HARB recommends COA for 517 North Street but reiterates rule: front capping prohibited

The Norristown Historical Architecture Review Board recommended that municipal council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for 517 North Street after clarifying limits on capping in street-facing locations.

The applicant proposed removing asbestos on the rear elevation and installing vinyl siding there, capping various windows and performing rear-yard work primarily intended for energy efficiency. Board members confirmed that the borough's ordinance prohibits capping on street-facing façades; the applicant said the capping work was intended primarily for the rear. The board clarified that the front two windows on the first floor, two windows on the second floor and the front dormer would not be capped and that those visible elements should be repaired by scraping and repainting trim rather than being covered.

A motion to recommend a COA that specified these conditions was seconded and carried on roll call. The board instructed the applicant to pursue environmental removal protocols for asbestos as part of the back-yard siding work and to coordinate permits with the building department and council.