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Commission approves 48‑inch rooftop screening, with repairs and staff review required
Summary
The commission approved application 260047 for a 48‑inch wooden screen to conceal rooftop HVAC at 1011 Summit Street, requiring either red or gray finish, a staff‑approved sketch showing end pieces and supports, painted ductwork where possible, and owner responsibility to repair degraded boards.
The Architectural Review Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for rooftop screening at 1011 Summit Street (application 260047) on March 31, endorsing a 48‑inch tall screen and several conditions intended to protect the building’s appearance and durability.
At a public hearing, staff told the commission the roof material is fibrous rather than slate and summarized prior feedback asking for revised drawings, cross sections of the duct penetration, material samples and renderings showing a 42‑ to 48‑inch screen. Applicant representative Matt Todd said the drawings were updated to show a 48‑inch screen, that duct relocation is technically feasible but painting the ductwork is a practical mitigation because the HVAC unit itself cannot be painted, and reiterated that no demolition is proposed for the property. "These are not slate shingles. They are fibrous material of some variety," Todd said to explain why staff code citations for slate and demolition did not apply in his view.
Commissioners raised concerns about the screening material and detailing, noting that wood slats can warp or shift over time and asking for consistent detailing to prevent gaps. One commissioner asked for a replacement policy so deteriorating boards would be repaired promptly. The commission also requested a staff‑approved sketch showing end pieces, the rail/support interface with the roof slope, and how the screen ties into the building.
On a motion, the commission approved the screening at 48 inches, allowed either the red or gray color options presented, required that ductwork be painted where possible to better match the roof, and added a condition that the owner repair or replace wood slats if they fail. The commission also required a final sketch of end details and supports be approved by staff before construction proceeds. The motion carried by voice vote.
The decision resolves the outstanding code concerns staff raised for this application while placing implementation details under staff review and requiring the owner to maintain the screen’s condition.
