Kimberly Edwards 09-13-17
Kimberly Edwards 09-13-17
Kimberly Edwards 09-13-17
Executive Summary
The applicant is requesting approval of a composition shingle roof to replace the wood shingle roof.
This application has been referred to the Planning Commission for a decision based on the Planning
Commissions 2012 directive related to re-roofs that involve changing wood shingle to other
materials.
Recommendation
Deny the proposed composition shingle and approve a natural wood roof, or synthetic shake or
slate from the list of pre-approved alternatives.
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Staff Report
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On January 25, 2012, the Planning Commission determined that all requests for replacement of
wood shingles/shakes with composition shingles should be reviewed by the Commission. The
Commission wanted to ensure that the use of composition shingles would not negatively
impact community character. The City does not require Design Study review for proposals to
replace existing composition shingle roofs in-kind for residential structures.
Staff analysis
When making a decision on finish materials and roofing, City staff refers to the Residential Design
Guidelines and the Reroof Information Sheet.
Section 9.8 of the Citys Residential Design Guidelines states the following: Roof Materials
should be consistent with the architectural style of the building and with the context of the
neighborhood.
1. Wood shingles and shakes are preferred materials for most types of architecture typical
of Carmel (Arts and Crafts, English Revival and Tudor Revival).
2. Composition shingles that convey a color and texture similar to that of wood shingles may
be considered on some architectural styles characteristic of more recent eras.
Reroof Information Sheet: this sheet (see Attachment B) is distributed to the public and
reflects the March 2016 decision of the Planning Commission to allow some non-wood roofing
material. This sheet indicates that proposed metal roofs and proposals to replace wood with
composition shingles are subject to Planning Commission review. Synthetic materials are
allowed with staff level approval if the material is one of three on the approved synthetic list.
The existing wood shake-roof is deteriorated and in need of replacement. The applicant is
proposing to replace the wood shakes with composition shingles.
When making a decision on the use of composition-shingle roofing, the Planning Commission
should consider neighborhood context, the architectural style of the building, and the
characteristics of the proposed composition shingle. Staff notes that the Planning Commission
has on occasion approved the replacement of wood roofing material with composition shingles
in cases when the composition shingles are compatible with architectural style of the residence,
not highly visible from the street (for example, for flat or low-pitched roofs), and compatible
with other homes in the neighborhood.
The subject residence has an architectural style that can be defined as non-descript
contemporary. The roof has a low-pitch (perhaps 4:12), is hipped and covered with wood shingles
or shakes. The roof is not visible from Junipero Street but is partially visible from Vista Avenue.
Staff conveyed to the applicant that one of the pre-approved synthetic shakes or slates, would be
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DS 17-303 (Edwards)
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Staff Report
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appropriate. The applicant selected not to use these materials and opted instead for referral of the
application to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission should consider whether a
composition-shingle roof is appropriate for this residence.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission deny the proposal for composition shingle
roofing, as using a natural wood roof is the preferred option and is most consistent with
Residential Design Guideline 9.8. Staff notes that the Community Planning and Building
Department would be able to approve a re-roofing application to replace the existing roofing
with a wood roof, or one of the synthetic shake or slate alternatives. Alternatively, the Planning
Commission could approve the request for composition shingles.
Environmental Review: The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA requirements,
pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1) Additions to Existing Facilities.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Site Photographs
Attachment B Re-roof Information Sheet
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Attachment A Photograph
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Attachment B - Reroof Policy
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*Acceptable Synthetic Alternatives
The Planning Commission has determined that certain synthetic products can be
approved administratively. The following synthetic products (or similar products)
are recommended in earth-toned colors:
CeDUR shakes
DaVinci shake or slates
EcoStar shake or slates
Note: Projects are site specific and compliance with the above noted list does not
constitute guarantee of approval. The use of synthetic products in the Commercial
Zoning Districts may require Planning Commission approval. The City will consider
additional synthetic products upon request when installations of products are
available nearby.
Handout Accepted by P lanning Com m ission on: 3/ 9/ 16. The P lanning Com m ission w ill
review the list of accepted synthetic products on 3/ 8/ 17 to determ ine if the allow ance of
these products w ill be continued.
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