Ocala board allows an 8-foot fence panel at 726 Southeast Third Street citing runoff concerns

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board on May 1, 2025, approved a certificate of appropriateness that allows a portion of an existing wood fence to remain at 8 feet tall at 726 Southeast Third Street.

Staff said the property, constructed in 1895 in a Colonial-vernacular style and listed as a contributing structure in the O'Kelley Historic District, previously sought permission in February to install an 8-foot fence around the entire perimeter; that broader request was denied and most of the fence was cut to 6 feet as required. Staff reported the remaining 8-foot section sits between two structures and the applicant asked to keep only that segment.

Bria, the staff presenter, said the applicant reported roof-runoff patterns from adjacent garage roofs that could deposit water into the yard if the fence height were reduced. "The applicant did state that they have some water runoff issues when it comes to the roof pitches of both of the garages…if the fence was lower than the 8 feet, [water] will pour into one side of the yard," Bria said.

Based on material, location and placement criteria in the city's COA guidelines (section 94-82(g)(1)), staff found the limited retention of the single 8-foot section appropriate. No letters of objection were reported.

A board member moved to approve COA 23COA25-0012 and the motion carried. The board noted the certificate is valid for six months; construction must start within six months and, if started, must be completed within 12 months unless staff grants an extension.