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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: September 30, 2009 Application Number: 2009-0922 Property Location: 815 Ashland Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: T-Plan/1894 Property Owner: Diana and Randy Hopkins Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Rating: Non -Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The house has two storeys with exterior walls that are clad in aluminum and perma-stone. The roof is covered with asphalt shingles. There is an enclosed front porch with siding to match to house and metal railings. ALTERATIONS: In 1945 there was a 5'x6' addition to the'porch. The house is aluminum sided and there are replacement windows. There is also a rear addition to the home with a wooden ramp. APPLICATION ITEMS: The applicant wishes to add a fence across his driveway with a gate from his neighbors' house to his. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant is proposing to erect a fence with a gate across his driveway to the end of his property line. The addition to 813 Ashland is on 815 Ashland's property line and was constructed prior to the Hopkins' purchase. The fence and gate will be of 6' foot dog ear style treated wood fixed to posts set in concrete. The fence will not be fixed onto either house. The fence will be situated behind the electric meter beyond the set back of the house. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Chapin Park I. THE ENVIRONMENT A. THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT The Chapin Park Local Historic District is a particularly fine residential area located close to downtown South Bend, the St. Joseph River, Memorial Hospital and Leeper Park. This section is meant to protect and guide appropriate maintenance of the common areas of the district (i.e. visual landscape and streetscapes). Required Brick streets contribute greatly to the character of the neighborhood. These streets have always been essentially passenger car thoroughfares. The appointments of the streets (i.e. lighting, curbs, horse hitches and monuments) should contribute as much as possible to their architectural, historic and residential character. Retention and maintenance of existing brick streets in the district is required. Repair work to fill voids and gaps must utilize brick paver materials and acceptable installation methods whenever applicable. When utility work"dictates the removal of street sections (pavers), the original materials will be reinstalled. Brick streets shall be patched with brick pavers. Concrete, asphalt, fillers and similar materials shall not be used. All original streetlights shall be maintained, especially the George Cutter "Park View" streetlights designed by the Cutter Company for this neighborhood. Present efforts by the Neighborhood Association and the Historic Preservation Commission to restore "Park View" streetlights to the district shall continue. Any change in lighting must receive approval of the Historic Preservation Commission. New or different fencing requires a C of A and shall reflect the style and character of the individual property and the surrounding environment and properties. Recommended The current or historic character of lawns should be preserved. Front yard areas, common lawns and tree lawns should remain open. New or replacement trees should be compatible in variety with those presently growing. Vacant lots should be kept landscaped appropriately while vacant, and may be used for recreational or residential development. When replacement of utility poles or power supply lines is necessary, consideration should be given to underground conduits or utility poles erected along rear property lines.