Most of the 19th and early 20th-century houses of the city had unenclosed front porches. The porch usually stretched across the full width of the front facade, but in some cases only covered the entry. Since porches and steps are exposed to the weather and receive hard use, some buildings have had a succession of replacements which reflect different styles of architecture.
(A) Conservation. Porches, steps and handrails which are appropriate to the building and its period of development should be conserved and retained.
(B) Repair and replacement. Historic porches, steps or handrails which require complete rebuilding or partial replacement should be reconstructed using historical research to determine an appropriate design. Reconstructions should be compatible with the period and style of the building in material, design and detail. Concrete should not be used to replace wooden porch floors or steps.
(C) Railings. The original spacing, section and profile of balusters should be maintained in replacement or repair. Unless historical evidence indicates, reconstruction should include a bottom rail and balusters should not be nailed directly to the step or deck. Metal railings should not be used to replace wooden railings.
(D) Posts and columns. If replacement is necessary, porch posts and columns should be replaced with units that replicate the original material, size and scale. Elaborate details such as turning, gouging or stamping may be simplified if necessary. Wooden posts should not be replaced with metal posts or supports.
(E) Enclosure. Unenclosed front porches should not be permanently enclosed.
(F) Decks. Decks should be constructed only at the rear of the building or where most inconspicuous. Railings, steps and other deck details should be compatible with the architectural character of the building.
(Prior Code, § 12-1671)