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Home My WebLink About03/08/2017 - Landmark Preservation Commission - Agenda - Special Meeting Meg Dunn, Chair City Council Chambers Per Hogestad, Vice Chair City Hall West Doug Ernest 300 Laporte Avenue Bud Frick Fort Collins, Colorado Kristin Gensmer Dave Lingle Mollie Simpson Alexandra Wallace Belinda Zink The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224- 6001) for assistance. Video of the meeting will be available for later viewing on demand here: 39TUhttp://www.fcgov.com/fctv/video- archive.phpU39T. Special Meeting March 8, 2017 5:30 PM • CALL TO ORDER • ROLL CALL • PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA • DISCUSSION AGENDA 1. UDISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE In 2014, the Chair of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) made changes to the Design Review Subcommittee process. This item will discuss the review process and determine if the review process should return to its earlier format. o The Commission may consider a motion to adjourn into executive session to discuss legal matters related to this item. • OTHER BUSINESS • ADJOURNMENT ***NOTE: The regularly scheduled Work Session will be held following the Special Meeting.*** Landmark Preservation Commission Agenda Item 1 Item # 1 Page 1 STAFF REPORT March 8, 2017 Landmark Preservation Commission PROJECT NAME DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE STAFF Karen McWilliams, Historic Preservation Planner PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In 2014, the Chair of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) made changes to the Design Review Subcommittee process. This item will discuss the review process and determine if the review process should return to its earlier format. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Commission decide that the LPC Design Review Subcommittee process and composition should be as follows: 1) That the subcommittee should contain no more than 3 members; and 2) That Option C, having staff identify relevant members based upon type of project, should be the process used to establish the composition of each subcommittee 3) That the Design Review Subcommittee process be examined as a part of the Historic Preservation Code and Process Review, for “best practices.” EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Issue: Since c. 1995, members of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) have provided free, no-obligation design reviews of projects. Several code provisions provide the basis for this review, and it was specifically identified as a function of the Commission in 2011. In 2014, the LPC Chair made a decision that all reviews be undertaken by the full LPC. This has resulted in fewer reviews being held; in unnecessary delays in approval; far fewer successful outcomes; and in the perception of Historic Preservati on as burdensome and regulatory. Questions: Does the Commission agree that it should return to a subcommittee containing no more than three members, or does it wish to continue to review all projects as a body? o Projects reviewed by the Subcommittee are overwhelmingly residential additions and alterations; non- controversial changes to commercial buildings are sometimes reviewed. o Substantial projects, or projects that are potentially controversial, are referred to the full Commission. o LPC Design Review Subcommittee decisions are appealable to the full Commission. o Any Commission member may request that a project be brought before the full Commission. o Other Commission members may choose to participate. o Participating Commission members must recuse themselves from later consideration of the project by LPC. 1 Packet Pg. 2 Agenda Item 1 Item # 1 Page 2 How should the composition of Subcommittee be determined? o Option A: Identify specific subcommittee members for 1 year term, to hear all reviews. o Option B: Identify all who wish to participate, subcommittee to be 1st to reply to email/message. o Option C: Process used between c. 1995 and 2014: staff identified the most appropriate members, based upon members’ expertise and type of project to be reviewed. (Note: In Both Options B and C, other Commission members may choose to participate, as long as they recuse themselves from later consideration of the project by LPC.) Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Commission decide that the LPC Design Review Subcommittee process and composition should be as follows: 1) That the subcommittee should contain no more than 3 members; and 2) That Option C, having staff identify relevant members based upon type of project, should be the process used to establish the composition of each subcommittee 3) That the Design Review Subcommittee process be examined as a part of the Historic Preservation Code and Process Review, for “best practices.” History: LPC Design Review Subcommittee review projects since at least mid-1990s Reviews suspended c. 2009; not a listed duty of the Commission, so members had liability Added to LPC’s functions by Ordinance No. 002, 2011 (attached) Very successful, between 85-90% rate of compatible design solutions; fair number of the buildings went on to be designated 2014 - Decision by LPC Chair - All projects reviewed at Work Sessions by full LPC acting as the subcommittee 2015 - Work Sessions determined to not be appropriate venue; need to be discussed at Regular Meetings Goals: Support quality community design Help protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible additions and new construction Increase awareness & appreciation, promote incentives, explain processes Identify project-specific appropriate solutions Shorten approval process for non-controversial projects Lessen number of projects going to LPC; LPC’s time better spent on projects with issues Subcommittee reviews seen as proactive/positive, presents positive image of Historic Preservation Review: Landmark buildings and buildings in the Old Town Neighborhoods (can include entire GMA) Advice & recommendations that meet codes, retain a building's eligibility for future local, state or national designation, provide for good design As applicable, Chapter 14, Land Use Code, and/or Secretar y of the Interior Standards are review criteria Both advisory and regulatory projects If all parties agree to solution that meets codes, then can be approved administratively o (Submitted plans reviewed for compliance prior to approval) If not unanimous agreement, then application continues through regular process May explore options through multiple design reviews, using same LPC members LPC participants must recuse themselves from further consideration of this project Reviews taped; recording or summary may be provided to all LPC members Typically two 45-minute reviews, held prior to the LPC meeting ATTACHMENTS 1. ORDINANCE_NUMBER_002_FEB-01-2011 (PDF) 2. 1_2014 Chapter 2 adopted ord (DOCX) 1 Packet Pg. 3 1.a Packet Pg. 4 Attachment: ORDINANCE_NUMBER_002_FEB-01-2011 (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE) 1.a Packet Pg. 5 Attachment: ORDINANCE_NUMBER_002_FEB-01-2011 (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE) 1.a Packet Pg. 6 Attachment: ORDINANCE_NUMBER_002_FEB-01-2011 (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE) - 1 - ORDINANCE NO. 058, 2014 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING SECTION 2-278 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS PERTAINING TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION WHEREAS, the City Council has directed City staff to undertake a two-phase project to consider improvements to the City’s historic preservation codes and processes to make these codes and processes more transparent, predictable and effective; and WHEREAS, City staff has prepared and presented to the City Council the second phase of the work, which addresses City Council’s concerns regarding the readability of the codes, increased flexibility in applying the codes, and better notice of the City’s historic review processes and regulations to the purchasers of historic landmarked properties and properties that are eligible to become landmarks; and WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission has reviewed the proposed changes as set forth below and has recommended the same to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the changes set forth below are in the best interests of the citizens of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that Section 2-278 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 2-278. Functions. (a) The Commission shall perform all duties relating to preservation of historic landmarks as set out in Chapter 14, including the designation of sites, structures, objects or districts as landmarks and the review and approval or rejection of plans for the construction, alteration, demolition or relocation of any such site, structure, object or district. Decisions of the Commission are final unless appealed to the City Council. (b) The Commission shall also perform the following additional functions: (1) To promote awareness and understanding of, and appreciation for, the value of historic resource preservation in contributing to the quality of life in the City, and actively encouraging property owners to voluntarily designate their properties as historic landmarks; (2) To advise the City Council and City staff with regard to the identification and evaluation of historic resources within the Growth Management Area and providing information regarding the significance of the resources, the nature and degree of threat to their preservation, and methods for their protection; 1.b Packet Pg. 7 Attachment: 1_2014 Chapter 2 adopted ord (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE) - 2 - (3) To advise the City Council and City staff with regard to appropriate policies, incentives and regulations for encouraging and/or requiring preservation and rehabilitation of historic resources; (4) To coordinate with the various other City boards, commissions and City staff members whose actions may affect the preservation of historic resources in the community; and (5) To establish a committee of its members to provide advice and, if required under Section 2.10.2(H) of the Land Use Code, written recommendations to the owners of eligible historic properties, and of properties located near eligible historic properties, regarding historically appropriate design and site planning for additions, alterations and new construction in the City; provided, however, that any members of such committee who provide such advice or recommendations to property owners under this provision shall refrain from participating in any subsequent decisions of the Commission related to such properties; and (6) To provide advice and written recommendations to the appropriate decision maker and/or administrative body regarding plans for properties containing or adjacent to sites, structures, objects or districts that: (a) have been determined to be individually eligible for local landmark designation or for individual listing in the State or National Registers of Historic Places; (b) are officially designated as a local or state landmark, or are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; or (c) are located within an officially designated historic district or area. (7) To perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by the City Council by ordinance or resolution. (c) In order to better perform the foregoing functions and to coordinate the activities of the Commission with similar activities of other public and private agencies, members of the Commission may be appointed, by majority vote of the Commission, to serve as City representatives on the board of directors of the Historic Fort Collins Development Corporation, the Poudre Landmark Foundation or such other privately funded nonprofit corporations as the Commission may approve that are organized for the primary purpose of furthering the preservation of the community's historic resources. 1.b Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: 1_2014 Chapter 2 adopted ord (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE) - 3 - Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 1st day of April, A.D. 2014, and to be presented for final passage on the 15th day of April, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 15th day of April, A.D. 2014. __________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _______________________________ City Clerk 1.b Packet Pg. 9 Attachment: 1_2014 Chapter 2 adopted ord (5392 : DISCUSSION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE)