Historic Zoning Commission

Ft. Sanders NC: Level II

4-E-24-HZ

Staff Recommendation

The HZC should discuss the height and scale of the proposed rear elevation. Pending additional conditions related to the addition's height, the additional conditions should be included in any approval:

1) applicant to submit a revised roofline drawing to staff, clearly showing the addition
2) existing roof pitch on the original side-gable house to be retained;
3) revision of front porch supports;
4) final drawings to indicate appropriately sized cornerboards and window trim;
5) final site plan to meet City Engineering standards and requirements of the base zoning code.


Location Knoxville
316 S. 17th St. 37921

Owner
John Holmes

Applicant Request
Additions; Doors; Masonry repair/painting; Porch; Roofing; Siding; Windows
Exterior rehabilitation and new rear addition.

Exterior rehabilitation scopes include removal of existing vinyl siding and installation of new fiber cement siding. Enclosed front porch addition will be removed and new front porch will be reconstructed (application describes "rebuild brick columns, left side columns were removed, remove duplicate left porch post"). Applicant also lists roof replacement, new fascia and soffits, replacement of windows and doors, repair and replacement in patches to the brick foundation, removal of metal awnings, removal of south elevation entrance.

New rear addition: three-story, hipped-roof massing projecting from the rear elevation, with a three-story, side-gable roof massing on the rearmost end. The addition will feature a brick-clad foundation, lap siding, evenly spaced windows, and a secondary entry on the rear elevation.

Staff Comments
Craftsman, c.1915
    1.5-story frame residence with a side-gable roof and a centered front-gable roof dormer. Enclosed front 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.

Case History