Historic District commission approves front-porch replacement at Mediterranean Lane property

The Norwich Historic District Commission on Sept. 17 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace a deteriorated front porch at COA 59114, 59114 Mediterranean Lane. The applicant said the work replaces a rotted deck and will match the previous design except for required structural updates.

The applicant, identified in the hearing as Frank, told the commission he removed the existing porch after purchasing the property and later learned he needed Historic District approval. “The deck was falling apart. There was, basically, it was rotted. It just needed replacement,” Frank said. He said the intention is to reconstruct the porch “exactly as it was before,” adding that code-required footings and a ledger flashing will be new features.

Commission members discussed the application briefly. The chair, Regan Miner, explained public-hearing and post-hearing procedures and noted applicants will receive written notification of decisions. A motion to approve the application “as written and presented” was made and approved by roll call.

The commission noted specific construction changes: posts will be upgraded from 4-by-4 to 4-by-6 members for strength, and new footings and ledger flashing will be installed to meet current building code. The applicant said final paint colors are undecided and may be chosen next year.

The commission’s approval allows the owner to proceed; the building department will also receive the decision. Staff will send written notification of the approval by the next business day, as described during the hearing.

The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond ensuring the rebuilt porch conforms to the submitted drawings and current code requirements.