Concord staff propose handbook change to allow non-wood replacement windows in historic districts

Kim presented the proposed amendment to the Concord historic handbook, saying, "Tonight, I'll be presenting a brief overview of the update to the Concord historic handbook." The change would permit hybrid and aluminum-clad replacement windows to be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission at hearings when original wood windows cannot be preserved or repaired.

The amendment adds clear language defining what constitutes an "unrepairable" window, aligns chapter 6 with the approval-needs list, and authorizes planning staff to approve wood-window replacements where standards are met. Kim told council the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously voted to send the revisions to the Planning & Zoning Commission with a recommendation of approval on Jan. 14, and the Planning & Zoning Commission likewise unanimously recommended approval on Jan. 20.

Council members asked about tax-credit eligibility and state guidance. A council member noted experience restoring a National Register property and asked whether the State Historic Preservation Office's rules on investment tax credits would be affected; Kim cited the Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation and said replacement materials that visually match historic features are an accepted approach when repair is not possible. No formal vote or final decision is recorded in the work session transcript; staff asked council to consider the text amendment, adopt a statement of consistency, and then move to adopt or not at the Thursday meeting.

If the council forwards the amendment, next steps identified in the presentation include adoption of a statement of consistency and formal action on Thursday.