Historic Zoning Commission

Scenic Drive NC: Level II

4-F-23-HZ

Applicant Request

Exterior rehabilitation (enclosure of existing rear screened-in porch to create new internal space, and removal of bay window on north elevation); new secondary structure; new in-ground pool.

Existing screened-in porch on rear left (northwest) corner of house is proposed to be enclosed within the existing foundation and roofline, featuring 6" fiber cement lap siding, double-hung windows to match windows on existing house, and new full-light sliding glass doors on the rear elevation. The existing stone steps will be removed and replaced with a 4' by 13' wood landing and steps with Trex decking.

New in-ground pool: an 18' by 36', rectangular swimming pool will be installed to the rear of the building (west end of property), surrounded by concrete deck and to receive fencing and gate required by code.

New secondary structure: open pool pavilion, to feature a 14/12 cross-gable roof clad in asphalt shingles, with gables featuring timber details to reflect decorative half-timbering on house. Rectangular pavilion will feature 8 by 8 square wood posts and an exterior chimney clad in stone veneer.

On the north (left side) elevation, a projecting bay window will be removed. Two casement windows will be installed on the north elevation, one in the location of the bay window and one further towards the rear of the house. The openings will be infilled with new framing and new brick cladding to match the existing.

APPROVED 4.20.23 subject to one condition: 1) swimming pool to meet relevant aspects of City zoning code, with minor modifications to the site plan to be approved by staff.

Site Info

One-and-one-half story frame residence with a cross gable roof clad in asphalt shingles, brick veneer wall covering, and decorative half-timbering on stuccoed gables and dormer.

1. 523 Scenic Drive is a contributing resource to the Scenic Drive NC overlay.

2. The screened-in porch to be enclosed is located on the northwest corner and obscured from view on Towanda Trail by the existing garage. This scope of work will not be visible from any right-of-way. The porch is a non-historic addition, and the footprint will not be expanded. The materials to enclose the porch will be compatible with the existing house.

3. The projecting bay window to be removed is not an original feature to the house. The window is located on the north elevation, an interior side elevation obscured from view by large trees. The proposed side windows to be installed will contribute additional transparency to the side elevation, and be compatible with the existing windows.

4. The new pool pavilion will be proportionate in scale to the primary structure, and placement at the rear corner of the lot meets the design guidelines. The transparent nature of the pavilion structure will reduce the visual impact. The steeply-pitched roof and timber detailing align the pavilion with the primary structure.

5. The new pool will be minimally visible from the street, obscured by a new fence. Minor site plan revisions are necessary to bring the pool into accordance with 10.3.Z of the City zoning code ("no swimming pool or part thereof ... may be located in a corner side yard.") The pool needs to be shifted or reduced in side so that the south side is flush with the building line. Minor site plan revisions could be approved by staff.