Board balks at solar array installed without design approval; asks homeowner to mitigate visual impacts

The board reviewed a complaint-style item for 209 Nelson Avenue where a rooftop solar array had been installed under a city building permit but without prior Design Review Board review. Ben Podiker, representing installer Plug PV, said the system followed building-permit requirements but acknowledged DRB approval had been skipped.

Board members cited the Design Review District guidelines calling for installations that "limit negative visual impacts to the building and from the public right of way." Several members objected to the panels' location and the exposed, unpainted conduit. Chair said he could not support the panels as installed given their visibility. The board considered a motion to approve as submitted; that motion failed. Members recommended the homeowner consider painting or rerouting conduit, tucking conduit into trim where possible, and resubmitting for conditional approval. The board did not adopt a specific remedial schedule at the meeting and instructed the applicant and owner to coordinate with staff about possible mitigation and resubmittal.