Commission approves porch reconstruction for homeowner’s non-original porch

The Italian Village Commission approved an application to demolish a non-original front porch and build a replacement intended to match an earlier porch style.

Homeowner Ben Goodman, who identified himself at the hearing, described the existing porch as a non-original 1985 structure and said the proposal would replace it with a wood porch featuring a hip roof and round columns while retaining the concrete deck. Goodman said the proposal includes wood construction for most elements, with columns likely constructed of fiberglass (FRP) and a cementitious fascia board behind the gutter where appropriate.

Sophie Bogle, speaking for staff, said the 1921 Sanborn map shows a single-story frame porch similar in size to the proposed porch and that staff is supportive of restoring the property to its earlier configuration. Staff recommended approval of COA2600427 with the conditions that shingle selection and paint chips for all porch elements be submitted to staff for review prior to issuance of a certificate.

Commissioners questioned the porch elevation and whether a full guard or a stair handrail would be required under code. At the homeowners’ request and with commissioner agreement, the commission approved COA2600427 with the condition that the stair handrail design be coordinated and approved with staff prior to permitting. The motion passed after a second; the transcript records the motion as carried.

Next steps: staff will review the shingle selection and paint chips and coordinate handrail details with the applicant before issuing a certificate.