HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2025
MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION
FEBRUARY, 10TH 2025 5:30 P.M.
Paducah City Hall Team Room
Attendees: Amanda Johnson, Michael Campbell, Chad Clark
Absent:
Staff: Carol Gault: Planning Director, Palmer Stroup: Planner II, Morgan Dennis: Planner I
Guests:
Commissioner Johnson called the called meeting of the HARC to order at 5:30 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Johnson offered the following Motion:
I move that the reading of the minutes for December 9th be waived and that the minutes of said meeting, prepared by
the secretary, be approved as written.
Commissioner Clark provided a second.
The motion passed with 3 Ayes (Campbell, Clark, Johnson) 0 Nays
Discussion
No new cases or Certificates were discussed at the meeting. Planner I Morgan Dennis was introduced to the HARC
members.
Planner II Palmer Stroup outlined the agenda items for discussion such as the current goals and objectives of HARC,
identifying challenges, potential updates to the application process and design standards, as well as opportunities for
HARC to engage more directly with the public regarding the benefits of historic preservation.
Current Challenges
Commissioner Johnson began by addressing the lack of compliance and technical violations that occur in the H-2 and NSZ
Zones. Examples included changes to windows, siding, and garages. She addressed that there is little ability for the
enforcement of the HARC guidelines. This can be in regard to alterations done without first applying to the review process
or those that do but do not comply with HARC’s specific conditions afterwards. Commissioner Campbell agreed and
stated that as the guidelines and process are currently established there is little point to further require them if there is
no direct enforcement monitoring all exterior changes in the zones.
A potential enforcement strategy and its corresponding requirements were discussed. Potential requirements would be
a dedicated code enforcement officer that monitors each zone for changes in exterior appearance and a violation process
with a fee structure for those with unpermitted alterations to the exterior of their property. Commissioner Clark
discussed that the monitoring would have to be for all changes in exterior appearance both permitted and unpermitted
to ensure that those who were given approval through the HARC process remained consistent with the specific
conditions given to their project.
Planning Director Gault proposed an alternative to stricter enforcement as to instead proactively incentivize preservation
practices in the existing zones. Gault provided an example of an exterior façade and beautification incentive grant for
homeowners. The incentive would provide funding to renovation projects while requiring applicants to follow set design
guidelines and with final approval by the HARC.
Commissioner Johnson stated that one possible contribution of the current lack of compliance was a lack of awareness
or education to new homeowners moving into the area. One possible solution suggested would be for the dispersal of
informational materials outlining the process and requirements to local relators and to make zoning information available
from the Property Value Administrations website and property tax card.
MINUTES OF THE HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION– continued page 2 / 2
Commissioner Clark also suggested the use of mailers and postcards to be sent out directly to current residents informing
them of the HARC process and how to apply.
Design Standards Updates
Each member expressed that the current versions of the H-2 and NSZ Design Guidelines were vague in establishing the
specific requirements of residents and permitted materials. Commissioner Campbell expressed that in the H-2 Design
Standards there were contradictions that could further confuse applicants with an example made of the types of
windows that are permitted. All agreed that future guidelines should be revised for clarity in language detailing exactly
what the requirements and permitted materials are.
Commissioner Clark mentioned that an updated version could include newer materials that were appropriate for
sustainability and environmental efficiency as well as a set of approved color standards.
Southside
Planning Staff introduced the concept that to tie into the City’s ongoing Southside neighborhoods revitalization program
the idea for a new National Register of Historic Places District. Planning Director Gault expressed that the HARC would
have a responsibility to guide the review and nomination process for the potential contributing properties in the district.
Planning Staff showed through street view maps notable locations and potential historic properties along 6th Street and
the Uppertown and Kolb Park neighborhoods.
It was noted that this new National Register District could also potentially include a new local historic zoning designation
for HARC.
It was determined that further discussion for these updates to the HARC process, design standards, and new districts be
continued at future meetings.
No action items were taken at this meeting.
Adjournment
Commissioner Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Campbell provided a second.
The motion passed with 3 Ayes (Campbell, Clark, Johnson) 0 Nays
The meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM
Respectfully submitted by Palmer Stroup