Design Review Board approves revised infill house in Mollonsdale with conditions

The Knoxville Design Review Board on Sept. 14 approved a revised design for a new single-family house in Mollonsdale (case 8A25IH) with conditions, after staff and the applicant presented revised plans that addressed most prior concerns.

Staff reported the application had been postponed previously so the applicant could submit revised plans. The updated submission included a rear-entry garage, a walkway from the porch to the street, a plan to retain at least one mature oak in the rear yard if feasible, and a reduction in house width from 54 feet to 49 feet. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions: final site plan meeting city engineering standards, walkway from porch to street, at least one tree in front and rear yards (retain mature oak if possible), add a window to the left elevation, final window and door selections approved by staff, and porch posts sized at minimum 8-by-8 (staff also offered an alternate recommendation allowing 6-by-6 chamfered posts if the board chose that option).

Applicant Aaron Forstall (Volusign Services) confirmed the team revised roof forms and window arrangements and said they would retain trees if possible and could accept the 6-by-6 chamfered posts alternative. Board members discussed foundation cladding, porch post proportions, and porch width and concluded the revised plans responded to earlier concerns, including moving the garage to the rear to meet infill guidelines about front-facing garages.

A motion to approve the alternate staff recommendation carried on a voice vote. The board’s approval included several conditions to ensure final plans meet city engineering and staff review before permitting.