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Commission approves partly subterranean car lift at historic 844 Empire Avenue with conditions
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit and an exception to setback standards for a partially subterranean car lift at 844 Empire Avenue, with conditions specifying a maximum footprint (up to 217 sq ft), a required historic district design review, reduced driveway width and other construction and neighbor protections.
Planner Jacob Hoffenstein summarized the request for the historic property at 844 Empire Avenue, describing a proposed detached, partially subterranean car lift that would stack up to two vehicles and occupy roughly 54% of the rear‑setback area as presented. Hoffenstein said staff recommends approval with conditions including historic district design review, building permits, snow storage plans and encroachment agreements.
Applicant representative Kimmy Dunlavy explained the system on behalf of the property owner, describing it as a retractable vault that “will look just like pavement” at street level, and confirming the vault would include drainage, pumps and an electric motor. Commissioners asked for assurances about noise, drainage, shoring and neighbor impacts; staff noted building-permit level reviews and access agreements would be required if construction occurs within five feet of property lines.
The commission approved the conditional use permit and exception as amended, adding a finding to specify the car lift footprint up to 217 square feet, striking a redundant windows condition, and directing the applicant to limit the driveway curb cut to a maximum of 10 feet (with minor flare allowed by engineering). The approval included conditions requiring historic design review, building permits, vegetation replacement where significant vegetation is removed, snow storage and neighboring access/snow-shed agreements.
