Historic District Commission denies COA for Broadway property chimney removal, citing insufficient documentation

The Norwich Historic District Commission on April 16 denied a certificate of appropriateness for proposed work at a property on Broadway that included removal of a chimney, finding the application lacked sufficient information to evaluate the effect on the historic streetscape.

The commission's discussion focused on the application's two-line description, which read in the meeting transcript as "removal of chimney, too old and wet." Commissioners said the short description provided no contractor, structural report, plans for patching or finishing the roof and no explanation of whether the chimney remains in active use for heating. Members also noted the building sits on a corner lot and is visible from multiple public rights of way, increasing the need for detail on the proposed exterior changes.

Commissioners asked staff whether the owner had appeared; no representative was present. The commission's chair, Regan, said she had urged the applicant to attend because demolition of an architectural feature on a prominent house merits fuller explanation. Commissioners recommended the applicant submit a more complete package, including contractor or engineer assessments, a proposed finish for the roof and documentation explaining why repair would not be feasible.

At the roll call the motion to approve the COA failed, and the commission concluded the COA was denied. Commissioners discussed enforcement procedures for unpermitted work: staff said building permits are required for such work and the building department will not issue a permit without the commission's action; commissioners observed that unpermitted contractors remain a risk but that permit checks and public reports typically reveal unauthorized work.

Commissioners also raised related concerns: the property appears to be a converted multi-family building, which could involve additional permitting issues; several commissioners asked for clearer photographs and a bulletized list of required supporting documents to accompany any re-submittal. The commission did not specify a formal list in the meeting record, but members indicated they would expect a contractor or engineer assessment, details of roof repair and a clearer explanation of the chimney's condition if the owner re-applies.

The commission recorded the COA as denied and advised the applicant to resubmit with fuller documentation before the commission will reconsider the matter.