Commission conditionally approves three-unit building at 1 West Avenue with mechanical screening requirement

The University District Commission on Feb. 27 granted conditional approval for a new three-unit residential building at 1 West Avenue, subject to a condition that ground-mounted HVAC equipment be screened.

Staff told the commission the revised proposal addressed prior comments by adding windows, a wider sidewalk (minimum 4 feet), a walkway in front of parking and relocating a bike rack. The project is sited within an area the University District Plan recommends for medium-intensity residential development.

Staff noted remaining inconsistencies with plan guidance on rear-yard landscaping and recommended a provisional approval conditioned on the applicant screening HVAC condensers mounted at ground level. Staff recommended that screening be provided either through fencing complimentary to the building materials or through evergreen plantings.

The applicant reported they had added the requested windows and other adjustments since the commission reviewed the project in November. During discussion commissioners raised theft and visibility concerns about condensers and recommended screening approaches; the applicant indicated fencing details were included in the packet.

Motion and vote: A motion to approve the application with the condition that ground-mounted HVAC be screened (fencing or evergreen plantings) was made by Mr. Smith and seconded by another member. The roll call shows Fleming, Parker, Reed, Sublette, Smanski and Mather voting yes; the motion carried.

Ending: The commission approved the design with the screening condition; the applicant will provide final details of the screening as part of permit submissions and follow the conditions recorded in the approval.