Historic Zoning Commission

Mechanicsville H-1: Level II

4-B-20-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Construction of addition or outbuilding

Construction of a deck on the rear (northwest) elevation, to be built of pressure-treated wood. Deck will be 24' wide by 16' deep on the left side and 13' deep on the right side. The deck's elevation above the ground level will vary due to topography, being 28" off the ground on the right side and between 28" and 4" off the ground on the right side. The deck will feature one set of 48" wide steps on the deck's left side and one set of 60" wide wood steps on the rear right corner of the deck. The 60" wide steps will have a 36" tall handrail to match the guardarails. Deck is proposed with a 38" tall railing, featuring 1-1/2" square balusters and 2"x4" top and bottom rails. Balusters are proposed to be attached to the sides of rails.

Site Info

One-and-one-half-story, frame resience with two-story rear addition, clad in weatherboard wall covering. Hipped roof with lower cross gables, asphalt shingle covering and dormer windows on side elevations, and rear addition with hipped roof. Double-hung, one-over-one and two-over-two windows with small paned casement window. One-story, one-half modified front proch with chamfered wood posts with incised vertical grooves set on fieldstone piers. Two interior offset brick chimneys. Brick foundation. Irregular plan.

1. The house is a contributing structure to the Mechanicsville National Register Historic District and H overlay.

2. The deck will not be visible from the public right-of-way. The deck's placement on the rear elevation is appropriate, and meets the rear and side setback requirements for the base zoning.

3. The vertical, square, picket-style railing is compatible with the Queen Anne-style house. The deck is proportionate to the house, and constructed of materials that meet the design guidelines.

4. No historic fabric will be compromised for the deck's installation and it may be removed in the future with no major alterations to the house.

5. The new steps and handrails will match those on the deck.

6. Guidelines recommend that balusters be set into the top and bottom rails, instead of attached to the sides of rails.