Historic District Commission approves window, electrical and outbuilding COAs; applicants to receive written notice

The Norwich Historic District Commission on its October meeting unanimously approved four Certificate of Appropriateness applications, including a window replacement at 20 Huntington Place and multiple outbuildings, after brief discussion of materials and visual consistency.

Why it matters: The commission approves COAs to ensure changes are consistent with the historic district's design guidelines. Commissioners flagged recurring issues — including previously installed replacements and the visual consistency of muntins/grids — and discussed whether the guidelines should be clearer about matching existing window patterns.

Votes at a glance

- COA 595 (20 Huntington Place): Motion to approve moved by Tyler and seconded by Nancy; roll call recorded unanimous approval. Discussion focused on whether the pictured window faces a side or back yard and on the window’s muntin pattern and material (existing window appeared to be a vinyl double-hung with no muntins).

- COA 59616 (Elm Avenue): Motion to approve; unanimous roll call. Proposal covered replacement/repair of electrical feed and meter; commissioners recommended painting new exterior utility covers to match the house.

- COA 59726 (Scotland Road): Motion to approve; unanimous roll call. The application covered roof and skylight work; commissioners had no objection to the proposed materials.

- COA 598 (16 Huntington Lane / COA 59816 referenced in the public hearing): Motion to approve; unanimous roll call. An applicant who identified herself as Karen presented a 6-by-8 cedar storage shed in the backyard and said the structure is…