Bay City historic commission approves exterior work on four properties, requires matching details on windows and railings

The Bay City Historic District Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for exterior work on multiple properties at its April 22 meeting, attaching conditions to preserve or replicate historic details.

The commission approved HDC 26-13 (812 North Sherman) after owner William Meyer and contractor Brett Mafy of Renewal by Anderson described plans to replace up to six second-floor windows with double-hung, one-over-two units that match the existing size, shape and style and will not cover the brick mold. "We're replacing up to six windows on the second floor of the house," Mafy said while walking the commission through the proposal. Commissioner Ashley Meyer recused herself from the vote because of her family relationship to the applicant: "I'm going to have to abstain from or recuse myself — I guess he's my father," she said. The commission cited the U.S. Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation and section 64-11C of the city's historic-preservation regulations in approving the certificate.

In HDC 26-14, homeowner Ron Stry requested approval to repair a failing driveway-side stairway and to add a small landing and wood handrail for safety. "They are a safety issue — they're falling down as we speak," Stry said. Commissioners discussed railing details and required that the project use turned spindles and wood materials; the motion to approve carried with that condition.

At 612 North Lincoln (HDC 26-15), the commission reviewed a proposal to replace a nonoriginal four-casement window with a larger gliding window to allow removable sashes. Commissioners examined historic and recent photos and debated whether new windows should include the grid (divided-light) pattern visible in older images. "I think they should have the same pattern that all the rest of the house has," one commissioner said during the exchange. The commission approved the application with the stipulation that, "as much as possible," grids be added to match the house and that any final matching details may be administratively approved by staff.

The commission also approved HDC 26-16, granting a certificate for matching garage doors and for replacement of a deteriorated front door with a single sidelight and glass only at the top of the door. Commissioners noted the house is a mid-1960s split-level and debated whether a craftsman-style door would be period-appropriate; they approved a door and sidelight designed to be consistent with the house's period and asked the applicant to coordinate final details with staff.

Votes at a glance: HDC 26-13 (812 N. Sherman) — approved; HDC 26-14 (driveway-side stair/landing) — approved with turned-spindle condition; HDC 26-15 (612 N. Lincoln window) — approved with grid-stipulation and administrative review authority for matching; HDC 26-16 (garage doors/front door) — approved. Some votes were taken by voice; the transcript records roll-call-style "I" responses for approval but does not provide a complete roll-call tally for each motion.

Commissioners and staff reminded applicants to follow up with Adam in the planning office for details on final materials, seals, or code compliance. Several approvals included administrative follow-up to verify materials and allow staff to approve minor matching details.

The commission adjourned after finishing the agenda and discussing next steps for administrative follow-up.