Natick Historic District Commission approves exterior heat-pump condenser at 18 Pleasant Street with required screening

The Natick Historic District Commission voted March 26, 2026 to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of an exterior heat-pump condenser at 18 Pleasant Street, subject to two conditions: installation at the primary location shown on the submitted plan and provision of vegetation screening to shield the unit from street view.

Jay Savoie of Pinnacle HVAC presented the application and said the submission included three potential locations for the condenser, with a preferred site on the right side of the house when facing from Pleasant Street. He told the commission the homeowner was willing to provide plantings to completely shield the unit and that refrigerant lines were already in place.

Commission discussion focused on visibility and screening. Commissioner Brian Howland asked about the type of plantings; Savoie and the applicant indicated evergreen plantings would be used and that clearance around the unit would be preserved. Vice Chair Joe Devaney and other members expressed a preference for vegetation over a fence, noting that a fence placed toward the front of the house would be less effective at blocking sight lines from the frequently traveled public way, Merrill Road.

Commissioner Mike Collins moved to approve the application with the two conditions; Devaney seconded. The commission recorded the vote in favor (8-0-0).

Next steps: the applicant must install the condenser at the approved primary location and provide the agreed vegetation screening. The commission did not record additional permit deadlines in the discussion; any required follow-up or inspections will proceed according to existing Town of Natick procedures.