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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
October 3, 2017
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, S. Kroes, L. Wood, D. Warren, A. Riegler
MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Radtke, K. Panozzo
STAFF PRESENT: J. Pesch, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: B. Stanton, 207 Fulton St, Grand Haven; S. Matthews for 1771
Jefferson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 5, 2017 was made by J. Hilt
supported by S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2017-17 – 534 W. Webster – Fence. Applicant: 534 W. Webster LLC. District: National
Register. Current Function: Residential. The applicant is seeking approval to install a 6-foot tall
wood stockade privacy fence around the back yard of the property. Photos and a site plan were
provided, showing the location of the fence, all of which was in the back yard.
B. Stanton stated that that the fence would be similar to the one next door to this house, but it would
not be painted.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the fence as proposed as long as it meets all
zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained was made by D. Warren, supported by
A. Riegler and unanimously approved, with J. Hilt, S. Kroes, L. Wood, D. Warren, and A. Riegler
voting aye.
Case 2017-18 – 1771 Jefferson – Garage. Applicant: Meri Williams. District: Jefferson. Current
Function: Residential. The applicant is seeking approval to demolish the existing garage and
foundation (per the building inspector) and construct a new 16-x 20-foot garage and foundation in
its place. The homeowner would like the new garage to be smaller, with one 8’ x 7’ overhead
garage door and one service door. The current garage has two overhead doors. The new garage will
match the existing vinyl siding and shingled roof of the house. Photos of the current garage were
provided, showing extensive damage.
Board members discussed the HDC standards and whether the new garage had to be the same size
as the old one, despite it being a secondary structure. S. Matthews was the contractor. He stated
that they would also like to change the garage roofline so that snow didn’t slide off the sloped roof
HDC Minutes 10/03/17 1
onto the driveway. A. Riegler was opposed to major changes in the garage, as she stated that it
would substantially change the look of the property.
After further discussion, a motion that the HDC approve the request to demolish the exiting garage
and construct a new garage, with the conditions that 1) the new garage has the same footprint as the
old garage, 2) the new garage has 2 overhead doors like the old garage, 3) the roofline matches the
old garage, and 4) that all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by
D. Warren, supported by J. Hilt and unanimously approved, with J. Hilt, S. Kroes, L. Wood, D.
Warren, and A. Riegler voting aye.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER BUSINESS
Work done without HDC approval– J. Pesch stated that the City’s Inspection Department had
mistakenly issued building permits to do exterior work at 2 locations without HDC approval. He
provided pictures of a 2nd story porch railing that was being replaced at 1173 4th St . There was also
a front door that was replaced at 34 E Isabella Ave. He stated that once a building permit was
issued, there was not much the HDC could do to stop work. J. Hilt suggested sending a letter to the
homeowners to let them know for future reference that HDC approval is required for exterior
improvements. D. Warren suggested that the HDC also send a letter to the building inspection
department about issuing permits without HDC approval.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:44 PM.
HDC Minutes 10/03/17 2
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