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Historic district panel approves temporary certificate for 44 Colton Street front door, sidelights and porch lights
Summary
The Farmington Historic District Commission approved a temporary certificate of appropriateness Dec. 16 for replacement work at 44 Colton Street after the homeowner acknowledged an oversight; commissioners said the new door and sidelights are an appropriate match and included porch lights and street numbers in the approval.
Farmington — The Farmington Historic District Commission on Dec. 16 approved a temporary certificate of appropriateness for work already completed at 44 Colton Street, the owner told the commission.
Todd Niffin, the owner and occupant of 44 Colton Street, told the commission he had the front door and sidelights replaced in October after the original assembly was “pretty badly deteriorated” and “would let the weather in.” He said the work was unpermitted and “purely my oversight.” The commission held a hybrid public hearing and took testimony from Niffin before voting.
Niffin said he sought to match the previous door and surveyed nearby houses for sidelights; he described the new door as “primarily wood” with some nonwood waterproofing components, and said sidelights were limited by what the manufacturer offered. He also said the entry was wired for a second porch light for symmetry though previously one light had been present; he requested the approval include two porch lights, street numbers and the doorbell assembly.
Commissioners asked about materials and appearance. Commissioner Ted Sanford said, “I think your carpenter did a great job matching the original entrance trim. The door looks good. Sidelights are okay.” The applicant said small white trim pieces will be painted in the spring because weather prevented painting at the time of installation.
Michelle Phalen moved to approve a temporary certificate of appropriateness that includes the front door, sidelights, two porch lights and street numbers; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The commission did not record a roll-call tally.
The commission’s action was limited to the temporary certificate requested; Niffin acknowledged he would return for any additional or permanent approvals if required. The public hearing notice for the application had been read into the record at the start of the meeting, and staff confirmed application materials and contact information are available on the Town of Farmington website.
Next steps: the applicant will complete painting of the small trim pieces in spring and the commission’s approval covers the items listed in the temporary certificate.
