After‑the‑fact porch‑railing request at 15 Main Street tabled pending historic photos

Chad Chingales asked the Hollis Historic District Commission for after‑the‑fact approval to leave a recently rebuilt porch without the previously approved railing at 15 Main Street. Chingales said financial constraints delayed the railing installation, that the porch floor is about 18 inches above ground, and that he and his wife prefer the unobstructed view.

Commissioners reviewed the historic‑district guidelines, which direct repairing rather than removing architectural features and replicating missing historic elements in kind when possible. Members discussed whether the porch historically had railings and asked the applicant to search historical society records and building‑department files for photographs showing the original configuration. Commissioners also discussed applicable building‑code thresholds (the discussion referenced a 31–34 inch trigger for required rails), and the building inspector’s discretion when considering a lower decorative railing.

Given those open questions, the commission voted to table the application to the June 4, 2026 meeting and asked Chingales to provide historic photographs and to consult the building inspector about whether a lower railing could be approved without violating the replacement‑in‑kind requirement. Chingales said he would try to produce photos and consult the inspector before returning. The commission noted that if no historic evidence of a railing is presented, the applicant may be required to replace the railing as originally permitted.