Historic Review Board approves porch roof change at 734‑703 South Adams

The Historic Review Board voted Aug. 12 to approve application 2025‑734703 (South Adams) to replace a deteriorated porch box gutter with a shed‑type porch roof to improve drainage. Owner Mike Jones told the board the porch roof has been replaced multiple times since 1985 and that a shed profile will provide more reliable drainage. Staff recommended approval after reviewing the request under the board’s design guidelines for roofs and roof features (section 3.23). The board asked roofing‑knowledgeable members to confirm the new slope would not create a dominant profile; the applicant and contractor said the finished profile would follow the existing porch line and not protrude above the existing porch cornice. The application passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The change is narrowly scoped — staff described framing and decking as remaining hidden and said the visible material change would be the edge/roofing material. The board concluded the proposed work would not detract from the landmark’s historic character.

Key details - Applicant/owner: Mike Jones, owner of the property (introduced at the meeting). - Request: Replace existing porch box gutter/roof with a shed‑type porch roof for drainage; visible change limited to roofing material and gutter profile. - Staff guidance: Review under design guideline 3.23 (roof and roof features); staff determined the shed roof would be consistent with the existing roof system and not detrimental to historic significance.

Board action A motion to approve application 2025‑734703 South Adams as presented passed by voice vote; the board offered the applicant good wishes and closed the agenda item.

Follow‑up The applicant was reminded that local building permits remain required and that a COA approval does not substitute for required permits.