Board approves after‑the‑fact pergola at 110 Westminster with tighter setback, lower height and material conditions

The Historic Preservation Board granted a variance on June 24 to allow an existing pergola constructed in the front yard at 110 Westminster Road to remain, subject to several design and setback modifications intended to reduce its street presence.

Architect David Gengler said the pergola was constructed adjacent to an existing pool and a front yard site wall; the structure included limestone column bases and a cedar trellis. Staff recommended approval of a variance from accessory‑structure setback rules, but asked that the pergola comply with conditions to reduce impacts on the streetscape. Neighbors submitted letters of objection and raised concerns about scale and precedent.

After discussion the board approved the variance with conditions: the permitted setback for the pergola was set to 4 feet 6 inches from the property line (instead of the 3.5 feet already built), the overall height of the pergola must be reduced by 14 inches, the pergola should be detailed with more vernacular wood posts (applicant to work with staff on a chamfered/cypress post solution), the approved setback applies to this existing pergola and any successor structure, the pergola shall not have a solid roof or expand its footprint, and landscaping along the north property line and inside the western fence must be maintained to screen the structure from public view. The board also required that open‑space and other code requirements be met.

The board carried the motion with a majority vote after amending staff language to specify the new setback and the design/landscaping conditions. Staff will enforce the conditions during permitting and follow up with the applicant on revisions.