April 2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

fences and low wood picket fences can be found at some building sites. The neighborhood enjoys a mature tree canopy. Deciduous, non - ornamental trees are found in the tree lawns. Upper Lamont Terrace does not have a tree lawn as the sidewalk abuts the street. A sidewalk divides the tree lawn from the lawn on the other streets in the district. Required Fencing, walkways, outbuildings, private yard lights, signs (i.e. house numbers) and benches (visible from the street) as well as trees located in the yard or tree lawns which reflect the property's history and development shall be retained. A tree shall only be removed if the removal is required due to storm damage, disease, threatened damage to a structure, or for such other reasons acceptable to the Historic Preservation Commission. Storm damaged or diseased trees should then be replaced with an approved species at the same or approximate location wherever possible. Fencing visible from the street in front of the structure shall be open (meaning spaces between the pickets), and consistent with the historic character of a structure enclosed. Recommended New site work should be based upon�actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings and newspapers. New site work should also be appropriate to existing surrounding site elements in scale, type and appearance. Trees in close proximity to a building may cause structural damage. Owners are encouraged to remove these trees and replace (or replant) them at a more appropriate location as soon as planting season permits and upon approval of a C of A. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings or other elements before evaluating their importance to the property's history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped, nor enclosed by solid fences, chain link, nor industrial/commercial style fences. The installation of unsightly large devices, such as television satellite dishes, skylights, or solar panels, shall not be permitted in areas where they detract from the architecture of a building, are intrusive to the public view of the building or are highly visibly from a public street, or ruled inappropriate after Commission review. Utility poles with high - intensity overhead lights should be installed so that they cannot be seen from a street. The Commission will evaluate all installations as well as any potential exceptions resulting from special circumstances, before granting a C of A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of removing only those trees on the property of 503 N. Lafayette and the trimming of the trees on the adjacent properties interfering with the power lines. Furthermore, staff recommends the approval of the planting of one new tree that is compatible in variety with those presently growing - and will not interfere with the existing power lines as it grows to maturity. Staff recommends the removal of the bushes in the front yard and the replacement of a flower garden as it will compliment the home and enhance the landscaping.