DRC supports revised driveway alignment for Carruthers House that keeps parking to building side

Architect Jeff Roziak of Campbell Design Collaborative presented a proposal to amend the approved access and parking layout for the Carruthers House at 1343 Huffines Ridge Drive, telling the Franklin Design Review Committee the revised driveway would enter from Huffines Ridge Drive and run along the tree line to keep parking hidden from the house’s primary facade.

Roziak said the revised route avoids the previously proposed series of switchbacks in front of the property and that the team coordinated visits with parks and engineering staff to identify a practical alignment. Emily, planning staff, confirmed the Carruthers House is on the National Register and within the historic preservation overlay and said locating parking to the side of the building aligns with the guidelines’ recommendation to locate parking and driveways behind or beside historic buildings when possible.

Staff asked the applicant to provide a material sample for the proposed chip-seal driveway surface (one option discussed was a Yosemite-sand color used at Harlinsdale Farm) and to confirm compliance with development standards (minimum width, slope, surface material) at permitting. Staff also warned that if the driveway requires fire access, the proposed slope might not meet fire-department requirements and recommended early coordination with fire and engineering. Committee members praised the design’s intent to shelter parking behind trees and suggested minor refinements to curvature so vehicle passing and sight lines do not channel parking or stopping in front of the house.

No formal action or COA was taken; staff said the proposal will proceed as a site-plan amendment through city planning and will return with permitting-level details, materials, and the fire/engineering approvals required for a COA and site-permit package.