Washington’s Historic Preservation Commission, during its meeting today, will consider Charlotte Cutler’s request for a certificate of appropriateness to place two sets of bistro tables on the sidewalk in front of The Meeting Place Café & Catering at 22 W. Main St.

The application for a certificate of appropriateness lists Stronghold Properties LLC as the owner of the property. Cutler is listed as the applicant.

The commission’s design guidelines require than any sidewalk furniture being placed by a private property owner be approved by the commission. The commission’s guidelines permit sidewalk dining with the downtown commercial district provided that the business owner obtains a permit from the city’s planning department stating that meets all codes related to sidewalks and the following conditions:

• placement of tables, chairs and other furnishings made be made in such a manner that at least 5 feet of unobstructed space (as measured from the street-side edge of the sidewalk) remains on the sidewalk or pedestrian way to allow for the passage of pedestrians;
• no fire exits or lanes may be blocked;
• the sidewalk dining area is associated with and located directly in front of its associated use;
• the placement of street furnishings does not extend past the side property lines of the associated building;
• meets all other codes related to sidewalk dining.

On the application, Cutler’s description of the work to be done reads: “Two sets of bistro tables. Two chairs w/each table on each side of entrance. Hand crafted, quality furniture. Re-paint a plum color of black over existing orange.”

The commission may grant the certificate of appropriateness, grant the certificate of appropriateness with conditions or deny a certificate of appropriateness.

In other business, the commission is scheduled to a request by Wesley Earley for a certificate of appropriateness to make alterations to the house at 326 N. Market St. The alterations include the following:

• construct a wheelchair ramp along the north side of the house;
• expand the existing parking lot in the back yard;
• more the existing fence in the back yard.

The commission meets at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 102 E. Second St.