Tuscaloosa Commission reviews Daryl Knox's driveway modification request at historic district

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission convened on February 12, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, with a significant focus on a petition from Daryl Knox regarding modifications to a previously approved driveway and patio at 904 and 908 Sixteenth Avenue.

The meeting began with a review of the agenda, during which commission members were asked to disclose any conflicts of interest. Following this, the commission addressed the application from Knox, which sought to remove two heavy-duty vehicle parking guides that had been installed as part of the driveway and patio project. The original approval included an 18-foot wide driveway and a patio with a four-inch rise, but the current proposal aimed to eliminate the bumpers and maintain the concrete area as it stands.

Commission members expressed concerns about the modifications, noting that the changes did not adhere to the original design guidelines. There was a consensus that the patio appeared larger than initially approved, lacking the necessary demarcation between the driveway and patio areas. This raised questions about potential parking on the patio, despite assurances from the property owner that it would not be used for that purpose.

Public comments were limited, with one property owner submitting an email clarifying their lack of awareness regarding the violation of the original approval. The commission members engaged in a thorough discussion, highlighting the importance of maintaining the historic character of the district and the need for clear boundaries between different functional areas of the property.

Ultimately, the commission faced a decision on whether to approve Knox's request for a certificate of appropriateness. Members expressed reservations about the expansive concrete area and the absence of the originally intended step-up feature, which was meant to distinguish the patio from the driveway. The meeting concluded with a call for further deliberation on the implications of the proposed changes for the historic district.