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Commission approves variance after pitched roof installed at 1301 W. Fifth Ave.; commissioners criticize timing
Summary
Plan commissioners approved a variance allowing a flat roof replaced with a pitched roof at 1301 West Fifth Avenue after the work had already been completed; commissioners voiced disappointment that work proceeded before approvals but agreed pitched roofs are appropriate for local climate.
Plan commissioners approved a residential design standards variance for 1301 West Fifth Avenue on July 15, permitting the replacement of an original flat roof with a pitched roof that increased the building’s ridgeline height.
Staff told the commission the corner lot is about 8,375 square feet with a 1,120‑square‑foot single‑story house built in 1960. The applicant told staff in May of plans to reframe the flat roof with a 4:12 pitch. Staff said the applicant later informed the city that the flat roof had already been removed and the pitched roof installed because of impending weather and an active leak that, in the applicant’s view, threatened the house’s structural integrity. Staff recommended approval, finding the change compatible with the neighborhood and the newly installed detached garage.
Several commissioners voiced dissatisfaction that the work was completed before the variance was requested. Council member Bulow, Miss Davey and the chair said the pitched roof is preferable for Oshkosh’s snow climate, but criticized the timing and said the applicant “should have known better.” The applicant was present but made no extended final statement.
The commission voted 9–0 to adopt the staff findings and recommendations and approve the variance.
The approval allows the pitched roof and associated building height increase subject to the conditions recorded in the staff report; staff noted civil permits and inspections remain required.
