HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2012-017 Replace Fence and Add Retainng Wall 09-10-2012DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. A.
DATE: September 10, 2012
APPLICANT: Leonard & Benjia Hollinger
ADDRESS: 420 E 11th
COA REQUEST: Replace existing privacy fence and add retaining wall along 11 th Street
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 420 E 11 th. The
property's legal description is "Lots 7, 8 and S 1/2 of 9,
Block 58, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County,
Arkansas."
The house was constructed ca 1950. The 2006 survey
form states: "This hipped roof version of the Modern
Ranch style includes a classic revival porch and an
attached carport." It is considered a "Contributing
Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District. In the
December 2, 2009 State Review Board meeting,
Additional Documentation was reviewed which was to
change the period of significance through 1960 for the
District. That was approved by the NIPS on January 21,
2010.
17iH _ -. _-16TH
I Location of Project
This application is to replace the existing privacy fence -
and add a retaining wall along 11th Street. The fence will be installed in the current location as
the existing, but will be taller with a lattice top. The retaining wall would be installed along 11th
Street to level the yard to the higher level.
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On October 14, 2010, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to replace his original windows
with vinyl windows.
On February 2, 1989, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to remove one story residence
and construct new one story residence and rear guest house. Only the rear guest house was
built of this plan.
On June 23, 1988, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to demolish a structure.
On October 26, 1981, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to erect an open carport canopy
on the west side of the house.
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PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
On page 66 and 67 of the Guidelines, it states the following
3. Fences and Retaining Walls:
Iron, wood, stone, or brick fences or walls that are original to the property (at
least 50 years old) should be preserved. If missing, they may be reconstructed
based on physical or pictorial evidence. Sometimes a low stone or brick wall
supports an iron or wooden fence.
Fencing material should be appropriate to the style and period of the house.
Cast iron fences were common through the Victorian period and should be
retained and maintained. Wrought iron and bent wire fences are also historic.
Wood picket fences may be located in front, side, or rear yards, generally
following property lines. They should be no taller than three feet (36") tall;
pickets should be no wider than four inches (4') and set no farther apart than
three inches (3"). The design shall be compatible with and proportionate to the
house.
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Wood board privacy fences should be located in rear yards. They should be no
taller than six feet (72'), of flat boards in a single row (not stockade or
shadowbox), and of a design compatible with the structure. The privacy fence
should be set back from the front fagade of the structure at least halfway
between the front and back walls.
Chain -link fences may be located only in rear yards, where not readily visible
from the street, and should be coated dark green or black. Screening with plant
material is recommended.
Fences should not have brick, stone, or concrete piers or posts unless based on
pictorial or physical evidence. Free-standing walls of brick, stone, or concrete
are not appropriate.
New retaining landscape walls are discouraged in front yards. Certain front
yards that are in close proximity to the sidewalk may feature new walls that
match the materials of the building and be consistent with historic walls in the
neighborhood. Landscaping walls should match the materials of the building and
be consistent with historic walls in the neighborhood.
FENCE:
The proposed fence will feature a lattice panel above the typical wood privacy fence. The
height of the fence will vary between 64" and 6-8" because of the slope of the land. The fence
will start at the northeast corner of the house and extend northward to the property line. There
will be a drive gate cut into the fence at the curb cut. This fence is very visible from the
Commerce Street side. This fence is located in the rear yard, but has street visibility because of
the corner lot. _
Research into fencing types in the 1950's have
not been conclusive as to what the prevalent
style of fence was with a ranch house. At the end
of this report are some images from a Sunset
Book on fences published in 1951. However,
since it is uncertain what the prevalent style
should be, it is safer to install a simpler fence. A
replacement of the fence as is, would be in Staff's
opinion, style neutral.
This application will not be required to go to the
Board of Adjustment for a fence height variance.
Proposed fence
RETAINING WALL:
The proposed wall will be parallel with 11th Street on the property line and extend the entire
length of the grass area. The grade behind the wall will be brought up to the top of the wall and
have grass as the groundcover. The wall will be split faced block as shown in the photos on the
next page. They will be in the plain gray color.
The wall will be broken to accommodate steps up the slope from 11th Street. The wall will be
tapered to fit the slope at the eastern and western end of the wall. Currently, the ground slopes
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ups to a plateau, upon which the house sits. The following photo on the right represents what
the wall will look like. The photo on the right show alternative colors available.
The Guidelines state, as quoted above, that the addition of retaining walls is discouraged in the
front yard. However, in circumstances, the walls are permitted when the materials match the
materials of the building. That would imply a brick retaining wall or at the least, a block wall that
matched the color of the brick. Also, if using block, the mortar could be dyed to be the same
color as the block to disguise the nature of he block. There are not any retaining walls visible in
the immediate vicinity of this application.
New retaining landscape walls are discouraged in front yards. Certain front
yards that are in close proximity to the sidewalk may feature new walls that
match the materials of the building and be consistent with historic walls in the
neighborhood. Landscaping walls should match the materials of the building and
be consistent with historic walls in the neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Install block retaining wall with block color that matches brick on house with grout that
matches block.
2. Replace fence with same style fence that is currently there with an average height of up
to 6' tall.
3. Obtaining a building permit.
COMMISSION ACTION: Auaust 13. 2012
Brian Minyard, Staff, explained to the applicant that they were being offered a deferral because
of only 4 commissioners present for this hearing. After approaching the podium, Mr. Leonard
Hollinger, the applicant, decided that he would take the deferral offered to him.
A motion was made to defer till the September 10, 2012 hearing by Commissioner BJ Bowen
and was seconded by Commissioner Loretta Hendrix. The motion to defer was approved with 4
ayes and 3 absent (Vanlandingham, Wiedower and Ripley).
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COMMISSION ACTION: September 1 D 2012
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a presentation of the item and noted that the notices were met for
this item. Staff did the notices for this item. Commissioner Julie Wiedower asked exactly where
the wall did lie, where the property line lies, and the location of the fence and the height of the
proposed fence. Mr. Minyard said that the Staff would verify where that wall would be before
installation. He continued to explain about the fence setbacks and how that determines height.
Mr. Leonard Hollinger stated that he has lived in the house since April 1981. The fence to be
replaced is 20 years old. He continued that the yard is tough to mow with the slope on the 11th
Street side. He would like to install the wall to make it more "elderly friendly". He said the wall
would allow him to maintain his property for a longer period.
Chairman Chris Vanlandingham commented that the applicant's yard was meticulously
manicured. Commissioner Wiedower commented that with the proposed height of the fence
with the lattice on the top, that the applicant was sacrificing some privacy with the new design.
Mr. Hollinger stated that they were aware of that but still preferred the submitted design with the
lattice. On the retaining wall, Commissioner Wiedower asked what happens at the corner. Mr.
Hollinger stated that the wall will start six feet back from the Commerce Street sidewalk.
Chairman Vanlandingham asked if the top of the wall will step down. Mr. Hollinger said that it
would step down at the corner and at the alley. Mr. Hollinger continued that the wall will feature
a 4" cap stone. He continued that the wall would be 42" tall at the most. Commissioner Ripley
asked if he was keeping the two stairs from 11th Street. Mr. Hollinger said yes.
Commissioner Ripley commented on the fence along the east side. Mr. Hollinger said that he
was also adding a fence to match on the left of the property by the alley and the carport.
Chairman Vanlandingham stated that the guest house is wonderful but is hard to see with the 6'
fence. He continued that one of the reasons that the district has six foot fences is so the public
can see things that are significant and he thinks that the guest house should be seen. Mr.
Hollinger thinks that the guest house will still be seen with the new fence.
Mr. Minyard stated that when the new sidewalk is poured, the new wall needs to sit on the
applicant's side of the property line; otherwise a franchise permit would be needed to construct
a wall on the city's right of way. Mr. Hollinger stated that the walk would be the same width as
before.
Commissioner Ripley asked if the sidewalk will be the footing for the new wall. Mr. Hollinger
said yes and explained the built in footing to be poured with the new sidewalk.
Commissioner Mark Brown said that the proposed fence appears to be the same height as the
current one. Mr. Hollinger said that the new fence will be 4-6" taller.
Commissioner Toni Johnson asked Commissioner Ripley if the foundation would be enough for
the wall. Commissioner Ripley said that the detail of the wall is crucial, but it could work. He
spoke of concern of the backfilling of the wall. Mr. Hollinger spoke of the deadmen that were
sold with the wall and that they would be installed.
Commissioner Wiedower went back to the fence issues and clarified that the lattice came out of
the overall height of the fence. Mr. Hollinger stated he agreed and understood.
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There were no citizens that spoke concerning the application. Commissioner Ripley made a
motion to approve the application as submitted with Commissioner Wiedower seconding the
motion. The motion was approved with a vote of 5 ayes, 1 no (Johnson) and 1 recusal (Boaitey
as a new commissioner.)
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT
LITTLE ROCS
HISTORIC 723 West Markham Street
DISTRICT little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
COMMISSION Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1. Application Dale:
2. Date of Public Hearing: 13 — 12 at 5:00 p.m.
3. Address of Property: O E /l r-1:1
4. Legal Description of Property: L~ T q Ya OIL O R t j'r n/A L C r t
o f L i TrL. E Rock
5. Property Owner (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email): Ery rIi ¢ �+Ea'vQ Rn ILL L-/y rE+L
if40 C /r= Lr'lTl-ERock SPA. 7 2a?, 5a1-372-243rL 5_01-9 1,VLf -c�cg
6. Owner's Agent: (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email):
5 feL 5 i480-vE
7. Brief Project Description: REPLIPC CXl f:TiK;' ?Rl VIft rFvcf ANC
G��yrRVar A< R� r�r.✓i v�- wAr.r. o�tr i/ rxE�r
8. Estimated Cost of Improvements: 1, eG. 000
9. Zoning Classification: Is the pro change a permitted use? Yes No
10. Signature of Owner or Agent:��.� f
(The owner will need to authorize any Agent or person representing the owner at the public hearing).
NOTE: Should there be changes during construction (design, materials, size, etc.) from the approved COA,
applicant shall notify Commission staff and take appropriate actions. Approval by She Commission does not
excuse applicant or property from compliance with other applicable codas, ordinances or policies of the city
unless stated by lire Commission or staff. Responsibility for Identifying such codes, ordinances. or policies rests
with the applicant, owner, or agent.
................. ------ ------------------ -- -------------------------------------------------------
(This section to be completed by staff):
Little Rock Historic District Commission Action
_ Denied _ Withdrawn _ Approved _ Approved with Conditions _ See Attached Conditions
Staff Signature: Date:_.
Lion
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Revised 6l2011
July 5, 2012
TO: LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FROM: BENJIA AND LEONARD HOLLINGER
SUBJECT: REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING PRIVACY FENCE AND THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A RETAINING WALL
We wish to replace the existing privacy fence facing Commerce Street due to age, wear
and tear, In addition to the quality of privacy, (see the attached photography). We wish
to replace the fence and add a lattice on top similar to the attached photographs.
Also, we wish to erect a retaining wall along 11th Street to make the yard more elderly
friendly and easier to maintain. The slope present a challenge when mowing. We wish
to erect a retaining wall similar to the attached photographs.
We have lived here since 1981 and wish to continue living here as long as we are able
to properly maintain our privacy and the yard. We feel that the fence replacement and
the retaining wall will allow us to remain In our home for many more years.
Please consider our request and grant us a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Benjia and Leonard Hollinger
Cover Letter
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HOW TO BUILD
FENCES and
GATES
Cover of 1951 how to book on fences
HOW TO BUILD FENCES AND GATES, A SUNSET BOOK (1951)
$29.99
HOW TO BUILD FENCES AND GATES. A SUNSET BOOK. COPYRIGHT 1951, 1ST EDITION.
SOFTCOVER. MEASURES 8.25X10.75". 96 PAGES. 225 ILLUSTRATIONS.
LOADED WITH GORGEOUS PHOTOS OF MID CENTURY MODERN HOMES. PLENTY OF
RETRO MODERN INSPIRATION FOR YOUR BACKYARD.
INSIDE THE BOOK YOU WILL FIND DESIGNS BY: GARRETT ECKBO OF ECKBO ROYSTON &
WILLIAMS, OSMUNDSON 4 STALEY, THOMAS CHURCH, DOUGLAS BAYLIS, LAWRENCE
HALPRIN, PAUL LAZLO, LOCKWOOD DEFOREST, HENRY HILL, AND OTHERS.
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS BY fULIU5 SHULMAN, MORLEY BAER WILLIAM APLIN, AND ERNEST
BRAUN.
FEATURES: OUTDOOR LIVING, OUTDOOR ROOMS, BAMBOO FENCES, SLAT FENCES,
PLASTIC PANELS, LOUVERS, GLASS WALLS, LOUVERED GATES, MINIMALIST GATES,
REDWOOD GATES, SAGUARO CACTUS GATES
CONTENTS: PICKETS, SLAT BOARD, SOLID PANELS, LOUVER, BOARD AND BOARD,
LATTICE, RAIL, PLASTICS, GLASS, WIRE, CORRALS, POOL ENCLOSURES, HORIZONTAL
FENCING, GATES, FENCES AND PLANTS, WIND TESTS, FENCE LAYOUT, MATERIALS,
POST HOLES, CARE, LAWS AND MORE
Description of book
rAmt
Your Fence ... what will it do for you? ...............................
6
Dressed Pickets ... neat and traditional ..............................
9
Slat ... formal grapemakex............................._,.,........_
I4
Rustic Pickets ... grapestakes and woven saplings ....................
17
Boartl... good design prevents bnxed-in elfe........ ................
M
Solid Panel% ... Plywood, axhesl.ns, aluminum..........................
Z2
Louver ... handsome but expensive .................................. 34
Boardand-Bovril ... alternate to louvers .............................
40
Basket Weas•e ... for interesting slmdcAv play. ............
42
Lattice ... for either view or privacy ................... .....,........
11
Rail.. . the pfaneera fence .......... .............................—
46
Corral Fences ... horses' well being comes filet ....................,..
S7
Plastic Screen ... coal light in the garden ............................
55
Glass ... view without wind .........................................
59
Wire .. , highly practical and economical .............................
G1
Gala .. , build well for wear and abuse ....... .....................,
66
Fence Plantings ... give color and accent .............................
74
Wind Tests ... which fence iR best?... . .............
75
Who Build% It? ... you. your neighbors.a coormctor?............ ..-.-
77
Fence Layout ... pion completely before building .....................
78
Building Materials ... quality affects Fence lifespan.............:.....
BO
Preservatives ... protect posts against decay... .. .................. _..
&I
Post Hales , .. how Co stake out, dig.
S6
Erecting the Fence .. how to go about It... ..............
ag
Care and Repair . a springtime chore...... I ........................
94
Fence Laws ... stay an the safe aide .................................
95
Index from Book
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Photos from book
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. 1.
DATE: May 13, 2013
APPLICANT: Leonard & Benjia Hollinger
ADDRESS: 420E 11th
COA REQUEST: Approval of Vinyl Fence
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 420 E 11 th. The
property's legal description is "Lots 7, 8 and S 1/2 of 9,
Block 58, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County,
Arkansas."
The house was constructed ca 1950. The 2006 survey
form states: "This hipped roof version of the Modern
Ranch style includes a classic revival porch and an
attached carport." It is considered a "Contributing
Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District. In the
December 2, 2009 State Review Board meeting,
Additional Documentation was reviewed to change the
period of significance through 1960 for the District. That
was approved by the NIPS on January 21, 2010.
This application is an enforcement issue. The application
w
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ITH
14
ITTH - W ='ION
Location of Project
is to seek approval for a vinyl fence that was installed
earlier this year after a COA was approved for a fence on September 10, 2012-
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
On September 10, 2012, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger for fence replacement and
construction of a retaining wall along 11th Street.
On October 14, 2010, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to replace his original windows
with vinyl windows.
On February 2, 1989, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to remove one story residence
and construct new one story residence and rear guest house. Only the rear guest house was
built of this plan.
On June 23, 1988, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to demolish a structure.
On October 26, 1981, a COA was issued to Leonard Hollinger to erect an open carport canopy
on the west side of the house.
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Existing view from southeast from Sept. 2012
Existing east elevation from Sept, 2012
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Existing condition of fence from Set 2012
Existin condition of fence from Sept. 2012
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Fence by carport on south side from April 2013
Fence along Commerce Street from April 2013
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PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
On page 66 and 67 of the Guidelines, it states the following
3. Fences and Retaining Walls:
Iron, wood, stone, or brick fences or walls that are original to the property (at
least 50 years old) should be preserved. If missing, they may be reconstructed
based on physical or pictorial evidence. Sometimes a low stone or brick wall
supports an iron or wooden fence.
Fencing material should be appropriate to the style and period of the house.
Cast iron fences were common through the Victorian period and should be
retained and maintained. Wrought iron and bent wire fences are also historic.
Wood picket fences may be located in front, side, or rear yards, generally
following property lines. They should be no taller than three feet (36') tall;
pickets should be no wider than four inches (4") and set no farther apart than
three inches (3"). The design shall be compatible with and proportionate to the
house.
Wood board privacy fences should be located in rear yards. They should be no
taller than six feet (72'), of flat boards in a single row (not stockade or
shadowbox), and of a design compatible with the structure. The privacy fence
should be set back from the front fagade of the structure at least halfway
between the front and back walls.
Chain -link fences may be located only in rear yards, where not readily visible
from the street, and should be coated dark green or black. Screening with plant
material is recommended.
Fences should not have brick, stone, or concrete piers or posts unless based on
pictorial or physical evidence. Free-standing walls of brick, stone, or concrete
are not appropriate.
New retaining landscape walls are discouraged i
The reason that this application is back before
the Commission is that the owner installed a
fence that the Commission did not approve. Mr.
Hollinger stated in the hearing of September 10,
2012 that he wanted to make his home more
maintenance free. The photo he provided to the
Staff with his application is at the right. It is of a
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wood fence with the lattice above. He interpreted this to mean that he could install a vinyl
fence. However, the staff report states "a lattice panel above the typical wood privacy fence".
Below is the text from the Staff report for the September 10, 2012 hearing:
FENCE:
The proposed fence will feature a lattice panel above the typical wood privacy
fence. The height of the fence will vary between 6'4" and 6'-8" because of the
slope of the land. The fence will start at the northeast corner of the house and
extend northward to the property line. There will be a drive gate cut into the
fence at the curb cut. This fence is very visible from the Commerce Street side.
This fence is located in the rear yard, but has street visibility because of the
corner lot.
Research into fencing types in the 1950's have not been conclusive as to what
the prevalent style of fence was with a ranch house. At the end of this report are
some images from a Sunset Book on fences published in 1951. However, since
it is uncertain what the prevalent style should be, it is safer to install a simpler
fence. A replacement of the fence as is, would be in Staffs opinion, style neutral.
This application will not be required to go to the Board of Adjustment for a fence
height variance.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Denial.
COMMISSION ACTION: June 13 2013
Brian Minyard, Staff made a presentation of the item. He stated that this was an enforcement
issue. He read from the staff report the last paragraph on page 3 of 6 of the staff report. He
continued that he had the original photo from the September 2012 hearing if the Commission
wanted to see it again. The one comment from the neighborhood was the original call that
reported it to staff. Staff recommendation is denial on this application. He asked if there were
any questions of Staff before the applicant came forward.
Commissioner Julie Wiedower asked Staff how long the fence took to install. Mr. Minyard said
that it took at least two days, but they would need to ask the applicant that question. Vice Chair
Toni Johnson asked if the applicant got a copy of the staff report from September 10 before that
meeting. She asked if the letter stated they had approval for a typical wood fence with lattice
above. He stated that that was included in the Staff report and it did not say approval as it was
only a staff report at that time. The photo that was submitted was of a wood fence. The
recommendation was to approve a wood fence as submitted by photo. Vice Chair Johnson
asked Staff if the applicant received any written communication after the vote was taken on
September 10, 2012. Mr. Minyard said that he did. Mr. Minyard responded that they get two
different things. He had in his file a letter from September 13, 2012 that was sent to inform the
applicant of the vote count and that it passed. He also received his Certificate of
Appropriateness. The text on the COA was "Project to be completed as amended and as
approved by the Historic District Commission in the September 10, 2012 hearing." Vice Chair
Johnson stated that he would know to go back to the staff report for that hearing for any
explanation.
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Commissioner Kwadjo Boaitey wanted to clarify that the first Staff knew about this was when it
was reported to Staff. He wanted to know if there was a lot of discussion between the informant
and Staff. Mr. Minyard stated that the informant just wanted to confirm what had been approved
by the Commission. The conversation was fairly short.
Mr. Leonard Hollinger, of 420 East 11th Street, the applicant, spoke to the Commission. He
explained why the fence was built as it was. He asked that the Commission approve the fence
as built. He said that there were several factors that were considered: privacy, maintenance
free, and long lasting. He surveyed the District and did not find a fence that fulfilled the three
factors above. He chose to install a vinyl fence that fit these three factors. He said that there
are many wooden fences in the district but they would not meet the standards as set.
He maintained that the fence blends with the house and guest house. He stated that he did not
build the fence in defiance of the Commission but was under the impression that the long lasting
maintenance free allowed him to go with a vinyl fence.
Vice Chair Johnson asked why he submitted a photo of a wood fence in his original application.
He said that he did not find any vinyl fences in the district. She then asked if he knew he was
going to install a vinyl fence at the time of his original hearing. He stated "No".
Commissioner Wiedower said that she was sorry that we are in this situation. She stated that
she was worried about how a possible failure to communicate on the vinyl fence or a wood
fence in the hearing could have happened. She said that it was never in her mind that they
were talking about a vinyl fence. She remembered conversations on the height, the lattice on
top, and other issues that night. The style is the same as the proposed wood fence, but the
fence has problems following the guidelines. She stated that this fence was a problem for her.
Commissioner Randy Ripley stated that a reason that Mr. Hollinger did not find any vinyl fences
within the district is that the word vinyl raises red flags in the hearing. And that is why he did not
find any vinyl fences in the historical area. He commented that the Historic District Commission
was in a tough spot because it is an expensive fence and the Historic District Commission could
be deemed worthless if this fence was approved. Even though the Commission takes items on
a case by case basis, he said that it would be difficult to not approve vinyl fences or any other
material that was not appropriate in the future. Mr. Hollinger asked if Commissioner Ripley had
looked at other wood fences. He commented that he had and he does not disagree on his
motive on the maintenance issues. But the Commission is here for historically appropriate
fences.
Commissioner Wiedower stated that the fence has a lot of visibility being across from the Arts
Center. Mr. Hollinger agreed and said that it complements the area.
Commissioner Mark Brown related a personal experience with another commission on wood
versus fiberglass columns. He had replaced wood columns that were rotting with fiberglass
columns of the same style. The guidelines called for a similar material. He thought when they
were painted, you would not tell the difference, but he was denied the use of the fiberglass
columns. In the case of this fence, if the vinyl fence were painted, as his columns were, would it
look like a wood fence? In his opinion, it would still look like a painted vinyl wood fence. The
charge of the HDC is to protect historic nature of the neighborhood.
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Mr. Hollinger stated that a half brick house doesn't really fit either.
There was a discussion about how the motion was to be worded. Mr. Minyard stated that all
motions were made in the affirmative, but if a Commissioner wanted to deny the application,
simply vote no.
A motion to approve as installed the vinyl fence at 420 E 11th Street as submitted was made by
Commissioner Boaitey and it was seconded by Commissioner Brown. The motion was denied
with 0 ayes, 6 noes and 1 absent (Vanlandingham).
Commissioner Ripley asked what his options at this point were. Debra Weldon, of the City
Attorney's office, said that he could appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days. Commissioner
Ripley said that he thought it went before the City Board. Ms. Weldon stated that the
Commission was quasi-judicial and repeated that it went to Circuit Court. Mr. Hollinger stated
that he would win in court with a jury of his peers.
Commissioner Wiedower asked if the motion included all or part of the fence that was along
11th Street. Mr. Minyard stated that he assumed that the motion "as installed" included the
entire vinyl fence. Ms. Weldon agreed with Mr. Minyard and stated that the application did not
specify a particular part of the fence, so therefore it included the entire fence.
Mr. Hollinger asked that if he did nothing, what would happen. Ms. Weldon said that it would be
an enforcement issue and that it would be taken to court. He asked on what authority the city
would do that. Mr. Hollinger restated that he believed that he would win in court but
understands that the Commission needs to save face. He did say that he would be willing to
see if there was a way to get out of this situation. He apologized for putting the Commission in
this position, but at the time he did not think he was putting the Commission in that situation.
There was a discussion on who called in the complaint. Commissioner Wiedower stated that
she did not believe that he installed the fence maliciously. Commissioner Ripley concurred with
Commissioner Wiedower.
Ms. Weldon said that the exclusive remedy is to appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days.
Vice Chair Johnson said that she was sorry about the situation but was glad that people were
interested in maintaining their properties, but the Commission's charge was to follow the
guidelines.
Commissioner Wiedower was hopeful that the Commission could avoid this situation in the
future.
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