Planning staff: property at northeast corner of Second and Fourth submitted COA and permits but progress stalled; enforcement and assistance under way

Planning staff told the Historic Preservation Board they had been working to re-engage an owner at the northeast corner of Second and Fourth after exterior changes exceeded earlier approvals.

Planner Michelle Hoyland said the owner ultimately submitted a certificate-of-appropriateness application and building permits for interior and exterior alterations, but the CO remains outstanding for at least one permit. Staff reported work has occurred on site and that some alterations—such as window surround removals and re-stuccoing—exceeded what the board had approved previously. Hoyland said the owner indicated they had retained an attorney, which temporarily slowed staff follow-up, but planning staff are now seeking ways to help the applicant complete the permit and approval process.

Board members expressed concern about recurring patterns at the property, the potential for unpermitted work to bypass required inspections, and the broader preservation implications in that portion of the city. Staff said code enforcement and building-inspection staff would address permit compliance and safety inspections where appropriate; planning staff emphasized the board’s formal review would consider only the application materials if the item returns to them.

Hoyland said staff had discussed outreach options and would contact the owner to restart the COA process and to clarify outstanding permit work. She asked the board for patience while staff tries to coordinate with building officials, code enforcement and the property owner. Board members said they would continue to follow the property’s status and encouraged staff to provide updates when available.