Design review panel approves replacement railing, adds handrail at 134 Berry Street
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Summary
The Montpelier Design Review Committee on Sept. 2 approved replacement of a rotted porch railing at 134 Berry Street and the addition of a graspable wood handrail to meet code.
Montpelier Design Review Committee on Sept. 2 unanimously approved a proposal to replace a rotted wood porch railing at 134 Berry Street and add a graspable wood handrail to meet current code. Lisa Johnson, the homeowner at 134 Berry Street, described the existing railing as rotting and said the new railing will be painted white when the wood “cures properly,” a process she estimated could take "a year or two." Nina Thompson, the applicant, said the project will replace spindles and raise the top rail to meet code and that the handrail will be mounted on interior brackets and “will not be visible from the street.”
The committee said the work preserves the porch’s appearance while addressing safety and code concerns. Committee members reviewed the design-review criteria for exterior alterations and found the project compatible with the district’s character; the application was approved with a unanimous vote. Meredith Crandall, city staff, told the applicants the zoning permit could be issued as soon as the following day or the day after.
Committee discussion focused on safety and code compliance. Members noted the existing railing measured about 36 inches and discussed raising the top rail; during the exchange members referenced 36-inch and 42-inch measurements while discussing applicable requirements. The applicants said much of the existing wood is too deteriorated to reuse and that they would likely replace the entire railing assembly and add closer-set spindles to meet spacing rules. Johnson said the property currently lacks a graspable handrail and that one will be installed.
The committee approved the application after confirming the changes would retain the porch’s appearance and meet the district’s design criteria. Staff noted a recent site visit by city staffers and told the applicants how to collect permits. No conditions beyond standard permitting were recorded at the meeting.
Less-critical details: the applicants plan to paint the new wood white; they indicated the top and bottom rails will be adjusted and that the new rail assembly will use pressure-treated materials for longevity. The committee recorded the approval on the meeting record and asked the applicants to pick up permits when they are ready.
