Stratford commission approves Academy Hill Terrace fence application with vinyl picket setback
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Summary
At a July 11 special meeting, the Town of Stratford Historic District Commission approved a homeowner application to install a 4-foot picket fence, set back halfway down the house, noting neighborhood precedent for vinyl and stipulating setback and design to limit street visibility.
The Town of Stratford Historic District Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness application on July 11 allowing homeowners who identified themselves as AJ and Aaron Stockwell to install a 4-foot picket fence set back halfway down their house on Academy Hill Terrace. Commissioners said the setback and picket design would reduce the fence’s visibility from the street.
The applicants told the commission they initially considered a 6-foot solid privacy fence but revised the plan to a lower, picket design after learning about historic-district expectations. AJ Stockwell said the couple is moving to Stratford for a medical position and described the decision to pursue a lower, set-back fence: “we kind of got right on top of that, you know, hoping to get the process started” (AJ Stockwell). The record includes a neighbor letter from Susan Burge, which commissioners cited in discussing precedent.
Commissioners acknowledged vinyl fencing is controversial in the neighborhood but noted that vinyl has become more prevalent in recent years. “That vinyl fencing has been a it's been a hot button topic for this for our commission and for the community,” a commissioner said during discussion. The commission concluded that the applicants’ revised plan—4-foot picket fencing, set back from the front of the structure—would minimize visual impact and conform, as far as setbacks and design permit, with town ordinances.
A motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the commission approved the application by voice vote. The record shows one member (Megan) did not register a vote on the record. The commission agreed to follow any required permitting and setback rules established by the Town of Stratford.
The commission moved on to other agenda items after approving the application. The Historic District Commission is expected to continue addressing questions about fence materials and neighborhood precedent at future meetings.
