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Montgomery City ARB approves multi‑part restoration of carriage house at 537 Martha Street
Summary
The ARB approved an eight‑part restoration plan for the carriage house behind 537 Martha Street, including siding replication, porch reconstruction, roof replacement with architectural shingles, a small porch extension, and matching leaded glass; board members asked about possible use as an accessory dwelling unit and staff noted evolving zoning rules.
The Montgomery City Architecture Review Board approved a multi‑element restoration plan for the carriage house at 537 Martha Street in Cottage Hill. Applicant John Fitch described eight items intended to restore period character: exposing and replicating presumed original novelty drop siding; adding eave returns; reducing the porch roof pitch from 5/12 to 2/12; replacing a concrete porch with a wood porch; making a 30–34 square‑foot porch extension without changing the overall footprint; replacing tin roofing with architectural shingles to match the main house; salvaging and matching leaded glass; and using the main‑house paint colors for consistency.
During board discussion members asked how the carriage house would be used after restoration. Fitch said possibilities included a mother‑in‑law suite, a rental or an Airbnb; city staff (identified by first name Sean) said current local rules do not specifically regulate short‑term rentals but noted the zoning rewrite underway would permit accessory dwelling units in single‑family neighborhoods while proposing conditions that would bar short‑term rentals. Staff cautioned that creating a standalone residence could effectively create two residences on a single lot and said that raises zoning concerns.
Board members praised the design approach and debated a proposed attic window; after discussion a motion to approve with the attic window was made, seconded, and the board approved the restoration on the public record. The transcript records no roll‑call tally; approval was entered by motion and second.
