Board approves revised new‑construction plans for 51830 Third Street; front entry, siding and driveway conditions added

The Historic Preservation Board on July 22 approved a revised plan for new construction at 51830 Third Street in the Northwood Historic District, subject to nine conditions that address the front entry design, massing, driveway configuration and siding materials.

Architect David Lawrence presented a revised design that, he said, reduces a perceived "high‑waisted" appearance by reworking the stair and adding a one‑story powder room element to break down the front facade massing. He described alternate driveway and siding options and said the applicant "accept[ed] [staff's] conditions." Historic preservation planner Anthony Mendez summarized remaining staff concerns and recommended approval with conditions related to windows, doors and accessory structure equipment removal.

Board concerns centered on the front entry composition and the small projecting powder room. Commissioners asked the applicant to refine the front door and entry element; keep the two‑step ground‑floor massing while removing the projecting powder‑room pop‑out; eliminate the front gable and continue a single shed roof over a porch feature; and work with staff on the combined driveway option that uses a single curb cut. The board also permitted shingle siding to continue over both the first and second floors in the approved iteration.

The board's approval incorporated the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the city's compatibility criteria. The motion states that the approval is conditioned on the nine items memorialized in the staff memo and on added conditions that the applicant work with staff to refine the front door (including the option of a transom or solid panel), retain two‑step massing while removing the powder room projection, remove the gable portion of the front entry and continue a shed roof over a porch, approve the combined driveway option with a single curb cut, and permit shingle siding across both stories.

Board members praised the applicant's revisions while noting that additional detailing of the entry and window separations should be finalized in the permit set. The board recorded its finding that the testimony and written application constitute competent, substantial evidence supporting the decision.

Next steps: Applicant to submit revised front entry and driveway details for staff review at permitting; staff will verify compliance with the listed conditions before permit issuance.