ROOFS, DORMERS AND ROOF FEATURES

Guideline: Preserve and respect the original roof shape and characteristics of historic buildings.

Description: Utilize the existing roof shapes and qualities of the historic buildings as a guide for alterations and new work. Roof forms vary in shape and pitch. Most are of moderate pitch, although there are examples of steeply pitched and shallow roofs. The majority of roofs are gabled or hipped, although there are also examples of gambrel roofs and clipped gable (or jerkinhead) roofs.

 

Track 2 Design Guidelines

Track 1 Development Standards

Recommended ∙    The repair and alteration of roofs should match the original shape and pitch. Generally, the same roof pitch should be used for additions. ∙    The same roof type and material should be used for additions. ∙    The roof form of new buildings should be compatible with that of neighborhood buildings. ∙    Distinctive decorative features, such as dormers, character defining chimneys, and exposed rafter tails, should be retained. New dormers generally should have the same character as the existing roof (for example a gabled dormer on a gabled roof) and should be designed in proportion to the roof area and other windows in the house. ∙    Dormers that did not exist historically should be kept to the rear of the house and out of view from the public right-of-way whenever possible. ∙    Do not install roof features that never existed or that create a false historical appearance. This may include cupolas, cresting, or ornate and corbelled chimneys. Skylights, roof vents, new chimneys and flues, mechanical systems and roof decks should be as inconspicuous as possible from the public right-of-way. ∙    Restoration of missing historic features with proper documentation is encouraged. ∙    When feasible, roof materials should be repaired or replaced in kind. Match the original patterns, textures and materials when possible. When repair or replacement of an original material is not possible, the use of composition shingles is acceptable. ∙    Inappropriate roofing materials include metal, tile, concrete, and vinyl. These materials should be avoided unless there is clear evidence that they were used when the building was constructed.

Related Code Standards Roofs ∙    Roof forms for the main structure, additions and wings where visible are to be gabled or hipped. Shed roofs are not allowed for the main building portion. Parapets and non-visible roofs are not allowed for the main roof unless represented by historic buildings on the block. ∙    Roof shape shall be consistent with other historic buildings on the block in style, configuration and pitch. ∙    Roofs shall have a minimum of 12” overhang or the average of historic buildings on the block face. ∙    Gable roofs shall have matching roof slopes. ∙    Porches or bays may have lower sloped roofs than that of the main roof. These roofs may be gabled, hipped, shed or more complex. ∙    Shallow stepped gable roofs: a maximum of 2 are allowed. ∙    The roof shape and slope of the main portion on historic buildings as visible shall not be changed. ∙    Roofing types Not Allowed where visible: Sheet metal, clay, concrete or metal tile, single ply types. ∙    Gutters and Downspouts:        Types allowed: painted sheet metal, copper.        Types not allowed: vinyl, plastic except as a downspout receiver hub visible for a maximum of 12” above grade.

 

Example of a New Building with Complying Roof and Window Shapes, Trim, Siding Note: The Project Would Not Meet the Street Orientation Guidelines or Standards		Example of a Non-Complying Roof Shape, General Lack of Trim and Type of Siding
Example Illustrating Simplified, Yet Interesting Secondary Side and Rear Elevations		Example of a Historically Inappropriately-Shaped Building, Roof and Windows
Example Illustrating Appropriate Dormers and Main Roof on a New Home		Example of Non-Complying Shed Roof Shapes, and Sheet Metal Roofing Materials

 

 

		Dormers and Roof Features ∙    Dormers on all buildings are to match the existing building style, shape and relative proportion. Dormers shall intersect the main roof below the main ridge. ∙    New dormers are not allowed on a front sloping roof of historic buildings. ∙    A maximum of 2 dormers are allowed on the front of new buildings. ∙    The total area for all dormers on a particular slope is limited to 33% for gable roofed dormers and 50% for shed roofed dormers. ∙    New decorative roof feature additions such as cupolas, towers, crestings, railings are not allowed. ∙    Chimneys on historic buildings: Retain and repair above the roofline. ∙    Skylights are not allowed on the front sloping roof. ∙    Solar panels, satellite dishes, mechanical equipment, are not allowed on the roof or walls of the front building portion. This includes the front and sides extending back 10 feet.
Examples of Complying Historic Dormers		Examples of Excessive and Out-of-Scale Dormers