Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 22, 2025

The Board of Adjustment met on August 22, 2025, to consider four certificate of appropriateness applications and routine administrative items. The board approved minutes from July 18, 2025, and a consent agenda item (1). Three active cases were decided and one was postponed. Votes were unanimous on all actions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from July 18, 2025, were approved unanimously.
• Item 1 (consent agenda) was approved unanimously with no discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 2025-205 (507 East WizH): A voicemail from Betty Boucher of the Monte Vista Conservation Society opposed the proposed stone wall and metal gate, stating it did not meet historic guidelines. Brian Reed, president of the Monte Vista Architectural Review Committee, spoke in person supporting the request but suggested modifications for greater transparency.
• Case 2025-195 (323 Vine Street): A voicemail from Morse Dendle of the Monte Vista Neighborhood Association supported staff recommendations, noting a stop-work order had been issued and the fence was installed without proper permits.

Discussion Items

• Case 2025-197 (133 West Craig): Applicant Tatiana Stager requested a certificate of appropriateness to replace an existing roof with metal in charcoal gray. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the color be Cityscape (a lighter gray) as supported by the Monte Vista neighborhood association and historic guidelines. After discussion, the board unanimously approved staff’s recommendation (findings a and b with stipulations).
• Case 2025-188 (326 Avenue): Owner Mr. Kerry requested approval to paint the exterior brick of his 14-unit apartment building cream. Staff did not recommend approval, citing historic district guidelines against painting brick and potential long-term moisture issues. The Monte Vista neighborhood association also recommended denial. The applicant argued the building is contemporary, not historic, and that painting would improve the appearance for low-income tenants. The board denied the request, approving staff’s recommendation unanimously.
• Case 2025-205 (507 East WizH): Owner Nicole Hendrix sought approval to construct a three-foot stone wall, pedestrian gate, and vehicle gate for safety reasons. Staff recommended approval of the wall and pedestrian gate but not the vehicle gate. The preservation society opposed the entire proposal. The Monte Vista ARC supported the request but suggested a more transparent design. The board postponed the case to September 17, 2025, to allow the applicant to work with the neighborhood association on a revised design. The motion to postpone passed unanimously.
• Case 2025-195 (323 Vine Street): Owner Craig Hutchinson requested approval for an already-installed five-foot fence for safety and privacy. Staff recommended approval but required the fence height be reduced to four feet (the historic district maximum). The Monte Vista neighborhood association supported staff. The board unanimously approved staff’s recommendation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Case 2025-197 with stipulations (color Cityscape).
• Denied (unanimous): Case 2025-188 (painting brick not permitted).
• Postponed (unanimous): Case 2025-205 to September 17, 2025, for revised design.
• Approved (unanimous): Case 2025-195 with condition to reduce fence height to four feet.
• All votes were 8-0 in favor.