Council briefed on appeal of ARB denial after owner replaced historic windows at 709 West Princess Anne Road

City staff notified the council that an appeal has been filed seeking reversal of an Architectural Review Board denial of replacement windows at 709 West Princess Anne Road. The ARB approved most proposed improvements to the property but denied the window replacements on an 8–1 vote because the new windows, staff said, do not match the historic character and lack consistent patterns: some open, others are fixed, and glazing patterns differ. What staff presented: Planning staff used real-estate listing photos and current site photos to show the pre-existing windows with architectural top lights and the recently installed wood‑clad, black‑aluminum windows that change the fenestration pattern on the front of the house. Staff noted the owner had replaced roughly 30 windows and that two additional replacement windows were required, for a total of 32, and that the ARB split the work when reviewing other approved improvements. Why it matters: The ARB’s role is to preserve historic character in designated districts; the council will hear the appeal and the applicant will have an opportunity to explain why the replacements should be allowed. Staff reminded council members not to comment substantively before the scheduled appeal hearing to preserve the process. Next steps: The appeal is scheduled for the council meeting (on the agenda for the evening), and the applicant will have an opportunity to argue for reversal of the ARB denial.