Historic Preservation Board Regular Meeting – September 9, 2026
Historic Preservation Board Regular Meeting – September 9, 2026
The Golden Historic Preservation Board met on September 9, 2026, at 6:31 PM at 911 10th Street. The board unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a project at 403 18th Street, which includes demolishing an existing barn, constructing a new two-car garage with a second-story studio, and adding a small bump-out to the primary residence. The meeting also discussed scheduling of the November meeting due to Veterans Day and received updates on board vacancies and the Pass Forward study.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Agenda: The agenda was revised to add an item about the November 11th meeting under Other Matters and a board vacancy update under Staff Updates. The motion passed 6-0.
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the August 12, 2026 regular meeting were approved 6-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke during the public comment period for non-agenda items.
- A written comment from neighbor Tom Colangelo was read into the record expressing full support for the Coates’ application, noting their willingness to discuss plans and commitment to preserving the Cape Cod style.
- During the public hearing for HPB 26-06, no one offered oral testimony. The board opened and closed the public comment period for that item.
Discussion Items
- HPB 26-06 – Certificate of Appropriateness for 403 18th Street:
- Staff Presentation: Lauren Simmons summarized the proposal: demolition of an existing unpainted barn (structurally unsound, dirt floor, rotted framing), construction of a 904-square-foot two-car garage (with office/bedroom studio above) in a Cape Cod style, and a small addition to square off the west side of the house. The primary structure is a contributing Cape Cod style home. Staff recommended approving the demolition without a stay, noting the barn’s condition and low historic significance. For the garage and addition, staff found them generally compatible with the historic district but invited discussion on roof pitch, siding, and windows.
- Applicant Presentation: Matt and Lauren Coates (owners) stated they moved in June 2026 to downsize and desired a walkable home near downtown Golden. They explained the addition was needed for kitchen space, and the garage would provide secure parking and extra living space (no kitchen in the studio). They chose a 12/12 roof pitch to match traditional Cape Cod proportions and accommodate a vehicle lift. Black windows were chosen as a contemporary nod while keeping the multi-light divided-lite style.
- Board Deliberation:
- Demolition: Board members agreed the barn was in very poor condition and not worth a stay. They recommended salvaging any reusable materials, with caution for possible asbestos/lead paint.
- New Garage: Discussion focused on the roof pitch. Some members initially felt the 12/12 pitch was too steep, but after the applicant explained its proportionality and Cape Cod tradition, the board accepted it. The garage’s setback and tree coverage (from the street) made it unobtrusive. The matching siding and color scheme were approved.
- Addition: The small bump-out was seen as positive, making the house more symmetrical. No objections to the proposed black windows.
- Outcome: The board voted to approve the application with a condition to recycle materials where possible.
Other Matters
- October 2026 Meeting: Still scheduled for the regular date. The board will be joined by planner Camille Keys in place of Lauren Simmons.
- November 2026 Meeting: The regular meeting falls on Veterans Day (November 11), a city holiday. Staff proposed either canceling the November meeting or rescheduling to Monday, November 9, at the planning offices at 1445 10th Street. After checking availability, four board members could attend on November 9. The board tentatively agreed to reschedule to November 9 if a case is pending, with a final decision to be made later based on workload.
- Start Time Discussion: The board briefly considered changing the regular meeting start time from 6:30 PM to an earlier hour (e.g., 5:30 PM) to align with other commissions. This was tabled for a future meeting.
Staff Updates
- Board Vacancy: Linda Cummings resigned due to scheduling conflicts. The vacancy was reported to the city council subcommittee. The board is awaiting a replacement for her alternate position.
- Pass Forward Study: In August, a focus group (including former board members, planning commissioners, architects, and residents) reviewed scenarios about board authority. They emphasized preserving the board’s role. A list of recommendations will be presented to city council at a study session in late October 2026.
Key Outcomes
- HPB 26-06 Approved: Motion by Trout, seconded by Sniff, to adopt the findings and conditions in Resolution HPB 26-06. The motion passed via roll call vote 6-0 (Rooney, Kalbfell, Sniff, Lierman, Trout, Keller all aye). Condition: “Recycle materials where possible.”
- November Meeting Rescheduling: Tentatively set for Monday, November 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM, contingent on having a case to review.
- Next Steps: The applicant will obtain necessary permits and comply with environmental testing (asbestos/lead) for demolition.
Meeting Transcript
It okay, great. Then good evening. Um, I'm gonna call this meeting of the historic preservation board to order. This is our regular meeting. It is September 9th and it is 6 31. Can we get a roll call, please? St. Here. Here. Try. Here. Keller. Here. California? Here. Remy? Here. We have a corn. Thank you. The next item is approval of the agenda, and staff has requested some revisions to the agenda. Do you want to state those again? Yes, please. Madam Chair, I'd like to add under other matters the matter of matter A, the November 11th Historic Preservation Board meeting. And under staff updates, I'd like to update the board after pass forward with a board vacancy update. Great. Do we have a motion to approve the agenda as revised? Motion to approve the agenda as revised. All those in favor? Okay. House second. Thank you. All right. Next is our approval of the minutes from August 12th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? Motion approve the minutes from the August 12th regular meeting as presented. All those in favor? All right. Motion passes. Then we will move on to the public comment period. This is for anything that's not on the regular agenda item on the regular agenda today. Anyone here that want to speak on anything else not on the agenda? I see none. So I'm going to go ahead and close public comment and move on to our regular agenda item. And this is the HPB 26-06 certificate of appropriateness for the addition to a primary structure, demolition of the garage, and a new rear garage at 403 18th Street in the East Street Historic District. Great. Good evening, historic preservation board. The item before you is a certificate of appropriateness for a property at 408 18th Street. Is a contributing property in the East Street Historic District. So here's the location of the properties. You can see it's right at the kind of where 18th Street sort of transitions into a different to the different neighborhood.
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