Design board approves Michael James office remodel, requires ADA rails and lights at egresses

The City of Milton Design Review Board granted final approval on April 1 to an exterior remodel of the Michael James remodeling office at 12930 Highway 9, subject to conditions requiring ADA-compliant handrails on any ramp or elevated access and minimum-code lighting at building egresses.

Jackie Jennings, city staff, presented the application and noted the scope is an exterior facelift — new painted siding, trim, replaced windows, a lime-washed stone water table and new porches — while the existing rooflines and parking layout remain unchanged. Staff found the proposed materials and color palette consistent with the Deerfield form-based code and recommended approval. Jennings noted specific permitting steps still required: a building permit for interior/exterior work, a grading permit for a proposed gravel drive, and a sign permit for the monument and wall signs.

Applicant Michael James told the board his company purchased the property in January and intends to use it as a local office; he confirmed porch can lighting and an ADA ramp will be provided. The applicant acknowledged a ramp rise of about 8 inches and said can lights would be added under porches. Board members requested clarifications about ramp length, the need for guardrails where rise exceeds code thresholds, and minimum illumination at entries. The applicant confirmed railings would be provided where required and that building-permit review will verify ADA compliance.

The board voted unanimously to approve the final review with conditions: required ADA-compliant railings where the ramp or changes exceed thresholds calling for handrails, and lighting at all egress doors meeting minimum foot‑candle requirements per code. Staff will enforce specific details during the building-permit and grading-permit reviews.

Vote: Design Review Board approved final review with conditions (unanimous).