Historic board postpones review of unpermitted work at state‑registered 121 E. Santa Fe Ave

The Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board on Sept. 23 postponed action on a request to regularize recent unpermitted work at 121 East Santa Fe Avenue, a property listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The board set a date certain for continued review — Nov. 18 — and requested additional documentation before taking a final vote.

Staff described a history of interaction with the owners after a red tag was issued for unpermitted construction in 2023, and reviewed the scope of the recent work. Staff reported administrative approvals had previously been issued for roofing and other maintenance items, but that additional construction and visible changes — including shingled cladding applied on a northwest corner, a new small addition and a rooftop mini‑split condenser visible from public vantage points — were completed without full board approval or the necessary permits.

Paul summarized staff’s recommendation that the exception criteria for the addition to a primary facade have been met and that staff would support approval of certain elements, while also including a restoration‑of‑status provision: if work reduces the property’s historic characteristics, the board may require restoration to regain the prior status. In discussion the board identified gaps in the submitted packet: scale‑accurate elevations and floor plans, clear photographic documentation of the pre‑existing condition, and precise drawings for proposed railings and stairs. Several board members said the packet’s hand‑drawn elevations and inconsistent photos made it difficult to evaluate whether the changed shingles represent a new addition or a re‑cladding of an earlier stucco element.

Owner Kirsten Trusco told the board she and her husband purchased the house in May 2023 and described extensive rot and active roof leaks in the section at issue. "We take very seriously the honor of restoring this home," Trusco said, and she described emergency repairs and a roof replacement that revealed additional structural decay. Trusco said the owners believed some of the corrective work was covered by prior administrative approvals and thanked staff for their collaboration.

After public comment and questions from the board, Member Degnan moved to postpone consideration to a date certain. The board set Nov. 18, 2025 as the continuation date and asked staff and the applicant to provide a complete, to‑scale set of drawings (site plan, floor plans, and elevations), a documented list of all work completed without prior approval, precise railing and stair details to meet code, and pre‑alteration photographs.

Votes at a glance: Motion to postpone case 2025011122 HDRB (121 E. Santa Fe Ave) to date certain — Mover: Member Degnan; Second: Member ??? (recorded); Roll call: Member Cherry — yes; Vice Chair Ben Vanu — yes; Member Aguilar Medrano — yes; Member Degnan — yes; Outcome: postponed to Nov. 18, 2025.

The board emphasized safety concerns (stair and railing code compliance) and asked staff to compile a list of all unpermitted items observed during the site visit so the packet for the next hearing is comprehensive.