Commission approves Certificate of Appropriateness for Scottish American Society building at 917 Loudoun Ave.
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Summary
The commission approved a COA to replace front and back doors, upgrade a shed and install a new sign at the historic Scottish American Society building; the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee had recommended approval and the applicant said the changes were needed for maintenance.
The Dunedin City Commission on Nov. 6 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for work at the Scottish American Society building, 917 Loudoun Ave., allowing replacement of the front and rear doors, replacement of an existing shed with a 10-by-10 shed, and installation of a new sign above the front doors.
Planner Frances Leong Sharp presented the application (HP2025-0002) and noted the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee had reviewed and recommended approval of the doors, shed and sign. "Based on staff's analysis, the proposed replacements are appropriate," Leong Sharp said.
Applicant Joan McHale told the commission the building is old and the doors and sign required replacement. "The building's old, and the doors really need replaced," McHale said during the hearing.
During public comment a member of the public raised a broader concern about the cumulative burden of permits and design review on property owners who voluntarily seek historic designation; commissioners and the mayor discussed the tension between preserving Dunedins historic character and streamlining administrative processes. The mayor noted staff work on streamlining some COA procedures for minor items.
The quasi-judicial item received no disqualifying ex parte disclosures and the commission voted unanimously to approve the COA.