Doors

Protection and Energy Efficiency

• Preserve features including door frames, sills, heads, jambs, moldings, detailing, transoms, stained glass, hardware, and flanking sidelights.
• Limit replacement parts to only those deteriorated beyond repair. For example, damage is common on the latch side of doors and should be repaired using appropriate techniques such as splicing and patching.
• Do not alter the original size and shape of the door opening. If necessary for accessibility reasons, please see the Accessibility section for guidance.
• Do not relocate doors, block in the original door openings, or add new openings on primary facades.
• Do not enclose transoms or sidelights original to the building.
• Enhance the energy efficiency of original doors with weather-stripping and putty replacement surrounding the glass panes.

Replacement

• Replacement of a historic door is allowed only when it is demonstrated to be beyond repair.
• Replacement on primary facades may be with a similar style wood or aluminum-clad wood door. Secondary facades may also use fiberglass doors. Preference is to replace the door with a historic salvaged door that is appropriate to the style of the building.
• The style of door should replicate the original to the extent feasible, matching any divided light configurations that existed with true divided lights or spacers between two panes. Muntins are not allowed as substitutes.
• Replacement doors should preserve the original opening size and should not include infill framing to reduce the size of the door, nor should it be enlarged. When necessary, a small amount of infill may be used on doors not visible from the street.
• Glass should be clear or nearly clear on primary facades, however frosted glazing is allowed on secondary or rear facades.
• New hardware should be appropriate to the age and style of the building.
• Doors should be exterior rated doors.
• When replacing a non-historic door or a formerly covered opening, use photographic evidence or evidence from similar style properties to match the doors appearance and operations. A simple design using wood, aluminum clad wood, or fiberglass door is acceptable when no evidence exists.

Screen and Storm Doors

• Original screen and storm doors should be preserved and maintained with similar methods as noted for primary doors.
• New screen and storm doors may be added to protect the original door. On primary facades, baked-enamel aluminum or wood in a color that matches the door frame and surround with a full view glass are allowed. On secondary facades half light screen and storm doors are permitted.

Review Considerations

The following list outlines projects that require either no review or may be approved administratively. If the project does not fall within the scope of these items check with the Planning Department as the work likely requires a certificate from the Historic Preservation Commission.

Changes that do not require review:

Administrative Review: