3240 Laurel St

Staff Recommendations:

The residential building previously had three masonry chimneys, two of which were visible from the public right-of-way, located near the front wall of the house. A Stop Work order was posted on the building on May 4, 2022 for work without permits at the rear of the building. The chimneys had already been removed, but were not caught by the Plans Examiner at the time. The applicant applied for permits that included a façade renovation and rear addition. The final drawings submitted included "existing chimneys to remain". The CofA for the renovation and addition was issued on August 23, 2022. On November 21, 2022 a subsequent Stop Work order was posted on the building for the removal of the chimneys, as the removal was quite clear once the building was opened. As the chimneys were removed without HDLC approval or permits, but cannot be reconstructed, Staff recommends that the retention application be granted. Staff also recommends that the applicant work closely with staff moving forward.