Board approves legalization and repair of failing patio, new deck and stairs at 72 Albemarle Avenue in historic district

Architect John Woodriff presented on behalf of Michael and Davina Barrett, owners of 72 Albemarle Avenue. The owners propose to demolish part of a raised side patio (existing since about 1951), repair the retaining wall and patio, legalize the existing patio and construct a new wood-frame deck with exterior stairs. The property is in the historic district; the applicant said the Historic Review Board issued a positive declaration allowing the project to proceed to ZBA review.

Woodriff said the patio is structurally compromised with large cracks; the project reduces the patio footprint in some areas, stabilizes the retaining wall, and creates a new deck and stairs to improve circulation and access to the kitchen. The board asked about screening and learned the site is heavily screened with Arborvitae. The variances sought are for side-yard setbacks: 2 feet at the raised patio (vs. 12 ft required), 3.5 feet at the patio stair and 7 feet at the deck stair; the combined side-yard figure was reported in the record as 12.5 feet where 27 feet is required.

A board member moved to approve the variances, citing the patio’s structural condition, the safety benefits of repair and circulation improvements, and that the change would not be visible from the street and would reduce impacts on neighbors. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.