2125 N Rampart St.

Staff Recommendations: 

• Removal of Roof Ridge Tiles & Decorative Roof Finial:

The HDLC Guidelines note that roof ridge tiles and finials are decorative and functional elements that help define the profile of a roof against the skyline, accentuate changes in roof slopes, complement the building’s style, and are visually important roof features that should be retained. Because these roof items were removed without approval, and because equivalent new or salvaged replacement elements are readily available, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends that new ridge tiles and finial are installed to match the previous condition.

• Removal of Wood Shutters:

All of the previously existing wood vertical board/rail and stile shutters at the left side of the building appear to have been removed without approval sometime after January 2021. The HDLC Guidelines note that shutters are visually prominent and functional architectural features which should be repaired and maintained when damaged or deteriorated so that they can remain. Based on this, and due to the prominence of the window openings at the left side from the street, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends that new wood shutters are reinstalled at the previous locations. 

• Removal of Slate Chimney Caps:

The HDLC Guidelines note that chimneys were typically designed to complement the style of a building and period of construction, are often covered with inverted “V” shaped slate or terra cotta caps, and are important exterior building features. Based on the fact the slate caps are only missing from one of the two chimneys, it is likely this was deteriorated or damaged rather than intentionally removed. However, it is an important decorative and functional element and the chimney is prominently visible from the street. Based on this, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends that slate chimney caps be reinstalled to match the previous condition.

• Inappropriate Fence/Gates and Visually Prominent HVAC & Screening:

New fence/gates were installed at the left and right sides of the building without approval that are considered inappropriate because they are taller than the 7'-0" maximum height, a portion are located at the top of a stair, and because they do not match the standard HDLC fence details or the age/style of the existing building. For example, horizontal board fencing is typically required to utilize 2x12 wood boards with beveled edges to ensure longevity and to prevent visual transparency.

At the left side, because of the area's high-visibility from the street at the driveway, and because a portion of the fencing is clearly located on top of a stair, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends that a new standard wood fence be installed closer to the street, if desired, so it will not conflict with the existing stairs. 

At the right side, a similar but considerably taller fence/gate was installed in order to additionally serve as HVAC screening for three (3) new HVAC condenser units installed previously above the gate without HDLC or Safety and Permits approval. While the screening does mitigate the visual prominence of the HVAC units, the similar treatment of the fence and screen combined with the HVAC platform being slightly forward of the gate below is causing the overall condition to appear too atypical, even given the more limited visibility at this side. Additionally, the current installation does not appear to meet the CZO required setback distance from the property line and will likely require a BZA waiver to remain at this location or further back in the alley. 

Based on these factors, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends the inappropriate gate be replaced with a standard 7'-0" tall opaque wood gate, and a proviso that the HVAC equipment and screening can remain if they are relocated further back in the alley to visually separate them from the gate and to reduce their visibility from the street (contingent upon Safety and Permits or BZA waiver approval). Alternatively, the equipment and platform can be relocated somewhere in the rear yard that meets the setback requirements and is not visible from the public right of way.