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Planning commission approves James Hardie fiber-cement siding, denies LP engineered wood for 111 West Miller Ave
Summary
At its Dec. 2 meeting the Stillwater Planning Commission approved James Hardie fiber-cement lap siding as an alternative compliance material for upper- and rear-story elevations at 111 West Miller Ave and denied a request to use LP engineered wood siding; the vote was 5-0.
At its Dec. 2 meeting the Stillwater Planning Commission approved James Hardie fiber-cement lap siding as an alternative compliance material for upper-story and rear elevations at 111 West Miller Avenue and denied a request to use LP (engineered) wood lap siding.
Henry Vibelheimer of Development Services presented the request, noting the property lies in the T5 form-based code area and that the commission may grant alternative materials under Section 23-4-49. Vibelheimer displayed aerials and the previously approved elevations and said the front (street-facing) facade in the submission remains primarily brick.
An applicant representative told commissioners the request reflects construction cost and subcontractor-availability concerns and that the two options were offered so the project could remain as close as possible to the form-based code’s intended appearance while being practical to build. The applicant described LP as an engineered wood product with resin and zinc-borate additives and said the company offers a 30–50 year warranty depending on variables.
David Barth of Development Services elaborated that LP refers to Louisiana Pacific, described its engineered composition and cautioned that maintenance rules mean many existing buildings with siding may be maintained or re‑sided without triggering retrofit requirements. “If it weren’t more than 50% damaged, maybe it would be considered maintenance,” Barth said, describing the code threshold that determines when full compliance is required.
Commissioners questioned whether allowing the LP product would weaken the masonry-dominant character the form-based code aims to preserve. After discussion, a commissioner moved “to approve the James Hardie fiber cement lap siding as an alternative compliance material for the upper story and rear elevations and to deny the request to use LP smart site engineered wood siding.” The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.
Staff said any approved changes would still be subject to plan review by building and fire departments and an external fire reviewer to confirm compliance with fire- and setback-related requirements.
What happens next: the approved material will be reflected in plan-review submittals and reviewed for building and fire compliance before final permitting.
