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Commission OKs snap-on HVAC covers for 111 Onidita Road after debate over screening vs. roof risks
Summary
The Pontiac Historic District Commission approved snap-on metal covers for roof HVAC units at 111 Onidita Road, allowing the applicant latitude to match box color to the building after commissioners weighed continuous screening’s visual benefits against structural, warranty and cost risks.
The Pontiac Historic District Commission voted to approve snap-on aluminum covers for rooftop heating and cooling units at 111 Onidita Road (case HDC25-032), after more than an hour of discussion about visual impact, structural risk and alternatives.
Staff presented two screening options: individual metal louvered boxes that fit each unit and a continuous, prefabricated metal mesh screen wall. Staff recommended the individual boxes on the grounds that they conceal the units more completely; several commissioners and an applicant supported the continuous screen as more visually uniform and better aligned with National Park Service guidance.
Commissioner Bales pressed aesthetics, saying the continuous screen “creates a sort of consistency” and that the boxes read as an “afterthought.” Paul, a city staff planner, and the building owner emphasized technical constraints: a 150-foot-long screen could impose wind loads that would require structural reinforcement and might void a recently installed roof warranty, and moving or re‑siting existing units would require penetrating the roof and additional approvals.
The commission ultimately moved to approve the snap-on box covers with a condition allowing the applicant discretion to select a finish compatible with the building’s tones (the motion authorized the applicant to paint or select an earthy/terracotta-compatible color rather than a near‑black finish). The motion was seconded and carried (multiple 'I' votes recorded; one 'nay' was recorded). The commission discussed, but did not require, additional structural engineering beyond what the manufacturer’s snap-fit attachment requires.
The commission also asked staff to improve coordination with the building department going forward to avoid similar late-stage permit issues. A commissioner said the city will “put a stop” to approvals that bypass historic-district review in the future and staff said the building department manager had been notified about the process breakdown.
Next steps: the applicant may obtain the snap‑on covers and select a color consistent with the commission’s guidance; staff will monitor compliance and provide future procedural improvements between departments.
