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Commission discusses Bluestone caps, safety and code at 7557 Main Street porch repair; staff comfortable, vote delayed
Summary
The commission reviewed an application to repair mortar and add Bluestone caps to the front porch steps at 7557 Main Street, a contributing 1932 structure. Staff said mortar repair is routine maintenance, Bluestone caps would preserve visible original brick and improve safety, but the commission raised slip‑resistance and riser‑height questions; formal action was postponed.
Staff introduced application 2024‑30 for 7557 Main Street, seeking approval to repair damaged mortar joints on a front porch and to install Bluestone caps on the porch steps to level the surface and protect underlying brick.
Speaker 2 noted the building dates from about 1932 and is a contributing resource in the historic district. Staff said mortar repairs are routine maintenance that ordinarily do not require commission approval "as long as the applicant intends to use materials that match the existing original structure." Bluestone capping was less directly addressed in the guidelines (staff cited page 68 of the HCC guidelines), but the applicant’s representative (the applicant’s son, identified in the discussion as TJ) told staff that most original brick would remain visible and that caps are intended to improve safety by leveling sloping steps.
Commissioners raised code and durability questions. Chair (Speaker 1) asked whether the flanking pillars would also be recapped; the applicant’s son was not present to confirm. The chair also cited a building code reference — "residential code is 7 11 for risers and treads" — and asked whether adding a 2‑inch Bluestone cap would exceed allowable riser heights; commissioners observed it did not appear to, but recommended verification with the building official.
Speakers also flagged slip risk with smooth Bluestone and suggested alternatives such as a honed or chiseled finish to add texture and reduce slipperiness. Staff said they were comfortable with the requested modification provided the majority of original brick remains visible and recommended staff follow up with the applicant to clarify exact details before a formal decision.
Next steps: staff will contact the applicant’s son TJ to share questions and return the item for decision when a quorum is present.
