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Tuscaloosa commission approves side-yard stairs and landing at 1316 Riverside Drive
Summary
The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness for a 7-by-4-foot pressure‑treated pine landing and stairs to access a side door at 1316 Riverside Drive in the Capelwood Historic District.
Kathy Pagani, chair of the Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission, announced the commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for exterior stairs and a landing at 1316 Riverside Drive on June 11, 2025.
The petition, filed as HPC 03/2025 by Specialty Group LLC, sought permission to construct a landing approximately 7 feet by 4 feet with a 36‑inch‑high railing and pressure‑treated pine stairs to reach a side door about 70–72 inches above ground. City staff told the commission the door previously had no ground‑level access and that the proposed materials and location fall under the commission’s design guidelines and Chapter 20, Article 2 of the Code of Tuscaloosa, which govern historic‑district exterior work.
“The general purpose of the Historic Preservation Commission is that we serve to preserve and protect the buildings, sites, and structures of historic significance in Tuscaloosa's historic neighborhoods,” Pagani said while reviewing the commission’s standards and process. City staff also displayed aerial and elevation drawings of the proposed work and noted the landing and stair location relative to adjacent properties in the Capelwood Historic District, Council District 4.
No members of the public spoke for or against the application at the hearing. Applicant Steven Stroud, who identified himself for the record, offered no additional comments. Commissioners said the proposal addressed an earlier concern about the door’s lack of access and described the application as “pretty straightforward.”
Pagani called for a vote on the motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness. Commissioners Mary Harmon Young, Wayne Yarbrough, Matt McCool, Sally Davis and David Nelson all voted yes. Pagani told the applicant, “Mr. Stroud, your application has been approved this evening,” and reminded him that city staff will perform a final inspection to verify compliance with the approved plans.
The commission cited applicable design guidelines for porches, railings, and standards for rehabilitation and alteration in its review. The approval met the commission’s requirement of five affirmative votes.
