IRISH BEACH ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMMITTEE

PO Box 245 Manchester, CA 95459

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

MINUTES November 17th, 2007

Approved by Committee January 19, 2008

 

Open meeting beginning at 10:00am at the Rex Dunning Firehouse, 15401 Forest View Drive.

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Chairperson Leon Drolet called the meeting to order at 10:16AM.  He introduced Committee members Nik Epanchin, John McGehee and Gordon Moores.

 

Others present:  Ricia Aray, Benita Allred, John L. Allred, Bruce Cohen, Kathy Edelbrock, Nancy Epanchin, Michael Levanthal, Fred Seaman, Loretta Thompson, Bettye Winters, Bob Winters, Steve Whitaker, Su Whitaker and Dean Wolfe.

 

APPROVE MINUTES/TREASURER’S REPORT:

 

Approve minutes of 9/15/07 John McGehee moved to approve the minutes as written.  Nik Epanchin seconded and the motion passed 4-0. 

Treasurer’s Report for 7/1/07-9/30/07:  Nik moved to approve the report as submitted.  Leon seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Hearings for New Home Construction and Major Exterior Modification permits will be limited to 45 minutes; 15 minutes for presentation and Committee questions and 30 minutes for audience input and discussion. 

 

The Committee proposes the following additions to the existing published procedures:

 

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTALS:  Add the following to the New Home Construction and Major Exterior Projects Guidelines:  “A copy of each of the above listed drawings in JPG or PDF format and a copy of each of the above text documents in DOC, JPG or PDF format, delivered on a single data CD.”  The purpose of the change is to be able to post all application documents on the web site.  Documents in DOC format will be accepted for submission purposes and converted to PDF or JPEG for posting to the web.  Nik moved to approve the proposal.  John seconded and the motion passed 4-0. 

 

PHOTOCOPY REQUESTS:  All photocopy requests must be addressed to the committee and not the committee secretary.  Materials such as part of normal project mail-outs to owners within 300 ft and other clarifications, which had been mailed to other Irish Beach property owners will be provided at no expense.  There will be a time and material charge for duplicate copies.

OR

All photocopy requests must be addressed to the committee and not the committee secretary or individual IBADC members.  All requests for additional materials such as normal project mail-outs (or any parts thereof) mailed to Property Owners within 300 ft as well as other clarifications will be provided on a time and material basis.  Much of this data can be downloaded free of charge from the IBADC website.

 

Leon stated that at the ADC planning meeting, it was decided that the second proposed policy was preferable.

      There were no comments.  Nik moved to approve the second proposal.  John seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location and Height VERIFICATION Forms:  The proposed forms include an agreement by the owner to reimburse cost should the Committee deem it necessary to hire a professional surveyor for verification.  Most verifications are currently being done by the contractor.  After a lengthy discussion that included audience members, it was generally agreed that it is critical for a house location and height to agree with the approved plans and that a licensed surveyor’s verification should be required.  Nik moved that the ADC change the New Home Construction and Major Exterior Projects permits to specifically state that foundation location will be determined by a professional surveyor prior to pouring of concrete and the height of the building, whether it’s the top plates or the top of the concrete on which the roof truss rests, will be verified by a professional surveyor to certified they are within the ADC approved drawings.  Gordon seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

 

The above three proposals will be posted on the web site.  If no negative comments are received within 30 days of posting, the procedures will take effect.  If negative comments are received, they will be discussed at the 1/18/08 meeting. 

 

ALLRED 1/050 (14720 S. Hwy 1):  Minor Exterior Improvement application for a shed, propane tank and garbage enclosure.  A written comment was received from William Moores (1/48, 1/56) John Allred presented the application.  The Committee members visited the property and met with the Allreds before the meeting.  Subsequently, the Allreds propose placing the propane tank and garbage enclosure on the southeast corner of the house instead of on the north property line.  The siding will be the same as on the existing house.  During the site visit it became apparent that the location of the north property line is unclear and until it is resolved, the proposed shed cannot be approved.  William Moores’ written comment concerned the proposed kit shed.  The Allreds agreed to use the house siding to comply with CC&R 5.11, which states that out buildings shall be similar in construction to the house.  They will submit a revised proposal for the shed based on an accurate property line location.  Gordon moved to approve the location of the propane tank and garbage enclosure on the south side of the house.  John seconded and the motion passed 4-0.  The changes were redlined on the application.  Nik explained that the proposed shed is smaller than the IBADC definition of a building (150ft2) and therefore may not be subject to building separation policies.  The Committee will get back to the Allreds with a final determination.  The Allreds also asked if the kit portion of the proposed shed is acceptable.  Gordon stated that he would like to see an overall plan that indicates where they would put a garage in the future.

 

VIPPERMAN/COHEN 1/C (14756 Navarro Way):  New Home Construction Phase II application with height, set back and other variances.  A comment and revised view corridor map was received from Martin/Hull (4/42).  Architect Michael Leventhal presented the application.  The Phase I application was heard and approved on 9/15/07.  Mr. Leventhal explained that the application includes four variances:  height, east setback, siding material and roofing material.  He stated that the height and set back variance requests are driven by the extreme difficulty of the bluff top lot.  The County is imposing geological and septic conditions on the lot including expansion of the existing septic system, which further limits the building area.  The original house, which burned down, was almost 29ft high in an area surrounded by two story houses.  Due to the difficulties of the site and the limited building area, they are asking for a height of 19ft (1.5 stories) above mean natural grade.  The mean natural grade is calculated to be 4ft above the existing and finished grade making the total height 23ft.  The building envelope that was established in the Phase I hearing is the extent of the possible building area, which will not accommodate the applicants’ desired house size in one story.  They are asking for a 6ft east side yard set back instead of 14ft plus the amount of the height variance, due to the limited building area.  They believe the adjoining property is unbuildable.  The proposed siding is poured concrete and the roof is copper, both of which require variances.  Mr. Leventhal showed examples of both and stated that the copper will patina in about five years and they will apply a finish to reduce the reflection.  The poured concrete building material was chosen for its fire resistance.  In response to a question from Leon, the house plans do not include an indoor sprinkler system for fire suppression.  Nik questioned the way in which the mean natural grade was determined, stating that it must be the average of the lowest and highest contour measurement of the exterior of the building foundation.  Furthermore, he explained that under no condition can the mean natural grade contour lie outside the building foundation perimeter or the building envelope.  Nik stated that the numbers given for the mean natural grade and elevation do not match the 1997 topo map and either the map or the design must be corrected.  He stated that the Committee might have erred in approving the Phase I building envelope before the County approves a septic system, since that is part of the basis for establishing the building envelope.  Mr. Leventhal explained that Carl Rittiman is writing a preliminary report to expand the existing three-bedroom system but cannot produce the final report until there has been twenty inches of rain.  The Committee needs to see more than a possible septic plan and may be able to work with the preliminary report and a written statement from Rittiman stating that he believes the proposed system is viable and will likely be approved by the County.  Leon stated his concern that the poured concrete exterior will not blend with the community and asked if they have considered Hardi plank.  He also asked for a copy of the geological report, which Mr. Leventhal promised to send.  Gordon stated that the only approved siding materials at this time are wood and Hardi board and that approval of a new materials may need to go through a community notification and comment period.     

 

COMMITTEE VACANCY:  There is a vacancy due to the resignation of Walt Rush.  Those interested in serving on the Committee should submit an application no later than 12/31/07.  An application is simply a statement of interest and can be mailed or emailed to the Committee secretary.  Two people have already sent in applications: Walter Salmen (2/04) of Ukiah and Brad Dyson (7/25) of Buckley, Washington.  The Committee will interview candidates on January 17 & 18 and plan to announce their recommendation at the 1/19/08 IBADC meeting.  The Committee will submit their recommendation to the Irish Beach Improvement Club Board of Directors for possible appointment at the 1/26/08 IBIC meeting.

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

BUTERA 2/07 (44881 Arena Circle):  10/30/07 Notification that the exterior construction was completed two months ago with the exception of the driveway, which was delayed for weather related reasons.  The Buteras request a final inspection and closure of NHC permit 1105-0207.  The permit is closed.

 

KUCALA 2/47 (14950 Mallo Pass Dr.):  11/1/07 Notification of their intention to replace the roof.  The materials and color will match the existing roof as closely as possible.  A permit is not required.   

 

RODRIGUEZ  2/52 (14951 Mallo Pass Dr.):  9/14/07  Receipt of a letter from Ms. Urania Gluesing (2/51) stating that she has given Mr. Ernest Rodriguez permission to store building materials on her vacant lot while he constructs his house.  

 

RODRIGUEZ  2/52 (14951 Mallo Pass Dr.):  10/19/07  Receipt of permit extension fee for NHC permit 0106-0252.  This brings the pre-construction permit current to 1/21/08.  Receipt of final construction drawings.  The drawings were reviewed and signed by the Committee and a construction permit issued.  11/9/07 Notification of start date of construction, contact person and contractor (owner).

 

TAJBAKSH/POWELL 3/13 (14600 Cypress Point Rd.):  9/18/07 Receipt of final construction drawings for NHC permit 0107-0313.  The drawings were reviewed, approved and signed by the Committee members.  The owners must submit the foundation verification. 

 

MALEK 3/54 (43851 Sea Cypress Parkway):  9/20/07 Notification of intention to replace deck with no change to its dimensions, profile or footprint.  A permit is not required.

 

REIDENBACH 4/27 (15671 Forest View Rd.):  10/8/07 Notification of intention to replace the glass in many windows of their house.  A permit is not required.

 

HEITZ 4/56 (15370 Forest View Road):  10/12/07 Receipt of final construction drawings for Major Exterior Projects permit 0907-0456.  The Committee subsequently added a condition to the permit requiring that all exterior lights are brought into CC&R compliance by being shielded and downcast.  The Heitz’s signed and returned the amended permit. 

 

MOORE, DAN AND MARSHA  7/09 (44520 O’Rorey’s Roost):  9/15/07  Letter notifying the Committee that they applied for a 10ft front yard set back variance with the County and a hearing is scheduled for 9/27/07.  The set back variance for Provisional Permit 0107-0709 was approved by the ADC on 1/20/07.  Leon stated that the County did approve the variance request.

 

SACKMAN 7/14 (44280 O’Rorey’s Roost):  10/19/07 Receipt of exterior color samples for the siding, trim, gutters and roof for NHC permit 0706-0714.  The colors are approved.  The owners must submit the height verification. 

 

TRATHEN 7/26 (44400 O’Rorey’s Roost):  9/18/07  Receipt of an email from Dyson (7/25) addressed to Leon Drolet lodging complaints against the Committee as a whole and Chairperson Drolet individually for failure to enforce the CC&Rs due to favoritism and prejudice.  A second email was received on 11/13/07. 

 

TRATHEN 7/26 (44400 O’Rorey’s Roost):  9/18/07  Receipt of an email from William Moores addressed to Leon Drolet complaining that he has not received documents related to the Trathen permit 0705-0726 as previously requested and also complaining of lack of CC&R enforcement of the same permit.  The arguments regarding CC&R enforcement are essentially the same as Mr. Dysons (see above item).  He is also asking for copies of documents regarding the Trathen permit.  The IBADC believes these are internal documents.

 

WOLFE 9A/49 0r 3/39 (43600 Sea Cypress Dr.):  11/3/07 Courtesy notification of landscaping plans.  Dean Wolfe stated that he plans to submit an application for a workshop.  The Committee explained that a two phase application is called for if there is no established building envelope. 

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

RAPELJE 1/003 (S. Hwy. 1):  9/10/07 Receipt of documentation pertaining to the requested permit extension.  (See minutes of 7/21/07).  Mr. Rapelje has not provided a clear explanation and documentation to validate the request for a permit extension based on third party delays.  The permit will be extended until July of 2008 with receipt of the $150 fee.

 

office 1/095 (44001 Noyo Way):  8/2/07 Receipt of a Minor Exterior Improvement application from William Moores.  The application is on hold until all owners sign off on the proposal and stated such in letters to Wm. Moores dated 7/26/07 and 8/27/07.  Wm. Moores has protested the Committee’s disposition in letters dated 7/30/07 and 8/27/07.  The Committee has not received an amended application.

 

TRATHEN 7/26 (44400 O’Rorey’s Roost):  8/6/07 Notification that MEP permit 0705-0726 was completed on 8/4/07 and giving the Committee permission to redline the changes to the approved plans on the existing drawings.  The Committee has asked the Trathens to redline their copy of the drawings.  The Committee has received the necessary documents and correspondence and decided that the permit is closed.  The Trathens did make redlined changes to the approved plans in September of 2006 per the Committee’s request.  At the same time, they showed Leon a photograph taken in 2003 indicating that the contentious trellis/fence on the east property line existed prior to the start of this project.  Following legal advice the Trathens will not make any additional redlined modifications to the existing drawings as requested, however, they have given written permission to the Committee to make the changes. 

 

AMBRIFI  7/34 (44301 O’Rorey’s Roost):  8/24/07  Receipt of verification signed by Ambrifi of the height per the approved plans.  The Committee requires that the verification be done by a professional who is qualified to perform the work.  Mr. Ambrifi has told the Committee that he will do so.

 

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.)  No progress has been made but Leon will work on it. 

 

MCP:  10/12/06  ADC letter to MCP requesting the name of the corporate spokesperson.  The letter was resent on 7/19/07 and another request made on 10/24/07.  A response was received from Margaret Ballou dated 10/30/07 naming both herself and Gordon Moores as spokespeople.    The letter also states that William Moores is no longer part of MCP.

 

PAD APPROVAL REQUEST:  8/25/07  Receipt of photographs from David Fisher to supplement his request for approval as a Professional Architectural Designer in Irish Beach.  (See minutes of 7/21/07, pg. 3)

 

 

ADJOURNMENT/NEXT MEETING

 

Nik moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:10PM.  John seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

 

The next meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Jean Selk