Opelika commission approves porch railings, side deck ramp and carport gutters at 1100 Third Avenue

The City of Opelika Historic Preservation Commission in March 2026 approved changes at 1100 Third Avenue in the Northside Historic District, including replacement of porch railings, a newly installed 10-by-60 side deck with an accessibility ramp, replacement and extension of rear decking, and installation of metal gutters on the carport.

Commission members heard staff explain that the deck and ramp had been installed after a homeowner fell on steep concrete steps and required hip surgery. Staff recommended restoring or replacing the upper-floor railing as needed, installing wood spindles and posts on the first floor that closely match the original design, approving the 10-by-60 side deck and ramp for accessibility, replacing the back porch decking with matching wood railings, and allowing metal gutters to divert water from the structure.

Jordan, who identified themself during the meeting, confirmed the timeline and materials and showed sample spindles. Commissioners discussed the difficulty of sourcing exact historic spindles across the wide front porch and reviewed photos of comparable examples (including a local Neoclassical Revival example, Whispering Oaks, and a sample from Eufaula, Alabama). Staff and commissioners noted an exception in the 2021 International Building Code for historic structures but also raised insurance concerns if porch features exceed current code without mitigations.

After back-and-forth about aesthetics and safety, a committee member moved to approve the plan as summarized by the discussion: restore the upper railing as needed, install new lower railings with a thicker handrail on the first floor to match the design, use a smaller (two-inch) version of the spindle on the side and rear where appropriate, ensure matching caps and balusters, approve the 10-by-60 side deck with the ramp, and approve the metal gutters on the carport. The motion was seconded by Mike and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Commissioners asked the applicant to submit the final spindle selection for staff review if the exact smaller size cannot be sourced. Staff advised that the smaller spindle sizes are common and likely obtainable but recommended submittal of the closest match when necessary. Commissioners also suggested painting or covering visible metal carport braces to better blend with the house, though they acknowledged they cannot require paint changes.

Staff reported no new enforcement actions and said it is working with the city attorney to update enforcement processes. The commission set its next meeting for April 9.

The commission's approval was a voice vote; the motion’s mover spoke from the dais but did not give a full name on the record. The second was identified as Mike. The applicant and staff will follow up with submittals for any materials the commission asked to review.