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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-21 HPC WORKSHOP MINj 1 water THE SIRTHRLACE Of MINNESOTA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING February 21, 2024 WORKSHOP MEETING 5:30 P.M. Chairman Thueson called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. Present: Chairman Thueson, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Holmes, Larson, Mino, Summers, Councilmember Junker Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Gladhill, Planning Manager Gutknecht, Assistant City Planner Molasky OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Heritage Preservation Commission Staff SuRport from Community Development Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the roles and responsibilities of Community Development Department staff, department metrics, annual activity levels, recruitment and retention, accomplishments, recent and upcoming development projects, and pressures on the Department. He explained the approval process: HPC approval, Planning Commission approval, and Downtown Parking Commission approval, all three of which may be appealed separately to the City Council. Some projects require multiple approvals. He provided feedback showing that customers are generally very satisfied. He reviewed strategies for improving the process for applicants, including changing the terms "design permit" to "design review" and "demolition permit" to "demolition review. Citywide Recodification Update Planning Manager Gutknecht stated that throughout 2023, the City Council and staff worked on a complete update to the City Code. He reviewed policy and process amendments that impact the HPC. The demolition approval process remains unchanged but has been put in a different place in City Code. Duplicative public hearings have been eliminated; in the past, two to three public hearings were required for one project based on applications. This has been changed to just one public hearing at the Commission level, then the City Council will have final approval. The waiting period between application and public hearing has been eliminated. a. Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Review Mr. Gutknecht stated that in late 2022, the HPC discussed the design approval process for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), which had previously been approved administratively by staff. The HPC recommended that new ADUs should receive design approval from the HPC the same as the primary dwelling; however as part of the Accessory Building/Garage Ordinance Amendment, formally adopted by City Council on June 6, 2023, the City Council determined that the review would be administrative, not requiring HPC review and approval. Chairman Thueson asked, if ADUs are reviewed administratively, is the same criteria applied that would have been applied by the HPC, and Mr. Gutknecht answered yes. Commissioner Larson noted up till now the HPC has reviewed new structures built within the Neighborhood Conservation District. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting February 21, 2024 Mr. Gladhill added that looking back at the records, there wasn't really a design review for ADUs unless there was a variance. Staff was seeing so many variances that the Planning Commission was referring them to the HPC first. Typically a garage would not trigger a full commission review. Design standards are applied by staff. Commissioner Mino noted that sometimes accessory dwelling units are bigger than the primary dwelling. She asked, how does that get handled? Mr. Gutknecht replied the ordinance has been updated to ensure the ADUs are not larger in footprint or in height than the house. Commissioner Holmes remarked it would be helpful for Design Guidelines to be applied as permits are sought, for example, a new garage might have completely different siding/windows than the existing structure. Use of Design Guidelines could tie the two together. Commissioner Heimdahl asked if there would be be any additional reviews associated with local designations, for example Dutchtown: if the City approved a local designation of that neighborhood, would additional design requirements then be in force? Mr. Gladhill replied another layer of design review could be added - the process would look different. Staff is also trying to work through a lot of internal controls, for instance, on siding permits staff work very hard to emphasize 4" smooth siding for historic homes. There is a new web map now where applicants may check an address to see what applications are required. Staff is being told that if an application is in that design review district, they can't promise a contractor an over-the-counter same day permit. b. Food Trucks/Mobile Food Units Mr. Gutknecht stated that in early 2023, the HPC discussed permanent installations of Mobile Food Units (and supporting equipment) in the context of consistency with the Downtown Stillwater Design Standards. Currently, these units are subject to the Design Guidelines and are subject to HPC approval if they remain on a site for more than 20 hours. They are also required to receive a Conditional or Interim Use Permit. Food trucks in the Central Business District are allowed only on private property that is a restaurant or has a brewery or distillery license. If they are going to be there for more than 24 hours, they require a design review. Councilmember Junker noted that location requirement is a big change intended to prevent the downtown from turning into food trucks everywhere. This begins March 15. Commissioner Larson said he would like to make sure not to take away any tool that allows the HPC to adjust when something is working - the beauty of a CUP is that it allows for an annual review. 2024 Comprehensive Zoning Code Update Mr. Gutknecht stated that throughout the upcoming year the Planning Division will be conducting a comprehensive zoning code update. This will be the primary tool to implement many of the Commission's initiatives prioritized in 2023 (such as mural/graphic design signs). a. Mural Guidelines Assistant City Planner Molasky led discussion on development of mural guidelines. She said the City Attorney stressed that the City cannot regulate content, but can regulate time, space, and manner - how and where a mural may be placed, the manner in which it must be affixed, how high, how wide, how thick, how many lights it can have, how bright the lights may be, how often it can flash or change its message, and so on. She stated that the City Council expressed their support of Graphic Design Signs (Murals) on the rear of buildings, potentially on the side of buildings (based on review of a proposal), and not allowed on the front or storefront of buildings. On the subject of theme and style, Page 2 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting February 21, 2024 regulations currently state "Graphic Design Signs should have a historic theme" but staff would like to see to a broader range of themes and connection to the community. A potential option is: "Graphic Design Signs (Murals) should connect to Stillwater's history, culture, and/or place." Staff also would like to streamline the permitting process, removing the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit. Graphic Design Signs within the Downtown Design Review District and Neighborhood Conservation District would still be reviewed by the HPC. Councilmember Junker asked if this would be city-wide, and Commissioner Heimdahl replied the intention is that murals would be primarily within the Downtown Design Review District. Mr. Gladhill added there was a bit of a gray area within the conversation as to murals existing outside of downtown, for example Len's grocery. Outside the Design Review District, the HPC does not have jurisdiction, but staff could still craft some language addressing murals in those other areas. Commissioner Finwall noted that the code is currently quite vague as to what districts allow murals. Commissioner Larson commented he would hate to try to have a one size fits all and have the downtown suffer on account of it. It makes sense that the downtown could have rules that may be different than on the strip. He asked about murals that advertise, noting there are signage restrictions and in the past, the HPC has seen murals that were really advertising signs. Mr. Gladhill said it is staffs understanding that a mural can't be a business sign. Statutorily the language is commercial speech/noncommercial speech. The City Attorney is looking into this. Chairman Thueson said to be sure to include a prohibition about painting on historic masonry and surfaces. b. Comprehensive Plan Implementation: Small Area Plans and Historic Preservation/Demolition Rules Mr. Gladhill led discussion on the interplay between the City's Comprehensive Plan and City Code Regulations pertaining to demolition. There are six remaining areas within the Comprehensive Plan that have defined area plans. Staff looked at Washington County property records to see if there were any pre-1946 structures. None of them have pre-1946 structures, however Site C just north of Kwik Trip and south of Sundance Stillwater at Manning and 75th has a cross gable structure that has been heavily modified. Staff is trying to determine if it is the original 1915 structure, part of the Rutherford neighborhood, albeit heavily modified. For the sake of ease of review he would assume that it is a pre- 1946 structure. The concept layout has buildings right on top of the structure, so it assumes removal of the pre-1946 structure. The City Attorney and Council's intent in this area was to provide a little more flexibility than just pre-1946 structures, so if an area calls for redevelopment, that could be used to justify a demolition. There is opportunity to improve that language in the zoning code. The message is, staff is being more proactive in examining development plans early in the process. Design Guideline Navigator Ms. Molasky noted that in February 2023, staff and the HPC addressed the idea of a simplified flow chart for navigating the Stillwater Design Guidelines. Staff would like to create an introductory section that provides applicable sections and page numbers based on district and project, to help applicants navigate the document. She put together a proposal for a potential way to navigate the design guidelines called "Choose Your Own Adventure" and asked for input about this approach. Commissioner Holmes said it is a good idea and if it were electronically linked to those sections, that would be helpful. Commissioner Larson voiced support and said it would help situations when people aren't aware there was any regulation at all and "ask for forgiveness" after the fact. Page 3 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting February 21, 2024 Commissioner Summers suggested a subcategory might be, "I'm about to buy a home in Stillwater, what applies to me, am I in one of these districts, and if so what can I do and not do?" Local Designation Program Mr. Gladhill stated that the City Council authorized the implementation of a Local Designation Program, but the administrative side of the program has not yet been established. Staff is working on an application for a Certified Local Government Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office. He and Chairman Thueson met with residents in the Dutchtown neighborhood who are interested in pursuing local designation, and are gathering quotes for help to prepare the program and forms, working through the process to designate the Dutchtown neighborhood. Implementation and 2025 Budget Mr. Gladhill outlined the annual budget process. By the end of September the City must adopt its preliminary budget and levy. After that, the budget cannot be increased, only decreased. Department heads prepare budgets to present to the Council in August so they can make their final approvals by the end of September. There has been a lot of changeover in department leadership so staff is now getting back to strategic planning. The HPC can start thinking about budget priorities in May/June. Like any city, the primary revenue source is property tax, but the Council has looked at some alternative revenue sources like a creating a new Special Services District for enhanced services downtown, changes in the downtown parking program, and modernizing fees for big developments so staff may charge time back to a project. Commissioner Heimdahl expressed willingness to help with writing grants or designation drafts. Commissioner Holmes said it could be helpful to revisit language on key points of the Design Guidelines, for instance roof pitch, and to consider specific language about modern design not being excluded in historic districts. FYI 324 Main Street South Tuckpointing and Brick Repair Mr. Gutknecht reported that the building owners are investigating available tax credits and incentives and are expanding the scope of the project to include the entire building. They are preparing architectural plans and a narrative for submission to the HPC, and are aware there will be discussion on the existing historic mural. 124 Main Street South Blue Sun Soda Shop Storefront Improvements Ms. Molasky reported that staff met with the contractor working on facade work. They are working with an architect to draw a facade mockup. There was discussion about whether or not they would produce multiple mockups showing the multiple buildings they own. Mr. Gladhill added that the contractor said they plan to remove the plywood coverings and replace the transom windows. Councilmember Junker asked about the Landucci project, and Mr. Gladhill answered he has no update; the original approval will be two years old later this year and there was an inquiry about a potential extension. Unrelated to this project, staff heard from several different sources involved with several different projects that the capital market for multi -family right now is not good at all. Commissioner Summers thanked those who run the camera for the Commission meetings. ADJOURNMENT Page 4 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting February 21, 2024 Motion by Commissioner Mino, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Matt Thueson, Chair AT'I E Tim ladhill, Community Development Director Page 5 of 5