Commission reviews COA interpretation for window and siding replacements

The commission reviewed local ordinance language and preservation guidance to clarify how Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) should be applied to replacement windows and siding.

Chair John Sampen and Commissioner Heidi Reger referenced guidance included in materials that quotes the Secretary of the Interior standards: "deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced; where replacement is necessary the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities." Staff noted that where nonoriginal features already exist (for example, previously installed vinyl windows), the ordinance allows preservation or in-kind replacement so long as the replacements match the overall appearance and, in some cases, do not require a COA.

Commission members agreed the ordinance provides some flexibility—language in Sections 158.07/158.08 allows for use of nonwood materials in limited situations if the replacement gives the same general appearance as the original—but that commissioners will still need to exercise judgment and review COA applications on a case-by-case basis.

The group asked staff to include COA policy and an updated COA form in the January packet for a fuller review.