Not sure of the issue. Trap door in the porch floor to access the bulkhead.

the porch would have to be very deep (front to back) to have access to the stairs at the front of the bulk head, tho. and you'd have to move all of the furniture.

i guess it depends how much you use it for egress... only when you need a new furnace, or every time you take out the trash.

Very odd place for a bulkhead, I agree!. I was thinking the trapdoor may be the way to go. We don't use very often so it wouldn't be too much of a hassle I guess.

just make sure you understand the physics of it... where you have to be to enter it... or you'll be moving large items through your house.

for the record, the house across the street has its bulkhead in the same spot. 1830 colonial, sold for $1.3 million a year ago in 'as is' condition needing 4 baths and a kitchen brought forward from the last renovation in the '50s. so dont make the mistake thinking you are the only one!