Plan commission approves composite roofing at Delafield Chiropractic, waives cedar requirement

The City of Delafield Plan Commission on Sept. 24 approved a renovation request from the owner of Delafield Chiropractic to replace the building’s roof with a composite product intended to emulate cedar shake rather than genuine cedar. The commission approved the proposed materials as presented, with the color and appearance used in the application packet.

Doctor Michelle Riegelman, the applicant, told commissioners that genuine cedar shake would cost roughly $100,000 to replace and requires routine maintenance. She said a CertainTeed resawn-shake asphalt product costs about $40,000 and the DaVinci composite product is a premium alternative closer in price to cedar but offers much longer longevity and low maintenance. She added her intent to improve the building’s appearance with painting and other repairs after the roof work.

City planner Amy Barrows told the commission that downtown design-district standards require modifications to demonstrate compatibility with surrounding architecture but do not specifically mandate cedar. Commissioners reviewed precedent examples, including a past requirement for cedar on Town Bank and other downtown roofs, and concluded the proposed composite products sufficiently emulate the historic character while reducing maintenance burdens. After discussion, a plan commission member moved to approve the non-cedar roof as presented; the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners noted the decision involves judgment about visual compatibility in the downtown historic area; they reserved the right to reject lower-quality materials in future applications. The applicant may proceed with the approved material and color.