Historic commission approves reduced cover over front steps at 310 N. Avenue D for safety, directs staff to finalize design

Historic Preservation commissioners on the Boise City Historic Preservation Commission approved a reduced cover over the front steps at 310 North Avenue D, directing staff to work with the applicant to revise the design to be smaller in scale and reversible.

Staff had recommended denial, saying the house did not historically have a porch in that specific location and that adding one would create a "false sense of historical development." Richard (staff) told the commission: "Therefore, staff recommends denial." The applicant and design team said the cover was needed to protect an 81‑year‑old homeowner from slipping on exposed stairs in winter.

The applicant, Garrett of Design by Slate, told the commission, "The proposed front porch addition addresses a critical…