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A There are argumentthat provisions related to roofs or mechlli RI systems should apply, but those are not the strongest of arguments, as both the proposed second level deck and the mechanical portion of the hot tub are proposed to be within the existing wall. The most clearly applicable sections of the guidelines relate to porches, page 35, and new construction, page 36. Also instructive is the section on building codes found on page 37. Regarding porches: There is concern among several members of the HPC, and also some neighbors, some members of the building department, and gateway associations, that the proposed oddly -shaped handrail, protruding above the wall of the walled garden, would alter the architectural or historical character of the building. While some Dutch Colonial or Georgian homes had second story balconies or porches with handrails, none that we know of would have had irregular shaped porches protruding from such a walled garden as this, at a level between the actual first and second floors. Regarding new construction: It is required that "Additions to existing buildings shall be related in height and proportion to the existing structure." Since the proposed second level decks, with the hot tub extending beneath one, and the one or two stairways leading to the upper decks, consume most of the space of the walled garden, the handrail extending above will give the appearance of two structures built one inside the other, neither with any reference or relevance to the other structure's purpose. On the same page, under "Prohibited" the guidelines provide that "Additions may not be constructed that would change the existing fagade of a building, alter its scale or architectural character, or add new height. While in principle a finely designed new porch or balcony might not alter the scale or character of this fagade, the design (or lack of architectural guidance) to this proposed addition give some observers concern. Note: Staff earlier recommended that Mr. Burke obtain artistic and historical guidance from the staff at Historic Landmarks Foundation, but that has not happened. HLFI did agree to serve as consultants, but a meeting has not been scheduled, the last that we heard.