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Commission approves addition and foundation raise at 1403 Paris Avenue, denies relocation on lot
Summary
The commission approved a two‑foot maximum foundation raise and a modest ridge raise and rear addition at 1403 Paris Avenue but denied the applicant’s request to relocate the historic house on its lot, finding the move would disrupt the block rhythm.
The Historic Zoning Commission approved proposed work at 1403 Paris Avenue that includes raising the foundation (maximum two feet), a modest two‑foot ridge raise and a stepped rear addition, but the commission rejected the applicant’s request to relocate the house on its lot.
Staff said the house contributes to the Belmont‑Hillsborough overlay and that reconstruction of foundations and modest height increases are sometimes approved when contextually appropriate. Staff recommended the foundation raise be limited to a maximum of two feet from grade at the front, and explicitly recommended disapproval of relocating the house because moving it forward or toward one side would disrupt the historic setback rhythm of the block. Staff said the historic house is currently centered on the lot and that setting the house on the right‑side setback would not meet the design guidelines for location and spacing.
Applicant consultant Blaine Bonadis and the owner’s representatives described structural and moisture problems, including decay and uneven foundation materials, and argued that shifting the house slightly on the lot would facilitate foundation work and access for machinery. Bonadis said the structure shows rot and that moving the house slightly would allow construction crews to build new, undisturbed footings and then set the house back down.
Commission discussion focused on the available drawings and staff’s recommendation: commissioners said the materials submitted support consideration of a two‑foot foundation raise but did not support a relocation on the lot. Commissioner Mosley moved to approve the application with staff conditions; the motion passed.
Staff conditions include a maximum two‑foot foundation rise from grade at the front, a prohibition on relocating the house on the lot, a demolition‑by‑separate‑permit plan if needed, and standard material and addition conditions. The commission recorded approval of the addition and foundation work while denying the relocation request.
