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Commission approves asphalt shingles for 515–517 South Fourth despite preservation concerns
Summary
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission approved replacing a deteriorated metal roof with fortified asphalt shingles at 515–517 South Fourth Street after considering inspection findings and multiple cost estimates; one commissioner opposed the decision citing retention of original metal roofing.
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 11 voted to allow the replacement of a deteriorated metal roof at 515–517 South Fourth Street with fortified 30‑year architectural asphalt shingles, finding the proposed change congruous with the district under the city’s design standards.
Staff told the commission that an inspection by High Tide Home Inspections (June 17, 2025) had identified corrosion at surface fasteners that could cause leaks, and that the applicant had sought alternatives before requesting replacement. The applicant reported multiple cost estimates: a low‑end coating about $7,000, a silicone coating about $14,000, an asphalt roof about $20,000 and a standing‑seam metal roof roughly $50,000; staff said the coating options had limited warranties and were not economically practical for the property owner.
“I’m just here for any questions you might have,” said applicant TJ Christoffson, who confirmed the estimates and said coating warranties he received were limited in duration and coverage.
Commissioners debated the legal standard—whether to prioritize replacing like‑for‑like historic material or to accept a material that is visually congruous with other downtown roofs. One commissioner urged retaining metal standing‑seam roofs when possible; others said many contributing properties downtown already have asphalt shingles and that the commission’s job is to judge congruity against the district’s character. City staff reminded commissioners that they must weigh only the evidence in the record when deciding.
After deliberation, a motion to approve the change from metal to asphalt shingles carried. A roll call indicated one commissioner voted no and the remaining commissioners voted in favor.
Staff recommended and the commission attached conditions including proper disposal of removed roofing material and compliance with building code and permit requirements. The order will be entered into the record; appeals of commission decisions are taken to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment and may later proceed to Superior Court.
The commission moved on to the next agenda item following the vote.
