Commission approves Stock Farm house at 5738 Yaupon, requires dining-room French doors and canopy confirmation

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness on Oct. 2 for a single-story house with a carriage house at 5738 Yaupon in the Stock Farm development, with a condition that the dining-room windows on the right elevation be replaced with French doors to match the front elevation.

Kevin Eichert, director of growth management, said staff had "no major issues" with the design but asked for confirmation that the project meets the district's 75% tree canopy requirement, noting that the plans did not include the required canopy-percentage calculation. Eichert told commissioners staff would ask applicants for documentation to show compliance and, if necessary, require a tree relocation or additional planting to meet the 75% standard.

Applicant Patrick Cosentino introduced himself during the discussion and explained that the owners requested removing two Bahama shutters on a triple-hung/dining-room window to increase natural light but offered reverting to French doors if the commission insisted on shutters. Commissioners discussed shutter projection angles and the appropriateness of removable or adjustable hardware; one commissioner said using matching French doors was an obvious solution.

A commissioner moved to approve the application with staff comments and required the dining-room windows on the right elevation be changed to French doors to match the front elevation; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed on voice vote and was announced as passed in the meeting transcript. Staff will require the applicant to provide canopy-coverage documentation before final sign-off.