Board retroactively approves porch/roof repairs at 502 West Second after applicant completed work

The Madison Historic District Board of Review granted a certificate of appropriateness for work recently completed at 502 West Second Street, a contributing Second Empire building, after reviewing the repairs and roof‑pitch change the owner reported were necessary to address rot and water infiltration.

Owner Pat Heights told the board he contracted work to remove decayed porch elements and to change the porch roof pitch after discovering severe rot; the owner said he had checked informally with contractors before proceeding. Staff presented Sanborn map evidence showing the flat‑top porch was not original to the 1875 house. Board members inspected photographs and site observations and several said the finished work represented an improvement in water management and overall condition.

While some board members said details of traditional profiles and gutter connections were lost in the repair process, the board balanced that against the completed nature of the work and the public‑safety and stabilization benefits. After discussion the board moved and seconded a motion to grant a certificate of appropriateness for the completed repairs; roll call returned a majority in favor and staff told the owner to collect permit paperwork.

Board members reminded the owner and the public that consulting staff and the board before starting visible exterior work on contributing structures is the preferred process; they recommended applicants contact staff early to avoid post‑fact approvals.