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Historic District Commission codifies construction sign rules, approves multiple permit applications
Summary
At a regularly scheduled meeting the Historic District Commission voted to codify site and construction sign language to align enforcement with the sign book, approved a set of property applications (including 5 Bank Street and 20 Cliff) and added conditions or holds for several items. Several applications were continued for minor revisions.
The Historic District Commission voted Tuesday to codify site and construction sign language to match the town’s sign guidance, a technical change staff said is needed so planners can consistently enforce construction signs. Chris Young, identified in the meeting as chair of the HDC’s SACs, told the board the change was “really just a technicality” and that the substantive review had been completed in 2021. The board opened and closed a public hearing and approved the sign committee’s recommendation by roll-call vote.
The meeting covered dozens of permit requests. The board approved a roof-and-porch alteration at 5 Bank Street — a circa-1910 cottage — on the condition that the applicant file a historic-determination application before the project proceeds. Preservation planner Holly recommended a historic-determination letter to document character-defining features and help guide final exterior details.
Other decisions included approval of exterior changes and hardscape work at 20 Cliff with a condition that the applicant provide staff with a sample of the reclaimed granite proposed for new steps; an as-built hoop-tent at 85 Pleasant was approved on a one-year sunset to allow planting to screen the structure; and an application for a demo and replacement at 9 Pine Grove — following a fire — was approved with a fee waiver for the new construction application.
Board members also held several items for minor revisions: a rooftop-solar application at 12 Pine Tree was held for redesigns to reduce visibility from public ways; multiple residential additions and fenestration changes were returned for minor graphical revisions or clarification of FEMA elevation data; and a proposed roof walk at 16 Main was held so the applicant could supply revised drawings and color choices.
Votes at a glance: the board passed the sign codification, approved 5 Bank Street with the historic-determination condition, approved the 20 Cliff steps with a sample-to-staff condition, approved the 85 Pleasant hoop tent for one year, and approved the demolition and reconstruction plan at 9 Pine Grove with a fee waiver. Several items were continued for revisions or deferred until applicants supplied additional information.
The commission set follow-up actions and conditions on approvals and agreed to revisit held items once applicants submit the requested revisions or documentation at a subsequent meeting. The board adjourned after approving minutes from prior meetings.
