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West Linn board approves conversion of Britton Barn to accessory dwelling unit
Summary
The West Linn Historic Review Board voted 5-1 to approve HRD25-03, allowing conversion of the Britton Barn at 1225 13th Street into an accessory dwelling unit with a roughly 320 sq ft addition; approval includes staff conditions on exterior lighting and final plan verification.
Acting chair James Manning and the West Linn Historic Review Board approved a design review to convert the Britton Barn at 1225 13th Street into a single accessory dwelling unit, with a 320-square-foot addition and staff conditions addressing exterior lighting and final plan review. The motion passed 5-1 after deliberations about design details and historic character.
Associate planner Aaron Goodell summarized the application and applicable code, noting the board must ground quasi‑judicial rulings in the community development code and that the final decision deadline for the application is Sept. 15, 2026. "The proposal is for the conversion of an existing eligible contributing barn to an accessory dwelling unit and a 320 foot addition," Goodell said during the staff presentation.
Applicants Laura Scott and her husband, Clement Walsh, described plans to preserve much of the barn's exterior while adding required habitable elements. Laura read a personal statement about the building's community value: "When we moved into our family home on 13th Street 12 years ago... It was red, charming, and had a Kokopelli weather vane on the top." Prior owner Jody Carson urged reuse of original wood and urged the applicants to spare a mature madrone tree on the site.
After questions about utilities and design, member Jim Edwards moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion carried by roll call, five votes in favor and one opposed. The board directed staff to prepare the final decision with the findings discussed and reminded parties that an appeal to the planning commission must be filed within 14 days of the final decision mailing.
The approval includes the two staff conditions identified in the staff report—compliance of exterior lighting with applicable community development requirements and final plan/inspection verification by planning staff prior to occupancy. The board recorded the decision as HRD25-03 (Britton Barn, 1225 13th Street).
