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German Village approves several LP Smart siding test installations with conditions; staff to monitor performance
Summary
The German Village Commission on Aug. 6 approved a set of limited "test case" uses for LP Smart engineered‑wood siding at several addresses, with conditions on finish, trim material, and staff review.
The German Village Commission considered several applications Aug. 6 involving LP Smart siding (engineered wood product marketed as a durable alternative to wood) and approved multiple requests as limited test cases with conditions.
Background: In recent years applicants have requested use of non‑traditional siding products in the district. HPO staff presented photographic documentation of existing LP Smart installations (including cases on Mohawk Street and other addresses) and reported the German Village Commission had previously heard related test‑case proposals.
What the commission did: For Prairie Avenue (COA 2500578873) and City Park Avenue (COA 2500591768) the commission approved revised applications that keep existing siding where reasonable, allow LP Smart trim and smooth finish in some locations, and require details such as: returning existing brick on certain elevations; using smooth (non‑textured) LP Smart finishes for trim where permitted; replacing rotted trim with like materials unless LP Smart is specifically approved as a test case; and removing non‑historic shutters where appropriate. The commission approved one LP Smart board‑and‑batten installation as a formal "test case" to gather evidence on longevity and appearance before amending the approved materials list more broadly. In one case staff required that window trim remain wood if the LP product was not approved for that element.
Staff and commission conditions: Approvals were conditional on (a) submission of physical material samples and shop drawings to HPO staff for final administrative review, (b) use of specific smooth finishes and approved color palettes, (c) preference for wood or wood‑clad fascia where historically appropriate rather than aluminum, and (d) removal of non‑historic elements (for example, vinyl shutters) when applicants agreed.
Why it matters: The commission is treating LP Smart as a product worthy of limited testing under controlled conditions rather than full acceptance as a replacement for historic wood across the district. Commissioners emphasized careful monitoring of installed test cases and the need to return to the commission if installation details differ from those approved.
Next steps: HPO staff will track performance and visual impact of the approved test cases and will report back to the commission as requested. Applicants must submit final trim and finish samples to staff before installation.
