Plan commission approves waiver to remove chimney and install Moore Black shingles at 5904 Current Lane

The Village of Greendale Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit to remove an original brick chimney to below the roofline, install a steel B-vent, and replace the roof with Moore Black asphalt shingles at 5904 Current Lane.

A staff member reviewed the application and the applicable Greendale design guidelines, noting that while asphalt shingles are permitted on Greendale originals, the design guidelines limit color choices to gray or reddish brown and provide treatment options for chimneys. The staff member said the guidelines do not explicitly allow replacing an original chimney with a steel B-vent but reiterated that design guidelines are intended as benchmarks rather than absolute rules.

A commissioner and another member raised preservation concerns, and one speaker said many residents have removed chimneys over the years. A member of the public who said they are a former appraiser argued against requiring homeowners to reconstruct chimneys, calling the design guidelines "suggestions" and saying the expense of replacing a chimney could be $10,000 to $15,000 without increasing property value. "When people own their houses... they should be able to renovate them the way they wish," that speaker said.

The commission considered the commentary, noted an additional written letter had been received and placed before the commission, and then took a motion to approve the waiver and roofing material. The motion carried on roll call and the chair declared "the ayes have it."

The commission did not require reconstruction of the chimney as part of the approval; staff noted they will ensure permit documentation reflects the commission’s decision and any applicable materials guidance.