Bay City HDC approves wood repairs for 1315 McKinley

The Bay City Historic District Commission on a unanimous voice vote approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs at 1315 McKinley, allowing wood "like-for-like" replacement of rotted fascia and soffits.

The homeowner told the commission the damage followed severe winter and spring storms and said several contractors had declined to do traditional wood repairs; the applicant said they had gathered multiple estimates, including proposals for composite or vinyl-wrapped trims, but were seeking approval for wood replacement. "I am here seeking approval to replace rotted fascia and soffit on my house at 1315 McKinley Avenue," the homeowner said, noting difficulty finding contractors who will do historic wood siding work.

Commissioners and attendees pressed the practical and preservation trade-offs. One commissioner said wood was both more historically accurate and easier to find for isolated repairs, and raised concerns about vinyl or wrapped materials on historic houses. Commissioners discussed options to make exterior carpentry more feasible, including combining projects to make contracting more attractive and renting a lift or bucket truck to access high gables. A commissioner who had recently completed a similar project described hiring a general contractor and custom-cutting replacement trim where rot was extensive.

When the commission voted to approve HDC case 26-17, the motion cited conformance with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation and section 6411C of the city's historic preservation district regulations. The motion was seconded and passed. Staff asked the applicant to follow up with Adam in the planning office to coordinate next steps and any required documentation.

The commission’s approval applies to the work described in the applicant’s work-review application; the applicant said they will return with any materially different proposal (for example, a request to use vinyl or composite materials).