Laserfiche WebLink
t _ <br /> about some front setbacks which should be the average of the front setbacks on the adjacent properties. <br /> Maybe we could look at the width of a house and compare it to other houses in the neighborhood. That <br /> could give more clear definition to mass that fits in the neighborhood. <br /> Dave Koenig: The intent of the guidelines pertaining to mass was that the facade of larger buildings <br /> would have modulation to break up that mass. The proposed house at 1102 Grand Ave. did have that <br /> modulation per the standards. <br /> A number of communities were trying to deal with mega-houses in neighborhoods where smaller houses <br /> were being demolished and replaced with very large structures. Vancouver,B.C.,Redmond,and <br /> Kirkland were all dealing with this issue. This issue has been alleviated somewhat due to the economic <br /> climate. This has been a design issue outside of historic areas. <br /> As the Hearing Examiner's decision stated,zoning trumps Comprehensive Plan policies. <br /> Comprehensive Plan policies are general,zoning codes are more specific and try to quantify those <br /> policies. <br /> The house at 1102 Grand Ave. followed the code. If you want to change the outcome of the design, you <br /> would have to change the zoning code standards. <br /> Jim Staniford: Could a new zone be created for historic neighborhoods? <br /> Neil Anderson: That would be a huge effort. <br /> Dave Koenig: We are not suggesting that. The history of the historic overlays is that there were <br /> concerns about the types of designs being built in the neighborhood and property owners wanted to <br /> make sure new construction was compatible with the area. <br /> Mark French: From an architectural standpoint,there are alternative ways to describe style. The <br /> term"massing" is fairly ambiguous, but there is language in the design community that helps further <br /> categorize and define how you design the envelope. "Proportions" is one word that we could start to <br /> think about mass. What defines a particular style is often almost exclusively proportions: height,width, <br /> window proportions,trim. All these features are predicated on proportions. We can continue to work <br /> on this language in the guidelines. <br /> Neil Anderson: Perhaps we should make this guideline discussion an agenda item for March. <br /> Sue Walsh moved that the Historical Commission recommend to the Mayor and City Council that they <br /> amend the Historic Overlay Zone Standards section 33.130 to add a sixth action to be reviewed by the <br /> Historical Commission. That action would be construction of any new single-family residence. Dave <br /> Ramstad seconded the motion, which passed with all Commissioners voting yes except Gary Meisner, <br /> who abstained. As a new Commissioner, he did not feel comfortable participating in this action. <br /> Dave Ramstad: Since City Council has the authority to change the code, citizens out of the three <br /> historic overlay zones could come forward with a proposal for change. I believe such an effort is <br /> already beginning. They could come forward to say they are concerned about losing the historical value <br /> of their neighborhood when the market changes, loans become available, and development picks up <br /> again. When finances loosen up, we will again see the pressure to take out small houses and build big <br /> ones. Everett has spectacular views. Builders will want this property. It would be good to get our code <br /> ready. <br /> 6 <br /> 14 <br />