The City of New Rochelle Historical Landmarks Review Board on Oct. 8 approved a certificate of appropriateness to install rooftop solar panels at 187 Hamilton Avenue.

The approval covers an 8 kilowatt system consisting of 25 black fiberglass panels, with “almost all” placed on the rear roof and a single symmetrical strip visible from the street along the front roofline, the applicant’s representative said. Mark Gehring, representing the client, told the board the visible strip is set back roughly 3 feet on each side and that the existing roof is dark brown.

The board’s review focused on visibility from the street. Benito Sejha, Senior Project Manager with the city, opened the public hearing and asked clarifying questions about setback and roof slope. Sejha asked whether the front strip was brought in “about 3 feet” and confirmed the roof’s dark color. Gehring said the roof’s back geometry limited panel placement and that the planned system is roughly half the size the house could accommodate on ideal slopes.

Board members who spoke characterized the visible strip as minimally noticeable from the right vantage points; one member noted the front roof slope is about 27 degrees and that the low slope and viewing angle make the strip less conspicuous. No public comments were recorded. A motion to approve the certificate passed with board members voicing their approval; the record shows the motion carried and was announced as passed.

The board’s certificate applies only to the historic district review; any electrical or building permits required for installation will proceed through the city’s normal permit review and are not part of this decision.

The board did not record a roll-call vote by name in the transcript; the chair announced the motion passed after affirmative voices in the meeting.