FORT LAUDERDALE — The Historic Preservation Board voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for major alterations at 301 Southwest 2nd Street on a motion to adopt option 3, a picket-style fence design, the board announced at its meeting. The approval is conditioned on obtaining required building and zoning permits and any staff conditions.

Chair Arthur Marcus opened the meeting and introduced the item, and planning staff presented the application and supplemental materials, including three proposed fence options and historic photos of the property within the Hemmershee Historic District. Staff noted the applicant had submitted a waiver of the 180-day statutory review period. "They also submitted a waiver for our hundred and 80 day review period," staff said.

Angel Candelaria, an advocate for the business applying for the certificate, told the board the applicant believed some approvals previously had been obtained and reported a "scam email" requesting $3,900 in fees. "We got a scam email from the historic board saying that if we pay these $3,900 in fees, that the board was gonna approve," Candelaria said.

Board members focused discussion on balancing historic visibility and business safety. Several members said option 3 offered a compromise of uniformity and visibility while providing security. "I think it's uniformity. It gives the protection he needs, and I think from every perspective, it makes—" one board member said in support of option 3.

Members asked technical questions about the city's sign and visibility guideline cited by staff (openings no more than 3 feet in height with 30% visibility), the existing fence height, and how removing two green planter panels in the front could affect the percentage of visible facade. Staff and speakers provided measurements and clarified that a 3-foot maximum with 30% openness is a guideline relevant to visibility assessments.

A motion to approve the certificate of appropriateness for major alterations under case UDPHP25009, 301 Southwest 2nd Street, adopting option 3 (picket fencing) and subject to building and zoning approval and staff review was moved and seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; members voted "aye," and the chair declared the motion carried.

Staff told the board the project must still secure building and zoning approvals and follow any code enforcement or permitting steps required by the city before work can proceed. The board closed the item and discussed scheduling and agenda logistics for upcoming meetings before adjourning.

What happens next: The approval is contingent on securing building and zoning permits; staff said the item may appear on a future agenda for final coordination if additional documentation or conditions are required.