Commission tables decision on double fence at 1011 North John Street for 90 days

The Historic Preservation Commission voted to table consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for 1011 North John Street and asked the applicant to return in 90 days with cost estimates for three options: paint or stain both fences to reduce visual contrast, remove the outer metal fence, or move the newly installed wood fence to the exterior side of the metal fence.

The applicant, Karen Monaco, said she moved to the property in January and had a local contractor install a wooden privacy fence to keep multiple small dogs contained after she said neighboring fencing was in poor repair. “I paid $15,000 to have the whole fencing done,” Monaco said, and told the commission she believed the contractor would obtain permits but later learned no permit had been pulled.

Staff explained that an installed fence without a permit should have triggered review by the Historic Preservation Office and that two fences—wood on top of an older metal fence—had generated complaints from neighbors and other residents. A staff member said having a fence-on-fence configuration is not typical for the district and noted the wooden fence allowed weeds to grow in the narrow space between the fences where access is limited.

Commissioners and staff discussed options that could address aesthetic complaints while recognizing the applicant’s safety concerns for her dogs. Possible remedies included staining or painting the wood fence (and, if necessary, treating the metal fence), relocating the wood fence to the outside of the metal fence, or cutting the metal fence off at ground level if full removal proved too costly. Staff noted the applicant could appeal any decision to city council if she disagreed with the commission’s ruling.

A commissioner moved to table the item for 90 days for the applicant to obtain estimates for: (1) painting or staining both fences; (2) cutting or removing the metal fence; and (3) moving the wood fence to the exterior side of the metal fence. The motion was seconded and passed with all in favor; no opposing votes were recorded in the transcript. The commission specified that the tabling applied only to the fence along the west and north sides facing the street, not to interior or shared boundary fencing that runs between properties.

Staff reminded the applicant that Development Services and code enforcement typically inspect and ask for permits when construction is underway, and that the Historic Preservation Office had previously attempted outreach after complaints were received. The applicant said she would gather price estimates but noted she expected a house sale on June 5 and would likely not have funds to act before then.

The commission left the item open for return with estimates and any additional public comments after the 90-day period.