Historic Preservation Commission approves two‑story garage at 631 NW 17th, refers variance to Board of Adjustment

Acting Chair Sarah Jordan said the commission approved construction of a two‑story accessory structure at 631 NW 17th after reviewing revisions to height, materials and site placement. The commission voted 4–1 to grant the certificate of appropriateness and separately voted 4–1 to recommend the required parking variance to the Board of Adjustment.

The proposal, by applicant Britney Portree, followed two prior hearings. Portree said the team reduced the height and refined details after earlier feedback and submitted dozens of neighborhood letters in support: "We have 4 letters that disagree and think that it would be proportional for the streetscape," she told the commission, adding there were additional letters that arrived outside the packet. Staff told commissioners the proposed footprint matched the historic garage location and that zoning and fire‑safety constraints limited how far the garage could be moved back.

Commissioner Wood dissented, arguing the commission should adhere to existing guidelines that generally allow only a one‑and‑a‑half‑story replacement where Sanborn maps and historic evidence show a one‑story garage. "In my opinion, you are not entitled to put a two‑story garage on your property," Wood said, explaining his vote to deny. Other commissioners cited the massing of the main three‑story house and visible two‑story garages on the block as unique circumstances warranting approval and said a guideline‑amendment committee is reviewing consistent standards.

The approvals include conditions noted by staff (material selections and documentation to be submitted before permits). The commission’s recommendation on the parking variance will go to the Board of Adjustment for a separate decision. The commission chair set no additional follow‑up hearing on this item; staff will work with the applicant on final design and permit review.