Staff does not believe the entire stair and landing structure is appropriate. However, since the landing structure is allowed to remain, then the steps are the least obtrusive part of the structure. In addition to the mitigations stated above in the comments section, staff recommends that a new, period-appropriate door leading to the landing be installed.
Remove existing wood frame steps to second level in a straight run on the north side of house. Construct new wood frame stairs with enclosed risers have been installed which turn the rear north corner to the back of the house. The width of the stairway on the back of the house is 5 feet and on the side of the house it measures 4 feet wide. The 36-inch-high balustrade is of square 2x2s with beveled ends overlapping the stringers. The handrail is 2x4 lumber. Existing 6x7 landing on the 2nd-level supported by 4x4 redwood posts. The existing balustrade on the landing is proposed to be replaced to match the new stair balustrade . The landing is covered by an existing shingled shed roof which is proposed to be removed. The support structural for the landing is proposed be covered in perpendicular wood lattice panels.
Two-story frame with weatherboard wall covering. Hip roof with lower cross gables, shed dormers, and asphalt shingle roof covering. Double-hung one- over-over-one windows. One-story wrap-around front and side porch with round wood columns with Doric capitals and turned wood balustrade. Two interior offset brick chimneys. Brick foundation. Irregular plan. Projecting bays on front and north side elevations. Altered by added sawn wood balustrade (widow's walk) on top of roof with taller, square, weatherboard covered, flat roofed structure.
1) The stair landing structure, made of 6x6 redwood framing and supports, was constructed sometime in the 1970s according to the applicant. The structure was not permitted by City Building Inspections. At that time the non-compliant exit door was likely added. A building inspector has since inspected the structure and has found it to meet building code, except for the balustrade.
2) The owner has constructed new enclosed riser steps with 2x2 picket balustrade to the landing. The steps turn the corner to the back of the house.
3) The stair landing and stairs, with their high visibility from the street, do not meet the design guidelines.
4) The stair landing is grandfathered according to Building Inspections and Law Dept.
5) The new steps are less visible than the landing, but are nonetheless visible from the front of the house.
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