District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control
Owner: Dexter B Ford
HDLC Staff: Dennis Murphy
Rating: Contributing
Applicant: Dexter B Ford
Permit #: 25-04391-HDLC
Description: Retention of installation of visually prominent wall-mounted HVAC mini-split equipment at the right side of a Contributing rated one-story, two-family residential building without a Certificate of Appropriateness or mechanical permit.
HDLC Guidelines:
10: 8-9 -- Guidelines for Site Elements
Retention Items:
Visually Prominent HVAC Mini-Split Equipment: Denial with recommendation unit be relocated farther back on the wall past the 2nd window opening, and that CofA will not be issued until a BZA variance is obtained
Staff Recommendations:
On June 13, 2024, an HDLC Building Inspector observed that a visually prominent HVAC mini-split unit and associated supply conduit had been installed at the right-side of the building without a mechanical permit or HDLC approval. Unfortunately, in addition to the unit being visually prominent from the street at this location, it also lacks the CZO required setback distance between the face of the unit and the property line (18" is required but only 10" is provided). Because of this, the applicant will also need to obtain a BZA variance, in addition to HDLC retention approval for the unit to remain at the right-side alley.
The HDLC Design Guidelines note that the design and location of modern mechanical equipment, while representing a necessity of modern life, can have a significant negative impact on the historic integrity of the building and area. While this unit was installed approximately 11'-9" back from the front building wall and the exterior supply runs are minimal and encased in a rigid conduit cover, it was installed without HDLC approval and is visually prominent from the street. Additionally, because the base of the unit is 7'-0" above grade, opaque wood fencing will have limited effectiveness in reducing visibility from the street. Based on these factors, Staff recommends denial of the request for retention and recommends the unit should be relocated farther back on the wall at least past the second window opening to further reduce its visibility and impact on the streetscape, with a proviso that the CofA will only be issued after a BZA variance is obtained.
Case History:
06/13/24: HDLC observes a visually prominent new HVAC mini-split unit installed at right side of building without a CofA or mechanical permit issued.
07/08/24: HDLC cites property for working without a Certificate of Appropriateness.
02/11/25: Application submitted for retention of HVAC mini-split unit as currently installed.
04/22/25: Zoning Department confirms unit as-installed does not meet CZO setback requirements and a BZA variance is required for the unit to remain at this location.