Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission approves multiple certificates of appropriateness, continues tree-removal request

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission on March 12 approved six certificates of appropriateness for exterior changes across multiple historic districts in Council District 4 and continued one tree-removal request for additional information.

The action items included: a second extension for new construction at 1917 University Boulevard; driveway and patio modifications at 904 and 908 16th Avenue with a required 3-foot setback from the rear fence line; window sash replacements at 305 Seventeenth Avenue and 20 Monash Drive (wood sashes replaced with PVC/composite, no change to light patterns); construction of a rear deck and related rear-elevation alterations at 1707 University Boulevard; and an addition/enclosure and window replacements at 60 Sherwood Drive (the proposed fire pit was not considered and will go through expedited review). A separate request to remove two trees at 2111 Fourteenth Street was continued so the applicant can provide alternate designs, a clearer site plan and consultations (including the power company) requested by commissioners.

Why it matters: these approvals allow property owners in Tuscaloosa’s historic neighborhoods to proceed with construction or repairs that alter the exterior appearance of contributing structures. The commission bases decisions on the Code of Tuscaloosa (Chapter 20, Article 2) design guidelines and on the commission’s bylaws; several approvals included conditions and will require final inspection by city staff.

Most notable decisions and conditions

• 1917 University Boulevard (HPC 14-25): The commission approved a second extension of a previously granted certificate of appropriateness for new construction at the demoed site in the Druid City Historic District. City staff noted demolition referenced in the original COA has been completed and plans show a two-story new structure using brick, limestone, steel, a metal roof and aluminum-clad windows. The extension was granted after the applicant’s representative, Evans Fitts of Fitts Architects, said the client is coordinating franchise/developer negotiations in Mobile and requested additional time.

• 904 & 908 Sixteenth Avenue (HPC 15-25): The commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for driveway and patio work with a specific condition: the patio concrete must be cut back 3 feet from the rear fence line. The petition (Daryl Knox, petitioner) calls for removing two 3-by-7½-foot sections of a continuous concrete area, leaving a 3-foot planting strip between the resulting concrete sections; the applicant will install six plants (three per cutout) in 3-gallon containers (installed 2–3 feet tall, expected to grow 6–8 feet) to screen the patio. City staff will verify the 3-foot clearance on both sides of the driveway at final inspection.

• Window sash replacements (HPC 16-25 and HPC 18-25): Certificates were approved for material-only window sash replacements at 305 Seventeenth Avenue (Pinehurst Historic District, petitioner Judith Bridal) and at 20 Monash Drive (Druid City Historic District, petitioner Patrick Roberts). In both cases the commission recorded no change in window light pattern or size; staff presented PVC/composite sashes to replace existing wood, and commissioners cited prior similar approvals.

• 1707 University Boulevard (HPC 19-25): The commission approved exterior alterations limited to the south elevation of the primary structure, including a two-story rear deck approximately 32 by 15 feet and associated door access. The petitioner (Scott Lindsay, Price McGifford Construction, representative) clarified front-porch/carport alterations previously discussed will not move forward at this time; the approval covers the rear elevation work only. Materials called for wood or hardy decking, an asphalt shingle roof on the new extension, fiberglass door on the second story and stonework to match existing where applicable.

• 60 Sherwood Drive (HPC 20-25): The commission approved enclosing an existing screened porch to create an addition, replacing multiple windows with composite windows (no change to light patterns), replacing front and garage doors with wood doors, and constructing a two-story covered rear deck (26 by 12 feet). A proposed fire pit was not considered at this meeting and will be handled via expedited review once the final location outside a utility easement is confirmed. Commissioners also noted the project includes retaining walls and a stone path; final inspection will follow.

• 2111 Fourteenth Street (HPC 17-25) — continued: The commission continued a petition to remove two hackberry trees (diameters described as roughly 32 inches and 23 inches) that the petitioner said are in the area where they want to place a pergola approved in January. Commissioners asked staff and the applicant’s representative (Louis Fitz) to obtain a clearer site plan, consult with the power company regarding limbs over a power line, and consider alternative designs that would avoid removal. The motion to continue passed; the applicant indicated willingness to return with additional information.

Votes at a glance (roll-call recorded at the meeting; all recorded votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted)

• HPC 14-25 — 1917 University Boulevard (extension for new construction): Approved (6–0) • HPC 15-25 — 904 & 908 Sixteenth Avenue (driveway/patio with plantings): Approved with condition (patio cut back 3 feet from rear fence) (6–0) • HPC 16-25 — 305 Seventeenth Avenue (window sash material change): Approved (6–0) • HPC 17-25 — 2111 Fourteenth Street (tree removal): Continued for additional information (motion passed) (6–0 on continuance) • HPC 18-25 — 20 Monash Drive (window sash material change): Approved (6–0) • HPC 19-25 — 1707 University Boulevard (rear deck, south elevation alterations): Approved (6–0) • HPC 20-25 — 60 Sherwood Drive (enclosure/addition, windows, deck; fire pit deferred): Approved (6–0)

Procedural notes and follow-up

- Several approvals explicitly require a final inspection by city staff to verify dimensions, materials, and the conditions the commission imposed (for example, the 3-foot setbacks and planted screening at 904/908 16th Avenue). - The fire pit at 60 Sherwood Drive will be reviewed separately through an expedited review process once the applicant confirms a location outside the utility easement. - The commission reported 14 expedited approvals since the prior meeting; no details for those expedited approvals were presented at the hearing.

What commissioners and staff asked for

Commissioners repeatedly requested clearer site plans, on-site verification by staff where measurements mattered (for example, the 3-foot planting strips and driveway edges), consultation with the power company for trees near service lines, and that applicants notify city staff promptly if project details change so the commission can revisit items when necessary. Staff reminded applicants that approvals are tied to the materials and plans presented and that changes should be routed through city staff before construction.

The meeting adjourned after routine administrative business.