Historic preservation commission approves after-the-fact porch at 2520 Columbus Street

FORT MYERS — The Fort Myers Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday approved an after-the-fact Certificate of Review for a wooden porch built on the front of a noncontributing house at 2520 Columbus Street in the Edison Park Historic District.

Nicole Devon, planning manager, told the commission the application (COR25-0162) sought retroactive approval for “a low wooden porch without railing on the front façade.” She said staff reviewed the work under Land Development Code section 1-14-72 (review criteria for enlarging buildings), the city design guidelines for noncontributing structures and Secretary of the Interior Standard No. 9. “Staff recommends approval of certificate of review application, COR25-0162. Proposed improvements shall be installed as indicated in the application,” Devon said.

The commission record and Devon’s presentation say the porch is constructed of pressure-treated southern yellow pine, measures roughly 24 by 13 feet, and stands about 16 inches above grade; no railings or roof were included. Devon said the structure is noncontributing to the Edison Park district by style and that the property dates from about 1952. She also noted the certificate, if approved, would be effective immediately and the review would remain valid for two years under LDC section 1-14-86.

The applicant’s representative, Steven Mack, spoke at the public hearing. Mack said the owner was out of state and that they “thought that would look really nice on the house,” acknowledging the porch had been built before a permit was obtained.

Commissioners asked how the work came to light; Devon said the contractor or others had told the owner a permit was not required, and the owner was now attempting to rectify the situation. Commissioners and the applicant discussed that some exterior changes (such as window replacements on noncontributing structures) may be approved administratively when they do not alter openings.

Miss Walker moved to approve the certificate of review “with staff recommendations, items 1 through 6.” Mister McKenzie seconded. The roll call shows the motion carried unanimously; commissioners present voted aye. The certificate includes the staff conditions and the requirement that the owner obtain all required permits.

At a later public-comment discussion the commission and attendees raised broader concerns that many applications before the commission are for after-the-fact work. Staff noted limits on proactive outreach: the city does not automatically notify new owners at closing, and the planning office has limited staffing to track ownership changes. Commissioners discussed possible outreach through neighborhood associations and real-estate channels but made no new formal directive.

The commission’s action authorizes the porch as built to remain if the owner obtains the required permits and installs the improvements as submitted to staff. No fines or additional penalties were recorded in the meeting minutes for this item.