Commission conditions McKinley porch repair on turned posts and building-permit compliance after safety concerns

Homeowner Macy Scott told the Bay City Historic District Commission on April 22 that she authorized a quick handrail repair after a family member nearly slipped and because she has a bleeding disorder, saying, "I can't fall." The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness for the immediate repair but attached an aesthetic condition and clarified the permit pathway for stair reconstruction.

Commissioners and staff reported that the building official found the stair geometry (rise/run and tread uniformity) not to code. Adam, a city staff member, told the applicant that she must "incorporate whatever is determined...and file for a building permit," meaning any reconstruction of the stairs will need a building permit and must meet code requirements before final sign-off.

The commission’s approval included a prescriptive aesthetic condition: the spindles and posts on either side of the steps must be of a turned profile to match the porch; the chosen profiles must be submitted to staff for administrative approval before installation. Commissioners explained that the HDC reviews the visual/aesthetic compatibility of porch elements, while the building department enforces safety and geometric standards for stairs and guardrails.

What the applicant should do next

• Consult the building department to obtain required permits for any work that changes stair geometry or guardrails. Staff indicated the permit review will focus on uniform rise/run, tread depth and guardrail height.

• Select turned-post and spindle products and submit product images/specifications to Bay City preservation staff (Adam) for administrative approval of the profile before installation.

• If a full porch reconstruction is planned later, return to the commission with contractor documentation and detailed drawings as needed; the commission noted an applicant may come back with a contractor and obtain administrative approval for profiles in advance.

The commission recorded the motion as carried; the meeting transcript does not include roll-call vote tallies or the name of the member who moved the motion. The commission adjourned at 6:38 p.m.