Historic Preservation Commission approves rear-yard carport Certificate of Appropriateness

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a 22-by-24-foot carport to be built in the rear yard of a designated historic property, according to the commission’s discussion and a voice vote at the meeting. Commissioner Michael Longer moved to approve the COA; Commissioner Heather Cottrell seconded the motion. The commission approved the application by voice vote; individual tallies were not recorded in the transcript. The applicant described the carport as having no side walls, meeting zoning setbacks of 8 feet from property lines and over 10 feet from the principal structure, and meeting the height requirement with a roof height of 10 feet 4 inches. The contractor, who identified himself as the applicant and a carpenter, said laminated beams (L/ LBs) would be doubled and attached to posts with GRK fasteners, rafters would sit on the beams, hurricane straps would fasten rafters to the beams, and half-inch plywood sheathing would be covered with purlins nailed through the plywood into the rafters. Commissioner David Wills raised a structural concern about uplift and plywood sheathing; the contractor explained the laminated beams, doubling, hurricane straps and purlins are intended to strengthen the connection. Commissioners noted the structure would sit in the rear yard and should not be visible from the street; staff had not received a detailed site plan in time for the agenda. One commissioner commented that the current owners of the historic property have been “excellent stewards” of the landmark. No formal conditions or permits beyond the COA were discussed during the recorded deliberation. The commission’s action covered only the COA as presented at the meeting; details such as final placement on a stamped site plan, building permits, or inspections were not specified in the record.