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What’s the CAR process like for something small?
11/03/2013 8:33 AM by John M
A reader has a question about working with CAR:
I need a new front door, curious if it’s a long process?
Anybody had experience with something small like this and want to share?
TAGGED: CAR
When you get an answer can you share? Also interested in hearing experiences. I too need a new front door.
Most likely you can send specs to Catherine Easterling and she might be able to administratively approve your door.
If not and you have to go before the committee then you will have to apply by the end of November to get onto the agenda for the December meeting. Below is a link with a lot of helpful Information.
http://www.richmondgov.com/commissionarchitecturalreview/index.aspx
It largely depends on what you select as a new front door. If the replacement is deemed historically appropriate or is similar to what would have been installed on the house when it was built, no problem. You’ll still have to submit an application and most likely it will receive approval by consent. Now, if you decide to replace your door with a steel door the likes of which are stocked in the big box stores, your application will probably be met with resistance.
If the current door is original to the house, an in-kind replacement is preferred.
#2 gave the best place to start, and why: CATHERINE.EASTERLING@RICHMONDGOV.COM
I wanted a storm door, and submitted a photo of the same door in place at another residence in the area, along with a one-page cut sheet from Siewer’s and Ms. Easterling emailed me back with administrative approval. Process was smooth and easy.
I agree with Laura in #3, if you don’t pick out something from a big box store, and go with something that Ms. Easterling an approve, you won’t even have to go on the agenda.
One other little piece of advice I will add is to submit your future projects. Last time I had to go before CAR, I had all my planned projects approved – replace porch floors, replace doors, new fencing, brick walkway and stoop, create off street parking, etc. I’ve done some of the projects and still have 2-3 more that are already approved.
Pros and Cons because the C.A.R. is supposed to abide by a set guideline issued by the National Parks (of all people) for historic buildings. They have been lax doing this for at least the past 5 years so you most likely won’t meet opposition.
But basicallyif all possible, replace with a like historic replacement from a recycler like Caravati’s. Next would be a historically accurate replica made of the “same” materials as the original. They are trying to avoid people putting a modern metal door with incorrect inserts (including windows) more appropriate for a suburban rancher on a 19th century house.
The booklet they put out is a good start to see what is and isn’t accepted then ask the C.A.R. first.
So…I have a house that has one of those dinky ranch house doors, with the tiny, staggered windows on a weird angle. Sinfully ugly. Can I replace it with something that is *more* appropriate than what is already there, even if it isn’t exactly up to CAR guidelines? I need an affordable fix because the existing door has aged poorly, and really, anything would like better than what’s there now. Do they take that into account when making their decisions?
I have also had good luck with administrative approvals for doors and shutters. The idea that CAR-approval is more expensive than non-CAR-approved options is a bill-of-goods-lie spread by Pella factory window and door salesman. Don’t buy into it! Maybe start with Old House Authority (google them) and let them know you need affordable.
Yes, Jennie and Walter Dotts are an excellent source to begin with when it comes to correct period design consultation.
Annon.. the door can be replaced if you can either
1) provide an old photograph of the house showing the style of door there prior (in Church Hill books, State Library, Valentine, Virginia Historic libraries often have period photos) or
2) show enough evidence of similar style houses built on the block that still have the original door design and convince C.A.R. this is the correct style you want to replace it with.
Eric
Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions!! I emailed Catherine Easterling for some advice on a specific style of door that would be appropriate. Sounds like the process is fairly reasonable if I don’t want to put a really ugly door on my house.
I have a similar issue to you, #8 — my door might not be historically accurate, plus it’s crooked and makes the house look a little shabby. The actual style isn’t offensive, but a better door would improve the property AND lower my energy bill.
Fingers crossed!
Annon,
You may be able to find a door that works at the ReStore, Habitat for Humanity here in Richmond. They have a lot of great old doors taken off of older homes. The doors are solid wood and run around $35-$100.
http://www.richmondhabitat.org/restore123/about/
1901 Roane Street Richmond, VA 23222
@8 Yes. CAR would welcome you changing the non-original door to something more appropriate to the period and the house. Someone made a good suggestion to photograph other doors on houses in your neighborhood and select one of those. Caravatti’s and Governor’s Antiques might be a good place to start. If your budget is limited, a basic 4 panel wood door would be appropriate on most homes in CH.
laura… that can be tricky “if” C.A.R. wants to start enforcing their rules again. Remember their old favorite catch phrase “False Historicism”. They will welcome period correct alterations as long as you can “prove” they are correct for the house. Original or early photographs that show the old door would be the best bet but indicating what others have on similar style houses is next best. If neither was available I am afraid they would make you stick a cheap incorrect door onto the house to delineate old from new and that is a bummer and another fight altogether.
You’re right Eric…I’ve renovated a bunch of houses up here and have changed things here and there with no resistance from CAR. Usually, the problems with CAR will start with a complaint from a nosy neighbor.
So they won’t approve steel doors at all? Even if it looks like an original?
DR… normally no. You are supposed to replace with original type materials. I think the exception would be if they do rule an exception due to lack of evidence of what kind was on the house when built.
One entry in their guideline says this on page 47 and 61:
4. Doors and door surrounds with stamped or molded faux paneling
or leaded, beveled, or etched glass are strongly discouraged and
rarely permitted
13. Do not remove original doors. Replacement doors and door surrounds
with stamped or molded faux paneling or leaded, beveled, or etched glass
are strongly discouraged and rarely permitted.
page 51:
2. Retain original wood features such as cornices, brackets, window and doorway
surrounds, sashes and doors. Maintain the historic reveal or exposure of the siding
and trim, as it is an important character-defining feature.
@16 -Hmmmm. I’d never say never. But, I’ve never seen a steel door look realistic like wood or painted wood. Is this door visible from any public through way? If so, my guess is that it will be a tough sell. Any special reason to use a steel door?