Historic Landmark Commission approves rear addition at approximately 317 North Beach Street

The Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission approved a minor alteration application for a rear-yard addition at approximately 317 North Beach Street, granting multiple modifications to the commission's standards and voting unanimously to accept staff's recommendation.

Staff presented the project as a rear addition proposed to sit largely behind the existing house and described it as “generally larger in scale” and visible enough that staff did not feel comfortable approving it administratively, said Aaron Barlow, senior planner. The application requested modifications to maximum-building-height (eight additional inches), a change to maximum wall height (the transcript records both “three inches” and later “three feet”; the record does not resolve that discrepancy), a one-foot encroachment of the first floor into the north side yard, a reduced rear setback to keep the massing toward the back of the property, and a small increase in maximum lot coverage.

Barlow told the commission the proposed addition would mostly sit behind the existing house and that from the street angle most of the highest roof sections “would not be visible from the street.” He described proposed materials as smooth-finish fiber cement lap siding and fiberglass double-hung windows; staff noted fiberglass is a listed material in the commission's design guidelines for additions.

Scott Maruri, speaking as a neighbor and representative for the applicants, said he supported the project and praised the applicants' approach to retaining the front facade: “I really appreciate the way they're approaching it... they're leaving the front of it as cute as it is.” Public comment on the item was closed with no speakers in opposition.

Commission discussion focused on visibility from the street and how alterations would affect perceived scale. Commissioners asked about the removal and infill of a side door with brick and whether the project could match the existing red striated brick; staff said that type of brick is common for mid-century ramblers and suggested a condition allowing staff to approve the replacement brick sample. Staff also noted some existing windows on the building are non-original and that the proposed new materials are consistent with guidance for additions.

A motion to approve the minor alteration application as recommended by staff passed unanimously. The motion text on the record was: approving the minor alteration as recommended by staff. The vote was recorded as aye by Commissioner Abridson; Commissioner Barnett; Commissioner DeLay; Commissioner Kearns; Commissioner White; and the chair (who also voted aye). The tally was 6–0 in favor.

Key clarifying details recorded in the meeting: the existing house height was stated as about 21 feet and just under 2 inches; the proposed ridge was described as 22 feet, 9¼ inches (about a foot and a half higher than the existing ridge). The first floor encroachment on the north side was described as 1 foot; the rear setback was stated as about 15 feet, 11 inches. The transcript indicates half of the driveway is a shared driveway and not included in the applicant's lot area, which staff said factored into the coverage calculation.

The commission closed the public portion of its session on this item following the vote; staff will proceed with the project consistent with the approved conditions and any building permits required under city rules.