830 Desire St.

Staff Recommendations: 

The applicant obtained a CofA to renovate the existing building, however, the specific scope of work to install a new low-profile continuous ridge vent was not indicated on the HDLC reviewed or approved drawings. Unfortunately, this installation was then completed at the building without approval and the existing roof ridge tiles were inappropriately installed on top of the new continuous ridge vent. 

The HDLC Design Guidelines specifically note that the installation of new ridge vents where roof ridge tiles currently exist requires full Commission review and approval. This is because the continuous ridge vent precludes the re-installation of the ridge tiles, meaning the tiles essentially need to be fully removed from the building to accommodate the ridge vent. However, the HDLC Guidelines also note that ridge tiles are important decorative and functional roof elements that help define the profile of the roof against the skyline, complement the buildings style, and should be retained. Additionally, the ridge tiles installed over the ridge vent do not reflect the historic installation of these elements and the modified condition is prominently visible from the public right of way as the tiles rise up in height at the start of the vent, and along the full length of the vent's outtake in the form of a horizontal reveal/shadow line.

Because the applicant did not indicate this work on the submitted drawings, and did not notify Staff during construction about this change, and because there are alternative roof ventilation options that can be utilized in lieu of a continuous ridge vent, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends the ridge vent be removed with the ridge tiles reinstalled to match the previous condition.