A prospective buyer of the Steamboat House at 200 Jefferson asked the Historic Preservation Commission about requirements for replacing a rusted metal roof and maintaining the property as an Airbnb. Staff advised that color and material samples are required for roof and paint work, that routine like‑for‑like shingle replacements may be approved administratively, and that drawings or a simple sketch are necessary if the roof replacement involves structural repairs.

Kirsten Palmer, who identified herself as buying the Steamboat House but said she had no closing date yet, told the commission the property’s metal roof is about 35 years old and that she wants to replace it. She asked, “If we're replacing the same roof, but just doing it a different color, do we need drawings?”

A staff member replied: “No. No. If you have a sample … for the roof, we'll sample from whoever's doing that for approval, but you have to go down to the office and fill out the application.” The staff member said applicants should provide a sample for paint or roof color; if the work is a simple like‑for‑like replacement or repainting in the same color it can be approved administratively. The staff member also explained that a roof project involving a hole, leak or structural replacement requires drawings showing what work will be done: “If there's a hole in the roof or something like that, then we would have to have plans showing what work was being replaced.”

On the property’s status as a short‑term rental, staff advised that because the house already operated as an Airbnb, the buyer will need to start an occupational license process and can obtain information at the local permits office. Staff said the permits office is located on Second Street adjacent to the mayor’s office and that the commission meets the first Monday of the month for formal reviews; staff recommended applicants visit the office to submit applications and samples.

No formal action was required for the public inquiry; the commission’s role was advisory in this exchange and staff provided procedural directions for applying for permits, submitting samples and starting the occupational license for an Airbnb use.