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Commission approves metal roof at 344 Broad Street under 'extraordinary circumstances' after owner says contractor misled him
Summary
Despite staff recommendation to deny installation of an agricultural‑style metal roof already in place at 344 Broad Street, the commission approved the COA under an 'extraordinary circumstances' finding after the homeowner described being misled by his contractor.
The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission approved COA 25‑25 for a metal roof installed at 344 Broad Street in Old Town, granting approval under an explicit finding of “extraordinary circumstances due to fraudulent inducement and criminal activity” after the homeowner told the commission he had been misled by a contractor and lacked funds to replace the roof.
Staff reported that the metal roofing had already been installed without a permit; Sanborn and cadastral maps indicate the house historically had composition shingles. The Old Town design guidelines recommend replacing roofs in kind or, if substitute materials are necessary, matching the original material’s pattern, color, texture, size and reflectivity. Staff concluded the installed metal diverged from four of five listed qualities and recommended denial and removal — advising the owner to submit a COA to Planning and Development by July 31 to request a permitted replacement or removal.
Owner Keith Beckman addressed the commission and said he was “taken advantage of by a previous contractor” (named in his remarks) who told him the material was preapproved and that the contractor lacked a permit. Beckman said his insurance payment was small and that he could not afford to replace the roof again. Legal counsel and staff explained civil and licensing remedies available to the homeowner, including superior court actions and a potential business‑license review or citation for the contractor.
Commissioners debated options, including denying the COA (which could force the homeowner to pursue court remedies) or approving with a notation that the approval is nonprecedential and is granted because of fraud claims and hardship. A motion to approve under the stated extraordinary circumstances carried unanimously. Staff advised the owner to regularize permits and inspections and noted the roofing had not yet been inspected.
