2024.04.29 Staff Report.pdf
To: Historical Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Re: April 29 2024 Historical Commission Staff Report
4:30 PM, Public Hearing. Request for a Local Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness pursuant to Section 195 of the Northampton Code for proposed
repair and footprint change of existing wooden deck. Dennis Nolan, 319 Elm Street, Map ID 31A-003
Overview:
The application proposes to repair an existing deck, to include replacing the painted wood
decking and railings using 'Trex' brand composite materials, but similar appearance and color.
One portion of the deck is also to be removed. Since both the deck material and the footprint
are proposed to change, the work does not qualify for an exemption or certificate of
nonappliability. The deck is not original to the structure, dating to the early 1990s.
Recommendation:
The Commission should review design standards for decks, page 35. The deck is not
original to the structure, and the footprint will be slightly reduced. It has limited visibility
from Elm Street. If the Commission agrees that the work is appropriate for the District, a
Certificate of Appropriateness, including any conditions or modifications, can be issued.