SALT LAKE CITY HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION

The Historic Landmark Commission (HLC) reviews all applications for landmark sites, demolition and new construction within locally-designated historic districts. They do not review interior work or exterior paint color, only exterior alterations. The majority of the projects presented to the HLC are either approved as submitted or with modifications.

Porches

Download design standards for porches and decks (as Adobe Acrobat PDF file).

Policy: Where a porch has been a primary character-defining feature of a front facade, this should continue. In addition, a new (replacement) porch should be in character with the historic building, in terms of scale, materials and detailing. Porches are important, character-defining features of most styles of historic buildings. They are also one of the first areas of a building to deteriorate, so many porches have been removed or substantially altered. Existing historic porches should be preserved when possible. Deteriorated elements should be repaired, or replaced in-kind.

Use historic evidence such as photographs and physical traces on the building to determine the historic appearance of a porch that has been removed. Other buildings of similar age and style are also helpful in determining the appropriate design for a replacement porch. Enclosing a front porch to make extra interior space is not appropriate. Wrought iron "licorice stick" porches are most often a later addition to the building. Consider returning these porches to their original appearance. The building and housing codes adopted by Salt Lake City make allowances for lowering the height of porch railings to match historic appearance. Contact the Planning staff for additional details. Composite deck products such as Trex are acceptable for deck and porch floors because they are not prominent architectural features. They are not appropriate for use on vertical surfaces that are visible from the street. Most porch designs that meet the Commission's standards receive administrative approval. Consult the Design Guidelines and Section 21A.34.020.G of the Salt Lake City Zoning Ordinance for the standards the Historic Landmark Commission uses in evaluating porch projects, or contact the Planning staff for further information.