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Commission approves large pergolas and nearly 900 sq ft of turf with final site‑plan review by staff
Summary
Staff approved two large backyard pergolas and about 900 square feet of artificial turf at 1528 NW 36th, with conditions that final site drawings be submitted; commissioners noted environmental and visual impacts of large turf areas and unusual pergola lengths but found the proposal within lot coverage guidelines.
The commission reviewed HBCA26-0000005, an application by Five Stones Landscape for two pergolas and roughly 900 square feet of artificial turf at 1528 Northwest 36th Street in Penum Heights. Staff noted the turf and hardscape increased effective lot coverage to about 50.6% and flagged environmental and long‑term maintenance considerations for artificial turf; commissioners also discussed how long pergolas frame a backyard and alter built/open space relationships.
Staff explained pergolas are typically administratively approved but the length and yard framing in this case merited commission review; the turf area is treated as impermeable for lot coverage by public works, and staff confirmed the project sits at the allowed lot coverage threshold. Applicant Jacob Russell said prior submittals had more turf and that the current plan reduced turf to fit lot coverage limits.
The commission approved the project with a condition that staff receive accurate, final site plans and drawings for administrative review prior to construction. Commissioners suggested permeable surfacing and landscape screening where possible, encouraged applicants to consider the environmental tradeoffs of large turf installations and requested that staff and applicant coordinate on final details.
Outcome: Approval with the condition that the final site and construction documents be submitted to staff for final verification.
