Plan commission approves cedar-shake siding for alley garage at 63 Arundel Place

The Clayton City Plan Commission/Architectural Review Board on June 2 approved cedar-shake shingles as the primary siding for a detached garage at 63 Arundel Place.

The decision followed a staff report that noted cedar shake is not an administratively approvable material but that siding is commonly used nearby and the garage has “little to no visibility from the street.” Staff recommended approval, saying the material would have a minimal visual impact.

Applicant Larissa (last name not specified), who said she had received Hillcrest Board of Trustees review and brought shingle and roofing samples to the meeting, told the commission “we would like to use cedar shingles as the main exterior siding material” and explained how the longer shingles are installed with 5–7 inches exposed to create the familiar layered look. She also said the garage faces an alley and that nearby alley structures use a range of materials including brick, stucco and synthetic siding.

Commissioners repeatedly noted the alley location and variety of existing materials as reasons not to object. Commissioner Jim Arsenault said he did not see a strong architectural reason to require cedar but acknowledged that “it’s in the alley” and “not really visible from the street.” Commissioner Bob Denlow and others said the sample and context made the choice acceptable. No public commenters opposed the proposal during the meeting.

On a motion to approve staff’s recommendation, the board voted in favor (recorded on the public audio as “Aye”). No formal conditions were added to the approval.

The applicant said the cedar will be left to weather naturally (no preservative or stain) and that other fixtures — garage door and roof — will use conservative materials and colors to match adjacent properties.