Historic-preservation board deadlocks on after-the-fact approval for impact windows at 405 Vizcaya Avenue

The City of Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board on July 10 heard an after-the-fact application for impact-resistant windows and doors at 405 Vizcaya Avenue, a contributing resource in the French Normandy Village Historic District, and failed to reach a final decision after sharply divided board deliberations. Staff said the permit and windows went through multiple review cycles but the final installed glass was reflective and green-tinted rather than the clear, no-tint, no-reflectivity glass that staff had approved in drawings. The Historic Preservation Officer told the board the windows as installed did not meet the approved permit conditions and that the vendor had ordered the windows before a final permit was issued. Homeowners Camilla Pristula and Harris Levine said they relied on a state program (My Safe Florida Home), a vendor on the state list and staff guidance; they said they were first made aware of the nonconformity after installation and that a $10,000 state grant would expire in mid-August if not used. The homeowners provided evidence that replacement muntins to match staff-approved drawings had been ordered and reported they were in a local shipping container. A representative for the window company acknowledged the firm had ordered material prior to full historic sign-off and said it was their first job in Coral Gables. Staff recounted that the board and staff have historically required clear, non-reflective glazing and that some prior neighborhood windows had reflective glass installed in earlier years or when inspections had approved earlier phases. Board members expressed sympathy for the homeowners but emphasized that the permit drawings are not suggestions and that the contractor bears liability for ordering nonconforming material. A motion to approve the windows if the homeowners corrected the muntin pattern failed after debate. A subsequent motion to deny after-the-fact approval for the reflective/low-e glass was made and seconded; the vote deadlocked and, under the board’s rules, the item will be continued to the next meeting. The board advised the homeowners to work with their contractor and staff about possible remediation and noted the homeowners could pursue remedies in the code for economic hardship if applicable.