Title
HPC10-41, Great Oaks, 786 Mimosa Blvd. Land Lot 385
Body
Item Summary:
Applicant requests Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of solar panels on Ajax Hall.
Staff Report:
Background
Great Oaks was constructed in 1842 for Nathaniel Pratt, minister of the Presbyterian Church located across the street. Great Oaks is an example of a Georgian house and is classified as “Historic” on the City’s Historic Properties Map.
The building known as Ajax Hall was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission in 2004 (HPC 04-61) and constructed in 2005.
Proposal
The application submitted is for the installation of solar panels on the south facing roof slope of Ajax Hall.
Zoning
The property is zoned H-R/H-R (Residential Historic District / Historic Roswell).
North: H-R / H-R (Residential Historic District / Historic Roswell)
South: H-R / H-R (Residential Historic District / Historic Roswell)
East: H-R / H-R (Residential Historic District / Historic Roswell)
West: H-R/R-2 (Single Family Residential District/ Historic Roswell)
Design Guidelines
Roofs
New construction should respect roof pitches, shapes, orientation, and materials.
The roofs of new buildings should relate in shape, pitch, orientation, and materials to the roofs of adjacent and surrounding buildings. Roof shapes of houses in the Mill Village and along South Atlanta Street are generally gabled, hipped, or pyramidal. Roofs on additions should match that of the original building in shape, pitch, and materials. Roof decks, dormers, skylights, solar panels, and communications equipment should be carefully placed to be compatible and have the least negative impact on the exterior appearance of the site, structure, and surrounding buildings.
This guideline suggests that solar panels should be placed in an inconspicuous place but the location of solar panels on a structure is paramount to them functioning properly. If attempting a traditional installation, the panels must be located on the south facing slope.
The applicant’s contractor has determined the location proposed as the spot in which the panels will be most effective. The best location was determined to be on the south face of Ajax Hall towards Mimosa Boulevard end of the building
In his letter of intent, Mr. Hugh has indicated that the frames of the panels will be painted black and that they will be placed three feet from the northern edge of the roof to reduce their visibility from the street.
Staff Recommendation
The balance between energy conservation and historic preservation is important and while energy-efficiency should be encouraged, the distinctive character and integrity of the District must be protected.
Staff recommends approval of the application based on the following criteria:
1. Ajax Hall is not a historic structure.
2. The applicant intends to paint the exposed frame black and will inset the panels 3 feet from the edge of the roof to reduce visibility from Mimosa Boulevard.
3. The exposure of the house and existing tree canopy prohibits the installation of solar panels towards the rear of the property.
4. The installation of solar panels is reversible.
Presented by:
Cherith Marshall, Planner II