Board restores stricter review for historic wood window changes, adopts updated staff language

The Madison Historic District Board of Review voted to adopt revised language clarifying how window replacement applications are reviewed and to emphasize board review for historic wood windows. The action was prompted by recent community concern about removal of older windows and by staff proposals to allow limited staff review in narrow safety cases.

Board member Happy Smith and other members proposed language that would require board review for removal and replacement of windows considered “historic” (defined in the proposal as bare or painted wood windows with traditional glass and true‑divided lights or equivalent historic character). Staff proposed an amendment to allow staff to approve replacement in narrowly defined safety or egress situations and to allow replacement where vinyl or aluminum windows already existed on a building and the new windows match existing materials and openings.

During discussion members urged clearer criteria and documentation for staff approvals, suggested adding cut‑sheets in applications, and asked that staff present an itemized packet of staff‑approved window projects in advance of meetings so the board can monitor outcomes. Board members ultimately approved the revised language as presented by staff after deleting a specific reference to building‑inspector‑only determinations; the board asked staff to provide monthly summaries of staff‑handled window approvals to the board packet.

Board members said the aim is to preserve the district’s significant wood windows while creating a practical pathway for safety‑driven replacements and for already‑altered façades. The board’s action restores clearer oversight by the HDBR over changes to windows judged to be historically significant.