A Certificate of Appropriateness to replace eighteen (18) original wood windows with fiberglass windows. Staff Recommendation That the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness replace eighteen (18) original wood windows with fiberglass windows be denied without prejudice with findings of fact that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the need to replace rather than restore the original wood windows and that fiberglass is not a compatible material for windows in the district. The proposed work would, therefore, have an adverse effect on the structure and district and is not consistent with preservation criteria Sections 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3; the standards in City Code Section 51A-4.501(g)(6)(C)(i) for contributing structures; or the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines for Rehabilitation (District/Neighborhood). Task Force Recommendation That the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness replace eighteen (18) original wood windows with fiberglass windows be denied without prejudice. The windows appear to be salvageable, and fiberglass are not appropriate to the structure and neighborhood. 5316 WORTH ST. Junius Heights Historic District COA-25-000591 Christina Paress Applicant Moutin, Stacy Application Filed 12/20/2025
Summary
This item concerns a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the property at 5316 Worth Street within the Junius Heights Historic District. The applicant, Stacy Mouton, sought to replace eighteen (18) original wood windows with fiberglass windows. Both the City Staff and the Task Force recommended denying the request without prejudice. The primary reasons for denial are insufficient evidence that replacement is necessary over restoration and the incompatibility of fiberglass as a material for windows in the historic district. Both bodies concluded that the proposed work would adversely affect the structure and district, violating preservation criteria and city code standards.
Residents in historic districts should be aware that replacing original windows with incompatible materials like fiberglass may be denied to preserve the historical character of their homes and neighborhoods. Restoration of original windows is often prioritized over replacement.
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