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Historic Homes - Solar Panels, Vinyl Windows, Vinyl Fences, and Synthetic Grass

4/23/2015

6 Comments

 
PictureSolar panels on a historic home?
I received a mailer today from one of the larger solar installation companies.  While there is certainly an appeal to "free" energy, unfortunately the panels themselves can be fairly unsightly and not compatible with historic residential areas (such as we have here in Old Towne Orange).  If you are tempted to install solar panels, please consult with the City of Orange and acquaint yourself with the Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne Orange (click to link directly to document) which clearly indicates what is and is not allowed -- it may save you the trouble/expense of having to move them and/or remove them entirely. 

While on the subject of inappropriate materials for historic homes, vinyl windows are another element that are not allowed by the Old Towne Orange design standards as noted above.  If you have inoperable wood windows or windows in need of restoration or repair, there are several local companies/craftsmen that can restore them without replacing them.  Well maintained wood windows will serve you home for another 100 years, help protect the value of your home (and that of your neighbors), and keep your home compliant with the local design standards.  Lack of adhesion to the design standards can result in fines and/or the City requiring replacement of the vinyl windows with windows that fit the period of the home with regard to both style and materials.

Now that we're officially in a drought, the subject of synthetic grass has also come up as a replacement for natural grass.  Again, synthetic materials, whether grass, windows, or fences, are not considered appropriate materials for historic neighborhoods (i.e. Old Towne Orange), but are allowed in other areas of Orange and Orange County. Drought tolerant landscaping would be a better option, but again it is best to check with the City to determine if your landscape plan fulfills the necessary requirements.

6 Comments
David
4/17/2016 07:14:08 am

The City planners in charge of Old Towne/Mills Act told me explicitly that I could get Solar Panels. Planning to do so. Also, the document you've linked hasn't been updated in 17 years.

Reply
Tony Trabucco link
4/17/2016 08:34:31 am

Hi David, thanks for your comment. You are correct in that you can get solar panels, but the Design Standards indicate that they must be on the rear 50% of the building (and on the interior if on a corner lot). There have been at least 2 instances of which I'm aware (one on S. Glassell and one on N. Cambridge) where the City required the homeowner to move some or all of the panels as they did not adhere to the Design Standards. And you are correct -- the Design Standards, while somewhat dated (16+ years), are still the most current version on the City of Orange's website - the City is in the process of updating the document but has not done so yet. Prior to signing on the dotted line for solar panels, I would double check with Marissa Moshier, Historic Planner, City of Orange, 714-744-7243, [email protected] just to be certain.

Reply
Tony Trabucco
6/10/2017 09:09:14 am

Hi David - I'm not sure if you're still following this thread, but wanted to let you know that the City of Orange recently released a draft copy of the proposed Old Towne Design Standard (the first revision since 1999). Here is a link to download/review a copy -- the City will be soliciting input for a few weeks -- the final version will require a vote by the City Council. Just an FYI. Here's a link to the document:

http://www.orangerealestate.net/uploads/4/4/2/5/44250439/draft_historic_preserv_design_standards_2017.pdf

Reply
Laura Bell link
7/7/2017 04:17:06 am

Wow, such a lovely info you have shared here. I really want to appreciate it because it has contaminated with some unique and informative thoughts. Well, I only heard about vinyl fence and I also have some knowledge on that. But after going through your blog I earned some knowledge on solar panel vinyl windows and also about vinyl fences. Ya, it is absolutely a historic one because it is not so easy to make such a thing which are energy efficient and also harness the power of sun during the day time. Basically the idea behind this is commendable and it will be helpful if more and more can get the most of it in their real life. Thank you so much for sharing.

Reply
Tony Trabucco link
7/7/2017 07:48:21 am

Hi Laura, thanks for your comments -- note that there is a DRAFT available of the new proposed design standards for Old Towne Orange, which is more specific as it relates to solar panels, vinyl windows, and vinyl fences. The draft is available here:

http://www.orangerealestate.net/uploads/4/4/2/5/44250439/draft_historic_preserv_design_standards_2017.pdf

Reply
Mia Evans link
8/26/2022 07:42:36 pm

It's interesting to know that residential artificial grass is now a good choice, especially when we are experiencing drought. In that case, I should consider this for my backyard to help conserve water. I just really want to add greenery to my property, but I value the preservation of the environment as well that is why I think it's best to invest in that option instead.

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    Tony Trabucco is a real estate Broker who lives in Old Towne Orange, CA

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Tony Trabucco
Orange Realty, Inc.
1537 East Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92866
714.288.9369
[email protected]
​CA DRE Lic #: 00982321