Board reviews new single‑family design at 1807 Pass‑a‑Grille Way; staff flags minor code issues

The Historic Preservation Board reviewed an informational design presentation June 12 for a proposed two‑story single‑family home at 1807 Pass‑a‑Grille Way (case 26103). Staff said the project, prepared by Rios Architecture with architect Nate Meyer and builder John, largely meets the district's design intent but listed several items the applicants must address before permitting.

Brandon Barry summarized staff comments: the driveway width exceeds the allowable standard and should be broken up; the north frontage needs additional understory landscaping (one understory per 20 feet of frontage), the frontage fence material must meet Pass‑a‑Grille standards (wood, shell, or concrete), and the frontage sidewalk must meet the city's Resolution 202304 hex‑paver requirement or be replaced with an approved hex paver. Staff also noted that because the site sits in an AE flood zone and the property is over water in places nearby, coastal construction regulations will apply and any substantial‑improvement or damage‑related waivers would require separate review.

Owner Victor Tonis and architect Nate Meyer explained the design features: a two‑story massing with a three‑story portion toward the rear, an enclosed upper level, ground‑floor non‑habitable space and a three‑car garage oriented to the street. Applicants told the board they are pursuing an administrative variance to reduce the southern side‑yard setback from 7 feet to approximately 6'1" to accommodate the planned footprint; staff noted that administrative variances are decided by staff by the end of July unless appealed.

Board members asked for clarifications about roofline perception, recessed first‑floor areas and how the proposed design respects the surrounding scale. The applicants said they will address staff comments in updated plans and noted their intention to make the home resilient to future storms.

Because the board heard the presentation before the formal quorum was established for action items, this review was informational; staff and applicants will continue to refine plans and bring any required approvals back to the appropriate review bodies.