IRISH BEACH ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMMITTEE

PO Box 245 Manchester, CA 95459

(707) 882-3183   ibadc@ibiclub.com    ibiclub.com

January 17, 2009

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Leon Drolet called the meeting to order at approximately 10:00AM.  Committee members Nik Epanchin, John McGehee and Walt Salmen were present.  Gordon Moores arrived at approximately 10:05. 

 

Others present:  Wes Bean, Nancy Epanchin, Louis Gardner, Bill McConnell, Marcia McConnell, Sharon Robards, Phil Roberts, Diane Taylor, Karl Taylor, Al Thompson, Loretta Thompson, Steve Whitaker and Su Whitaker.

 

APPROVE MINUTES/TREASURER’S REPORT:

Approve minutes of 11/15/08:  Nik moved to approve the minutes.  John seconded and the motion passed 3-0 with one abstention.

Treasurer’s Report:  10/1/08-12/31/08:  Jean Selk reported that the ADC has assets of $718.25 as of December 31.  Nik explained that, after an assessment of upcoming expenses, he projects there will be about $100 in assets by the end of the month.  Leon stated that he will ask IBIC for a loan of $1000 and that the ADC will need to increase revenue.  Nik moved to approve the report as submitted.  Walt seconded and the motion passed 5-0 

           

NEW BUSINESS:

 

TAYLOR 1/066 (14871 Navarro Way):  Minor Exterior Improvement application for the installation of a generator and screening.  Gordon moved to approve the application as submitted.  Nik seconded and the motion passed 5-0.  The Committee explained that the generator and screening was installed prior to this meeting, with the approval of the Committee and the Taylors will not be charged the ‘after the fact’ permit fee.

 

EPANCHIN 4/35 (15721 Forest View Road):  Minor Exterior Improvement application for a deck extension and storage shed.  A comment was received from William Moores regarding the exterior materials to be used.  The comment incorrectly states that the permit application includes conversion of the garage to a living area.  Nik explained that the project will bridge two existing decks with a triangular deck that is 180ft2.  The tool shed will be under the deck.  Gordon moved to approve the application.  Walt seconded and the motion passed 4-0 with 1 abstention. 

 

MCCONNELL 1/34 (14820 Navarro Way):  Revised Phase II application for a New Home Construction permit.  Two comments were received from William Moores.  The first comment discusses the possible construction of a flat roofed house in order to mitigate the view impact and the second concerns the location of the propane tank enclosure.  Architect Phil Roberts presented the fourth Phase II application for this project.  He explained that because of hearings before the Coastal Commission and a geotech report, the proposed house has been moved closer to the road and reconfigured into a one bedroom, two-bath home with 1201ft2 of living area.  The east side of the foundation will be excavated to 3 feet, which is the maximum allowed by the septic system design.  The septic system cannot be relocated.  In order to reduce the view impact and keep the house low in height, various roof pitches were considered from 1:12 to 3.5:12.  The current application shows a 2.5:12 pitch, which results in a ridge height of 13ft 4inches above mean natural grade.  Mr. Roberts asked the Committee to consider increasing the roof pitch to 3:12, which will still result in a roof ridge height that is still less than the 16ft. maximum allowed in unit one.  The application includes several variances, all of which have been previously approved.  These are; north side yard set back, no stepped foundation, roof pitch of 3:12, single car garage (see minutes of 1/20/07), and a standing seam metal roof (see minutes of 9/15/07).  A height variance was also previously approved, but is not being requested in this application.  The applicants do not intend to use a flat roof and Mr. Roberts stated that the height is similar to other houses in the area.  Mr. Roberts previously calculated that the ridgeline will be 2ft 4 inches above the site line of a 5ft 6inch person standing in the middle of Navarro Way.  Nik noted that houses built on the east side of Navarro Way will have a higher floor level and therefore will realize even less of a view impact.  Concerning the location of the propane tank enclosure, Mr. Roberts stated that he does not think he can place it on the north side of the lot, as suggested by William Moores, due to the location of the neighbor’s tank on the property line.  He may be able to excavate and thereby lower the screening to about two feet above ground level, which will minimize any potential view impact.  The color of the fiber cement siding has not yet been chosen.  The roof will be weathered copper color painted on steel, as previously approved.  Nik moved to approve the application as presented with the modification of a 3:12 pitch roof instead of 2.5:12.  Final approval will be given when samples of the siding and roofing colors are received and approved.  John seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

 

Proposed change to Minor Mod Guidelines dated May 1, 2006:

From: Permit application fees must accompany this submittal.  (See Fee Schedule Table)  Approved permits for minor exterior improvements of less than $4,000 are valid for 3 months while those for more than $4,000 are valid for 12 months.  Once construction has started, it must be finished in 2 months.  Permit extensions are not granted.

 

To read:  See Minor Construction Project Definition Table for the IBADC review process of minor construction projects.  Permit applications fees must accompany this submittal.  (See Fee Schedule Table)

See the Fee Schedule Table for:  applicable application fee, permit durations, permit extensions and allowable construction durations.

 

Leon said he will add a statement directing applicants to the appropriate documents and will revise the layout.  The proposed changes will be placed on the web site.

 

PROPOSED Change to Fee Schedule Table dated MAY 1, 2006:

H & i:  Permit durations for Minor Exterior Improvements will be 12 months. 

 

From:  3. Performance Deposits (PD) will apply for New Home Construction and Major Exterior Improvements.  These serve to assure that the permit holder complies with providing written verification by a licensed surveyor or civil engineer of the foundation location and building height and, upon compliance are fully refundable.  Deposits will be held in interest bearing accounts.

 

To read:

3. Performance Deposits (PD) will apply for New Home Construction and Major Exterior Improvements.  These serve to assure that the permit holder complies with providing written verification by a surveyor, civil engineer or contractor (each of whom must be licensed and registered in the state of California) of the foundation location and building height and, upon compliance are fully refundable at the completion of the project.  Deposits will be held in interest bearing accounts.

 

Leon explained that the Committee is challenged by the fact that many owners do not notify the ADC of their project’s completion.  In addition, the ADC has little ability to enforce the permit time limits for construction, which is one year for a house or major modification.  One suggestion is to delay the refund of the Performance Deposit (PD) until the project is complete.  At this time, the PD is refunded when the location and height verifications are received.  Leon explained that a Performance Deposit could also be used to cover permit extension fees when the project is not finished on time.  However, the idea needs more clarification and the Committee will continue to work on the problem.  The Committee is asking for community input and will continue to work on the proposal.  

 

PROPOSED ADDITION TO CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES: 

 

Construction will begin no earlier than 8:00am.  After a discussion, there was a general agreement that the Committee could not enforce the proposed guideline and that it conflicts with the desire to encourage builders to complete their projects within the permitted time.  Nik moved to reject the proposal.  Walt seconded and the motion passed 4-1. 

 

ADC FINANCIAL POSITION:  Several ideas were discussed about how to increase revenue including charging an additional fee when application revisions require additional hearings, which happens with some frequency.  Several ideas were offered from the audience including charging an additional fee for additional hearings and setting a higher application fee and refunding a portion if no additional hearings are needed.  Leon stated that he would continue to welcome community input and that this item will be on the next agenda.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

WONG 3/22 (14735 Cypress Point Rd.):  A complaint was received regarding the remains of a boat that is on the lot.  The boat remains have been on the lot for about two years.  The Committee will write a letter to the owner asking them to remove it. 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

RAPELJE

1/003 (15400 S. Hwy 1):  The Rapeljes submitted a height variance request letter for their New Home Construction application on 10/30/08.  (See minutes of 7/19/08)  The Committee responded in writing on 12/15/08 and stated that the hardships that necessitate the variance must be explained in more detail.  (See minutes of 11/15/08)  No response has been received.

TILLER 1/014 (15150 Irish Beach Dr.):  The ADC sent two letters to the property owner and architect on 11/4/08 and 12/1/08 regarding the fence on the south side of the house.  The fence appears not to conform to the approved plans of permit 0707-1014.  Ms. Tiller’s architect, Joe Odegard, responded to the ADC’s second letter on 12/3/08.  He proposes removing the new fence and reconstructing the existing fence with new but equal materials along its original run.  The materials would be metal T-bar posts and galvanized wire fabric.  12/30/08   An email was received from William Moores requesting copies of correspondence between Ms. Tiller and the Committee regarding the fence as well as information about any action the Committee intends to take.  After discussion, it was agreed that the original post and wire fence was built without a permit by the previous owner and that any grandfathered rights that may have existed ended with the fence’s removal.  Nik moved that the Committee will write a letter to the owner explaining that she can either build the fence that was approved under the Major Exterior Improvement permit or return to the Committee for approval of a different fence. 

VIPPERMAN/COHEN 1/998 (14756 Navarro Way):  The Committee sent a letter on 12/1/08 requesting that the story poles be removed due to hazard.  The poles have been removed.

SCHEAFFER 2/21 (44641 Pomo Lake Dr.):  The Scheaffers have requested a modification to the approved New Home Construction permit with the addition of exterior stairs to access the roof deck.  The original request for exterior stairs was rejected (see minutes of 7/19/08).  They submitted new drawings on 12/23/08 and a variance request letter for a side yard set back variance was received on 1/5/09.  They state that their eastern neighbors, Robards (2/22), approve of the modification and will sign a notarized statement to that effect.  A notarized variance request and drawings, signed by the Robards, was received on 1/14/09.  A notice of the variance request will be sent to neighbors within a 300ft radius and a 30-day comment period will begin.  If no objections are received, the variance request is approved.

ROSS 3/08 (14680 Cypress Point Road):  The Single Phase Major Exterior Project application was approved pending receipt of revised drawings.  The drawings were received on 11/28/08.  There was a discussion as to whether the approval of the application was done properly at the end of the last meeting.  Nik explained that the original application was rejected at the hearing and that the applicant and his architect, Glenn Coleman, were told that if they rotated the garage in a certain direction it would be approved.  Mr. Coleman returned at the end of the meeting, after the audience members and Gordon had departed, to seek approval of a revised application, which conformed to the conclusion of the prior discussion.  Three Committee members were still present and approved the revised proposal, pending receipt of new drawings.  Gordon argued that the application was improperly approved after the meeting was adjourned.  He continues to object to the orientation of the proposed garage, roof ridge orientation and the lack of screened parking.  Nik argued that the applicant complied with the Committee’s requirement to reorient the garage as discussed in front of the public.  Screened parking was not required.  John moved that the revised plans should be presented at the next meeting.  There was no second and the motion died.

LIMBERG/WHITNEY 4/72 (15780 Forest View Court):  Prior to the November meeting, Sonja Keasberry (4/64) submitted a legal document that was sent to her by Limberg/Whitney regarding the location of a fence post.  Subsequently, the Committee received a report from David Paoli, registered surveyor, stating that the northwest fence post on Ms. Keasberry’s property intrudes 2.75 inches into the Limberg/Whitney property.  Leon stated that this is an issue between the two property owners.  A copy of the report will be placed in each property owner’s ADC property file.

SACKMAN 7/14 (44280 O’Rorey’s Roost):    On 11/06/08 the Sackman’s submitted a revised request for a permit extension of New Home Construction permit 0706-0714 due to third party delays.  The ADC sent a written response on 12/1/08 approving third party delays of 28 days, which extends the permit to 7/10/08.  Construction was completed on 9/6/08.

OWNER/BUILDERS:  The IBADC has asked several owner/builders in Irish Beach to comment on how to handle owner/builders who intend to take much longer to complete exterior construction than presently handled by the CC&Rs and procedures.  (See minutes of 3/17/07 and 5/19/07.) 

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT EXTENSIONS:  Leon is working with the following property owners to resolve the status of their expired construction permits:  Murray 0905-0410, Bean 0505-0420 and Gmeiner 0702-0723.  Leon expressed his frustration at not being able to reach a resolution with the property owners and suggested that requiring a deposit for timely completion of permits may be a solution. 

 

ADJOURNMENT/NEXT MEETING

 

Leon moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:03PM.  John seconded and the motion passed with no objections.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for March 21, 2009

Meetings are scheduled for the third Saturday of every odd month.