HDC approves siding and massing for High Street accessory dwelling; roof pitch and materials must change

The New Shoreham Historic District Commission granted preliminary approval for siding and massing for an accessory dwelling on High Street, owned by Gregory and Crystal Bayer, but required changes to the roof slope and asked the applicants to return with full materials and window schedules.

Commissioners described the project as a modest accessory dwelling and noted it would be permitted as an accessory residential structure. They flagged several issues for follow-up: a window schedule, exterior trim and siding material samples, and a reduction in the proposed roof pitch. "12/12 is beyond what we recommend in the historic district," a commissioner said, and the commission directed the applicants to reduce the slope toward a 10/12 pitch to better match neighborhood standards. The motion on siding and massing carried by voice vote; the transcript records at least one member as opposed but does not provide a roll-call tally.

Members asked whether the unit contained a stove and whether it would be rented separately; applicants said the unit currently lacks a stove and that the owners do not intend to rent it separately. Commissioners discussed the history of accessory units on the island and expressed concern about incremental additions over time; one member urged sensitivity to neighborhood scale and compatibility.

The commission made approval conditional on returning with detailed materials, trim information and a finalized window schedule. Commissioners also asked the applicant to consider the back slot window and to provide clearer, labeled photographs and an elevation of the existing house to show context.

The commission placed a follow-up on the next meeting agenda so the applicant can present revised roofing pitch and the requested materials.