Historic commission continues case over visible rooftop solar at 615 S. Champion Ave.

The Columbus Historic Resources Commission continued deliberations on a homeowner’s application to install rooftop solar panels at 615 South Champion Avenue, saying the applicant must provide clearer photos and engineering details before the commission will act. Staff recommended approval with a condition that any panels visible from the public right‑of‑way be removed or relocated to preserve the Old Oaks Historic District’s appearance.

At the Nov. 20 hearing, the applicant (identified in the record as Tate) told commissioners shading and roof geometry limit where panels can be installed and that the system as proposed — largely black panels — is needed for the project to be financially viable. Staff and commissioners pressed for photos taken from across the street and farther down the block to establish how visible the panels would be to passersby and asked for engineering input about racking and truss locations that affect whether panels can be slid farther back on the roof.

Commissioners also discussed alternatives cited in the staff report, including freestanding rear‑yard arrays and moving some panels to other roof planes. Commissioners suggested the applicant’s engineer review constraints and supply a revised roof plan, annotated photos from street level and, if possible, options that would retain production while minimizing visibility.

After discussion, a motion to continue the case passed so staff and the applicant can assemble the requested documentation. The commission explicitly asked the applicant to return with street‑level views, a revised roof plan and any engineering analysis showing whether the panels can be re‑racked or relocated. No final vote on the COA was taken.