The Historic Preservation Board on Sept. 4 reviewed a proposed rebuild at 106 Twentieth Avenue and engaged in detailed discussion about driveway placement, alley access and impervious-surface impacts after the applicant presented site constraints that limit rear access.

The item drew attention because the proposed design places vehicle access from the street rather than the alley, a pattern board members said could reduce on-street parking and shift the long-standing neighborhood practice of using alleys for service and parking. Staff told the board that under forthcoming overlay amendments curb cuts may be administratively permitted where there is no alley access, but that in a revised code future curb cuts for properties with alley access could require a variance.

Planner Brandon Berry described the project as a new single-family rebuild replacing two-family use, complying with house-medium standards and proposing a modest increase in footprint. The applicant, Casey Gess speaking on behalf of the family trust, said the rear alley driveway is difficult to use—narrow, tight-turning and allowing only a single car with awkward maneuvering—and that family members routinely parked in front of the house because the alley is impractical. Gess also said the pool location and required rear stairs make retaining the current rear concrete pad infeasible and that removing the concrete would reduce impervious surface and improve landscaping.

Gess presented a design that uses short front driveways with permeable pavers and mondo grass strips, saying the approach would minimize impermeable area while allowing safe vehicle access. Board members praised the house’s design and compatibility with the block but several emphasized an interest in preserving alley access and minimizing the loss of on-street parking; one member suggested a drive-through arrangement that would require a single curb cut and through-access to the alley as a possible compromise.

Staff confirmed the applicants will need to work with public services on curb-cut permits and that the project must meet impermeability and landscaping standards at permitting. The board did not take a vote at the informational design review but provided comments for the applicants to consider before permit application.