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Ocala board approves matte-black metal roofing for porch and bay window at 726 SE 4th St
Summary
The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted to permit matte‑black metal roofing over the front porch and bay window of the RG Blake House at 726 Southeast Fourth Street, limiting the approval to those two elements and not the main roof.
The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness allowing metal roofing across the front porch and the bay window — but not the main roof — at 726 Southeast Fourth Street, a contributing property known as the R.G. Blake House.
The applicant, Ronald Nicks, told the board he sought to replace a small portion of the roof because prior work had been “really shoddy” and he wanted a material “that’s gonna last.” Planning staff, represented by Bridal Miller, Planner II, recommended denial, finding the proposed material inconsistent with the City’s certificate-of-appropriateness criteria (chapter 94, sec. 94‑82) and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Miller said staff would accept a darker metal color if the board deemed metal acceptable.
Board members questioned scope and visibility. Several members said the proposed work would be limited to the low‑slope porch and the bay window and would not touch the main roof; the applicant confirmed that the remainder of the roof would not be replaced at this time. Multiple members expressed concern that a bright galvanized finish would “stand out,” and the board discussed darker factory finishes on the color chart supplied with the application. One board member recommended matte black as the most appropriate match.
After debate, a board member moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness limited to the porch and the bay window and to specify a matte‑black finish; another member seconded the motion. The board voted to carry the motion; the chair announced the motion carried and reminded the applicant that COA approvals are valid for six months, with construction started within six months and completion allowed up to 12 months from commencement unless staff grants an extension.
The board clarified that any future request to metal the rest of the main shingle roof would require a separate application and additional review. Staff noted that, if the applicant wished to pursue metal for the entire roof later, that change would be “a lot more controversial” because the main roof is currently shingled.
The City gave public notice for the meeting on 2025-02-24; the applicant stated his address on the record as 726 Southeast Fourth Street, Ocala.
