Historic Zoning Commission approves several repair and new‑construction projects, denies metal roof for church

At its May 15 meeting the Knoxville Historic Zoning Commission handled a slate of applications across overlay districts, approving new construction and rehabilitation projects while denying one after‑the‑fact roofing application.

Minutes and routine staff reports The commission approved the meeting minutes from the prior month following a motion and voice vote.

Edgewood Park — 2341 Jefferson Avenue (church roof) Staff reported that the applicant proposed a ribbed metal roof with exposed fasteners. Lindsay said the building is non‑contributing to the overlay but staff recommended denial of the ribbed metal paneling and suggested either asphalt/architectural shingles or a true standing‑seam metal roof. Commissioners voted to deny the proposed ribbed metal cladding and advised the applicant that approved materials (asphalt shingles or standing‑seam metal) could be administratively approved by staff.

4th & Gill — 911 Eleanor Street (new construction) The commission reviewed a proposal for a 1½‑story craftsman house with accessory unit at 911 Eleanor. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including setback alignment with the block face, engineering revisions, and submission of final window/door specifications to staff. The applicant provided additional evidence that a five‑foot right‑of‑way closure would effectively place the house 25 feet from adjacent properties; the commission voted to approve with a modification that struck the staff condition requiring the front setback to be recessed, allowing staff to consider the right‑of‑way information in the final review.

Fort Sanders — 1618 Clinch Avenue (roof/dormer/addition) Staff recommended approval of a roof reconstruction, rear dormer and exterior rehabilitation at 1618 Clinch; the commission voted to approve as submitted.

Mechanicsville — 216 Canceler Avenue (new duplex) A contentious discussion between the applicant, neighborhood representative and commissioners focused on siding and window materials and housing affordability. The applicant urged use of low‑maintenance materials; the neighborhood asked for wooden materials and historic porch details. The commission approved the application subject to staff conditions and specified wood or aluminum‑clad wood siding and clad‑wood windows (final specifications to be submitted to staff); the recorded tally was five yes, one no.

Adjournment The commission completed its agenda and adjourned the meeting.

Procedural note: in several cases staff asked applicants to submit final material and window specifications to staff for administrative review; applicants were reminded that a certificate of occupancy will be withheld until outstanding COA issues are resolved.