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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210505MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY May 5, 2021 Due to current social meeting restrictions put in place by the Governor of Maryland because of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the Washington County Historic District Commission held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. virtually using Zoom software. No physical meeting took place. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL In the absence of the Chairman, Ms. Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commission members present were: Ann Aldrich, Vernell Doyle, Edie Wallace, Michael Lushbaugh, and Greg Smith. Staff members present were: Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning: Jill Baker, Director; Meghan Jenkins, GIS Coordinator; and Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant. MINUTES Motion and Vote: Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2021 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Smith and unanimously approved. OTHER BUSINESS Design Guidelines Ms. Jenkins gave a brief history of the draft Design Guidelines, which were begun around 2011. She reviewed several areas of the original draft document that were changed or removed in order to update the document and keep it very specific to the guidelines. Discussion and Comments: • Application Process: Ms. Aldrich began with a discussion of the Application process. Under the topic of Certificate of Appropriateness, there is a list of 6 bullets describing what building permit applications apply to. Each bullet point needs to be detailed so applicants know they are to focus on each in order to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness. • Evaluation Process: Reiterate the need for historic context of structures before they are demolished. • Ordinary Maintenance: Make this match what is currently on the website. • Demolition: This will be updated pending future discussions with the Board of County Commis- sioners. • There was a brief discussion regarding the role of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and when that office is contacted to weigh in on a demolition to determine if a structure has statewide significance. Ms. Jenkins will check the State legislation and1contact the SHPO for further information and guidance. • There was a discussion regarding the environmental study of adverse impacts on the environment when demolition of a structure is proposed. This is relative to the County's building code for such items as asbestos and lead paint. Ms. Baker stated that demolition permits are sent to MDE for review and determination of remediation. • Demolition Permit Request - Materials to be Submitted: Members would prefer color photo- graphs, one digital copy and one hardcopy with submission. • Applicant would be requested to provide documentation from a licensed professional to substantiate any claims of why a structure cannot be saved following the initial review and before the final recommendation is made by the HDC. • Short History of Washington County: First land patents were before 1834. This section needs updated. • Architectural Styles of Washington County: o Need a better example of Italiante structures o Twentieth Century (1900-1950s) — include bungalows and 1950's Ranch style homes (Sears houses) o Commercial Buildings: Add post 1930 commercial structures — add characteristics — call out specific structures like gas stations o Look for examples of Art Deco structures o Ecclesiastical — include updated picture of Tolson's Chapel; include earlier examples of churches o Create a section for Accessory Structures - Include characteristics of agricultural complexes (include bank barns, spring houses, summer kitchens, etc.) — include stone walls, stone fences (these are defining structures in Washington County) Mr. Smith left the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Staff Report • Review of a permit application for a structure on Millbrook Road. Owners are revising a window opening to install a door for a porch patio area. • Review of a permit application to construct a storage building at 20702 Old Forge Road (Schooley property). This structure is outside of the HP overlay and the areas of influence of the historic structure. • Review of a permit application for a rear deck on property located on Pole Cat Hollow Road. The original structure was dated 2008. • Review of a permit application for a pool to the rear of the dwelling located on Porterstown Road. • Review of demolition permit for a mobile home that was severely damaged in a car accident in the Lakeside Mobile Home Park. National Preservation Month Ms. Jenkins announced that new posts will be posted on the County's Facebook page each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 am throughout the month of May. The Thursday posts will focus on an architectural term of the week. Announcements Ms. Baker announced that Mr. Clemens will be resigning his position on the Historic District Commission in the near future. We will be looking for new candidates. We will hold an election of officers at the next meeting. Ms. Baker announced that staff will be returning to the office on May 17`x'. Meetings will continue to be held virtually. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Lushbaugh made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. Aldrich and so ordered by Ms. Baker. Respectfully submitted, Jill L. B er, Director Washington County Department of Planning & Zoning