Historic Zoning Commission

Ft. Sanders NC: Level II

4-H-22-HZ

Applicant Request

Revision to rear and side elevations of one building of new construction project involving three houses on one large lot. Site plan and overall houses reviewed and approved by the HZC in October 2021 (10-F-21-HZ). Leftmost (west) house has been revised to include a projecting, shed-roof addition on the rear and right (northeast) side. The new massing is approximately 12' wide on the right elevation and approximately 31' long on the rear elevation. The new massing features a 4/12 standing-seam metal roof. An additional massing projects 2' out from the center, featuring engaged columns and enclosed by siding. Following the projecting massing, a recessed porch is supported by two columns.

Site Info

Three new primary structures on one large vacant lot.

1. The three new construction houses were reviewed by the HZC in October 2021 (10-F-21-HZ). The applicant submitted three distinct revised rear elevations in advance of the meeting, which were included as a condition of approval. Due to building code requirements, the applicant revised the leftmost (westmost) house to incorporate an accessible bathroom on the ground floor. The rear/side elevations are significantly different from what the HZC reviewed in October 2021, exceeding what staff can approve as a Level 1.

2. The bathroom projects outward from the center/left side of the rear elevation. The added section presents on the right side elevation as a large shed-roof massing extending towards the rear, with a 4/12 pitch roof and no additional windows on the side. One section of the massing extends out over the ground level with no foundation, supported by decorative engaged columns.

3. The massing will be minimally visible from Forest Avenue, as it is located on the interior side of the leftmost house. It could be somewhat visible from points on James Agee Street, due to the large size of the houses and the surface parking lot behind them.

4. While there are not guidelines that directly correspond to this type of project, guidelines do encourage height, width, bays, porches, and general proportions that are compatible with historic forms in the neighborhood. The projecting shed-roof massing with no foundation is a unique form not commonly seen in historic houses. The HZC should discuss the appropriateness of this massing and any design tactics which may reduce the massing's disproportionate appearance.