HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Agenda Packet 6.9.22
Thursday
June 9, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Emma Harvat Hall
City Hall
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, June 9, 2022
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30 p.m.
Agenda
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Certificate of Appropriateness
HPC22-0022: 502 Clark Street – Clark Street Conservation District (removal of existing rear addition
and construction of new addition and deck)
E) Case No. REZ22-0000 - Consideration of an Amendment to Title 14, Zoning, to clarify historic
preservation related regulations
F) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review
HPC22-0024: 630 Ronalds Street – Brown Street Historic District (foundation replacement)
Minor Review –Staff review
1. HPC21-0035: 228 South Summit Street – Local Landmark and College Hill Conservation
District (new balcony railings)
2. HPC22-0027: 737 Grant Street – Longfellow Historic District (rear stoop and step replacement)
3. HPC22-0028: 914 Dearborn Street – Dearborn Street Conservation District (front balustrade
replacement)
4. HPC22-0030: 918 Iowa Avenue – College Hill Conservation District (rear stoop and step
replacement)
5. HPC22-0031: 625 South Governor Street – Governor-Lucas Street Conservation District (new
garage)
6. HPC22-0032: 727 Rundell Street – Longfellow Historic District (solar panel installation)
7. HPC22-0036: 431 North Van Buren Street – Northside Historic District (deteriorated window
replacement)
Intermediate Review –Chair and Staff review
HPC22-0026: 2525 Highlander Place – Local Historic Landmark (guest room window replacement)
G) Consideration of Minutes for May 12, 2022
H) Commission Discussion
1. Historic Preservation Awards
2. Commissioner good-byes
I) Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica
Bristow, Urban Planning, at 319-356-5243 or at jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged
to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Staff Report June 1, 2022
Historic Review for HPC22-0022: 502 Clark Street
District: Clark Street Conservation District
Classification: Contributing
The applicant, Michael Nolan, is requesting approval for a proposed demolition, alteration, and addition
project at 502 Clark Street, a Contributing property in the Clark Street Conservation District. The project
consists of the demolition of a rear deck, portions of the rear additions and a pair of rear dormer windows
and the construction of a new addition between the house and garage and a new deck.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
4.1 Balustrades and Handrails
4.3 Doors
4.7 Mass and Rooflines
4.11 Siding
4.13 Windows
4.14 Wood
5.0 Guidelines for Additions
5.1 Expansion of Building Footprint
5.2 Decks and Ramps
Staff Comments
The original house at 502 Clark Street was built about 1910 and moved to the rear of the lot between 1933
and 1947. This house now has the address 500 Clark Street. The current house at 502 Clark Street was built
about 1948 as a one story, side-gabled Minimal Traditional house, commonly known as a Cape Cod. A rear-
facing shed-roof dormer, and a rear-facing centered gable were added at an unknown date. According to past
property records, the house and garage were built as two separate buildings. Later, they were connected by a
breezeway. In 1978 the breezeway was enclosed, extended to the south and a deck was added to fill the rest
of the space between house and garage. Aluminum siding was installed in 1971. It is not known when the
aluminum was removed. The house currently has 6-over-1 double hung windows with narrow trim, shingled
siding, asphalt shingles on the roof and a concrete block foundation. The south wall of the infill addition has
a modern projecting greenhouse window and an unadorned projecting bay with awning windows. No
projects have been reviewed for this house.
The applicant is proposing to remove the existing deck and exterior walls on the infill addition. The pair of
windows in the south end of the rear-facing dormer will be removed and the wall infilled in that location. A
new addition will infill the remaining area between the house and garage for a kitchen and dining room
addition. A deck will extend from the addition, north to align with the north wall of the house. A gable roof
will be added over the addition. A small addition with a gable roof will be added to the garage where it meets
the infill addition. Paired windows and a full-lite door will be added to the north wall of the addition. The
deck will have a railing that meets the guidelines. The addition will have shingle siding matching the existing
siding. The trim and roof-edge details will match the existing house. The south wall of the existing addition
will have the siding replaced but otherwise will not be modified.
Section 5.1 Expansion of the Building Footprint recommends that new balustrades and handrails follow the
guidelines in section 4.1. Additions should be designed so that they do not diminish the character of the
historic structure. It is recommended to distinguish between the original house and the addition by offsetting
the walls of the addition from the house. Key horizontal lines on the existing building should be matched,
such as eave height and window head height. It is recommended to use a palette of materials that is similar to
that used on the historic structure. Doors should have a similar style and appearance as the historic doors in
the existing building. Foundations should appear similar to the historic foundation in color, texture, unit size,
and joint profile. Additions should be constructed that are consistent with the massing and roofline of the
historic building. The wall areas and corners, as well as the roof pitches and spans should be consistent with
the existing building. The roof overhand, soffits, and eaves of the addition should match the existing building.
Siding on a new addition should appear similar in size, shape, texture, and material to the existing siding.
Windows should be a similar type, proportion, and divided light pattern as those in the original structure.
Section 5.2 Decks and Ramps recommends that the deck is located on the back of a primary building,
opposite the street-facing façade and set in at least 8 inches from the side walls. It is disallowed to leave
balustrades and railings unpainted if they are highly visible from the street.
Section 4.1 of the guidelines Balustrades and Handrails includes diagrams for appropriate new railings. These
railings include newel posts aligned above support piers below the deck, a top and bottom rail at least 2
inches wide suspended between the posts and square spindles (1 ½ inches or greater in width) mounted
between the top and bottom rail instead of to the side. The bottom rail will be raised above the deck surface 3
to 4 inches.
Section 4.2 Doors recommends adding new doors that are trimmed to match other doors and windows in the
building. Section 4.7 Mass and Rooflines recommends preserving the original roof pitches and spans, and the
original walls and vertical corners that define the massing of a historic building. Section 4.11 Siding
recommends substituting a material in place of wood siding only if the substitute material retains the
appearance and function of the original wood. The substitute material must be durable, accept paint and be
approved by the Commission. Section 4.13 recommends adding new windows in a location that is consistent
with the window pattern of the historic building or buildings of similar architectural style. Divided lights may
be true or simulated. Simulated divided lights may be created with muntin bars that are permanently adhered
to both sides of the glass, preferably with spacer bars between the panes of insulating glass. Section 4.14
Wood recommends substituting a material in place of wood only if the substitute material retains the
appearance and function of the original wood. The substitute material must be durable, accept paint, and be
approved by the Commission.
In Staff’s opinion, this project generally meets the recommendations of the guidelines. Materials such as the
door and window product information have not been submitted. Because deck material has not been
mentioned, staff assumes that the deck will be wood instead of a composite material. Deck railings that have
metal elements or that appear similar to screening instead of railing would not follow the guidelines.
The original plans included alterations to the existing south wall of the addition. Because this wall extends
beyond the south wall of the house and is located within 2 feet of the south property line, it does not follow
the zoning code setback requirements or the setback requirements of the historic preservation guidelines.
This wall will not be modified so that it may remain. Revised drawings were submitted and are now included
in the staff report for Commission review.
The new addition will include a gable roof that matches the slope on the existing garage but does not match
the slope on the historic house. The eave condition will match the historic house with a frieze board and trim
board along the rake and boxed closed soffits at the eave. The existing windows have minimal trim with
projecting sills. The house has corner boards and wood shingle siding. The applicant has requested approval
to use LP Smartside. It is assumed the other exterior materials will be wood. Staff finds that LP Smartside or
cement board could be considered appropriate if they match the existing siding.
The existing windows on the historic house are individual double hung windows. Only the rear dormer has
paired windows. The new addition includes paired windows and a full-light door. Because they are on the
back, staff recommends approval of paired windows as long as they are separated to match the separation in
the dormer windows (this separation is smaller than a traditional weight pocket).
The new addition includes a bump up in the roof of the garage where it connects to the garage. This change
to the garage roof is unusual because generally attached garages are not recommended (see section 6.2) and
therefore stepping down from the house into the garage is more modern condition or is resolved within the
space of the building. Staff finds it acceptable to include this change if it is necessary for head clearance and
cannot be resolved in another way.
Two windows are scheduled to be removed from the south end of the rear-facing dormer. While the
guidelines would recommend retaining any windows that could be historic, it appears that this removal is
included because the new roof will block that location.
Staff finds that the new deck extends to the north wall of the historic house instead of being setback as
recommended in the guidelines. This new deck will be highly visible from the street. Therefore, staff
recommends that it is set back according to the guidelines and that the railing is painted to blend with the
house.
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 50 Clark Street as presented in the
application with the following conditions:
The full light door is wood or fiberglass
The new windows are wood or metal clad wood matching the window configuration on the house.
The windows in the addition are either single or separated with wood trim if paired
The deck is revised to be set in 8 inches from the north wall of the original house
502 Clark Street
502 Clark Street- existing aerial
Existing roof (dormer windows to be removed at left)
Existing House from NW corner (deck will extend almost to edge of existing lattice)
Date: June 9, 2022
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Kirk Lehmann, Associate Planner & Emani Brinkman, Planning Intern
Re: Zoning Code Amendment (REZ22-0009) related to historic preservation
Introduction
The Iowa City Zoning Code (Title 14) is subject to alteration and clarification as situations and
circumstances change throughout the City. The proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) addresses a
few issues that have come to light with various aspects of code la nguage and how the code is
applied. This code clean-up amendment serves to clarify language and expectations throughout
the code relating to historic preservation.
Background
Staff maintains a list of amendments that need to be made to the Zoning Code based on
discussions between City staff. The amendments proposed in this memo are minor in nature and
provide clarification to those who depend on this document to make and understand important
City-wide decisions.
While the changes are minor, the Historic Preservation Commission is reviewing them to make
recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council on preservation
issues per their mission codified in Section 14-7A-3 of the City Code. The State Historic
Preservation Office’s Certified Local Government Coordinator, Allison Archambo, has reviewed
the proposed amendments and noted no concerns with the changes. Her correspondence is
included as Attachment 2.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed code amendments and reasoning for each is detailed below.
1) Clarify Historic Preservation Exception Applicability (14-2A-7B, 14-2B-8A, and 14-
2C-11A)
Summary of Change: The code allows the Board of Adjustment to grant a special
exception to waive or modify dimensional or site development standards or approval
criteria in residential and commercial zones that would the prevent use or occupancy of a
property designated as an Iowa City landmark or registered in the National Register of
Historic Places. This provides substantial flexibility for historic properties, including
flexibility from standards relating to setbacks, height, parking areas, screening,
landscaping, and use-specific approval criteria, among other requirements. The code also
allows such properties to be adaptively reused in such a way not typically allowed in these
zones, including as community service, specialized education facility, or hospitality -
oriented retail uses. In both cases, the Board must find that the modification helps preserve
the historic, aesthetic, or cultural attributes of the property, and a Certificate of
Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission is required, in addition to
April 20, 2022
Page 2
requiring that several other general approval criteria are met. The proposed amendment
would clarify that this includes properties located in a Local Historic District.
Justification: Staff recommends the proposed amendment to clarify that properties in a
Historic District Overlay (OHD) zone will be regulated consistently with properties
individually zoned as Historic Landmarks for the purposes of qualifying for the flexibility
offered by this special exception. This is consistent with staff’s current interpretation of this
provision but provides more straight-forward language.
2) Remove List of Local Landmarks, Historic Districts, and Conservation Districts (14-
3B-1D and 14-3B-2D)
Summary of Change: The code currently lists properties that are designated as Local
Historic Districts, Local Historic Landmarks, and Conservation Districts. The proposed
amendment would remove the sections listing these districts and properties.
Justification: City Council currently designates Local Historic Districts and Landmarks by
rezoning them Historic District Overlay (OHD). Similarly, Local Conservation Districts are
rezoned Conservation District Overlay (OCD). Staff also maintains a list of Local Historic
Districts and Landmarks, and Local Conservation Districts, which is kept up-to-date and
is available to the public. The Zoning Code lists districts and landmarks as well, but these
codified lists are irregularly updated and are redundant with the rezoning ordinances
passed by Council when a property is designated. As such, staff recommends removing
the codified lists from the zoning code and relying instead on the ordinances passed by
Council and staff’s lists which are regularly maintained.
3) Add Abbreviation to Conservation Overlay Zones (14-3B-2)
Summary of Change: The code establishes the Conservation District Overlay (OCD) zone
to designate Local Conservation Districts within the City but does not list the abbreviation
used on the zoning map. The proposed amendment adds the abbreviation for
Conservation District Overlays (OCD) into the code.
Justification: Specifying that the OCD abbreviation is used for Conservation District
Overlay zones connects the designation on the zoning map with the zone it represents.
4) Clarify Historic Preservation Commission Procedures (14-8E-1)
Summary of Change: After receipt of an application for Historic Landmark designation or
following initiation of a proposal to designate a Local Historic or Conservation district, the
Historic Preservation Commission holds a public hearing on the proposal. The Zoning
Code requires that public notice be mailed, though the current requirements have been a
source of confusion and complaint. The code also requires that the designation of all Local
Historic Districts, Local Conservation Districts, and Local Historic Landmarks be submitted
to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), even when the SHPO will not review it.
The proposed amendment makes two changes. First, it clarifies the public notice mailing
procedures by delineating exactly how the list of property owners will be generated and
mailed. This revision will mean notices are mailed to the owner and any contract purchaser
of record using their last known address listed in the records of the County Auditor not
more than 14 days before the mailing. Second, it revises the submittal requirements such
that proposals shall only be sent to the SHPO for projects on which SHPO will provide
comment. These include proposals regarding Local Historic Districts but exclude
proposals regarding Local Conservation Districts and/or Local Historic Landmarks.
April 20, 2022
Page 3
Justification: Revising public notice mailing procedures will more clearly codify the process
staff will follow. Revising the SHPO submittal requirements will help align City policy with
SHPO policy, which will streamline submittals and prevent unnecessary work.
Next Steps
Pending recommendation of approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the City Council
must hold a public hearing to consider the proposed text amendments.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Zoning Code be amended as illustrated in Attachment 1 to address
code clean-up items relating to historic preservation.
Attachments
1. Proposed Zoning Code Text Amendments
2. Correspondence with Allison Archambo (Certified Local Government Coordinator, State
Historic Preservation Office)
Approved by: _____________________________________________
Danielle Sitzman, AICP, Development Services Coordinator
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services
Attachment 1
Page 1
Draft Zoning Code Text
Underlined text is suggested new language. Strike-through notation indicates language to be
deleted.
Amend 14-2A-7B as follows:
1. The Bboard of Aadjustment may grant a special exception to waive or modify any
dimensional or site development standards listed in this article or in chapter 5 of this title
or any approval criteria listed in chapter 4, article B of this title that would prevent use or
occupancy of a property located in a Historic District Overlay (OHD) designated as an
Iowa City landmark or registered on the national register of historic places. In addition to
the general special exception approval criteria set forth in chapter 4, article B of this title,
the following approval criteria must be met:
a. The modification or waiver will help preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural
attributes of the property;
b. The applicant must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Hhistoric
Ppreservation Ccommission.
2. The Bboard of Aadjustment may grant a special exception to allow a property
located in a Historic District Overlay (OHD) designated as an Iowa City landmark or
registered on the national register of historic places to be adapted and reused as a
community service use, specialized educational facility, or hospitality oriented retail use.
In addition to the general special exception approval criteria listed in chapter 4, ar ticle B
of this title, the applicant must also meet the following criteria in order for the Bboard to
grant this exception:
a. The exception is necessary to preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural
attributes of the property.
b. The applicant must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Hhistoric
Ppreservation Ccommission.
Amend 14-2B-8A as follows:
1. The Bboard of Aadjustment may grant a special exception to waive or modify any
dimensional or site development standards listed in this article or in chapter 5 of this title
or any approval criteria listed in chapter 4, article B of this title that would prevent use or
occupancy of a property located in a Historic District Overlay (OHD) designated as an
Iowa City landmark or registered on the national register of historic places. In addition to
the general special exception approval criteria set forth in chapter 4, article B of this title,
the following approval criteria must be met:
a. The modification or waiver will help preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural
attributes of the property;
b. The applicant must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Hhistoric
Ppreservation Ccommission.
2. The Bboard of Aadjustment may grant a special exception to allow a property
located in a Historic District Overlay (OHD) designated as an Iowa City landmark or
registered on the national register of historic places to be adapted and reused as a
community service use, specialized educational facility, or hospitality oriented retail use.
In addition to the general special exception approval criteria listed in chapter 4, article B
of this title, the applicant must also meet the following criteria in order for the Bboard to
grant this exception:
a. The exception will help preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural attributes of
the property;
b. The applicant must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Hhistoric
Ppreservation Ccommission.
Attachment 1
Page 2
Amend 14-2C-11 as follows:
A. Historic Preservation Exception: The Bboard of Aadjustment may grant a special
exception to waive or modify any dimensional or site development standards listed in this
article or in chapter 5 of this title or any approval criteria listed in chapter 4, article B of this
title that would prevent use or occupancy of a property located in a Historic District
Overlay (OHD) designated as an Iowa City landmark or registered on the National
Register of Historic Places. In addition to the general special exception approval criteria
set forth in chapter 4, article B of this title, the following approval criteria must be met:
1. The modification or waiver will help preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural
attributes of the property.
2. The applicant must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Hhistoric
Ppreservation Ccommission.
Strike 14-3B-1D “Designated Resources” within a Historic District Overlay Zone
Amend 14-3B-2 as follows:
A. Purpose: The conservation district overlay (OCD) zone is used to designate
conservation districts. The purpose of this overlay zone is to:
1. Conserve the unique characteristics of older neighborhoods and resources,
including their architectural, historical and aesthetic qualities;
2. Provide for design review of new construction or alteration of existing resources to
assure compatibility with the existing character of older neighborhoods and preserve the
historic integrity of the resource;
3. Encourage the retention, rehabilitation and appropriate maintena nce of existing
buildings, structures and sites in older neighborhoods;
4. Stabilize property values and encourage reinvestment in older neighborhoods; and
5. Protect the environmental setting of historic landmarks and historic districts through
the designation of conservation districts adjacent to historic landmarks and historic
districts.
Strike 14-3B-2D “Designated Resources” within a Conservation District Overlay Zone
Amend 14-8E-1C as follows:
1. Upon receipt of an application for historic landmark designation or following
initiation of a proposal to designate a historic or conservation district, the historic
preservation commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal.
2. The historic preservation commission will give notice of the time, date, place and
subject matter of such public hearing at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. Such
notice must be served by ordinary mail addressed to each property owner of land
included in such proposed district at the property owner's last known address. If
the address of any property owner is unknown, such notice must be served by
ordinary mail addressed to "owner" at the street address of the property in
question. Such notice shall be sent by ordinary mail, not less than seven (7) days
before the date the hearing is held, to the owner and any contract purchaser of
record of each property or property interest at the owner’s and contract purchaser’s
last known address as shown in the records of the County Auditor not more than
fourteen (14) days prior to the date of mailing. A change in ownership of any such
property which is not reflected in the records of the County Auditor during the
period those records are searched as above provided shall not affect the validity of
the notice or any condemnation proceeding commenced on the basis of such
Attachment 1
Page 3
notice. An affidavit of mailing will be filed with the city clerk setting forth the date that
notice was mailed and the names and addresses of all property owners notified pursuant
to this subsection.
3. Following the public hearing, the historic preservation commission will consider a
motion recommending approval of the proposed district or historic landmark.
4. Upon approval of the motion, the historic preservation commission will submit an
application to rezone the proposed area to historic district overlay or conservation district
overlay, whichever is applicable. For properties proposed as local historic landmarks , an
application for a historic district overlay rezoning must be submitted.
Amend 14-8E-1D as follows:
D. State Historic Preservation Office Review: Following the public hearing before the
historic preservation commission, any the proposal regarding a local historic district
will be submitted to the state historic preservation office (SHPO) for review and
recommendations. The city will make any recommendations made by SHPO the state
historic preservation office available to the public for viewing during normal business
hours at a city government place of public access. Any proposals regarding
conservation districts and/or local historic landmarks need not be submitted to
SHPO.
Amend 14-8E-1E as follows:
5. If the planning and zoning commission alters the area of the proposed district as
approved by the historic preservation commission, the planning and zoning commission
must submit a description of the altered proposed area or the petition describing the area
to the state historic preservation office where required and the historic preservation
commission for review and recommendations concerning the altered proposed district.
1
Kirk Lehmann
From:Anne Russett
Sent:Monday, April 25, 2022 9:22 AM
To:Kirk Lehmann; Jessica Bristow
Subject:FW: Draft Ordinance for SHPO Review
FYI. See below from CLG coordinator.
From: Archambo, Allison <allison.archambo@iowa.gov>
Sent: Friday, April 22, 2022 2:22 PM
To: Anne Russett <ARussett@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Re: Draft Ordinance for SHPO Review
Hi Anne,
Thank you for submitting the ordinance changes to our office for review. I see no concern with making these changes to
the ordinance. Please proceed.
Thank you,
Allison
On Wed, Apr 20, 2022 at 8:45 AM Anne Russett <ARussett@iowa-city.org> wrote:
Hi, Allison –
Thanks for speaking with me last Friday about some code amendments City staff is considering. I have attached a draft
for your review and comment. You can access Title 14 Zoning here, if needed:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/iowacityia/latest/iowacity_ia/0-0-0-19281.
I also wanted to summarize our changes and justification for the changes:
Amend 14-2A-7B, 14-2B-8A, and 14-2C-11A related to Historic Preservation Exceptions
Justification: The code allows the Board of Adjustment to grant a special exception to waive or modify
dimensional or site developments in residential and commercial zones that would prevent the use or occupancy
of a property designated as an Iowa City Landmark or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The
proposed amendment would clarify that this includes properties located in a Local Historic District. For the
change we are recommending changing “designated as an Iowa City Landmark” to “located in a Historic District
Overlay (OHD)”. This amendment is for clarification purposes and will ensure that the code aligns with how this
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section has been implemented over the years. Furthermore, the provision already applies to properties listed in
the NRHP. This amendment results in no change in terms of code implementation and interpretation.
Strike 14-3B-1D “Designated Resources” and 14-3B-2D “Designated Resources”
Justification: City Council designates Local Historic Districts and Landmarks by listing them in 14-3B-1D and rezoning them Historic
District Overlay (OHD). Local Conservation Districts are listed in 14-3B-2D and rezoned Conservation District Overlay (OCD).
However, the codified lists are irregularly updated and are redundant with the rezoning ordinances passed by Council when a
property is designated. City staff keeps a list of local districts and landmarks that we would like to be able to update
administratively (as opposed to processing a text amendment). Lastly, based on conversations with the City Attorney’s Office they
are concerned that if the codified list is not properly maintained it could result in challenges.
Amend 14-3B-2 as follows:
A. Purpose: The conservation district overlay (OCD) zone is used to designate conservation districts. The
purpose of this overlay zone is to:
1. Conserve the unique characteristics of older neighborhoods and resources, including their architectural,
historical and aesthetic qualities;
2. Provide for design review of new construction or alteration of existing resources to assure compatibility
with the existing character of older neighborhoods and preserve the historic integrity of the resource;
3. Encourage the retention, rehabilitation and appropriate maintenance of existing buildings, structures and
sites in older neighborhoods;
4. Stabilize property values and encourage reinvestment in older neighborhoods; and
5. Protect the environmental setting of historic landmarks and historic districts through the designation of
conservation districts adjacent to historic landmarks and historic districts.
Justification: Specifying that the OCD abbreviation is used for Conservation District Overlay zones connects the designation on the
zoning map with the zone it represents.
Amend 14-8E-1C as follows:
1. Upon receipt of an application for historic landmark designation or following initiation of a proposal to
designate a historic or conservation district, the historic preservation commission will hold a public hearing on the
proposal.
2. The historic preservation commission will give notice of the time, date, place and subject matter of such
public hearing at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing. Such notice must be served by ordinary mail
3
addressed to each property owner of land included in such proposed district at the property owner's last
known address. If the address of any property owner is unknown, such notice must be served by
ordinary mail addressed to "owner" at the street address of the property in question. Such notice shall
be sent by ordinary mail, not less than seven (7) days before the date the hearing is held, to the owner
and any contract purchaser of record of each property or property interest at the owner’s and contract
purchaser’s last known address as shown in the records of the County Auditor not more than fourteen
(14) days prior to the date of mailing. A change in ownership of any such property which is not reflected
in the records of the County Auditor during the period those records are searched as above provided
shall not affect the validity of the notice or any condemnation proceeding commenced on the basis of
such notice. An affidavit of mailing will be filed with the city clerk setting forth the date that notice was mailed
and the names and addresses of all property owners notified pursuant to this subsection.
3. Following the public hearing, the historic preservation commission will consider a motion recommending
approval of the proposed district or historic landmark.
4. Upon approval of the motion, the historic preservation commission will submit an application to rezone
the proposed area to historic district overlay or conservation district overlay, whichever is applicable. For
properties proposed as local historic landmarks, an application for a historic district overlay rezoning must be
submitted.
Justification: The Zoning Code requires that public notice be mailed, though the current requirements have been a source of
confusion and complaint. Revising public notice mailing procedures will more clearly codify the process staff will follow.
Amend 14-8E-1D as follows:
D. State Historic Preservation Office Review: Following the public hearing before the historic preservation
commission, any the proposal regarding a local historic district will be submitted to the state historic
preservation office (SHPO) for review and recommendations. The city will make any recommendations made by
SHPO the state historic preservation office available to the public for viewing during normal business hours at
a city government place of public access. Any proposals regarding conservation districts and/or local
historic landmarks need not be submitted to SHPO.
Justification: The code also requires that the designation of all Local Historic Districts, Local Conservation Districts, and Local
Historic Landmarks be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), even when the SHPO will not review it. Revising
the SHPO submittal requirements will help align City policy with SHPO policy, which will streamline submittals and prevent
unnecessary work.
Amend 14-8E-1E as follows:
5. If the planning and zoning commission alters the area of the proposed district as approved by the historic
preservation commission, the planning and zoning commission must submit a description of the altered
proposed area or the petition describing the area to the state historic preservation office where required and the
historic preservation commission for review and recommendations concerning the altered proposed district.
4
Justification: Continuation of the item immediately above.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We will await your comments before moving this forward to the Historic
Preservation Commission and then Planning & Zoning and City Council.
Thanks, Anne
WWW.ICGOV.ORG
Anne Russett, AICP
Senior Planner
She/Her/Hers
p: 319-356-5251
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
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Allison Archambo
CLG Coordinator
Allison.Archambo@iowa.gov | 515.281.6826 | iowaculture.gov
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Iowa Arts Council | Produce Iowa | State Historical Society of Iowa
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MAY 12, 2022
EMMA HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Kevin Boyd, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuenzli,
Kevin Larson, Jordan Sellergren, Deanna Thomann, Frank
Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carl Brown, Noah Stork
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow
OTHERS PRESENT: Donna Brooks, Michael McLaughlin, Marek Sinagl
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
521 South Governor Street
Bristow described the building as a noncontributing structure built around 1910-1915. It’s a two-
story structure with a one-story rear addition. The subject of the proposal is the garage, which
was built in 1940 and covered in metal siding. The building has deteriorated over time. The
proposal is to tear down the current structure and replace it with a new two-car garage in
basically the same location. The new building would have lap vinyl siding with a two-car door.
The owners want to add a vinyl shingle to the side that faces the house. The project is
submitted to utilize three exceptions to the guidelines: (1) Use a double car door instead of 2
single doors. Staff recommends approving this exception since it’s on an alley and not visible
from the street (but not the style of door that was submitted) (2) Use vinyl siding. The textured
vinyl siding on the addition was previously approved in 2007, but no longer meets the
guidelines. Current standards call for smooth siding only. (3) Use vinyl windows. Staff
recommends that the vinyl window not have the J channel, as submitted, and use the more
traditional configuration. Staff recommends approval of the project using exceptions for the
smooth synthetic vinyl, vinyl windows and a 2-car overhead door, with the following conditions:
a smooth steel overhead door without pressed panels, the windows are historic style (double or
single hung) and do not have brick mold. The passage door is wood or fiberglass and does not
have brick mold. The trim is LP Smartside wood including corner boards.
Boyd asked if there were clarifying questions. Kuenzli asked if the owner plans to reside the
addition. Homeowner Donna Brooks spoke to the committee and stated that the structure was
unstable when it was purchased from the city. She asked that the committee take into
consideration the cost of the project and that it is an alley garage. Brooks answered Kuenzili’s
question about residing, saying it might be ten years before they could save for that
improvement.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 14, 2022
Page 2 of 4
MOTION: Amended. DeGraw moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the
project at 521 South Governor Street as presented in the staff report, through the use of
exceptions for the use synthetic siding, vinyl windows, and a 2-car overhead door, with the
following conditions: that the overhead door is a smooth steel door without pressed panels, the
windows are a historic style without brick mold, the passage door is wood or fiberglass without
brick mold, and the trim is LP smart side or wood, allowing a shingle siding in the gable that
faces the house. Kuenzili seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Brown
and Stork absent).
638 South Governor Street
Bristow described this house as a 2-story gable front with a wing, and there is a kitchen addition
on the back. The project is to add an addition to the back and a deck. The 2-story addition will
be set in to retain the corners and roof line. The wood siding and trim will match the siding on
the current house. Two options were submitted by the homeowner: (A) Includes 2 doors on
each floor. The initial staff recommendation was that this doesn’t match the window patterning
on the rest of the house. So an alternate was submitted: (B) A window in the north side and a
door on the south side of each floor. Another part of the project involves moving the front door
on the house. Staff recommends approving this a door was originally located in the proposed
position. Marek Sinagl, the homeowner, explained that they prefer option A to provide more
access to the garden. Kuenzili and DeGraw both preferred option A. Boyd agreed that since the
addition is on the back of the house, option A is acceptable.
MOTION: Amended Sellegren moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the
project at 638 South Governor Street as presented in the application, with no restriction on the
options cited above. Beck seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Brown
and Stork absent).
308 East Davenport Street
Bristow described the house as having asbestos siding, metal roof, fish scale siding, with an
internal gutter in the slope of the roof. The subject of the project is the deteriorated roof that
leaks, so needs to be replaced. The commission would need to approve the removal of the
internal gutter as part of this project since the internal gutter is constructed in the slope of the
roof instead of a traditional internal gutter located at the eave edge over the soffit. The internal
gutter is not easily replicated in this installation, so staff recommends allowing the removal of
the internal gutters and installing of asphalt shingles and external gutters. Homeowner Mike
Mclaughlin added that metal roofs contain lead, so not a desirable replacement.
MOTION: Wagner moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 308
East Davenport Street as presented in the application. DeGraw seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Brown and Stork absent).
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF.
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review.
523 Grant Street
Shingles are being replaced on the house. The roof already had architectural asphalt shingles.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 14, 2022
Page 3 of 4
Minor Review - Staff Review.
815 Brown Street
Staff was able to approve the addition of a garage since there was no demolition and the plan
followed all of the guidelines and met the conditions for staff approval of a new garage. .
713 Iowa Avenue
This property was damaged during a protest. Windows were broken and have been repaired.
Staff approved replacing basement windows with new fiberglass windows. There were some
windows without sashes and staff approved removing the inner storm windows and adding new
sashes.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR APRIL 14, 2022:
MOTION: DeGraw moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission’s
April 14, 2022, meeting, as written. Kuenzili seconded the motion. The motion carried on a
vote of 8-0 (Brown and Stork absent).
COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
1) Historic Preservation Awards. Bristow sent out notices to contractors and is waiting for
responses, there is a small list, and there is a Facebook post ready. Bristow went over the
timeline for discussion. The deadline for nominations is the end of May and a vote can be taken
at the July meeting. A subcommittee will be formed and meet in June. Beck, Boyd, and DeGraw
volunteered to be on the subcommittee.
ADJOURNMENT:
DeGraw moved to adjourn the meeting. Kuenzli seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:29
pm.
Minutes submitted by Kathy Fitzpatrick
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 14, 2022
Page 4 of 4
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD
2021-2022
NAME
TERM
EXP. 7/08 7/21 8/12 9/09 10/14 11/18 12/9 01/13 2/15 3/10 4/14 5/12
BECK,
MARGARET 6/30/24 X X X X X X X X X X O/E X
BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/23 X X X X X X X X O/E X X X
BROWN,
CARL
6/30/23 X O/E X X O/E O/E X O/E O/E X X O/E
DEGRAW,
SHARON 6/30/22 O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X
KUENZLI,
CECILE 6/30/22 X X O/E X X X X X O/E X X X
KIPLE, LYNDI 6/30/22 X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
LARSON,
KEVIN
6/30/24 X X O/E X O/E X X O X O O X
SELLERGREN,
JORDAN 6/30/22 X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
STORK, NOAH 6/30/24 X X X O/E X X X X X O/E X O/E
THOMANN,
DEANNA 6/30/23 O/E X X O/E X O/E O/E X X O/E X X
WAGNER,
FRANK 6/30/23 -- -- X X X X X X X X O/E X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a Member