Historic Zoning Commission
Ft. Sanders NC: Level II
10-H-24-HZ
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of Certificate 10-H-24-HZ, subject to the following conditions: 1) final site plan to meet City Engineering standards and requirements of the base zoning; 2) porch width, roof pitch, and roof design of existing/original porch to be retained; 3) omission of the new window proposed for the façade; 4) height of new dormer addition to be at or beneath the roof peak of the main roofline.
Location Knoxville
1724 Highland Ave. 37916
OwnerJohn Holmes, Evian Partners
Applicant Request
Additions; Doors; Masonry repair/painting; Porch; Roofing; Shutters; Siding; WindowsExterior rehabilitation and dormer addition. Existing rear addition to be partially removed. Exterior staircase on the side elevation to be removed.
Exterior rehabilitation scopes include the removal of existing siding and the installation of new fiber cement lap siding, repair and replacement in patches to the brick foundation, and replacement of windows and doors. New window on the façade. The front porch will be reconstructed; the partial-width front gable roof will be reconstructed as a front-gable roof porch that extends the full length of the façade (reflected by existing foundation). The porch will feature four tapered brick columns and a new railing.
New rear dormer addition. Clipped-gable roof dormer to be added to rear roof slope, featuring an exterior clad in lap and shingle siding and two pairs of double-hung windows on the rear elevation.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL PER HZC 10.17.2024: 1) final site plan to meet City Engineering standards and requirements of the base zoning; 2) porch width, roof pitch, and roof design of existing/original porch to be retained; 3) omission of the new window proposed for the façade; 4) height of new dormer addition to be beneath the roof peak of the main roofline.
Staff Comments
Craftsman, c.19251.5-story frame residence with a side gable-roof, an exterior of wood lap siding, and a partial-width front-gable roof porch.
A. Height, Scale, & Massing
1. Foundation heights should be consistent with other pre-1940 buildings in the neighborhood.
2. Single-family detached infill housing should be proportional to other pre-1940 houses in terms of height and width.
B. Roofs
1. Select a roof pitch that is in keeping with other pre-1940 houses of the neighborhood, not being less than an 8/12 pitch.
2. Use variations in the form of the roof above the second story such as gables at different angles, hipped roofs, and dormers.
3. Use roofing materials that are in keeping with the historic development styles. Asphalt, shingle, tile, pressed metal, and slate were used.
4. Darker shades of shingles were historically used and should be selected in new construction.
C. Porches
1. Provide porches with proportions and materials that complement pre-1940 housing. For clapboard-type construction, wood is the most appropriate primary material. Brick or cut stone are appropriate as foundations or in column supports.
D. Wall Materials
2. Clapboard (or clapboard-like materials such as aluminum or vinyl, shingle (or shingle-like material), or brick should be used.
5. In making additions to existing buildings, wall cladding should complement the original wall covering.
6. Materials that are not typical in pre-1940 construction should not be used. These include cinder block, T-111 siding, and stone facing.
E. Windows and Entrances
1. Window proportions and symmetry should be similar to the pre-1940 styles in the neighborhood.
2. Windows should be double-hung sash windows. Vinyl or metal-clad may be used in place of wood frame windows.
2 [sic]. Egress windows will have to be designed to comply with fire/building code provisions.
6. The proportions of upper level windows should not exceed the proportion of the first level.
7. Upper level windows should be provided and aligned with doors.
8. There should be at least 50% transparency that is created by windows or French doors and balconies on the recessed breaks between sections of buildings, including buildings joined together.
9. Entrances to the building should be provided from the street, using doors that have similar proportions and features to pre-1940 architecture.
10. When parking areas are provided behind buildings, rear entrances are also allowed.
F. Parking
1. In new building construction, the front yard space shall not be used for parking. Do not break up curbs or sidewalks to provide street access.
2. Provide parking access off the alley or off a side street.
7. Surface parking area shall always be to the rear of the building.
G. Landscaping, Fencing, & Retaining Walls
1. Plant one native shade tree (e.g. oak or maple) and one ornamental tree (e.g. dogwood) in both the front and rear yards for every 50 feet of lot width.
H. Additions to Existing Buildings
1. Additions should be made to the rear or side of the building.
3. Transitional space shall be provided between the addition and the existing structure. This should include a courtyard (200 sq. ft. minimum), and a connecting structure (e.g. porch or breezeway). The wall of the new connecting structure should not be continuous with the wall of the existing building, but have a minimum 4' by 6' indentation.
4. Bays at least two feet in depth shall be provided for 50% of the side façade.
5. Windows or French doors and balconies shall provide 10% to 20% transparency on the sides of buildings.