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Commission approves minor site alteration at Maryland Farms building entrance; commission asks staff to seek city design standard
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Summary
The planning commission approved a minor site plan alteration to add a black entry canopy, paver courtyard and repaint the entrance at 111 Westwood Place, and asked staff to request that the city commission consider a broader design standard for building colors in C1/C2 districts.
The Brentwood Municipal Planning Commission on May 5 approved a minor site plan alteration for an existing office building in Maryland Farms (111 Westwood Place) to add a new entry canopy, a paver courtyard and paint the entry area black.
Centric Architecture presented the request; owners Tony Harris and Tom Corcoran spoke to commissioners, saying the changes are intended to make the entrance more visible and attract tenants. The proposal does not include new signage and otherwise retains the building's red brick facade.
Staff said one condition of approval is the installation of a new public fire meter and a private fire line with a double-check-valve device to serve the building; that work and associated fees will be subject to separate permitting. Staff listed ten standard requirements and recommended approval subject to staff notes.
Commissioners discussed whether the city should adopt uniform design standards for building colors and materials in the C1 and C2 zoning districts. Staff said the planning commission currently has authority under the zoning code to approve material and color choices in these districts (except C4) and that amending the code or the C1/C2 standards would require a city commission text amendment. The planning commission indicated consensus that staff should bring an informational item to the city commission to explore establishing design standards.
Commissioner Pippen made the motion to approve the minor site plan alteration, which passed without recorded opposition. The owners said the canopy and painted entry are intended to draw attention to the front door and help lease a presently vacant building.
The approval allows the applicants to pursue the separate permits required for the fire service work and subsequent building permits for the canopy and courtyard work.
