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Commission approves 304 Murray Street replacement with conditions on columns and roof pitch
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved plans for a two-story replacement house at 304 Murray Street by a 4–0 vote, recommending column widths be reduced to a maximum of 6 inches and the front-visible roof pitch be increased to a minimum of 6/12 to better match neighborhood scale.
The New Smyrna Beach Historic Preservation Commission reviewed plans for a replacement single-family house at 304 Murray Street and recommended approval with design conditions.
Planning staff Nathan presented the proposal and said the replacement two-story home with a two-story rear garage meets the exterior-visibility compatibility criteria under Section 50-8 of the City of New Smyrna Beach code of ordinances; staff recommended approval as part of the previously approved demolition condition.
Commissioners questioned the use of metal roofing (staff said metal roofs have been approved by the commission since 2013 on renovations) and discussed roof pitch and porch-scale proportions. Several members said a slightly steeper roof pitch—"at least a 6/12" rather than the current 4/12—would give a more cottage-like scale. Members also recommended reducing the apparent bulk of the front columns (one commissioner suggested reducing 8-inch columns to approximately 5–6 inches) so the porch proportions better match the house.
Applicant Forbes responded that the breezeway was intended to provide covered access between the rear garage and house during storms and that the breezeway would not be visible from the street; he confirmed a drainage plan with swales has been developed and that the project is not in the flood plain. He said he revised plans after the prior meeting and would consider adjusting column widths and roof pitch based on commission feedback.
After clarifying the scope of the commission's review (the commission's purview covers features visible from the road), a motion was made to approve the plans with conditions that columns be reduced to a maximum width of 6 inches and the visible roof pitch be increased to a minimum of 6/12. The motion was seconded, roll call followed, and the motion passed on a 4–0 vote.
Staff reminded the applicant that permit-level reviews by building and zoning will verify drainage, setbacks, driveway dimensions, and structural requirements; commissioners noted that final column dimensions and structural decisions may depend on engineer and contractor input.
