929-931 Mandeville St.

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.