Historic-district panel continues Signal Hill house application after debate over side windows

Members of the Dennis Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Commission continued a contingent application for a new house at 15 Signal Hill after a lengthy discussion about the property's side-gable windows.

The application was presented by Jerry Coughlin, the realtor for the lots, who said the builder "made the adjustments that you wanted for those windows on the gable ends." Commissioners focused on how the left (side) gable would appear to drivers descending Signal Hill and whether the current plans, which showed only a small upper window, met the commission's expectations for fenestration.

"I don't think we've ever approved a house with this little bit of fenestration," the Chair said, arguing the side facing Signal Hill will be highly visible and that a typical house in the area would have two first-floor windows. Other commissioners offered alternatives such as a trellis or a gable vent, but the prevailing view emphasized exterior appearance over interior layout.

Staff asked the board to be explicit about the expectation. A staff member said, "If we could just be clear about what the expectations are, just a windows, 2 windows on the 1st Floor." Commissioners agreed they wanted two stylistically compatible double-hung windows on the first floor of the left-side gable that match the front facade.

Instead of denying the application, the commission voted to continue it to the April 8 meeting so the applicant could submit revised plans showing the two first-floor double-hung windows on the left elevation. The motion to continue carried with an affirmative voice vote; the board did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript.

The continuance leaves the applicant time to return with updated drawings showing the specified fenestration; the commission noted that matching the proportions and style of the front façade's windows would be important to its subsequent approval decision.