Historic Preservation Commission

TOWN OF SWANSBORO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 15, 2024 Call to Order The meeting of Swansboro Historic Preservation Commission was called to order at 5:30 PM. Those in attendance were Jonathan McDaniel, Elaine Justice, Christina Ramsey, Lauren Brown. Kim Kingrey and ALT member Jerry Seddon were not present. An alternate seat was vacant. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Mrs. Ramsey, and seconded by Ms. Brown, the April 16, 2024, and May 21, 2024, regular meeting minutes were unanimously approved. Business Text Amendment to Section 14 Fences and Walls Planner Rebecca Brehmer reviewed that at its September 17, 2024, Swansboro Historic Preservation meeting, staff were directed to draft a text amendment for Section 14 Fences and Walls found in the Historic District Design Standards to make clarifications on fence guidelines. To keep the historic integrity of our district, new fences visible to the public needed to be picket in style, not just wood in material as previously required. The following amendment was proposed. Appendix III HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 14 Fences and Walls 14.1 Fences and Walls – Standards 4) Design new fences that are compatible with the associated building, site, and streetscape in height, proportion, scale, color, texture, material, and design. New fences that are within the public view must be wooden picket in style and meet height requirements (see figure 14.1.1 below). Synthetic fence materials, such as vinyl, are not appropriate in the historic district. Figure Appendix III Section 14.1.1 depicts an example of an appropriate wooden picket fence Figure 14.1.1 Page 1 of 2 In response to inquiries from the Board Planner Brehmer clarified the following: - Section 14 Fences and Wall, bullet 4 was recommended to add: New fences that were within the public view must be wooden picket in style and meet height requirements with sample photo. - Wrought iron fences were not necessarily prohibited. Other materials were allowed, but synthetic materials such as vinyl were not allowed. Entire fence details were provided in other sections of the UDO. - Lattice was addressed in the UDO as not allowed when as a privacy screen. The Board recommended that the word “wooden” be added to the amendment, and reflect as: “New wooden fences that are within the public view must be picket in style and meet height requirements”. On a motion by Ms. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Ramsey, the text amendment for Section 4: Fences and Walls was unanimously approved with the above recommended change. Chairman/Board Thoughts/Staff Comments A brief update was provided on the possibility of moving overhead power lines underground on Main Street. Initial conversations with Duke Energy have started, and further discussions would be scheduled. While the project is still in its early stages, there may be opportunities for grant funding to support the effort. The commission also discussed the potential for involvement in selecting utility poles and infrastructure that align with the town’s historic character. Public Comments Mrs. Amelia Dees-Killette from the Swansboro Historical Association shared that she supported the underground power line project, noting its potential to improve the town’s historic character and address climate concerns. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm. Page 2 of 2