HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 50 Commercial Standards: Roofs General understandings and approach Roof form, material and details are important features that contribute to the character of a building and should be preserved . Roofs should not extend above the parapet or be converted to gable roofs where none previously existed . Proposals for pop ups or additions to the top of a building to add floors can be found under New Construction/Addition sections here . What is your project? Replace the roof covering, gutters and/or downspouts, flashing, soffit • Roof covering replacement has a wide latitude with regard to materials so long as the new covering is not visible from the street and does not change the character of the building by adding a gable or higher sloped deck that extends above the parapet . • New gutters and downspouts should be installed along the rear or side of the building and not be located on the front or primary façade . • Gutters and downspouts should be commercial in size and large enough to handle the anticipated water drainage . • Modern materials such as aluminum are allowable in colors with neutral colors recommended . • Caps should be installed along perimeter edges to seal edges as per industry standard . Limestone, concrete or other decorative roof capping should be removed prior to starting the re-roofing project and reinstalled at the completion of the project once new flashing is completed . Install a green roof • Installation of a green roof should only be undertaken if its installation does not require remov-al of historic roof materials and without modification of the roof’s look and design. • A green roof on a flat-roofed building should set back from the parapet. The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • Installing a modern metal cap over the top of limestone or concrete roof caps . • Using residential grade and size gutters and downspouts on a commercial building . • Constructing a gabled or other sloped roof structure that projects above the parapet . • Removing a parapet as part of a roofing project. • Mounting large scale items that project above the parapet . • Installing HVAC equipment that projects above the parapet without approved screening . See also section on utilities here . Return to the Table of Contents Roofs Administratively Approvable Installation of a new roof covering, gutters and downspouts and projects in compliance with guidelines. Administratively Approvable Proposals for green roofs on rear additions and set back at least five feet from the parapet and edge. Heads Up It is likely that other permits or variances are required from the City for projects in this section . For more information go here .DRAFT