Historic board tables proposed pole barn at 608 West 3rd after debate over placement and guidelines

The Madison Historic District Board of Review on Feb. 2 tabled an application from Orban Ash for a 20-by-30 accessory building described as a pole barn, after lengthy board deliberation about placement and conformity with the boards outbuilding guidelines.

Ash described a design that would use vertical wood siding on the front elevation with metal on the other sides and a steeper roof pitch than typical pole barns. "If I build a stick structure and I put an 8 or 9 12 pitch on it . . . you cannot tell the difference," Ash said, arguing the design would not read as a traditional metal pole barn. Staff and board members focused instead on where the structure would sit relative to an existing 1890s log-cabin contributing structure on the same parcel. One board member noted the guidelines recommend locating detached outbuildings to the rear or set them back from side elevations; another said pole barns are generally not allowed by the guidelines.

Board members praised the quality of the design but repeatedly said the proposed street-facing placement—closer to the street and in front of the log cabin—violated Guideline 24 and could detract from the primary structure. Several members suggested Ash return with a focused presentation showing how the accessory building would comply with Guideline 24; others encouraged working with staff on possible relocation or design changes. After discussion the applicant agreed to table the application; the board voted to table the item and invited Ash to return next month with revisions and additional documentation.

The boards deliberation emphasized the difference between design quality and placement: members said even a well-drawn pole-barn design can fail when sited where it will dominate or detract from a contributing historic building.