Commission approves new porches for four-unit property at Jackson and McKinley

The Bay City Historic District Commission on April 9 approved a certificate of appropriateness for new porches installed on a four-unit rental property at the corner of Jackson and McKinley, citing compliance with Secretary of the Interior standards and local preservation regulations.

Applicant Rachel Gale, a property co-owner, told the commission that porch work had been completed over existing concrete footings and that the project used composite deck boards for durability, pressure-treated framing and white vinyl railings with square posts and caps. Gale said the work was prompted by safety and rental-inspection requirements and that the concrete slabs remained in place beneath the new porches.

Commission discussion focused on porch footprint, railing retention and skirting. Gale said one wrought-iron railing on the northeast deck was retained and that the new porches match the previous footprints; she provided a measurement showing a 52-inch uncovered stoop projection, which staff said complies with the zoning limit for an uncovered stoop. Commissioners encouraged the applicant to add skirting or a trim board across the top of the skirting to hide stored items and keep out wildlife; the applicant said she preferred a composite or vinyl lattice to reduce maintenance and agreed to a trim board if the commission required it.

Staff advised that the northeast rear deck is short and may be difficult to fit with lattice underneath, while the taller south and west porches would more readily accept skirting. Commissioners approved a certificate of appropriateness referencing the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and section 64-11(c) of the city's regulations; the motion carried unanimously. A commissioner suggested installing hardware cloth behind a framed panel to keep vermin out while preserving a finished look, and staff told the applicant to follow up with planning staff on any final details.