Historic Preservation Office denies green roof color for Victorian Village property

The Special Meeting of the Victorian Village Commission, held on April 9, 2025, focused primarily on a proposal for the replacement of a standing seam metal roof at a residential property. The meeting began with a presentation of the application, which included plans to replace the existing roof with a new one that would match its original dimensions and materials.

The applicant proposed a green color for the new roof, which was met with significant scrutiny from the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) staff. They expressed support for the replacement of the metal roof and the relining of the box gutters but opposed the green color, citing that it does not comply with city codes and guidelines. Instead, they recommended a gray color, which aligns with historical precedents for roofing materials in the Victorian Village area.

Commissioner Abby Bissensley requested a photograph of the front of the house to better assess the proposal. HPO staff noted that historically, roofs in the area were typically slate or metal, with colors that included various shades of gray. They emphasized that bright colors are discouraged, and any proposed roof color should reflect historical accuracy.

During the discussion, the applicant referenced a nearby property with a green roof as a precedent. However, HPO staff clarified that this property is outside the Victorian Village district and therefore not subject to the same review standards. The commission members discussed the importance of adhering to historical guidelines, with some suggesting that a copper or bronze color might be more appropriate than the proposed green.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that the applicant should revise the proposal to align more closely with the guidelines. The commission expressed a willingness to consider a range of historically appropriate colors, including gray, red, or copper, while firmly rejecting the green option. The applicant was encouraged to explore these alternatives and return with a revised application that meets the commission's standards for historical preservation.