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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
DATE OF MEETING: Tuesday, November 7, 2017
TIME OF MEETING: 4:00 p.m.
PLACE OF MEETING: Conference Room 203, City Hall
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes of the regular meeting of October 3, 2017
III. New Business
Case 2017-19 – 550 W. Western – Fence
Case 2017-20 – 112 Iona – Door
IV. Old Business
V. Other Business
VI. Adjourn
“We admire that which is old not because it is old, but because it is beautiful.” Winston Churchill
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tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting, upon twenty-
four hour notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of
Muskegon by writing or calling the following: Ann Marie Cummings, City Clerk at 933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49440 or by call-
ing (231) 724-6705 or TTY/TDD: Dial 7-1-1 and request that representative dial 231-724-6705
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II. MINUTES
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 Func-
tion: 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 home-
owner 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 onto the drive-
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way. 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 gar-
age, 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, sup-
ported 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 re-
placed 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 approv-
al.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:44 PM.
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III. NEW BUSINESS
Case 2017-19 – 550 W. Western – Fence
Applicant: Trillium Amazon Owners
District: Clay-Western
Current Function: Residential
Discussion
The applicant is seeking approval to install a 4’ tall black aluminum fence to enclose a portion of the
building’s courtyard for use as a dog park. See attached photos and site plan.
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Existing fence of similar style near site
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Standards
CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FENCE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
(Adopted December 6, 1994 - Effective January 1, 1995)
General
Fences and gates are an extension of the architecture of a home. They should be compatible in style and
material. They should be appropriate to the size and scale of the structure. They, therefore, require re-
view and approval by the Historic District Commission.
Sometimes it is necessary to use fencing for other than decorative purposes, such as marking boundaries,
privacy, screening unsightly areas, or security. Fencing for utilitarian purposes sometimes requires fenc-
ing materials which are not of the period or character of the house. Non-conforming fencing materials
may be considered for use in the back of the structure.
Fence Guidelines
When building wood fencing, consideration should be given to the kind of wood best suited for the pro-
ject, adequate post foundations, weatherproofing, color, and amount of maintenance required. Simple
variations of wood picket-style fencing are appropriate to many period homes. Wood fences must be
painted to complement or contrast the colors of the house. Pressure treated wood shall be painted no later
than one year after installation.
Iron fencing is an appropriate option for Victorian-era homes. Iron fencing was often modest in propor-
tion, seldom exceeding four feet in height. A popular standard was 36 inches.
Fencing materials such as split rails, stone, and brick may be considered if they reflect the feeling of the
home in material and character.
Chain-link and similar utilitarian fencing, such as industrial fencing, wire mesh, and barbed wire, is not
permitted in the front of a structure.
Hedges and natural fencing are possible alternatives to fences.
Fence Standards
LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS: (Please see the attached Supplementary Graphics sheets)
Conforming fences not over four feet (4') in height are permitted between the property line and half way
between the front and rear setback lines.
Corner lots will be considered to have two front yards, except that non-conforming fences higher than 4'
will be permitted immediately behind the existing side setback line (rather than half way between the
front and rear).
Deliberation
I move that the HDC (approve/deny) the request to install the fence as proposed as long as it meets all
zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained.
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Case 2017-20 – 112 Iona – Door
Applicant: Terry Hemmes
District: McLaughlin
Current Function: Residential
Discussion
The applicant is seeking approval to replace two – the front and side – doors and jambs. The current doors
are steel and rotting, and are not original to the house. Additional information detailing the style of new
doors will be provided at the meeting.
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Standards
WINDOW, DOOR, AND EXTERIOR WOODWORK
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
(Adopted December 6, 1994 - Effective January 1, 1995)
General
These guidelines pertain only to proposed changes to the structure and do not affect existing construction.
These guidelines are primarily directed toward the front and side elevations of the structure. Greater vari-
ances and more leniency may be extended toward proposed changes to the rear elevation of the building
in Class A districts by the Commission. All desired or proposed changes should be referred to the Histor-
ic District Commission for consideration. Extenuating circumstances, the effect upon the architecture of
the particular structure together with the general effect upon the surrounding structures, variables in archi-
tectural design, or the effect upon usage and viability of the structure could dictate a variance from theses
guidelines.
No exterior doors, windows, or exterior woodwork shall be altered, removed, relocated, or added without
Historic District Commission approval.
Existing exterior window or door casings, sills, and caps shall not be altered from the original design or
appearance. Damaged or deteriorated wood shall be repaired as a first course of action. When repair is
not possible, elements shall be replaced with matching wood members. In Class A districts, damaged or
deteriorated wood elements may be replaced or covered with formed aluminum or vinyl, subject to Com-
mission approval and provided that the original profile of the woodwork is not altered or changed.
Primary Windows
Existing damaged or deteriorating window frames and sash shall be repaired as a first course of action.
When repair is not possible, elements shall be replaced with matching wood members. In Class A dis-
tricts, metal or vinyl replacement windows may be acceptable provided they match the original windows
in design and type and that they consist of or are painted an appropriate color. Bare metal finishes gener-
ally will not be acceptable.
The size of glass lites and muntin arrangements shall not be altered without Commission approval. Spe-
cial glazing, such as stained or leaded art glass, shall not be removed without Commission approval. Un-
usual decorative windows such as Palladian windows, oriels, bays, Gothic arch or segment tops, etc. shall
not be removed or altered.
Storm Windows
Wood storm and screen windows are the most appropriate for use in the historic district. Other types of
storm, screen, or combination windows will be approved provided that the new storm window mullions
align with the mullions of the primary windows. Blind stop storm and screen windows (where such win-
dows are placed inside the existing window frames rather than affixed to the exterior of the frames) are
preferable and may be required in some instances. Bare metal storm and screen windows must be painted
to match or complement the trim. Interior storm windows may be acceptable as long as they do not de-
tract from the appearance of the primary windows. Care should be taken, however, when using interior
storm windows because condensation tends to form on the inside surface of the primary window and
could cause damage to the wood and paint if not properly ventilated.
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Greater scrutiny will be applied by the commission in reviewing storm and screen windows in Class AA
districts in order to determine the most appropriate option.
Primary Doors
Every effort should be made to preserve or repair the original doors where damage has occurred. When
repair is not possible, the first choice shall be a similar salvaged door from a structure of the approximate
age and style. A new wood door may be used when a salvaged door is not available. Such new door shall
match the original in detail and finish.
In Class A districts the Commission may approve new wood doors that may slightly differ from the origi-
nal in cases where replicating the original may not be feasible, as long as such doors generally conform to
the ones illustrated on the attached sheet. Under certain circumstances in Class A districts, the Commis-
sion may approve doors made of material other than wood provided they conform to the same design re-
quirements.
Storm Doors
Wooden storm and screen doors are preferred and will generally be the required option in Class AA dis-
tricts, especially on the front of the structure. Aluminum or metal storm and screen doors may be used so
long as they are not mill finished or anodized aluminum. Baked enamel or other applicable paints or fin-
ishes will be acceptable. In general, storm and screen doors shall conform to those illustrated on an at-
tached sheet. The door stiles and rails should be a minimum of 4" wide and one lite doors, where practi-
cal, are preferred in order not to detract from the existing primary door. Jalousie doors are not accepta-
ble for use as storm doors in the historic districts. Ornamental iron work safety doors are also generally
inappropriate in the historic districts.
Exterior Woodwork
Existing decorative woodwork such as railings, moldings, eave, and gable cornice trim, tracery, columns,
observatories, scrolls, bargeboards, lattice, and other carved or sawn wood ornament shall not be removed
or altered without Commission approval. Existing deteriorated ornamental woodwork shall not be re-
moved but shall be repaired or replaced with matching materials where possible.
Deliberation
I move that the HDC (approve/deny) the request to replace the existing doors as proposed as long as the
work meets all zoning requirements and the necessary permits are obtained.
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IV. OLD BUSINESS
None
V. OTHER BUSINESS
None
VI. ADJOURN
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