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Lockport council delays vote on ordinance to regulate painting of masonry in historic district after extended debate
Summary
Council reviewed a proposed amendment to require COAs and set standards for when masonry can be painted or stained in the historic district. Council members expressed concerns the language is too prescriptive; staff will return with revised wording to the Committee of the Whole in June.
After lengthy discussion, the Lockport City Council agreed to continue work on a proposed code amendment that would regulate painting and staining of masonry in the city's historic district.
Lance (staff) said the ordinance is intended to align local code with Secretary of the Interior standards and would require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) in cases such as non-contributing portions of buildings, staining necessary for preservation, or when replacing masonry components that must match historic finishes. The draft also includes product- and chemistry-based guidance so owners can select appropriate stains rather than acrylic paints that could trap moisture.
Some council members supported the preservation goal but said parts of the draft read as too prescriptive. One council member said the proposal appeared to be prompted by an individual owner's objection to a color choice; others urged staff to refine the language to avoid unintended consequences for property owners and to provide clearer guidance rather than blanket restrictions.
Council agreed to send specific language concerns back to the HNA (Historic Neighborhood Association) and staff and to bring a revised draft to the Committee of the Whole in June for further review rather than voting immediately.
No formal ordinance was adopted; the item remains in discussion pending revisions.
