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Montgomery City ARB approves fence variances, whitewash alternative and several COAs
Summary
The Architectural Review Board approved a site plan for a corner‑lot privacy fence and granted two variances to allow a 6‑foot fence set closer than the standard street‑side setback; the board also approved COAs for replacement windows and an auxiliary building, and denied painting brick while approving a breathable whitewash alternative.
The Montgomery City Architectural Review Board reviewed and acted on multiple certificate‑of‑appropriateness applications and related variances at its meeting.
FENCE AND VARIANCES — After public comment and a clarification that two site plans were in the packet, the board reconsidered a prior voice approval to ensure it was voting on the plan shown on page 24 (the version showing shrubs rather than a continuous north‑side fence). The board approved the site plan "as presented" (page 24) and then approved the variances required for the approved plan: a 30‑foot street‑side yard variance for the corner lot and a 3‑foot height variance to allow a 6‑foot privacy fence. Staff had told the board it did not recommend approval of the north‑side portion extending to South Perry Street, and the board clarified that the approved site plan aligned with the existing brick wall and included shrubs in certain areas. The motion to approve the 30‑foot street‑side yard variance and the 3‑foot height variance passed on voice vote; vote tallies were not recorded in the transcript.
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS — The board approved an after‑the‑fact COA for 19 replacement windows at 338 Cordell Road, allowing two front windows to be replaced in kind with aluminum‑clad simulated divided‑light windows described as compatible with the home's existing muntin pattern.
AUXILIARY BUILDING — At 2052 South Hall Street, the board approved enclosing a former carport/screened porch with aluminum wall panels, vinyl windows and fiberglass doors for an accessory structure not visible from the street; staff recommended approval and the board voted to approve the proposal.
BRICK PAINTING REQUEST — Owner Gina Durham sought permission to paint brick at 2151 Madison Avenue to preserve crumbling mortar and masonry. Preservation concerns were raised by board members and by a board member with experience on historic masonry: painting over a primer or sealant can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration. The board denied permission to paint the brick but approved a breathable whitewash (allowed as a preservation‑sensitive alternative) and allowed trim paint from the board’s preapproved color palette.
PROCEDURE AND APPEALS — The chair reminded applicants that any denial of a COA may be appealed to the Montgomery County Circuit Court within 30 days of the board’s final decision; the board will issue a written decision letter to applicants.
The transcript records voice votes and motions and identifies movers and seconders for several actions, but it does not include roll‑call tallies.
