Commission approves rebuilt front porch and deck with safety, materials conditions

The Historic District Commission voted to approve final plans to rebuild the front porch and second‑story deck of a contributing building at Ash Street and South 5th Street, subject to conditions intended to bring the project into compliance with life‑safety requirements and historic‑district materials expectations.

Staff planner Mia said the city’s building official determined the building’s reoccupiable floor requires a 42‑inch guardrail because the property is commercial; she asked the board for guidance on whether a historic exemption could allow a 36‑inch railing if the project cost stays below 30 percent of building value. The project followed an emergency code‑enforcement removal of the unsafe deck to protect life safety before a downtown festival.

Applicant representative David Sturges described necessary structural repairs, replacement of deteriorated decking, re‑installation of piers wrapped with brick, and adding a beam and concealed fasteners to support the rebuilt deck. Board members pressed to ensure the second‑floor guardrail meets code (42 inches) and that the brick stairs and wrapped piers be called out on final drawings.

A motion listing detailed conditions — a more detailed wall section, brick stair replacement, wrapped piers, salvaging the existing decorative handrail where practical, and a 42‑inch code‑compliant second‑floor guardrail — passed by roll call. Staff will review final drawings and return to the board if necessary.