Solar 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.
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.
RSS Feed