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Commission grants exception to allow attached garage at 404 Brown Street
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing an attached garage at 404 Brown Street by exception to guidelines, citing the property's large front setback and lot configuration that make a detached garage impractical.
The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a new attached garage at 404 Brown Street by granting an exception to the commission’s design guidelines.
Neighborhood and Development Services staff explained the home is a contributing property built in 1916 and that the lot configuration and large front setback leave little space for a rear detached garage. Staff recommended an exception to allow an attached garage because the proposal preserves the original corner of the historic house and meets the intent of the guidelines under exceptional circumstances.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about plans, window and foundation alignments and topography; staff and applicants said topography and an earlier addition constrained options. Owner Ned Austin (who said people call him “Buck”) told the commission the proposed single‑stall garage is likely the only feasible way to get room for a second vehicle or to provide storage and workshop space.
Commissioner Frank Wagner moved to approve the certificate through an exception to the guidelines due to the placement of the home on the lot; a commissioner seconded and the commission voted to approve the project. Commissioners who expressed general reluctance about attached garages on historic homes said this case appears to be a reasonable exception given site constraints.
The approved plans call for a flat‑roof accessory structure with wood lap siding to match the house, smooth LP SmartSide trim, metal‑clad wood windows and a single‑stall steel garage door with composite overlay. Staff noted that the applicant must sign the required documentation before the administrative approval is finalized.
