ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA. County Board Agenda Item Meeting of September 20, 2014

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1 ARLINGTON COUNTY, VIRGINIA County Board Agenda Item Meeting of September 20, 2014 DATE: September 7, 2014 SUBJECT: Historic District Design Guidelines for the Fenwick Court Townhomes, located within the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District. C.M. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the attached Historic Design Guidelines for the Fenwick Court Townhomes in the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District. ISSUES: The Design Guidelines were created in consultation with the Fenwick Court Home Owner s Association, and were approved by the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB). There are no known issues. SUMMARY: Historic Preservation Program staff have worked collaboratively with the Home Owner s Association of the Fenwick Court Townhomes, located within the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District, to create design guidelines for the orderly review of Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) and Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness (ACoA) cases within the neighborhood. When the Historic District was established there were no design guidelines created with the designation. These new design guidelines will help the homeowners, HALRB, and Historic Preservation Program (HPP) staff review and approve CoA and ACoA cases in a manner more suitable for the 1990s townhomes located within the historic district. Section A of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance requires that new design guidelines must be adopted by the County Board for use by their designee. BACKGROUND: The Arlington County Board designated the Eastman-Fenwick House, located at 6733 Lee Highway, as a local historic district on May 31, At the time of designation, the district encompassed 1.25 acres of land which included the historic 1876 house as well as a large stable and workshed in the rear of the property. In 1993, a developer purchased the property and approached the County about constructing townhouses in the rear of the lot while preserving the historic Eastman-Fenwick House on a new, smaller lot. An County Manager: ##### County Attorney: ***** Staff: Rebeccah Ballo, Historic Preservation Planner, CPHD 51.

2 agreement was reached to do so, and that same year the County Board approved the General Land Use Plan Amendment (GP ) and Rezoning (Z ) that allowed for the construction of the adjacent Fenwick Court Townhomes. Constructed in 1995, 19 of the 30 three-story townhouses comprising Fenwick Court are located within the boundaries of the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District and require a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes (see map below). The boundaries of the district were not redrawn when the townhomes were built. At the time of their construction and ultimate approval by the HALRB via a CoA, the HALRB required that the townhomes massing, exterior elevations, architectural fixtures, detailing, and materials recall the Eastman-Fenwick House. Eastman Fenwick House Historic District Boundaries are shown in the crosshatched area. The Eastman Fenwick House is located on Lee Highway with the Fenwick Court Townhomes to the rear and the northeast. Since design guidelines were not submitted or approved with the local designation or the new construction of the townhomes, and were not required by the Zoning Ordinance at the time, the Secretary of the Interior s Standards for Rehabilitation have served as the default guidance for alterations to all the properties within the Historic District. This has proven somewhat problematic for the townhome owners and historic preservation staff for two reasons. The first is that less than half of the townhomes are actually located within the historic district boundary. This has resulted in changes being approved for one half of the community that would not necessarily be approved in the historic district-governed portion. Secondly, the Secretary s Standards are an uneasy fit when applied to newer construction dating to the early-1990s. Nearly two years ago, the Fenwick Court Homeowner s Association approached historic preservation staff about developing design guidelines specific to the needs of their townhomes. The community has its own Architectural Review Board, and they wanted to create a set of Adoption of Fenwick Court Design Guidelines - 2 -

3 unified design guidelines to use for alterations to all of the townhomes, not just those within the historic district. The Association s leadership and Architectural Review Board have worked closely with preservation staff to create a set of design guidelines which are clear, concise, and appropriate for use in guiding changes to the 1990s-era townhomes. The same standards will be used by the Architectural Review Board of the Fenwick Court Homeowner s Association to review changes to those townhomes that are not located within the district. The HALRB considered the adoption of these guidelines at their July 2014 hearing. They heard testimony from the Fenwick Court Homeowner s Association and reviewed a report by HPP Staff. After some discussion, the HALRB voted to send the guidelines, with minor revisions for clarity, to the County Board for adoption. DISCUSSION: There are two important goals for these Guidelines: the first is to establish one set of guidelines for all the townhomes, and the second is to give the HALRB and HPP staff consistent and logical architectural standards to apply to the regulation of the townhomes within the historic district. The focus of the new Guidelines has been on maintaining the aesthetic harmony of the existing community, and on maintaining the visual relationship between the townhomes and the Eastman Fenwick House itself. The Guidelines recognize that the townhomes are 1990s buildings and as such should be allowed to utilize both 1990s-era and more modern building materials that would be inappropriate for a historic house or a typical historic district with a majority of historic buildings. There is an emphasis on maintaining the architecture of the townhomes and with that the details of their appearance in terms of window configurations, muntin patterns, trim details, etc. The flexibility in these Guidelines allows the home owners to use a range of replacement materials, within a specific range and using specific standards agreed to by the HALRB and HPP staff. The Guidelines permit work items such as the routine replacement of windows, doors, and garage doors, landscaping, hardscaping, fence installation, and satellite installation, to name a few. All work items, whether approved through the CoA or AcoA process will be reviewed by HPP Staff to ensure conformance with the Guidelines and with the standards set forth in ACZO Sections 11.3 and It should be noted that although only a portion of the townhomes are located within the Historic District, the HOA intends to use the Guidelines to guide their own review of all changes to all of the townhomes in the neighborhood. The HOA recognizes and understands that Arlington County only has jurisdiction over those townhomes located within the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District boundary. Staff finds that these Guidelines will help to consistently regulate the Fenwick Court Townhomes in a manner that is appropriate to the District, while also keeping within the established architectural vocabulary of the neighborhood. CONCLUSION: These design guidelines will aid in the orderly and equitable review of CoA and ACoA requests from homeowner s in Fenwick Court. The HALRB, HPP staff, and the Fenwick Court Homeowner s Association are in support of the Design Guidelines, and recommend that they be adopted by the County Board for use in the Fenwick Court Townhomes in the Eastman Fenwick House Historic District. Adoption of Fenwick Court Design Guidelines - 3 -

4 Design Guidelines for a Certificate of Appropriateness and Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fenwick Court Townhomes, Located within the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District I. Purpose and Intent of the Design Guidelines These design guidelines are intended to assist the current and future property owners, Arlington County staff, and members of the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) in the determination and decisions for approval or denial of applications for Certificates of Appropriateness as set forth in the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance Sections 11.3 and 15.8 for the Fenwick Court Townhomes located within the Eastman-Fenwick House Historic District (designated May 31, 1980). It is recognized that buildings are not static, but continue to evolve over time. These guidelines are not intended to prohibit changes, but rather to preserve the most important physical aspects of the Historic District and ensure that any changes are respectful of and compatible with the existing fabric and historic character of the District. In addition to appropriateness and compatibility, additional factors to consider as part of the design review process include durability, design integrity, and overall harmony of the proposed modifications. These Guidelines are meant to guide and support the review process for Certificates of Appropriateness within the historic district. Those townhomes located within the Historic District boundary are modern buildings constructed in In order to maintain architectural and visual compatibility with the historic Eastman-Fenwick House, certain exterior elements of the townhouses are to be retained and maintained in appearance, but may be repaired or replaced using different materials as described below. In addition, as new materials become available, they also may be considered for approval. Prior to completing any work on the exterior of the townhomes, individual homeowners may be responsible for obtaining any necessary ARB (Architectural Review Board of the Fenwick Court HOA) approval, in addition to their Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) for exterior alterations from the HALRB. Compliance with the CoA process does not eliminate the need to seek approvals from any homeowners association rules and regulations for the properties. The following properties are located in the Historic District and are governed by these Design Guidelines: All of: 2327 N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC#

5 2340 N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# Part of: 2314 N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# N VAN BUREN CT; RPC# Parcel A, Common Area; RPC# II. Design Standards These Guidelines are to be considered in approving or denying CoA applications as set forth in ACZO Sections 11.3 and General Repairs and Replacement The existing ornamental trim on stairways and balconies that mimics the decorative gingerbread design of the Eastman-Fenwick House shall be maintained. The location of doors, windows and similar exterior openings shall not be changed from the original builder plan elevations approved and on file with Arlington County s Historic Preservation Program Office. Siding may be replaced using wood, vinyl or cement fiberboard on the townhomes in accordance with the standards set forth in the Appendix. Trim may be replaced with wood, cement fiberboard or cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC). All new siding must maintain the original 2

6 appearance. Brick shall be maintained. See the attached specifications for the use of cement fiberboard and PVC. Roofs Roof shingles may be replaced with the same style shingles without approval of the HALRB. Gutters Gutters may be replaced with the same style plus additional capacity (up to 8 width) without approval. Any changes in style must obtain a CoA. Replacement of Windows All replacement windows must fit within the existing openings and be no smaller than a one-inch difference in any direction, with no noticeable differences in appearance from the outside. The casing shall not be increased in any direction beyond the originally approved window casing. The original configuration of double-hung, sash windows and stationary windows shall not be changed. The replacement windows must have the same grid configuration as the original windows with a single vertical grid/muntin one-inch in width. The grid may be placed between the inner and outer window panes, or, as in the original design, a snap-in configuration on the inside of the window frame. The replacement windows may be made of any material that appears the same as the original, including wood, aluminum clad wood, or vinyl. A window sample, catalog cut sheet, online description, or other basis for comparison shall be provided with the CoA application. Replacement of Garage Doors All replacement garage doors must be of the original style, either single car or double car size, with or without windows. The original configuration of four hinged rows of panels and four/eight columns shall not be changed. Windows shall be 20-inches wide, 17-inches high (plus-or-minus 1-inch) and have a one-inch cross grid/muntin. The replacement doors may be made of any material that appears the same as the original so that any reasonable person could not tell the difference from the street. A sample of material, catalog cut sheet, online description or other basis for comparison should be provided with the CoA application. Shutters Shutters, if installed on the townhome originally, may not be removed except for temporary maintenance purposes, and shall be reinstalled when work is completed. Shutters shall not be 3

7 removed for more than 30 days. Shutters shall be maintained or replaced with ones of the original size, and style. Materials may vary from the original. Fences Property owners shall not alter fences from their original height, size, style, material and location. Satellite Dishes Satellite dishes may be installed if they are no larger than 18 inches in diameter. They should not be visible from any public right-of-way. III. Requirements for a Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) and an Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness (ACoA) A. Because the following are determined to be, at a minimum potentially significant changes, a CoA and public hearing at the HALRB is required for the following changes, among others, to the Fenwick Court Townhomes in the Eastman-Fenwick House Local Historic District: 1. If the proposed work involves different materials and/or a different design than those noted in the guidelines above; 2. The removal or demolition of part or all of the dwelling; 3. Any new structure or enlargement, addition, modification, or alteration of the exterior of the existing buildings or a portion of the existing buildings; 4. The removal, replacement, or enclosure of entrances and/or window openings; 5. The painting of previously unpainted masonry materials; 6. The installation, removal, or changes in material of specific landscape elements, including walls, driveway, walkways, or patio paving; 7. The installation of fencing that is of a different height, size, style, material or location from the original fencing; 8. The permanent removal of shutters; 9. The replacement of garage doors with designs different from those described in the general guidelines above; 10. Roof replacement with a style or material different from the existing asphalt shingles; and, 11. The removal of trees measuring at least 15 or more in diameter at 4 of height that are not damaged, diseased, or do not pose an imminent safety risk as determined by the County s Urban Forester. B. An ACoA and Historic Preservation Staff approval is required for the following changes to the Fenwick Court Townhomes in the Eastman-Fenwick House Local Historic District: 1. The removal of any damaged, diseased, or dead mature tree (measuring at least 15 inches in diameter at 4 feet of height), with approval pending the submittal of a written report by the County s Urban Forester that details the hazardous or unhealthy condition of the tree; 4

8 2. The installation of air conditioning condenser and/or heat pump units. Units should not deviate from current locations by more than 6-inches in any direction, though heights may vary; 3. The installation of satellite dishes less than 18 in diameter that are not located in any area visible from the public right of way 4. The installation of fencing that meets County Zoning requirements (Zoning permits are also required for new fences); 5. The installation of shutters per the standards in Section II: Design Standards that are the same in size and style as those installed on other townhomes; 6. The replacement of garage doors per the standards in Section II: Design Standards; and, 7. The replacement of windows per the standards in Section II: Design Standards. IV. Exemptions from the CoA/ACoA Process: The following changes to the Fenwick Court Townhomes in the Eastman-Fenwick Local Historic District will not affect historical appropriateness, and therefore, may be made without acquiring a CoA or an ACoA: 1. Any interior modifications or renovations in accordance with Section of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance; 2. The repair, replacement, or ordinary maintenance of exterior features with the same materials of the same design; 3. General landscaping, preparation, and maintenance of lawns, trees, shrubbery, flower beds, and gardens; 4. Paving repair using the same materials of the same design; 5. Exterior painting of, and paint colors on, surfaces previously painted including wood, PVC, or Hardiplank siding, windows and doors, or decorative trim (Choice of colors may be limited by HOA guidelines and standards. It is the homeowner s responsibility to comply with those standards outside of the CoA review process.); 6. The removal or replacement of items and accessories such as window or door screens, storm windows and doors, outdoor furniture, mail boxes, building numbers, outdoor light fixtures, and other temporary outdoor features associated with the buildings (Please refer to HOA Guidelines for any additional information about these items); and 7. Placement or replacement of gutters and downspouts, with a capacity increase to no more than an 8 diameter. 5

9 Appendix A: Use of Cement Fiberboard and PVC Materials Cement Fiberboard: Cement fiberboard is not appropriate as the primary siding material on existing historic buildings. Under certain circumstances, the HALRB may permit the use of smooth cement fiberboard on non-historic structures, new construction, and new additions to historic buildings. Form of application. All applications requesting consideration of cement fiberboard products must include sufficient information and specifications on the proposed product to permit full consideration of the application by the HALRB, its Design Review Committee, and Historic Preservation Staff. If requested by the HALRB, the Design Review Committee or the County staff processing the application, the applicant shall provide a product sample. Primary siding. Cement fiberboard may be used only as primary siding; it may not be installed over any other siding material, historic or otherwise. Lap siding. All cement fiberboard lap siding must have a smooth finish. No prefinished or wood grain finishes will be considered. The exposed face of fiberboard lap siding may not exceed five inches in width (height when installed). Shingle siding. Cement fiberboard shingles with wood grain finishes will be considered for approval as shingle material. Trim. All trim elements to be used in conjunction with cement fiberboard must be wood or a high quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that meets the requirements stated in this Appendix A. Trim elements include, but are not limited to, door trim, window trim, corner boards, cornice, fascia, etc. Cellular Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Trim PVC is not appropriate as a trim material on existing historic buildings and should never be considered for siding. Under certain circumstances, the HALRB may permit the use of PVC trim on non-historic structures, non-contributing structures, new construction, and new additions to historic buildings. Trim elements include, but are not limited to, door trim, window trim, corner boards, cornice, fascia, etc. Form of application. All applications requesting consideration of cellular PVC products must include sufficient information and specifications on the proposed product to permit full consideration of the application by the HALRB, its Design Review Committee, and Historic Preservation Staff. If requested by the County staff, the Design Review Committee, or the HALRB, the applicant shall provide a product sample. PVC specifications. Any PVC material must meet the following requirements listed below to be considered appropriate: 1. Solid through the core. 6

10 2. Millable, or able to be milled in a manner similar to wood to match profiles of historic trim if required by the HALRB for design compatibility. 3. Similar in density to wood. 4. PVC must have a smooth finish. No pre-finished or faux wood grain finishes will be considered. PVC must be painted. All PVC trim must be painted similar to wood trim. PVC must be at least 5/4 inch thick, unless otherwise deemed appropriate by the HALRB. When used in conjunction with cement fiber board siding, trim elements must maintain a historically appropriate profile in order to create a visual depth consistent with early 20th century construction. The thickness of trim material will be reviewed as part of the CoA application. PVC must be able to be milled. All PVC must be able to be milled to match existing trim profiles if required for design compatibility. 7