3069 Royal St.

Staff Recommendations: 

3069 Royal Street is a non-contributing, single-family residential building that replaced an existing corner store in ca. 1960.  In 2021, a violation was placed on the property for working without an HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA). The 2021 violation case included five (5) items. In March 2023, a $500.00 adjudication fine was levied against the property for failing to fully bring the building into compliance. Although several items have since been abated, there are two (2) items that the applicant is seeking to retain. 

Mechanical conduit associated with HVAC equipment is located at the front façade facing Royal Street as well as the Clouet (right) Street elevation. Per the HDLC guidelines mechanical equipment and minimized conduit, "should be installed in a visually unobtrusive, and rationally organized manner." Although fast-growing bamboo has been planted throughout the property for screening, the conduit is installed at locations that are visually prominent from the public right of way. Staff cannot recommend approval of the mechanical conduit, but leaves the decision at the discretion of the Commission. 

In 2023, an additional HDLC violation was opened for the installation of an accessory structure at the rear of the property without an HDLC CofA. The "Tiki Hut" cabana structure was constructed without HDLC review or approval. Prior to the meeting, HDLC Staff received confirmation that the structure conforms to the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO). Per the HDLC guidelines, accessory structures and secondary buildings, "should be subordinate to and visually compatible with the primary building without compromising its historic character." In addition, the HDLC discourages the installation of pre-manufactured or metal sheds, carports, and outbuildings. Although located in the rear yard of a non-contributing building, the "Tiki Hut" structure is not in keeping with the guidelines listed above, nor is it stylistically compatible with the surrounding district. Staff recommends denial of retention of the accessory structure.