Historic Preservation Commission approves screened rear porch at 1409 North Pasteur Street

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a partially screened rear porch at 1409 North Pasteur Street.

The applicant, owner Blair Kaufman, presented plans for a rear porch addition that will replace an existing deck and include two screened bays and one open-air bay, wood posts and trim, fiberglass shingles, and a skirting of deck boards. Staff told the commission the house is a contributing structure in the National Register inventory (circa 1915) and that the proposed materials and proportions meet the HPC’s design principles and standards.

Commissioners noted that the design is compatible with other porches in the tertiary area and that the proposed rail and baluster details match recently installed elements on the property. After staff recommended conditions requiring any revisions to be submitted for staff or HPC approval prior to final inspection, a motion was made and seconded to find the application “not incongruous” with New Bern’s Code of Ordinances and the Historic District guidelines. The motion carried and the COA was issued.

Kaufman told the commission the project team had discussed skirting options and said they would finalize materials (they said they were likely to use deck boards rather than three‑inch cedar slats) and provide detailed drawings as requested. Staff also confirmed that the zoning administrator and building inspections have reviewed the project and that building and zoning permits will be required.

The commission’s action allows the owner to proceed with the porch construction after meeting the stated conditions and obtaining required permits.