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Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission approves two demolition requests
Summary
The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve demolition permits for 647 Pocahontas Avenue and 9 South Iola Drive and approved meeting minutes with edits. Commissioners discussed procedural follow-up including sending decision letters and appeal-code references.
The Webster Groves Historic Preservation Commission voted Tuesday to approve demolition permit applications for two residential properties and approved the meeting minutes with edits.
The commission approved the demolition application for 647 Pocahontas Avenue after staff presentation of the property record, which noted the house was built in 1926, has about 1,051 square feet of living area, is in the flood plain and failed its last occupancy inspection. Commissioners concluded the property lacked features qualifying it for local designation and voted to approve demolition.
The commission also approved the demolition application for 9 South Iola Drive. Staff reported that house was built in 1957, has about 952 square feet, had siding removed and showed signs of exterior deterioration; it has not been previously identified as an at-risk property. Commissioners voted to approve that demolition request as well.
Why it matters: Demolition approvals mean property owners may pursue building permits and site work unless other appeals or external regulatory requirements (for example, FEMA floodplain compliance) intervene. Commissioners emphasized clarity for applicants about next steps and the appeals process.
Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes (with edits): motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: approved. - Demolition application — 647 Pocahontas Avenue: motion to approve demolition; seconded; voice vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: approved. Staff noted the property is in the flood plain and that FEMA compliance is required before permitting. - Demolition application — 9 South Iola Drive: motion to approve demolition; seconded; voice vote recorded as unanimous in favor; outcome: approved.
Discussion and procedure: Commissioners and staff discussed whether the commission issues a formal written notice of decision to applicants and what the written appeal instructions should include. Staff said she would prepare a standardized letter confirming the commission’s decision and include the relevant code citations for appeals (she cited the relevant code provision read during the meeting as "section 52-2-3"), and she will collect signatures from the chair and vice chair before sending. Commissioners also noted that a denial or tabling could trigger the applicant’s right to appeal under the code.
Next steps: Staff will prepare and circulate the written notices of decision with the code citation and signature lines, and will inform applicants of FEMA or other compliance requirements as applicable. The commission moved on to other agenda items after the approvals.
