Historic Preservation Commission creates 3‑D imaging subcommittee to set demolition documentation rules

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to establish a three‑member subcommittee to develop procedures and technical specifications for when the city will require three‑dimensional exterior imaging of properties slated for demolition.

Commission Chair Jordan Morales moved the measure to create a “3‑D imaging” subcommittee with Commissioner Matt DeRose as chair and Anne Peeper and Nicholas Robinson as members; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The new committee responds to a recent change in the ordinance, a staff member said, that directs a group to set guidance for when three‑dimensional imaging will be required for demolitions. Commissioner Matt DeRose, who volunteered to chair the subcommittee, described the purpose as narrowing the set of demolitions that will need laser scanning. “There’s about approximately 250 demolition permits a year,” DeRose said, adding that “of those there might be 5, 6, 8, 10 worthy of needing laser scanning.”

DeRose and staff discussed the likely scope: exterior scans only, not interiors, and a focus on locally designated properties and historic districts rather than properties on the national register. Staff estimated simple exterior scans could be “as low as $750” for a small building and climb to several thousand dollars for large, highly detailed façades.

Commissioners agreed the subcommittee should craft clear size/quality exemptions (for example, whether small garages should be excluded) and keep the group to three members so the subcommittee does not itself form a quorum.

The subcommittee will meet and report back with recommended technical parameters and a proposed rule set for commission review.