Pontiac historic commission postpones Fair Cove siding decision after split vote

The Pontiac Historic District Commission on Dec. 17 postponed action on a homeowner’s request to replace wood lap siding at 23 Fair Cove St., after commissioners failed to reach a four-vote majority for either replacement or denial.

Staff presented the case (HCC‑25‑38), describing existing horizontal wood lap siding with a roughly 4½–5‑inch reveal and the applicant’s request to install either fiber‑cement siding (7‑inch reveal) or LP composite (4‑inch) along with repairs to soffits, fascia and corbels. Paul, staff planner, told the commission that the city building inspector had recommended replacement on the basis of deterioration, but that the commission must determine whether the siding is “beyond repair” under the Secretary of the Interior/National Park Service guidelines the HDC follows.

Owner Richard Carter and contractor Austin Laco told the commission they could install a reveal that would match much of the house’s existing profile and that LP products can replicate skirting and board width. Commissioners who had conducted site visits gave conflicting estimates of damage, from roughly 10–15% repairable to descriptions of widespread cupping, splitting and holes. Carter told the board that animals were entering the home through siding gaps and that he had quotes showing contractors were unwilling to perform piecemeal repairs that would meet modern building code weather‑barrier requirements.

With five commissioners present, staff reminded the body that a four‑vote majority was required for a decision. Commissioners asked the applicant to obtain cost comparisons for full wood replacement versus LP or fiber‑cement options and requested contractor statements clarifying whether the proposed materials could meet the seven visual and installation criteria staff provided.

Commissioner Clark moved to postpone the decision until the next meeting to allow the applicant to supply additional information; the motion passed on a recorded voice vote with a 4–1 majority. Staff said it would follow up with the applicant and deliver a written decision or certificate after the applicant supplies the requested documentation.

The commission’s deliberations emphasized adherence to the HDC’s siding guidelines and the National Park Service standards, which prefer repair and match‑in‑kind replacements unless evidence shows repair is impractical. The case will return to the commission when the applicant provides contractor documentation and cost estimates.