531-533 Belleville St.

Staff Recommendations: 

HDLC staff does not approve roof vents on street front facing roof slopes on Creole cottages. The Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA) and pre-approved HDLC Roof Brands and Colors document issued on April 24, 2025, were noted as such.

On June 24, 2025, a final inspection was conducted, and the roof edge vent was found in deviation of the Certificate of Appropriateness. HDLC Staff typically only approves edge vents near the rear of properties, on slopes that do not face the street, and are minimally visible, as they are atypical to historic buildings. The applicant is requesting retention of the roof edge vent because of severe moisture issues stemming from inadequate intake ventilation on the front roof slope. However, Staff recommends removing the edge vent and installing soffit vents at the front porch overhang, which is a more typical condition of Creole cottages. 

• Recommendation: Denial