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Frostburg commissioners debate adding language to prohibit street-facing mini-split units on historic buildings
Summary
Commissioners discussed adding explicit verbiage to the commission—s work standards to address the growing use of mini-split HVAC units on historic exteriors, noting at least one recent installation that may violate current guidance; staff will draft updated language for a future meeting.
At the Aug. 11 meeting, members of the Frostburg Historic District Commission raised concerns about recent exterior mini-split HVAC installations and agreed to pursue clearer written guidance.
A commissioner observed that an owner recently installed mini-split units on a historic house without prior approval and said that such installations can violate the commission—s work code. The commissioner proposed adding the words "mini-splits" explicitly to the commission—s guidance so applicants know they must seek approval and that units on street-facing exteriors would likely be denied.
The chair and other commissioners agreed that mini-splits represent a newer, recurring issue the commission has not previously addressed comprehensively. One commissioner described an alternative approach used elsewhere: placing external compressor units on the ground away from public view so they do not alter the building—s historic street-facing appearance.
No formal motion or vote to change the code was taken at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to draft appropriate verbiage for the commission—s work standards and to bring the draft back at a future meeting for formal consideration.
The discussion took place during new business alongside a staff report listing several administrative approvals since June (new projection signs, in-kind roof replacement, facade repainting, and commercial signage installations). The commission indicated staff would follow up and prepare recommended language for review.
