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Architectural Review Board backs solar canopy for Saint Paul’s parking strip with conditions
Summary
ARB recommended approval of a Lumos solar canopy in Saint Paul’s parking median, subject to darker canopy color, low plantings, LED lighting, scaled site renderings and assurances about tree removal and screening; Downtown Norfolk Council flagged view-shed concerns.
The Architectural Review Board recommended that the Planning Commission approve a solar canopy in the parking-median strip at Saint Paul’s Church with conditions aimed at reducing visual contrast with the historic church.
Elizabeth, presenting the ARB’s review, said the applicant proposes Lumos modular canopies in a butterfly-roof form and that the ARB voted unanimously to recommend approval with conditions including a dark canopy color (dark brown, black or dark green), low plantings tolerant of shade beneath the canopy and replacement plantings if the canopy is later removed. The ARB also requested scaled superimposed renderings to show the canopy’s on-site appearance; the applicant had provided only product examples and not a site-scale rendering.
The church told staff it expects the canopy to provide 100% of its energy needs. ARB members asked staff to ensure the canopy’s scale will not intrude on the church’s view sheds; Downtown Norfolk Council submitted a letter raising concerns about visual contrast with the historic fabric downtown. Staff said the canopy would replace a small number of non-heritage trees (seven were noted for removal) and would install LED lighting under the canopy to preserve nighttime safety.
Why it matters: The proposal links sustainability (on-site solar generation) to downtown design and historic-preservation concerns. ARB conditions aim to balance the church’s renewable-energy goals with visual sensitivity in the downtown historic area.
Next steps: Staff will request more site-scale renderings and incorporate ARB conditions into the development-certificate process; the item will be processed through the development-certificate and ARB follow-up steps as required for downtown accessory structures.
