Historic Landmark Commission approves minor front-facade change for Kenny House at 563 North Center Street

SALT LAKE CITY

The Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission voted unanimously to approve a request to modify the front facade of a previously approved new-construction project at 563 North Center Street (case PLNHLC20230629), staff said. The change accommodates a basement egress window well required by building code after the project added a one-car garage to the rear.

Staff planner Seth Rios told the commission the property is in the Capitol Hill Local Historic District and sits on a lot significantly smaller than surrounding parcels, which created design constraints. He said the administratively approved rear garage did not change the building's footprint or massing and is set about 40 feet back from the property line, but the altered interior layout left the only feasible location for an egress window at the front facade.

Rios said the modification does not change setbacks, materials, or the size of windows and doors and that staff concluded the revised facade continues to meet the city's new-construction standards; staff recommended approval.

The commission asked technical questions about the window well's depth and distance from the public sidewalk and whether a new railing would be required. Rios said he had spoken with a building-code official, who told staff a railing would not be required but recommended a liftable grate to cover the opening; the building-permit process will address final egress details.

The applicant's representative, James Cox, told the commission the change is "very minor" and that the project team had previously addressed earlier comments. Architect Dave Brock said the entry shifted from a centered door to the right because interior reconfiguration following the garage addition made the centered entry impractical; he added he believes the street and south facades are improved by the change.

No members of the public spoke during the public-comment period. Following deliberation, a commissioner moved to approve the application as recommended by staff, another seconded, and the commission adopted the motion in a roll-call vote. The chair announced the approval passed unanimously.

The approval clears the project to proceed to the building-permit stage, where the building-permit reviewer will confirm construction details such as the recommended grate and other life-safety measures. Staff previously handled the rear-garage change administratively, Rios said.

The commission then closed the public hearing and moved to the meeting's work-session items.