213 Elmira Ave.

Staff Recommendations: 

213 Elmira Avenue is a traditional-stylized two-story infill residential building completed in 2020. Per the HDLC approved drawings, the building did not include shutters at the front façade or side elevations. In April 2023, an HDLC violation was placed on the property following an inspection that cited the building for the installation of inappropriate shutters without an HDLC Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA). The applicant is petitioning the Commission to allow for the retention of the installed shutters. 

The HDLC routinely approves the installation of shutters throughout full control districts. Although the process requires a CofA, it is relatively straightforward and can be accomplished at the Staff level. Unfortunately, at 213 Elmira, that process was not followed, and inappropriate shutters were installed without HDLC review and approval. hurricane-style shutters were installed at all six (6) of the front façade window openings. Per the HDLC Guidelines, “Hurricane shutters should not be permanently installed on windows. They should be stored and installed when needed for storms.” As seen in photographs below, the currently installed shutters are in violation of this guideline. The HDLC is not opposed to the installation of hurricane shutters if they are temporary for hurricane season. Staff recommends denial of the shutter installation, and that the shutters be removed and reinstalled only when necessary for storms. HDLC Staff is glad to work with the applicant to find a permanent solution. This solution might include the installation of wood or aluminum louvered shutters similar to other new construction buildings throughout the district.