Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waukesha Landmarks Commission approves repairs and rear-facing solar panels on historic properties
Summary
The commission approved certificates of appropriateness for repairs at 325 E. Newhall and for roof replacements and rear-facing solar panel installations at 211 and 215 W. Laughlin Avenue, with the condition that solar permits and SHPO or county approvals be secured.
The Waukesha Landmarks Commission on Aug. 6 approved multiple certificates of appropriateness for repairs and for rooftop solar installations that are sited to minimize street visibility.
At 325 East Newhall Avenue, the commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to repair a damaged corner soffit and to replace a non-original plexiglass storm window with a new wood storm window designed to match the house’s original appearance. Staff identified the property as the Lloyd Bauer House (built 1928) in the Capels Park Historic District; homeowners Nick and Alexandria Gorgesani attended and said the water intrusion that caused the damage has been fixed. Commissioner Andrea Derontes said the Wisconsin Historical Society had not approved the previously chosen shingles for a related project and offered to follow up with staff.
Commissioners also approved a COA for 211 West Laughlin Avenue to replace the roof and install a rear-facing solar array on the second-story rear slope that staff said would not be visible from the street. Homeowner Michael Carpenter said he selected pewter shingles and cited a 14-year payback for the system as part of his decision to add solar. The motion included the condition that the applicant obtain all required permits for the solar installation.
A separate COA for the garage at 215 West Laughlin Avenue (accessory structure) to replace the roof and add solar panels likewise was approved; commissioners discussed shadow lines, whether state tax-credit rules could affect future house work and recommended the applicant seek preservation tax-credit approvals before larger roof work.
Throughout the discussion commissioners reiterated that the recommendation from state guidance is to place panels on rear-facing roof slopes to preserve street-facing historic character; staff and commissioners urged applicants to coordinate permits, SHPO and any tax-credit applications before proceeding with visible alterations.
All COAs were approved by voice or roll-call affirmation during the meeting.
