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Commission approves replacement deck at 1706 Third Street after minor setback adjustment
Summary
The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness to replace a deteriorated rear deck at 1706 Third Street in the Pinehurst Historic District, with the new deck reduced by one inch to meet the rear setback.
Kathy Pagani, chair of the Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission, announced on June 11, 2025, that the commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace a rear deck at 1706 Third Street in the Pinehurst Historic District.
The petition, listed as HPC 3825 for Dana and Frank (as shown on the agenda) but presented at the hearing by homeowner Joseph Frank Farrar, requested removal and replacement of a rotted wood deck. Staff said the existing and proposed decks measure about 40 feet 2 inches by 10 feet 10 inches; the proposed deck will be reduced by one inch so it complies with the rear setback. The material will be painted wood, and the applicant indicated lattice screening under the deck would be reconstructed as it had been previously.
City staff displayed site and aerial images and cited the commission’s design guidelines for decks and rehabilitation standards under Chapter 20, Article 2 of the Code of Tuscaloosa. One public comment in support had been submitted to the commission; no speakers attended to oppose the application at the hearing.
Farrar identified himself for the record as one of the homeowners. In response to a commission question about screening beneath the deck, Farrar said, “It was there before and I guess, you know, we were planning to just redo what was there before.” Commissioners described the application as straightforward and noted the size and location remain essentially the same as the existing deck.
Pagani called the vote on the motion to approve the certificate. Commissioners Mary Harmon Young, Wayne Yarbrough, Matt McCool, Sally Davis and David Nelson all voted yes. Pagani told the applicant, “Mr. Farrar, your application has been approved this evening,” and reminded him that city staff will conduct a final inspection to confirm the work follows the approved plans.
The commission’s approval was conditioned only by the standard requirement of compliance with the design guidelines and a final inspection; no amendments or additional conditions were recorded at the hearing.
