DRC presses applicant on options after historic outbuilding removed without approval at 908 West Main

A complicated advisory discussion at the Design Review Committee focused on accessory‑structure demolition and whether reconstruction can restore prior legal nonconformities.

Staff told the DRC that a historic accessory structure at 908 West Main was demolished without prior approval and that no documented pre‑demolition condition exists to analyze the demolition request. "So we'll start with the historic accessory structure that was demolished without approval," staff said, and added that reconstruction may be appropriate depending on what is proposed but that reconstruction would be required to meet current setback requirements and could require a variance to restore prior nonconforming elements.

The applicant’s agent described the demolished units as later‑20th‑century nonhistoric guesthouse and garage features and proposed a single consolidated garage/guest cottage structure roughly 70 feet long that would remain subordinate in height. Commissioners expressed concern about rewarding demolition without prior COA and urged the applicant to consult zoning, building codes and the Board of Zoning Appeals before returning; several commissioners said they would prefer a clear, documented reconstruction plan or, alternatively, to see the case addressed through a retroactive demolition COA process if that is permissible. Staff also reviewed related site items — a stopped pool‑house renovation (existing 454 sq ft footprint), a pickleball court and a fire pit — and said those site features are largely not visible from the public way and can be pursued with required project details and setbacks.

The DRC did not vote; staff advised the applicant to gather zoning and code clarity and return with a full, consolidated package (reconstruction drawings, variance path if needed, and documentation for the retro demolition request) so the commission can consider the matter in total.