Commission approves Ludlow rear addition after neighbors press stormwater and privacy concerns

The Huntington Woods Planning Commission voted to approve plans for a two-story rear addition at 5602 after staff and the applicant described measures to minimize visual and drainage impacts.

Applicant Mr. Gidley told the commission the addition will match the existing exterior, will not be visible from the front of the house, and will add interior amenities including an expanded kitchen and additional bathrooms. Staff said the project stays within the city’s height limit (reported 25.5 feet) and that lot coverage would be about 22.19% against a 30% limit; a rear-yard setback variance for this property had already been obtained in an earlier step.

Several neighbors, including Sarah Kirkwood of 12740 Ludlow Avenue, said they received notice late and showed photographs to illustrate how a second-story addition would allow views into upstairs bedrooms. Neighbors pressed for clearer site-plan detail: downspout routing, confirmation that a concrete patio and a wood deck will be removed and replaced with grass, and grade/readings at property corners. Staff responded that the concrete slab will be removed and replaced with grass, which should reduce concentrated runoff, and explained the department’s current rule that additions are not routed through the full new-build stormwater review.

After questions about notice, grandfathering of older hardscapes, and whether engineering calculations had been submitted, a commissioner moved and the commission approved the plans by voice vote. The applicant thanked the commission and staff.

What happens next: the planning department will keep the file, the removal of the concrete slab and routing of downspouts will be part of the construction compliance checks, and staff will return with any outstanding clarifications or documentation as requested by the commission.