Design commission approves COA for house after requiring drainage and fencing sign-off

The Oxford City Design Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a residence in the city's historic overlay after neighbors raised concerns about stormwater and setbacks. The commission's approval is contingent on staff verifying that drainage, curbing and fencing issues are resolved and approved by planning staff.

A resident and nearby property owner, Lima Garland, said the proposed garage and pool sit nearly entirely within a 25-foot setback and that her primary concern was how construction and the new design would affect stormwater on her property. "It's tight," Garland said, noting elevation differences and asking the commission to ensure runoff would not harm her yard.

Jeff Williams of Williams Engineering Consultants, who said he is working on stormwater for the site, told the commission that roughly half of the lot currently drains north and that the proposed house and garage would redirect much of that flow; he said he is evaluating whether the water will be routed west or to the street.

Planning staff told the commission that no final go-ahead would be given until staff is satisfied the drainage is addressed. The Chair asked for a motion to approve the COA with those caveats; the motion was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. The transcript does not specify the numerical vote tally.

The commission proceeded to the next case after the vote. The first COA will move forward only after staff confirms the required drainage and fencing measures are in place.