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Developers seek waiver amendment to allow vinyl siding; planning board continues hearing to April
Summary
Coddington Cove developers asked the Planning Board to amend a previously granted waiver that allowed metal siding so the same vinyl siding used on one completed building could be applied to three remaining structures. Board members split on precedent and cost; the hearing was continued to April 8 at the applicant's request.
The Planning Board left open and continued a public hearing to April 8 on a request to amend a previously granted materials waiver for Coddington Cove Commons (300 Coddington Highway). The applicant seeks to allow horizontal vinyl clapboard on the sides and backs of three unbuilt buildings rather than the metal siding originally covered by the waiver.
Gerard Galvin, attorney for the applicant, said a previously approved waiver had allowed deviations from the town’s standard materials (the waiver anticipated metal siding) and that the developer built a front façade consistent with the approved New England aesthetic but used vinyl for the side elevations. “All we’re asking for you to do is revise the waiver that you already granted to allow for us to keep it looking better,” Galvin said.
Spencer, the project architect, explained the change followed a decision to build wood‑frame structures rather than metal buildings; he described four‑inch horizontal clapboard as “more of a New England style siding” and said vinyl is commonly used and compliant with applicable fire‑safety standards.
Several board members expressed concern about process and precedent. One member warned that approving the requested change without limitations might encourage future applicants to file compliant plans, construct something different, and seek approval after the fact. The chair proposed a compromise that would allow the installed vinyl on the existing building to remain but require composite siding for the three remaining structures; the applicant said principals needed time to evaluate cost implications.
Ed Lopes, a principal of Coddington Cove Commons LLC, said the vendor returned vinyl as the installed material and that the team had not realized the discrepancy during construction. He agreed to a continuance to investigate costs and options. “We’re willing to take a continuance, go back and look and see if what we can do on the siding,” Lopes said.
Board members were divided: some said the completed building looks better than the approved metal option and supported flexibility; others prioritized enforcing the town’s design standards to avoid a precedent of post‑approval changes. With unresolved questions about cost and enforceability of any modified approval, the board voted to keep the public hearing open and continue the item to its April 8 meeting.
