ME 2017-01_1904 N Heliotrope Resolution

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Drive), and for lower story windows on the south elevation (towards Nineteenth Street). The windows are primarily paired, multi -paned casements and French doors. Iron -railed balconies are centered on the south elevation upper story and recessed above the northeast arcade. Columns provide support for the arcades and divide the balconies into bays, and a balconette is centered above the entry arcade. A classical balustrade defines a terrace that wraps both street elevations. Given its location on the Property, the Residence is setback significantly from both Heliotrope Drive (east) and Nineteenth Street (south), but proximately located to the Property's boundaries to the north and west. The prevailing setback along Heliotrope Drive is more than 50 feet, a similarly large but slightly narrower setback exists along Nineteenth Street, and there is a modest setback between the Residence and northern Property line. A detached two -car garage and driveway are located to the rear (west) of the Residence, with the garage's western wall essential resting along the Property's western boundary. A relatively small backyard (given the Property's size) is situated between the garage and Residence, extends north of the garage to the Property's northern boundary, and east to a line even with the rear (west) wall of the Residence. The location of the garage and driveway reduce the usable backyard area by an estimated 800 feet. Pedestrian walkways front the Property along Heliotrope Drive and Nineteenth Street, and a grass area separates the walkways from the bordering curbs and roadways. Mature palm trees are located in the front yard and along the public right-of-way. C. The Application The Applicant proposes to construct a five (5) foot high wall in the front and side yards of the Residence, located four (4) feet from the Property line along Heliotrope Drive and Nineteenth Street. The proposed wall will be solid stucco and colored to match the Residence. Decorative pilasters of a height even with the wall will be evenly spaced along its length, and a decorative wrought iron entry gate will face the intersection. A decorative double -door entrance gate will span the driveway, and slightly raised pilasters will be located on either side of the entry and garage gates. The public walkways fronting the Residence along Heliotrope Drive and Nineteenth Street would be preserved, as would the mature palm trees fronting the Residence. Landscaping is proposed along the entire exterior base of the wall, consisting of low-lying bushes and shrubs of varying varieties, textures, and colors. The staff report recommended approval of the Application, explaining the wall would facilitate privacy and increase the usable yard space. The staff report notes that the Residence's location on the Property, in combination with the location of the garage, greatly reduces the usable backyard space such that the front yard functions as part of the Property's usable outdoor space. According to the staff report, the comer location of the Property further reduces the private yard area. The staff report concludes the height and design of the proposed wall is consistent with the