Committee approves second‑story design review at 230 West King Street with conditions

The Saint Augustine Corridor Review Committee on May 7 approved a design review for a second‑story addition to the building at 230 West King Street, contingent on the staff‑recommended adjustments to window sizing and materials.

Staff told the committee the property — at the northwest corner of West King and North Leonardi Street — requires committee review because the addition affects character‑defining features. A staff member said, “The applicant may consider reducing the window sizes to allow for CRC approval,” and explained the proposed glazing percentage exceeds the CRC’s approval limit and would otherwise require Planning & Zoning Board approval. Staff added that “a reduction in window height of about 2.13 feet would achieve” an approvable glazing area.

Sarah Ryan, the applicant, told the committee she and the design team met with the fire marshal and added a second stair as a required means of egress. Ryan said the stair must sit in the site’s constrained area and that the team has applied to the Planning & Zoning Board for the setback variance scheduled for its June agenda. She described the second floor as a showroom and said the design team would shorten the windows and preserve vertical muntin patterns to maintain a vertical read while lowering total glazing.

During discussion, committee members and staff agreed that switching from a painted metal exterior stair to a painted wood stair would be more consistent with the corridor standards and more budget‑friendly. Staff noted that prefabricated metal materials are generally considered inappropriate unless specifically approved by the CRC and asked the committee to determine whether the revised stair design is consistent with the building’s architectural style.

A committee member moved to approve the design review application HB2026‑025, finding that with the proposed changes and the conditions the staff recommended, the project meets the review criteria. The Chair seconded the motion and members voted in favor. No public speakers or correspondence for or against the application were reported during the public hearing.

The committee’s approval covers the design review; the applicant must still secure the PZB decision on the setback variance. The committee and staff said they will provide example motion language and conditions in the staff report and follow up through established permitting channels.