(a) Definition. A front porch shall be defined as an open area structure, with or without an approved roof or canopy, located at the front of a house behind the front setback line, with a masonry foundation. A front stoop shall be considered a front porch.
(b) Basic Standards. All new front porch construction, after the effective date of this section, must comply with the following basic standards. Any existing front porch structures not in compliance with this section shall be permitted to remain so long as the structures are in good repair.
(1) Planning Commission approval. All construction plans for front porches must come before the Planning Commission for aesthetic approval prior to receiving a permit. Planning Commission fees shall be waived for:
A. Replacement of an existing masonry front stoop.
B. Wheelchair ramps.
C. ADA lifts and platforms.
(Ord. 8613-1999. Passed 11-16-99; Ord. 9442-2008. Passed 2-5-08.)
(2) Compatibility with house design and color. A front porch shall be enclosed from ground level to porch floor with material compatible to house design and color.
(3) Safeguards. All porch floors above thirty inches from grade shall have safeguards such as handrails, footrails and properly spaced balusters around the perimeter of the porch, including steps.
(4) Building materials. A front porch may be made out of poured concrete cap or stone.
(5) Footers. Front porches must have a continuous frost proof footer. Material above grade must be continuous masonry to match the foundation of the house. Split face block, face brick, and poured concrete are acceptable. Wolmanized wood is prohibited from being used in a footer, pier, or decking.
(c) Prohibited Front Porch Structures. Wolmanized decks are prohibited from being placed in the front of a house. All decks shall be prohibited from being placed in the front of any house.
(Ord. 8567-1999. Passed 7-13-99; Ord. 9442-2008. Passed 2-5-08.)