It may not be one of the 613 Mitzvos of Hashem, BUT in our case it is a commandment from our town.
The main wing of our home was built in 1803 by a prominent local family. A picture of the home hangs in the Town’s Historical Society building and another in Town Hall. There is a plaque on the front of the house over the door with the name of the original owner and date of construction.
We are obligated to maintain the integrity of structure and design as seen from the street,
There was a major addition in 1903.
In 2003, Mrs. CTL (who is a designer/builder) went before the Zoning Boards and Historical commissions and received permission for an additional wing that can not be seen from the street. The views visible to neighbors must be harmonious with the earlier construction with wood siding, painted white with black trim. The entire rear of the house facing our woods and property is glass with soaring roof lines, skylights, etc.
When Mrs. CTL wanted a ‘statement piece on the front lawn, it took years of negotiation for approval from the town. They finally allowed us to park an 1892 horse drawn carriage (without horses) with black cabriolet roof on a 45 degree angle to the street from April 1, to Nov 1 of each year. It has been borrowed fro use in our town’s annual historical parade.