The Ideal Preservation Approach
A roof is an important feature of a historic structure. To preserve the historic appearance and value of a structure, the historic design and materials of the roof should be maintained as much as is possible. The ideal approach would involve the following:
· Replacing composition shingles with shingles of similar materials and appearance
· Replacing wood shingles with shingles of the similar materials and appearance that have been treated to improve their fire retardant quality
· Removing original clay tiles and reusing them after repairs have been made to the underlying structure—if individual replacement tiles are needed, they should match the existing tile as closely as is possible
· Maintaining the architectural integrity of the roof where additions and expansions are undertaken
· Maintaining historic roof drainage elements, e.g., gutters, downspouts, and canales
· Maintaining existing chimneys in good repair
· Avoiding the installation of equipment on the portions of the roof visible from the street—such equipment might include air conditioners or solar energy devices
The more nearly a project conforms to the idea, the more likely it will be approved.
Roof Projects NOT Requiring a COA
· Existing gutters or downspouts are to be replaced
· Eaves or gutters are to be repainted
· Existing chimneys are to be remortared
Roof Projects as a Minor Alteration Requiring a COA from City Staff
If a property owner proposes any of the following projects, the city Planning and Development Services Manager will evaluate the COA application for consistency with the ideal preservation approach:
· Original roofing materials are to be replaced with products of like materials and design
· Cedar shingles are to be replaced with composition shingles on houses of styles for which such a practice has been prevalent in the area
· Unusual composition shingles of a type no longer available are to be replaced with an appropriate substitute
· Original wood shingles that have been previously covered with composition shingles are to be replaced with similar composition shingles.
· Aluminum edging, which today is routinely installed with new roofs, is to be of a size and color that renders it relatively unnoticeable
· Unobtrusive chimney support structures are to be added
· Damaged chimney elements are to be replaced with elements of like materials and design
· Unhistorical elements or materials are to be replaced with historical elements or materials
Roof Projects as Major Alterations Requiring a COA from the Commission
If a property owner proposes any of the following projects, the Historic Preservation Commission must evaluate the COA application for consistency with the ideal preservation approach:
· New roofing products designed to resemble original materials are to be installed
· A roof important in defining the overall historic character of a structure is to be changed significantly
· A major portion of a roof or roofing material that is repairable is to be removed
· A metal roof is to be installed, unless the original was metal
· Deteriorating roof support structures are to be altered rather than replaced with similar structures
· Any roo-mounted equipment is to be installed
· Existing chimney elements are to be replaced with elements differing in materials or design
· Obtrusive chimney support structures are to be added
· An existing chimney is to be removed
· An chimney is to be added to an existing structure
· Any project that is referred to the commission by the Planning and Development Services Manger because of the particular design issues involved
For more information on historic preservation in Pomona, contact the City Planning Division at 505 South Garey Avenue, or call 909 620-2191.