Commission conditionally approves gravel parking at 404–406 E. 11th Ave., calls for zoning variances

The Historic Resources Commission on Nov. 20 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a gravel parking expansion at 404–406 East 11th Avenue, subject to the applicant obtaining required variances from building and zoning.

Applicant Chris Perry (with application support from Jim Saltz) explained that a gravel parking area had long existed on the lot prior to his purchase and that extending the gravel allowed required parking without tree loss; he emphasized the environmental benefit that permeable gravel provides for an established large maple on the property. Building and zoning staff told the commission that variances will be required to allow a gravel surface and to address maneuvering and curb-cut depth; staff recommended continuing the case until the applicant could provide the zoning department’s list of required variances.

The commission instead voted to approve the COA conditioned on the applicant obtaining those variances and providing the required zoning documentation back to the commission; commissioners said they would be willing to supply support letters once a formal variance application is filed. The motion and vote record reflect that the COA approval is contingent on zoning approval and any resulting adjustments.

No alteration to historic fabric was ordered; the decision is procedural and intended to reconcile the existing site condition with zoning and HRC requirements.