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Commission approves rear covered porch and fireplace at 703 Holmes Avenue; applicant to pursue variance
Summary
The commission approved a rear covered porch with outdoor fireplace at 703 Holmes Avenue; staff said the addition will not be visible from principal street views and the applicant acknowledged a zoning variance is required and is already being pursued.
The Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a rear covered porch and outdoor fireplace addition at 703 Holmes Avenue, a contributing Queen Anne and shingle‑style house in Old Town, with the applicant acknowledging a concurrent zoning variance process is required.
Staff recommended approval, noting the proposed porch and fireplace are subordinate in scale, will match existing materials (siding, trim, brick, and standing‑seam metal roof) and sit significantly to the rear of the lot so they will not be visible from principal street views. The commission’s presentation included floor and roof plans and elevations showing the addition’s location and how it relates to the existing house.
During discussion a commissioner asked whether a setback variance would be required for the right‑hand (street‑facing) side yard; staff said the applicant is initiating the required variance paperwork and acknowledged the variance is a separate process with the zoning board. Public comment was closed with no speakers.
After a motion, second and voice vote, the commission approved the COA for the porch and outdoor fireplace. Staff recorded that the applicant will pursue the variance and will return with any zoning findings if required before obtaining building permits.
