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to the district. The district guidellnes prohibit the use of concrete blocks except as foundations for new constructions and additions (23). Staff interprets foundations to mean those support structures hidden from view, i.e. basement foundations. Even though the wall would be faced on the interior with brick, staff is mainly concerned that the concrete block wall would be visible to anyone driving along Michigan Street and living in 103 W North Shore. The wall constructed along the eastern property line of 107 W North Shore would also create a substantial negative intrusion upon the property and historic character of 103 W. North Shore, an Eclectic Queen Anne that is rated Significant/11. Staff deems this portion of the project inappropriate and does not recommend approval for the construction of a wall (concrete block or of other masonry material) along the eastern property line. The shift of the existing wood fence from above the removed parking pad to the unfenced portion of the east property line would be appropriate to the district. It follows the district guidelines regarding fencing and corresponds to the Commission's approvals of fences constructed of less permanent materials (wood and coated metal link) along side and rear yards in the West North Shore district. Staff recommends approval for the continuance of the wood fence along the eastern property line. Part Il: North Wall The concrete block wall faced on the interior with brick of the north side of the property would stand 8' tall and line the alley similar to an 8' tall wall erected at 113 West North Shore. The concrete block would be visible on the alley side. Mrs. Sheets does plan to cover the alley side of the wall with English Ivy. The north wall would be less visible from Michigan Street than a wall built on the eastern property line and the continued wood fence would conceal the wall from view from 103 West North Shore. The alley has seen many changes over the years, including the erection of various security fences and walls, and garages. At 107 West North Shore, the landscape adjacent to the alley was greatly changed by the excavation of the yard and the removal of a portion of the original concrete curb for the paving of the parking pad. Due to these changes along the alley and to the landscape of 107 W North Shore's rear yard, significant landscape features will not be affected. Jerry Udjak has expressed concern regarding the possible difficulty some emergency vehicles may have accessing properties because of the wall as well as possible problems of access to the existing garage located just north of the proposed wall. Staff notes that a wall restricting access in these manners could be prohibited by other agencies even if the Commission were to approve it. Staff also advises the Commission to reflect on the possible cost to future owners to maintain or remove a concrete block wall. Staff finds the north wall would be appropriate as long as the wall design meets municipal code and the Commission feels the material of the wall meets the District's guidelines for acceptable materials. The zoning code states that walls and fences can be 6' tall and if taller than 6', the portion of the wall above 6' must be 30% open. The maximum height of any wall or fence is 8'. Staff recommends Commission approval for any trellis, trees, climbing vines, and other more permanent landscape features Mrs. Sheets would like to add to the application.