ENTRY VESTIBULES: PORCH ENCLOSURES
Because of their significant visual impact, entry vestibules and porch enclosures are not encouraged; however, if either is undertaken, it requires careful planning. Such additions may involve permanent removal or alteration of original architectural features. Also, these enclosures may be affected by zoning code requirements.

Once again, don't rely on the precedent of vestibules and porch enclosures built in the past. Experience has shown that many of these are inappropriate.

When vestibules or porches are enclosed, they should complement their buildings. For instance, if your building has a very simple design, add a simple enclosure devoid of ornamentation or decorative features that dress up or call attention to it. Inappropriate enclosures confuse the architectural record by imposing false histories on buildings.

Recommendations
1. Investigate whether the porch you intend to enclose will be considered a new permanent interior space under the zoning code. In the case of a front porch, it may fall forward of the required minimum setback and require a zoning variance. (See the Zoning chapter.)

2. Porch enclosures should leave the original porch as intact as possible to maintain its open feeling. Enclosures should have as much window space as possible, rather than solid walls. They should be constructed behind any original porch columns, so that the columns remain visible from the exterior. And enclosures should be as reversible as possible, so they can be removed easily in the future and the porch returned to its original use.

3. Enclosures and vestibules should be of frame construction. They should clearly "read" as additions; masonry construction should be avoided. Also avoid brick steps, as discussed in the section about porches and stoops. Horizontal siding such as beveled siding is the appropriate exterior material.

4. Vestibule roofs should be compatible-porchlike and usually low pitched. Avoid gable roofs and similar designs that make the vestibule too massive and visually competitive with the main building.

5.Avoid double doors and doors that are heavily carved or overly ornate. On both porch enclosures and vestibules, use single doors similar to those originally used on the building.

6. Shutters, coach lamps, ornate trim, and other decorative features installed to dress up a porch enclosure or vestibule are not appropriate. The original building is what matters, and the addition should be clearly subordinate to it.

HANDICAPPED ACCESS
In recent years, building owners have become more aware of the need to provide easily accessible entrances for handicapped persons. Space for ramps is limited in the Village and some doorways are high above the sidewalk. When adding a handicapped-accessible entry to your building, place the ramp where it will have a minimal visual impact and be sure it meets all safety requirements.

Recommendations
1. Where possible, a handicapped-accessible entry should be made at grade from the existing sidewalk level. This is probably most easily achieved in commercial buildings that often have their entrance doors at grade or at most one or two steps above grade.

2. Because many front entrances are too high and placed too close to the sidewalk to accommodate ramps, consider ramps to side or rear entrances.

3. Try to use compatible materials when constructing ramps. For example, avoid placing a brick ramp adjacent to a high cut-stone foundation. Handrails should be as simple as possible, and landscaping can be used to lessen the visual impact.