The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing a homeowner at 1317 Millage Road to replace the existing metal roof with asphalt shingles after hearing testimony about financial hardship and storm damage.

Homeowner Johnny Scarborough told the commission that a hurricane damaged his roof and that his insurer denied full replacement coverage; he cited a price difference of roughly $9,450 for shingles versus about $15,450 for a metal roof, and said he is on a fixed income. Neighbors and volunteers described interior water damage and urged the commission to allow the more affordable repair so the house could be made habitable quickly.

Why it matters: the Somerville guidelines advise matching original roof materials where possible. Staff presented the hardship standard from the ordinance (Section 7‑4‑27) and left the determination to the commission. Commissioners weighed the owner’s financial position, evidence of roof and decking damage and the visible impact on street character.

Community testimony and decision

Neighbor Donna Cochran and volunteer Andrew Hughes described interior leaks and additional structural work (decking replacement) that would raise total costs. Hughes urged the commission to consider color matching and the material’s limited visual impact from public vantage points. The commission voted to approve the shingle replacement; staff noted the owner should attempt to match color and pattern as closely as feasible to maintain the house’s street appearance.

What comes next

Staff will document approved material and color guidance in the COA and will monitor reroofing permits and workmanship to ensure compatibility with the district’s visual character. The owner may later apply for other exterior work once the roof and interior repairs are complete.