Standards and Guidelines 2023-0607

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 21 Residential Standards: Roof, Gutters/Downspouts. Soffits Install a skylight, satellite dish, antenna, or other roof mounted item . • Install new roof-top mechanical or service equipment (including satellite dishes and antennas) in such a way that historic materials are not damaged . • Skylights, including solar tube type lights, shall be installed on rear or roof planes not visible from the primary public street . Repair or wrap an eave or soffit with new materials • Original eaves, soffit, brackets, moldings, and gables should remain visible and not covered or enclosed when repairing or replacing the roof . • Eaves or soffits that are deteriorated less than 50% should be repaired with the same material, detailing and finish as the original. • Eaves or soffits requiring more than 50% replacement as part of a repair can be considered for wrapping and use alternate materials as a last resort if approved by the Commission . Install a green roof • Installation of a green roof should only be undertaken if its installation does not require removal of historic roof materials such as slate, tile or metal and be done if modification of the roof’s look and design is not required. Read more about Green Roofs here . The following is not recommended and generally not approved by the Commission: • Removing original architectural features . • Adding out of scale new elements with no historic evidence . • Removing a slate, tile, or asbestos roof without exhausting repair alternatives . • Use of vinyl or other plastic roof coverings . • Installing or attaching anything other than the roofing materials and associated elements to a surface of a roof visible from a primary public street . • Metal exposed fastener roofing systems. • Removal of parapet or other ornamental roof projections, dormers, or cupolas . • Overhanging eaves, soffits, brackets, and gables should not be covered or enclosed when adding metal or vinyl siding to a building . • Holes shall not be cut through roofs in areas that can be seen from the street to accommodate air conditioners or other mechanical equipment . Return to the Table of Contents Administratively Approvable Roof mounted equipment and skylights in compliance with Standards Administratively Approvable Repair of building parts with the same materials and design as existing.