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Board approves revised front‑stair and planter mitigation for 225 East Olin duplex after final‑inspection deviations
Summary
The board approved a revised plan for a duplex at 225 East Olin (case 9CC25IH) to address deviations found at final inspection: an enlarged foundation/porch and altered rear patio. Approval requires final landscaping without invasive species, masonry planters up to 3 feet high, and coordination of parking and engineering.
The Design Review Board voted Sept. 14 to approve revised plans for a duplex at 225 East Olin (case 9CC25IH) after city inspections found deviations from previously approved plans.
Staff reported that the project had been permitted and constructed, but final inspection revealed a taller foundation and modified porches and rear patio. The built foundation reached 7 feet at the left corner of the façade—substantially taller than the 1 foot 8 inch foundation shown in the approved plans—which increased the visual scale of the house relative to historic one‑story neighbors. The applicant subsequently submitted revised plans proposing a centralized single staircase that projects from the landing between the porches, lattice screening under the porch, new planter boxes (masonry, stuccoed block, or landscaping block options were presented), and a revised gravel parking pad accessed via the alley sized for four spaces.
Staff recommended approval provided final landscaping excluded invasive species (staff noted Sky Pencil holly is classified as invasive and not appropriate), planters be reviewed by staff, and final site plan meet city engineering standards. Board members emphasized that the planter caps should be shown at the same elevation to read as a continuous horizontal element and that the planters and lattice should help mitigate the visual height of the taller foundation. Members also recommended evergreen plantings that remain year‑round. The applicant indicated willingness to use masonry planters and appropriate evergreen species (emerald green arborvitae suggested).
The board approved the revised plan with conditions that the planters be built of brick (or similar masonry), be continuous at corners, be a minimum height to assist visual mitigation (no less than approximately 3 feet and no more than 3 feet per the motion), that species selection avoid invasives and be approved by staff, and that the final site plan meet city engineering standards. The motion carried on a voice vote.
