some advice regarding the dimensions of our new front portic

[Kevin]

posted on behalf of Nancy Borkow...

We need some advice regarding the dimensions of our new front portico.

The current dimensions measure 3’ by 10’8" (10'8" from outer walls, and the 3’ measurement is to the outer edge of the roof line). The design also includes 4, 10" posts (2 on each side of portico).

The small depth of the portico concerns us, as well as the use of the 4 large posts. The depth is tight because we are up against our property/set back line.

We are willing to seek a variance from our County; however, our builder/architect is discouraging us from going this route.

What is your advice -- should we seek a variance or will it work (i.e., will it feel and look right) as described. We are investing a lot of money in this project and what to do it right.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide..... nancy

[csintexas]

Hi Mrs. Borkow,

With no pictures or complete information it would really be impossible for us to express meaningful opinions. Is your architect a real architect who has many years of training to design this type of thing or is the builder drawing the plan and you are calling him/her an architect even though they are not?

If the latter is the case I believe you might feel more comfortable consulting with a real design professional before spending this large sum of money.

This could be an architect which is licensed by the state or a residential (home) designer which is unlicensed. In either case you should look at previous work to insure you agree with their aesthetic choices and weigh that against their fee.

best wishes

[phansford]

Nancy -

I really don't have an issue with the 4) 10" columns over a 10' - 8" length. You can always request your architect to provide a couple of designs with less columns and columns of different sizes. These can be simple sketches on trace paper.

The four columns for the 3 feet depth could seem tight - but this comes down to personal preference.

We really have to see what it looks like with the whole house. (As CSinTexas stated drawings and photos need to be provided for us to review)

Your architect should be willing to listen to your concerns and address them - if not you are not being served. You need to communicate with your architect AND tell him you are paying for his service and advice, but not for him to suppress your concerns and push his agenda. You should tell him if he doesn't want to serve you, then he should be more than happy to reimburse you your fees. (Tough talk or do that guilt thing sometimes helps )

You need to be comfortable and happy with the design.

THE VARIANCE -

This is tricky and it depends upon your location. Variances must meet certain legal criteria to be approved. Some jurisdictions toe the legal line - others are willy nilly. Your architect may have past experience with the county and know you could be dumping money into a losing effort.

My recommendation is simple - you should ask to have a meeting with the county planner (or whoever would review/approve your project for zoning). Talk to them about your concerns and your desire to obtain a variance. If they don't support you - you're sunk maybe. The next step - which might not be possible - is to request a work session with the BZA for a simple review of your project. What you want to do is explain your project and your concern.... and ASK the BZA for recommendations. Would they grant a 2 ft variance allowing the porch to be 5 ft? What would they require elsewhere to alleviate your encroachment into the required setback..... landscaping? Press the point you are trying to invest in your property AND you want to provide protection to your front door and visitors coming to that door.

Lastly - if you decide to pursue a variance - you don't need to have your architect take you through the process. If you don't think he is going to wholeheartedly represent the project, you should not waste money on him to represent you. Do the appeal yourself. All the BZA can say is No...... they can't kill you. So you could be out of the application fee and your time. BTW - If you do the variance.... make sure you go around and talk to your neighbors. Show them what you want to do..... ask them for their support either with a letter or attending the BZA meeting. Just realize - some will come to the meeting and really blast you as a horrible neighbor and they hate your cat, dog, kids, car, husband, color of your house.....

FWIW - I spent 13 years on the local Board of Architectural Review and Planning Commission (which also served as the BZA). I wholeheartedly supported work sessions when requested by the applicant. You'll know whether you can go forward after a work session.

[djswan]

Concerned with the depth of the porticto? variance. who cares? Lets make it deeper by taking it off the house. It's probally way too big anyway and could use a trim and we'll stretch those timbers out to bit to get it in shape. I like the timbers.