/19/2013. Pocket Park on 6/24/2013. Check Print documents received on 9/25/13, 10/11/13, and 10/30/13 for review; Check Print letter issued 12/10/2013. Final Site Plans approval granted 3/28/2014. Permits to be applied for and Pre-Construction meeting to be scheduled.

City of Dover Historic District Commission Summary of Applications 2014 Updated thru April 7, 2014 FILE# PLAN NAME LOCATION TYPE ACTION STATUS HI-14-01 Sign Permit #14- 22-24 West Sign Permit for two Permit #14-148 referred to HDC by City Staff worked with applicant to revised 148 Referral Loockerman Street - wall signs Planner for Architectural Review design and material of wall signs. Revised EZ Pass Offices Certification consultation;2/20/14 HDC concept approved and Permit issued. Meeting - no quorum present, Staff Signage installed. continued to work with applicant HI-14-02 Kirby & Holloway 656 North DuPont Consideration to 3/20/2014 HDC Consideration of status of Sign maintains its legal non-conforming Sign Highway determine pylon sign; HDC Determined Sign to be a status indefinitely and can remain in its historic/cultural or Historic & Significant Sign under the current form. aesthetic provisions of Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 significance of pylon Section 4.12 sign HI-14-03 Lands of Six 6 South State Street Construction of Scheduled for ArchRevCert Review at Pending Review by HDC. Site Plan South State, LLC: parking lot off alley 4/17/14 HDC Meeting. Application S-14-11 filed for Planning 6 South State and other site Commission Review. Street improvements

Summary of Permit Application with Architectural Review Certification 2014 - Updated Thru 3-31-2014 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 1/2/2014 13-1735 154 South Governors Sign Permit - Wall Sign Staff Approval Permit issued. Avenue 1/2/2014 13-1736 61 South Bradford Street Building Permit - Exterior & Staff Approval Project to repair exterior finishes Interior Renovations and stucco (after vehicle accident). 2/4/2014 13-1428 300 West Loockerman Demolition Permit - Existing HDC Recommendation on ARC: PC Documentation of existing building Street Commercial Building Approval of ARC; Applications HI-13- received as per condition of ARC. 02 and S-13-12; Staff issued Permit Associated with Permit #14-94. 2/21/2014 13-1620 8 West Loockerman Street Building Permit - Interior Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Permit issued. Renovations required for interior work. 2/7/2014 14-02 205 South State Street Roof Permit Staff Approval Project to replace existing cedar shake roof with new wood shingle roof and replacement of siding on gable end. Project appears complete. 2/19/2014 14-68 102 South Governors Building Permit -Exterior Staff Approval Rebuild front porch steps. Permit Avenue Renovations Issued 2/28/2014 14-94 300 West Loockerman Building Permit - New Retail HDC Recommendation on ARC: PC Permit issued. Pre-Construction Street, Family Dollar Building Approval of ARC; Applications HI-13- Meeting held with City 02 and S-13-12; Staff issued Permit Departments. Construction pending demolition of existing building. 2/21/2014 14-136 134 West Loockerman Building Permit - Renovations Staff Approval Modifications to outdoor patio Street, Golden Fleece areas. Demolish fence and stairs; Tavern new railing for upper deck. Permit issued.

Summary of Permit Application with Architectural Review Certification 2014 - Updated Thru 3-31-2014 DATE PERMIT # LOCATION TYPE ACTION ON ARCHITECTURAL NOTES REVIEW CERTIFICATE 2/25/2014 14-148 22-24 West Loockerman Sign Permit - Wall Signs Staff Referral to HDC for 2/20/2014 - Signs installed. Two wall signs Street lack of quorum at meeting. Staff placed in framed wall area continued to work with applicant to consisting of raised lettering and refine design to comply with DS&G. graphics applied to wall surface. Staff Approval of revised design. 3/10/2014 13-495 19 N American Avenue Fence Permit Staff Approval Replacement of fence at rear of lot with vinyl. Noted as not visible from public way. 2/6/2014 14-129 409 Federal Street - Biggs Temporary Sign Permit Staff Approval Sign to be installed 5/1-5/10/14 for Museum Biggs Gala event. 3/14/2014 14-156 209 South State Street, Building Permit - Exterior Staff Approval Brick repair and repointing project Wesley United Methodist Renovations on front (west) façade of building. Church Project complete. 3/11/2014 14-191 33 South State Street, Sign Permit - Post sign Staff Approval Installation of Post Sign with three Offices hanging signs for office tenants. Sign installed. 3/27/2014 14-209 136 West Loockerman Sign Permit - Window Sign Staff Approval Permit issued for signage. Street, Shear Dreams Hair Salon 3/5/2014 14-211 315 South State Street Temporary Sign Permit Staff Approval Temporary Sign to be placed in window through 6/4/2014. 3/14/2014 14-237 123-127 West Loockerman Sign Permit - Wall Sign Staff Approval Wall sign installed in sign band area Street, Blue Hen Auctions for first floor tenant. 3/18/2014 14-241 304 South State Street, Sign Permit - Window Sign and Staff Approval Window sign and projecting sign Dale's Bail Bonds Projecting Sign installed for first floor office tenant. 3/31/2014 14-257 29 South State Street Building Permit - Interior & Staff Approval. No ArchRevCert Interior renovations to office space Exterior Renovations required for interior work. and replacement of front entry door.

City of Dover ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW STAFF REPORT Before Dover Historic District Commission April 17, 2014 Application: Lands of Six South State, LLC at 6 South State Street: Parking Lot & Site Improvements Construction, HI-14-03 Site Plan S-14-11 Project Location: Southwest corner of South State Street and Division Street Property Address: 6 South State Street Tax Parcel: ED-05-077.05-04-27.00-000 Owner: Six South State, LLC Present Zoning: RGO (General Residence and Office Zone) H (Historic District Zone) Previous Uses: Office (first floor) with Apartment Units (upper floors) Proposed Uses: Offices with Parking Lot Site Area: 15,015 S.F. Project Description: The Historic District Commission will act on a recommendation to the City of Dover Planning Commission for an Architectural Review Certificate for the Parking Lot and Site Improvement project at 6 South State Street. It is Site Plan (S-14-11) project filed for review by the Planning Commission on May 19, 2014. This application consists of a project involving the construction of a parking lot, handicap access to the building, and the landscape plan. The property is zoned RGO (General Residence and Office Zone) and is subject to the H (Historic District Overlay Zone). The property is located on the southwest corner of South State Street and Division Street. The owner of record is Six South State, LLC. Address: 6 South State Street. Property Information: The project site is located with the local Historic District Zone (H) and subject to the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Article 3 §21 and referenced sections. This building is located within the boundaries of a National Register Historic District, specifically the Victorian Dover Historic District. Known as the Dr. Henry Ridgely House, it is a listed as a contributing resource of this National Register Historic District. Provided below is the building P. O. Box 475 Dover, DE 19903 Community Excellence Through Quality Service

HI-14-03 Parking Lot & Site Improvements at 6 South State Street Architectural Review Staff Report for Historic District Commission Prepared for April 17, 2014 Meeting Page 2 of 6 summary from the building inventory listing found within the National Register nomination completed for the Victorian Dover Historic District (nomination completed 1978-79). The building is identified as K-396-119 in the Delaware Cultural Resource Survey. This Italianate- style residence with physician’s office includes architectural detailing on the front porch and cornicework. K-396.119 6 South State Street (Dr. Henry Ridgely House, Landmark) – 1869, 3-story, 5-bay, massive brick dwelling; re stone quoins, central 5-sotry façade tower; low-hipped roof with paired bracketed cornice and dentils; mansard roof on tower; (1-story, façade porch, ornate wooden posts with brackets, decorative porch cornice;) wrought iron gazebo in garden; frame privy with ornate cornice, 2/2 double hung sash, moulded lintels, green louvered blinds on 2nd and 3rd floor levels; large 6-pane windows utilized as entryways 1st floor level. A series of historic maps were reviewed by Planning Staff for preliminary information on this block of South State Street. The 1859 A.D. Byles Map of Kent County (Dover insert) shows this subject property as part of a larger tract owned by M.C. Conwell (a civil engineer) consisting of over half the block on the west side of Main Street (State Street). The subject property remains part of a larger parcel on the 1868 Beers Map published by Pomeroy & Beers listed in the ownership of M.C. Conwell. By 1885 this block on the west side of South State Street consists of a series of residences including this building as shown on the 1885 Bird’s Eye View of Dover. The 1887 Map of the Town of Dover by W.R. Roe shows the building owner Dr. H. Ridgely. Other map series such as the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are also a reference source for information on the building which occupied this property over time. For Dover, this series of maps dated from 1897-1944. PROJECT PROPOSAL (Drawings dated 3/14/2014 and 4/3/2014): The application proposes construction of a parking lot in the backyard area of the property accessible from the alley. The elements of the project are as follows: 1. Parking Lot: A ten (10) space paved parking lot is proposed with access directly from the alley which divides the block between South State Street and South Bradford Street. There are no direct vehicular curb cuts to South State Street or West Division Street onto the property. The parking lot consists of one handicapped accessible space and nine regular spaces. As no upright curbing is proposed for the parking lot, a series of parking bumpers are placed at the head of each parking space. All parking spaces are perpendicular to the alley thus facing east and the parking lot spans almost the entire width of the property. 2. Sidewalks/ Paved Areas: An asphalt paved area is proposed at the head of the parking spaces to serve as a sidewalk. Then a new sidewalk of concrete is proposed from the parking lot area to the rear of the existing building. It appears that the handicapped ramp (separate from the sidewalk) will also be of concrete. The property has existing brick sidewalks along the public street frontages of South State Street and Division Street. 2

HI-14-03 Parking Lot & Site Improvements at 6 South State Street Architectural Review Staff Report for Historic District Commission Prepared for April 17, 2014 Meeting Page 3 of 6 3. Landscaping: The Landscape Plan shows a series of ten existing trees to be removed by this project; the trees are identified as being in poor condition or located in areas proposed for the parking lot development. Five other existing trees will be preserved and care maintenance issues addressed including a Japanese maple, two White Pines, a Willow Oak, and an American Holly. Two additional Crepe Myrtle trees are proposed to flank the front entrance walk from South State Street with a series of new shrub plants surrounding the front porch. A row of plantings is shown between the northernmost parking space and Division Street as screening. 4. Fences: An existing wrought iron decorative fence exists along a portion of the north property line adjacent to West Division Street. The fence height is not specified on this plan sheet. A remnant of the wrought iron fence along the alley will be removed to create the parking lot. 5. Site Furnishings: The site includes a metal gazebo between the rear wing of the building and West Division Street. An illuminated sign is proposed at the corner of West Division Street and South State Street. An acorn style light fixture with decorative pole in a black finish is proposed at the rear of the house. Review of DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES The subject project site is located in the Dover Historic District Zone within Victorian Historic Context. The Victorian Historic Context is described on pages 2-5 through 2-7. Location within the Dover Historic District Zone requires proposals for demolition, new construction, additions, and certain renovation or rehabilitation activities to existing buildings to receive an Architectural Review Certificate. As stated in the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone, an Architectural Review Certificate will be granted “if it is found that the architectural style, general design, height, bulk and setbacks, arrangement location and materials affecting the exterior appearance are generally in harmony with neighboring structures and complementary to the traditional architectural standards of the historic district.” In accordance with Article 10 §3.2, the Historic District Commission will provide a recommendation to the Planning Commission regarding the project’s compliance with the architectural review standards. This proposal should be reviewed for conformity with the design criteria and development guidelines found in the Design Standards and Guidelines of Chapter 3: Maintenance, Repair, Preservation, and Restoration of Existing Historic Buildings. More specifically the sections on Design Guidelines for Landscaping and Site Amenities, Fencing and Walls, Paving and Bordering, and Parking Lots found on pages 3-24 through 3-27. These guidelines highlight the consideration that should be given to the areas surrounding buildings including the choice of materials. It notes that fences in the Historic District should not exceed four (4) feet in height. Also the Design Guidelines recommend that 20% of parking lots should be unpaved and planted. 3

HI-14-03 Parking Lot & Site Improvements at 6 South State Street Architectural Review Staff Report for Historic District Commission Prepared for April 17, 2014 Meeting Page 4 of 6 STAFF COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The following are Staff comments and recommendations for this application regarding project activities and Architectural Review Certification. 1) Staff recommends conditional approval of the Architectural Review Certificate for the concepts presented in the Parking Lot & Site Improvements Construction Plan on the property at 6 South State Street. This recommendation is made subject to the following comments and suggested revisions. 2) The following conditions are recommended by Staff to improve project’s compliance with the recommended guidelines of the Design Standards and Guidelines. The following are recommended conditions: a. Staff recommends the removal of the northernmost parking space in order to better accommodate the landscape screening of the parking lot from Division Street. Currently, there is approximately two feet between the edge of pavement and the existing fence for landscape planting. Along with this parking space’s proximity to the intersection of the alley with Division Street, potential conflicts with accessing the parking space and getting out of the vehicle and grading issues in the area, the elimination of the parking space appears to be a better solution. (It is noted that the application is requesting a parking reduction waiver from the Planning Commission.) b. The proposed shrubs along the northernmost parking space and fence should be evergreen varieties with the ability to grow to screen the car parking. The specific planting was not identified. A minimum height of two feet at time of planting is recommended. c. Retain and maintain the wrought iron fence and the metal gazebo on the property. d. Staff recommends relocating the proposed Crepe Myrtle trees from the front sidewalk area to the lawn area north of the building. The location in front of the building will obscure the decorative front porch and main façade of the building. e. Maintain unpaved areas of the property as lawn areas with landscape beds in the areas of shrub plantings for ease of maintenance. f. Utilize black posts for any signage elements to be attached to posts i.e. handicapped parking signage. g. If the sign is to be illuminated, it must be externally lit and the lighting fixture should be screened from view. The sign may not require additional lighting due to existing street lighting in the area. 3) Some of the site improvements/amenities were not specifically described with the application information. Please provide information for consideration and discussion. a. Clarify if a retaining wall will be utilized or just re-grading of the site in the northwest corner of the site near the parking lot will occur. If a retaining wall is proposed this should be constructed of brick (not concrete paver block). b. Clarify the construction format and materials of the handicap access ramp. A larger landing at the entrance door may be required. c. While the asphalt sidewalk and the concrete sidewalk connecting to the building have limited visibility to the public way, it is recommended that the developer 4

HI-14-03 Parking Lot & Site Improvements at 6 South State Street Architectural Review Staff Report for Historic District Commission Prepared for April 17, 2014 Meeting Page 5 of 6 considered the use of brick paving materials for these items to be more compatible with the historic character and architectural features of the building. d. Clarify the surface treatment (lawn areas, plantings, type of mulch, etc.) between the building and Division Street. The plan currently includes several “landscape bed” labels. e. The required bicycle parking rack should be black in finish color and of a decorative style. This may be an opportunity to adaptively reuse the wrought iron fence segment being removed along the alley. f. All mechanical equipment should be located so as to not be visible from the streets. Appropriate screening by plantings, lattice, etc. must be implemented. g. Additional information on the size and materials of the proposed sign will be required for submission and review of the required Sign Permit. 4) The Zoning Ordinance limits the height of fences to four (4) feet within the front yard setback (Article 5 §1.55) with other provisions for increases in height for side yards, rear yards, and the second front yard on corner lots. Within the Historic District, fences shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. If the existing wrought iron fence exceeds this height, it may be retained as an historic element of the property. 5) In addition, for corner lots such as this, fences, landscaping, signage etc. are limited to a maximum height of three (3) feet within the corner visibility area (triangle) as per Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 §1.3. It is noted that in consideration of the Architectural Review Certification, the Historic District Commission cannot grant relief from the corner visibility height limits. The proposed sign at the corner will need to comply with this requirement. 6) The design of any proposed dumpster enclosure or screening method for trash/recycling collection items should be compatible with the character of the Historic District. Currently, no provisions are shown on the plan. 7) The plan does not present information on any exterior improvements or repairs to the building. Any exterior improvements and/or repairs, if visible from the public way, are subject to Architectural Review Certification and must comply with the Design Standards and Guidelines for the City of Dover Historic District Zone. Permits and other review processes are required to confirm compliance. 8) The applicant should be aware of the potential for historic archaeological resources which may include previous building locations, wells, privies, etc. on the property. The State Division of Historical & Cultural Affairs can provide technical assistance when dealing with archaeological resources including previous studies at the subject location. Survey information indicates a privy was previously located on the property. 9) In the event, that major changes and revisions to the design, materials, or site layout occur in the finalization of the plan and/or construction drawings contact the Department of Planning and Inspections. These changes may require resubmittal for review by the Historic District Commission. 5

HI-14-03 Parking Lot & Site Improvements at 6 South State Street Architectural Review Staff Report for Historic District Commission Prepared for April 17, 2014 Meeting Page 6 of 6 10) The plan for this project is also subject to the application and review process for Site Development Plan (Article 10 §2 of the Zoning Ordinance) before the Planning Commission. Note: Additional technical items for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and other regulations may be identified during the Plan Review Process. There are a number of items presented on the plan on the drawings and data information tables to be corrected. 11) The applicant shall be aware that the Building Permit is required to track the construction activities for the site improvements on the property. The permit applications must comply with the approvals and conditions granted through the Architectural Review Certification and Site Plan Review process. Separate Permits are also required for building construction activities and signage. 12) The City of Dover offers a Tax Credit Program for Historic Properties as an incentive for the preservation, restoration, and/or rehabilitation project involving exterior improvements to the architectural facades of building. Contact Planning Staff for more information on this program. In addition, there is State of Delaware Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program and a Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Historic Properties program. Historic District Commission Action Required The Historic District Commission shall consider the proposal and provide a recommendation to the Planning Commission in regards to the Architectural Review Certification for the project site development plan. The recommendation should reflect consideration of the Design Standards and Guidelines. 6