Commission approves several certificates of appropriateness; trees removed, deck and attic work cleared

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approved several routine certificates of appropriateness during its Feb. 11 meeting, including exterior alterations, tree removal and an attic addition.

Charter Morris received approval to remove a non‑original covered patio and utility room at 3 The Downs, install a 17 x 6 ft wooden rear deck with steel balusters and replace a metal backyard shed with an 8 x 10 ft wooden shed. Commissioners recorded that the shed would be wood‑composite as specified in the hearing record and that railing supports and rails would be wood with black metal balusters; the commission approved the application and noted a final inspection will verify compliance.

The commission approved removal of two rear‑yard trees at 1014 Myrtlewood Drive after the owner and staff explained the trees’ proximity to the foundation and retaining wall and submitted an arborist letter; the petitioner said the existing deck material (Trex composite) would be replaced in kind. Commissioners also approved an attic addition at 1013 Myrtlewood Drive (dormers, raised sidewall and roof center) after the applicant provided additional window and material specs during the hearing; members directed staff to include late submittals in the property file. Each approval is subject to final inspection; any material change to approved plans will require applicants to consult staff and potentially return to the commission.

These approvals were decided after separate staff presentations and commissioner questions about materials, late‑filed sheets and recordkeeping. The commission emphasized that approvals are conditioned on the recorded materials and that discrepancies discovered at inspection will require applicants to return to the commission.

Summary of actions at the Feb. 11 meeting: certificate approvals for exterior alterations at 3 The Downs (HPC 2‑26 — approved), tree removal at 1014 Myrtlewood Drive (HPCO 4‑26 — approved), attic addition at 1013 Myrtlewood Drive (HPCO 5‑26 — approved), and denial of a wall sign at 1810 University Boulevard (HPCO 3‑26 — denied).