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Historic Landmarks Commission approves reconstruction of garage at 942 26th Street
Summary
The Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission on April 15 approved a staff‑conditioned plan to reconstruct a 351 sq ft garage at 942 26th Street for property owners Matthew and Casey Palmgren. Staff noted the structure sits six inches from the property line and may require a height variance and other permits.
The Astoria Historic Landmarks Commission on April 15 approved a staff‑recommended reconstruction of a garage at 942 26th Street, clearing the way for a two‑car garage with attic storage for property owners Matthew and Casey Palmgren.
City planner Tiffany Taylor told commissioners the lot is about 4,000 square feet in an R‑2 zone and the proposed garage would be roughly 351 square feet (about 19 by 18.5 feet), one‑and‑a‑half stories in a Norman farmhouse style to match existing elements. "As presented, staff recommends approval," Taylor said, summarizing revised conditions that shift some items into applicant guidance and flagging possible additional permits for a new retaining wall, driveway or a height variance because the structure would sit six inches from the property line.
Commissioners debated technical details, including how window recess depth should be measured under the development code. Commissioner Rose asked whether the recess should be measured from trim/casing or from the siding plane; Taylor responded that the application is reviewed under Article 6 criteria and that the Rehab Astoria Wright guidance (John Guttenberger) clarifies measuring depth from the siding plane rather than from casing.
Commissioner Ross moved to adopt the findings and conclusions in the staff report for NC‑25‑01, with Commissioner Osterberg seconding and amending the motion to include staff revisions. The commission approved the motion by voice vote with President Burns abstaining; staff read the appeal process and permit timing into the record. Under the commission's instructions, any person wishing to appeal must file in writing with the community development director within 15 days of the mailing of the historic landmarks commission order; the permit expires after two years unless substantial construction takes place, although the community development director may grant a one‑year extension.
After the vote President Burns told the applicant, "Go build a a wonderful garage." Jay Raskin, the project's architect, thanked the commission.
What happens next: the permit and conditions approved by the commission will be finalized in the written order; the applicant must secure any additional building permits and, if needed, apply for a variance to address the height or property‑line encroachment. Appeals must be filed within the 15‑day period.
