Raleigh Historic Development Commission - Certificate of Appropriateness Committee

Summary

This report details 9 Minor Works approved between January 7, 2026, and February 9, 2026. These approvals cover a range of property alterations, including:

• 315 Oakwood Avenue: Solar panel installation, patio and walkway reconfiguration, hot tub removal, and new plantings.
• 905 W Lenoir St: Skylight and ventilation fan installation.
• 618 Wills Forest St: Alteration to a rear porch roof structure.
• 308 Pell St: Alteration of a non-historic shed and new walkway installation.
• 112 N East St: Removal of a diseased tree and planting of a replacement.
• 208 E Lenoir St: Renewal of a previous Certificate of Appropriateness (COA-0051-2025).
• 401 E Edenton St: Deck and fence replacement, and front walkway alteration.
• 322 E Davie St: Installation of an Electric Vehicle (EV) charger.
• 1 Mimosa St: Installation of mechanical equipment at the Mordecai House Landmark property.

Citizen Impact

These approvals allow property owners to make various improvements, such as installing solar panels, EV chargers, or replacing decks, impacting neighborhood aesthetics and property functionality.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item, COA-0003-2026, concerns the property at 112 N. East St. in the Oakwood Historic District. The applicant, Naina Khera-McRackan, is requesting permission to remove a mature, healthy pecan tree from the front yard. The justification provided is that the tree frequently drops branches, causing damage to the porch roof of the historic Samuel Glass House. The application notes that an adjacent maple tree was previously approved for removal and will be replaced, and a crape myrtle was also approved for removal and replacement in 2024. However, no replacement tree is proposed for the healthy pecan tree that is the subject of this specific application.

Citizen Impact

This is a request to remove a tree from a historic property. Residents concerned about the preservation of historic streetscapes or mature trees may wish to review the details of the application and the staff's concerns regarding the lack of a replacement tree.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item concerns a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for the installation of a solar panel array at 315 Oakwood Avenue. The property is located within the Oakwood Historic District.

Project Details:

• The applicant, John O'Grady, proposes to install approximately 41 black-on-black solar panels on the existing standing-seam metal roof of the house.
• The panels will be installed in line with the roof's slope and will have black "critter guards" around the edges to blend in.
• Associated electrical conduit and junction boxes will be mounted on the west side of the house.

Background:

• A previous minor work COA for a different solar array configuration was approved on December 31, 2025.
• This new application is considered "major work" because the proposed array extends closer to the street than previously approved.
• The existing roof structure and covering are not historic due to a late 1970s fire and subsequent replacement.

Staff Concerns:

• Staff notes that the proposed solar array location may be considered prominently visible from the street, which is a congruity concern under current Design Guidelines, though these are being updated.

Citizen Impact

Residents in the Oakwood Historic District should be aware that solar panel installations on historic properties are subject to review for their visual impact. This specific application involves panels that may be visible from the street, though efforts are being made to minimize their appearance.

Confidence

high