HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes_11-0823workshopFalcon Heights Planning Commission
Workshop on Front Porches – August, 23, 2011
Highlights of the informal discussion
Brief staff presentation
Majority of homes in Falcon Heights were constructed in an era when front porches
were not a popular architectural feature on houses
Staff photos of neighborhood streetscapes in Falcon Heights, with and without
sidewalks, and examples of front porches/entries/covered stoops that do exist, plus
houses without these features
Many homes in the city do have porches of various sizes, from entry portico/covered
stoop type structures to full width open porches – influenced by styles of when they
were built.
Many homes do not have any kind of shelter at front door. Every year one or more
homeowners inquire about adding this kind of feature.
City code does not now specifically allow a covered stoop or porch like structure as
an encroachment into the required front yard.
o Some houses are back far enough to fit it in an entry
o Most houses would require a variance because they are already up to the
setback line.
Concern in past that porches would be screened and then enclosed, narrowing
streetscape, possibly becoming storage for “junk”, unsightly, etc.
Revisiting this issue is in Council goals for 2011-2012, requesting Planning
Commission to consider whether some amendment to code would be appropriate
Discussion highlights
Purpose and uses of front porch and porch-like structures
o Shelter from weather at home entry – reasonable need in our climate
o Outdoor seating area for residents of home – reasonable and “nice idea” but
would people really use it?
o More social connection in neighborhood – also a positive idea – more porches
might encourage this.
People who do have front porches in FH are not using them this way
now. Present generation has tradition of more “private” outdoor space
in back yard.
Comfortable tradition in other parts of the country but not Twin Cities
(at least since 1950s?), never in Falcon Heights (architecture)
o Enclosed as extension of home’s indoor space – even storage (like older St.
Paul neighborhoods)
Chair articulated three “levels” of encroachment, shaping additional discussion
o Front entry shelter, covered stoop, portico (“level 1”)
o Front entry extended to some potential outdoor living space, seating (“level
2”)
Wider but not necessarily deeper than simple covered stoop
o Full “traditional” front porch, possibly enclosed (“level 3”)
o Mentioned in passing: closed vestibule “air lock” entry, as seen on some older
homes – did not come into discussion
Informal consensus of Commissioners present
o Commissioners all comfortable with “level 1” but not “level 3”
o Willing to consider something “in between” (level 1 to 2) if kept open (no
screening or walls)
What about mosquitoes?
o Would need specific limits in code
o Continue discussion toward specifics of possible change – one more workshop
o Staff to find examples from other cities.
o Staff and/or liaison report back to Council