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Pontiac HDC moves to revise siding guidelines, explores moratorium and training
Summary
Following split rulings and contested cases, the commission agreed to pursue a rewrite of siding guidelines, schedule training with a preservation expert, and ask city council about a temporary moratorium on new siding applications until updated guidance and SHPO approval are in place.
A recurring theme in the Dec. 17 meeting was the commission’s recognition that its existing siding guidelines are unclear in the face of modern materials. Commissioners directed staff to pursue multiple steps: schedule training on siding standards, develop a revised guidance package for SHPO review, and ask city council about a short moratorium on new siding applications while the rules are updated.
Paul told the commission he intends to invite preservation consultant Christine Kidorf for a February training focused on siding. He said amended guidelines would need SHPO approval and that a moratorium would likely require city council action; he described options other cities use (requesting contractor quotes for like‑for‑like and alternate materials). Commissioners discussed using grant funds or a city‑administered assistance program to help low‑income homeowners undertake historically appropriate repairs.
The commission planned to hold a closed session in January to hammer out a consistent definition of 'deteriorated' and to prepare a checklist applicants must submit (contractor statements, itemized quotes, photographs and a materials‑match demonstration) before formal review. Staff indicated it will draft a public prerequirements checklist mirroring the window‑guideline process to streamline future applications.
