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Commission approves entry alterations at 1310 North 23rd Street after safety debate
Summary
After a staff recommendation that disallowed constructing a new front porch, the Boise City Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve DRH26-00162 (1310 North 23rd Street) and removed the staff condition that would have excluded a porch, following debate focused on safety, historic integrity, and limited alternatives.
The Boise City Historic Preservation Commission approved DRH26-00162, the certificate of appropriateness application for work at 1310 North 23rd Street, after a lengthy exchange about safety, historic integrity and design. Planning staff (Olivia) recommended approval with conditions that would prevent adding a new front porch because it would create a "false sense of history." The applicant, Elsa Cracky, said the existing diagonal steps are unsafe and detailed uneven riser heights and deteriorated materials that require replacement.
Olivia told the commission the entry covering and steps appear to be non-original based on Sanborn maps and a 1973 building permit; staff recommended limiting alterations to those required by building code and not constructing a new porch. The applicant said contractor inspection showed the concrete steps are deteriorated, the tiled steps are uneven (examples given as 8, 6 and 8.5-inch risers), and the tread depth is about 11 inches, and argued the proposed changes would materially increase safety without substantially altering character. A representative of the Registered Neighborhood Association, Suzanne Yaley, told the commission the association agreed with staff's conditions and recommendation.
Commissioners weighed the safety evidence and precedents for allowing non-original coverings to address aging-in-place needs. Commissioner Owens said he had "no lot of heartburn" given the extent of demolition likely and the safety improvement; Commissioner Moore echoed that view. Commissioner Moody expressed concern that a full porch could create a false sense of history but said the final built result after building-department review would likely resemble the applicant's proposal. Commissioner Moody moved to approve DRH26-00162 while removing the staff condition that would exclude adding a porch as part of the entry reconfiguration; Commissioner Owens seconded. The clerk called the roll: Otter, Parks, Owens, Moore, Moody, and But voted "Aye." The motion carried and the application was approved with the revised conditions.
The commission's action means the project may proceed to building-department review with conditions modified as directed by the commission; any appeal of the commission's decision must be filed with the city council within 10 days by someone who provided testimony at the hearing.
