Historic Zoning Commission

Mechanicsville H: Level II

12-C-23-HZ

Applicant Request

Installation of sections of new vinyl siding. New vinyl siding is proposed for sections that are currently exposed as sheathing, to include the front dormer, sections of the left side elevation, and the upper gable field of the right side elevation. New vinyl soffit and fascia are proposed in sections where currently missing.

Site Info

One and one-half story frame with weatherboard and vinyl siding wall covering. Side gable roof with front gable dormer and asphalt shingle roof covering. Enclosed full front porch with original brick columns exposed. Double hung six over six replacement windows. Brick foundation. Rectangular plan.

1. 1021 Tulip Ave is a contributing resource to the Mechanicsville National Register Historic District and local overlay.

2. Responding to a letter from Neighborhood Codes Enforcement, the applicant is proposing to install vinyl siding on sections of the building where siding is currently missing. The open sections of exterior wall show plywood sheathing, asphalt shingles, and small sections of wood lap siding.

3. The applicant made a similar request to the HZC in March 2012. The staff recommendation stated "since not all original wood siding is intact, and there is a variety of siding materials on the house, including vinyl on the outer layer, the existing vinyl siding stay in place until such time as the owner is able to replace it with wood siding. On the east side where new vinyl is partially installed, complete the installation in order to prevent further moisture from entering into exposed parts of the house. [...] This option is recommended only because existing vinyl is on the house and the recommendation should not be construed as approval of vinyl siding on houses with intact wood siding." The Commission ultimately denied the installation of vinyl siding and requested the applicant submit a new plan. The applicant did not submit a follow-up application.

4. The design guidelines state that "synthetic siding is inappropriate as replacement siding on existing buildings," and "replacement siding must duplicate the original." The guidelines also state that "if artificial siding is present and must be removed to repair the building structurally, it can be replaced if no more than 25% of the siding is removed. If more than 25% of the artificial siding on any elevation is removed, it cannot be replaced." The siding is not proposed to be installed for structural purposes. The siding proposed to be installed on each elevation is under or close to 25% of the wall area on the three involved elevations (front and sides).

5. There is not a substantial amount of intact wood siding beneath the wood siding; the vinyl siding is applied above asphalt shingles, wood siding, and sheathing. The applicant did not follow up with the Historic Zoning Commission after the 2012 review and the same sections of sheathing appear open to the elements as discussed in 2012. Recognizing the minor scope of the repairs, measuring under 25% of each wall area, and the lack of original siding on the building, the installation of small sections of vinyl siding will not further detract from the house's architectural integrity. Moreover, the existing sheathing and framing underneath should be made watertight to ensure the house's continued conditions until a current or new owner initiates a full siding replacement/exterior rehabilitation project.