Commission rejects front-yard parking request at 1316 Riverside Drive

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission on April 8 rejected a petition to construct a single front-yard parking space at 1316 Riverside Drive, ruling the change contrary to the Cablewood Historic District design guidelines.

Staff told the commission the proposal — a 16½-by-9½-foot concrete pad using an existing curb opening — was intended to address an asserted shortage of parking at an eight-bedroom rental property. The petitioner, J. Boatright, did not attend; Steven Strad, a friend of the owner, testified that Boatright lives out of town and the owner wanted to formalize a parking area that had been used informally in the past.

Commissioners noted design guidelines generally require parking to be sited in the rear yard and said the property appears to have substantial rear-yard parking (staff and the applicant’s representative cited roughly five to six spaces). One commissioner said enforcement options exist for vehicles parked on grass or blocking sidewalks, and several members saw no justification to alter the district standard for front-yard parking.

On a standing vote the commission denied the application. Chair Kathy Pagani told the applicant’s representative the application was denied and suggested contacting city staff for further information about options and requirements.

Next steps: the owner may confer with planning staff about alternatives or permits for changes that would conform to the district guidelines.