Commission allows occupant to obtain certificate of occupancy; requires visible windows be replaced within one year at 180 San James Avenue

The commission voted March 6 to permit a property owner at 180 San James Avenue to obtain a certificate of occupancy while requiring a timeline to replace temporary or non‑conforming windows visible from public ways.

Representatives described a multi-stage renovation that ran over budget after contractor problems and vandalism, leaving the owner to install temporary, non-approved windows and a temporary door to make the house weather-tight and secure. Speakers explained the owner faced large unexpected costs, including heating and family-related expenses that made immediate replacement with historically correct slimline black windows financially infeasible.

Commissioners discussed options and a compromise: to allow the building department to lift the work stop so the owner could obtain a certificate of occupancy and to require the owner to replace all temporary windows visible from the street with the original Silver Line V1 slimline windows in black within one year of the certificate. The motion also asked the owner to return to the commission with a plan and to keep the commission apprised as work proceeds; the temporary door will be reviewed later when replaced.

The motion passed by roll call. Staff and commissioners stressed that the agreement must be honored and that the owner should report progress; if the owner cannot meet the commitment, they must return to the commission for an amendment or further direction.

The commission noted the owner had already replaced some windows for safety and weatherproofing and that the total number of windows originally approved was 34; the approved one-year program can be phased so front- and side-facing windows visible from the public way are prioritized.