[MassHistPres] Low-e coated windows in historic districts

[Jane Guy]

Sarah,
Salem's guidelines state that Low E or reflective glass is not historically appropriate in its historic districts and we rarely get requests for them.  Storm windows are permitted.  Some double glaze windows are permitted on a case by case basis.  The guidelines are here...  http://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/uploads/guidelines.pdf.  The Commission's webpage also has some links to specific information on windows and energy efficiency/weatherization...  http://www.salem.com/historical-commission/pages/useful-links, although I don't know if any of these specifically discuss Low-e.
-Jane

Jane A. Guy
Assistant Community Development Director
City of Salem
Department of Planning & Community Development
120 Washington St., 3rd Floor
Salem, MA  01970
978-619-5685
(F) 978-740-0404
jguy at salem.com
www.salem.com


On Mar 28, 2016, at 3:28 PM, Sarah White <swhite at somervillema.gov> wrote:


  Are there any LHD commissions out there that do not allow windows with low-e coatings to be used on historic structures in those districts? If so, why do you not allow them? If you don't allow them, what do you recommend/require that property owners doe in lieu of them? What, if any, have been the repercussions from the community?

  I am well aware of the weatherizing/storm windows, etc. techniques and use them myself, but what specific studies and data do you point your applicants to in order to underscore your decisions?

  Look forward to hearing your responses.

  Best,
  Sarah M. White
  City Planner - Zoning & Preservation
  Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development
  City of Somerville
  93 Highland Avenue
  Somerville, MA 02143
  ******************************

________________________________

Please note the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office has determined that most emails to and from municipal officials are public records. FMI please refer to: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm.
Please consider the environment before printing this email.