728 Fair Street owners propose metal roof replacement and infill of a rear addition; staff warns bronze roof color may not match historic material

The owners of 728 Fair Street presented a proposal to replace an aging metal roof, enclose an existing clipped rear addition, infill a rear porch and explore a small dormer to bring light and egress to a second‑floor bonus room. The property is listed as contributing in the National Register district.

Applicant described the rear condition as a mix of earlier alterations and said the goal is to make the existing enclosed spaces weather tight and compatible with the building. Staff said the rear work and window replacements were generally appropriate when done in wood and similar profiles. Staff noted the building is contributing and recent work did not have a COA; it asked for more detail and materials on the rear infill, the dormer design and the proposed deck and railing details.

On roofing, staff said the existing historic roofing has a green color and observed that switching to a bronze color does not appear to align with the guidelines that recommend retaining or matching historic roof color/material. Commissioners encouraged the applicant to document the existing roofing finish and said roofing materials and color should be chosen to be visually compatible with the house; one commissioner recommended a metal option with a closer match to the historic green or a patina look rather than a painted dark bronze.

The committee generally supported the rear enclosure and the idea of a small dormer tucked behind existing forms if it has low visibility from the street; they asked the applicant to submit photos of the existing roof structure and attic framing, and to show the exact profile and finish of the proposed roof for the voting packet.

Next steps: Applicant to supply roof samples and photos, scaled dormer details, and more detail on deck infill and proposed window types for Historic Zoning Commission review.