COVERED FRONT PORCH DESIGN GUIDELINES

General Form

The form of your porch addition is the outer shape created by the exterior walls and roof. The form of the addition should be appropriate and compatible to the form of your existing home.

Base of the Porch

The base of the porch is not open, the base shall be either a masonry perimeter foundation, providing for proper drainage; or be screened by a solid fascia consistent with the front of the home or lattice with openings no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches and painted to be consistent with the front of the home.

Ceilings

Open-air porches must have ceilings of durable grade materials such as beadboard or painted or stained wood.

Columns

Structural columns should be clad in finish grade, wood trim or be a decorative shape that is compatible with the design of the existing house. The columns should be expressed on the exterior of the porch to help articulate the porch façade.

Exterior Walls

The exterior walls are considered to be those exterior surfaces from the floor line to the ceiling of the porch. This surface is to be at least 65 percent open and no more than 35 percent solid. The open surfaces are to be open air or occupied by screens, and/or screen doors. The solid surfaces are to be exterior materials that are consistent or complementary in color, texture, and quality to those of the front of the existing home. Solid surfaces may only include columns, spindles, and railings; solid walls (even partial) are prohibited.

Floors

Open-air porches must have floors of durable exterior grade materials such as concrete, painted or stained solid wood, high quality composite materials, or brick.

Railings

The height and spacing of railing must meet the requirements of the International Building Code. Acceptable railing materials are painted or stained wood, high quality composite materials, and painted metal. The design of the railing assembly should be compatible with the details of the existing house.

Roofs

The roof or your porch addition should be properly proportioned in shape and pitch to the rooflines of the existing house. Roofing materials should match as closely as possible to the materials of the existing home.

Landscaping

Integrating your porch addition into your yard is as important as its integration to the house. Plant materials and landscape features should transition the porch into your yard, providing a visual base. Landscaping could also be placed along the entry path.