Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Post Fire Rebuild Siding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board requires Hardie board siding, architectural shingles for 610 West Main rebuild after fire
Summary
After reviewing a post-fire repair and rear addition at 610 West Main Street, the board approved a COA that disallows vinyl siding and requires more fire-resistant, visually compatible materials (e.g., Hardie board) and dimensional architectural shingles.
The Norristown Historical Architectural Review Board approved a certificate of appropriateness for exterior repairs and a one-story rear addition at 610 West Main Street, but it required the owner to use materials other than vinyl siding for the rebuilt portion damaged by fire.
The property owner and contractor described the scope as repair of rear fire damage, a one-story addition, replacement of the rear roof and siding. The applicant sought to reinstall vinyl siding that had been on the house previously. The board reminded the applicant that the historic-district ordinance "prohibits new vinyl siding," and recommended more fire-resistant and visually compatible options such as Hardie board or composite wood.
The board discussed whether the work was "in kind" repair or new construction. Staff explained that the damage and rebuilding cross the typical 50% threshold used to distinguish repair from new construction when a substantial portion of a wall is reconstructed; the board agreed the rear work constituted new construction and therefore must conform to district standards. The board's motion approved the COA with comments requiring a material such as Hardie board for the replaced siding and architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles to replace the existing shingled roof.
The owner raised concerns about higher cost and said they had repaired more than required; the board reiterated the policy and noted previous stop-work enforcement because the job had started without permits. The board approved the motion by roll call and noted municipal council will consider the COA on Oct. 7.
The board recorded the approval with conditions: siding must be a composite or Hardie-style product rather than vinyl; the new roof must use architectural shingles; and any reclaimed or replacement materials should match the buildings historic character where visible from public rights-of-way. The applicant was advised to finalize permits and follow up with building department staff.
