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Commission disapproves attached garage and screened porch at 2806 Natchez Trace
Summary
Staff recommended disapproval of a proposed addition that connected a full screened porch to a garage; the commission voted to deny the proposal because the Hillsborough West End guidelines generally disallow attached garages except in specific circumstances.
The Historic Zoning Commission voted Jan. 15 to disapprove a proposed addition at 2806 Natchez Trace that combined a full screened porch with an attached garage. Staff recommended disapproval because the Hillsborough West End design guidelines generally do not allow attached garages at grade unless they are typical in the neighborhood or located at basement level.
Applicant Lisa Minton described lot constraints and water-infiltration issues in the backyard and said her preferred location minimizes disturbance to her neighbors' sunlight and her rainwater remediation work. She said the existing guest house in the rear is not structurally sound and that reusing the current slab reduced site disturbance.
Staff said a compliant approach would be to build a detached garage at least 20 feet from the house or a separate outbuilding; an open-air covered walkway up to 6 feet wide could be accepted as a breezeway in other cases. Staff noted the applicant had options including shifting the garage to achieve a 20-foot separation or reducing square footage so total outbuilding area did not exceed the maximum for the lot.
Commissioners voted to disapprove the proposal per staff recommendation. Commissioners discussed that a detached garage or a reduced, reconfigured outbuilding might meet guidelines and encouraged the applicant to work with staff on revisions; if revised plans meet guidelines staff could approve administratively.
