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Board allows legalization of vinyl front windows at 1551–1555 Treat Ave
Summary
Overruling Planning and DBI, the Board granted a permit legalizing nine previously installed vinyl windows on the front facade at 1551–1555 Treat Avenue, finding the replacements look similar to the original wood windows.
The Board of Appeals overruled Planning and DBI and authorized legalization of nine vinyl front‑facade windows at 1551–1555 Treat Avenue, finding the vinyl replacements were sufficiently similar in appearance to the building’s original wood windows to justify issuance of a permit.
Appellant property owner Heather Klein asked the board to recognize ambiguities in the permit history (a 2004 remodel permit renewal in 2005) and to allow the existing vinyl windows to remain based on visual similarity, sustainability concerns and prior inconsistent approvals in adjacent cases. Planning Department staff and preservation specialists said the top‑floor wood windows (with OG lugs) establish a period reference and that the lower‑floor vinyl windows lacked OG lugs and differed in materials from the visible originals, arguing denial was appropriate to preserve facade character.
After reviewing plans, evidence and photographs, the board found by vote that the new vinyl windows “look similar to the original wood windows,” overruled the department denial and directed that the permit be issued. The vote to overrule the denial was recorded 4‑0. The planning and building departments will proceed under the board’s direction to issue the legalization permit.
