York City review board approves multiple façade, window and conversion requests; tables one complex accessibility case

The York City Historical Architectural Review Board met June 25 and approved multiple property applications with conditions while tabling one case for more information.

The board voted to conditionally approve an in-kind siding replacement at 43 South Penn Street on the condition that non-textured Azek, not wood-grain Azek, be used. Members discussed material substitution with the consultant and cited the application’s simplicity in justifying action without the applicant present.

The board tabled the 238 East Poplar application because the applicant did not appear and the board could not confirm how a proposed stair lift would be mounted (to the ground, the treads, or attached to the building) or whether accessibility could be achieved from the rear. Members said the applicant must appear to answer technical questions.

Smaller projects approved included a 6-by-12-foot storage shed at 316 East King Street visible only from an alley and in keeping with neighboring alley structures, and a collision repair and in-kind siding replacement at 127 South Beaver Street, where the owner will reinstall original corbels and replace damaged material per the insurance scope.

For 213 South Pine Street, the owners will remove front siding to reveal original brick and — where necessary — may replace deteriorated bay/oriel siding with a non-wood-grain vinyl as a last resort; the board encouraged pursuing composite or higher-grade materials and recommended high-lime mortar for any masonry repairs.

At 284 West Market Street, owner Seth Predix presented plans to convert the building to 11 apartments. The board urged first-party restoration of the historic front steel windows where possible and approved replacement options that closely replicate the original appearance (metal-clad wood, thermally broken steel, or aluminum-clad units with simulated divided lights). Members said rear/alley openings are acceptable as vinyl because they are not prominently visible.

Votes at a glance: - Accept previous minutes: motion carried (vote recorded orally). - 43 South Penn Street: conditionally approved (non-textured Azek required). - 238 East Poplar: tabled for applicant clarification on stair-lift mounting/accessibility. - 316 East King Street: approved (alley shed, 6x12 ft). - 213 South Pine Street: approved with condition to explore restoration and prefer non-wood-grain vinyl if necessary; use high-lime mortar for masonry repairs. - 127 South Beaver Street: approved (in-kind replacement following collision; owner to reinstall corbels). - 284 West Market Street: approved with stipulations to attempt window restoration and to coordinate replacement details with staff/consultant.

Staff next steps: Staff indicated minutes and approvals will be forwarded and that some permits currently on hold will be moved forward once City Council processes are satisfied. The board closed the meeting after a brief staff follow-up.