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Historic zoning commission approves main house and fencing at 1008 Fair Street, denies accessory structure
Summary
The commission approved alterations and an addition to the principal building and fencing at 1008 Fair Street, but denied an accessory‑structure proposal that would have increased the garage height above the principal building.
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on Oct. 13 approved a certificate of appropriateness for alterations and an infill addition to the principal building at 1008 Fair Street (Hincheyville National Register Historic District) and granted approval for new fencing, while denying proposed alterations and an addition to the accessory structure.
Staff recommended approval of the principal building alterations and fencing but recommended denial of the accessory structure changes because the proposed accessory work increased the garage height to exceed the principal building’s visual subordination. Elizabeth (staff) told commissioners the accessory structure would increase in height to a point that would not be subordinate to the historic house and therefore did not meet the design guideline that accessory structures be visually subordinate in size, mass and height.
Applicant Jacob Lane (906 Studio Architects) said the accessory ridge would measure 7 inches below the main house ridge when measured from each structure’s finished floor to ridge; commissioners and staff debated whether that difference satisfied the guideline that accessory structures remain subordinate. Neighbors spoke in support of the proposal, noting the rear area has low visibility from the street.
After discussion, the commission voted to approve the principal building and fencing with staff conditions and to deny the accessory structure changes. Commissioners noted the principal building’s redesigned elements — including the infill and window changes — are appropriate and maintain the building’s subordinate massing, but the garage design as submitted read too tall and too house‑like in elevation to be approved.
Outcome: Principal building and fencing — approved with staff conditions. Accessory structure — denied per staff recommendation. The applicant is invited to revise the accessory structure design and return to the Design Review Committee and Historic Zoning Commission.
