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Commission continues Heminger COA for Purdy Alley — staff seeks revised fence/driveway details; city enforcement note for prior unpermitted work
Summary
The commission continued an application by Emily and Julie Heminger to alter rear yard paving, install a brick wall and iron fence, and replace gates at a Purdy Alley property, and discussed prior unpermitted exterior work that the owners said resulted from not knowing local permitting requirements.
The German Village Commission continued a Certificate of Appropriateness application from Emily and Julie Heminger for work at a Purdy Alley property (COA 24005988). The application seeks to convert a gravel rear parking pad to a brick parking area, install a brick base wall with iron fence, replace wooden gates, add window boxes and a brick stoop and patio.
HPO staff said the proposal raised three primary concerns: replacing permeable gravel with impermeable surface (impacts on drainage and permeability), masonry wall and fence details that deviate from German Village guidelines, and ornate wooden gates that fall outside what staff typically approves administratively. Staff recommended approval with conditions: use brick for the driveway rather than plain concrete, alter the rear fence to a simple design (all iron or all wood) and submit paint/stain colors and final details to staff for review prior to certificate issuance.
At the hearing the applicants acknowledged already having done some work on the property (new siding, windows and a front door) and said they were not aware those changes required approval. Commission members explained the enforcement process: zoning enforcement will issue a notice but typically will not pursue enforcement action if an owner engages with the commission and submits required applications. The commission also advised the applicants that if contractors performed work without permits, the owners could pursue recourse with the builder.
Commissioners and applicants discussed fence materials and evergreen plantings to provide year-round screening; staff recommended a traditional wood fence or a simple iron configuration for the rear yard rather than a masonry wall. Commissioners suggested landscaping (boxwoods or evergreen planting) and a combined fence/planting approach to balance security and the district’s visual character.
Because the application involves a broader scope of work and some existing unpermitted changes that need documentation, a commissioner moved to continue the item so the applicants could prepare a fuller scope and documentation. The motion to continue passed on voice vote.
