Historic Resources Commission continues Bridal Road fence case after owner cites recent fire

The Columbus Historic Resources Commission on Jan. 15, 2026 continued a certificate-of-appropriateness application for a fence at Bridal Road (COA 25013031063) after the owner described a recent house fire and gaps in notice from code enforcement.

HPO staff told the commission its recommendation was to "approve application" with conditions: install vertical pickets instead of the horizontal style or remove the lattice at the top, paint or stain the fence (or clear coat) after one year, and submit product information to HPO staff for final review. Staff also noted the commission’s guideline limit of six feet for fencing and asked the applicant to provide a photo with a measuring tape to verify height.

Owner Bianca Payne, sworn for testimony, said she purchased the house about four years ago and replaced a collapsed fence without realizing a special approval was required. "I just replaced the fence not knowing that, we need to do a particular thing for the fence," Payne said, and told commissioners that earlier code-enforcement letters were going to tenants rather than to her as owner. Payne also reported a large fire in November that has left the house unsafe and that repair work may take six to eight months; she said a mitigation/restoration company will likely be involved.

Commissioners and staff discussed options that would both address the current code violation and avoid requiring immediate removal while major structural repairs are underway. Staff and the commission suggested the applicant could remove the lattice to meet the six-foot guideline and stain the fence, or return with revised materials and measurements; an architect or contractor may represent the applicant at a future hearing. The commission made and passed a motion to continue the case to the Feb. 19, 2026 hearing so the applicant can coordinate with staff and the restoration contractor and supply the requested documentation.

Next steps: the applicant is to stay in contact with HPO staff, provide photos and product information, and, if desired, consolidate fence and repair work into one submission at the Feb. 19 hearing. The commission recorded the continuance and will revisit the COA when the applicant supplies the requested verification and materials.