Yes, get the window bars, but do it right via Historic Commission. Also, get a home security system complete with motion and glass break detectors. This could be done quickly.

Fortunately, being winter, you can keep your street level windows closed and locked.

Set up an appointment with the Historic Preservation Office to go over what you want to install. Obviously it works best if you have as much information to give to Dan Wrieden (HP Officer) up front.

An application like this should not take very long. The HP office is understaffed, so you just have to be persistant. Many of the "horror stories," however, were from people who a) usually were asking for something more involved than installing a window guard, and b) were demanding approval of something clearly not within the regulations.

I hear this can take a very long time..

You receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission.

Quote:

Well then, I suggest applying soon.

Where does one apply for this "Certificate of Appropriateness"? What if I just do it without such a thing? My family's safety is at issue here..

From the regulations...

Window and Door Security Gates

A Certficate of No Effect will be granted for the installation of exterior window and/or door security gates providing they are existing features of the building and the proposed gates to not detract from the historic and architectural character of the building.

A Certificate of Appropriateness will be required for the installation of window and/or door security gates if none exist. The proposed gates should meet the following criteria.

1. A simple design
2. Conform to the shape of the opening
3. Be mounted within the opening
4. Have no frame (window gate)

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From your post, it sounds like you should apply for a certificate of appropriateness. As the regulations say, the design should be kept simple.

Joshua

We live in an historic home and would like to put decorative iron window bars on our ground floor windows. Does anyone know the regulations on this? What will happen if I put them on..we live near the scene of the recent rape and I am feeling a bit vulnerable..