Historic commission orders removal of illegal shed at 24 Dean Street and requests plans for steps at 44 Dean Street

The Tartan Historic Commission on Jan. 16, 2025, voted to require removal of an unpermitted shed constructed at 24 Dean Street within 30 days and to ask owners at 44 Dean Street to return to the commission with permanent plans for the front steps they installed.

Commission members reported site observations that the 24 Dean Street structure appeared temporary—covered with tar paper and enclosed with green picket fencing—and concluded it violates the commission’s regulations. Chair (unnamed) and other members said staff should send a registered letter notifying the property owner of the violation and the 30-day removal timeframe; the owner may request a hearing. A motion stating the shed “has constructed an illegal shed and it must be removed within the next 30 days” was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote (recorded as “Aye”; no roll-call tally was given).

On 44 Dean Street, commissioners said the property owner installed pressure-treated front stairs that do not match the historic district’s accepted materials and must present a permanent solution. The commission directed staff to notify the 44 Dean Street owners to appear before the commission and to circulate proposed language of the letter to commissioners prior to sending.

Commissioners discussed logistics for enforcement: staff will check building-department permit records and notify owners; the commission indicated they will circulate the draft letter among members before sending. One commissioner suggested a 30-day compliance window to avoid long-standing unresolved violations.

Ending: Staff will prepare and circulate enforcement letters and follow up with building-department records; the commission will consider any requested hearings or permit evidence before taking further enforcement steps.