Council sides with applicant, allows 9‑light carriage‑house doors at 904 M Street

The Eureka City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 5 to modify a Historic Preservation Commission decision and permit three 9‑light wooden doors on the east façade of the carriage house at 904 M Street.

Assistant planner Gonzalez outlined the background of the appeal, noting that the 1895 main residence and its carriage house are described in the city’s historic survey and that the Historic Preservation Commission had conditionally approved the project on June 4 with an added requirement to install 5‑panel doors that matched two existing doors. Gonzalez said the applicant appealed and staff concluded the proposed 9‑light design met the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for treatment of historic properties and recommended removing the condition.

The applicants presented photos and told council the replacement doors would improve light and functionality for tenants using the carriage house as shared laundry and trash access. “We’re just trying to improve the property… and make it pleasant for our traveling professionals,” an applicant said during public comment.

Councilmember Contreras Deloche moved to adopt a resolution removing condition A and allow the three 9‑light doors as proposed; the motion was seconded and carried on a 4–0 vote (Councilmember Moulton absent). Councilmembers who spoke in support referenced the building’s historic character and the applicant’s use of quality materials.

The resolution directs staff to finalize the modification to the commission’s conditional approval and proceed with permit issuance consistent with the council’s action.

What’s next: staff will process building permits for the door replacements under the modified approval.