Commission approves automotive repair project with conditions on gate visibility and façade design

The Urban Design Commission voted to approve SYCA-25-00002, a certificate-of-approval application for an automotive repair business that sits behind an existing 8-foot concrete block (CMU) wall at 21108 Southwest 11th Street, subject to two staff conditions.

Planning staff noted that while the existing CMU wall predates current front-yard fence rules and may remain, the code requires pedestrian physical and visual access; staff recommended the applicant revise the two proposed pedestrian gate designs to provide greater visual access from the street and to return alternative gate details for staff-level review. Staff also recommended revisions to the building's architectural detailing to better reflect the Stockyard City Transitional Overlay's design guidance, suggesting options such as awnings, parapets or other accent materials in lieu of full brick wainscoting.

"There are options ... that would have more of a perforated metal or a gritted patterned metal that would be more open than the example that you've been given in your packet," a planning staff member said when describing gate alternatives. Applicant Holly Hunt said the project team is "happy to work with staff" and is willing to submit options such as awnings and parapets for staff approval.

The commission's motion approved the project with the staff conditions that (A) the applicant revise the architectural design to add entry features or accent materials for staff review and (B) the applicant provide alternative pedestrian gate designs that improve visual access to the building behind the wall; both revisions are subject to staff approval and, unless otherwise requested by the commission, will not return to the commission for review.

Next steps: Applicant to submit revised gate and façade details to Planning staff for administrative review and approval.