The Historic Review Board of Fredericksburg on July 8 approved two mobile outdoor bar structures behind a commercial property on East Main while directing the property owner to continue removing paint from an on-site tank house that the board considers part of a historic resource.

Board Chair David Bullion said the board has an advisory role and is guided by the City of Fredericksburg design guidelines and the historic preservation ordinance, before members debated whether the proposed metal bar structures should be treated as temporary or accessory structures. "These structures . . . are accessory structure to the operations," City Director of Development Services Cliff Cross said, arguing the pieces are incidental to the business and not on permanent foundations.

The board discussed staff findings that accessory structures should respect minimum setbacks from historically rated resources (citing section 3.41 e) and must not visually overpower surrounding historic buildings (citing 3.43 d). Cross summarized staff review: "This is an application for a COA requesting permission to make modification to the backyard that include the addition of 2 outdoor bars, paint of the fence," and noted staff's guidelines-based concerns about siting and design.

The applicant described efforts to remove paint from the tank house and concerns that aggressive removal has damaged fabric; she said power washing and chemical strippers had begun but removal risks further deterioration. The board heard from the applicant that partial paint removal already had been started and that further work might cause damage if not done carefully.

After discussion, a motion to approve the two mobile bar structures carried. Chair David Bullion announced the outcome and restated the condition: the applicant may proceed with the two movable bar structures but must continue paint removal efforts on the tank house per the city's recommendations and return as necessary for review of further exterior alterations.

The board recorded the practical distinction that the bars are not typical temporary tents but heavier movable structures that are incidental to the business; staff emphasized that future exterior work on the tank house remains subject to historic-district review and appropriate permitting.

The board’s approval resolves the immediate application for the two mobile bars but leaves open follow-up on the tank house’s restoration and any permits required for further paint removal or replacement work.

Local staff said the fire marshal inspected the site and raised no egress concerns for the proposed seating arrangements.

Looking ahead, staff and board members said they will monitor how the mobile structures are used and whether further COA review is needed if the owner makes additional, more permanent changes to the rear yard.