Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Hardening topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homeowners gain approval to replace wooden shingles with composite product for fire hardening
Summary
The commission approved replacement of cedar shingles and damaged trim with a composite shake product and fire-rated trim at 215 Reward Street after the homeowners described pest damage and fire-hardening goals. Commissioners discussed aesthetics but supported the safety rationale.
The Nevada City Planning Commission unanimously approved exterior-material changes at 215 Reward Street aimed at fire hardening.
Staff described the proposal to replace existing cedar shingles and deteriorated trim with a Class-A-rated composite product (Nijiha Sierra premium shake in charcoal), James Hardy trim panels, Boral True Exterior Trim, and Vulcan vents. The homeowners said the work responds to carpenter-bee damage, age-related deterioration and a broader home-hardening program in their neighborhood; they noted they belong to a local Firewise effort and that the change completes earlier fire-safety upgrades on the property.
Commissioners asked about product appearance and attachment details; staff and the homeowners said the composite product is denser and will present a closer visual match to cedar than alternatives they had considered. A commissioner observed the tradeoff that authentic wood appearance would be lost but agreed the material choice was defensible given safety goals.
The commission approved the architectural-review request, including the staff recommendation to treat the siding replacement as a demolition for review triggers because more than 25% of the siding will be changed. The approval was unanimous.
Next steps: The owners may proceed with permitted work; staff will process required demolition/alteration permits under the conditions stated in the staff report.
