Commission approves rear addition at 25131 East Roy Court despite limited side fenestration

The Huntington Woods Planning Commission approved a rear addition at 25131 East Roy Court, finding the small expansion meets the city’s applicable zoning criteria despite limited side‑wall fenestration.

Representatives from Main Street Design Build introduced the project. Ethan Loop, construction manager, explained the addition’s left‑side elevation has no window because the new space contains a bedroom and the owners do not want a window facing the neighbor. “They don't want a window facing the neighbor,” Loop said.

Staff reviewed the elevations and noted two items that flagged the application: (1) the left‑side elevation includes a relatively small blank wall with no fenestration and (2) the addition’s materials were proposed as siding rather than the brick predominant on the existing side of the house. Staff cited the nonconforming side‑yard provision that allows certain parallel extensions without increasing encroachment and explained why, overall, the project meets ordinance requirements.

Commissioners questioned whether the ordinance defines a quantitative limit for a “large expanse” of blank wall; staff noted the ordinance does not specify a dimension and suggested that clarifying language could be included in a future priority item. Commissioners and the applicant pointed to existing landscaping and a walkway arbor on the side yard as features that soften the visual impact of the blank wall.

With no public opposition, a commissioner moved to approve the addition as submitted, a second was recorded and the motion passed.

The approval applies to the elevations and materials as presented; the commission noted it may pursue ordinance language changes in the future to clarify thresholds for blank side walls and material continuity.