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Landmark panel approves composite porch decking for 1716 Avenue K after owner recuses
Summary
The Galveston Landmark Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing composition porch decking at 1716 Avenue K, with Commissioner Laura Bourgeois recusing because she is the property owner.
The Galveston Landmark Commission on Feb. 3 approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing the use of a composite decking product on the front and upper porches of 1716 Avenue K. Commissioner Laura Bourgeois stepped away from the dais and did not participate in the case because she is the property owner.
Staff recommended approval after finding the proposed product—identified in the application as a PVC-based composite in the Aratus Heritage product line—did not have an exaggerated rusticated surface and would be minimally visible from the street because of the house’s setback and elevation. Daniel (staff) told the commission the product was similar to a previously approved Heritage Traditions product but is factory-pigmented and that the manufacturer specifies the material does not require painting.
The applicants described water damage and rot discovered when flagpoles knocked down fascia boards; Christian (applicant) said the box under the porch had been “soaked” for months and the tongue-and-groove porch floor did not dry because of gaps that allowed moisture to collect. Laura Bourgeois said the composite product the applicants found “is the only one that says it's waterproof,” and described the product’s manufacturer recommendation for an additional membrane between the floor joists to improve waterproofing.
Commissioners had no substantive questions for staff beyond noting Bourgeois’s recusal. A motion to approve staff’s recommendations carried unanimously among the commissioners voting; the commission recorded the motion as passed.
The approval permits replacement of the front porch and gallery decking with the Aratus Heritage composition decking as presented in the applicant’s submittal and staff report. Staff noted an erratum in the report that the product does not require painting and said condition language would be struck accordingly. The public hearing for the case had no other speakers.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
