Historical & Architectural Review Board Meeting - January 7, 2026

The Radnor Township Historical & Architectural Review Board (HARB) held its regular meeting on January 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Radnorshire Room. The board first elected officers for the year and approved minutes from the previous meeting. The main agenda item was a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a garage studio addition and possible kitchen roof raise at 407 Midland Avenue (HARB 2026-01). After discussion of design, materials, and regulatory considerations, the board unanimously approved the COA with a condition regarding window style.

Consent Calendar

• Election of Officers: Constantine was re-elected as Chair, and Tom was elected as Vice Chair. Both motions carried unanimously.
• Approval of Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the November 5, 2025 HARB meeting were approved by unanimous vote.

Discussion Items

• HARB 2026-01 – 407 Midland Avenue: The applicant presented plans for a garage studio addition with a breezeway connection to the main house, and an A-frame roof raise over the kitchen. The project is Phase 1 of a larger renovation. Key discussion points:
  • Materials and Appearance: The board clarified that it reviews the appearance of materials (e.g., siding style, window divisions) but not the specific material type or color. The applicant proposed lap siding for the addition, with a future possibility of cedar shake. The board noted that any significant change in siding appearance would require a new COA.
  • Window Style: Board members debated whether the addition's windows should match the front or rear of the existing house. The majority preferred divided-light windows (two-over-two or two-over-one) to be consistent with the neighborhood. The applicant agreed to use that style.
  • Setbacks and Zoning: The existing garage is non-conforming (8.5 ft setback vs. required 10 ft). The addition is set back further, so it does not exacerbate the non-conformity. Board staff (Andy) recommended consulting the Zoning Officer on whether the breezeway enclosure and proposed kitchen facilities (oven/cooktop) would create an accessory dwelling unit. The applicant agreed to remove cooking appliances that would trigger a second dwelling unit and to coordinate with the Zoning Officer.
  • Grading and Stormwater: The addition square footage (approx. 700 sq ft) will require a grading permit and stormwater management. The board noted that reducing the footprint to under 500 sq ft could simplify stormwater requirements, but the applicant indicated space constraints.

Key Outcomes

• Certificate of Appropriateness Approved: The board voted unanimously to grant a COA for the garage studio addition as presented, with the condition that the windows be divided-light style (two-over-two or two-over-one) to match the existing house and neighborhood character.
• Next Steps: The applicant was advised to submit a grading permit application and contact Zoning Officer Kevin Kachansky to clarify accessory dwelling unit rules, setback compliance, and fire separation requirements. Any significant changes to the approved design (e.g., siding material or window style) will require a new COA.
• Future Meetings: The next HARB meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2026, with applications due by January 20, 2026.

Note: The meeting adjourned at approximately the conclusion of the agenda items.