Advisory board backs staff recommendation to deny painting masonry at 455 Donaldson

The Technical and Compliance Advisory Board voted Oct. 17 to uphold staff’s recommendation and deny the property owner’s request to paint the exterior masonry at 455 Donaldson Ave.

Representatives for the homeowners told the board they sought to repaint the masonry and add decorative shutters to improve curb appeal and assist elderly owners who live there. Pam Carpenter and others spoke in favor of reconsideration, saying the goal was to make the home more attractive for the long‑term occupant.

Preservation advocates and staff urged the opposite. A speaker representing the neighborhood association explained that masonry is a defining feature of the area’s post‑war houses and that painting brick is a destructive, high‑maintenance treatment that can harm masonry and cause moisture problems. The association recommended the staff position.

Commissioners acknowledged sympathy for the owners but said the historic‑district guidelines and staff findings supported denying the request. A motion to support staff recommendations — effectively denying the painting application — passed on a unanimous roll call. The board asked staff to work with the property owners on next steps and enforcement details, including options for reversible treatments and the logistics and cost considerations of paint removal.

Board President Juanita Sepúlveda asked staff to coordinate with the homeowners about next steps, and staff confirmed the stop‑work order issued after a 311 complaint remains in effect until appropriate remediation or a permissible treatment plan is approved.