Historic board approves metal roof at 725 Burleson after finding of violation, with staff stipulations

The Compliance and Technical Advisory Board voted unanimously Sept. 18 to support staff’s recommendation and grant a certificate of appropriateness for a standing‑seam metal roof installed at 725 Burleson, a property in the Dignowity Hill historic district, even though the work was completed without a permit.

Acting Chair Jason Vasquez opened the discussion by noting the board’s role in protecting neighborhood character and asking staff to explain the recommended stipulations. Staff recommended approval that the metal roof match the guidelines (panels 18–21 inches wide, seams 1–2 inches high, smooth panels, standard Galvalume finish) and that vented ridge caps and end caps not be used. The board also required an inspection by Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) staff prior to the start of any permitted work and emphasized that issuance of a COA does not replace required city permits.

Kurt Walker, representing the homeowners, asked the board to consider neighborhood precedent and hardship, saying the new roof is “a high performance, high quality roof” and that removing it would create excess waste and cost for the family. The homeowner, Kaye Young, told commissioners she was unaware reroofing required historic approval and said, “We’ve we’ve just spent $31,000 to make this beautiful roof.”

Marco Pena, owner of Prestige Metal Roofing, described technical reasons for choosing a striated panel and said the profile increases strength and resists hail damage; he also acknowledged he is licensed in New Braunfels and Austin but not in San Antonio and said he did not realize a San Antonio permit and COA were required. Commissioner questions focused on why permits had not been pulled and whether the owner or contractor knew the property’s historic status; staff explained that when a roofing permit is applied for through Development Services, OHP is routed the application and can notify applicants of COA requirements.

Public commenter Dashiell Young Saver, a neighborhood homeowner, urged the board to weigh whether enforcement against a single family (rather than a developer) served the public interest, arguing that stricter enforcement can raise housing costs. Commissioners acknowledged hardship but stressed the need for consistent enforcement to avoid arbitrariness; Commissioner Follett Chen said signage and maps have identified Dignowity Hill as a historic district since at least 2006.

A motion to support staff’s recommendation with their stipulation passed on a unanimous roll call. The board directed the applicants to work with staff on next steps; staff said the COA and follow‑up instructions will be emailed within 10 business days.