HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Conduct the public hearing to consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 106 N Columbia St.- COA 24-3631
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Brad Iwicki, Assistant Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is an approximately 7,500 square foot parcel located at the northeast corner of the Columbia St. and Franklin Ave. intersection, with a common street address of 106 N Columbia St. The property is zoned R2 (Single-family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District) and is currently improved with a two-story Queen Anne style residence, constructed in 1905, and a detached garage adjacent to the Columbia Street alley. The principal structure is listed as a “significant” structure in the Local Historic District and a “contributing” structure to the Federal Historic District in the 2008 Architectural and Historical Survey (“2008 Survey”).
The structure has undergone several alterations including replacement of the front steps, a large 2 story rear addition, and a 2nd south bay and rear porch. It is listed in excellent condition in the 2008 Survey and an intact example of the Queen Anne style. Significant features include the flared hipped roof with overhanging eaves, front and side hipped dormers, front porch with hipped roof, routed columns and square railings, wood shingle 2nd story with flare at 2nd story break, historic wood windows, and a 3-sided two story south bay. The 2008 Survey notes a wood fence in the rear of the property.
Prior COA Approvals
• None
DISCUSSION:
The applicant and property owner, Anna Hozian, seeks a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to allow for a solid fence abutting a corner side yard on the property. Currently, a 5-foot tall solid fence exists along the corner side yard on the east half of the property. The existing fence is in poor condition and in need of replacement. Not included in the scope of the COA request is the portion of the fence along the rear and interior side property lines as shown in the site plan.
The new fence is proposed to be in the same location as the existing fence, along the south property line traversing 87 feet from the center of the property to the east, rear property line. The petitioner proposes a solid fence in a style to match the existing as close as possible. The fence is a 5-foot-tall, solid traditional style fence with a gate facing Franklin Avenue. Installation of the fence will not impact the primary structure.
A COA is required because the work proposed includes installation of a solid fence that abuts or is nearest to a front or corner side yard and is visible from a public street as described in Section 6-11-8 of the Municipal Code.
The Historic Building Design and Resource Manual (HBDRM) states that solid privacy fences from the front corners or front elevations of a historic home are discouraged and encourages open picket, or balustrade style fences in wood, wrought iron, and galvanized steel.
Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application:
Review of COA applications are conducted based on the compatibility with the Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application (Section 6-11-8:5; Certificate of Appropriateness Required). The owner has detailed their justification of the factors considered. Their justification is included in the attachments for review by the HPC.
Key Takeaways
• The applicant requests approval of COA 24-3631 to allow for a 5-foot-tall solid fence abutting a corner side on the property.