• FILE NO. 251101
ORDINANCE NO. 15-26
[Planning Code - Landmark District Designation - Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District]
Ordinance amending the Planning Code to add a new Appendix Q to Article 10,
Preservation of Historical, Architectural, and Aesthetic Landmarks, to create the Alert
Alley Early Residential Historic District; affirming the Planning Department's
determination under the California Environmental Quality Act; and making public
necessity, convenience, and welfare findings under Planning Code, Section 302, and
findings of consistency with the General Plan, and the eight priority policies of
Planning Code, Section 101.1.
NOTE:
Unchanged Code text and uncodified text are in plain Arial font.
Additions to Codes are in single-underline italics Times New Roman font .
Deletions to Codes are in strikethrough ilalics Times ,¥ew Ro,,nan J<-mt.
Board amendment additions are in double-underlined Arial font.
Board amendment deletions are in strikethrough Arial f.ont.
Asterisks(* * * *) indicate the omission of unchanged Code
subsections or parts of tables.
Be it ordained by the People of the City and County of San Francisco:
Section 1. CEQA and Land Use Findings.
(a) The Planning Department has determined that the actions contemplated in this
ordinance comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources
Code Sections 21000 et seq.). Said determination is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors in File No. 251101 and is incorporated herein by reference. The Board of
Supervisors affirms this determination.
(b) Pursuant to Charter Section 4.135, the Historic Preservation Commission has
authority "to recommend approval, disapproval, or modification of landmark designations and
historic district designations under the Planning Code to the Board of Supervisors."
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(c) On October 15, 2025, the Historic Preservation Commission, in Resolution
No. 1496, adopted findings that the actions contemplated in this ordinance are consistent, on
balance, with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code Section 101.1 (b) and
recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed amendments. A copy of said
Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors in File No. 251101, and is
incorporated herein by reference. The Board adopts these findings as its own.
(d) On October 23, 2025, the Planning Commission, in Resolution No. 21857, found
that the proposed Planning Code amendments contemplated in this ordinance are consistent,
on balance, with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code Section 101.1 (b), particularly
the provision of housing to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation. In addition, the
Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt the proposed
Planning Code amendments. A copy of said Resolution is on file with the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors in File No. 21101 and is incorporated herein by reference.
(e) The Board finds that the proposed Planning Code amendments contained in this
ordinance are on balance consistent with the City's General Plan and with Planning Code
Section 101.1 (b) for the reasons set forth in both Historic Preservation Commission
Resolution No. 1496 and Planning Commission Resolution No. 21857, which reasons are
incorporated herein by reference.
(f) Pursuant to Planning Code Section 302, the Board of Supervisors finds that the
proposed ordinance designating the Alert Alley Early Residential Historic District will serve the
public necessity, convenience, and welfare for the reasons set forth in Historic Preservation
Commission Resolution No. 1496 and Planning Commission Resolution No. 21857, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
(g) The Board of Supervisors hereby finds that the Alert Alley Early Residential Historic
District has a special character and special historical, architectural, and aesthetic interest and
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value, and that designation as a Landmark District will further the purposes of and conform to
the standards set forth in Article 10 of the Planning Code.
Section 2. The Planning Code is hereby amended by amending Article 10 to add
Appendix Q, to read as follows:
APPENDIX Q TO ARTICLE l_O
ALERT ALLEY EARLY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
Sec. 1. Findings and Purposes
Sec. 2. Designation
Sec. 3. Location and Boundaries
Sec. 4. Relation to Planning Code and the Provisions o[the Charter of the City and County of
San Francisco
Sec. 5. Sta1emen1 of Significance
Sec. 6. Character-Defining Features
Sec. 7. Defj_nition
Sec. 8. Standards o(Review o(Applications
Sec. 9. Additional Standards of Review for Additions and New Construction
Sec. 10. Significance of Individual Buildings lo the Historic District
Sec. 11. Paint Color
SEC. 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
The Board of Supervisors hereby find£ (hat the area known and dese1·ihecUn~this ordinance as
the Aler/ Allev Early Residential District contains 21 buildings that have a special character and
special historical. architectural and aesthetic interesl and value. and constitutes a distinct section of
the City. The Board of Supervisors further finds that designation of said area as a Historic District will
be in furtherance of and in conformance with the purposes of Article 10 oft he Planning Code and the
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standards set forth therein. and that preservation on an area basis rather than on the bc1sis of
individual structures alone is in order.
This ordinance is inte11ded to /i1rther the general purpose ofhistoric preservation legislation a
set forth in Section 1001 o(the Planning Code. to promote the health safety and general welfare ofthe
QUblic.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION.
Pursuant to Section 1004 ofthe Planning Code. the Alert Alfev Early Residential District is
hereby designated as an Article IO Historic District. this designation having been duly approved by
Resolution No. 1496 ofthe Historic Preservation Commission and Resolution No. 21857 o[the
Planning Commission. which Resolutions are on file with the Clerk o[Lhe Board o{Supervisors under
File No. 251 IOI and ·which Resolutions are incorporated herein and made part hereof as though fullv
se!...fgrth.
SEC. 3. LOCATION AND BOUNDARIES.
The location and boundaries of the Alert Alley Earlv Residential District include properties on
the south side of I 5th Street between Landers Street and Dolores Street and properties Qn the east side
o{Landers Street between 15th Street and Alert Alley: properties on the north side o(lQth Slreel
between Dolores Str~e) and Landers Street and a grouping ofproperties on the west side o(Landers
Street between Alert Alley_ and 16th S_t[eet. The District includes lof_S_ contained within Assessor's
Block 3557 and shall be as designated on the Alert Allev Earlv Residential District Map. the original of
which is on file with the Clerk o[lhe Board o(Supervisors under File No. 251101. which J\llap is hereby
incorporated herein as though fullv set forth.
Supervisor Mandelman
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The boundaries of Alert Alley Early Residential District are outlined.
SEC. 4. RELATION TO PLANNING CODE AND THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER
OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO.
(a) Article 10 o(the Planning Code is the basic Law governing historic preservation in the Citv
and County of San Francisco. This ordinance. being a specific application of Article 10, is both subiect
to and in addition to the provisions thereof
(b) Except as mav be specificallv provided lo the contrary in this ordinance. nothing in this
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ordinance shall supersede. impair or modify any Planning Code provisions applicable lo property in
the Alert Allev £arty Residential Dislricl. including but not limited to existing and future regulations
controlling uses, height, bulk, lot coverage. floor area ratio. required open space, off-street parking
and signs.
SEC. 5. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.
Identified through the lvfission Dolores Neighborhood Context Statement & Survey. the Alert
Allev Early Residential District is a one-block long stretch ofproperties. centered on Alert Alley and
Landers Street. significant as a representative collection o(Italianate, Classical Reyival. and Queen
Anne residential buildings associated with the themes of "Early Neighborhood Development (1864-
1906)" and "1906 Earthquake and Reconstruction (1906-1915)." The period ofsignificance is 1890 to
1910. The District is comprised of 21 properties, eighteen of which include contributing resources,
located in the Mission Dolores neighborhood. There are three non-contributing properties.
The Alert Allev Early Residential District is significant as a representative collection of
residential buildings that physicallv illustrate the neighborhood's pre- and post-} 906 Earthquake and
Fires development transition. Because it was spared from the 1906 fires that decimated manv other
nearby neighborhoods. the district provides a unique combination of early. small scale single-family
homes along with post-1906 reconstruction era larger scale multi-family fiats and apartments. The
Alert Alley Early Residential District is a collection o{buildings that represents the earlv small-scale
residential and agricultural development pallerns o[the Mission Dolores neighborhood as well as
larger residential fiats and apartments indicative o(the post-1906 reconstruction period The dislrict is
also notable as it contains several buildings, including 260-264 and 266-268 Dolores Street. associated
with the Dolores Street Fire Lin~. which served as a firebreak preserving properties west o(Dolores
from destruction in the devastating post-earthquake fires.
The Alert Alley Early Residential District also is architectw·ally significant as a dislinctive
grouping of Victorian-era residential dwellings in Italianate. Slick-Eas1lake. and Oueen Anne styles.
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Along the narrow allevs. the pioneer origins ofthe buildings are indicated via setbacks. small building
footprints. and low-slung massing. which stand out amongst the manv larger row houses and fiats that
comprise much ofthe rest o{the urbanized neighborhood. In the post-earthquake period. the Mission
Dolores neighborhood transitioned from a semi-suburban. single-family dwelling area at the periphery
of the city, to a dense neighborhood fully integrated into the larger urban context. characterized bv an
increase in multi-family development. particularly with the construction of apartment buildings and
flats. including "Romeo Flats. " in Classical Revival and Oueen Anne architectural stvleu.
The period of significance for the District is 1890 to 1910, inclusive of the period of
constru.ctiolJ o(all contributing buildings within the District. Additional historic inlormalion. and
descriptions ofindividual buildings. may be found in the Alert Alley Earlv R~sjdenlial District
Designation Report. which is herebv incorporated herein as thou[h /itily set forth.
SEC. 6. CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES.
Whenever a building. district. site. obiect. or landscape is under consideration for Article I 0
Landmark designation, the Historic Preservation Commission is required lo identify character-defining
{ecllures. This is done to enable owners cmd the public to understand which elements are considered
most important to preserve the historical and architectural character of the proposed landmark or
landmark district.
The character-defining interior features of buildings in the district are identified as: None.
The character-defining exterior features of contributory buildings in the district are identified
as: All exterior elevations. rooflines. historic doors and fenestration. historic materials and finishes.
historic -front setbacks. and historic architectural details. as described below.
The following section describes in further detail the character-defining features o[lhe district
and o[individual buildings.
A. Overall Form, Scale and Proportion
Due to the brie[period of construction - most buildings were constructed between 1890 and
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19 IO - buildings ·within the di.slrict exhibit characteristics of one of two basic residential property
types: single-family early residential or multi-family reconstruction residential (as defined in the
Mission Dolores Neighborhood Context Statement).
Districl buildings are all residential. composed primarilv o[attached or semi-attached. single-
family dwellings and residential flats or apartments. Buildings in the district range from 1 ½ storv-
over-baseme..n.Uo four stories in height. with I- ½ and three stories predominating. Roo(forms are
predominantly flat or front-facing gable behind a proiecting parapel and/or cornice. An excep(i~on is
1919-1923 J Sh Street which has a hipped roof
The disJr.ict's smallest residences are on lots facing the neighborhood's allevs and narrow mid-
block streets. These buildings are tvpically 1 ½- to two-stories in height, have raised, recessed
entrances accessed bv wood staircases with turned bctlustrades (most stairs have dogleg
configurations, replacing original straight run). often have deep n·ont setbacks. and feature modest
Italianate or Stick-Eastlake detailing on the primarv. streeL-facing facades. Some o[lhese smaller
buildings have been converted fi·om single- to two-units.
Buildings fronting wider streets - J 5th. J 6th, or Dolores streets - have larr:er footprints, are
taller. and consist ofresidenlial fiats or apartments. These buildings are typically 2 ½- to foiu·-stories
in height. have recessed. raised entrances, straight run stairs, and feature Queen Anne, Classical
Revival, Italianate. or Stick-Eastlake detailing on the primary. street-facing facades. Romeo Flats
buildings along I 5th Street are built to the front lot line while residential flats buildings at J 6th Street
are setback with shallow front vards behind low cast stone walls topped with metal railings. On
Dolores Street. residential flats buildings are setback with raised front yards bounded by cast stone
retaining wall ....
Although the roofforms - particularly at the non-visible rear facade - of a substantial number
of buildings have been altered to incorporate skylights. small dormer windows. fire escapes, stair
penthouses. or solar panels these alteralions were constructed outside oft he Period of Significance and
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have not gained significance.
General characteristics ofthe district's two primarv residential building types (Single-Family
Early Residential and Multi-Familv Reconstruction Residential) and one sub-tvpe (Romeo Flats) are:
Single-Familv Earlv Residential: Properties dating from the "Early Neighborhood
Development (1864-1906)" period are unified bv their small-scale form. massing, and
materiality representative of the early residential and agricullural development o[lhe M1ssion Dolores
neighborhood. Character-defining feaLures o(the properties within the district dating fi-om this
12..eriod include:
•
Smalt. one-storv over- integrated garage or two-storv massing
•
Horizontal painted ·wood siding
•
Flea /ronl with front facing gable roof or Italianate stvle parapet roo(form
•
Original wood double-hung windo·ws ·with ogee lugs
•
Architectural ornament~ including brackets. applied cQLumns. wincf.Qw~andlor door
hoods. and other facade ornamentation indicative ofthe Italianate style
•
Front selback or locatiQn on lot in re-/§J"ence to street
•
Central or offset primary entrance stair
1\1/uW-Family Reconstruction Residential: Properties dating from !he "Earthquake and
Reconstruction (1906-1915) " period are unified by their larger scale. form, and massing LQ meet
housing needs o[lhe grol-11ing population o(the Mission Dolores neighborhood. Character-defining
features o[lhe residenlial fiats or apartment buildings within the district dating from this period
include:
•
Two or three-story over-integrated garage or three-srory massing
•
Horizontal painted wood siding
•
Front-facing gable roof or pro;ecting cornice
•
Wood double-hung windows with ogee lugs
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•
Single or paired projecting bay(s) at ·front facade
•
Front setback/location on lot in refjrence to street
•
Offset entrance with original stair configuration
Romeo Flats: The Romeo flat. a San Francisco-based. high-densitv form of rental housing ·with
.four to six units. generally for working-class tenants, was lypicallv built after the J 906 earthquake and
fires. Romeo flats are multi-unit, residential buildings with three bays lining the facade. An open or
enclosed. central winding staircase located in the central bay divides the facade verhcally. Balconies
are located at each story of the central bav ilil is open. When enclosed, windows are Localed at each
landing. The district 's buildings along 16th Street include a row of Romeo Flats.
B. Materials and Finishes
Buildings in the district are of'wood [i,ame construction and were historicallv clad in horizontal
wood sidinz Exterior surface finishes are painted. Channel drop wood siding is typical at the
secondarv and rear facades, while a combination offlush lag channel drop. clapboard. or shaped
hingles are typicaltv found at the primary facades. Most buildings retain their hisloric siding though a
few were later clad in stucco. masonile. or composite shingle siding. These replacement siding
materials have not gained significance.
Historicallv. there were several tvpes o[s!airs constructed in the disLrict: longer flights of wood
lairs Lhat typically project out from Italianate or Slick-Eastlake stvle buildings and shorter flights
tvpically found ·within the recessed entries of Progressive-era (lats and apartment buildings.
At the buildings along alleys and narrow streets. entry stairs were solid and uniform in
appearance: featured closed risers. solid cheek walls beneath the stairs, turned wood balustrades, and
capped ne1i11el posts. and had a painted finish. Some flights of stairs were later replaced wilh new woQd
stairs and balusters. Raised entrances to these smaller residential buildings lead to narro-.,,11 openings
highlighted ·with wood trim and bracketed hoods. Wood paneled and glazed doors wJth transom
window sit within a shallow paneled recess.
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Progressive-era buildings - Oueen Anne or Classical Revival stvle - within the district,
particularly those on 15th. 16th, and Dolores streets. feature wood or terrazzo steps with solid cheek
walls and landings. These stairs are typicallv located partially within the building envelope and
provide access to recessed entrance doors. The recessed vestibules have wood paneled walls, coffered
or stucco-clad ceilings. and floors clad in wood, terrazzo, or tile (usuallv hexagonal tiles with a
polychromatic trim or mosaic life). Entrances of Progressive-era flats are rvpica/ly flanked by
Classical columns or pilasters, and decorated with applied plaster ornament. such as garlands and
_floral (riezf!.S.
While compatible. replacement stairs have not gained significance in their own right.
Existing gable roofs are typically finished with asphalt or composite shingles. Though generallv
compatible. these roofing materials have not gained significance.
C. Doors and Fenestration
Many o[the district's buildings retain their orifdnal primary entrance doors. These paneled
wood doors, often slightly wider than contemporary entrance doors, are commonly glazed at the upper
portion and feature corniced and bracketed hoods and incised or applied ornament. Occasionally, a
ingle fixed window is located adiacenl lo the entrv door of Oueen Anne buildings, and manv entrv
doors are topped with transom windows.
Fenestration is remarkablv consistent throughout the district. consisting of vertically oriented
double-hung single-light wood sash windows. with ogee lugs. set in wood surrounds. Windows are
tvpicallv set in wide angled bavs with smaller windows set flush with the facade. ofien adiacent to or
above the primarv enlly. Window surrounds are typically topped ·with cornices. occasionally featuring
pediments, with ornamented details. Smaller verticallv oriented windows, set in a single or paired
configuration, are typical on Italianate buildings. Several buildings. typically Progressive-era flats
buildings, feature curved wood sash windo..,vs set in curved structural bavs. Angled~OL curved bavs
typicallv contain three ·windows, though certain bays of corner buildings contain four or five ·windows.
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Most windows are rectangular a!Lhough there are several buildings with arched windo·ws. The building
at 1949 15th Street is the only building that retains an original two-over-two light double-hung wood
sash window on primary elevation.
Large flals buildings. particulariv Romeo flats. have continuous slacked angled bays flanking
enclosed central stair with flush window at each landing.
On visible side and rear elevation~ windows are tvpicallv single or paired double-hung sash
wilh sim]2].e wood surrounds.
While many buildings within the district retain some or all historic double-hung wood sash
windows with ogee lugs on primarv. street-facing elevations. manv others have replacement sash.
Replticement windows made of aluminum or vinvl sash. casement or slider windo·ws, or windows with
divided lights that were added to buildings after the Period of Significance have not gained
significance.
The addition ofgcwages has altered the front facades and yards o[manv District propertieu.
Many of the historic buildings within the district were not originallv constructed ·with an integrated
automobile garage. Portions of site ,.,11alis were removed and [i-ont vards partially paved to
accommodate drivewavs for garages inserted in the basement o{many buildings. Several properties
feature detached or semi-attached pop-out garages in the front yard. Garage structures. openings. and
driveways have not gained significance.
D. Architectural Details
Com~mon tr.alts found throughout the district are bav ·windows. gable roofs. parapets. decorative
cornices, ornamental shingles. and spindle ·work. as well as more classically influenced detailing such
as dentils. pediments. columns. and applied plaster ornament.
Late Victorian- and Progressive-era architectural styles predominate with ltalianate. Stick-
£Qstlake. Queen Anne, and Classical Revival styles most widelv represented. Architectural details
commonlv found on the district's Italianate and Stick-Eastlake buildings - usually at the smaller
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d1,11ellings on alleys and narrow streets - include cornice lintels. bracketed hoods. raised panel friezes
and bracketed cornices. and (alse shaped parapets sometimes with pent roofs for Italianates (1959 I 5th
Street includes chamfered bav window decorated ·with pipe colonneues and arched window heads) and
b.racke1ed cornice caps. brackeled door hoods (/lat or pedimenled). false parapets wilh paneled friezes.
brackets. and proiecting cornices on Stick-Eastlakes.
The district 's larger flats buildings, facing onto the wider, primary streets. are tvpicallv
Classical Revival stvle. including all the district's Romeo Flats buildings. Buildings in the district in
this stvle feature wide angled or round bay windows. flat roofs. bulkv proiecting cornices with
modillions Qc denlils. raised panel spandrels. scroll keystones. broken entablatures. and pedimented
and columned porch or portico entries.
Architectural details commonlv found on Oueen Anne buildings in the district include raked
cornice!}~ flared eaves. shingled tvmpanums. fish-scale shingling, proiecting bracketed cornices. steeply
pitched gable roofs. finials. geometric applied ornament al spandrel panels. dentils, fi·ie~es decorated
with wood ornament. egg and dart molding. cut-out screens. sunbursts, intermediate cornices. window
and door h_oods. spindle screens. turned wood balustrades and newel posts. /urned wood porch
upports. a varietv of wood cladding and pa/terned wood shingles. arched porlicos, and Corinthian or
omposize columns and pilasters.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Appendix 0, the following lerms shall have the following meanings:
Visibilitv: Visible from within a 150-foot radius of the parcel boundaries. Visibilily ti-om a
public right-of.-way can be determined by drawing circles with a radius of] 50 feet at each corner o(a
lot that fi'onls on a public right-of.-way and then determining which porlions ofa propertvare visible
when standing in the public right-of.-way.
Public Right-of.-Way: A public right-of.-wav is a street or sidewalk.
Primary Facade or Elevation: A primarv facade Ls a building's main street-facing facade.
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Corner buildings have two primary fac:ades.
Rear Facade or Elevation: The rear facade is located at the rear o[the building and faces the
backyard.
SEC. 8 STANDARDS OF REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
The standards for review of all applications for Certificates of Appropriateness are as set forth
in Section I 006. 6 o[Article 10. For the purposes o[review under those standards. the "character ofthe
Historic District" shall mean the exterior architectural features of the Alert Alley Early Residential
District referred to and described in Section 6 of this Appendix.
The three levels ofreview are: "No Certificate o(Appropriateness" is required,· an
''Administrative Certificate o(Approprialeness" is required which is approved administrativelv bv
Planning Deparlment Preservation staff as delegated pursuant to Section 1006.2(b) o[the Planning
ode: and ''Certificate o(Appropriateness" is required pursuant lo Section 1006 ofthe Planning Code
at a regularlv scheduled Historic Preservation Commission hearing. The procedures. requirements.
controls and standards of Article IO of the Planning Code shall apply to all applications for
ertifica/es o(Appropriateness and/or Administrative Certificates o(Appropriateness in the Alert Alley
Early_ Residential Historic District.
Any exterior change within the Alert Allev Earlv Residential Historic District shall require a
Certificale of Appropriateness. pursuant to the provisions of Article I 0. ·when such work requires a City
permit, with the exceplion of scopes of work oullined in Sec/ion I 005(e){I-J OJ of Article I 0: proiects
subiect to the HousingAccountabililyAct (HAA) that comply with the Preservation DesignStandards:
and~he specific scopes o{work as outlined below.
Ancillary_ Structures witltit1 tlte Rear Yard - Co11str11ctio11 or Removal
No Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for the construction of any structure within
the rear yard that is no more than ten feet in heigh! above grade and covers no more than 120 square
feet of!and regardless of visibility from public rights-of.-way. A Certificate of Appropriateness shaJ.Ln.ot
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be required for the removal of anv non-historic ancillary structure within the rear yard.
Cladding
No Certificate ofAppropriateness shall be required (or replacernent of cladding on rear facades
not visible fi-o,n the public right-of way. VinvL siding 1,vilf not be permilled on anv elevation regardless
of visibilitv.
Decks, Stairs & Railings
Front Stairwavs and Railings: No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for the
replacement o(stairways and/or railings with compatible stairways and/or railings provided that the
proposal is based on physical or documented evidence and is found lO be compatible in terms of
location. configuration. materials, and details ·wilh the character-defining features o(the building
and/or district. This does not applv to the replacement o(porticos, porches, or other architectural
components ofthe enlly.
Rear Yard Decks, Stairs. and Railings: No Certificate o(Approprialeness shall be required for
repair. replacement, or installation of decks. stairwavs and associated structural elements (such as
firewalls) or elevator shafts located at rear of subject propertv regardless of visibility ·from public
rights-of ·way.
Doors, Wi11dows1 and Other Openings
Doors. Windows. and Other Openings - non-visible elevations: No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for replacement of doors, including garage doors, and windo·ws in
existing openings at elevations not visible from the public right o(wav. No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for adding, expanding or removing openings at elevations not visible
fi·om the public right of-way.
Garage Doors: A Certificate o(Appropriateness shall not be required for the replacement ofan
existing garage door and/or trim provided that !he new features are compatible in terms olmaterial.
pa!Lern. finish. and fenestration. Replacement garage doors must have a solid. painted finish and may
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feature no more than 25 percent glazing.
Tradesman Doors: No Cerli/ica/e of Appropriateness shall be required for replacement o(
tradesman doors provided the new tradesman door is compatible with the building and District to
minimize visual impacts on Lhe characler-defining features o(lhe building and District.
Exp/oratorv and Investigative Work
No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for the removal of non-historic material to
CORduct investigation about the historic structure and to determine the existence of underlving historic
materials, ghosting, and scarring. This scope of work shall be limited. at the Departmenl 's discretion.
to no more than 15% of the total surface area ofthe facade. This work area must be stabilized and
protected after the investigation is complete.
Fences
A Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required for the construction or replacement of
rear or side vard fenceu.
Ground Disturbance
Most '[2LQJ2_erties within the Alert Allev Earlv Residential District are also located within the
Planning Department 's Archaeological Sensitivity Zone 1 (areas that have high sensilivilv for
archaeological resources that are at or iust beneath the currenl ground surface). No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for anv proiecl where ground disturbance is not: 2 feet or deeper
(depth below existing street elevation). and more than 25 cubic yards.
Where a proiecl exceeds the ground dislllrbance criteria o[Zone 1. no Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required where Planning Department cultural resources staff after initial
review. delermines that the proposed development proiect is unlikely lo result in damage or destruction
o(significant archaeological resources.
NQ}J-Contributorv Buildings
No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required for any exterior change on elevations not
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visible from the public rights-of:way for non-contribulory properties.
No Certificate of Appropriateness shall be required for anv alteration or replacement of
exterior building features on visible elevations of non-contributorv properties, provided that
reasonable efforts shall be made to produce compatibility with the District. and in no event shall there
be a greater deviation fi·om compatibility. The Planning Department will evaluate these proposals for
compatibility with the character of the historic district as described in the designating ordinance, as set
forth in Section 1006.6 ofthe Planning Code.
Preservation Desig_n Stalldards
A Certificate o{Appropriateness shall not be required for proiects involving additions and
modifications of district buildings that are also subiect to the Housing Accountability Act (HAA).
provided they comply with the adopted obiective design standards outlined in the Preservation Design
Standards.
Ordinarv Mainte11a11ce a11d Repairs
No Certificate o(Appropriateness shall be required i{the proposed work consisls ofordi11arv
maintenance and repairs. as defined in Section 1005 (e)(3) ofthe Planning Code as anv work, the sole
purpose and effect of which is to correct deterioration. decay or damage of existing materials,
including repair of damage caused by fire or other disaster.
Replacement ofCltaracter-Defining Features
A Certificate o[Approprialeness shall not be required for the in-kind replacement of character-
defining features that are deteriorated beyond repair. including historic architectural details such as
porticos. porches. cornices. stringcourses. plaster work. IVmpanum. roofline. and eave. regardless o(
visibility fi·om the public right-or-way. For this standard, ''in kind" shall mean repair or replace
exactlv to match the historic feature 's material. dimensions, finish, profile. and details. Use of
alternative material(s) does not qualify as ''in-kind.
Roofing- Repair or Replacement
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.o Certificate o[Appropriateness shall be required for roo[repczir or replacement provided the
proposed roof work does not change the roofcharacler. form. strucwre. or character-defining [eatifres.
New roofing shall be compatible with existing roofing.
No Certificate o[Approprialeness shall be required for repair and/or replacement o(roofing
materials othe,: than visible surface materials. including but not limited to underlavment. structural
members, chimnevs. gutters, and scuppers. that does not alter the existing roof's form or character-
defining features.
JI~qoftop Equipment (excluding cellular i1tstal/atio11s)
A Certificate of Appropriateness shall not be required for the instalicttion ofrooftop equipment
provided that the rooftop equipment is no/ visible fi·om a public right-of ·wav and that the rooftop
equipment is installed in a manner that mav be easily removed in the future wilhout disturbing any
historic fp,bric.
Securi!J!. Measures
A Certificate o(Appropriateness shall not be required (or installation or replacement o(metal
securitv doors, window grilles. or security gates on rear elevations regardless o(visibilitv fi·om the
public right-of way.
Solar Panels
A CerJifjcate o{Appropriateness shall not be required for the installation of solar panels.
including the installation o(slruclures that support solar panels. regardless of visibililv, provided thal
the installation would not require alterations to the building greater than normally required Lo install a
olar energy svstem. such as:
(a) Set with a low profile, and
(b) Mounted parallel with the slope of the roof(ifroo(is sloped greater than 1/12). and
(c) Not visible from adiacent street sightlines if on a flat roof and
(d) Set in from the perimeter walls ofthe building. including the building's primary facade.
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Page 18
Windows
Window Repair: Repair and refention o[hisloric windows is encouraged. No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required to correct deterioration. decav, or damage to existing historic
windows, at any facade, including window glazing. sash. muntins, ;arnbs, pulleys, sills and other
historic ·window components. See "Ordinary Jvlaintenance and Repairs.
Window Replacement - Windows visible fi-om public right-of way: No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for replacement of non-historic windows. provided that replacement
windows are wood (original windows are assumed have been wood): are recessed between two and
three inches from Lhe surrounding exterior wall surfaces. measured fi-om the primary exterior cladding
to sash: have true divided lites or simulated divided lites with dark-colored spacers where sash feature
rnuntins. Replacement windows are not required to be single-glazed even if the original windows are
single-glazed. Vinyl windows are not permiUed as a replacemeht for any window.
Window Replacement - Windows not visible from public rights-ofwav: No Certificate of
Appropriateness shall be required for window replacement on facades not-visible from the public right-
of wav. provided the replacement windows occur within the existing opening. Replacement window
can be any material (except vinyl). any configuration. operation. profile. or dimension. VinvL windows
are not permitted as a replacemenl for any window.
SEC. 9. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR ALTERA Tl ONS1 ADDITIONS AND NEW
CONSTRUCTION.
Excluding the exceptions defined in this Appendix. anv exterior change to a contributory or
non-contributory building or new construction within the Alert Alley Early Residential District shall
require a Certificate of Appropriateness. pursuant to the provisions o[Arlicle I 0, w&,n Juch work
requires a City permit. The following standards shall guide the approval of exterior al[g_rqtions.
additions, and new construction.
(a) Character o[the district. New construction shall complement and support the historic
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character o[lhe district. Proposals (or exlerior alterations that resuLL in greater con[ormily ·with the
character o[the district and are based on physical or documented evidence are encouraged.
(b) Historic Materials. Exterior alterations or new cons/ruction shall not destroy historic
materials. features and spatial relationships Iha! characterize the property. Repair and retention of
historic windolivs is encouraged.
(c) Compatibilitv. New construction shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compali]J(e
with the historic materials. features. size. scale and proportion. and massing to protecl the integrity of
the propertv and its environment. Additions shall be reviewed for compatibilitv with the historic
building and the District. while infill construction shall be reviewed for compatibility with the overall
District. Neither should imitate nor replicate existing features. Additions should not physically or
visual!~ dominate existing buildings in the District. Infill construction should reflect the character of
the District. including the prevailing heights of contributing buildings without creating a false sense of
history. The following standards shall guide the approval of additions and new construction:
Additions. Horizontal and vertical additions otLcontributing and non-contributing buildings. as
well as addition o(new features such as garages or window openings in visible elevations of
contributing buildings. shall be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Proposed additionuhould be
located in an inconspicuous location and not result in a radical change to the form or character of the
historic building or surrounding District. Due to their diminutive scale and the setbacks of many of the
contributory buildings along the narrow allevs and side streets in the District. vertical additions to the
contributory buildings facing Alert Allev and Landers Street are generallv discouraged unless it is can
be demonstrated that the addition do~ not impair the form or character-defining features of the
building and that it is not visible from the surrounding public rights-of-wav within the District.
As part ofthe Planning Deparllnent review process. the proiecr sponsor shall CQnduct and
submit an analysis that illuslrates the relative visibilitv ofa proposed vertical addition from within the
District. As part ofthis analysis. sightline cross-sections and perspective drawings illustrating the
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proportionalitv and scale. as well as the visible extent o[lhe addition from prescribed locations should
be submitted
The Planning Department ·will evaluale these proposals for compliance with the Secretary o(Lhe
Interior 's Standards (as set forth in Section 1006.6 o[lhe Planning Code). and. may, at their discretion.
refer lo the Site Design/Architecture standards ofthe Preservation Design Standards (adopted by
Historic Pres_ervation Commission-2.
New Construction. Where the District provides an opportunity for new construe/ion through
existing vacanl parcels or by replacing non-contributing buildings. a sensitive design is of critical
importance. The new construction shall respect the general size. shape. and scale of the character-
defining features associated with the district and its relationship 10 the character-defining features o(
the immediate neighbors and the district. Contributory buildings wiChlrLthe District should be utilized
and referenced for design context. For new construction. contemporary design that respects the
District's exis!ing character-defining features without replicating historic designs is encouraged. The
Planning Department will evaluate these proposals for compatibility with the character ofthe historic
district as described in the designating ordinance, as set forth in Section 1006. 6 oft he Planning Code,
and, when applicable, the Citywide Design Standards.
The following standards shall guide the approval of exterior altexations and new construction:
1. Style. New construction shall be compcuible with the character-defining features o[Lhe
district. yet is contemporary in design.
2.
Scale and Proportion. New construction shall be compatible wilh the massing. size, and
scale of the adiacenl contributing buildings within the district.
3.
&tbacks. New construction shall conform to existing setback patterns found in adiacent
buildings and within the district.
4.
Roofline. Gabled. cross-gabled. or hipped roofforms or flat roofs ·with pro;ecting cornices
are common within the district and new construction shall reference the massing and form of adiacent
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buildings.
5.
Dormers and Additions. The enlargement or construction of dormers. penthouses and
horizontal or vertical additions shall be designed in a manner that requires minimal change to the
character-defining features of the subject building and the district in terms of materials, fenestration,
cladding. massing and ornamentation.
6.
Garages. The insertion ofa garage shall minimize the phvsical and visual impacts on the
characler-dc