Representing 403 Center St., contractor Maday Hernandez was granted a certificate of appropriateness to install a freestanding structure at the Historical and Architectural Review Board’s Oct. 7 meeting held at City Hall’s Rotunda. Voting was unanimous.

Hernandez sought approval for a 21-foot, 7-inch by 6-foot, 6-inch canopy supported by six 8-foot high 6-by-6 posts. Located at the rear of the corner property, the open-walled structure is to be erected on an existing parking pad, to fit within an area closed off with a solid wood privacy fence surrounding it on three sides. One end is open and accessible to the pool in the backyard while another section has a gate facing where the vehicles are parked.

The new structure is to shelter pool equipment, as well as trash and recycling containers from the weather. The stain for the wood components will match the color of the existing fence.

“So, it’s basically a lid for this?” asked Mike Simonson as he held up a photo of the property and pointed to the fenced-in section of the parking pad. Hernandez said, “yes” in response.

In her first appearance before the board, the contractor was questioned about the proposed gabled roof originally submitted with open gables depicted on the short and long elevations. “I was having a problem reconciling this and this,” said Chairman Joe McGavin as he pointed to the contradictory gable images in the drawings.

Apparently the plans were drawn using AI.

“You have to be careful with AI. It lies,” remarked Historic Officer Joseph Phillips.

After some discussion, it was determined that the roof would be a hip style one with no open gables. The approved roofing materials are GAF Slateline asphalt shingles in “Antique Slate” gray or in a hue to match existing shingles on the house. Half-round gutters and round downspouts will divert water into an existing drainage system.

“We really want things to be defined,” Phillips advised Hernandez on how to better prepare for any future HARB reviews. “If you aren’t learning, you’re not living,” he remarked to the applicant saying this is a learning experience for her.

The COA stipulates the applicant submit the revised design along with fasteners and other details to Simonson who serves as the city’s chief code official.

With a brick residence built circa 1865 and owned by James and Eileen Serratelli, the property faces Center Street with E. Church and School streets along the side and rear.

Before adjourning, Phillips disclosed for the record there were two “administrative approvals,” one for slate repair and another for a window repair at the back of a house out of public view.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for City Council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.