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Commission permits fiber‑cement siding on sides and rear of 620 East 9th, asks to preserve front profile
Summary
The commission approved COA 2600574 allowing Hardie (fiber‑cement) siding on the sides and rear of 620 East 9th given documented deterioration, but required the distinctive front elevation be retained and repaired in wood or, if replaced, be matched in wood to the existing profile.
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission approved replacement of deteriorated wood siding at 620 East 9th with fiber‑cement (Hardie) on both sides and the rear, subject to a requirement that the distinctive front elevation be preserved and repaired in wood or, if replacement is necessary, be replaced in wood matching the existing narrow profile.
Staff documented substantial siding deterioration—including split boards and rot—and said contractors’ quotes indicated widespread replacement. The guidelines require wood replacement on facades visible from a public street unless significant deterioration is documented; staff said the applicant provided evidence supporting wholesale replacement on all four sides but the commission and staff emphasized the front elevation’s unique narrow profile and original molding. One commissioner said the front siding has an "OG reveal" and recommended retaining or matching it; another commissioner offered that fiber‑cement is acceptable elsewhere on the house if the reveal and smooth non‑grained face are specified. The motion to approve COA 2600574 carried in roll call with those conditions.
The applicant said cost differences made Hardie preferable for all four sides; commissioners asked staff to require that the front elevation be repaired and repainted or replaced in wood with the same profile if necessary. Staff will follow up with the applicant about exact reveal specifications and how much original material can be retained.
