UTILITIES AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES:
Heating and Cooling Units, Solar Energy Collectors, Satellite Dishes, Fire Escapes and Handicapped Ramps

Heating and cooling units are an integral part of modern residences and their usage shall not be restricted. However, large condensors at the ground level or at roof tops, window air conditioning units, and exterior conduits and ducts should be placed in such a fashion as to not be visible from the main facade(s).

Condensors should never be placed on the main facade. Rear facades are recommended and if placement on a side facade is required the unit should be screened from the street by lattice panels or bushes. Window air conditioning units should be placed on side or rear facades and avoid windows on the main facade. All exterior conduits and ductwork should be placed on side or rear facades and not be readily visible. Roof condensors should be recessed from the main facade and not be readily visible.

A popular energy conservation method is the use of solar energy collectors. Solar energy collectors can aid in reducing bills associated with hot water heaters and air heating units. These solar collectors require large dark metal panels to trap the sun's rays. These are often placed on a building's roof or on a free standing platform in the yard adjacent to the house. Solar collectors should not be discouraged but it is important that they be placed at the rear roof line, rear yard, or otherwise away from the main facade. These units are obviously non-historic and can detract from a building's appearance. Energy collectors or other modern energy systems should be placed on a side or rear facade not readily visible from the street.

Another accessory structure found in the area are satellite dishes for television reception. The use of satellite dishes is acceptable as long as they are not located on major facades or where they would be readily visible to the public. Rear facades are preferred locations for installation of these devices.

Fire escapes are also accessory structures which have been added to many East Row homes. In a number of cases these metal fire escapes have been added to the main facades of residences which greatly detracts from their appearance. Future installation of fire escapes should occur on rear facades or a section of a side facade that is not readily visible. Fire escapes on readily visible facades shall not be permitted.

Handicapped ramps are usually graded to a low angle and are constructed to connect with porches or entrances. Ramps can often be incorporated behind historic features, such as railings, to minimize the visual effect. The designs should be kept simple and should not detract form the integrity of the house. The ramp can be faced with a variety of materials, including wood, brick and stone. Often the type and quality of the materials determines how compatible a ramp design will be with a historic property. A secondary or rear entrance is the preferred location for a handicapped ramp.

UTILITIES AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES GUIDELINES

• All heating and cooling mechanical units shall be placed away from the major facade(s). This includes window air conditioning units, ground and roof condensors and exterior conduits and ductwork. Condensors on the sides of the house shall be screened.
• Solar energy collectors and satellite dishes are appropriate if the units are placed on a rear or side facade and are not readily visible from the street.
• Fire escapes shall only be added on rear facades, unless otherwise required by fire codes.
• Handicapped ramps are allowable under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the design shall be considered on a case by case basis.
  

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