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Board allows synthetic or similar roofing at 1320 Fortune Ave., with stipulations to match wood‑shake appearance
Summary
Owners of 1320 Fortune Avenue received board approval to replace an aging wood‑shake roof with synthetic or other materials that match the original roof’s scale, color, texture and profile; the board added stipulations and encouraged the applicant to work with staff on product selection and financing options.
The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board on July 18 approved staff recommendations permitting replacement of the roof at 1320 Fortune Avenue with a material that visually matches the existing wood‑shake profile, including some synthetic roofing products shown during the hearing.
Resident and applicant Valerie Báez told the board the existing roof is functionally failing in places, causing vents and light to enter the attic, and that the family has received a range of contractor estimates. Báez said she received an out‑of‑state estimate of roughly $5,700 for a synthetic product from a Texas contractor and other estimates ranging from about $21,000 to more than $75,000 depending on product and scope; she said restoring the original wood shake could exceed $100,000. Báez also said she has been advised the applicant’s insurance coverage may limit replacement options.
Staff recommended approval with stipulations that any replacement roof be comparable in scale, color, texture, profile and dimension to the existing wood shake. Board members discussed durability and warranties; staff confirmed that at least one synthetic product presented carries a roughly 50‑year warranty, and commissioners encouraged the applicant to seek multiple written bids and to consult her insurer. Members also noted city rehabilitation and tax‑exemption programs that could help owners with high rehabilitation costs.
After discussion, a motion to approve the staff recommendation with the stipulated design criteria and to allow staff to administratively review product submittals carried unanimously. Staff will work with the applicant on product selection, color choice and permit requirements before issuing a certificate of appropriateness and related permits.
