The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission gave architectural approval last week for 10 new model designs with shingle roof options at Lennar’s BellaSera project at the north end of Crestwood Blvd., as opposed to tile roofs that have been used at all previous models.
At the June 23 meeting, Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said village staff recommended approval in part and denial in part for the application.
“Village staff is recommending approval of the proposed architectural changes for the additional 10 home models. However, village staff is recommending denial of the inclusion of the shingle roof option,” O’Brien said, explaining that the homes are designed in a Spanish-Mediterranean style.
Staff felt that the shingle roof option is not consistent with the currently approved architecture and runs contrary to the original architectural style that was approved by the village when it sold the old wastewater treatment plant property to Lennar Homes.
“It goes against the architectural style that those individuals who have already bought homes in the neighborhood currently experience today,” O’Brien said, noting that staff had no objections to other architectural changes.
Jennifer Vail with the Wantman Group, representing developer Lennar, said the new models will be just under 1,800 square feet to just over 3,200 square feet and would include an option for a shingle roof style that the applicant believes is consistent with the existing slate style.
“The intention is to provide a design option that would provide a lower price point, as the roof option does provide cost savings of around $13,000 to $17,000,” Vail said.
Commissioner Philip Marquis said he had seen the shingle roofs and thought they looked good. “I have no problem with that particular aspect of it,” Marquis said.
Commissioner Ross Shillingford asked Vale if there is a demand for the shingle roof, as well as a slowdown in demand for the previously approved tile roofs.
Vail said the proposed shingle roofs came from an effort to keep consistent with trends that are doing well, and to provide more affordable options for first-time home buyers.
“It’s a substantial savings just for that one element,” she said. “We feel that it will still be in keeping with the other roof styles.”
Commissioner June Perrin asked when the original style was approved, and Vail said in 2014 or 2015.
“I’m just a little concerned as to why we did approve everything as a tile roof and now you come back wanting to put a shingle roof,” Perrin said. “I understand the pricing, but I’m a little concerned regarding that.”
Vail said the primary concern remains the price.
“Shingle roofs today typically have a 15-year life that’s comparable to a tile roof,” she said. “It really comes down to the actual cost for material. Typically, the tile is a heavier weighted material, so with the tile roof, the trusses have to hold a heavier weight. That is part of the cost as well.”
Marquis made a motion to approve the application without the shingle roof option, but the vote was deadlocked at 2-2.
Marquis then made another motion to approve the change as submitted, with inclusion of the shingle roof option, which carried 4-0.
