The Nantucket Historic District Commission voted 3–2 to approve an application to alter the driveway at 22 Coffin Street, and later approved a relocated shed at the same property following discussion about visibility and the commission’s guidelines.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed safety at the corner of Coffin and West Sanketty streets and whether the proposed driveway, which would permit a turnaround so a resident could pull in and back into a parking space, conflicted with historic-character guidance. Elizabeth Churchill, speaking for the applicant, said the owner “is going to be a year‑round resident and would like to be able to pull in, turn around, and pull out so that he’s facing traffic.”

The commission heard site visits and photo comparisons from members who said the opposing‑space driveway configuration exists elsewhere on the street. Commissioner Holly said she photographed similar driveways at 9 Coffin Street and found the layout “a matter of safety.” Commissioners noting the HDC’s design priorities urged alternatives that would move the parking and turnaround farther from the corner and recommended minimizing visual impact.

After discussion, Commissioner Holly moved to approve the driveway “as submitted.” The chair called the vote: three members voted in favor and two opposed; the record named Abby and Angus as the two opposed. The motion passed.

The meeting then returned to the related shed application. The applicant relocated the proposed shed to the east property line adjacent to an existing hedge; Elizabeth Churchill said the hedge “is about at least 6 feet” and would screen much of the structure. Preservation staff and several commissioners reiterated that the commission prefers sheds behind or to the side of the principal façade, but several members noted that the hedge would conceal the structure.

Commissioner Val said because the proposed shed would sit close to the hedge it would be largely unseen and moved to approve the shed; the motion carried with members voting in favor.

The commission’s discussion repeatedly referenced the HDC guidelines requiring that new driveways and accessory structures be sited to preserve historic character and minimize visual impacts. Commissioners noted that safety concerns for driveway maneuvers are not HDC’s primary purview but acknowledged them when weighing location options. No additional conditions beyond the approved plan were recorded in the minutes for the driveway; the shed approval included the relocated position as shown to the commission.

The commission moved on to the next agenda item following the approvals.