Commission approves variance to expand historic Roke Mill house; owners to dedicate right‑of‑way for wider sidewalk

The Woodstock Planning Commission on Aug. 7 recommended unanimous approval of a variance allowing a major single‑story addition to a circa‑1910 house at 109 Roke Mill Road while preserving the property's lot‑of‑record status and historic character. Commissioners added a condition that the owners dedicate right‑of‑way to accommodate a 10‑foot sidewalk.

Staff reported the site is in the downtown core with a DTCBD zoning designation and a historic overlay; the property is about 1.21 acres and the applicant seeks to expand living space while retaining the home rather than demolish and rebuild. The applicant proposed a roughly 2,300 square‑foot single‑story addition and a covered carport; staff said the proposed addition would add approximately 2,000 square feet of interior living area plus about 360 square feet of carport.

Staff noted the house's existing location and streetscape do not fully meet modern downtown build‑to and sidewalk standards, including a narrower existing sidewalk; staff recommended approval of the variance so long as the project preserves the historic house and meets certain conditions. Commissioners discussed whether to require the full 10‑foot sidewalk now or accept dedication of right‑of‑way to allow future construction; the applicant said dedication was acceptable but they did not want to bear the construction cost.

Applicant Rodney Strickland said he and his wife want to retain the historic home but expand it to meet modern needs, describing current constraints such as a narrow 27‑inch stair and limited kitchen and closet storage. "It's important to us that we save the old house," Strickland said, adding the proposed design aims to preserve the house's character while adding functional space.

A neighbor, Erin Grigsby, said she supported preserving the house and that the proposed work would keep downtown's character and provide complementary design next to her property. City commissioners approved the variance with the added condition requiring dedication of right‑of‑way for the wider sidewalk; the motion passed unanimously.

The commission recorded that the owner will work with staff on precise right‑of‑way dimensions and to ensure final plans meet historic‑overlay and downtown standards to the extent practicable.