3304-06 St Claude Ave

Description: Retention of visible roof-mounted HVAC equipment and associated conduit, installation of security roll-down door, and construction of rear canopy without an HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness at a contributing mixed-use building.

HDLC Guidelines: Section 10 page 9 - HDLC Guidelines for Site Elements and Section 11 page 22 - HDLC Guidelines for Commercial Buildings

Staff Recommendation:

In 2014, a structural renovation permit (14-18879) was reviewed and issued for the construction of a camelback addition at 3304-06 St. Claude Avenue. The renovation project brought the derelict building back into commerce as a business and residence. Per the City Assessor's records, the building was sold in August 2020. Following new ownership, alterations were made to the building. In September 2021, an HDLC violation case (#21-07256) was opened for work completed without an HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA). The case currently includes four (4) violations for the installation of visible roof-mounted HVAC equipment, the installation of visible associated conduit, the construction of a rear full-width canopy, and the installation of solid roll down security door at the front elevation. The applicant has petitioned the Commission for retention of the items listed as they contribute to the daily operations of the business.

Several of the outstanding violations are limited to the rear area of the building and are only visible from Piety Street. From Piety Street the roof line and roof of the large wooden canopy that extends from the rear of the camelback addition is visible. Two (2) HVAC condenser units are located on the roof of the canopy. Exposed mechanical conduit is visible in this area. As the canopy was installed without proper permitting, it is currently awaiting Department of Zoning approval. The as constructed depth is inconsistent with what the HDLC would typically approve for a rear canopy. Staff recommends reducing the overall depth by removing the extension of the canopy beyond the middle posts and retaining the canopy from that point returning to the building provided that it is approved by Zoning. The HDLC recommends locating HVAC and other mechanical equipment at rear locations to reduce visibility. In this case, the spacing of surrounding buildings creates a highly visible condition of the HVAC condenser units from Piety Street. The units are not visible from St. Claude Avenue. The height of the canopy is consistent with the height of a shed roof or one-story rear porch. However, the exposed mechanical conduit brings attention to the units that would otherwise be relatively unobtrusive. Provided that the exposed conduit is covered with rigid conduit liner and painted to match the color of the exterior walls, Staff has no objection to the retention of the HVAC equipment in this location.

The remaining violation is located at the St. Claude Avenue facing elevation. A solid roll down security door was installed at a front elevation window to provide protection from a series of break-ins. The HDLC guidelines for commercial buildings explicitly prohibit the installation of exterior grille housings for roll-down security doors. Staff recommends denial of retention for this item. Interior installation would be an acceptable solution. In addition, the HDLC could work with the applicant to find other window security options such as exterior bars, grilles, or shutters.

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Previous Condition Photos:

Letter of Support:

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