HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2020-004 Staff ReportPage 1 of 9
DATE: March 9, 2020
APPLICANT: Debra Wolfe
ADDRESS: 617 Cumberland Street
FILE NUMBER: HDC2020-004
COA REQUEST: Fence
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 617 Cumberland
Street. The property’s legal description is “Lot 1
MacArthur Place Subdivision to the City of Little Rock,
Pulaski County, Arkansas."
This single family house was built in 2005. It is
considered a "Non-contributing Structure" to the
MacArthur Park Historic District.
This application is a result of an enforcement action.
Fencing was installed without a COA by the HDC and
without a building permit. The proposed fence is to the
rear of the property on both sides of the house.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On July 11, 2011, a COA was approved and issued to
Alice Lightle for front yard fencing.
On July 14, 2005, a COA was approved and issued to Tina Boyd for construction of a single
family house.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435
www.littlerock.gov
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. Two.
Location of Project
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North side of house photo from applicant South side of house photo from applicant
North side of house from sidewalk Contributing and Non-contributing map
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
The fence was installed to expand the dog run area. On the north side of the house, an area of
3.5’ x 50’ was enclosed along the garage and courtyard areas. This portion is visible from the
street. On the south side of the house, a fence was already in place to enclose the courtyard
area. The additional fence, 27.29’, was added beside the garage.
On page 60 of the Guidelines, it states that “Fences in the rear yard and those on the side
property lines without street frontage may be 72” tall. The privacy fence should be setback from
the front façade of the structure at least halfway between the front and back walls of the main
structure. Wood board privacy fences should be made of flat boards in a single row (not
stockade or shadowbox), and of a design compatible with the structure…”
The fence appears to be six feet tall. It is setback more than halfway from the front of the house
on both sides. The fence is constructed in a style that should reflect the style of the house.
This fence complies with the guidelines for fences in the rear yard.
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Sketch provided by applicant. (Cumberland Street is to the right, north is down on this sketch.)
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there was one
phone call regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Obtaining a building permit.
COMMISSION ACTION: February 10, 2020
Brian Minyard, Staff, stated that the mailings to the area of influence had been done incorrectly.
The Staff recommendation was to defer to the March 9, 2020 meeting. The applicant is aware
that the notices were done wrong and will resend them for the March meeting.
Vice Chair Ted Holder made a motion to waive the bylaws requiring a five day written notice to
defer the item. The motion passed with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent (Hodge) and 1 Open
Position.
Vice Chair Ted Holder made a motion to defer the item to the March 9, 2020 meeting. The
motion passed with a vote of 5 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent (Hodge) and 1 Open Position.
STAFF UPDATE: March 9, 2020
Notices were done correctly for this agenda.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Obtaining a building permit.
Page 4 of 9
COMMISSION ACTION: March 9, 2020
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a presentation of the item including enforcement aspects.
Deborah Wolfe, the applicant, spoke about this being her first time to own a home in the historic
district. She stated that the fence was installed to create an area for her dogs.
There were no citizens present to speak on the item.
A motion to approve with staff recommendations and conditions was made by Vice Chair Ted
Holder. It was seconded by Commissioner Amber Jones and was approved with a vote of 7
ayes and 0 noes.
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Application
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Cover Letter
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Excerpt of Guidelines
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Excerpt of Guidelines continued
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Excerpt of Guidelines continued