Princeton commission approves new fence on Lee Avenue with conditions to preserve streetscape

The Princeton Historic Preservation Commission approved July 21 the installation of an open horizontal/vertical lattice cedar fence and a three‑panel gate at 86–88 Lee Avenue, but required several conditions intended to protect the streetscape and ensure the fence will be visually compatible with the Woodson Jackson Historic District. Municipal staff member Elizabeth (planning staff) summarized the application and explained that the property, in the R‑9T zone and within the Woodson Jackson Historic District, had been altered previously and consolidated from two lots into one. The applicants filed a preservation plan review for a cedar lattice fence with 4‑by‑4 openings and three posts segments that include a center 5‑foot gate. The commission’s central question was placement: the proposed fence sits at the facade line of the primary structure, where the historic district’s guidelines discourage fences that diminish the open streetscape. Commissioners balanced that guidance against the applicant’s stated desire for a garden enclosure and the fence’s open design, and approved the style with modifications to location and detailing. Conditions the commission required before work proceeds include: - Height adjusted to comply with municipal zoning (no greater than 6 feet) and resubmitted to staff with corrected dimensions; the current drawing showed 6 feet 3 inches and the applicant agreed to revise it. - Move the fence back so it begins beyond the house’s first bay/after the first side window so the front facade and porch remain visible from the public right‑of‑way, or an equivalent location specified on a corrected plan. - Permit the cedar to weather naturally (no mandatory paint required) and encourage low planting (e.g., shrubs or perennials) between the fence and the sidewalk to soften the visual edge. - Use adequately sized, sturdy gate hardware (hinges/straps) so the gate panels do not sag; the commission asked the applicant to specify hinge type on the product sheets. Elizabeth told the commission the applicant’s submission noted existing lattice fencing elsewhere on the lot and that the proposed fence would match those details; she also noted that the applicant indicated the current survey and photos show only 19 feet of old wire fencing remaining and had removed prior fencing as part of earlier renovation work. Commission discussion stressed that a fully opaque or stockade fence would be inappropriate; several members said the proposed open lattice allows views into a potential garden and is preferable to a solid barrier if located behind the primary bay. Commissioner Elrick Endersby recommended diagonal or strap hinges to maintain gate alignment and avoid sag over time. The motion to approve the fence with the stated conditions was made by Commissioner Charlotte Friedman and seconded by Commissioner Elrick Endersby. The commission recorded an affirmative roll call (members present voted yes); the commission directed staff to prepare a memorializing resolution for the next meeting. Why this matters: the decision lets the homeowners create a private garden space while preserving the open character of the historic district frontage through required set‑back, material choices and planting recommendations. What’s next: the applicant will revise details — reducing the height to meet zoning, showing the relocated fence line on corrected drawings, submitting product/hardware sheets and indicating planting intentions — and the municipal staff will include the approved conditions in the written resolution to be adopted at the next meeting.