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Commission approves exception to window-hierarchy rule at 5447 Canterbury Road with tree condition
Summary
Fairway City planning commissioners approved a window-hierarchy exception for 5447 Canterbury Road on Nov. 24, 2025, accepting the applicant’s design rationale and modifying staff recommendations to require one large shade tree (public works had recommended one; staff initially requested two).
The Fairway City Planning Commission on Nov. 24 approved an exception to the city’s window-hierarchy rule for 5447 Canterbury Road while adding a tree-planting condition.
Staff reported the applicant sought relief from a code provision that requires upper-story windows to be smaller than lower-story windows and that, in some interpretations, necessitates windows on both stories. The applicant (Jim Inglewood) said the floor plan centers on a fireplace with bookcases to either side, producing smaller upper windows; commissioners debated whether the code’s intent required paired windows on both stories or simply smaller upper openings.
Staff recommended installation of two large shade trees to mitigate the removal of a tree; public works recommended one large shade tree. The commission modified the motion to require one large shade tree and moved, seconded and approved the exception. Commissioners emphasized code interpretation is sometimes discretionary and suggested clarifying language could help future applicants.
The commission recorded the approval of the plan and the exception; staff will reflect the tree-replacement condition in the plan approval.
