Representing 77 W. Broad St., Unit 17, Paul Straub from Pella Windows was granted a certificate of appropriateness for a window replacement proposal at the Historical and Architectural Review Board’s regular meeting Feb. 1.

Straub explained the four new Pella Lifestyle casement window units were the same size, color and style as the windows being replaced on the second and third floors of the two-story condominium. The aluminum clad over wood windows have the hardware located inside. There would be no changes to the red brick exterior overlooking the Sun Inn Courtyard.

Voting was unanimously in favor, pending permit review.

The unit is owned by James van Raalte. The residential over commercial building was constructed in 1984.

Bethlehem Planning Director Darlene Heller discussed proposed historic district ordinance amendments with members of the HARB board.

Changes to the ordinance include charging a sliding scale of application fees to cover costs associated with following up awarded COAs to be sure the applicants’ work had not deviated from what was approved.

The fee scale would be tied to the scope of each project. For example, it was suggested $25 may be charged for a project costing less than $10,000, while a $500 application fee may be charged for a demolition and new construction proposal.

Also discussed is a pending “over-the-counter approval” process that would allow for a select group of HARB proposals to receive administrative approval as long as they involve a “like for like” replacement that follows historic district guidelines.

Based on a list compiled by former HARB and Historic Conservation Commission member Philip Roeder, roof replacement, chimney and masonry repair could possibly be approved by the chief building inspector without going before the full board. Application fees would not be charged for these kinds of simple projects.

Heller explained that a slate roof being replaced with a slate roof is an example of something that could be subject to administrative approval. If the proposal calls for shingles that would not be typically approved, it would need to go before the board.

The board pondered that the evening’s agenda window proposal may qualify for an administrative approval as it was a “like for like” proposal for a contemporary structure.

Historic Officer Joseph Phillips cautioned that some “like for like” replacements could be problematic. He suggested that an applicant should not be allowed to replace “cheap vinyl windows” with new vinyl windows, as these would not be historically appropriate.

Also cautious, Nik Nikolov said, “It’s a fine line to toe between administrative efficiency and true historic preservation and education.”

Heller, along with board member and Chief Building Inspector Mike Simonson, fielded questions about the proposed changes by the commissioners.

Heller mentioned that the Bethlehem HCC will also be consulted.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for City Council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.