The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board voted to support staff’s recommendation that the freshly painted masonry at 455 Donaldson be stripped rather than allowed to remain painted, and that the proposed shutters not be approved.

Staff told the board the interior-masonry had been painted without prior approval and that the Office of Historic Preservation’s finding was that the paint compromises character-defining masonry material. Staff recommended on-site paint removal using appropriate methods. The house had a stop-work order issued after a 311 report; staff said the stop-work order had been in place for less than a month.

Homeowner representatives Angie Ritz and Alma Gomez said the homeowners are elderly, that their intent was aesthetic and not malicious, and they had selected Behr premium elastomeric masonry paint. "We sincerely hope that you take this into consideration," Angie Ritz told the board, adding the homeowners have lived in the neighborhood for more than 35 years.

Pam Carpenter, speaking on behalf of the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association, urged denial of the request and recommended removal of the paint. Carpenter said natural masonry is a character-defining feature in Monticello Park and described masonry paint as a destructive practice that can trap moisture and conceal needed repairs. She referenced guidance from preservation bodies and recommended chemical removal methods tailored to the paint product.

Motion and vote: A motion to support staff’s recommendation (deny the request for painted masonry and for shutters; require removal of paint using gentle methods and have the applicant work with staff) carried by roll call: Flores — Aye; Garcia — Aye; Brigard — Aye; Spiller — Aye; Pollock — Aye; Vasquez — Aye; Sepulveda — Aye. The board noted the homeowners’ age and health and expressed sympathy for hardship but said preservation guidelines apply.

Staff will work with the homeowners to identify appropriate paint-removal methods and next steps for compliance with the historic-district guidelines.